Wednesday, January 11, 2006

RIP 1st Class

Ok so tonight was the last meeting for my first class at Chapman. I am going to miss it a lot because the teacher was really nice and the people in my class were so random and funny...

So this blog is dedicated to the people, especially those who I never learned names to... In memorandum...

"Over-load-em."
"The kids need the boozes."
"You know what the paddle is for."
"Oh sure."
Note to self- When she says "Fat" remember not to look around.
The low talker
The "I took the challenge" girl
They old man who quit after the first week
The woman who didn't know people's names and just made up new ones in order to compliment us--I was Tommy and Bobby)
My LaVerne girls representing old skool ULV
The Hippie who reminded me of the low talker on Seinfeld
The realistic nice girl in the front who was ALWAYS overly early
The Burger King Duo who always ran to BK during our 10-15 min break
The Lady who taught me to use organic cleaners and talked about whale penises
Ronnie, for showing a video that shouted out curse words
The rest of the class

and

The funniest moment in my estimation...

A student was doing a lesson on positive reinforcement and she called three students up so she could say something nice to each one of them. I thought, wow, how nice. So three students went up, two girls and a guy. To the first girl she says something nice along the lines of "I've noticed you always come into the class with a big smile on your face. I think that's nice." To the second girl the student said something nice like "I love your broach." And then to the third person she called up the student said “Russel, I don’t like your shirt.” Then she asked him, "How did that make you feel?" And he said, very quickly, and almost frazzled, "Why did you call me up here to give me a compliment?"

I nearly peed my pants. I think that was the funniest moment yet.

Come on, heres to getting a Master's degree.
Raise a glass.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Movie Time...

Rumor has it...

Yeah, yeah. I watch a lot of movies, but still. I guess this movie wasn't that well acclaimed but honestly I liked it. (Maybe Farah has made me all sappy or something) This was a good movie to teach on forgiveness and restoration. The acting was just average, except for some of the heightened emotional scenes where Mark Ruffalo flexed his acting muscles and showed he's leading man material. The story has been around since well.. 1964, but still, it was an updated version of it.

I liked that there was a central theme of love and complex relationships... It also had an unforeseen ending (it is always good when you sit in the theatre and wonder, "This could end 7 different ways... which way will the choose." And then they give you something a little true to life, and yet a little Hollywood glamour added for satisfaction of mass audiences.).

Good premise, and although it was a little far fetched and lacked the more comedic tones I was expecting, many of the elements read true to life. I liked it. But it's not the smash hit comedy of the season.

Overall: Rice cakes and peanut butter with a full glass of Diet Coke.

Monday, January 09, 2006

Movie Time...

Walk the Line...

I thought this film lacked the luster and appeal that the commercials, trailers, interviews, and media hype had been promising.

The music was good at times, boring in others. But every time that June Carter appeared on the screen you just felt like life was that much better. (Ok... That was my sappy plug to say that I really like Reese Witherspoon) I was indeed impressed with the quality of musical abilities and acting that Joaquin and Reese gave us, but the story (while I'm sure true to his life), strangely just echoed Ray. It's like Ray with out being black or blind. Gee, I don't know if that is politically correct. Oh well, it's true.

I didn't hate the movie, I was simply hoping for something different.

Overall: Rice cakes and peanut butter, hold the Diet Coke.


Syriana...

This was the "Complex, Cognitive Clooney Cinema" experience. I liked it, again (it seems my movie reviews are starting to echo each other), I felt the acting was great... Superior at times, but it was such a complex story line that I wished there was something more to help tidy up the main plot. I really appreciated the look into the monopoly and decay of Big Oil, and at times I was challenged to think more about who is in control by looking at life from another person's perspective.

While this isn't my pick for movie of the year, I really liked being challenged for a change. I get sick of "Johnny Knoxville, moron-athon films" that Hollywood dishes out, so for the complexity of Syriana I send major Kudos to WB, Stephen Gaghan, Clooney, and company.

Overal: Rice cakes and peanut butter with a Diet Coke.... And during moments I smelled some good Spaghetti dinner being cooked.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Before


Before
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Ahhh crap city.

After


Corner
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This is the far corner, which I glance at when trying to think of ideas. I really like the blue theme in the room.

Before


Before
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Blank city.

After


My view from the desk
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This is what I see when I write.

BEFORE


BEFORE--wow what a mess
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Yeah the grid wall was cool... But it had to go... Boo hoo... LOOK AT ALL THE CRAP!!! AHH! IT WAS SO MESSY!

Shelf 2


Shelf 2
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Just some randomness

Random Shelf


Random Shelf
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
A shelf of beauty---Harry Potter baby.

The Checker/Tea Corner


The Checker/Tea Corner
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This corner is dedicated to two things:
A) Kaleb Baker and his mad (meaning awesome) obsessions

B) My love for Professor Trewlany

The Lamp of my Dreams


The Lamp of my Dreams
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
I found this at Cost Plus World Market... Beautiful in my opinion.

Friday, January 06, 2006

I HEART COIN STAR

I totally just took my coins in to the Coin Star Machine... and...

drum-roll please...

I saved $133.30... I paid a bit, but I walk away over 121 bucks richer...

Ig and Li (we looked good)


Ig and Li (we looked good)
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Lisa hates Navy Blue. Secretly she loves it.

The Sullivans singing Da-who-fore

Look at them. They totally sang the song with their Who-daughter.

Bugger!


Bugger!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
"Da da, let me do it by myself. You ruined my Christmas."

Look at how happy she is...


Look at how happy she is...
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
"Hooray. My Uncle Iggy lets me do it all myself!"

Darth Dad


Darth Dad
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Elefante de Blanca.

The Cass and The Shirt


The Cass and The Shirt
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
How horrible is this shirt!?! I'm just saying!

Tonight...

I celebrate my love to you....

Whoops you came in on an intimate moment there. Sorry. So here's the dealie-yo. I will be finished with Stage Three of the writing room... What's that you say? What were Stages 1 and 2... Well let me tell ya...

Stage 1- Clean out the Writing Room
Stage 2- Paint and reorganize the Writing Room
Stage 3- Decorate the Writing Room so I will feel up to using it for the rest of the month

Now, that doesn't mean I am finished. There are still touch up areas. Replacement furniture to be bought, and some picture hanging that needs to happen (I call that Stage 4- Finishing it). But for the most part it is a workable room for creativity to emerge and for me to be a hermit in! I am really excited, especially since I think Farah will be coming to spill her creativity into the room in a week and a half! YEAH BABY!

Thanks to those of you who contributed, and even to you Kaleb--I'll defend you when Farah comes after you for not helping. he he he

Pictures to come tonight.

P.S. If anyone has any old trunks (smaller than 3 feet) I would like to make an end table out of them.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Arrrg!

Jason Sullivan I still have that stinking "And 5 Rubber Ducks!" in my head....

read on...

THE END IS NEAR!

Ahh! Everybody run for your lives! Ok... Wait. don't do that. Because I'm talking about the Writing Room. My first efforts are nearly exhausted so I will be finishing up and posting pictures of the room shortly.

I've painted, cleaned, organized, designed, and collected furniture from around the house to fill the room with inspiration. Sure, it falls just a little short of what I'd really like to have, but the basic structure is there. Mainly it is near to what I want because of a few loved ones who have graciously taken time out of their lives to provide me with some AMAZING artifacts to fill the shelves and surfaces with inspiration. And actually, now that I have the basic structure, quite frankly I'd rather be writing my story than working on the room.

Today I will be putting the painting supplies away, cleaning the garage (ugh--I am definitely the messiest person who ever roamed the Countrywood area), and then I'll be considering buying curtains OR cleaning off the last 5 shelves. And then---

"Armageddon is upon us. The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand! Your souls are in danger!"
"Our lives are in danger, you Beatnik!"

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Shaw Family Gatherings...

A Second Time for Movies...

Fun with Dick and Jane...

What to say about this movie. It was shockingly insane, random, totally off the wall, a kodak moment of corporate America, and just all out silliness. I absolutely loved it. It was like watching Jim on Martha Stewart's Apprentice. Total insanity.

Jim Carrey is a really funny guy, Tea Leoni was odd and added some good moments, and the whole concept just makes me laugh. But the best character was by far was the KostMart customer who I can't seem to find on IMDB... I will keep up the search.

Everything from the bank robbing, KostPlus "goodies", "Thank you Jesus", the spanish speaking/hispanic accented white boy, to the stupid sod laying scene was just classic. This film, in my horrible estimation, is bound to be a cult classic. I could see where oodles of people would see this and say, "Eh." But Michael says, "Ah!" and I wish I would have seen it earlier in the day so I could rush in and see it again. Perhaps I am a bit on the giddy side of life right now because I got to see 2 movies in 1 day, but still.

Overall: Full spaghetti dinner
For most people: Rice Cakes and Peanut butter

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Movie Time...

Cheaper by the Dozen 2...

This was a very light-hearted movie that tried to emulate the previous film, but in my estimation wasn't as successful as the first dozen... It was sort of like day old donuts, good, but just not as light and refreshing.

I am in love with Bonnie Hunt for her realistic, calm portrayal of a supportive wife and mother, Steve Martin was ok... But that Eugene Levy guy! Bad casting. He is good and believable as the nerdy character, but the strict--I'm-gonna-run-my-house-like-the-military-and-beat-the-pants-off-you-dad attitude was very unbelievable--and I say that in the bad way.

There were some funny moments, in particular in the movie theatre when the dads were together! FUNNY STUFF! Who saw that one coming?

Overall: This is a definite candidate for a Rice Cake movie with no Diet Coke, and just a touch of peanut butter.

Monday, January 02, 2006

Blast, and Double Blast.

New Years came and went, and I totally forgot (cough cough) to make any New Years Resolutions...

So I decided to go ahead and give it a shot and post some New Years Lies--I mean Resolutions that I will totally keep this year:

1. I will not say the phrase "I'm not going to lie to you" more than 10 times a day (trust me this will be difficult).
2. I will only spend 2 hours overtime at school each week, but no more.
3. I will spend at least 2 hours of writing time in the writing room each week, and perhaps more.
4. I will only eat Cheez-Its once a month (oh no I love Cheez-Its)
5. I will stick with my question of the month and ask it of nearly everyone I interact with (This month's question is: If you had to compete in a reality tv show which show would it be?)
6. I will only dream about Farah seven times a day--Wait... I think that I should make it ten times.
7. I will only sing in the showers on weekends, or special holidays, or days in which I see fitting for adding melodious sounds to the porcelain chamber room.
8. I will read the second page of the Time Travelers Wife.
9. I will put a bean on my plate during one meal sometime during the duration of the year.
10. I will learn how to say "My name is Michael and I am afraid of beans." in 6 different languages.
11. I will befriend a Pirate named The Beck, Squashbrow, or Beardback
12. I will share an I Love Lucy quote on my blog bimonthly. Oh that crazy red head.

Look... I'm not going to lie to you (doh I used one already today, that means 9 left)... There was a "hurricane" outside (according to some sources), Kaleb is asleep on the floor, I'm trying to find a writing desk online, Tanya moves in 7 days, Parker didn't go to church yesterday, and Farah goes back to school tomorrow. I'm just saying... These are the times we live in.

Oh snap.

Saturday, December 31, 2005

Black v. Red


Black v. Red
Originally uploaded by sanchoburrito.
Kaleb v. Michael.

my money is on kaleb...
and that's saying something...

The Tree


The Tree
Originally uploaded by sanchoburrito.
This is my favorite picture that I took for some of my friends this year.

Friday, December 30, 2005

Breakfast at Not-Tiffany's

Alas, it has been too long since I last updated my blog (and note that too long is really only 3 days--I know of such men and women who roam the earth who take weeks, months, and years to update their blogs.) Yet, I fear that if I do not update soon, I shall fall in to the trap of no blogging. I feel like I should use the word whilst right now. I always love when I can work that into a sentence.

Nevertheless, I have had a simply smashing time here in Redlands, California. I simply must thank Courtney for initially introducing me to the loveliness that is Farah. Things are working out quite well. I have been staying in the Jacob's Manor during the duration of my visit, and transporting hither and thither with Farah. During one of my moments of transporting thither I was able to meet the family of Drazin which proved to be better than a guy could hope for. Everyone was very kind, and above that very silly (Alla-likey).

Now I sit in my bed and reflect on the fact that I only have 24 more hours of Redlands bliss. Alas, there is always a rain cloud on what I thought was just silver lining.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Movie Time...

The Producers...

This was simply a silly musical, that if you care for musicals and things that mock NeoNazis, chances are you will like this one. Nathan Lane, played his typical Broadway self, and Matthew Broderick was in his quiet, dorky character --reflections of Inspector Gadget causing this movie reviewer to tremble in fear... (But come on every-time you see him you think: 1. It's Ferris Bueller. And 2. Man, he's married to Sarah Jessica Parker--lucky dawg, you gotta love the guy). Uma Thurman played the saucy Ulla and did a pretty good job being a Sweed--she did flaunt it and if she was singing, I'd say she exceeded my expectation for her singing abilities. And finally, the hilarious Will Farrell played his typical looney, off-the-wall, make you laugh out loud, larger than life character.

Overall, I thought it was a Rice Cake and Peanut Butter movie... It moved along well, but the last twenty to thirty minutes dragged on and on and on. I felt as though they could have cut out on some of the ending songs that were probably better for the stage and not the screen (Maybe I thought this because I had to pee really bad). You don't need to rush out to see the Producers in the movie theatre, unless you're a die hard supporter of all things Mel Brooks or Broadway, just add it to your list of NetFlix.

Overall: Rice Cakes and Peanut Butter

Memorable quote- "May I take your hats, coats, swastikas?"

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Famous Faces...

So today I woke up late, but I woke up really excited. Maybe it was because of a certain friend of mine who is going on a date today! Hooray! At last! So my excitement needed to be channeled into something so I decided, hey I’ll look up my friends and families pictures online on a Celebrity Matching Program (it matches your face to about 2,400 famous faces)… So here are the results of whom my loved ones look like. You be the judge:

Susie looks like…
Pnina Rosenblum
Elisha Cuthbert
Mira Sorvino

Katie looks like… (I think…
Christina Ricci
Andie MacDowell
Kim Basinger

Lisa looks like… (The third one matched pretty close)
Uma Thurman
Julianne Moore
Beyonce Knowles

My dad looks like…
No MATCHES!
He’s one in a billion apparently

My mom looks like… (it wouldn’t let me select female matches for this one)
Michael Ballack
Michael Schumacher
Brian May
Albert Einstein!!!

Kyle looks like… (maybe the first one is cause of his smile)
Howard Dean
Martin Scorsese
Jacques Chirac

Jason looks like…
Billy Bob Thornton
Kevin Mitnick
Bill Gates (ok theis must be because of his glasses)
Women matches- JLo and Jane Fonda!!!

Cassidy looks like…
Celine Dion!
Juliette Binoche
Patricia Arquette

Kaleb looks like… (The last one may be true, but I think they just matched that he wore glasses in the picture)
Steven Soderberggh
Elvis Cotello
Peter Sellers

Parker looks like…
Spencer Tracy
David Beckham
Art Garfunkel
(by the way for girls he matched with Norah Jones and Jane Goodall!)

Farah looks like…
JLo
Annette Bening
Hilary Duff
(no not Celia Cruz this time!)

Jennifers looks like…
Justine Henin-Hardenne
Rosanna Arquette
Clark Gable/Meryl Streep

Tanya looks like…
Carl Lewis
Drew Barrymore
Charles Bronson
And the last match was a young Michael Jackson!

I look like… (Who the heck are these people!?! I totally did a black and white one so they think I am ethnic)
Shahid Kapoor
Roman Abramovich
Jaco Pastorius

Well if you'd like me to do one on you let me know... It's really funny, especially looking up the other gender side of people's pictures! he he he

Movie Time

The Family Stone...

The story is not what everyone was hoping for (but I like the unexpected). It's not the "feel good, laugh along with the creepy guy eating gummy worms next to you, everything ends up great for the nervous couple in the movie" kind of movie. This is a "hard-to-classify-it-better-call-it-a-comedy" movie. It certainly has some REALLY funny moments, but I wouldn't give it a comedy label, I call it a character study.

During the "character study," there were some definite agendas being pushed on the acceptance of diversity ballot. It's a great movie to open discussion on these topics, however the issues weren't really defined or defended well. And based on the fact that millions (if that) went to the movie to see the "comedy", I doubt they're rushing home to talk about worldviews and family. However, I am a rare dung beetle and I appreciated the issues being brought to the table, but where were the resolutions? It's like I wanted to watch a counseling session happen or something--and let's be honest, who wants to watch something like that? I think counseling sessions like the one that would need to take place here normally involve people hitting each other on the head with foam bats or large foam objects shaped like Q-tips. Perhaps this gives you an insight as to my perspective on this movie...

But.. the characters in the family were great because everyone carried some complexity. The boss (otherwise known as the mom), the quiet yet passionate father, the jerk of a sister, the grounded "nuclear family styled" sister, the gay brother, and the single and searching brother. All the characters added a little spice and to me gave a sense of reality to the story. All of the family members brought something to the table, but perhaps, and I say perhaps, there were too many characters crammed into one film that really was ONLY about a mom, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.

Sarah Jessica was beautiful and delightful as usual. Dermot Mulroney was ok, but his storyline with Clare Danes left something less than desirable. It lacked that zing that makes young girls sigh and grown women desperately long to feel the first taste of young love again. (That may be the stupidest thing I've ever written on my blog. Who am I?)

Overall, The Family Stone gets: A Rice Cake and Peanut Butter with no Diet Coke.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Durmstrang, Beauxbaton, and Hogwarts all came together...

Here are the pictures of the YULE BALL from last night that I promised you all. Check out the family pictures in particular, and my cool threads. Come on this was a must see event.

Enjoy.

Tanya's Awesome Hair


Tanya's Awesome Hair
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
You can't see all of it, but she had dreads, braids, and fuzzy yarn in her hair! It was really cool (plus she cut a rug on the dance floor)!

Victor


Victor
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
In my Durmstrang apparel. I think I did the wizarding world justice...

The Other Burrow


The Other Burrow
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Take a moment to notice the totally craziness of this family! All of us came dressed up and excited to bust a move... Now you all need to vote on who looks the best for this Yule Ball...

The Divas


The Divas
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Diva to the power of two!

The Snow Princess...


The Snow Princess
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
...and the abominable snowman!

Dancing it Out


Dancing it Out
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Look at the Kiniri (that's plural) doing the Irish Jig! Good Stuff!!!

Jump!


Jump!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Shout out to opening your mouth and putting your arms out to look excited!

Beck and Kay


Beck and Kay
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
In memory of a once great nanny to 6 little girls.

The Goblet of Power


The Goblet of Power
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This is the best! The Burrow (In particular Beck) hooked me up with a lovely box filled with beautiful things to inspire me in my writing room! Love it!

Sleeping Cassers


Sleeping Cassers
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Look at those chubbers!

The Yule Ball

Yes. It was as I predicted... AMAZING. So much dancing, fun, and friends and family everywhere.

As I did not predict, not all were in attendance, but for the most part it was filled just to my liking. Tanya really cut a rug, and the Shaw and Kiniry Clans were representing big time out there. I'll post pictures in the next week or so.. I may have reached my limit soon for pictures, but I'll get what I can on here.

Shout out to ya'll for dancing like fools in the moonlight and under the BEAUTIFUL Christmas lights... WOW! Excellent work!

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Old Movie Reviews of Mine

Here are my grades, on some new movies I saw:

Chicken Little--- It's fun to watch but probably only if you are in a preschool to elementary mood. The graphics are good, but they've seen better in films like Finding Nemo. I personally liked the spin on the story. It's nice to see a kid really telling the truth the whole time. Chicken Little is a good movie to see if you have issues with talking to your parents. Maybe it will open your eyes to that. But come on, if that's your problem you shouldn't go see a movie, you should talk to mom or dad. Anyway... My suggestion is to take a kid to see it and they will probably laugh a bit, and they'll probably think it to be the best thing since bread with no crust (don' t they think that about everything though?). My grade- an O for a good teachable moment on octagons.

The Legend of Zorro---If you liked the first one, and have a tolerance for really cute, latin, ornery kids then you'll like it. It bothered me a bit that Antonio Banderes and Catherine Zeta Jones star in it (again). She's such a T-Moblie ad preppy, and he's very into his whole image that I can just imagine them sitting in their dressing rooms admiring their own beauty. Maybe they are down to earth but I was left thinking the money was spent on the image but little was spent on the actual writing. I could have written this one on my own. So I give this one a M for a plead to Hollywood to heir Me!

The Fog--- Why I saw this is beyond me. If you like scary movies, you'll hate this. If you like teen movies, you'll hate this more. If you like to get your money robbed from you and feel stupid, this may be the one for you. The scariest moment in this movie was my friend sitting across from me who kept saying "Here comes the fog." I give this movie an T for Troll status.

My List of Things To Do

Here is a list of amazing things I could do during my month and one day off:

Go to Chinatown
Go to Disneyland
Write my story: Memoirs of a Gay-Shaw (ok, I'm not, but still it's really funny)
Wrtie my story: I Dream of Farah
Wake up early and exercise everyday
Wake up late and sleep in everyday
Chop down a cherry tree
Build a tree house
Learn to whittle
Meet Farah's family
Meet a new imaginary friend and call him Bill, Harold or Augdington
Discover a way to transport newts, perhaps over the telephone
Hunt for the Larsen family who went to Disneyland on Regis and Kelly
Cut my toenails
Drink a cup of tea at 3:00 everyday
Eat a box of Cheeze-Its
Write two new chapters of Brandon's Story in Nedge
Watch three movies I've been putting off watching
Find a way to make silent garbage trucks so you don't wake up early
Create the official definition for bean-phobics (I know there are more out there)
Find something in the sand at the beach
Find out why The View is the best place to spend the holidays (I have my doubts)
Find out why I thought a griffin was an eagle body and a lion head
Make a list of exciting adjectives
Make a list of captivating verbs

That's all. (I think I am officially odd)

Monday, December 19, 2005

Boo Boo

I'm not going to lie to you right now. Look, I'm just saying I'm totally gimp. I twisted my ankle today, and I'm even going to work tomorrow. Ok... Good grief, I was trying to be really dramatic, but still. Diva.

There I think I used all of my favorite catch phrases. But in all seriousness, I did hurt my ankle today, but that's not gonna stop me from cutting a rug on Friday night baby! Shout out to the Burrow. The YULE BALL will be so much fun! I'm getting ready as we speak.

And tomorrow? The Day of 12 and NARNIA for my favorite staff members of J-12. I'll miss our stellar team.

Ok... Sap is done.

Yogi out.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Tanya! Look!


HERE SHE IS!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
This is Celia Cruz. I'm just saying. I'll stick with Hillary.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

For it's almost Christmas Time...

That's right it is just around the corner. I am gearing up, finally, as I recover from my Sunday through Tuesday lull of sickness. Whatever. I'm better now. Maybe.

So my plan for the rest of the week is to have thematic days... At school, at play, and just at everything so here it goes:

Today- I guess was the spilt milk day. I'm just reporting here. I know nothing!

Wednesday- The Martha Day. Say, "It's a good thing" as much as possible. Reference things and people by their proper name. Go around my class and be like a Martha and clean up and work all day. Tell people they just "don't fit in." Watch Martha on NBC.

Thursday- The Apprentice Day. A day of pretending to be shaping the Apprentice, Darth Vador, as Darth Lord Sidieth (how you spell that is beyond me). Telling people they are fired. Wearing a tie to work. Watching the season finale of Apprentice: The Donald. Dreaming about Rebecca... Oooo La la...

Friday- The Early Day. Everything should happen early. Close work early. Show up to work early (urg). Eat lunch early. Watch a movie early. Eat gummy worms, cause the early bird catches the worm. Get the Early Bird Special at Denny's (Sickness may be bestowed upon me at this moment).

Saturday- The Decking Day. A day to deck things down the halls. A day to play with a deck of cards. A day to walk on a deck outside. A day to dec-orate the Writing Room. Decking Parker if he doesn't get a blog going soon.

Sunday- The Singing Day. Singing in church in the morning. Singing Christmas Carols to anyone who calls me. Singing in the evening service. Providing a singing DVD at the DVD exchange (he he he).

Monday- The Day of Finality. The final Monday for Tanya. The final day of work for Dore. The final for 107. The final Monday for me before vacation. Running through a finish line so I feel good and final about life. Pushing a button that I will create entitled "FINAL." It will be big and red and have white writing on it. That would just feel amazing. Oh man, I'm excited.

Tuesday- The 12 day. Close school at 12:00. Only allow 12 people in my classroom. Give a door prize to the 12th person who says my name that day. Write the number 12 on a T-Shirt and wear it to school. Sing the 12 Days of Christmas. Eat 12 Granola Bars. Oh man that would be amazing. I love Granola Bars.

And that's all there is. There isn't any more.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Movies that are Beans

Many have questioned what movies actually rate BEAN status so I thought I would clear up some of the bean confusion:

From Justin to Kelly: The American Idol Movie (How on earth can they make a "better than Grease" movie about high school students on Spring Break down south?) - BEANS!

Sin City (I believe I said, "Worst Movie Ever" during the duration of the film about 9 times)-- BEANS!!

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (Ok this one may get a Rice Cake rating because of the beauty that is Angelina Jolie, but alas, the movie smelled of beans until she showed up)

Catwoman (Cats = Beans... Need I say more?)

Any others I missed?

Achhooo.

I'm totally sick today. I thought I could fight off that bug that Farah gave me through the phone with vitamin C, cold meds, and 10 hours of sleep. But no. So a day off was in order.

So today, I sit here, without 24 and I spend a day watching TV (which is just horrible alone) and resting (which is just horrible when you have a ton of laundry to do)... Simply dreaming of blog updates and next Wednesday when I will be set free into the world of vacation.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

The Joys of Narnia

OK. I've watched The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe twice now. So the reviews are in.

Great Moments in the Film or Why Michael is an Emotional Wreck:

*The bombings in England. This totally reminded me of my mom growing up in England. I always imagine her hiding in a cupboard at the end of a hallway. I started to well up, being thankful for mummy.

*The Professor's Home. Amazing to look at inside and out. At second viewing I couldn't help but imagine this being the writing room.

*Lucy. The cutest Lucy ever. One of the most pure characters on film in awhile. More over Dakota Fanning. Lucy is one of those great characters who embodies a lot of the characteristics we strive to have. She is so pure and genuine in who she is: When she is fearful she calls out to her brother, when she is sad she cries, when she is happy she throws snowballs and frolics, she runs up and hugs the professor even though he is thought to be untouchable. She is honest with who she is where she is. She never tries to be more than she is, and for that she is perfect. (Plus how cute was she with her little cup and saucer at Mr. Tumnis' house!!)

*The moment Lu first steps into Narnia. The snow, the trees... You can almost taste the crisp air. It was breathtaking.

*The moment when Lucy put faith in what she believed. The choice was obvious, and she had that child-like faith that so many of us try to have. This was so great, and yes more tears came.

*Ed getting his first taste of Turkish Delights and the first AMAZING shot of the White Witch. While everyone loved Peter, I really liked Ed cause he had this little speech impediment which was cute (just like Lu), and he had a progression to make during the story. He was organic and developed, but not to the point of disbelief. The transformation was believable and caused simple scenes like him holding a sword to be rich.

*The realistic fighting and bickering that took place between the kids. It never really came to an emotional conclusion which I loved. The kids all loved each other, but they treated each other as brothers and sisters would: Pointing out flaws, faults and errors of judgment in each other, while balancing it with an obvious devotion and love for each other.

*Aslan. At times when he is standing on a cliff talking to Peter, you feel as though--Wow this is a lion. The little bits of scruff and fragments that fly around when he breathes give him a realistic element.

*The battle. The flying creatures were GORGEOUS to me. Their feathers were realistic, and gave movement to the screen. Tears.

*The Centaur was hardcore. The two sword pull out made me excited.

*The White Witch's total domineer was PERFECT. She was arrogant, powerful, not totally human seeming, strangely pretty yet a dark side of ugliness in her, and had the coolest clothes and even cooler hair. Her best scene is when she is approaching Aslan at the camp. There is such stifled fear in her eyes, and understanding of her shortcomings.

*The ending was exactly what I wanted it to be. Crowns, growing up, and the stag!

Overall, Narnia followed the story nearly perfectly, with only a few minor changes that didn't cause fans of the book to throw tomatoes at a first viewing (reference the Harry Potter review on The Goblet of Fire). The books probably translated better to film because they are more concise and simplistic in plot (i.e. no House Elves running around making food in the kitchens). Walden and Disney would be wise to put out more Narnia films, 'cause me like-y.

Grade: Full Spaghetti Dinner
(see previous posting for grading policy)

Grades for My Movies

The Michael Shaw Grading System:

Full Spaghetti Dinner = Totally satisfying
Peanut Butter and Rice Cakes with a Diet Coke = Good for pretty much everything
Peanut Butter and Rice Cake s= Good, but could have used more.
Rice Cake= Left me wanting more, less than desirable
Beans= Can’t get worse than this

Friday, December 09, 2005

Freaky Times in Lisa's Room


Freaky Times in Lisa's Room
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Me looking shocked as Lisa darts up from bed to face the day. (Lisa's great in this one, she looks really frantic!)

Our Tour Guide


Our Tour Guide
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Lisa was our intense tour guide.

We're the girls from Beverly Hills

Shout out to Tanya and Shelly Long.

Look behind us


Look behind us
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
The Signage below this pic is behind us in this pic. Does that make sense?

The Signage


The Signage
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Oh snap.

Lost in Chination


Lost in Chination
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Lisa totally directed this shot.

Johnny Depp


Johnny Depp
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Come on... This is a new print kids. September 16 of this year. Good stuff.

The Place to Be...


The Place to Be...
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
I'm not going to lie to you. This theatre was amazing. Unfortunately this was not the theatre showing the premier event. Alas, another Hollywood trip is in order to see Narnia.

Kaleb's Lover: The Phalaenopsis Orchid

When he saw this life stood still for the man. I tell ya, I've never met someone more in love with a flower. Gotta love that.

The Red Carpet we never got to walk on it...

They totally set this up after we were in the theatre. What cheeks.

Beauty

Beauty is Narnia. I laughed, I cried. I begged for more.

Pictures to come soon.

Peace out. Survivor and double Apprentices kept me up late.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

The Lamppost and Jack

If it were proper to write about bowel movements I would tell you about the most rancid gas I just had. I'm sure it has something to do with strange, yet wonderful Indian food I had within the past 30 hours. But since it is considered rude to speak on such things, I will withhold the information and share a more glorious smell with you...

And that is the smell of fresh cardboard and plastic wrapping off of a DVD box. It's true... Parker just stopped by with a wonderful gift from the Lending Library, that is The Parker Home Collection, and the gift was... du du duhhhhhhhh! 24 season 4 on DVD! I can't wait. Come on, what a great friend. He brought it over for me to watch before he watches it. That's a lot of love.

But, alas, I need to wait sometime before I start in on season 4 because, that's right, it's Narnia time. Plus, I promised Mr. Riechers we would watch 24 together. So, get ready... Get set...

Cause here's the countdown clock for NARNIA...
Only 39 hours and 22 minutes to go! Oh I'm excited.


And the countdown for 24:
70 hours and 12 minutes to go! Ohhh lovely.

Sunday, December 04, 2005

The Weekend Wonderland

Last night was kind of amazing. Two words SPIRIT DAY!

Thank you Mr. Ramirez for your contribution to my celebration calendar. For those of you who didn't know, yesterday was Spirit Day. That is the first Saturday in the month of December... However, I do believe this could be for any month to mark the opening of a new holiday season... Come on think about it... Easter, Halloween, St. Patrick's, Memorial Day--uh maybe Christmas is the only one it will truly work for... But still.

Anway, Mr. Baker and I decided to celebrate in some big ways:

1. We painted part of the writing room. (Rather than decking the halls with boughs of holly, we decked the walls with colors of beauty... The "Before" pictures will be posted below.)
2. We made plans to abduct a tortoise.
3. We made fire (how manly is that--Ooga Booga) (Pictures of the madness being posted below).
4. We ate S'mores.
5. We hung out with three characters (Tanya (aka Meat Girl), Parker (aka Parker Joe), Alyssa (aka Fat Tony)
6. We watched the biggest sob movie EVER-- It's A Wonderful Life -- two words --- HE HAW!
7. We listened to the Enya CD and sang "Meal Plan."

Yes, Spirit Day rocked. I loved it. Nevertheless, I do have to get back to the daily grind of school... However I am very joyful because I see the light at the end of the tunnel... THURSDAY! NARNIA BABY! Holla!

The Beautiful Sunset


The Beautiful Sunset
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
I caught a glimpse of this on the way home from school Friday night... A sign of a great week to come.

Kaleb showing his joy...


Kaleb showing his joy...
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Smokin' good times.

In awe over the fire...


In awe over the fire...
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Oooo Ahhh Ohhh

FIRE!!!


FIRE!!!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Raging fire.

BEHOLD!


BEHOLD!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
The wonder who can huff and puff, and blow the marshmallow out! You've got to admit that is a whole lot of smoke!

THE DEVIL!


THE DEVIL!
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Look into mine eyes and thou wilt see the fury and fire of thy temperament.

BEFORE--wow what a mess


BEFORE--wow what a mess
Originally uploaded by IgMasterW.
Ok... The room is cool... To keep the green grid wall or not to keep?... that is the question.

BEFORE--wow the other end of the mess

The doorway to the writing room.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

To the Faithful Readers...

Yes, yes. The Writing Room is building in excitement and anticipation... However. I need to bring everyone down to a low point of reality. (boo hoo, cries of utter sadness and horror fill the air) The room is a little ghetto... Yes you read right, ghetto (like bring your girlfriend and your other girlfriend over with a bottle of Jack)... Yet it has a twist of character (like oh snap this lodge is off the hook, there's mini-wooden beams from the late 70s--wait is this considered ghetto).

So when you imagine the room (and yes, there will be pictures sometime soon), just picture something horrible and straight out of Santa Maria--I mean the ghetto. That way you will be overwhelmed with awe and wonder when you actually see the results.

Holla at cha girl, and boy I guess.

snooze

God must be doing something amazing in us right now, cause I can't sleep and I find myself at peace (he he I just wrote peach instead of peace on accident) with everything. I have been a little... humm... how to put it, whirled around by this fast paced world we live in... Yet I take great joy in the fact that I can rest and be still. My goal is to rest more... Not to be less active, nor to cut back, but to find those restful moments to enjoy.

Today was a great day... I love Wednesdays and yes progress was made on the writing room. I hope many great thoughts will spring forth from the room this next year. Between Kaleb and me I believe great things just may come from it. Anyway... Shout out to all ya'll..

I don't think this came out sappy, but if it did, deal with it. I am a pretty sappy guy, and proud of it. Come on I cried at Titanic and Farah didn't even come close to shedding a tear. I'm just saying.... LAZY!