the randomness of it all (sad edition)

We got a snow/ice storm a few days ago, and it was very difficult getting home from work at ten in the evening. But because the roads were extremely slick and hard to navigate, my car ended up swerving on US 41 and doing a 180 into the other side of the road. Luckily, I didn't go into the ditch. The worst part is that right behind me, another car started swerving and fishtailing and I came thisclose to being involved in a head-on collision. The other car managed to get control of itself soon enough to avoid hitting me.

I swear to God, I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate living in Indiana this time of year.

*tangent* A family friend of ours died the other day. He was admitted to the hospital with the flu, and a bunch of flu-related complications did him in. Mom's in shock. Kenny was one of Dad's childhood friends. I grew up with his daughter. It's just....man.

movie theater etiquette

Kevin and I went to see Taken tonight. Excellent movie, by the way. But the young teenagers who kept checking their cell phones for text messages and throwing popcorn at each other got on my nerves. They stopped this maybe a quarter into the movie, which wasn't so bad.

But then there was a huge family on my other side who arrived maybe five minutes after the movie started. They had a baby with them and a couple of other kids. One of the kids couldn't stay in their seat for longer than ten minutes because he kept getting up and changing seats, and the first time he gave me a dirty look to move my jacket instead of politely asking. Then he wouldn't quit bouncing in his seat and reading the subtitles for the foreign-speaking characters in the movie. Of course, during the fight scenes, the whole family members would emphasize the parts where the characters would get punched/hit/shot with "Oooh! Got 'em!" and "Yeah! Awright!" and "He got him good!" rather loudly. And of course, the family took turns holding the baby, passing him/her along the line. Not a fun movie-viewing experience. I could've gotten an usher to do something, but I really didn't want to get up and miss any of the movie because it was a good suspense movie and I was trying hard to pay attention in the first place.

I think this is a good time to review some basic Movie Theater Etiquette tips:

1. Arrive before the movies starts. Entering after the movie has begun is disruptive for other patrons.

2. Stay seated. Go to the restroom before the movie begins so that you will not have to go during the movie. This is especially important if bringing children. If you have a bladder problem and know that you will be taking a restroom break during the movie, then choose an aisle seat near the exit. If your seat is not on the aisle, and you must use the restroom, then leave. But, when you come back, stand at the side and return to your seat during a non-captivating scene in the movie.

3. Changing seats. Change seats if patrons around you are disruptive to your viewing.

4. Disruptive patrons. Let the manager or usher know, and they can handle the situation.

5. Turn off cell phones, pagers, watch alarms and other electronic devices. If you forgot to turn off your cell phone, and it rings, immediately turn it off. Do not answer the call. (Seriously, who wants to take a phone call during a movie?)

6. Do not talk, whisper, sing, or hum during the movie unless the movie is interactive and welcomes audience participation, i.e. The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

7. Eat and drink quietly, especially during the silent moments in the film.

8. Keep feet on the floor and not on the seat in front of you. Never push or kick the chair in front of you.

9. Age appropriate. Do not bring children who are too young or immature to view an adult movie.

10. Take your trash and dispose in appropriate containers.