louise on the left (coast)

So, last night I could stand the suspense no more and went to "Bruno." Why, some may ask, would a married mother of two want to see a movie about a crazy gay guy? Well, because actually I just wanted to see a funny movie, that's why. And I did. And it was. True, there were some stunned silences, and one or two couples, like the one to my left, who up and left after the first penis-spinning and talking bit. Let it be said, this movie is not for the faint of heart. Or for those who lack, well, I can't call it maturity, because that's not what I mean. I guess what I mean is it's not for those who lack "perspective," for lack of a better word. When purchasing a ticket to this film one needs to realize two important things: One: "Bruno" no more speaks for all gay men, than Tyler Perry's "Medea" speaks for all African-American women. And, Two: It ain't for the kids. Seriously, there were kids there, last night.

I had an odd conversation this week, with a kid in middle school.  Not my own. And I'm still trying to sort out if I've done the right thing. Early in the morning, I dropped my kid off at middle school and this day, actually walked my child into to school. I'm a chatty mom who actually loves kids.  I love watching them interact and I love seeing what they wear to school and all that stuff.  I think it's really fascinating watching kids grow up at this stage, you either love middle schoolers, or dread them.  And I'm definitely someone who loves that age. In any case, as I was walking back to my car, I passed a boy I knew since elementary school, so I asked  what I thought was a simple question: I said, "How are you today, 'James Watson'?" ( clearly, that's so not his real name .) To which he answered 100% sincerely (which is why I love this kid. He really is like that.) in front of the other boys hanging around. "Hello, Mrs. Larsen. Well,