Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Thoughts of Aslan and Mazel tov

Does anybody want to light the Menorah with me this Chanukah season? I'm just saying. Sure, I'm not Jewish (which is just a funny phrase--It's like I should be called Christ-ish or American-ish or ---oh wait it is British). But still... I think it's a fun tradition and at the end of the 8 nights of Chanukah we can watch Adam Sandler's 8 Crazy Nights. Good ol' Whitey... (that movie is horribly good, but I don't think I should watch it again, I'm sure it goes against my better principles).

Anyway, I am sitting here in my room (cause it's my late day to go to work) and I'm thinking to myself, "Jinkies. I have a menorah in my room, and I get to see Narnia in 8 days." Good stuff? I think so.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I love Granola Bars.

So here it is. I'm watching The Biggest Loser Finale... OK, I'm just saying, but I think that may make me a Big Loser too. Totally silly.

But in real life, I had class tonight and one of my classmates said, "I'll never get THE aids." come on I love when people stick on the word "the" in front of a noun. It just makes for classic comedy. Try it out, you'll feel like an old person, it's so fun. You know "the" blogs, "the" pop music, "the" egg beater (ok it doesn't always work, but still).

Other than that, I have had a wonderful time getting things in order for the writing room. There were about 348 holes in the walls, that is until I filled them all with spackle. Yeah, it took some time, but I really liked doing it... Sort of like some kind of therapy, therapy with a trowel---yeah baby.

So tomorrow I shall be sanding the walls and selecting colors to place on the walls. And oh yea--starting the great Narnia countdown! Whoo hoo... Here we go...

Saturday, November 26, 2005

The Day of a Million Grins

Let's face it... How could today have even gone wrong? I mean Farah & Michael? Come on.

Well we had a great time today perusing the sites, smells, and sounds of the Northern Central Coast area. The theme of today was "Choose Your Own Adventure" the Date. It was really fun (aka I had a lot of fun making it up and thinking of the mini-adventures we could go on together).

The list started out very grand and exciting sounding listing items such as "Climb a mountain." But come on. Is that me? I think not. So the list evolved to include things that more directly represented my interests and things that I thought she could learn about me and the Central Coast Real World (i.e. not the touristy things... wait do we even have those?)

We went to Waller Park, Barnes and Noble, Pizza, Pride & Prejudice, Trader Joes, Painting & Drawing, Target, Best Buy, Red Robin and the McCutcheon's home. The day started at about 10:12 and ended at about 10:12. So, depending on how you read that the date either went really well, or ended at first sight. The former, rather than the latter, is the true statement. But Farah is shaping up to be a cool cat, and tomorrow holds more adventures such as breakfast, a birthday dinner, some writing room tidy work, and the much anticipated SING OFF! Oh yeah baby! I'm gonna work those vocals like Beyonce in Wilmbledon.

More to come soon my friends, and to you Burrow Girls, I have a hope to view HP with you again, and I have a Thanksgiving note to give you that I couldn't get to you on Thursday (sorry)... Send me a shout out!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

OK guys, here it is. The truth. I'm not going to lie to you right now... I am a little excited about the coming holiday... Only moments away.

So tonight I had a splendid time seeing the Cass (you gotta love the Cass) and the sisters, and yes even that bugger Sullivan. After spending time with the family I decided it was high time to throw some Thanksgiving love to three good friends. After that.... I learned how to play a little game that I shan't reveal online, for it could uncover part of someone's analogy who will remain nameless.

I had a very good time doing so and now I sit here with y creative juices just flowing... So I say to you all... goodnight, and I will blog yet again once the lovely Farah strolls into town.

Happy Expand Your Stomach Day Before The Big One

Sunday, November 20, 2005

HarryPotter


HarryPotter
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Look how smart I am here. I am totally teaching Erin and dumbleDore...

The Top 10

I really appreciated this weekend for many reasons...
Let's list em out (yes, it's a tie for first):

1. Harry Potter watching it with the Burrow--sure it was Thursday but that counts cause it was at midnight.
1. Hanging with Kaleb the planning night just hanging.
3. Did I mention I watched Harry Potter with the Jon and Morgan crowd? Sitting with the MMP and the Lub was good stuff. Way to take one for the team!
4. Cleaning out the Lodge with Kaleb, and the whole day.
5. Did I mention I watched Harry Potter in the back of the truck with the Alyssa crowd?
6. Singing at church this morning. Very purposeful, and I'm back to the point where I can focus totally on the words.
7. Walking away from the weekend knowing I have seen Harry Potter 3 times.
8. Tanya finally updated her blog with pictures of one of the two top items of the weekend.
9. Having a Harry Potter shirt that is clean. Yeah, Doing my laundry... finally. I hate doing it, but it smells good once I do it.
10. Just knowing that it was the weekend and I lived it up mad style.

Holla at cha Harry Potter Fans!

Friday, November 18, 2005

*NEW EDITS* Harry Times

My assessment on the Goblet of Fire.

I wasn’t exactly disappointed with it, nor was I overly thrilled with the film. Here are some of the points for why the film was bad:

*Dumbledore. I’m sure he’s nice, but I just don’t care for his portrayal of the most powerful wizard of all time. He brings him to a human level with his acting, but strips him of his power. Too abrasive, and didn’t show the restraint he needed to. Think meek.

*The director struggled to find a driving plot line that was obvious to the viewer (yeah yeah, we know Barty Crouch Junior is a baddie but we don’t get a sense that something suspicious is really going on at Hogwarts that involves him, there should have been something to establish this. Even something added in with Snape or McGonagal would have added to the feeling of something wicked is happening at Hogwarts)

*There lacked a visual theme through out the movie. In Azkaban Alfonso was able to create these visual images that were so great to push the story along… The theme of flight, the theme of time ticking away, time changing. This movie didn’t do that for me. I suppose there were moments of this with Mad Eye Moody’s physical habits. But no. There was no true visual sign posts.

*The death eaters were too skimpy. They were horrible and terrifying, which was amazing, but they needed more of them to create a feeling of evil that has squirmed through the system undetected.

*Where did the Quidditch World Cup go? We were there and then apperated away.

*The teachers and supporting-characters need to be invested into more. They are such great actors that if they get more time to shape the story I believe people would be happy.



Now for the more positive side on why this film worked for me:

*It’s freakin’ Harry Potter. It can’t be bad.

*I loved the kids acting abilities. Harry really worked it out this time. The moments of agony and pain for him were very believable, and he has grown into his craft. Hermione was really good during and before the first task. She was on edge, and acted like a sophisticated 14 year old girl. It worked… Ron was great in his role, and added some complexity to his role with his temper, and subtle hints of emotion toward the other two.

*Twins = Lots of laughs.

*He who must not be named. Shiver. Perfect.

*Rita Skeeter…. Loved her. She was saucy and annoying as she should be.

*The humor that he was able to interject was wonderful. I like the contrast the director created by setting it in a darker theme with really light touches of humor. Very much like the previous film.

*Emotional quality. Was this the books doing or the directors or the actors? I don’t know. But the end is so believable and well acted that I admit it. I cried twice.


Ok that is part one… I will definitely edit this and add to it later tonight as I will view it for a second time in about 2 hours! Whoo hoo! Post away my friends.


**NEW ADDITIONS***


Ok... I just got back from viewing the film a second time. I like it a lot more the second time. I wasn't disappointed with the missing parts or things that were rearranged, but I still stand by my criticisms. Rock on me (I do want to say that I think the teachers were more worthy than I thought they were--watching again I see where they played a more vital role).

My Grade: Peanut Butter and Rice Cakes with a Diet Coke

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Smoking or Non?

Well tonight was just exciting and funny on so many levels. First off I must say that I am exactly one day away from viewing the masterpiece that is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (darn it--I just peed my bed cause I got so excited and antsy)...

But the heart of this blog is based in the fact that I have a friend named Kaleb who is going to create a sanctuary of a writing room with me. We first started in on the concept based on the fact that us cool Joes need a place to gather and hang together. So we thought a smoking room was fitting. Problem being... I don't smoke and I really would rather not start. Plus I'm not sure that is something we should promote. So we were discussing the heart of the matter and it came to be that a writing room was much needed (because I am writing my children's novel and I need a place to do it in, and for he... Uhh I told him he needed to write a book too). So, I assessed the home and realized... Hum we have extra rooms at my parents, that's it... Ma and Pa Shaw's is the place to create it.

Ideas thus far (please post any further concepts ya'll figure out for us):

*A sign on the door saying DND
*There should be some mild taxidermy going on in the room. We love animals and all, but every manly room has a dead animal's head shown somewhere.
*Cherry wood panels/any type of wood addition will man up the place.
*An awesome writing desk to pen ideas
*A globe cause we need to look wordly
*A tea kettle to remember my British roots and to mild the place down some.
*A pipe to be used as a tribute to LOTR, Kaleb's smoking habits, and Homes.
*A cool old styled lamp cause all great writers have to look like they have had things passed down to them.
*Shelves with books that inspire creativity.
*A chocolate brown wall. Cause every manned up place needs one.
*Someone to bring in cookies to us when we are deep in discussion over the power of the written word.

Ok... This isn't suppose to sound really serious, but I do like the idea of it and I hope that something transpires of it. Welcome to my world of chaos and excitement. And hey if it doesn't work out for me, at least my dad will have a cool office to work in when he's tired of sitting in front of the TV.

Wait maybe I should talk to the parents about this one... More to follow...

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Life in the School Lane

So I had class tonight, and I was really tired.... Maybe it was the fact that I got less sleep than normal, or maybe it was because I didn't eat for about 7 hours... But still.

So here are the funny things I heard tonight:

"Over load em." (I understand this isn't funny but I was in stitches when my teacher said it, cause she has this great voice that cracks me up. I love it.

"The students need the booze." (She said this when talking about children taking tests in class... Come on who wouldn't bust up!?!)

Nevertheless, I like school, I like the class. Life is good. I am sleepy and ready to go. So goodnight to you all, and I'll see you tomorrow or the next day... Or the next, or the next...

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Sunday's Super-Dooper

I was just looking at my profile and I realized you couldn't see all of my interests lists. I started editing them tonight so you can see the more important items. The book list was cut off a bit early. I never really looked at it until tonight, and I saw that a few of the top books weren't being able to be viewed. Such is life... Nevertheless, it is being molded to truly reflect the comprehensive me.

Whoo hoo...

PS I had a good day today... A-worshiping in the morning, seeing the Zen--Zub--Zathura film, listening to Alyssa sing tonight, leading KK with Rose, going to Carrow's, seeing Parker for the first time since--well this morning, and finally hanging with the newest blogger K-lubber. Rock on Blog world, rock on. And for those of you who care... Only a few more days... less than 5!!!

Saturday, November 12, 2005

The British Are Gone! The British Are Gone!

That's right the Brit has gone. It was pretty fun hanging out with Richard the past 2 days. We went to Olive Garden, College Group, watched Apprentice, went to SLO, and to the train station. So...

Last night...

Oh the wonders that were last night. Probably one of the more creative, awe inspiring, slap your knee, laugh out loud nights I've had in the past couple months. So Tanya and I returned from the train station and then hooked up with Kaleb. We didn't have a clear plan but we knew we wanted to go see Alyssa's last home game. So we went to see her, then we headed out to Starbucks and came up with a devilish plan. We started with a lovely gift of encouragement, then it evolved into a moment of decorating, and then finally into a blessing of biblical proportions. As MMP says, the Christmas season has emerged and we must spread the Christmas love...

A Nativity! Uncircumcised, black Jesus, now that's the key. How about a Mary with a knock out figure, and a Barbie head. What of a Shrek bottle for Joseph, and Batman as the angel Michael?

Yes... Yes... Now who to share the Christmas love with? Ahh that dynamic duo Don Juan and Captain Morgan. The perfect pair. So we picked up Alyssa, drove on up to Grover, and put the plan in action. Beauty I say, beauty. To see pictures go to Tanya's site at www.theextremelife.blogspot.com

Now, after that was said and done Kaleb and I dumped the ladies off and had a high tea and watched a simply silly movie about dinosaurs attacking. Good times? The best. Love it. Great. Splendiferous.

What could top it? A night at the Captain and Don Juan's watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, perhaps.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

That's Entertainment...

So here's the deal. I really love movies and I love TV. There's no denying it. So before Harry Potter emerges and consumes all my time and entertainment energy I am going to give my review of this nights time of entertainment:

The Apprentice: Martha Stewart...

We loved Howie at the start. Husband, stock guy turned business man, then apprentice candidate. But oh how times they have changed. Now we look to Jim as the front runner for the men and I say... Hummm, what are we coming to. I liked the idea of the QVC Comp (very Trump-esk), but it marginalizes the other contestants and exalts the personalities on camera. Let's try to do more tasks that focus on a full team effort--The Dog Auction was a bit of genius.

Prime...

Ok, I had no expectation for this movie, and to be honest I just felt like going to the movies tonight, but I actually liked it. I appreciated its perspective on relationships and the complexity of the role of family, love, and work. It ends on a good note, and I liked the twisted optimistic perspective that relationships continue and evolve. Ok... With that said, Uma Thurman is hot. I don't normally make these bold statements, but seriously guys... People actually have questioned me on this before, and I always point to her in Batman, but after this... Come on. She's kind of amazing.

So tonight's entertainment: I like it, I like it a lot.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Ahh


Ahh
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
My orchid.... Yes... It's the famous one that I was given for my birthday. For those of you who think it to be an odd gift... Deal. I like it. But I am taking name suggestions, so let me know. Please post any ideas. Soon you'll know his/her name.

Oooo


Oooo
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
It's about two feet tall when it's in the cup/vase I stick it in.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Ooo! Ahh! Ohh!


103_0617
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
You mean. Harry Potter is coming out in 12 days and 7 hours?!? Yeah baby.

Grrr


103_0611
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
What do you mean I don't have tickets to Harry Potter yet!?!

Awwww


103_0616
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Ti. Ti. Este me to to to... I want Harry Potter Tickets. Ti.

Blatha biggalopa loop


103_0619
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Thubbbbb beans!

Yippie


103_0618
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
My face when I realized I am a going to see Harry Potter about 7 times in the theater. And at the midnight showing with The Burrow! Hooray!! (let's pretend that no one else can unless they have tickets).

Remember, remember...

The fifth of November.

November is one of the best months in the whole calendar year. Think about it...

You are on a sugar high for most of the month thanks in part to her neighbor October and her holiday Halloween.
My birthday breaks the month open like a new box of Cheez-its on an autumn evening.
All the evening shows go into Sweeps mode (I think).
You get to break out all of your favorite jackets and sweaters that it has been too warm to wear the rest of the year.
The colors of the November celebrations are Orange, Brown and Yellow. Two out of the three colors are the best in the world.
The real Holiday season begins, and you're not pissed off that there are Christmas decorations at the stores already.
You get to eat a HUGE dinner on the fourth Thursday of the month, and get two days off to do it in.
You have those amazing reunion moments with friends and family (hopefully with a cute girl for us boys and for girls with us men)
November is the best month in the world because it is the only month with a repeating digit. Gotta love that 1.
Veteran's Day gives you a moment for patriotism, as well as adding one more day off of school/work bringing the total to 3 whopping days off.
And finally, Guy Fawkes Day has the best rhyme in the world. He's a tool, but we killed him.

So the next time you write a check, read a calendar, or go to the bank and see one of those dorky little signs that tells you what today is... Say, "Hey, November is a great month."

Friday, November 04, 2005

For whom the phone rings...

The curse is still here. SPOILER WARNING. Survivor tonight was so telling. I can never invest money in the stock market. I always pick people of moral character and crap. They always lose. Oh Brandon, you were a good fella, but ya'll lost. However, I would indeed trust my fundage to Cory or Melissa (this sentence should indicate that they have moral character, but that they can identify the clear loser and avoid him/her/it, unlike myself). Specifically Cory, I believe he has some inside track. Maybe he is psychic... Sounds like LOST to me. So Cory, when you think of flipping houses, and I want to be involved... Make sure you start the process, then I can join in. If not I will pick a loser of a house and I'll be out more than just 10 bucks.

And as for the Apprentice tonight. Blathering-blatherskites. Sex at work huh? Well, let's just say I've worked basically at two companies and (praise the Lord) it seems that there is very little of that at either. I was glad that the babbling brooke left the fold. And what the--did he invent? I mean... come on. Inventor? I'm totally googling him tonight.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Cutest/Scariest Halloween Costume EVER!

So I'm sitting there with Farah eating lunch when this kid walks by. I shout, "Oh my gosh, look Farah that kid is an Oompa Loopma." She looks and laughs... I shout out... "Can I take your picture" His dad says "Sure... Ok go mijo." All of a sudden he puts his hands up and sings the whole Oompa Loompa chorus! The cutest kid ever! I loved it! Sorry Katie had to post it!

Toons entering Toontown


Toons entering Toontown
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
The camera was literally raped out of my hands by a worker who said, "Give me that! I hate pictures of people by themselves in Disneyland." So I ran over to Farah and jumped in the picture. Funny people those Disney workers.

Feverishly Working


Feverishly Working
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Like the looney I am I put Farah to work. But she did well. The Disney Adventure Trivia game was "Hooray! Wonderful!"

Cruisin on Denial


Cruisin on Denial
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
I'm trying to pose next to the spot with the lions and the zebras (you know the "sleeping" zebras). I look like George Hammelton though.

Wonka Vision... again


Wonka Vision... again
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This guy was great. He was hanging out in Downtown Disney and passing out candy to all the kids. I don't think he worked there, but he was just a comedian. I showed him the pic of the Oompa Loopma and he freaked out!