Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls Review:

Now this blog needs to be premised with three ideas:
I love musicals.
I love Beyonce.
And I love J. Hud.
So take that first and wash it down with this:

Gosh, a month after the release into LA, the Central Coast finally gets this movie. Oh well, it's CC Opening Night so I saw it.

Ok, I really, really liked Dreamgirls. I thought it was a well balanced ensemble of characters and it didn't over (nor under) reach. Some movies try to be things they aren't and reach too far, and others don't even show signs of adding any depth to the characters but Dreamgirls found the happy medium. (sigh)

First off a stellar, believable performance by J. Hud made the movie grounded and exciting. She gave it the perfect balance of "hey this is a movie" but "hey this is real." Secondly the music was great: soulful and kept the plot going. Also the story had these Gumpish Moments--it followed some significant events in American history, in this case Black History, to chronicle one person(s) life/lives. I like that it was set against a real world and believe it or not many times the musical part of the story was believable. While I love old musicals I always wonder "Why are they singing?" But Dreamgirls made sense, it is all about the music industry and music so it was logical to have people burst into song.

Beyonce is validated as an actress in this one. She did a great job in her Diane Ross-esk portrayal of the pushed into the spotlight gal. I hate to stick on one idea with her--but man she is strikingly beautiful. Like, beautiful. Gotta love her. For all of those people who say she and J. Hud were rivals--eh I don't see it. I thought Beyonce held her own. She did the whole "I'm 16 and simple" and then emerged to "I'm queen supreme" seamlessly.

As for the men---they were slimy, which I thought was good because I don't like any of them in the Hollywood World anyway.

Overall, the story was strong enough, the costumes, choreography and visuals were all great but best of all the characters and performances were stellar. Nods to Ms. Hudon and Ms. Knowles for a job well done. Yeah, I see some Oscar worthy stuff there.


Spaghetti Dinner with long sips of Diet Coke

Children of Men

Children of Men Review:

"No Children. No Future. No Hope." Ok I just really like the tag-line for the film.

Alfonso Cuaron, the director of Y tu Mama Tambien and Harry Potter 3, put out another interesting hand-cam-filled film. If you can read between the lines this statement means it was slightly thought provoking and a visually bumpy movie. The cast was great. I love Clive Owen's work and I've followed Jullianne Moore for sometime as well. Michael Caine was good and at last cast in a different light... the girl who played Kee, Claire-Hope Ashitey, was very believeable and I enjoyed her as the lead actress. Also, I hate to say too much about the actors, I must say Pam Ferris was good in her role. She was silly but believable.

The movie was OK, but the concept and individual scenes/characters were better--they were great. The story takes place in 2020 something and offers the sci-fi possibility that the whole world becomes sterile, aka the world is coping with the turmoil of no children being born in over 18 years. No one knows why. The story follows Clive Owen's character, Theo, on his personal journey as he goes back to his somewhat-righteous rebel roots, while dealing with his personal pain (I like how subtle this theme continued on after it was so obvious at the start). The grand story-line is about a girl who miraculously becomes pregnant and the implication of the pregnancy on a world that is almost completely destroyed. Will she carry the baby to full term? Who will know about it? When she gives birth will the baby live? Will there be political battles over the baby? What ensues in this is extremely moving. (But remember I'm a sap)

SPOILER ALERT! I was overwhelmed during the birthing scene. The build up, the raw, grittiness of the who scene... Well the movie for that matter. But this one scene was SO hopeful and brilliantly done. It was a little graphic, but totally necessary. I also liked the depth of the character created for Clive Owen, it wasn't totally in your face (again, except at the start).

Overall I liked the film. SO why was it just OK? The end was a little--eh, predictable or perhaps not fulfilling in many ways. It also seemed like it could have moved along quicker at points, probably could have been about 20 minutes shorter if more was taken out of the start. But hey, I would consider seeing it again...

Peanut Butter on Rice Cakes

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd Review:

Drat. The more I watch Matt Damon, the more I like him. He gave a great performance. And yes, I admit it, he's a great actor. Ok. Now that my confessions are out there for the world to see let's talk about the movie.

For those of you who don't know this movie is a CIA NON-ACTION movie which details the life of one CIA agent, Edward Wilson. I say it is a non-action movie because if you expect the movie to be a 24 styled action spy/terrorist movie you will be very frustrated with the 160 minute movie that moves "slowly." Ok... I liked it all together but I was very prepared for it to be slow. Weird scenes like nude mud wrestling and peeing on people made the movie R rated I suppose, but it was good for the plot just to show the conspiracy theory on how this country is run. Andrew would agree with me.

The editor and writer(s) needs a pat on the back for this movie because they really made the story interesting with the cuts and direction of the movie. It jumped between time periods and made the movie difficult to follow--but I mean that in a good way. In other words it was interesting because it wasn't linear.

One thing that moved it along for me was the use of stars and cameos. There were some good cameo's in this movie. I liked Angelina Jolie in this movie. Mainly Jolie and Damon made the movie move along for me. One person who I actually liked in this movie was---get this Kiniry family--Michael Gambon (Dumbledore). He was good!?! What is that about. I liked him in his role. So maybe we could write him a letter and tell him to continue making these films and leave Dumbledore for Sir Ian McKellen.

After rotating my butt (it hurt) about twelve times (seriously) because of the length of the film I think it was obvious what was going to happen and who the "rat" was going to be. So, there wasn't that big AH HA moment I was hoping for. But nevertheless I liked it and give it

A Peanut Butter on Rice Cakes with a Diet Coke

Blood Diamond

Blood Diamond Review:

For those of you who have been living in a hole (aka America) for most of your life, this movie documents the struggle in Africa regarding "Blood Diamonds." The idea: During the civil war in Sierra Leone hundreds upon hundreds are killed and/or captured into slavery. The slaves, the selected ones who aren't gunned down or brutally murdered, search for diamonds which are then illegally exported. Why are they exported? So J.Lo and girls all around the Western World can wear beautiful rocks on their fingers and live the dream. But the price of the dream is blood shed all across Africa. Hence the title: Blood Diamond.

The story was great. I really like the concept the director/writers were portraying. The director used some great imagery in the film and the cinematography was lush. But above the Hollywood hoopla it is so important to be aware of what is/has happened around the world. Hollywood has a duty to portray these issues so I was really pleased that this movie was made. It is a very "come on world let's get some social awareness" movie. Overall I really liked it. Shocking scenes of violence and brainwashing were gritty and real. I could totally use this movie to teach people about child development. And oh the things they show! YUCK! It really reenforced how much I hate rap music and rap stars who glorify killing, violence, hate, and bling. Not all of them do. But I can pin point a few who feed into the troubles that plague Africa.

This movie was held together by a great concept, wonderful music and Leo. Gotta love Leo. But with this said I have to say the movie was a little difficult to adjust to. Ok... You may be wondering why? Why Michael? Why was it so hard to adjust to? Well my friends let me tell you:

Number One- I have to say the language and accents were a bit off. The actors all did a wonderful job, but it was somewhat hard to tell what they were going for. Leo with that accent reminded me a lot of Nicky Kidman in The Interpreter. Good, just it seemed a little forced at times.

Number Two- My other criticism of the movie is the forced emotion between a few characters. All of the characters had a good level of depth as individuals, yet this wasn't always true when looking at their relationships with each other. The father to son relationship fell into the murky waters of "Yeah, I agree I'd feel that way too. But are these actors making me feel it?"

In conclusion I was delighted with the topic, Leo gave a stellar performance (as usual--I hope he finally gets his Oscar), but there were some "rough around the edges" moments that made it drop a few notches in my grade book.

Peanut Butter on Rice Cakes with a Diet Coke
mmm but I can smell the Spaghetti Dinner cooking...

FInal List.

Here we go... Another year and another chance for me to make good on my promises. Hey, I did pretty good last year, so let's hope I keep it up in '07. So here are my "resolutions"... goals... objectives... short or long term goals... Whatever...

Personal:
1. To pretty much love on Farah and to learn about giving sacrificially to her. This is a "long term goal" something that probably can not be observed in one instance.

Recreational:
2. To document all of the movies I watch on the big screen and evaluate them. This will/would drive Jim Allen crazy because he thinks I think too high of my opinion. Well deal with it Jim. This is a cross between a "long term goal" and a "short term goal."

Spiritual:
3. To actually complete my Bible study in full. I get to the 3/4 point of all of them then change. This year I'll stick with all of them. This is a "resolution" and is very much like a "long term goal"

Relational:
4. To find, and possibly document the qualities I admire in those who I live life with. This is an "objective" or a "short term goal" that will steadily morph into a "long term goal" because I'll never stop meeting people. Unless I am deserted on an island one day.

Professional:
5. To explore the different types of media that I can include in my classroom and begin to use them to build curriculum. This is a "long term goal" because I will never stop looking.

So I am going to get to work on these goals here starting in about an hour as I'll document my two movies I have seen this year.

Shaw, out.

Ahhh

Yes, yesterday Parker and I went to Disneyland. It was a wonderful day and I must say I am tired but not exhausted. It's nice going with a fellow season pass holder. Less stress---that's for sure. Anyway I will upload the pictures of that reality later, but I can't find my cord to do the transfer. So alas, I will wait. But to whet your appetite here is a preview of me kicking butt on Buzz Lightyear (one of my top 5 favorite rides):

Tis the Season for Fa la la

That's right. Another year. A year ago today you wouldn't be able to understand this blog so many new things have happened observe the following statements:

Wii have come a long way, the Pearl
has been lived in and is not too shabby.
We now know how to "make it work." Sure Sam Eagle is being Idolized but we'll always have a friend with Lola. Let's talk about Lola and her one way ticket. Because Lola's one way ticket is going to make her turn shades of Aquamarine
'cause she'll find out about the Inconvenient Truth. That it is Eight Below
at the South Pole, at least for the next few months. I guess it is better than being Broke-in-the-Back on a Mountains of the north. Hey--speaking of which-- Miss Cleo,

Lance, Grey's Anatomy Dude, and Doogie are all out. Call them now because the kids needed the booze. I guess the lot of them must have got the McPheever.

We all now know that when there is a Last Stand. X-men die but come back to life so they can make more money. It's a shame, I thought Famke was PAID IN FULL. Then there is the whole question of the producers changing the story from the Inside Out, have those X-men Producers have sold their soul-sa. Well, I guess they are loving souls-ah, at one point there were many X-men on MySpace, at least that's what my friends list showed. Oh well, I guess there's more to come I'll just spend time on YOUtube figuring out why Rosie is mad at The Donald, or what Atwater says is like a leathery shoe wrapped in burnt bacon.

The other life lessons we have learned go like-ah this: We know you can graduate from Hancock with multiple degrees and not even realize it.The Devil wears Prada and his minions live in Los Alamos, while Paul and his cronies work in Orcutt. But if you want to buy a scooter a crazy old woman will sing to you. Time capsules are well hidden, when you have a free piece of land. But other nightly acts aren't free like the land. If you leave signs on someone's yard, hot dogs on their cars, army men on the hood, or penguins on the porch
news will travel faster than K-Fed and Britney getting divorced
(Especially if you tell Fauf or Jenn). Or is it faster than the news about an ig and a fauf getting engaged? Hum. Whatever the case. News travels fast. Oh and BTW: These hips don't lie.
I'm the TIME Person of the Year. Ye have been warned!

Here's to a year of mystery and mayhem! We loved you 2006! You were simply FANCY.

A Time

I am pretty much totally excited. I have some inspiration to write today. I haven't had any inspiration for the past three months, so this will be very refreshing (if something comes from this). Anyway last night was an adventure of great magnitude. Well, let's start at the top:

1. Smashing time with Parker and Farah in SLO. Lovely I must say, just lovely.

2. Jolly good time with Farah waltzing around the Madonna Plaza.

3. Grand Chawhe of a time with Farah watching The Devil Wears Prada.

4. Delightful time spent with the Sullivans and Farah at Chuck E. Cheese's.

5. Superb time spent with the Burrow playing the wii. Who knew Farah was so aggressive?

6. Conclusive time spent watching the last two hours of 24. (well for those of you who saw it, not terribly conclusive)

7. Restful time spent sleeping until 9:30. Gotta love vacation.

So as for today, I hope to write some stories and enjoy the Saturday off. Here's to vacation!

Wedding Bells

OK. Here it is: Farah and Michael's Wedding Web Page

We'll be updating the page with information on the big date, registry stuff, and fun facts about us before the wedding. So check it out and enjoy the engagement. Sorry, I guess you have to copy paste it into your browser! The link option isn't working today.

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/MichaelShaw&FarahDrazin

Lost and Found

Can you believe it? I found that special someone.

I can't believe it actually happened to me. I have this feeling of great joy in my heart. I know you all are probably pretty of tired of me talking about this topic... it is one of Jon and Morgan's favorite topics though. But I want you to hear it and let it resonate in your souls. I found the person I've been looking for. It's kind of amazing. Sometimes that person comes from the place you grew up, other times you look elsewhere. Well my person came from Redlands and it took me years to realize who that person was. And by that person I mean Luke Jacobs. That's right, I found that special someone who hates beans as much as I do. Yes, I am a bugger. But come on we had a good five minute discussion today about beans, and all the different types that we hate. Ranging from texture to the look, we hate them: Totally and Completely. I gotta say I love him.

Life is amazing. Finding that person who shares in the same feelings you have. Wow. What a day I've had and it's only noon. What's next? Wow. Who knows?

Just say no.

Yule be Glad

That's right, it's Christmas Time. I pretty much had a wonderful time last night as it was the 2nd Annual Yule Ball. It was a great time for dancing, meeting up with old and new friends, and enjoying some lovely cider and snacks. After that I went home to drop off the sisters and all, but then back I went to the Kiniry home to enjoy a little Burrow Action. It was lovely talking about Potter and all things that are related to Pottermania. However I do hope next year the lovely Faufenheimer will be there next year to join in the fun... Oh a big HP Movie Fest is in the works... Talk about fun!

This morning was lovely as well. I woke up Parker and we exchanged gifts. To put it honestly and accurately Parker gave his best gifts yet. They were a little unorthodox but thoughtful nonetheless. Gotta love the Parker.

Finally this morning we had a lovely time at the iglesia where Christmas Songs were shared as well as a good ol' birthday game of Pass the Parcel. Yup... Good times. Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

The Turn

Talk about a Gilbeaux of a day. I'm just saying, it is pretty much a sad state of affairs when you wake up at 6:30 every morning on your vacation. Oh well at least I feel really productive and rested every day. So, hey, whatever.

So after waking up at my ungodly hour I made myself an egg-sandwich. It was good stuff, tasted like holiday goodness. Now I'm watching Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It is at a really dramatic part of the movie where the whole family is running. And I'm not going to lie I got a little emotional. Gosh! What a wreck. But that got me thinking, what about other movies that take an emotional change... Here are some for your consideration:

1. Don't Tell Mom the Baby-Sitter's Dead. Honestly you think you're watching a comedy and then it turns out to be a dram. Remember when Sue Ellen has to confess to the executives at GAW, Inc. that she is really just 17 years old and she can't do it all. Talk about dramatic moments.

2. Last Holiday. You're enjoying the movie, comedy, lovely and wonderful and then---BAM! (Literally) It turns dramatic and emotional. Honestly who didn't feel the sorrow for the Queen L?

3. Sin City. Oh wait that was just a stupid, ridiculous movie even if you thought it was going to be good it sucked.

I'm just saying. I'll add more to the list, but now I have to go pick up Austen--AUSTEN!

It's like you're a drug...

Hum. It seems we all have addictions in our lives, and at the coming of the Fake Holiday (otherwise known as New Year's Eve), we decide to cast those addictions away into the Realm of No More. The realm of lost socks and wire coat hangers, a world we will never find when we need it the most.

But unlike a matching pair of socks or a wire coat hanger when you're locked out of your car, it seems to me that we hold on to our addictions and conveniently find them again. Well I have to admit, my addictions... they aren't that bad. But I feel it, with the onset of the Fake Holiday, the call to me. 'Ello Poppet, 'ere is da list:

(This is all suppose to be read in a very melodramatic voice, but if I had to tell you that stop reading this blog 'cause you are pretty much too boring to enjoy this blog if you needed to be told.)

Farah Drazin. My word, my beauty, my desire. She is totally ridiculous. She shall never be allowed to leave my side. It's like being addicted to crack, and then quitting cold turkey for a week. Oh the sorrow of her being away from my side.

Movies. Last night did it. I am back in the world of Tinsel Town. The Big Screen. It's in the can baby. I hit 1009 points last night and I desire to see more. To know more about the movie world. Gird your loins because I'm back baby, I'm back!

YouTube. My goodness last night I looked up Santa Conquering the Martians at 1:49 am and the next thing you know I'm watching Elisabeth Hasselbeck argue with Rosie O'Donnell at 3:49 am. This is what we call an amazing invention and a terrible, horrible addiction. But just so you know... I had a good find on YouTube last night. I read about it, so it's not like it was my find but last night I watched the Donald Trump chewing out Rosie because she's a "slob" and a "disgusting loser [who he] laugh(s) at when she loses." That was pretty much the funniest thing ever. He cracks me up because he is so... so... him. And he makes no apology for it. We all know that The Donald is just trying to get ratings for his show up, while also bagging on Rosie because she pretty much has a tendency to go over the top. Not that there's anything wrong with that (cough cough). Which leads me to my next addiction...

Winter Reality TV Shows. I admit it. I love AI, Apprentice, Survivor (sigh) and so many others. The Amazing Race is coming back this spring for all stars, and because of this I believe it is time for me to invest in some satellite TV. Dare I say my addiction has come back? A passion for channel flipping is upon me, ye have been warned.

Diet Coke. Blast. Just when I thought I was drinking mainly water I buy a box of crackers and... Gulp gulp. My throat yearns for the brown cancer drink. Gulp gulp. I desire it again, and again. I shall consider casting that addiction to the Realm of No More, but alas. I fear this addiction may be here to dwell among us.

Disneyland. Can you feel it? The weather, she's a changing. The world enjoys her now, what with the Birthday of Jesus and the Fake Holiday coming. But once they've had their way with her, they'll leave her for the mundane realities of their worlds, work, school and routine. But then I, oh, I will reclaim her and restore her to her rightful beauty. She and I will enjoy the Winter months. Oh how I long for January and February where I can frolic through the park uninhibited with the other fourteen guests who attend the park on these dates. Oh and March. Sweet March. A month of freedom for me and my love. See? The addiction is gaining control over me!!!

Potter. Dare I say I jumped for joy yesterday? Hallows? Deathly Hallows? I kid you not I woke up yesterday morning and went on JK Rowling's website before I heard the news. Dare I say there is a---connection between the two of us. Yes, the Potter Fanatic inside of me growls with excitement. Could it be the JKR's Publishers have set the date? Shall I share a wedding date and a book release? Oh the addiction, it grows!

Alas. Addictions are just that: Addicting. But with moderation and...

Eh. Whatever. I'm over it. Live it Up!

The Date.

Yup.

It happened.

I did it.

We're there.

Engaged.

The juicy details lay around the corner on College and McCoy, so show up and hear em all.

Later.

School Daze

So this is pretty much the cake days of school. Man, I read a book this morning and drank a liter of water. And teaching? Yeah I did that for an hour but for the rest of the day the kids will be at music. Is my life AMAZING or AMAZING. It's almost like there isn't a choice there. It pretty much rocks.

Outside of my elementary life... life is pretty much all about working to pay bills and buying gifts with the little money I have left over. Well, honestly having to pay for school, rent, utilities, food and gas I really have only pennies left... So if you are reading this please only expect to find a Christmas Card from Michael this year. Probably hand delivered what with postage rates being so high. I'm so poor these days it's almost as though I'll be forced to drink my soup from puddles because I won't be able to buy any bowls. But Farah still loves me even though I'll be lapping up soup from a puddle. That's what's great about Farah. See we both love similar things...

"We have a lot of things in common, we both love soup. We love soup and Talk and not-talking. We can not-talk or talk for hours and still have things to talk about and not-talk about for hours."

So I'll conclude this blog with this statement: "By the time I [get] home from school I'll [feel] weaker than a mortal" -Shredderman, Attack of the Tagger

School Daze

So this is pretty much the cake days of school. Man, I read a book this morning and drank a liter of water. And teaching? Yeah I did that for an hour but for the rest of the day the kids will be at music. Is my life AMAZING or AMAZING. It's almost like there isn't a choice there. It pretty much rocks.

Outside of my elementary life... life is pretty much all about working to pay bills and buying gifts with the little money I have left over. Well, honestly having to pay for school, rent, utilities, food and gas I really have only pennies left... So if you are reading this please only expect to find a Christmas Card from Michael this year. Probably hand delivered what with postage rates being so high. I'm so poor these days it's almost as though I'll be forced to drink my soup from puddles because I won't be able to buy any bowls. But Farah still loves me even though I'll be lapping up soup from a puddle. That's what's great about Farah. See we both love similar things...

"We have a lot of things in common, we both love soup. We love soup and Talk and not-talking. We can not-talk or talk for hours and still have things to talk about and not-talk about for hours."

So I'll conclude this blog with this statement: "By the time I [get] home from school I'll [feel] weaker than a mortal" -Shredderman, Attack of the Tagger

Represent!

Goals met, yo!

Seriously the goals, they are-a-met.

Here we go...

I pretty much love the 5th grade. I always LIKE waking up in the MORNING. Odd, cause I have to be there about one hour earlier than if I was really working. But they rock my life away. Hooray for them. Today I admit that I pretty much stayed in bed as long as possible, but that's cause of the cold not the class.

I ate corn on the cob in Palo Alto at this little Mexican Restaurant. I have about 20 witness who saw me order and bite into that goodness. It was an amazing night of cobs.

I completed organizing my files a while back... I think it was the 14th or so. But I did all that and that feels good, cause I can find anything I may need in a hurry. Ahh I need to go back to school on the third... boo hoo...

I cleaned the bathroom on the 30th. Ha. I waited till the last possible moment to do that one, jut to be a butthead.

I totally made cookies for me and Parker on the 30th for New Month's Eve. Lovely sorta thing.

I bought more than 3 gifts for Christmas: I got one for Cass, a ridiculous amount of gifts for Farah, three for Katie, and one for Jason. I also did some good scouting for Parker, Kyle, Lisa, and Susie. The jury is still out on anyone else.

The only issue I hit into was reading a book every weekend, I read part of a book each weekend, but didn't complete them. However, each weekend I'd pick up a NEW book and read what I could of it.

Confessions

From the corner of the dark room...

"Forgive me Blogger for I have sinned. It has been 15 days since my last confession. I have been busy, lazy, and preoccupied with life."

"Yes my child. You are forgiven. Come to me. What are your burdens?"

"Oh, Blogger. I have had thoughts of changing to another blog! I mean, you have been good to me, with the black background and all, but I am longing for something new. Something exciting. Is this a sin, Blogger?

"Why do you long for these things child?"

"I don't know. I guess I look at other blogs and I see what they have. They can do cool things like bold, italics, and so much more, and I... I can only write in white writing and in one font. Oh, how I long for the freedom of fonts, Blogger."

"But have you not made a commitment to me? Have you loving only one blog."

"Oh, Blogger. I have been unfaithful to you. I have but one other blog. It was a short lived fling though. I let it go, but I admit I think about it still. I want it back. In fact tonight I went to it looking for excitement but all I got was a reminder of the things I crave. Oh take this from me, Blogger."

"They will. But you must trust."

"Oh thank you, Blogger. Thank you!"

The List

Here it is by popular demand: My list. The grand Christmas list, so if one would be interested one would need only to look at the list:

Starbucks Giftcards
Blenderz Giftcards
Disneyland Pass (mine expires in March)
Barnes and Nobel Giftcards
Sweaters from Target
Old Spice Deodorant: Mountain Rush
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Subscription to Ranger Rick
Printer Paper
White Socks
Medium Undershirts (plain white)
I Love Lucy Season 2-Whatever (I have season 1)
A plant/orchid for the house


Perhaps I'll add more things soon, but that's a start for one who may be looking.

The Devil, The Devil City, and a Romantic Day....

DON'T EVER GO TO LOS ALAMOS! THE DEVIL AND HIS MINIONS LIVE THERE! WATCH OUT! Seriously, this isn't Michael being dramatic here. I saw one of the minions on a dirt bike and it was seriously a ghost town. The maze is closed. Don't go there! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!


Ok, now for the pictures of the romantic, lovely November date... (shut up Parker)







Here's where we were... Sorry my friend...

Goal for the Americano.

Well here I go again. I'm all about goal making... I think short term goals are the best because pretty much you can actually meet those goals. Unlike those long New Year's Reso's. So here are my goals for the month of November:

To enjoy life in the 5th Grade.
To read a new book every weekend.
To clean the bathroom.
To make cookies (even if I just bake the dough).
To finish organizing my file cabinet.
To buy 3 Christmas gifts.
And to eat corn on the cob.

I will do my best to document these goals being met, and then come December 1st I will see if I met my goals. If I meet all of the goals I am taking myself out for yogurt... If not I'll buy Parker a yogurt.

Project Life

Life is like... Life is like Project Runway. Yeah, OK. I said it. I hate to compare friends, family, and enemies to a reality tv show, but... After dressing up like one of the characters I had to come to grips with reality here.

One day you're in and the next day you're out. You'll have to agree the characters from last season somewhat seem to remind you of the people you deal with on an everyday basis... "Desssignersss." I'm just saying... Take a closer look, and make it work...





Maybe you are an Uli. You know, the free spirited, krazy kolored person who sees life as a giant vacation and time to languish. You spend days dreaming of being somewhere better than where you are. But everyone loves you, and why not? You're the rockin' German who lives in Miami.




Or Maybe you're more of a Jeffery/Laura type. The boss-o, ego-maniac who actually does really cool stuff, but is simply annoying when you do it. You may be able to work it, but seriously, get ahold of that ego.



Well you could be a wacky Angela. You could be that type of person who can talk the talk, but sure can't walk the walk. Ahh! These people drive me nuts! You ain't got nothing to back yourself up with... You just use cliches all day and can't do a thing... Well, except make a wacky rosette.



Maybe you're the Vincent type. The odd ball of the group who is just creepy... You know, the guy who comes to the party and everyone covers their face and says, "Oh jeepers. I hope he doesn't come up to me."



You very well could be a Michael. A great showman, and starts off being the best... But when it comes to the big show and you're in your friends need you to come through--- You choke! Everyone who cheered for you now wonders, "Hum. Wasn't he suppose to be something to me?"



Jesus hasn't taken that wheel yet... Cause if you are a Kayne type. You're... Just Kayne.


You could be Tim. The leader and mentor to many. People look up to you, but sometimes just don't get you. I mean, what's the deal here? Can't you just say "meet?" Why all the caucus talk? But hey, in the end you make it work...

Nevertheless, whomever you are. Just take note. One day you could be in and the next day you could be out. So take heed and watch your personality and your actions closely. We'll see you on the runway...

At Long Last

Here are the Halloween Pictures many have requested. At long last, they have arrived. I went as Jeffrey from Project Runway and Farah went at Laura from the same show. Morgen was Mimi from RENT and Mike was Randy the friendly homeless guy.