Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

I can't believe this musical was made into a movie. Had you have told Parker and myself this about two years ago we would have laughed in your face. But nonetheless it was made into a feature, holiday film (Yeah, what is that about? A Holiday movie?). Surprisingly I wasn't fearful throughout the WHOLE movie. Now, mind you the scariest movie I have seen in a long while was about some Demon Fog rolling into town... But still...

So I have to say hands down Helena Bonham Carter was the whole reason this movie was great. While Johnny Depp was good, he just wasn't amazing enough to make the cut. Borat did a good job in this one (I know I should call him Sacha Baron Cohen, but it is more fun writing Borat). And yes even Alan Rickman did a good job, but none compared to Mrs. Lovette and her pies; simply hysterically, hideously funny.

I thought the whole movie was a mess of evil and gross-out blood, but the characters were somehow interesting and dare I say "likable." Anyway overall the music was so-so, the costumes were awesome, the characters were fun, and the story was off the wall.

I give this a very dry Peanut Butter and Rice Cake Pie with a sip of Diet Coke on the side.

The Simpson's Movie

So I realized I never posted this blog about the Simpsons Movie from early August, so in order to follow through with my New Year's Reso from January... here it is:

I laughed out loud and remembered being in the sixth grade when I watched the Simpsons on TV all the time. I really thought it was an odd story about the bubble around Springfield but somehow it was still good. I know this sounds terrible but I thought they were going to push the envelope more, I think they could have taken things further. But then again lots of kids watch it so it was better that they didn't. So here's to a 2-D movie in a 3-D world.

Rice cakes and Peanut Butter with a sip of Gatorade.

Juno

At last! A movie I can fully taste Spaghetti and Diet Coke with! Mmm Mmm... This was a delightfully wonderful film. Here's the short and fast of why Juno is the best movie in December:

1. Ellen Page was PHENOMENAL as the sixteen year old Juno. I mean she did have her start as an X-Man so I guess it works. My guess is there will be some big buzz over this young star. She's got a great career ahead of her.

2. Good feelings. This movie was positive in every moral dilemma. Gotta love that.

3. Supporting Cast. Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons were simply lovely as her step-mom and bio-dad. Michael Cera was awesome and perfect as her one time love, he was probably the best supporting character because there is something so believable about him. And Jennifer Garner was perfect as she went from loathed to loved. Good stuff.

4. Laugh out loud funny. It was sort of like Little Miss Sunshine styled comedy was great.

5. Great conversations. Ellen Page made this happen. The back and forth, pauses, and pure delivery of the lines were perfect.

Overall Spaghetti and Diet Coke, fully satisfying.

National Treasure

So National Treasure was the winning ticket this weekend. Although we had hoped to see a different film, August Rush, we ended up seeing The Book of secrets.

There really isn't much to say about this film. I liked it just enough to not be annoyed, and I hated it just a little so as not to give it a beans rating. It was very much the sequel to a blockbuster where the writer, director, and actors all tried to mimic the novelty of the first movie. Nothing new--except for Hellen Mirren in the role of Ben's hieroglyphic reading mother.

All in all I gave it a nice gulp of Diet Coke with a Rice Cake, and yes when Hellen was on the screen I even tasted peanut butter. There you have it.

I'm Back Hollywood!

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Academy.... Tell the WGA, I am back at the movies again so they should start writing again.

Yes, it was an epic week for me as I saw not one, not two, but so far three movies this week. So I should warn Parker, don't read this blog.



Firstly was my favorite movie going experience with the Fauf. We saw Enchanted. The movie was pretty good, extremely typical for Disney, yet something of a departure. I really loved the lead in this, she made the movie worth it. It was nice to see something family friendly, which was actually enjoyable across the board, all I ask is they don't make a sequel to this film (Disney's one flaw which proves it is not Heaven on Earth).

Overall I gave Enchanted a Rice Cake and Peanut Butter rating with a sip of Diet Coke.





Secondly I saw this ridiculously gorey movie with Parker. Another good experience, but not as lovey-dovey as the first. THis movie had to have been good, because it goes against all things in movies that I have disdain for. It was a western styled movie (bleck), it had Tommy Lee Jones in it (double bleck), it was set in the late 70s/early 80s (blerk), and it was bloody, bloody, bloody. Yet, I didn't hate it, and actually I thought it was pretty good. Therefore if your taste is for those things, you may love this movie.

The best thing it had going for it were these crazy characters who you were able to buy into from scene one in the movie. The best I can say is, I liked it enough to give it a rice cake and peanut butter rating. So there you go.





Lastly, just yesterday I saw the epic The Golden Compass. I'm not sure I get the hype, but I totally see the author's creativity. Nicole Kidman was really good in this role, she held herself well and only gave away a little bit at a time. I liked the Narnia-Harry Potter (and yes Parker I warned you at the top) style the director and author hoped to achieve, but I also thought to myself, haven't I seen this before?

Well, the difference is this is from an atheist/non-religious promoting person. I caught some of the undertones, obviously the big story of oppression from the truth, so I get "it" but I wouldn't tell my kids not to see it because of this reason--as Kaleb and I talked about it, it is GOOD for people to ask questions and to pursue the truth but the trick is to not be settled on what feels good, rather to be changed and trust in what is true.

At any rate this is a good film to start discussion with, and it actually made me want to write again, but alas I only give it a Rice Cake and Peanut Butter with sips of Diet Coke.

Where have all the Spaghetti Dinners gone? Maybe I'll find it in Alvin and the Chipmunks today...

Fa La La Time

Yesterday was a delightful day filled with wedding bells, laughs, and Christmas lights. We attended Merisa and Jonathen's wedding yesterday which was fun, we met some funny, like-minded people who live all the way across the country. After some cake, tri-tip and Mexican dancing we went Christmas light watching.

Let it be known the Parker Family has no lights up, but has magically changed the lamps on their lawn to look "Christmas-esk." However just a few blocks down from the Parkers there is a glorious Disney-esk sight! I think I need to go video it because it is so extreme. Their whole house is done up in lights and the lights blink on and off to the sounds of the season. A-MAZ-ING.

With this in mind I talked to Fauf about doing "The Fa La La Shaw Awards." So if you know of a great house (maybe your own home) that is decked out for the Christmas Spirit and could win in one of the following categories please send a message my way so I can drop an award off at your house this year:

Best Use of Fa la la Lawn Ornaments
Best One Candle in the Window Fa la la
Best Green Christmas Fa la la (no holiday lights--save energy and save the world--think green)
Best Way to Bug Your Neighbors for a Month with Fa la la
Best Use of a Fence for Fa la la
Best Non-Residential House Fa la la
Best Fa La La of 2007

[Today's Christmas Song: That horrible song "Grown Up Christmas List"]

Christmas Spirit Day has Come!

Cory Ramirez did a drive by snatching of my Chapman materials and he said something about "Spirit Day." This was something I completely forgot about-- Spirit Day, the day in which you ring in the holidays with Christmas movie watching, cookie eating, card writing, and present wrapping.

Nevertheless as I reflect upon my week I realize yesterday WAS my Spirit Day. In class we did a short Literature and Writing Unit on the Polar Express so to end our unit we watched the Polar Express, had treats, and wrapped some AMAZING presents for our parents---oh and we also wrote cards to our big buddies in Mrs. Olwin's class. So I guess we should say "Praise God for First Graders."

I am now luxuriating in my 3 week vacation and planning grand adventures of nothingness and creative fun to enjoy as I celebrate the fact that I am nearly half way through my first year of teaching and everything is working out like a Wombat Divine

Oh and mad props go out to Parker who graduated from the academy and who is NOT the one person in his class without a job. You're an amazing man, Mr. Parker.

Now here's to the holiday goodness that will sink into your soul...

[Song of the day: Where are you Christmas?]

Hanukkah Night 8: Something for my Memories

YES! I got just what I forgot I really wanted! A GNOME SANTA CLAUS! Talk about an amazing wife, she hates gnomes (what with the heal biting and all) but she still got me one. Yes, that memory is fond and he will stand proudly through the Winter months!

Here's the the end of Hanukkah, this year it lived mightily in my heart!

Hanukkah Night 7: Something for my Nest

Yes, the Nest has something a little more exciting in it now. The NEW Pirates DVD. I love it. And come to think of it so does Fauf. Hum, was this gift secretly for the Fauf? Its no secret FAUF loves to buy things for the Ig that will benefit the Fauf too. Alas, I have no complaints.

Hanukkah Night 6: Something for my Soul

I love it! I got this great Christmas CD called "Martini Tracks" it's great. For those of you who don't see the connection It has all the soulful singers on it Ella, Louie, the whole gang. Soul = Soulful. Just deal with it.

I am pretty excited about it, as I suspected it was that CD after I saw the shape under the tree. However I am unsure if this CD is a good idea to give for Hanukkah, after all it is a bunch of songs about Ol' Santa Claus and Jesus. Oh well... Speaking of Christmas though, my kids are going to be siniging on Tuesday night at Ralph Dunlap if anyone would like to come. 7:00-7:30 pm, in the Fine Arts Room!

Happy last nights of Hanukkah folks!

Hanukkah Night 5: Something for my Mind

This is my 556th blog ever. That's a lot of blogs.

Anyway...

Last night was a great night where great minds thought alike. Well let me put it this way, we both bought each other Scrabble Games! I got the 20-minute speed version and Farah got the deluxe version. The 20-minute is pretty sweet because it is an alternative to normal Scrabble, all of the letters are on dice. The deluxe is grand because it has a swivel/lazy-susan (Thomas Jefferson invented) and grooves so the letters aren't jostled about.

So if we are in the mood to challenge the mind, we're now ready. Now, to get that Scrabble Dictionary...

Hanukkah Night 4: Something for my Bedroom

Well, night 4 has come and gone. It was great because well... There was a great Christmas Party at the Burtnet's last night where my team kicked butt (shout out to the Ugly Shirts), and then was the time to "Hey, hey, light the manorah." So last night I got something great. Something wonderful. And cosa too.

I got a new robe. It is amazing in navy blue with red and gray plaid. It is just what I wanted but never thought to ask for. I became accustomed to wearing robes on the Honeymoon when the Shahlgrivans got us the Suit at Sycamore. And my wife, being the perfect one she is, got me one for Hanukkah. So hey, hey, I'm gonna lounge in my new robe today.

Get it!

Hanukkah Night 3: Something for my Cosa Life

Yup, tonight is all about being maj cos. So Farah got me something simply davoon. Everyday to keep school-life cosa, I take a drink of V8 to school, so this night of Hanukkah she got me an amazing winter wonderland thermos! It rocks my life away. Indeed, my Hanukkah Darling is great to me.

Here comes night 4... (not sure I am going to write about tomorrow)

Hanukkah Night 2: Something for my Hobby

Certainly this was a gift for the hobby of entertainment I have.

Well this night was just amazingly grand. Fauf and I just finished exchanging gifts. What did I get?

TICKETS TO WICKED! Finally! At last! Huzzah!

I'm so happy, it was awesome how she gave me the gift too--in a ruby red slipper in this amazing ruby red box. Hanukkah is just the best.

Hanukkah Night 1: Something for my Tummy

Yes, the rumors are true. My first Hanukkah gift from Fauf was a big one. LITERALLY BIG!

I arrived home last night from my stupid, horrible, simply dreadful BTSA meeting to find Fauf anxiously waiting for me. I give her my gift (wrapped in a beautiful gray holiday sweater bag) and she gives me hers (wrapped in an amazing chinese to-go-styled box). In it is but one scrap of paper, but what to my surprise do I see but a GIANT PIZZA staring back at me!

Yes, Farah gave me the gift that was bigger than the table could hold: A 30" pizza! Amazing! Each slice was 15" long and simply wonderful. She was also extremely thoughtful and invited Jon-Morgan, and Parker (the other love of my life) to join us for the meal. It was simply the best way to start Hanukkah. In the words of a little Jewish girl at my school, "That's a great way to start Hanukkah!" (see Jon-Morgan for pictures)

Here comes Night 2...

It's True

I apologize for the lack of bloginess this week. I was distracted by a cold and creation of the first ever BACKstage Nest Newsletter. And may I say.... Yes, the first edition of BACKstage Nest is completed and has been sent out to an inbox near you.

If you did not receive a copy it is because we did not have your address in our address book. So please check your inbox, if you didn't get your copy you can subscribe by writing IgMasterW@yahoo.com. Simply write "Sign-Up" followed by your name in the subject box. No message is required, however, we do love to hear from our members.

Happy Holidays, especially to our Jewish friends who will start their Hanukkah Celebrations this Tuesday evening.

BACKstage Nest

(Yes, I was waiting on you, Parker!)

This weekend Fauf and I were talking about us. What's new? Well based on our conversation we think it may be a good idea to send out a seasonal club-member reader, letting those of you who like to follow our every move, a closer look. How does the nest look so beautiful? What planning goes on? Are there really gnomes slaving away to make the Nest so magical?

Well, all of those answers and more will be given in your first copy of BACKstage Nesting. We were inspired by BACKstage Disney we get seasonally, and well, in our opinion our home is something close to that of the Magic Kingdom--minus the fun rides, commercialized characters, and a mouse (but at least we still serve Trans Fats, unlike some other Magical places previously mentioned in this blog). Nevertheless the first club-member reader may restate the main point of this blog: Christmas has Arrived at the Nest! That's right folks. One month EXACTLY until the blessed day is upon us, which means... THE SEASON IS HERE!

It's official, and yes. We are excited. Here is a glimpse into the Winter Nest of Goodness:

(pictures to be added soon)

If you would like to sign up for our egocentric newsletter, please comment accordingly.

A Memory to a Fallen Star

Oh October, month of greatness, you were grand,
We decorated our house like a Haloween-land.
Lives filled with pumpkins and old bits of twigs,
We even watched a movie where witches wore wigs.

But above The Witches and The Addams' too
We want to remember the only one who
Was able to capture our hearts and our voices
Because of her foul and wicked choices

We remember her, when bad things lurked,
The only month where her song seems to work.

Now here in November we miss you so,
We wish your song wouldn't have to go.
If only, Charlotte Rae, you'd write a Turkey Day Song,
We'd be able to sing it all the month long.

So I ask you, my friend, my darling, my witch,
Please write a song, and this time try to stay on pitch.

--In Memory of Queen Aggie's Stolen School Song--

In Response to Morgen

Parker you are hereby warned. Do not read this blog, for reasons I may not mention to you. My dear friend Morgen (Morgan, Morgun, or Morgon) posted this blog about going to different places all over the world. Well I have to say I have a list of my own. And, yes, you're about to read it so get ready.

If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to:

1.
Euro-Disney! I heard from a reliable, former Disney employee that this castle was the shazam of all castles. Honestly. Imagine, being in the most romantic place on earth and the happiest place on earth all in one visit. Amazing.

2.
Harry Potter Land. This land would be amazing to visit, well, just for the fact that I haven't ever been in a land filled with a bunch of Potteracs who love it as much as I do.

3.
A five star hotel. Honestly who doesn't want to be taken care of and catered to? I know I'll be there.

4.
A Jack's of Orcutt that sells fries. Yes, because of Fern, that no-good-lie-filled-total-scam-artist-who-hates-potatoes-waitress, I didn't get fries. And I still yearn for them.

5.
Finally I would like to be in the Nest with the lovely, hot, and super delightful Fauf. There I said it.

Anything else you heard is a VICIOUS lie! Alas, some of you will mock me and my choices, but then again they are my choices. I could have said Italy, Fiji, Africa, the typical answers but what may I ask you would happen if I said I loved all those places? I would cease to be Ig.

The Grand Californian

Disney was right when they said it was the Year of A Million Dreams, my dream came true. I stayed at the beautiful Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. SNAP! It was pretty amazing, no lies. Farah was amazing and purchased the Concierge Package, which gave us the sh-nazzy amenities. Needless to say we took some pictures.

Oh What a Beautiful Day

No joke. Yes, it is my birthday but that is only half of it. Honestly some good, good stuff is happening today!

1- Disney just posted their new pictures--two words A Mazing.

2- I got a killer discount for Morgen at the yarn store because it was my birthday.

3- Survivor was on tonight.

4- I just to ate an amazing steak dinner.

5- I had 18 messages for my birthday.

6- Cassidy sang to me.

7- I got the car serviced today.

8- I was given a huge bar of chocolate.

9- We cleaned up the Nest, it was starting to fill up with stuff.

10- I get to go to Disneyland in just 18 hours!

Boo!

Here are some Halloween clips.

How do you like to wake up in the morning>?



In this scene a man is inspecting a home where he has just learned people have been doing lab tests on animals (he doesn't know this is a set up to scare him). He is an animal rights activist. What he sees before this? A dove. A jar with some sort of baby thing in it, and he thinks he hears something. Watch to see what happens next, but this is not for the faint of heart.

Look in the Background

I'm telling you if you look in the background of pictures you will be either:

A) Scared.
B) Amused.
C) Startled.

I'm just saying. Look at these pictures and you will see what I am saying. But I warn you, if you are pregnant, have back problems, heart conditions or are startled by sudden images, please look no further.

Look, just another nice Disney picture!

WRONG! Look again freaky devil-child in the background judges you!


Oh, yet again another picture of Fauf and Ig at Disneyland, cute!

WRONG! Huge lady in a harness approaches! Beware your lives are in danger!

Now you are probably thinking this sort of thing only happens in front of the castle at Disneyland. Well how about this: Honeymoon 2007. We're taking a picture courtesy of a nice guy. Cute picture?

I think not! Shredderman plus 50 L-B's runs across the scene!

Or what of the cute picture of Saus walking down the aisle at our wedding?

There is an intruder at the wedding! Look someone is wearing a sports visor and glasses! Who is this person of mystery?


New York. Good times? You bet.

Unless a creepy old guy sneaks into the club with all of the 20-30 somethings! What's he doing there?!


Back to Disney. Taking pictures of friends is cool.

UNLESS! OH NO! Here in the background you'll find: Survivor Panama's Zen Garden Making Bruce. Thought you could get away from us? I think not!



Need more weddings? Be careful.

Snap! More Reality TV Coming at you! Biggest Loser 2 Contest Ruben crashes the wedding!

Photographers be warned. They're out there--background roamers. And there's nothing you can do about it.

Movie Review

Parker this blog may contain traces of something you don't like nor can hear.

So we went and saw Elizabeth The Golden Age. I really liked this one. Now it should be known I will default and say I like anything that has to do with England hence Harry Potter, The Queen, my Mum. But yes, I liked it. It was an iconic epic tale of the Queen and her strength during what could have been a dark hour for her country. I love the "soap opera-esk" relationship between Clive Owen and Cate Blanchette. It was delightful. He's a sleazy, rough around the edges sort of guy, but some how you like him. And she's a beautiful, strong woman who can hold her own, yet desires more (so typical). But then there's the amazing Geofery Rush, he was great, as usual.

The filming of this was well done and I really liked the way all of the editing happened. There was some good form cutting and soft fades. Good stuff.

All in all I give this a Rice Cake and Peanut butter with 2 Diet Cokes. Mmm mmm good

Mid-Week Date

So it has been some time since Farah and I went on a date hosted by Ig. Mainly because it is Fauf's year to host dates. But just the other night we did. So we got in the car and did the AS SEEN ON TV DATE. It was fun breaking out of the norm of the regular work week.

Here are some highlites (not the kid's magazine featured in many doctors' offices, the main points):

The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Parker... You don't even want to look at this blog because it contains pictures of beautiful children and a beautiful couple.

Yup. We did it. We went to the pumpkin patch and had a grand time. It has now become the annual tradition of the Sullivans to come down every year to take Cass to Avila Barn and now Toey is joining in! Here are some highlights of the day! Ok maybe not of the day, but of us with the kids!

Extreme Life

Today is a day for things to be extreme. There I said it!
Tanya use to say her life was extreme, well too bad... I'm taking it over as my own!


This past night I had an extreme dream that my dad was a roller coaster and hotel entrepreneur who created this crazy hotel in Reno. Reno? Extreme? I'd say so.
This morning I raced to the bathroom to pee, why? Because Fauf wanted to get in there first. Extreme? Yes.
This morning I craved waffles, why? Because waffle day is Saturday. Extreme. Sure, why not.
This afternoon is all about Cass and Toey, why? Because we are obsessed with them. Extreme? I'd say so.
This evening I plan on reading my new book, why? Because I'm obsessed with science. Extreme, no, no it's not.

Honestly I think it's time we did a youth rally and watched Extreme Days. Because today is an extreme day. You know you love that movie Jennifer Loux, and there's no denying it.

A Bette-r Witch

Much more appropriate, sorry Charlotte.

This is what all the fuss is about...

Just soak it all in...





Skip ahead to -6:50 (I think it reads this way) or +2:45 on this and enjoy!

Fine, I'll do it!

By popular demand I am now about to post my birthday list. 25 is here, so here comes the love.

1. A Melodrama outing with a couple friends. For this I would be grateful "HOORAY!" or terrible "BOO!"
2. A Sound of Music PCPA adventure with a couple friends. This would be hill-ful and songful.
3. A watch. Something tasteful, and not too expense-ful.
4. A brown belt. This would be helpful as long as it fits my expanding waist line, better make it large to account for Thanksgiving.
5. A pumpkin muffin with raisins. Oh my, like Dinsneyland... This would be powerful.
6. A new game for my Nintendo Gameboy DS. Oh man... Tetris I can feel you. This would be handful.
7. A box of fancy click pens would be nice-ful.
8. A ream of paper would be beneficial (the last one lasted me 10 months).
9. New Mandals would be sinful and yet so delightful.
10. Naked Dreams. Not the idea, the painting, would be beautiful.
11. The Lucy and Desi Comedy Hour. This would complete the I Love Lucy Series, it would be conclusive-ful.
12. The pictures of celebs as Disney Icons poster sized would be amaing-ful.

There it is. My list of my dreams, and last I heard Disney was still milking that Year of a Million Dreams.

And it continues...

So last night I rented "The Witches" with Anjelica Huston. She scares me... a lot. Honestly I don't even know what it is about her. It's probably some scaring from my childhood from seeing that movie too early in life, but man, it's great. So I think my line up for movies annually will be this:

Hocus Pocus
Addam's Family
Addam's Family Values
The Witches

And if only I could discover where that horrible Mrs. Garett movie I would be set. You know... The one about "Aunt Aggie's School." Oh! Let me have a Jenn moment and say "OMG" I found it! It's called The Worst Witch! It was this horrible TV Movie with Charolote Rae and Tim Curry. Without looking at anything I do recall Tim Curry sang "Anything can happen on Halloween. Your bat could turn into a cat."

If anyone knows where to buy such a horrible movie please let me know. Or my birthday is just 19 days away... It would be a good one to add to your shopping cart... :-)




Happy Haunting. Off to school I go. (Sick- It's a weekend, I'm up at 7:30, and I'm going to school... I need Fauf back!)

Orcutt

Well, I just overheard Farah talking about some schools in Orcutt with some other teacher. Hum.. Those names mean a lot to me, but honestly they kind of stink.

Alice Shaw?
Ralph Dunlap?
Patterson Road?
Pine Grove?
May Grisham?
Joe Nightengale?

Honestly I think it is time for a little bit of a change. How about something more modern--

Who knows who May Grisham is? I say call it Hannah Montana School.
Alice Shaw? How about Michael Shaw School?
Ralph Dunlap? How about Ralph E. Mouse School?
Pine Grove? Ok. That one sounds ok. It sounds like a magical place.
Joe Nightengale? What ever happened to Florence?
Patterson Road? A road? Honestly. Just call it Ethel Mertz if you're going to go that far.

Well there it is. Bad school names. There it is.

What happened?

Farah is singing about some woman named Sanoma.

I fell down the stairs.

Farah is talking about gray clothing.

I dropped my name badge in the toilet.

Farah has a devotion to the autumn season colors.

I fell at school over the overhead projector.

Needless to say our lives are normal (for us), yet completely ridiculous (for you).


Here's to the Nesting Shaws.

Mmm

Recently Farah and I heard a child from India crying in a form of a chant, "Mmm... Mmm... Mmm!" It got me thinking. Perhaps I would do the same were I to think of my life and as it were "Cry Out" (Farah's Favorite Song). Let me break it down for you. All of my life is consumed with Mmmms.

Mmmmmmeeting-- dreaded BTSA and school meetings, not to mention Tuesday and Wednesday nights (my favorites)
Mmmmmmmmario-- where are those infamous star roads!?! Will I never find them?
Mmmmmmmarriage--Yes, we still are, and loving it.
Mmmmmmmoms---I have room mothers coming in almost every day this week.
Mmmmmmmemos--Ok, not really but it is one of the only quote I understand when Farah is quoting.

"Didn't you get the memo?"

So today on my blog I reach out to that poor chanting Buddhist child. I feel your pain. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm!

That sly come hither stare...

Oh yes! It is official, since today is the first Saturday in October (gosh I just love the look of that word-- "October."), we have greeted the month with fear and shivers and fear in our hearts! It's Halloween Time! I love this time of year because there are so many great traditions in which I partake... Plus some new ones my bride and I are creating.

1. Disneyland in October. Let me just put it this way: The Kingdom has come a long way since 2 years ago when a Fuaf and an Ig met for their first date. Let's see-- Disneyland Date during Halloween Time? Check.






2. Every year during the first weekend in October I sit down to watch the great Disney Classic of '93: Hocus Pocus. Come on guys! You know you love watching Bette Midler run around with two puff balls on her head and giant buck teeth. And who can beat the dog barking Kathy Najimi? Or the seductively sinful musings of Sarah Jessica Parker? In case it has been sometime since you watched this epic--and I mean EPIC film, here are some snapshots I took while we watched it to remind you of the greatness that is Hocus Pocus.





3. A new tradition on the horizon? Dare I say, the Fauf made me amazing Halloween Cookies on October 1st, and I do say it may become a tradition to be greeted with orange and black cookies every first of October on a dreadfully frightening spider web plate.

4. Fauf made an amazing Halloween Basket for me filled with spooky treats and haunting decorations to welcome the viewing of Hocus Pocus. This completely took it over the top and then I decided it was time to deck the halls with Halloween spookiness. So I went online and looked up some holiday decorations and low and behold--for the next month the Nest has transformed into the-- well supped up version of the Nest on some Halloween crack. More pictures to come on this one by the end of the weekend.






Needless to say this new found version of the Nest has inspired me to return to my wicked blogging roots and carry on the sinister traditions of blogging pre-Dunlap Michael use to do.

Welcome Back, I hope you brought your death certificate.