It hasn't been that long since we worked and I'm already on my old stay up late and wake up at 10:00am schedule--that has to go quickly.
I'm in a rush to get my page totals read before the end of the year. I've got a hundred pages left in one book and I will have beaten last year's total. Ellice's total is hopelessly out of reach at this point, however, so no dice on the competition. I've got her on the number of books read, but that's not as big as the page total. She's beaten me every year thus far.
Saturday- UK won handily against Tennesse Tech; Legion is transferring out to Illinois. Good riddance I say--if you don't want to play for UK and can't appreciate the program, find something else. Went grocery shopping at Walmart.
Sunday- Church, Andi came over to learn to cook pork loin; good, as usual
Monday-Christmas Eve. We went to the evening service at church, then my grandparents. We got a bunch of clothes that didn't fit and a great gift card. All in all, it was fairly painless, except for the allergies. They acted up terribly.
Tuesday-Christmas Day. Evan joined us for a conference with the Chick parents, then we all went over to my parents for lunch. I got a bunch of books I liked, Ellice got gloves, a set of books and two musicals on DVD she really wanted. Not to mention we got cash, which went to buying more DVDs and miniatures. Most importantly was the family atmosphere. I don't think we were all ever so content as a family as we were this day. We prayed for the Chicks, including James in Baghdad, who is undoubtedly having a difficult Christmas overseas. We settled in and watched VH1 marathons the rest of the time.
Wednesday-Made the trip to Walmart to return gifts and went to sleep at 5:30pm. I think that's a record for us.
Thursday-Went to the Metcalfs for dinner and games. Good times, good times. Got in way too late and slept in the next morning.
The High King by Lloyd Alexander
This is the fifth and final book in the Prydain Chronicles.
Thus ends the tale of Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper of Hen Wen, the oracular pig. This is the longest book in the series. It is geared toward a younger audience, but holds treasures for lovers of fantasy of any age. While I won't give this one away, I will say that things are wrapped up very well in a neat and exciting package. Warning-this one has several moments that may bring tears to your eyes. Old events and minor characters in the four previous installations are brought to the fore once again, and as to be expected when the final conflict comes, some characters will not survive the entire book. That the characters bring enough emotional impact that we care whether they live and die is a mark of good writing. I think it is the best book in the series, and well worth the read. ***1/2
Friday, December 28, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
School is out for a week and a half
This was the last week of work, and the kids were insane, but I suppose that was to be expected. On Wednesday and Thursday we had shortened schedules and watched Santa Clause 1, 2, and 3. The movies actually made the day longer, if you can believe that. Ellice had a few parties this week, including bunco, to which I was not invited and I used those opportunities to sleep and play video games, as I have no more schoolwork for a time.
We have to go back on Jan. 2, but this break is most welcome.
Friday- We sacrificed the whole day Christmas shopping in Lexington. Things are tight this year (as always) and we're struggling but we are making due with what we've been graced with. We were going to get no presents, but we just couldn't do it, it didn't feel right. I blame our indoctrination into the corporate culture in this country.
While shopping, we happened by the sports art gallery place and looked around. Long story short, Cameron Mills was signing pictures with some of the proceeds going toward Cameron Mills Ministries. Since we are doing the baby's room in UK, we thought it would be appropriate. It was really cool to meet him.
After a hard day shopping, (it was Friday before Christmas after all), we rewarded ourselves with a trip to see National Treasure: The Book of Secrets (review to come) in Hamburg. This was the first non-matinee prices we've paid for some time and we were surprised--$8.50 per adult ticket. Wow! It was worth the price though as we had a great time on our date. Interestingly, they included a Goofy cartoon at the beginning of it, and it was the funniest thing I've seen in some time. I laughed so hard I cried.
Saturday-Today, Ellice brought me breakfast in bed--a special treat. We watched a little Return of the Jedi--a great start to the day. We read a little, and now I'm blogging. Later today will be a UK game against Tennessee Tech, where hopefully we'll gain some measure of redemption after our 4-game losing streak. Finally we'll do a little grocery shopping.
National Treasure: The Book of Secrets
We loved the frist one and thrilled at seeing this, the second installment. The Gates family has to redeem their family name as a new historical document has listed a Gates ancestor as a conspirator in the assassination of Lincoln. To clear the name, father and son (and estranged mother) must follow clues to discover another lost treasure. Lots of fun, adventure, and excitement; puzzles, break-ins, traps and scheming bad guys, all with a historical bent. They took the theme of using little known historical events and entangling them with secret society conspiracies and ran with it a second time--it works again! Many people don't like formulas for movies and books, but I argue that formulas work in conjunction with good writing. I think Nick Cage has really found a groove with this series. They could probably make a bunch more and I'll wind up owning all of them. ***1/2
We have to go back on Jan. 2, but this break is most welcome.
Friday- We sacrificed the whole day Christmas shopping in Lexington. Things are tight this year (as always) and we're struggling but we are making due with what we've been graced with. We were going to get no presents, but we just couldn't do it, it didn't feel right. I blame our indoctrination into the corporate culture in this country.
While shopping, we happened by the sports art gallery place and looked around. Long story short, Cameron Mills was signing pictures with some of the proceeds going toward Cameron Mills Ministries. Since we are doing the baby's room in UK, we thought it would be appropriate. It was really cool to meet him.
After a hard day shopping, (it was Friday before Christmas after all), we rewarded ourselves with a trip to see National Treasure: The Book of Secrets (review to come) in Hamburg. This was the first non-matinee prices we've paid for some time and we were surprised--$8.50 per adult ticket. Wow! It was worth the price though as we had a great time on our date. Interestingly, they included a Goofy cartoon at the beginning of it, and it was the funniest thing I've seen in some time. I laughed so hard I cried.
Saturday-Today, Ellice brought me breakfast in bed--a special treat. We watched a little Return of the Jedi--a great start to the day. We read a little, and now I'm blogging. Later today will be a UK game against Tennessee Tech, where hopefully we'll gain some measure of redemption after our 4-game losing streak. Finally we'll do a little grocery shopping.
National Treasure: The Book of Secrets
We loved the frist one and thrilled at seeing this, the second installment. The Gates family has to redeem their family name as a new historical document has listed a Gates ancestor as a conspirator in the assassination of Lincoln. To clear the name, father and son (and estranged mother) must follow clues to discover another lost treasure. Lots of fun, adventure, and excitement; puzzles, break-ins, traps and scheming bad guys, all with a historical bent. They took the theme of using little known historical events and entangling them with secret society conspiracies and ran with it a second time--it works again! Many people don't like formulas for movies and books, but I argue that formulas work in conjunction with good writing. I think Nick Cage has really found a groove with this series. They could probably make a bunch more and I'll wind up owning all of them. ***1/2
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Quick week
Monday-Ellice had a bad headache. Finished my last final by staying up too late--but at least its finished.
Tuesday-Volleyball semifinals-we won. Finals against First Methodist, we lost and I took a hard fall. I beat Auburn with Morehead State on my PS2 game, a real shocker! Maybe we're turning this program around...
Wed- Sore from the fall the night before. Church, then had my presentation in my night class, and then I was done! No more school till the middle of January.
Thurs- Got home from work and was so sore I had trouble sleeping.
Friday- Skipped work and went to the insta-care center to get checked out. No breaks, but officially a bruised rib and bruised pelvis. Get set up with an NSAID and a painkiller. I'm using them sparingly as needed, primarily to make sure I can sleep.
Saturday- Had a great gaming session, even though I almost fell out of my chair and aggravated my rib. UK played better against a modest UAB team, but still lost due to a 3-point exhibition from a guy named Vaden (?!?!)--33 points, a career high for him. We may not make the NCAA here folks, just giving you fair warning. Hopefully, Meeks or Jasper will be back soon to give us some help. Then we went to the Sunday School Christmas party and had a lot of fun, even if my allergies are kicking up.
Sunday- Found out why my allergies are so bad lately; My Nasonex ran out 2 weeks ago, so I've been using an empty bottle. I know, how can I be so brain dead as to do such a thing? Just busyness. In the middle of Sunday School, I may my first pregnancy run to give my wife a fix--what is Ellice craving?---McDonald's Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel. Andi did not come over today, Ellice had her solo as they performed their CD live at church that evening and we watched the Survivor Finale.
One final note, school is out Thursday and it can't come soon enough...
Survivor: China (TV)
An interesting season, even though Todd the flight attendant took home the big prize. None of the people I rooted for were in the top 3. That's okay, as I really liked the last two winners, so you have to have that lying jerk win once in a while, I suppose. Cool season anyway, as they had a lot of Chinese culture and China themed challenges. Looking forward to next season. **
Tuesday-Volleyball semifinals-we won. Finals against First Methodist, we lost and I took a hard fall. I beat Auburn with Morehead State on my PS2 game, a real shocker! Maybe we're turning this program around...
Wed- Sore from the fall the night before. Church, then had my presentation in my night class, and then I was done! No more school till the middle of January.
Thurs- Got home from work and was so sore I had trouble sleeping.
Friday- Skipped work and went to the insta-care center to get checked out. No breaks, but officially a bruised rib and bruised pelvis. Get set up with an NSAID and a painkiller. I'm using them sparingly as needed, primarily to make sure I can sleep.
Saturday- Had a great gaming session, even though I almost fell out of my chair and aggravated my rib. UK played better against a modest UAB team, but still lost due to a 3-point exhibition from a guy named Vaden (?!?!)--33 points, a career high for him. We may not make the NCAA here folks, just giving you fair warning. Hopefully, Meeks or Jasper will be back soon to give us some help. Then we went to the Sunday School Christmas party and had a lot of fun, even if my allergies are kicking up.
Sunday- Found out why my allergies are so bad lately; My Nasonex ran out 2 weeks ago, so I've been using an empty bottle. I know, how can I be so brain dead as to do such a thing? Just busyness. In the middle of Sunday School, I may my first pregnancy run to give my wife a fix--what is Ellice craving?---McDonald's Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel. Andi did not come over today, Ellice had her solo as they performed their CD live at church that evening and we watched the Survivor Finale.
One final note, school is out Thursday and it can't come soon enough...
Survivor: China (TV)
An interesting season, even though Todd the flight attendant took home the big prize. None of the people I rooted for were in the top 3. That's okay, as I really liked the last two winners, so you have to have that lying jerk win once in a while, I suppose. Cool season anyway, as they had a lot of Chinese culture and China themed challenges. Looking forward to next season. **
Monday, December 10, 2007
Not quite as long a blog...
Monday-Ellice was sick and missed school.
Tuesday-Ellice was still sick, even worse this day. She did start to feel better that night and came to watch me play volleyball. We lost against that really good team that never loses. I felt really sore, and Ellice really wished she was able to play. I really appreciate her support in just showing up. It wouldn't be the same without her there. Found out our Freshman guard Alex Legion is leaving UK. That really stinks, we need him.
Wednesday- Legion may be coming back, but we won't know until January. Church, then class.
Ellice went back to work, feeling better, but we're both really dragging at this point.
Thursday-Hoping for a snow day-that didn't come. (sigh). Last meeting of my Thursday night class; Final exam posted online.
Friday-After work, we went to get our free oil change at Kia. Went to the Cici's across the street for dinner, then went straight home for our date night. We had popcorn and sprite and watched the second Fantastic Four movie. We had a blast just relaxing.
Saturday- Ellice went to an academic team meat for most of the day. They came in 3rd out of 4 teams, which is about what the expected, except they had some bad judges. I played games, worked on my Final, and did some light housework. Watched the UK game against #15 Indiana, and they played miserably--blown out. This is going to be a very long season. When Ellice got home, we went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and got our Christmas pictures made. We also prepped the house for her cookie bake day on Sunday.
Sunday- Church, Andi came over and cooked chicken fried rice for Ellice, me, and her friend Tagin. She's learning quickly and cooks well with direction. Eventually, we should cut her loose and let her decide what to cook. Then Ellice had her annual Cookie bake, while I went to hang out with David. I didn't get as much time with Ellice as I would have liked, but it was still a fun weekend. We did cap the evening off by watching Amazing Race.
No reviews as I've been concentrating on my final. Next blog should include the Survivor Finale.
Tuesday-Ellice was still sick, even worse this day. She did start to feel better that night and came to watch me play volleyball. We lost against that really good team that never loses. I felt really sore, and Ellice really wished she was able to play. I really appreciate her support in just showing up. It wouldn't be the same without her there. Found out our Freshman guard Alex Legion is leaving UK. That really stinks, we need him.
Wednesday- Legion may be coming back, but we won't know until January. Church, then class.
Ellice went back to work, feeling better, but we're both really dragging at this point.
Thursday-Hoping for a snow day-that didn't come. (sigh). Last meeting of my Thursday night class; Final exam posted online.
Friday-After work, we went to get our free oil change at Kia. Went to the Cici's across the street for dinner, then went straight home for our date night. We had popcorn and sprite and watched the second Fantastic Four movie. We had a blast just relaxing.
Saturday- Ellice went to an academic team meat for most of the day. They came in 3rd out of 4 teams, which is about what the expected, except they had some bad judges. I played games, worked on my Final, and did some light housework. Watched the UK game against #15 Indiana, and they played miserably--blown out. This is going to be a very long season. When Ellice got home, we went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and got our Christmas pictures made. We also prepped the house for her cookie bake day on Sunday.
Sunday- Church, Andi came over and cooked chicken fried rice for Ellice, me, and her friend Tagin. She's learning quickly and cooks well with direction. Eventually, we should cut her loose and let her decide what to cook. Then Ellice had her annual Cookie bake, while I went to hang out with David. I didn't get as much time with Ellice as I would have liked, but it was still a fun weekend. We did cap the evening off by watching Amazing Race.
No reviews as I've been concentrating on my final. Next blog should include the Survivor Finale.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Lots to catch up on
It's been busy as usual, but I've been keeping notes to catch up my blog.
Okay, Thursday, more than a week (feels like a month ago)-Thanksgiving. Had Joel and Sonya, as well as Evan over. Good holiday, food and games, a good day.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday (last week): trip to Murfreesboro, TN to see grandma (soon to be great grandma) Chick. She was a little tired, I was a little sick, and Ellice was a little pregnant, so other than a foray out into town we stayed in and visited for most of the weekend. It was a nice time to relax. We watched a few movies, talked over a couple of breakfasts and she let me tape the UK football game against Tennessee. It was a lot of fun to watch it on her big TV-even though my kitty cats lost in, get this, 4 Overtimes. Ack!! We now have the dubious distinction of having the longest losing streak against an opponent who plays every year at 23 years. This happened because Navy beat somebody they never beat this year. By the way, we also have the honor of the second spot, our series against Florida who we also haven't beaten in forever. We also went to see Enchanted, but more on that below. Upon our return, we had to go grocery shopping for the week, and after the 4 hour drive, we were wiped. I stayed up and watched the UK basketball game that we had taped. UK won against Texas Southern in a lights out shooting exhibition.
Monday- Work, rest, Ellice was beginning to feel a little better, and so was I. We tried to go walking, but the track was being worked on, so no dice. We did pick up our "100-mile" shirts though.
Tuesday- We won our volleyball match in the first round of our tournament. It was close, as we lost one game. We just weren't making good plays, but we eked out a win. UK (Football is over except for the big bowl game, so any further reference is basketball) played an ugly game, barely winning against a week Stony Brook team. Freshman Patterson is our only bright spot this year.
Wednesday- As usual, Wednesdays are chock full. After work we went to Church for dinner, then Ellice went to her Women's study and I went to class.
Thursday- We are exhausted. I hung out with a friend while Ellice went to Bunco.
Friday- Payday. Budgeting day for the rest of the year was difficult. Our jobs aren't paying a whole lot, so we're tightening our belts quite a bit. We've made some hard decisions and there are more to come, but we do feel blessed with a baby on the way. We are trusting our finances to God, as he knows what we need and will provide.
Saturday- Probably the most trying day for me emotionally. After a tense Friday, I was looking forward to some gaming with friends. This didn't turn out so good. There was an incident that left tensions high and to calm things, we had to end early. Ellice has been great through it, but I haven't handled it all that well. While I am in the right in the situation, how to deal with it in the future remains to be seen. I've been praying about it, but I'm having difficulty letting go. Anyway, after that, I planned to watch the UK-North Carolina game. Unfortunately, the video went out while we taped it, and all we had was Dick Vitale talking on a black screen. Now, Dicky V talks about everything under the sun except what is happening on the court, so I had trouble keeping up. It was a rather disappointing day. Ellice tried her best to find an online version of the game, to no avail. She's a real trooper though, and I love her for trying. I did see about 5 minutes of the game, so my viewing streak should still be alive (besides, listening to Dick Vitale blather for an hour or two should count).
Sunday- Church, Ellice's mentee Andi came over to learn to cook--apparently we aren't the only ones who are exhausted. She fell asleep on our couch. I find it a compliment that she could relax enough to actually take a nap in our apartment. So they had some mentor-mentee bonding and I got to play a few video games. The games helped restore me. I guess everyone is different in what rejuvenates them. Ellice later decorated the apartment (she's great at that) I did some homework, laundry, dishes, watched Amazing Race and Stargate Atlantis (from Friday). After this blog, I plan on reading, writing, preparing for work tomorrow, doing some more housework, more homework and collapsing in an exhausted heap.
Enchanted
Liked it a lot. Disney scores on this one. Predictable, but in a good way. The music is staying with me a week later, and that's a sign of an enduring film. Good family fun. (Still, it's no Aladdin). **1/2
White Christmas
I saw this for the first time and it was cool. I'm a big Danny Kaye fan and had never actually watched Bing Crosby. He's not on screen for being photogenic--its obviously for his voice. This isn't the laugh riot I would expect from Kaye, but there's a lot of singing. The moral of the story is typically sweet and while the acting is typically "stagey" for the period, what stands out the most is the spectacular writing. The dialogue is crisp and engaging, as well as cleverly humorous. **1/2
Last Holiday (DVD)
I missed this one when it came out and didn't rush to rent it. The Mrs. told me it was good, but I had no idea how good it was. While the moral is predictable, the delivery is exceptional. I am officially a Latifah fan--even in a comedy such as this, she brings an old school glamour to the screen. This film's theme struck a chord with me, and I'll not soon forget it. A very high recommend. ***
Okay, Thursday, more than a week (feels like a month ago)-Thanksgiving. Had Joel and Sonya, as well as Evan over. Good holiday, food and games, a good day.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday (last week): trip to Murfreesboro, TN to see grandma (soon to be great grandma) Chick. She was a little tired, I was a little sick, and Ellice was a little pregnant, so other than a foray out into town we stayed in and visited for most of the weekend. It was a nice time to relax. We watched a few movies, talked over a couple of breakfasts and she let me tape the UK football game against Tennessee. It was a lot of fun to watch it on her big TV-even though my kitty cats lost in, get this, 4 Overtimes. Ack!! We now have the dubious distinction of having the longest losing streak against an opponent who plays every year at 23 years. This happened because Navy beat somebody they never beat this year. By the way, we also have the honor of the second spot, our series against Florida who we also haven't beaten in forever. We also went to see Enchanted, but more on that below. Upon our return, we had to go grocery shopping for the week, and after the 4 hour drive, we were wiped. I stayed up and watched the UK basketball game that we had taped. UK won against Texas Southern in a lights out shooting exhibition.
Monday- Work, rest, Ellice was beginning to feel a little better, and so was I. We tried to go walking, but the track was being worked on, so no dice. We did pick up our "100-mile" shirts though.
Tuesday- We won our volleyball match in the first round of our tournament. It was close, as we lost one game. We just weren't making good plays, but we eked out a win. UK (Football is over except for the big bowl game, so any further reference is basketball) played an ugly game, barely winning against a week Stony Brook team. Freshman Patterson is our only bright spot this year.
Wednesday- As usual, Wednesdays are chock full. After work we went to Church for dinner, then Ellice went to her Women's study and I went to class.
Thursday- We are exhausted. I hung out with a friend while Ellice went to Bunco.
Friday- Payday. Budgeting day for the rest of the year was difficult. Our jobs aren't paying a whole lot, so we're tightening our belts quite a bit. We've made some hard decisions and there are more to come, but we do feel blessed with a baby on the way. We are trusting our finances to God, as he knows what we need and will provide.
Saturday- Probably the most trying day for me emotionally. After a tense Friday, I was looking forward to some gaming with friends. This didn't turn out so good. There was an incident that left tensions high and to calm things, we had to end early. Ellice has been great through it, but I haven't handled it all that well. While I am in the right in the situation, how to deal with it in the future remains to be seen. I've been praying about it, but I'm having difficulty letting go. Anyway, after that, I planned to watch the UK-North Carolina game. Unfortunately, the video went out while we taped it, and all we had was Dick Vitale talking on a black screen. Now, Dicky V talks about everything under the sun except what is happening on the court, so I had trouble keeping up. It was a rather disappointing day. Ellice tried her best to find an online version of the game, to no avail. She's a real trooper though, and I love her for trying. I did see about 5 minutes of the game, so my viewing streak should still be alive (besides, listening to Dick Vitale blather for an hour or two should count).
Sunday- Church, Ellice's mentee Andi came over to learn to cook--apparently we aren't the only ones who are exhausted. She fell asleep on our couch. I find it a compliment that she could relax enough to actually take a nap in our apartment. So they had some mentor-mentee bonding and I got to play a few video games. The games helped restore me. I guess everyone is different in what rejuvenates them. Ellice later decorated the apartment (she's great at that) I did some homework, laundry, dishes, watched Amazing Race and Stargate Atlantis (from Friday). After this blog, I plan on reading, writing, preparing for work tomorrow, doing some more housework, more homework and collapsing in an exhausted heap.
Enchanted
Liked it a lot. Disney scores on this one. Predictable, but in a good way. The music is staying with me a week later, and that's a sign of an enduring film. Good family fun. (Still, it's no Aladdin). **1/2
White Christmas
I saw this for the first time and it was cool. I'm a big Danny Kaye fan and had never actually watched Bing Crosby. He's not on screen for being photogenic--its obviously for his voice. This isn't the laugh riot I would expect from Kaye, but there's a lot of singing. The moral of the story is typically sweet and while the acting is typically "stagey" for the period, what stands out the most is the spectacular writing. The dialogue is crisp and engaging, as well as cleverly humorous. **1/2
Last Holiday (DVD)
I missed this one when it came out and didn't rush to rent it. The Mrs. told me it was good, but I had no idea how good it was. While the moral is predictable, the delivery is exceptional. I am officially a Latifah fan--even in a comedy such as this, she brings an old school glamour to the screen. This film's theme struck a chord with me, and I'll not soon forget it. A very high recommend. ***
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