Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Incredible

Finally saw The Incredibles last night -- rated it a 7. I wasn't rolling with laughter the way I had expected based on the reviews that I had been hearing, but it was still funny. Just a little too family oriented for my tastes. However, the animation was amazing -- I mean, just absolutely beautiful. FYI - I have a ton of pictures from Christmas that I hope to organize and post soon. I'm just still in the midst of Holiday madness right now.

Friday, December 24, 2004

House Status 2.0!!!

We signed a contract!! We made a deposit!! There are stakes on our lot!! It's really happening!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

House Status 1.4

We met with the builder last night on the lot to talk about where the house will actually sit. There is actually a big digging machine and some pipe laid out, so work on the drain should begin soon. The builder is hoping to actually stake out the house next week. I think this whole house thing isn't a dream anymore. :) As for movies, I watched a few this weekend. Saw Collateral and rated it a 7. The acting was tremendous, and the story started off very interesting. But the last ten minutes were much too predictable and just didn't live up to my hopes. Also watched Secondhand Lions -- rated it a 8. In retrospect, that rating may be a little high, but this movie suprised me. I didn't really expect much out of it, and ended up enjoying it quite a bit. Too bad I don't have any uncles that spent time in the Foreign Legion. hehe

Friday, December 17, 2004

Eh

Watched I, Robot last night -- rated it a 5. Although everyone is right in that it was not as bad as the preview made it seem, it still wasn't all that great. Maybe if I weren't such a big Asimov fan, some of the themes might have been more interesting, but instead it seemed childish to me.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Wow

Watched the extended version of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King last night -- rated it a 10. It is a nice cap to the series, and I really enjoyed some of the additional footage. Just to update with several other movies I watched this weekend: There was Dracula -- rated it a 6. This is one of those movies that is better when you watch it as a younger viewer. My memory of it was certainly better than the reality of it. Then there was Human Stain -- also rated it a 6. I liked the story, but ... gosh darn... it... moved.... so... slow. Next we improved a little with Seabiscuit -- rated it a 7. Again, a good story that moved slow. I'm not into horses that much, so it didn't really grab me, but it was still well-done. We tried to lighten things up with Uptown Girls -- rated it a 7. I enjoyed the comedy, despite the fact that it was very predictable. You have to like a child that acts like an adult.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

We're better than you

Watched Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story last night -- rated it a 6. Yes, it was silly and goofy and predictable. But it made me laugh, and that is what comedies are supposed to do. Sometimes it's nice to think life can be as simple as throwing a ball at your enemy.

Monday, December 06, 2004

Unobtainium

Watched The Core last night -- rated it a 3. Nothing else worthwhile to really say about it.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Here is the story of my family's first fake Christmas tree (at least since I have been old enough to walk). Here we see the excited workers beginning with a positive attitude. By 11:30 am the pieces are laid out and the unravelling has begun. Posted by Hello

Here is a closer look at the work. One person unfolds the branches, while the other wraps on the lights. Posted by Hello

This is great fun! Posted by Hello

Whew! 12:45pm and two whole rows completed! This will be a piece of cake. Posted by Hello

By 2:50pm, work on the middle section has begun. Posted by Hello

It's getting to the goofy stage for some. And it's only 3:45pm! More fun is yet to come ... Posted by Hello

Maybe we can skip a section. Do you think anyone will notice? Posted by Hello

It's now 5:45pm and time for our scheduled break. Posted by Hello

Mom knows the most important part is not always the biggest. Posted by Hello

Alright, it's time (6:25pm) to move the tree to its Christmas spot in the corner. Let's look at it and discuss the best approach. Posted by Hello

First, we have to rotate to get the "front" in the front. Posted by Hello

Let's make it lighter by first taking off the middle section. Posted by Hello

What's left can easily be scooted across the floor. Um, right? Posted by Hello

Okay, now put the big pieces back together. Posted by Hello

Now we just put the last section back on top. Almost done.... (by now it's almost 7pm). Posted by Hello

Hmmm... something doesn't look quite right. Are angels supposed to be lying down like that? Posted by Hello

Let's just fix this..... but carefully! We don't want anyone falling over.  Posted by Hello

What is the last thing we need at this point? How about a cozy cat? No Christmas tree is complete without a snuggly companion to sit underneath. Posted by Hello

Here is the completed tree in all its glory. The hard work was well worth it! Posted by Hello