Very sick this week. On top of breathing problems, Wednesday night through Thanksgiving I have had a stomach virus. I was unable to partake in the yearly feast, much to my chagrin.
On a lighter note, UK rebounded from their first two losses to defeat a pair of lesser opponents. Still a little shaky at the point, but they are improving. This weekend they will be in Vegas for a a tournament.
New shopping center in Richmond has opened, at least partially and we'll have to visit the movie theater there sometime soon. I'm on the fence whether we'll try to shop on Black Friday. We'll see. Have a happy holiday weekend.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
UK is Struggling
We received our tickets to Wicked for January, and Ellice is really excited. Other than that, not much is going on. We have our first Dr. Appointment in a couple of weeks. I'm forbidden from playing Volleyball until Spring, and I'm really struggling with that.
Star Wars is going well; we're having fun playing. There have been a few near-death experiences, but the crew is getting the feeling of high adventure.
UK's basketball team was stunned Friday by a hot shooting VMI team in a track meet-103-111. Poor defense and a surprising lack of effort was the reason. They tried to rely on their length and athletic ability instead of hustle. And they got the expected result. Hopefully, this highly regarded team can get it together. Tuesday they face #1 North Carolina, so we are likely going to start the season 0-2.
The Football team started out the first half against Vanderbilt with only 15 yards of offense. Needless to say, they lost, 24-31. The sluggish wildcats had a chance late, but another interception from freshman QB Randall Cobb cost the wildcats their chance at tying the game.
Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks
This is the second installment of the Shannara series set some 30 or 40 years after Sword of Shannara. Wow, fantasy literature at its best. I loved this book. There was a much smaller party than the Sword, but Wil Ohmsford and Amberle have a fine adventure. Basically, the Ellcrys, a great mystical elven tree that keeps the demon hordes trapped in a parallel dimension is dying, and the pair have to prepare the next Ellcrys by bathing its seed in the Bloodfire. Meanwhile, Allanon the druid and the elven prince Ander Ellesedil have to hold off the ancient enemies in massive engagements.
I predicted the main twist in the book, but it was still way cool. Allanon delivers in his fight against the great evil demon the Dagda Mor. I just can't recommend this book enough to lovers of fantasy. They plan to make this one a movie, so get out there and read this one before the film comes out! ****
Quantum of Solace
The second Daniel Craig version of James Bond. We saw this one at Movie Tavern and the poor service was due to their being understaffed. We were both so hungry and frustrated that our opinion of the movie may have been affected. That being said, here's what we thought:
Action-packed but a bit too fast paced. We both lost track of the plot and who were good guys and bad. And we both dislike the trend in recent years of "shaky cam" featured in the Bourne movies. For some reason, this generation of directors think that the quick shaky cam is a good way to increase intensity. All it does is make me nauseous and I can't tell what is going on. But the story, from what we could tell was good, but it felt like a the second movie in a trilogy. We were expecting more after the amazing Casino Royale. This will probably be a better movie when we see it on DVD in our comfortable home. ***
Star Wars is going well; we're having fun playing. There have been a few near-death experiences, but the crew is getting the feeling of high adventure.
UK's basketball team was stunned Friday by a hot shooting VMI team in a track meet-103-111. Poor defense and a surprising lack of effort was the reason. They tried to rely on their length and athletic ability instead of hustle. And they got the expected result. Hopefully, this highly regarded team can get it together. Tuesday they face #1 North Carolina, so we are likely going to start the season 0-2.
The Football team started out the first half against Vanderbilt with only 15 yards of offense. Needless to say, they lost, 24-31. The sluggish wildcats had a chance late, but another interception from freshman QB Randall Cobb cost the wildcats their chance at tying the game.
Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks
This is the second installment of the Shannara series set some 30 or 40 years after Sword of Shannara. Wow, fantasy literature at its best. I loved this book. There was a much smaller party than the Sword, but Wil Ohmsford and Amberle have a fine adventure. Basically, the Ellcrys, a great mystical elven tree that keeps the demon hordes trapped in a parallel dimension is dying, and the pair have to prepare the next Ellcrys by bathing its seed in the Bloodfire. Meanwhile, Allanon the druid and the elven prince Ander Ellesedil have to hold off the ancient enemies in massive engagements.
I predicted the main twist in the book, but it was still way cool. Allanon delivers in his fight against the great evil demon the Dagda Mor. I just can't recommend this book enough to lovers of fantasy. They plan to make this one a movie, so get out there and read this one before the film comes out! ****
Quantum of Solace
The second Daniel Craig version of James Bond. We saw this one at Movie Tavern and the poor service was due to their being understaffed. We were both so hungry and frustrated that our opinion of the movie may have been affected. That being said, here's what we thought:
Action-packed but a bit too fast paced. We both lost track of the plot and who were good guys and bad. And we both dislike the trend in recent years of "shaky cam" featured in the Bourne movies. For some reason, this generation of directors think that the quick shaky cam is a good way to increase intensity. All it does is make me nauseous and I can't tell what is going on. But the story, from what we could tell was good, but it felt like a the second movie in a trilogy. We were expecting more after the amazing Casino Royale. This will probably be a better movie when we see it on DVD in our comfortable home. ***
Saturday, November 08, 2008
We have a new President
Well the election didn't go my way. Ce la vie. Hopefully, there will be a peaceful transition of power, the Dems will overstep their bounds like they did the last time they had both Houses and the Presidency, and the backlash will restore the balance of power.
One brief political note, then I'll leave it be for the time being. I am rather disappointed in the electorate for their lack of historical or political perspective. The whole campaign season has centered on Bush bashing and "Change" for change sake. But that's not what happened. The Presidency changed, but the party in power in Congress who is as responsible as the President for the current Wars we are in and the economy today (which is very little influence, actually) got further entrenched in power. To be a true change, then the party with the majority would have been ousted, but apparently the populace was spoonfed by the Media that the Republicans are responsible for everything, which is simply a ridiculous assertion. Also, the national media's love affair with Obama was rather sickening, and it shocks me that the fourth estate was able to collectively put a media darling into such a position of power with little scrutiny.
Okay, I got that off my chest. In other news, job is stressful and I aggravated my leg injury in another volleyball loss. I have been told by my PT that I am not able to play volleyball for the rest of the season to let it heal. Needless to say, I'm disappointed.
Good news is that I am in a good writing cycle thanks to Ellice's idea that I write in the morning for fifteen minutes every day before I leave for work. So far, its worked rather well. Let's hope we can keep it up.
City of Ember
This is film adaptation of the novel I reviewed in an earlier blog.
I found the movie entertaining, but a bit rushed and somewhat less enjoyable than the novel. Bill Murray plays the smarmy mayor relatively well, and I thought the underground city was well represented. I thought they left the sense of mystery that was in the book out in the expository opening of the movie, as they told everything in a matter of two minutes. Overall, I'll give it as **
One brief political note, then I'll leave it be for the time being. I am rather disappointed in the electorate for their lack of historical or political perspective. The whole campaign season has centered on Bush bashing and "Change" for change sake. But that's not what happened. The Presidency changed, but the party in power in Congress who is as responsible as the President for the current Wars we are in and the economy today (which is very little influence, actually) got further entrenched in power. To be a true change, then the party with the majority would have been ousted, but apparently the populace was spoonfed by the Media that the Republicans are responsible for everything, which is simply a ridiculous assertion. Also, the national media's love affair with Obama was rather sickening, and it shocks me that the fourth estate was able to collectively put a media darling into such a position of power with little scrutiny.
Okay, I got that off my chest. In other news, job is stressful and I aggravated my leg injury in another volleyball loss. I have been told by my PT that I am not able to play volleyball for the rest of the season to let it heal. Needless to say, I'm disappointed.
Good news is that I am in a good writing cycle thanks to Ellice's idea that I write in the morning for fifteen minutes every day before I leave for work. So far, its worked rather well. Let's hope we can keep it up.
City of Ember
This is film adaptation of the novel I reviewed in an earlier blog.
I found the movie entertaining, but a bit rushed and somewhat less enjoyable than the novel. Bill Murray plays the smarmy mayor relatively well, and I thought the underground city was well represented. I thought they left the sense of mystery that was in the book out in the expository opening of the movie, as they told everything in a matter of two minutes. Overall, I'll give it as **
Saturday, November 01, 2008
All Hallow's Eve
The week in review. I apologize for the length, but quite a bit happened this time around...
Babysat a couple of kids on my own for the first time, that was interesting. It didn't go too bad. Feed 'em, let them help clean up a bit, exercise 'em, let 'em watch a good Disney movie and that was about it. No hitches, no major injuries, and no real problems---this time.
I have hit a wall physically. I'm completely worn out; my leg is hurting almost nonstop. This work and exercise schedule leaves me with no energy. I feel sick and I'm not sure if it is something contagious or just severe allergies. The difference is minimal. I'm coughing sporadically, and that's never a good sign with me. I actually had to take a day off Friday as I can barely get up and down stairs. The day of recuperation seems to have helped as I seem a bit more mobile today (Saturday). Energy level is still low however.
Work is taxing emotionally as well. The teams are gradually making more demands, pushing what I am capable of providing. I have to repeat the mantra that I cannot possibly make everyone happy, so just do my best. I've been put in instructional situations more and more often with larger and larger groups of kids, not just assistance roles. I'm getting the feeling that I'm being used more like a collaborative teacher than an aide. That's fine and all, but the pay should be about 3x what I'm making. I'm feeling a bit used.
We lost our volleyball game Tuesday; very frustrating as we have some members of the team that just don't seem to put forth much effort; not only during a game but in being receptive to improve their skills. Some are and I am very pleased with the hustle and trying to make plays. Maybe I just want more for the team than they are capable of, but it is hard to be a coach and lose game after game.
After the volleyball game Tuesday night, our neighbor's tiny dog was mauled by a part-wolf mix right in front of us. It was very sad. The coy dog was acting very oddly, wondering through heavy traffic and charging other animals, and we had to call in the cops, who in turn called animal control. The little dog didn't make it, it had lost way too much blood. Weird night.
One comment on the election. Could you imagine in 1944 having a major party candiate for President named Adolf Hermann Manteufel? Or in 1960 a candidate with the moniker Nikita Brelenev? 1972 Ho Minh Cho? Think about it.
Halloween was fun; dressing up like Jedi and handing out candy. Now that we are on a major thoroughfare, we had to make Jack-o-Lanterns and the whole nine yards. I made hot apple cider and after trick-or-treat, we had friends over to play a couple of Trivia games. Lots of fun.
UK is bowl eligible after defeating Mississippi State on the road 14-13. Woo-hoo! If we can win another, we can definitely get a bowl, and there are several games left. Also tonight, we went with my parents to Rupp Arena to watch the Blue-White basketball game. Lotsa fun. They should be better than last year, I think.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This is a Newbury award-winner that many people had recommended, so I gave it a shot. The setup of the book is great; very intriguing. Young Jonas lives in a society rather different than ours. I don't want to give too much away, but everyone follows the Rules. There are many rules, everyone is very polite, and they happily do their appointed duties. Jonas is on the cusp of his apprenticeship as a Twelve (year-old), and is eagerly anticipating his future. Then things go slightly awry.
The story pace is engaging, as one would expect from the young fiction genre. I was engrossed until the end--which threw me for a loop. I didn't like the way it wrapped up. However, as one mark of good literature is to promote thinking and discussion, I suppose I have to give it a bump in the star count for that. ***
Babysat a couple of kids on my own for the first time, that was interesting. It didn't go too bad. Feed 'em, let them help clean up a bit, exercise 'em, let 'em watch a good Disney movie and that was about it. No hitches, no major injuries, and no real problems---this time.
I have hit a wall physically. I'm completely worn out; my leg is hurting almost nonstop. This work and exercise schedule leaves me with no energy. I feel sick and I'm not sure if it is something contagious or just severe allergies. The difference is minimal. I'm coughing sporadically, and that's never a good sign with me. I actually had to take a day off Friday as I can barely get up and down stairs. The day of recuperation seems to have helped as I seem a bit more mobile today (Saturday). Energy level is still low however.
Work is taxing emotionally as well. The teams are gradually making more demands, pushing what I am capable of providing. I have to repeat the mantra that I cannot possibly make everyone happy, so just do my best. I've been put in instructional situations more and more often with larger and larger groups of kids, not just assistance roles. I'm getting the feeling that I'm being used more like a collaborative teacher than an aide. That's fine and all, but the pay should be about 3x what I'm making. I'm feeling a bit used.
We lost our volleyball game Tuesday; very frustrating as we have some members of the team that just don't seem to put forth much effort; not only during a game but in being receptive to improve their skills. Some are and I am very pleased with the hustle and trying to make plays. Maybe I just want more for the team than they are capable of, but it is hard to be a coach and lose game after game.
After the volleyball game Tuesday night, our neighbor's tiny dog was mauled by a part-wolf mix right in front of us. It was very sad. The coy dog was acting very oddly, wondering through heavy traffic and charging other animals, and we had to call in the cops, who in turn called animal control. The little dog didn't make it, it had lost way too much blood. Weird night.
One comment on the election. Could you imagine in 1944 having a major party candiate for President named Adolf Hermann Manteufel? Or in 1960 a candidate with the moniker Nikita Brelenev? 1972 Ho Minh Cho? Think about it.
Halloween was fun; dressing up like Jedi and handing out candy. Now that we are on a major thoroughfare, we had to make Jack-o-Lanterns and the whole nine yards. I made hot apple cider and after trick-or-treat, we had friends over to play a couple of Trivia games. Lots of fun.
UK is bowl eligible after defeating Mississippi State on the road 14-13. Woo-hoo! If we can win another, we can definitely get a bowl, and there are several games left. Also tonight, we went with my parents to Rupp Arena to watch the Blue-White basketball game. Lotsa fun. They should be better than last year, I think.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This is a Newbury award-winner that many people had recommended, so I gave it a shot. The setup of the book is great; very intriguing. Young Jonas lives in a society rather different than ours. I don't want to give too much away, but everyone follows the Rules. There are many rules, everyone is very polite, and they happily do their appointed duties. Jonas is on the cusp of his apprenticeship as a Twelve (year-old), and is eagerly anticipating his future. Then things go slightly awry.
The story pace is engaging, as one would expect from the young fiction genre. I was engrossed until the end--which threw me for a loop. I didn't like the way it wrapped up. However, as one mark of good literature is to promote thinking and discussion, I suppose I have to give it a bump in the star count for that. ***
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