There are many outdated stereotypes surrounding nerd culture. Nerds are not athletic. Girls don’t really know comics. Not all nerds are terrible with girls and live in their parents basements anymore! New generations of nerds have made it more than acceptable, even cool to let your nerd flag fly and discuss once and for all if Star Trek is better than Star Wars. (It’s not, Star Wars is better, but I’ll let that lie for the time being)

The concept that nerds are not athletic has been around since the 80s, if not earlier. There was always a mentality of Nerd vs. Jock. Pretty outdated stuff. Nerd culture has gone mainstream, and with that, there are so many different fun activities you can participate in that celebrate the films, books, and games we nerds love. This weekend, I participated in the Star Wars 5k at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

True to the stereotype, I have never been athletic. The beauty of running, is that it requires no hand-eye coordination. All it requires is a committment to train, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. There no need for actual coordination!   There is a race option that suits just about everyone! I started small, with the 5k, untimed fun run. This run had all types of participants from children, to those who chose to walk the entire race, to those who wanted to win it!  My fiance who has run several marathons, signed up for the 13.1 mile half marathon.  I was in the middle of the pack, someone who wanted to do a combination run/walk, and my goal was to finish the 3.1 miles under 45 minutes, in alignment with my training. I had been running weekly trying to increase my pace and my time using several training programs. RunDisney suggests the Galloway method by Jeff Galloway.

The weekend event is huge! There is a race Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to park hours, and a health/fitness expo in the Disneyland Hotel where you can buy products, and listen to event speakers. I made a few purchases (limited edition Dooney & Burke Star Wars bag), looked at some of the running gear, running clothes, sampled a Clif bar, and picked up my running bib and race info packet. For someone who has never participated in organized sports, this was actually a very emotional moment for me. I found myself nervous and choked up, walking up a ramp reading the words, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away”… This was really happening!!!

The next morning at 4am, I awoke to put on my Empire Strikes Back tank top, running pants and shoes. I made sure my running watch was charged and set to my 2/1 Run/Walk. I rolled my hair up in my best Princess Leia buns and headed over to the starting line to meet my friend and experienced marathon runner, Jenn. The vision of people walking through the streets surrounding Disneyland dressed as jedi’s and ewoks was amazing, and I was getting so excited to start!  We even saw a couple dressed as the new droids from Episode 7!!!

I was in the second group of runners, Corral B, where we waited for the starting announcement. Surrounded by thousands of my fellow Star Wars fans and runners, we were off, while the Star Wars theme echoed from the speakers above us. Not only do you get to run through the Disneyland and California Adventure Parks prior to opening, if you choose to stop along the way at the character photo ops, you can get your picture taken with a variety of Star Wars characters. There were several times throughout the run, I could not believe that I was participating in a running event, something I never thought I would be able to do. I never had a lot of faith in myself when it came to excercise or sports, but there I was, using the force and even elongating my running segments to 5/1 time segments! Jenn and I entered the park in the back through Toontown and passed the Its a Small World ride, we gave numerous hi-fives to Disney employees as we ran through Tomorrowland, we passed the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, sprinted down Main St., took a photo op in Radiator Springs in Cars Land, and as we began the final leg through downtown Disney, the race coming to completion, I was full of pride, joy, elation, and anticipation for what race I could sign up for next!

I am already planning my costume for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, and I cannot wait to add to my collection of medals !!!  I definitely did not take enough photos but here I am below, crossing the finish line, smile from ear to ear and tears in my eyes!

I recommend checking the http://www.RunDisney.com website for further info on upcoming races.  I am so thankful for my fiance who has supported me to believe that I can do anything, and my friend Jenn for being the most fun running buddy in the universe.

As a kid, I watched a lot of old television from the 70s. One of my favorites was Happy Days. A character was introduced on Happy Days that would become a part of popular culture from that day on. Mork, an extraterrestrial alien from the planet Ork. Mork was played by a young unknown comic, the incomparable Robin Williams.  The popular character quickly became the star of a sci-fi comedy spin off, Mork and Mindy.  Co-Starring Pam Dawber, the show centers around an alien living on Earth and learning how to get by in this new world.  Only Robin Williams could have played an alien with such joy, wonder, and sincerity. In the clip below he explains what it’s like to lose a friend.

Comedians tend to make some crazy movies in the beginning of their careers. The first comic book movie I ever saw was probably Popeye. This is definitely a kids movie, and I remember watching it every time it was on tv. To me, he just WAS Popeye. I don’t even think I considered it to be acting at that young age! Probably not the best movie ever made, but it was such a huge part of my childhood I never even thought about it as quality film making!

Robin Williams went on to be a massive comic superstar and also an acclaimed and award winning dramatic actor over the years. His passing this week has rocked the entertainment industry as people struggle to wrap their heads around someone who brought so much joy to their lives could ever be unhappy.

As the years past Robin Williams battled with his own demons when it came to alcohol, depression and substance abuse. I wont get into that, as I cannot begin to fathom what it was he went through, or pretend I understand how dark the night can get before the dawn for some people, creative or otherwise.

What I will say, is that there are some entertainers who can connect to the public unlike any others. Whether through laughter or dramatic roles, some actors look at us through the screen and we just feel them. We feel their love, their pain, their sincerity, their earnestness. The prolific career that was Robin Williams brought about some performances that have shaped and formed us. Personally, Dead Poet’s Society and Good Will Hunting were the two performances that shaped who I was, and formed who I wanted to be as a person.

I have always found encouragement and understanding of myself in film. These films, especially, remind you to seize the day, and live your life. Don’t just read about it, or learn about something, but truly feel every moment you are living. In a society so wrapped around technology it can be difficult for us to remember that. We forget sometimes to look up. To see the smile on another person’s face, to truly share an experience, or to reach out to someone who may just need a friendly smile to brighten their day.

The articles I have read describe Robin Williams as someone who was always kind, generous, and went above and beyond to bring people the gift of hope and laughter. That is a trait that cannot ever be extinguished. Through the creative gifts he gave the world, Robin Williams will always be the first alien to walk among us, who taught us to laugh that much harder.

Below are some clips that I have found to remind everyone how much joy and sentiment this man has brought to our lives. When a gifted comedian takes a dramatic turn in a role, the result is vulnerability which is unparalleled.  The result creates magic that cuts right into you that is not contrived, that is not overacted, that is not cliche.  What Robin Williams brought to dramatic roles was in fact, magic.  I am continually shocked at how the passing of this genius has affected me to my core.  

It is as if I have lost a family member or a good friend, a life mentor.
I guess I am not out of line in saying, my entire generation lost their favorite teacher.

Patch Adams

The Fisher King

Hook

Good Morning Vietnam

Mrs. Doubtfire

Good Will Hunting

Aladdin

If you only watch one clip, watch this….
“What will your verse be?”
Rest In Peace, Mr. Keating.

O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

Dead Poet’s Society

A new Los Angeles Tradition, accumulating an enormous following over the past several years is Cinespia.  More commonly referred to around my group of friends as “the movies in the graveyard”. When telling people about this, I usually follow with the nomenclature, “its not as creepy as it sounds…” Cinespia is the brain child of John Wyatt, who uses the side of a huge mausoleum as his theater screen, adds dj’s before and after the film, and now has jumped on the photo booth trend, with themed photo booths per film.  I have met John a few times, and he really enjoys finding films that are cult favorites that the people have earned a place in the hearts and culture of the people of Los Angeles.

While the crowds of Cinespia can be difficult to maneuver, the addition of pre-purchased tickets has offered some help in that capacity.  It also doesn’t hurt to buy an extra two bottles of wine at Trader Joe’s on your way in, to drink while waiting in line to get in!  Get their early, bring lots of blankets, be PATIENT, and have some triple ginger snap cookies while you wait.

For the fourth year running, Cinespia presents FROM DUSK TIL DAWN, the all night screening series, and this year, it is a fantasy film theme!  Whats on the program?

The Neverending Story/ Legend/ Labyrinth

Holy Luck Dragons!!!! I don’t even know if the eight year old girl in me can handle this!
I am sad to say, the event is already sold out, so I have decided to stage my own Fantasy Film Slumber Party complete with all three films on Blu Ray of course! I did not act fast enough, so I guess I’ll miss the graveyard adventure!!!

Of the three, Labyrinth has always been my favorite fantasy film.  The combination of Jennifer Connelly’s ballgown and David Bowie’s singing was like an opiate to me when I was young. I could not get enough of this movie, but The Neverending Story was always a close second….

What these movies all have in common, is a sense of magic, beautiful fantastic sets and characters, elaborate costumes, and the inevitable fight of good vs. evil.  I’m a sucker for a poofy white sparkly dress…..

More upcoming screenings at the cemetery?
Pretty in Pink – 8/31
A Clockwork Orange – 8/30
Purple Rain – 9/6
The Matrix – 9/13

If you don’t live in the LA area, or you were too late buying tickets yourself, I advise you to hold your own Fantasy Film Slumber Party, complete with wine, snacks, and costume ideas from the films!

Maybe wear the necklace with the Neverending Story Symbol available on Etsy

EnchantedLeaves

Or perhaps you can do your best David Bowie Hair impersonation….

Embrace it, wear something sparkly, put a flower wreath in your hair and be a little girl for a night! Channel your inner fantasy character!