These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

Your It List had a bunch of their contributors write in on their favorite things of 2010. I wasn’t asked this year, but there’s always next year, so I stole their questions and will answer them here.

Favorite Film
As a film addict, this is a dangerous question. A very dangerous question. We saw two much anticipated serial movies in Harry Potter and Toy Story. Black Swan is just as crazy good as everyone says it is. And the Film Fest delivered some gems in Trust and Nice Guy Johnny this year. If I’m going mega blockbuster style, I’ll have to throw in Inception as well. So really, this year delivered in movies for me. But okay, hands down favorite that I want everyone to see?  Conviction and/or The Town. Ben Affleck proved he’s still got it in Town (both on camera and behind) and Hilary Swank delivers another character driven piece in Conviction.

Favorite Album
It’s no surprise how much I love Mumford & Sons. But sadly, Sigh No More came out in 2009, at least, that’s when I first heard about it, then it crossed over the pond to here. That’s probably the album I listened to the most this past year. And then David Gray‘s Foundling wasn’t a personal fav, but it sure was when he played it live in Millennium Park this past summer. But Brandon Flowers‘  Flamingo was quite surprising and duh, Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy proved he’s still got it. Favorite: Kanye.

Favorite Book
I really got into non-fiction books this year and the best was Jerry Weintraub’s When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead. He literally knows or did know anyone worth anything in Hollywood. And his stories are insane. He’ll make you rethink your sales techniques. Close runner up: Jonathan Tropper This is Where I Leave You.

Favorite TV Show
30 Rock will forever be a favorite/staple in my life. But I’m so excited I finally hopped on the Modern Family bandwagon. Also to note: Mad Men really delivered this past season. So props goes out to the people of Sterling, Cooper, Pryce & Draper.

Favorite Twitterer
He was late coming in the game, but man, he is fantastic. @lord_voldemort7

“Horcruxes before hoes”

Runner Up: @preschoolgems

“I fell because I high-fived so hard.”

Favorite YouTube Video
Every week a fantastic one comes out. But this one from Google that premiered during the Super Bowl is epic. And it also has paved the way for the latest Google Ad.

Most excited for in 2011
Having one W-2 form. After multiple years of multiple jobs, I’m ecstatic to have just one for the 2011 year.

Who you want to kiss at NYE
Jake Gyllenhaal. But I’m sure he won’t be where I am. But just in case, I’ll be sure to curl my eyelashes!

Holiday Gift
Seeing as Edward Burns broke my camera during the Film Fest (yea, I’m never going to let this one go or stop believing it), I should probably get a digital camera. But Mom did get me some stellar rubber boots for the Chicago winter!

Still Gotta Friend In Me

Totally blaming this on the recent weather pattern of the Windy City…

So after the hoopla of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup died down (a bit) and after the German smack down on Australia during the World Cup game, I found myself in a bit of a funk. Not like a full-blown “I hate my life!” funk, but more like “Sheesh Soltys, you’re about to embark on your 25th year and what do you have to show?” kind of funk. So naturally, I call Mum, who has just checked out of all communications after losing her cell phone last week. Then I call Kelly, who’s quickly boarding a plane from Vegas to STL after a weekend with 8 of our best friends from high school. So then I call Aubrey, my fellow squirrel head/Mufasa friend since the 7th grade.

Despite not talking to Aubs in nearly 2 months, we didn’t miss a beat. We briefly caught each other up and she filled up this buttercup with some good vibes. Then enter Mal. We’ve been a duo for nearly 17 years now. While we’ve had the ups and downs, like all good/great/best friends do, we always manage to find our way back to one and other. So needless to say, after a discussion with her(r), I felt so at ease and ready to take over the world.

But instead of taking over the world, I took over the living room and turned on the TV to find……..Toy Story 2. I’m sorry fates, could you have made it any more clear to me?

Buzz Lightyear: You still worried?
Woody: About Andy? Nah, it will be fun while it lasts.
Buzz Lightyear: I’m proud of you cowboy.
Woody: Besides, when it all ends ill have old Buzz Lightyear to keep me company. For infinity and beyond.

Literally, thank you Disney Pixar for yet again reassuring me that as you scroll through the contacts on a phone to call, you’re bound to find one (or two) who are ready to sit, listen and show that you’ve still got a friend, even though they’re old and dusty and used.

And after watching Toy Story 2, I am in complete disarray for this weekend to start so Mags and I can go and see Toy Story 3.