The One with Summer Break

It is finally here-summer vacation. And not a moment too soon. I wasn't sure I was going to make it this time around. This is the first summer without classes or work, so it should prove quite different this time around.

Baby is on her way. It looks like it may be June 23 as the magical date, and we feel pretty prepared. Well, as prepared as first-time parents can be.

The job front is better than in the past, but not as rosy as we imagined this spring. After multiple assurances of a teaching position next year at two different schools, I was passed over for dubious reasons. But I have my old job as an assistant if I can't get something better. It will be a struggle, but Ellice has her teaching job and well, when has it ever not been a financial struggle and God has always somehow provided despite appearances.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Entertaining in a mild sort of way. Not much to say about this one. Performances are passable caricatures. There is some sense that the actors were going through the motions on this one. But the story is predictable and somewhat funny. I think they could have finessed the ending a bit to make the story arc more of a complete circle. The movie could have used a bit more development of the the minor characters and a little less on McConahey and his letcherous behavior. **

He's Just Not That Into You (DVD)
Several characters buy heavily into stereotypes. Completely predictable, with very little about these characters changing. With such a numerous cast, I would expect more than two characters to show personal growth. Three characters just made me sick. The interviews of women outside the story and in between the actual scenes of the film were by far the best part of the movie. The title is appropriate though, as I just wasn't that into this motion picture. *

17 Again
After a string of subpar movies lately, I didn't expect much here. Boy was I surprised. While the premise may be a little tired and old hat, the execution is brilliant. This movie was very funny, with a little campiness thrown in. Efron delivers an excellent performance as a younger version of an unhappy, bordering on midlife crisis Matthew Perry who gets the chance to set things right as his 17 year-old self. The show stealer however is his nerdy best friend Ned, who lives in a geek's nirvana of computer gaming, comic book loving Star Wars/Medieval Fantasy haven and has a crush on the high school principal. This movie was well worth our time, and will probably makes its way onto our DVD shelves someday. ***1/2

The One Even More Overdue

A couple of rough weeks. Turns out that I didn't get any of the eight teaching positions I was up for after being assured of one for next year. And I hurt myself playing softball again, so I'm all gimpy on crutches with the same injury as last year but different side. Been kinda down lately, so you'll forgive the infrequent blogs. The kids are done at school but the teachers (and assistants like yours truly) have to go through till next week. I'm sure my outlook will improve as time marches on, the due date for baby Laurana approaches, and job prospects open up for next year. I am thankful that I at least have this job next year as well if nothing else pans out. The Lord will put me where he wants me I suppose.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
This one is fairly predictable, exactly what we expect, but on a grander scale. Hank Azaria is tremendously funny as the heavy, Kahmun Ra (or something similar), the mummy from the 1st movie's older brother. Virtually the entire crew of characters from the first movie makes it into this one, along with a few new favorites that haunt the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian in Washington, D. C. The ground is familiar, almost comfortable and only rarely dips into the "oh geez, that schtick again" (I speaking here about fighting with the monkey). All in all, an amusing ride that ups the ante a bit and doesn't waste a lot of time. ***