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.

House Status 2.0!!!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Unobtainium

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

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. 

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

This is great fun! 

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

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

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

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

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

Mom knows the most important part is not always the biggest. 

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. 

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

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

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

Okay, now put the big pieces back together. 

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

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

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

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. 

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