As I explained yesterday, I have had a rough go at it lately. Now I don't like pity parties although I acknowledge that I do have them on occasion. I would also acknowledge that there are many other people in this vast world that have it worse than me. That being said, I am sick of life crapping on me. I also don't know whether or not it is an okay thought to have. Part of me says that we need to be grateful for what we have been given and that we should be fine with anything that comes our way. On the other hand, when bad things happen, it is natural to be worn down by them. That I believe is an okay response, but when it becomes an unhealthy response: I don't know.
Now the other part of this is God. I happen to believe that God is in control of everything, but I also happen to believe that sometimes life just happens to us. God lets it happen, but it still just happens. That means that there isn't necessarily a reason for why some things happen. There could be good brought out of it, but like I said before, sometimes life just craps on us.
But there are also many places in the Bible that say as Christians, God loves us very much and if we follow Him, blessings will fall. So if you love someone and you can do something about it, do you just continue to let crap happen to them? No. Then why is al this stuff happening to me. Why am I in a job I hate and is rotting my mind away? Why have I been rejected so many times during this job search? Why, when I was created as an extremely relational person, am I still single? Why is there no leading in any direction? For a God that wants to have a relationship with us, He is being awfully quiet. That's not a good way to build a relationship with someone. Lots of questions here, no answers.
In another realm, have a happy new year's. Enjoy the holiday and spending with whomever you are spending time with. I will not be blogging for the next week as I will be in Nashville from Monday to Thursday. Peace.
12.30.2005
12.29.2005
A Year to Forget
This year is coming to a close and as I look back on it, it has been a rough one. I'll try to not get to negative here, but it could sound like whining. Here are some things that have happened to me:
This is by no way a complete list. I am positive that I forgot some things good and bad that happened. So please don't get offended if I forgot something. This was just what jumped into my head today.
- My job search extended to 20 months
- I came down to the final two candidates in 4 jobs and was rejected every time
- My grandfather died
- I was alone for yet another year
- My car's brakes warped due to being pulled out in front of
- My muffler almost fell off
- I broke my wrist
- I got shoulder bursitis and possibly a tear
- I injured my achilles tendon
- The last three happened with no health insurance
- I was unable to give to others many times
- I saw a man get hit by two cars
- A trip to Germany which had been eagerly waiting for the last three years, I found out I wouldn't be able to go on
- I got to see U2 live
- I went to an NFL football game
- I get to go to Passion
- I got to go to the beach for a couple of days
- 3 good friends got married
- A couple of friends had kids
- Friends of mine found jobs
- Friends of mine bought houses
- I went to a couple of other concerts
- I was gifted a Christmas tree
- My brother got a promotion
This is by no way a complete list. I am positive that I forgot some things good and bad that happened. So please don't get offended if I forgot something. This was just what jumped into my head today.
12.28.2005
Grand Detail
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing King Kong. It was awesome. It was cinematic wonderment. Peter Jackson has such a great gift for showing pure beauty on the screen. Whether it's the sceneries that he chooses or the attention he pays to the digital effects. The movie was staged in the 1930s and with the attention to detail, you felt as though you were watching the 1930s live. I was completely drawn into the era.
The story was well written to not only bring you through to the end, but also to really make you care about the characters. It will do a good job of tugging at your heart's strings. The cast was well chosen with some of the highlights being Naomi Watts who does an incredible job playing Ann Darrow and can scream with the best of them. Adrien Brody does a good job of playing the nerdy scriptwriter. Jack Black, although not in his usual role, is serviceable.
King Kong was well done. The expressions that they gave his face and eyes were incredible. The effects were astonishing and the action sequences astounding. The face-off between the ape and TRexes was incredible. It was just an extremely well done movie that did not feel like it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long.
I jumped, I yelled in surprise, I yelled in fear, I cheered. I am not vocal at all in movies, but this one created vocal reflexes. It completely drew me in. Go see it. It is definitely worth the price of a movie ticket.
The story was well written to not only bring you through to the end, but also to really make you care about the characters. It will do a good job of tugging at your heart's strings. The cast was well chosen with some of the highlights being Naomi Watts who does an incredible job playing Ann Darrow and can scream with the best of them. Adrien Brody does a good job of playing the nerdy scriptwriter. Jack Black, although not in his usual role, is serviceable.
King Kong was well done. The expressions that they gave his face and eyes were incredible. The effects were astonishing and the action sequences astounding. The face-off between the ape and TRexes was incredible. It was just an extremely well done movie that did not feel like it was 3 hours and 7 minutes long.
I jumped, I yelled in surprise, I yelled in fear, I cheered. I am not vocal at all in movies, but this one created vocal reflexes. It completely drew me in. Go see it. It is definitely worth the price of a movie ticket.
12.27.2005
Reflections of a Four-Christmas Weekend
1. You can customize your order at Red Robin
2. Thanks SM
3. My shoulder hurts
4. I love my family
5. My antifreeze looks good
6. I have a new battery
7. Mmm, wings
8. I'm a meat-eater and proud of it
9. It is fun to laugh
10. It is even more fun to make people laugh
11. It is interesting hearing a joke repeated over and over and over...
12. The 8.15 church service is definitely early
13. One or two, but not all
14. Dad's side, immediate family without bro's family, Mom's side, immediate family with bro's side
15. Three big meals, three days in a row is too much
16. Cream cheese cookies
17. I haven't been to McDonald's in 6 or 7 years
18. 16 people around two dinner tables is a lot
19. The Ravens won
20. Is Boller good or not, he's starting to confuse me
21. I got a lot more for Christmas than I deserve
22. A family or two will get a goat and clean water
23. My niece loved the trains
24. I'm not a loser, but many times feel like one
25. Why is life's success or failure many times based on relationships and jobs?
26. Based on those two things, I am a failure right now
27. 6 days til I'm in Nashville for Passion '06
28. I had an absolutely wonderful time with my family
29. Church with a liquor license, interesting idea
30. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is my favorite Christmas show
31. My grandmother held up very well for this being the first holiday season without my grandfather
32. Ten Thousand Villages
33. Samaritan's Purse
34. To give is better than to receive
2. Thanks SM
3. My shoulder hurts
4. I love my family
5. My antifreeze looks good
6. I have a new battery
7. Mmm, wings
8. I'm a meat-eater and proud of it
9. It is fun to laugh
10. It is even more fun to make people laugh
11. It is interesting hearing a joke repeated over and over and over...
12. The 8.15 church service is definitely early
13. One or two, but not all
14. Dad's side, immediate family without bro's family, Mom's side, immediate family with bro's side
15. Three big meals, three days in a row is too much
16. Cream cheese cookies
17. I haven't been to McDonald's in 6 or 7 years
18. 16 people around two dinner tables is a lot
19. The Ravens won
20. Is Boller good or not, he's starting to confuse me
21. I got a lot more for Christmas than I deserve
22. A family or two will get a goat and clean water
23. My niece loved the trains
24. I'm not a loser, but many times feel like one
25. Why is life's success or failure many times based on relationships and jobs?
26. Based on those two things, I am a failure right now
27. 6 days til I'm in Nashville for Passion '06
28. I had an absolutely wonderful time with my family
29. Church with a liquor license, interesting idea
30. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is my favorite Christmas show
31. My grandmother held up very well for this being the first holiday season without my grandfather
32. Ten Thousand Villages
33. Samaritan's Purse
34. To give is better than to receive
12.23.2005
A Holiday Wish
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
To all of you. It is a special time of the season. Enjoy spending time with family and friends. Laugh, cry, smile, and express any other emotions that come. Let this be a peaceful and loving time of year. Here is a nice little Christmas story for you.
The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus--"God saves'--because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this--a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Emmanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
12.22.2005
Life, Hope, Peace
This is a song that was written by David Crowder and is on his most recent release. I need to set this song up for you so you get the idea. The song starts off with a machine beeping with the heartbeat and then getting slower, eventually flatlining as the person dies. I know...depressing. But there is hope in the song.
Are we left here on our own?
Can you feel when your last breath is gone?
Night is waiting heavy now
Be quiet and wait for a voice that will say
Come awake; from sleep, arise
You were dead; you’ve come alive
Wake up wake up; open your eyes
Climb from your grave; into the light
Bring us back to life
You are not the only one
Who feels like the only one
Night soon will be lifted friend
Just be quiet and wait for the voice that will say
Come awake; from sleep, arise
You were dead; you’ve come alive
Wake up wake up; open your eyes
Climb from your grave; into the light
Bring us back to life
Rise, rise, rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise, rise...
Shine, shine, oh shine
We will shine; we will rise
We will shine, shine, shine
Can you feel when your last breath is gone?
Night is waiting heavy now
Be quiet and wait for a voice that will say
Come awake; from sleep, arise
You were dead; you’ve come alive
Wake up wake up; open your eyes
Climb from your grave; into the light
Bring us back to life
You are not the only one
Who feels like the only one
Night soon will be lifted friend
Just be quiet and wait for the voice that will say
Come awake; from sleep, arise
You were dead; you’ve come alive
Wake up wake up; open your eyes
Climb from your grave; into the light
Bring us back to life
Rise, rise, rise, rise, rise
Rise, rise, rise, rise...
Shine, shine, oh shine
We will shine; we will rise
We will shine, shine, shine
12.21.2005
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Because of the wonderful ability to procrastinate that I have, I didn't start my Christmas shopping until this week. Monday night was the first time this year I bought a Christmas present. Some people would say that waiting this long is crazy, but I can assure you that for me it is quite normal.
Anyway, on to Monday night. It was an absolutely wonderful time. I had so much fun being out walking around looking at things and then buying for the wonderful people in my life. It was relaxing and the crowds have started to get a bit smaller. At one point I picked a nice cup of coffee while I was traversing to the next store that was on the list.
I, of course, had my santa hat on bringing smiles to everyone I'd meet. Tonight I get to go out again and hopefully will finish up my shopping and have as much fun as I have been having. Try to have fun this season. Remember that these traditions we have aren't meant to be torturous implements, but things to bring us joy. And enjoy seeing your family that you usually don't get to see.
Anyway, on to Monday night. It was an absolutely wonderful time. I had so much fun being out walking around looking at things and then buying for the wonderful people in my life. It was relaxing and the crowds have started to get a bit smaller. At one point I picked a nice cup of coffee while I was traversing to the next store that was on the list.
I, of course, had my santa hat on bringing smiles to everyone I'd meet. Tonight I get to go out again and hopefully will finish up my shopping and have as much fun as I have been having. Try to have fun this season. Remember that these traditions we have aren't meant to be torturous implements, but things to bring us joy. And enjoy seeing your family that you usually don't get to see.
My Favorite Christmas Song
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like eskimos
Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother’s child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from 1 to 92
Although it’s been said many times many ways
Merry Christmas to you
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like eskimos
Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother’s child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from 1 to 92
Although it’s been said many times many ways
Merry Christmas to you
12.20.2005
Football
It's time to talk football of all nationalities. First we shall start off with American. My Ravens won a football game 48-3 last night. This was a great win for a team that has been doing so awful all year, but it creates a problem. When a team does poorly, changes in personnel should be made. Specifically for this team the quarterback and coach should go. But when a team win a blowout and a quarterback plays great for one game it creates a false sense of a good team. One game does not a team make great. Hopefully people won't be fooled and will realize that the team is still 5-9.
In the World Cup the draw for the final 32 teams took place a couple of weeks ago. The USA landed in a nasty group, but most likely not the worst group. This could be looked as horrible, but I don't think it is. I believe that it is a chance to gain worldwide respect. Many people dislike the USA soccer team throughout the world and especially in the US(Mr. Mind the Gapper). If the USA plays in a hard group and comes out of it with some wins, that will gain them some respect in Europe and throughout the world. So the team has a fantastic opportunity in this World Cup. And my early pick for the winner is that Holland beats Brazil in the finals.
Lastly the Champion's League draw took place last Friday. It ended up creating some difficult matches as well as some easy matches. It also pits what are quite possibly the two best teams in Europe against each other in the round of 16. That would be Chelsea and Barcelona. While this would be wildly entertaining, it is also a shame. With one of these team going out in the round of 16, it will make the trip all the easier for the eventual winner of the Champion's League. So I say, Go Chelsea!! although Rover would like me to root for Barcelona. (not gonna happen dude)
In the World Cup the draw for the final 32 teams took place a couple of weeks ago. The USA landed in a nasty group, but most likely not the worst group. This could be looked as horrible, but I don't think it is. I believe that it is a chance to gain worldwide respect. Many people dislike the USA soccer team throughout the world and especially in the US(Mr. Mind the Gapper). If the USA plays in a hard group and comes out of it with some wins, that will gain them some respect in Europe and throughout the world. So the team has a fantastic opportunity in this World Cup. And my early pick for the winner is that Holland beats Brazil in the finals.
Lastly the Champion's League draw took place last Friday. It ended up creating some difficult matches as well as some easy matches. It also pits what are quite possibly the two best teams in Europe against each other in the round of 16. That would be Chelsea and Barcelona. While this would be wildly entertaining, it is also a shame. With one of these team going out in the round of 16, it will make the trip all the easier for the eventual winner of the Champion's League. So I say, Go Chelsea!! although Rover would like me to root for Barcelona. (not gonna happen dude)
12.19.2005
Reflections of a Buffalo Weekend
1. Snow, Snow, Snow
2. Riding in snow is not the funnest pastime of all
3. Subway can be a good dinner
4. We went through a beautiful ski resort town
5. I was really annoying
6. A drink to calm the nerves is good
7. What a beautiful house
8. I love open spaces
9. I really, really like wood fireplaces
10. Warm apple pie
11. Godlen retrievers are pretty
12. Throwing a flat football didn't work to well
13. Wegman's is the best grocery store I have ever seen
14. Their hoagies are okay
15. Alcohol is cheap in NY
16. I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet
17. Tailgating could be really fun
18. My experience was fine
19. The Buffalo Bills game was cool
20. Drunken behaviour is not fun to watch
21. The game wasn't very good
22. A guy ran on to the field and that was absolutely hilarious
23. It was cold, but not too cold
24. I love hot showers
25. There is something that is so nice about laying down near a fire and lit Christmas tree and dozing off
26. If only the previous comment included a nice, soft woman to snuggle with
27. I was told this weekend that I would make a yound lady very happy one day
28. Homemade sauerkraut can be very good
29. Thank you so much to S&J T
30. Thank you to Mr. Lackey for everything
31. Mr. Lackey's house is going to become a nice pad
32. It's nice to crash on a couch
33. I am very low maintenance
34. 6 days till Christmas and I am nowhere near ready
2. Riding in snow is not the funnest pastime of all
3. Subway can be a good dinner
4. We went through a beautiful ski resort town
5. I was really annoying
6. A drink to calm the nerves is good
7. What a beautiful house
8. I love open spaces
9. I really, really like wood fireplaces
10. Warm apple pie
11. Godlen retrievers are pretty
12. Throwing a flat football didn't work to well
13. Wegman's is the best grocery store I have ever seen
14. Their hoagies are okay
15. Alcohol is cheap in NY
16. I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet
17. Tailgating could be really fun
18. My experience was fine
19. The Buffalo Bills game was cool
20. Drunken behaviour is not fun to watch
21. The game wasn't very good
22. A guy ran on to the field and that was absolutely hilarious
23. It was cold, but not too cold
24. I love hot showers
25. There is something that is so nice about laying down near a fire and lit Christmas tree and dozing off
26. If only the previous comment included a nice, soft woman to snuggle with
27. I was told this weekend that I would make a yound lady very happy one day
28. Homemade sauerkraut can be very good
29. Thank you so much to S&J T
30. Thank you to Mr. Lackey for everything
31. Mr. Lackey's house is going to become a nice pad
32. It's nice to crash on a couch
33. I am very low maintenance
34. 6 days till Christmas and I am nowhere near ready
12.16.2005
Gross Incompetence
Yesterday, we here in central Pennsylvania had a winter storm. This storm started off in the morning with some snow which amounted to about 2 inches. Then we got some ice which covered everything before it turned to a bit of rain. I was out and about till about 9 last evening. The roads were crappy then, but the precipitation was coming to an end. In fact, no more frozen stuff fell and I didn't even have to clean off my car this morning.
Well imagine my surprise when I cam out a bit before 9 this morning and the roads were absolutely crappy! Yes that is the case. PennDoT had around 12 hours to clean off the roads and they just sat on their duffs. That is completely ridiculous. Those roads should have been nothing but wet when I went out. It was even a few degrees above freezing.
Then I had something that happened that encourage my irritation towards PennDoT. I wa coming over a hill on my way to work and there lay in front of me a large patch of ice. Off I went a-spinning down the hill. There was oncoming traffic trying to spin up the hill. Fortunately, I went towards the side of the road and as I was doing my 180 I came to rest in a snow bank. Scared the dickens out of me. Due to my low speed, neither I or my car was hurt. I started my car, put it in first and drove off.
I am very thankful that things went the way they did. I have a feeling I had someone helping me out. It could have been a lot worse than it was, especially since there were cars on the road that I could have hit. Anyway, thanks to the Big Man Upstairs.
Off to Buffalo I go to see a Bills game. It is my first NFL game live and you can be sure to get a report next week.
Well imagine my surprise when I cam out a bit before 9 this morning and the roads were absolutely crappy! Yes that is the case. PennDoT had around 12 hours to clean off the roads and they just sat on their duffs. That is completely ridiculous. Those roads should have been nothing but wet when I went out. It was even a few degrees above freezing.
Then I had something that happened that encourage my irritation towards PennDoT. I wa coming over a hill on my way to work and there lay in front of me a large patch of ice. Off I went a-spinning down the hill. There was oncoming traffic trying to spin up the hill. Fortunately, I went towards the side of the road and as I was doing my 180 I came to rest in a snow bank. Scared the dickens out of me. Due to my low speed, neither I or my car was hurt. I started my car, put it in first and drove off.
I am very thankful that things went the way they did. I have a feeling I had someone helping me out. It could have been a lot worse than it was, especially since there were cars on the road that I could have hit. Anyway, thanks to the Big Man Upstairs.
Off to Buffalo I go to see a Bills game. It is my first NFL game live and you can be sure to get a report next week.
12.15.2005
Two Pink Golf Balls
Last night I experienced a common tradition, a white elephant gift exchange. Now I have experienced many of these and last night was nothing special. It has just given me an opportunity to talk about this strange phenomen.
There are many different ways to do this exchange. The general idea is that everyone draws a number so they have an order to go in. Then the first person picks a gift, the next person decides whether to take the first person's gift or pick a new gift. This goes on until the end. some variations are whether or not the first person gets to pick again after everyone has opened. Or the gifts may never be opened so they are chosen based on the packaging and not what is inside. You can limit the number of times a gift can be stolen. Rather than numbers, you can go by birthdays or last names. There are just so many options that can be done. I am sure there are many that I have never seen or forgotten.
Now the gifts can also be strange. Some people given nice things, some people give used things, and some people just go straight for prank-type gifts. Here are some of the classics that I witnessed last night. There was a pair of sparkly blue male briefs that made it out, they have been going around for a couple of years; a lion that was 4 feet long and two feet tall and had been around for at least 15 years; a pig that danced and sang 'My Girl'; SpongeBob Squarepants underoos; Butt Paste( Not sure what it was about and don't really want to know); a chili kit; and many others.
But last night I saw the white elephant gift to take all white elephant gifts ever. It was called Bubble Butt!! I have never seen something this great and funny. This is what it did. It was a man that was bent over with his pants down. Connected to the back of his legs was a grey bucket to hold the bubble mixture. Attached to his leg was one of those bubble things on a pivot. When you pushed a button, the bubble thing would dip down into the mixture and then raise up. It was at this point that air would blow out of the man's butt and create bubbles. Then repeat until you turned it off. One of the funniest things I have ever seen.
As for me, I just got a Mr. and Mrs. Potato head ornament.
There are many different ways to do this exchange. The general idea is that everyone draws a number so they have an order to go in. Then the first person picks a gift, the next person decides whether to take the first person's gift or pick a new gift. This goes on until the end. some variations are whether or not the first person gets to pick again after everyone has opened. Or the gifts may never be opened so they are chosen based on the packaging and not what is inside. You can limit the number of times a gift can be stolen. Rather than numbers, you can go by birthdays or last names. There are just so many options that can be done. I am sure there are many that I have never seen or forgotten.
Now the gifts can also be strange. Some people given nice things, some people give used things, and some people just go straight for prank-type gifts. Here are some of the classics that I witnessed last night. There was a pair of sparkly blue male briefs that made it out, they have been going around for a couple of years; a lion that was 4 feet long and two feet tall and had been around for at least 15 years; a pig that danced and sang 'My Girl'; SpongeBob Squarepants underoos; Butt Paste( Not sure what it was about and don't really want to know); a chili kit; and many others.
But last night I saw the white elephant gift to take all white elephant gifts ever. It was called Bubble Butt!! I have never seen something this great and funny. This is what it did. It was a man that was bent over with his pants down. Connected to the back of his legs was a grey bucket to hold the bubble mixture. Attached to his leg was one of those bubble things on a pivot. When you pushed a button, the bubble thing would dip down into the mixture and then raise up. It was at this point that air would blow out of the man's butt and create bubbles. Then repeat until you turned it off. One of the funniest things I have ever seen.
As for me, I just got a Mr. and Mrs. Potato head ornament.
12.14.2005
I wonder what turkish delight tastes like?
This past Friday I had the pleasure of joining a few others in the watching of a little know movie called "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I had been long excited about the coming of the film and was excited to finally watch it.
It was a wonderfully fantabulous movie. Overall, I felt that it was very well done. Whenever a movie is done from a book, I always have concerns. With this movie you don't have to worry about that. For much of the movie they stay very close to the story and never remove or add any major elements. They mostly keep it accurate even down to dialogue. This was a pleasant surprise.
The greatest strength of the movie was the cast. They did an incredible job with everyone. The white witch was cold, Aslan was regal although I didn't really fear him. Susan, Edmund and Peter all did very well at portraying their parts. Mr. Tumnus really made you feel happy and comfortable; yet at the same time torn with fear when he thinks about turning Lucy over. The beavers have wonderful character. They really spent some time trying to make the beaver's marriage real. The interaction between the two was loving, jovial and felt real.
By far though, the one that stole the show was Lucy. She drew me in. I never really wanted her to go off the screen. She was honest and innocent. I was just amazed how wonderful and honest her expressions were.
The CGI was fine. The advantage of having a CGI guy direct the film is that you have some excellent CGI which this film really relies on. The only time I felt that there was too much CGI was in the very beginning.
So go and see the movie. Enjoy the wonderful story that CS Lewis tells and the writers leave virtually unadulterated. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that is shown your eyes. Enjoy the cast that give you an honest look into their lives. And as a side note...can I adopt Lucy?
It was a wonderfully fantabulous movie. Overall, I felt that it was very well done. Whenever a movie is done from a book, I always have concerns. With this movie you don't have to worry about that. For much of the movie they stay very close to the story and never remove or add any major elements. They mostly keep it accurate even down to dialogue. This was a pleasant surprise.
The greatest strength of the movie was the cast. They did an incredible job with everyone. The white witch was cold, Aslan was regal although I didn't really fear him. Susan, Edmund and Peter all did very well at portraying their parts. Mr. Tumnus really made you feel happy and comfortable; yet at the same time torn with fear when he thinks about turning Lucy over. The beavers have wonderful character. They really spent some time trying to make the beaver's marriage real. The interaction between the two was loving, jovial and felt real.
By far though, the one that stole the show was Lucy. She drew me in. I never really wanted her to go off the screen. She was honest and innocent. I was just amazed how wonderful and honest her expressions were.
The CGI was fine. The advantage of having a CGI guy direct the film is that you have some excellent CGI which this film really relies on. The only time I felt that there was too much CGI was in the very beginning.
So go and see the movie. Enjoy the wonderful story that CS Lewis tells and the writers leave virtually unadulterated. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that is shown your eyes. Enjoy the cast that give you an honest look into their lives. And as a side note...can I adopt Lucy?
12.13.2005
Opining Can Happen Sometimes
For the past couple of days, a fairly big news story has been Stanley Tookie Williams. He is the co-founder of a gang that was convicted of killing four people and sentenced to death. He was put to death early this morning.
I usually try to stay away from politics and volatile issues here, but I am actually going to venture into this one. I don't agree with the death penalty. I used to. And then I wasn't sure, but now I am sure. I just can't agree with a government choosing whether or not a person can live or die. It seems like God should be the only one who can take or give life. We can't give life so why should we choose to take life. What if we are wrong.
What is wrong with the option of putting the criminal away for life. That will keep the person off the streets and keep our lives safer. The person can choose to do something positive with their life in prison or not. That shouldn't change their punishment, but in the example of Tookie Williams, he did many positive things from behind bars.
I have a lot of trouble finding anything positive coming out of the death penalty. We are not God so we shouldn't try to play God. I know that many of the readers of this blog will most likely disagree with me on this. You are even welcome to leave comments stating why you disagree, but let it be known that this is a position that I did not arrive at lightly. Or an opinion that I throw around lightly.
I usually try to stay away from politics and volatile issues here, but I am actually going to venture into this one. I don't agree with the death penalty. I used to. And then I wasn't sure, but now I am sure. I just can't agree with a government choosing whether or not a person can live or die. It seems like God should be the only one who can take or give life. We can't give life so why should we choose to take life. What if we are wrong.
What is wrong with the option of putting the criminal away for life. That will keep the person off the streets and keep our lives safer. The person can choose to do something positive with their life in prison or not. That shouldn't change their punishment, but in the example of Tookie Williams, he did many positive things from behind bars.
I have a lot of trouble finding anything positive coming out of the death penalty. We are not God so we shouldn't try to play God. I know that many of the readers of this blog will most likely disagree with me on this. You are even welcome to leave comments stating why you disagree, but let it be known that this is a position that I did not arrive at lightly. Or an opinion that I throw around lightly.
12.12.2005
Reflections of a Narnia Weekend
1. We got about 8" of snow and it is awesome
2. I don't mind driving in the snow
3. USA is in the near-Group of Death
4. Argentina is in the Group of Death
5. The US has a real chance to make a big impression in this next World Cup
6. I won't be going and it really depresses me
7. What is the catch to God giving us the desires of our heart?
8. I like surprises
9. I like free stuff, too
10. Narnia was awesome
11. I am so glad I went and saw it
12. I think I shall talk about it in more detail at a later time
13. Older people have so much wisdom
14. I hope to have that when I am advanced in my years
15. It is good to get together with one's grandparents and to just listen and learn
16. It is niced to be accepted
17. What is luv?
18. Seattle's Best coffee is good
19. Malls are too busy during the Christmas season
20. I have yet to begin my Christmas shopping
21. I have no free nights this week and a packed weekend
22. I like parties
23. I had a good wine on Saturday
24. Catching up with old friends, ah...
25. Some people don't like parties
26. Some people try monopolize other people at parties
27. Pretzels, cheese dip, roast and CT-wonderful combination
28. I haven't slept well for the past 4 or so nights
29. Good micing was done on Sunday morning
30. It is nice to be invited places
31. The Santa hat has made its appearance
32. We didn't talk about sex
33. I am not sure if I enjoy white elephant gift exchanges
34. I like nurses
35. "Snow Day" isn't a really good movie but has some really good memories attached to it
36. The Ravens lost again
37. On the road in the ACC is not as easy as on the road in the Big East
38. Congratulations to UMD who won the Division 1 soccer championship
39. I feel like Eeyore today
2. I don't mind driving in the snow
3. USA is in the near-Group of Death
4. Argentina is in the Group of Death
5. The US has a real chance to make a big impression in this next World Cup
6. I won't be going and it really depresses me
7. What is the catch to God giving us the desires of our heart?
8. I like surprises
9. I like free stuff, too
10. Narnia was awesome
11. I am so glad I went and saw it
12. I think I shall talk about it in more detail at a later time
13. Older people have so much wisdom
14. I hope to have that when I am advanced in my years
15. It is good to get together with one's grandparents and to just listen and learn
16. It is niced to be accepted
17. What is luv?
18. Seattle's Best coffee is good
19. Malls are too busy during the Christmas season
20. I have yet to begin my Christmas shopping
21. I have no free nights this week and a packed weekend
22. I like parties
23. I had a good wine on Saturday
24. Catching up with old friends, ah...
25. Some people don't like parties
26. Some people try monopolize other people at parties
27. Pretzels, cheese dip, roast and CT-wonderful combination
28. I haven't slept well for the past 4 or so nights
29. Good micing was done on Sunday morning
30. It is nice to be invited places
31. The Santa hat has made its appearance
32. We didn't talk about sex
33. I am not sure if I enjoy white elephant gift exchanges
34. I like nurses
35. "Snow Day" isn't a really good movie but has some really good memories attached to it
36. The Ravens lost again
37. On the road in the ACC is not as easy as on the road in the Big East
38. Congratulations to UMD who won the Division 1 soccer championship
39. I feel like Eeyore today
12.08.2005
Miscellany
Yesterday was the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I can't imagine the horror of waking up to explosions on your ship, but it must have been awful. Remember the wonderful things that our veterans and current military personnel have done for our country.
Today is the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death. He was an incredibly gifted man whose musical relevance has not been matched by anyone else. The way that he and McCartney were able to write music that hit the nerve of what people wanted to here and adapt is incredible.
Here is a joke for you: (One that especially RK will enjoy)
Two muffins are in an oven. The first muffin turns to the second and says, 'It's getting hot in here.' The second then says, 'Hey, it's a talking muffin.'
Today is the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death. He was an incredibly gifted man whose musical relevance has not been matched by anyone else. The way that he and McCartney were able to write music that hit the nerve of what people wanted to here and adapt is incredible.
Here is a joke for you: (One that especially RK will enjoy)
Two muffins are in an oven. The first muffin turns to the second and says, 'It's getting hot in here.' The second then says, 'Hey, it's a talking muffin.'
12.07.2005
Here comes Santa Claus
Every year, during the Christmas season, I break out my Santa hat. I have had this hat for years and probably for the last 5 or so, have worn it consistently. I started out wearing it every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the past couple of years, I have cut back the start of wearing the hat until the second weekend of December usually coinciding with the TWB Christmas party.
This season I have not really been looking forward to the wearing of the hat. Because of this, I have been thinking about why I wear the hat. I started off wearing it because it was fun and original. Very few other people wear Santa hats around and walking around with a big red hat on your head takes a little bit of crazy. But anymore although this brings a bit of joy, it is not enough to motivate me to wear the hat. Other things have happened throughout the years that will motivate me to wear it. It seems to bring laughter and happiness to other people. By wearing the hat, people come out of the world a bit and will either smile at me or say hi. Kids love it and point excitedly and tell their mother that it is Santa. They don't care that a 28 year old guy with no white hair is under the hat. They're just happy to see the hat.
So this Saturday, I shall for the first time this season, put the hat on. I will wear it till Christmas and hopefully bring many smiles to other's faces. Plus I think my friends would lynch me if I didn't wear it.
This season I have not really been looking forward to the wearing of the hat. Because of this, I have been thinking about why I wear the hat. I started off wearing it because it was fun and original. Very few other people wear Santa hats around and walking around with a big red hat on your head takes a little bit of crazy. But anymore although this brings a bit of joy, it is not enough to motivate me to wear the hat. Other things have happened throughout the years that will motivate me to wear it. It seems to bring laughter and happiness to other people. By wearing the hat, people come out of the world a bit and will either smile at me or say hi. Kids love it and point excitedly and tell their mother that it is Santa. They don't care that a 28 year old guy with no white hair is under the hat. They're just happy to see the hat.
So this Saturday, I shall for the first time this season, put the hat on. I will wear it till Christmas and hopefully bring many smiles to other's faces. Plus I think my friends would lynch me if I didn't wear it.
12.06.2005
Tis the Shortness of Life's Breath
This past Saturday night I was driving home from an enjoyable romp around Christmas Candylane with my mom and sister. I had just come off the highway and onto the secondary road near my street when the horrible events began to happen. There was a man that was trying to cross the three lanes and evidently didn't not look. Without describing too many gruesome details, the minivan in front of me tried to miss the man but was unsuccessful. The collision sent the man off the front of the minivan into the middle lane of traffic. My mind seemed to slow down into slow motion as these events were unfolding. As I brought my car to a stop, I saw this man just laying motionless in the middle lane as another car came along in the middle lane and hit and dragged the man under the front of the car for a few feet.
At this point I was in shock at what I just saw and didn't really know how to deal with it. I have never seen a person die in person. That last breath pulled from them in a final stroke of life's brush. And here was this man lying trapped under a car and not moving. In the midst of this shock, my mom was yelling at me to call 911. She yelled it a couple times at me before I was brought back to reality and got on the phone. She had basically already jumped out of the car to go over to see if there was anything that she could do. Some people were there and one of them, who seemed to be a nurse, was bent down on the ground checking the man out. Once I got on the phone I had been pulled out of my shock and was going about the business of giving the 911 operator as much information as I knew, while still trying to process what I had just seen.
After I got done with the phone and got out and was standing there watching the police and paramedics work. I was shivering and shaking and it had nothing to do with the chill in the air. It was strange and for the next couple of days when I talked about it, I would shake. In fact now as I write this, although I am not shaking a lot, there is still some.
We found out the the man had a pulse and was in a small part responding. I have found out through the news that the man is still alive and should make it although he is still in critical condition. This was fantastic news for me and those that were there. I would never like to see someone lose their life. Sometime though, I may have to witness that event.
I have tried to process this over the past couple of days. I figured that writing about this would help me. As time has past, my response has calmed down from the jittering that was happening for a while. I don't think I will ever fully forget this. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if that had been a family member or friend and the person had died.
To see in person, such a shocking moment is almost surreal. I hope that at some point I can react with the decisiveness and quickness of my mom. I would have gotten there in a few seconds, but what she did was incredible. It's people like that that can make the difference.
While we humans are incredibly durable, we are also fragile and life can be taken from us so quickly. There is something about the word breath to this. It is a simple thing, yet means so much more. It's almost as if as we breath our souls breath also. And as our breath leaves us for the last time, our souls follow suit. I am not sure what to do with this, but I can at least be thankful for every day of life that I am given by God. And my friends and family that have been given this same great gift. And pray for those around the world that are suffering. Whether from injuries and an accident like this. Whether people who are threatened by other humans. Or by humans threatened by disease and poor health.
At this point I was in shock at what I just saw and didn't really know how to deal with it. I have never seen a person die in person. That last breath pulled from them in a final stroke of life's brush. And here was this man lying trapped under a car and not moving. In the midst of this shock, my mom was yelling at me to call 911. She yelled it a couple times at me before I was brought back to reality and got on the phone. She had basically already jumped out of the car to go over to see if there was anything that she could do. Some people were there and one of them, who seemed to be a nurse, was bent down on the ground checking the man out. Once I got on the phone I had been pulled out of my shock and was going about the business of giving the 911 operator as much information as I knew, while still trying to process what I had just seen.
After I got done with the phone and got out and was standing there watching the police and paramedics work. I was shivering and shaking and it had nothing to do with the chill in the air. It was strange and for the next couple of days when I talked about it, I would shake. In fact now as I write this, although I am not shaking a lot, there is still some.
We found out the the man had a pulse and was in a small part responding. I have found out through the news that the man is still alive and should make it although he is still in critical condition. This was fantastic news for me and those that were there. I would never like to see someone lose their life. Sometime though, I may have to witness that event.
I have tried to process this over the past couple of days. I figured that writing about this would help me. As time has past, my response has calmed down from the jittering that was happening for a while. I don't think I will ever fully forget this. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if that had been a family member or friend and the person had died.
To see in person, such a shocking moment is almost surreal. I hope that at some point I can react with the decisiveness and quickness of my mom. I would have gotten there in a few seconds, but what she did was incredible. It's people like that that can make the difference.
While we humans are incredibly durable, we are also fragile and life can be taken from us so quickly. There is something about the word breath to this. It is a simple thing, yet means so much more. It's almost as if as we breath our souls breath also. And as our breath leaves us for the last time, our souls follow suit. I am not sure what to do with this, but I can at least be thankful for every day of life that I am given by God. And my friends and family that have been given this same great gift. And pray for those around the world that are suffering. Whether from injuries and an accident like this. Whether people who are threatened by other humans. Or by humans threatened by disease and poor health.
12.05.2005
Reflections of a "It was the Best of times; it was the Worst of times" Weekend
1. Having heard the Nutcracker 2.5 times, I am pretty tired of it
2. Drinking, smoking and sex is not all there is to life
3. All three of those are misused entirely too much
4. Smoking kills, DON'T DO IT!!
5. I am sick of headaches
6. It is not always fun to be a procrastinator
7. Mmmm, coffee
8. A friend moved closer, yeah
9. It is not smart to hike during deer hunting season
10. Cracker Barrel breakfasts are good
11. Their grits aren't
12. I got a Christmas tree and it was quite the surprise
13. If you can, visit Fresco Cafe for their wonderful food
14. Hershey's Christmas Candylane is pretty
15. Tomorrow I shall explain the 'worst of times' part
16. It snowed Saturday night
17. My first time driving in the snow this year with of course a bit of fun spinning
18. CS Lewis is a fascinating man
19. I sometimes watch football with a bunch of Ravens haters and that is tough
20. The Ravens won on a game ending field goal
21. My stupid driver's side window fell off of its track
22. I'm beat
23. I don't like it when my family and friends have to deal with bad things
24. I really really don't like Duke
25. They pulled a game out of their butt last night
25. Giving mechanics money is a necessary evil.
2. Drinking, smoking and sex is not all there is to life
3. All three of those are misused entirely too much
4. Smoking kills, DON'T DO IT!!
5. I am sick of headaches
6. It is not always fun to be a procrastinator
7. Mmmm, coffee
8. A friend moved closer, yeah
9. It is not smart to hike during deer hunting season
10. Cracker Barrel breakfasts are good
11. Their grits aren't
12. I got a Christmas tree and it was quite the surprise
13. If you can, visit Fresco Cafe for their wonderful food
14. Hershey's Christmas Candylane is pretty
15. Tomorrow I shall explain the 'worst of times' part
16. It snowed Saturday night
17. My first time driving in the snow this year with of course a bit of fun spinning
18. CS Lewis is a fascinating man
19. I sometimes watch football with a bunch of Ravens haters and that is tough
20. The Ravens won on a game ending field goal
21. My stupid driver's side window fell off of its track
22. I'm beat
23. I don't like it when my family and friends have to deal with bad things
24. I really really don't like Duke
25. They pulled a game out of their butt last night
25. Giving mechanics money is a necessary evil.
12.01.2005
How Do You Start Off Your Morning?
Whenever I walk into work, I'm am guaranteed to hear two things: 'Hello' and 'How are you?' The first one is easy to respond to because you just have to say 'Hi' back. The second phrase though is a little trickier. My usual response is something to the effect of 'Fine, I guess. Nothing has happened yet.'
How should we start off feeling for the day? I guess the correct answer would be great, but that isn't really true for me. What is true though, is that the day starts off fine for me and depending on what happens it will go down or maybe a bit up. We could start off our days on a negative thought, but then many positive things have to happen for us to be happy. I choose to start off on a positive note, but not too positive. If it's too positive, and bad stuff happens, the fall could be hard, but if it's a bit positive, I at least start off happy.
I think it is important to start off happy. But I am also a cup half full kind of person. If we always expect the worse, we are never happy unless something good happens. If we expect good stuff, we can be happy unless something bad happens. Since I think many things don't fall in either the good or the bad, starting happy gives me more happiness.
Maybe I should start off great. Nah never mind. I am answering this question at work, which most of you know I love sooooo much. Not. I hope I didn't ramble too much.
How should we start off feeling for the day? I guess the correct answer would be great, but that isn't really true for me. What is true though, is that the day starts off fine for me and depending on what happens it will go down or maybe a bit up. We could start off our days on a negative thought, but then many positive things have to happen for us to be happy. I choose to start off on a positive note, but not too positive. If it's too positive, and bad stuff happens, the fall could be hard, but if it's a bit positive, I at least start off happy.
I think it is important to start off happy. But I am also a cup half full kind of person. If we always expect the worse, we are never happy unless something good happens. If we expect good stuff, we can be happy unless something bad happens. Since I think many things don't fall in either the good or the bad, starting happy gives me more happiness.
Maybe I should start off great. Nah never mind. I am answering this question at work, which most of you know I love sooooo much. Not. I hope I didn't ramble too much.
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