I went to the cinema the other day. (Good thing#1: an informal cinema club appears to have formed.)

Went to see “Priceless” (a French film, original title: “Hors de Prix”).

I love French films, mostly because they’re SO different to the formulaic American films we’re so used to. This one was very French, with a touch of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” about it.

Anyway it was full of fun, symmetry and beautiful people. And because they’re beautiful and funny, they can get away with outrageous behaviour. And its always nice to hear French spoken. And I learned that if you want to seduce a rich man, you just have to say “je voudrais…” and then tail off without finishing your sentence as if its too painful to continue. Not convinced by this approach, but may give it a try and see what happens. Oh and another nice moment was when the guy was trying to win back the girl’s affections. He’d taken her out for a very expensive dinner and then out for drinks, and then asked her if she wanted anything else,

“ice cream?”

Her answer, “I want a dress”.

Classic.

Anyway the thing that amused me was when I bought my ticket. For some reason the ticket machine stopped working. The man look flustered, pushed a few buttons, and eventually got the ticket to print. And this was the result:

The film: Priceless
The price: Priceless.
Now isn’t that priceless?!?

Tonight I was round at R’s house for a girl’s night in.  We drank mulled wine and watched “Its a Wonderful Life”.

3 of us walked home together (I LOVE having friends who live nearby, walking home is a Good Thing) and on the way we were escorted by a black cat.  It had a diamante necklace and exotic eyes and it weaved its way in front of us for a while, making sure it had crossed the pass of each one to wish us luck.

[just checked the internet for information on black cats - seems they're good luck in Britain but bad luck in the States.  Good thing I'm in Britain, whew.]

Looking forward to my year of good luck in 2008.

On Friday, after a LONG day of volunteering (giving directions, handing out headsets and voting pads, generally standing up for a long time..!) I’d arranged* to go out to the cinema.

It was “Next” about a guy who can see up to 2 minutes into the future. Kind of implausible but once you’ve got over the unlikeliness of it, its gripping.

I wasn’t all that sure I’d have enough energy to stay awake for a film, but it was a good night. A great bunch of people and a fun film.

*OK when I say “I’d arranged”, can’t take credit for organising it… I’d started the idea of going to the cinema but somehow managed to slopey-shoulder the responsibility of making sure it all happened onto AM, who did a sterling job. I think it is definitely a GOOD THING for different people to take turns at being the social convenor. Partly its just nice to be a passenger sometimes and let someone else drive, but also it means you get a different sort of random selection of people along. And random selections of people are a GOOD THING too!

On Wednesday I went to see “Red Road”.  An amazing film, very gripping (although quite a slow start) and dealing with some difficult topics.  (Also very graphic in places, there’s a reason for that “18″ certificate!) 

And without giving away the ending, it was ultimately uplifting and hopeful.

Had a friend round for tea on Saturday night, only organised at the last minute, so didn’t have too much time to worry about what to cook.  She brought red wine, mmm.  Made a potato salad with chicken and bacon (M&S bacon, kind of expensive, but you really do notice the difference in quality.  Well I think you do).

Had a lovely time, then joined some more friends to see “Volver” which was excellent.  Beautifully shot, and somehow life-affirming in spite of dealing with some very dark themes.

And the cinema is only 10 minutes walk from where I live.  I love that there is so much to do here and its all in walking distance.