I work at an Anglican (Episcopalian - except we don't have as much controversy as the US) Church.  I love working here.  One of the things I have learnt to enjoy is following the liturgical calender.  This week we are moving into Advent - the time where we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. I attended an evangelical church for many years I would have been a bit high minded and said something like "Our hearts should always be prepared for Jesus".  I have learnt to relax and enjoy the rituals and see them as celebrations instead of regarding them with suspicion as "religious".  

So this week we prepare the church for Advent.  As we speak the secretaries are putting up the Nativity set in the church.  The same one where all the pre-schoolers will look at with wonder as only four and five year olds can.  There is a mad rush to find someone to do the Advent Candle which we need for Sunday.  The worship team are rehearsing Christmas Carols and my eyes fill with tears every time I hear the words "And our eyes at last shall see Him ...".  The office conversation today is about should we still have secret santas or buy individual gifts.  

I love Advent from the beauty of the true meaning of Christmas to the silliness of holiday songs, pink Christmas trees and putting tinsel around my desk.

Do you follow any Holiday traditions?

So last night I watched Magnolia - thought it has three Academy Awards, Tom Cruise - should be a good movie.

 I feel old - I just did not get it - and I really tried.  But when did trash become award worthy.  I looked for the finer, underlying threads of social commentary that would give this rubbish meaning.  I could not find any.  Although to be fair I stopped watching about a half hour before the end but I could not justify wasting another half an hour of my life.  

What happened to good movie making?  It feels like you either have to settle for all these movies about 'friends with benefits' if you want light hearted or provocative nonsense that gets awards just because it pushes boundaries.  What happened to the good courtroom drama.  Remember Primal Fear, A Few Good Men - I dont know I am just tired of the rubbish that is being put out as art.  

Give me some ideas - what movies should I see?