Weekend Project #3: The Back Porch

I'm from the South, so it's a given that I love fans. I have to have them in every room in the house (save the kitchen and for now, the dining room) and I have to have it on when I go to sleep (even if it's below freezing outside). It's a soothing sound for me, and plus, the obvious, they're functional. Therefore, it was a given that we'd put one outside. AND we really want to enjoy our patio this summer.


On Saturday, we woke up early and headed to Lowe's to find a table to match the chairs Jeff's Mom gave us when we moved in. We found the perfect match (and a steal @ $50) so we snatched up the table and moved on to Home Depot. We found a nice copper colored outdoor fan and a big, green hanging plant which is ideal for any back patio! (well in my opinion at least). Jeff and I hosed down the porch, set up the table and okay, I'll admit, Jeff did all the work on the fan and voila, the porch was sparkling.



We had some friends over that evening for an impromptu bbq, but wouldn't you know, even with the fan, it was just too damn hot! go figure.

Fore!!

I completed my first 18-hole round of golf today! *Whew* Golf is a bit more strenous then I thought, though it could of been a combination of my amateur status, trying to knock the crap out of the ball every time I went to tee off and the hot Texas sun.

Jeff and I, along with my parents, went to play at The Buckhorn today in Comfort, TX. I finally have my own set of clubs (pink and purple - a Susan G. Komen series - and the latest special at Wal-Mart) much to Jeff's excitement - that means more excuses to go play golf.

I had a good time! I got really frustrated at points. I'll just say that the first 9 was a lot easier/fun than the last! I'm not posting my score, because a. it was awful and b. it was a "round about" figure, considering there were some swing and misses.

But I'm proud that I finally did the whole course! yahoo!

Six Hours

Well, there goes six hours of my life I'll never get back. I just finished my Defensive Driving class online. Something I've needed to do since I got a ticket back in February (*argh* - I'm still fuming about that one). Hopefully this is the last time I'll have to take DD for a very long time!

Kera-say-whatis?!

Now I can say that I've got the "itis" - Keratitis to be exact. Side note: For the record, my eye doesn't look anything like the one on the wiki page.

I started having problems with my eyes about two weeks ago, but I attributed it to over used contacts and I exchanged them for new ones last Monday. But that didn't correct the problem - I was having issues reading things up front, which is wierd considering I'm nearsighted. I then thought my vision had changed. Since I've been working my current gig, I stare at the screen probably a lot more than I should. Anyway, I ended up making an appt to the eye doctor and saw him yesterday.

After a lot of "hrm, that looks nasty" and a "well that makes a big difference" from the optometrist (always what you wish they'd say to you), he decided to way-lay the new contact/glasses prescription, told me to toss my contacts, wear my glasses for a week and prescribed me some 'roids and antibotic drops.

My follow up is on Monday. I'm blind till then. I'm not a fan of wearing glasses, so I'll probably only have them on when necessary... should be a fun week.

Movie Review - The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Warning: Possible Spoilers!

This afternoon, Jeff and I went to see Prince Caspian, the second movie in The Chronicles of Narnia series. In order to review the movie, I need to say a few words about the book.

To start, the book was only 215 pages, not much to base a whole movie on alone. The book was a good story, but pretty anti-climatic (except for the last battle which was referred to as the Battle of Beruna). Even then, the scene went pretty fast and the story was over before you knew it.

The movie did change a lot of scenes from the book itself. Aslan plays a more prominent role in the book. Instead of appearing at the end of the movie, in the book he appears when the Pevensies (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) are making their way to find Caspian and ends up leading the way (I'll save the mystery if you decide to read the book).

The movie also added another battle in which the Old Narnians attack Miraz' castle - this never occurred in the book itself. Also, their was a lot of tension between Caspian and King Peter in the movie. In the book, when Peter and Caspian meet (another difference between movie/book) Peter tells Caspian that he's not looking to take his throne, but instead to help put Caspian in it. The movie portrays Peter as more hostile teenager then he actually is.

I try to think of the movie without all the changes, but I think it would of been rather on the boring side. I think overall that Disney and Andrew Adamson did a great job! It was entertaining, adventurous and my most favorite part? An unexpected surprise - IZZARD as General Reepicheep! He was fantastic and provided none other than the comic relief - go figure!

I'm partial to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, so I'm not sure I can say this is one of my favorite movies, but if you're looking to find out what happens next in Narnia, you won't be disappointed! Can't wait till the next movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader which is set to release in May 2010.

Shut Up!

I am so upset! My favorite comedian, Eddie Izzard, is coming to town (by in town, I mean Austin) on June 6 – 9th. I LOVE Izzard’s stand up, he’s hilarious! However, because it’s down to crunch time, the tix are selling at $180/each (the cheapest I could find) – that’s close to $400 for two peeps!!!! Wth?!

I love you Izzard, I truly do - although, I still haven’t finished collecting all your DVD’s (a work in progress) – but I can’t justify spending that much. I just have too many other things I need to pay off before I can do this. I’m so upset – this would have been fantastic to see!

But hear me now. One day, I’ll be there, front and center. All for you, buddy, all for you.

The Chronicles of Narnia - Book 2

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens this weekend at the theatres. I decided to brush off the dust on my set and reread the second book so that I can have the story fresh in my mind. I love reading books right before I see the movie. It makes a more exciting viewing experience, even if you aren't always in agreement with how Hollywood changed things (can you say DaVinci Code?).

I have such good memories of The Chronicles of Narnia from when I as a kid. Specifically The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe though the others were read at some point - though only once. I remember I was introduced to them in second grade, by Mrs. VanderZee, my teacher at the time. She also introduced us to Clifford: The Big Red Dog. But the Narnia series always held a special place in my heart. I remember watching a cheesy animated version of this later on, probably late 80's (?). However, the recent version just blew everything out of the water. It was fantastic!

Note: The picture above is the actual version that I have. There have been so many versions printed and by different publishers, but I was able to find this illustration, which was published by Collier Books and Macmillan Publishing Company in 1970 .

Disappointment Abound!

I hate to be the "Debbie Downer" but the past few days have sent a few disappointments (though small in relation to most) my way.

To start, I finally got around to mailing in the disposable cameras from my wedding (from 2.5 years ago!). I sent them via snail mail to Snapfish. I received the prints in the mail yesterday and was completely disappointed by the results. Only ONE picture actually turned out okay and I had no clue who the person in it was! So I threw it away. I blame two factors - a. the photographers aka: wedding guests (sorry guys, but ya'll stink) and b. the fact that the film has been sitting for awhile probably wasn't a good thing. It's just sad, because I spent some $$ on the development and to get nothing in return kind of stinks.

However, on a positive note, sending film to Snapfish was a snap (no pun intended). I mailed them at the end of last week, received email communication from them that they received it, 2 hours later the developed film was online in my gallery and then I had the prints within 1 week! I totally recommend trying out the fish if you are still a 35mm film lover.

My second disappointment of the week is my own fault. I think I became overly excited about watching Beauty and the Beast again that my expectations were just so high. I watched one episode Tuesday night - let's just say, I don't remember the acting being that poor and I guess in 1987 we were impressed by any type of CG - but it just doesn't translate into the 21st century (duh!). I forced myself to watch another episode yesterday just to give it 'one more try', but the results were the same. I can't imaging myself watching 3 whole seasons! I'm going to let Beauty and the Beast stay in the depths of my memory. I don't think it was worth bringing back. And I advise you all to not make the same mistake as I just did.

Hopefully, the weekend will be more upbeat and I'll have something more positive to blog about. But afterall, this is my site to bitch on as I see fit, right? :)

Where is My Stimulus Check?

I'm up late. I attest it to the 2.5 hour nap (*shame*) and the 32 oz of Diet Coke (*double shame*) that I consumed today. Look, back off, I know. Anyway, after reading my daily PF blogs I noticed that a number people have received their Economic Stimulus Check already.

My question is "Where the hell is mine??". According to the IRS' website, I was scheduled to receive mine, according to the original plan by May 2nd. However, after Bush's speech last week, they were going to begin on Monday, April 28th! I've checked my account every day this week, five or six times a day and I haven't received JACK yet. Look here, Mr. Federal Government, I have plans for that money (not necessarily to stimulate anything but my networth) but still - give me my dues, man!

Technically it is already May 3rd!!! You're late.

Hold the Phone!!

I can't believe I am so excited about this, but I am. Beauty and the Beast the TV Series is out on DVD - did you know this?!?! Apparently they've been available, at least the first season, since February 2007.

Even though the cinematography is probably lame - I am so excited to see them! I have such good memories as a child watching this show - I was 7 when it came out.

I know it's really dorky and kind of sad how I am excited about a TV show, but for those fellow "Beauty and the Beast"ers - I know you understand!