Today was a rare day. Max was out of school due to parent/teacher conferences (and yes, people, he is advanced beyond some of his classmates bc he can read and do math. I’m relieved the teacher will start him on some enriching reading projects). I wanted to spend time with him rather than plopping him in front of the tv all day (it was only a few hours this morning. Don’t judge) so we had a fun day.

First we went to my favorite bakery, Mueller’s, for a donut (sprinkles. him) and eclair (with weak coffee. me). Then we went to the flea market. And later we watched Where the Wild Things Are. This book had special meaning since, well, yes, since the main character is Max. Like my son. Got it? Let’s move on.

So they take the simple, short story and transform it into a 2-ish hour movie. The cinematography was great. It was so…artistic for a kids’ movie. I wanted to freeze several frames and make photos out of them.

The story was good. It gave depth to who Max is, why he acted like a wild animal, and even gave backgrounds to the monsters. The costumes were amazing. Their personalities made me laugh.

The only part that left me dangling was this one monster, Carroll. He has anger management issues, and I’m not clear why. I want to say this was a magical, perfect movie, but there was a bit of darkness to it…that didn’t really manifest. I was surprised to see the dark side creep in, but had they taken it all the way I would have respected that more than just the toe-in-the-water approach with everything ending the way it’s supposed to.

Sorry I’m being so cryptic. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but if you’ve seen it and want to talk about it, email me!

I’m definitely glad we saw it, and I recommend you see it too.

My best friend Rachel and I started a tradition years ago. I can’t even remember when it started. Every birthday and Christmas we send each other a box of goodies. Candy, funny magnets, books, Mary toast imprinters…things we know will make the other laugh. It’s my favorite thing to get on my birthday right after my birthday (she always sends mine late).

Sometimes we mix things up. Like for her 30th birthday. I sent a monkey in a suit to embarrass her at work. He gave her a banana.

Here’s what I got this year. The things she gets me shows me she “gets” me. Like the Office Locator magnet. You put the arrow to show where in the office you are. I work from home. Alone. So that makes it funny.

And yes that is Jolly Rancher Apple syrup. Mm pancakes.