20 Things
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: home

Twenty Things I've Learned In The Last Week

1. 24 people WILL fit into my Living Room
2. Kids will not stay outside to jump in a bounce house if the temperature is 100 degrees
3. Party City is way too busy to have balloons blown up on a moment's notice.
4. I do know how to find things at Home Depot
5. Even though panels and valances don't match doesn't mean my kitchen will look tacky.
6. New light panels make the kitchen brighter and look cleaner.
7. Teenagers who need money WILL clean the bathroom the right way.
8. And not complain about it.
9. After said teenager cleans the bathroom and makes sure it stays clean until a party, no one at the party will use it.
10. Even after I buy home decor items to make the bathroom look warm and inviting.
11. Don't buy kitchen accessories without first checking to make sure those are really roosters on the curtain panels.
12. Even tho the "roosters" turned out to be vines of flowers on the curtain panels, the deep red and green of the rooster decor still matches
13. Sort of
14. The kitchen counters can be spotless, less cluttered, and saturated in antibacterial cleanser yet sugar ants will still like them.
15. Moving vehicles out of the driveway to allow for guests to park there does not guarantee that they will.
16. It takes longer to decorate for a party then to take said decorations down.
17. When I'm on a deadline, I can get way more done than normal.
18. No matter how much or how little food is bought for a party, there will still be way too much left over.
19. Even when there's no "end" time on the invitations, people will still leave at a decent time.
20. The honored guest can have a complete meltdown an hour before their party but look like they 've been all sunshine and happiness when the actual event begins.

Next time . . . Things I still haven't learned!

Digital Scrapbooking
Mood:  rushed
Topic: Things to Do

Dear Readers - Just when I thought summer was winding down and I could start enjoying the rest of it before school starts - everything has hit at once!  You know that feeling, I'm sure.  Never have managed to get to the zoo or the art museum yet - 2 things that were on my "I really need to do this" list for the summer.  So what have I been doing with my time?  Spent a week "on vacation" so to speak.  Was nice & enjoyed the kids.  Getting in dr. visits (kids) and other projects.  Decided that I really need to get proficient with this digital scrapbooking stuff in order to get some kits ready for resale.  Just when I was diving full steam into that, I find out that I've been volunteered to be on a committee at church creating a new brochure to be mailed out in about 6 weeks.  So minus the week or so at the printer, the time it takes to stick mailing labels on all of them, and get them mailed - I don't have a whole lot of time.  And since out of the 3 of us, I'm more of the "graphic designer", I'm working on the mock-up for approval.  Now if that's not enough, I agreed to hold my youngest grandson's birthday party at my house - in 2 weeks!  I don't think I've cleaned thoroughly since school ended in May.  I mean with a 6 year old home every day, toys being dragged all through the house, mail stacked up here & there until DH finds a place for it, purchases I've made that don't have a home, no time to clean, etc. I can tell that the week of the party, I'm going to be sucking down the caffeine & running 200 mph just to get this house ready for guests.  On top of all that, my daughter has asked me to create a dvd of the baby's first year - I don't think I'm going to be sleeping much!  Then I decided it was easier for me to find something for my mom - who lives several states away - so she doesn't have to run all over her area looking for this particular thing.  So you may be asking - why am I blogging when I have SO MUCH to do?  I honestly do not know!  I'm such a procrastinator!  Better get to it - oh, yeah & on top of all that - I have a lunch today - my fun thing to do!  Tune in tomorrow (or next month!), dear Readers, to find out if the brochure got done on time, if the dvd will be ready for the party, if the party guests run like the wind because I've forgotten that one cobweb in the corner!

 

Pirates 3
Mood:  happy
Topic: Movies

Saw Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End yesterday & I must say the Acronym (AWE) is the perfect adjective to describe - being in awe of this movie!  Yes, there were a lot of things going on - some of the critics have been pretty harsh about stating that multiple plot points messes with the movie.  To me - the action was never ending - wasn't sure what was around the next corner - or who was on what side at any one time.  I won't give away any of the details for those of you who haven't seen it - just make sure you sit through the credits (long enough for a potty break!) to see the final 30 second epilogue.

Will there be a Pirates 4?  Well, Depp has said he's done being a pirate and Bloom has basically said he's done with it as well.  And yes, instead of "all" the loose ends being tied up neatly with a bow, there's just enough at the end to justify another movie.  Would the public accept another installment?  Probably not in the next few years. 

I felt about this series like I did with another of Bloom's epics - Lord of the Rings trilogy.  More, more, more!  I'm anxious to see what the DVD will have on it - hopefully deleted scenes (there's speculation that a couple of lines of dialogue cut from the movie will give a little more info) plus I really enjoy those blooper scenes & "how they did it" type of things.

Keith Richards as Sparrow's dad - did ok.  I thought he'd be more like Capt. Jack - a little off (I mean we are talking about Keith Richards, right?!) - I think he was probably the sanest, less sinister pirate there was. 

The opening scenes kind of threw me a little - not real sure exactly what that was - probably will have to see it again to "get it".

This was the first Pirates movie I've been able to see at the theater first.  Let me tell you - there's a big difference between seeing Barbosa, Capt. Jack, et al - on a big screen versus a television screen. 

Humor - AWE had several moments of dry wit - some very dark humor - children probably wouldn't "get" some of it (which is just as well).  There's also a couple of "ick" moments that made me turn my head. 

To sum it up - am quite glad that I didn't read a whole lot about this movie.  I wouldn't listen to anyone who had seen it who wanted to talk about it - in fact my daughter saw it & said a couple things (that wouldn't give it away) & I promptly "forgot" what she said so I could enjoy the full effect.  Some twists and turns were not seen coming (by me) which is another reason I enjoyed it so much!

Go see it - if you haven't.  And if you have seen it - do share your thoughts!  So Dear Readers, will there be a Pirates 4?  Will you see it if they make it?  What movies are you looking forward to seeing in this summer of "must see" movies (Oceans 13, Bourne Ultimatum, Shrek 3, Surfs Up, Across the Universe, and more!) - oh, yeah, saw previews for "The Golden Compass" - looks good - will have to wait to see.

 

American Idol
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Television

I wish next year they’d NOT put the finales of “Lost” and “American Idol” opposite each other.  I’m so tired of recording & switching back & forth.

My take on the AI finale – loved that Jordin won – course I’ve already said my favorite would have been for Melinda to win – but oh, well.  Jordin’s rendition of “This Is My Now” was right on the mark – emotional and sung beautifully.  Wish Blake could have had a different song to sing.  Next year – do a competition where at least 2 songs – maybe 3 could be in the running for the finale – that way the finalists could have a choice to whichever one suits their styles better.  This was one of the first years I didn’t vote – only because I knew I’d be happy with whomever won.  Loved seeing Chris Daughtry on the Tuesday night show.  I also enjoyed seeing shots of the audience to see who was there.  Wished they could have had some sort of set up where Chris Sligh could have done something to make Hasselhoff cry – remember when he went to audition?  That’s what he said his goal was!  Would have been funny!  People on the boards wanted to know where Fantasia was – well, she’s on Broadway starring in “The Color Purple” – I doubt she could have been in 2 places at once, but it was sure nice to see the other Idol Winners.  Loved Kellie’s new song!  So, Dear Readers, what are your thoughts?

"Lost" Finale
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Television

So we’ve all had a few days to digest the season finale of “Lost” – any thoughts?  I’ve spent some time checking out the message boards on the official website to read other’s thoughts.  One theory is next season the island will be the Flashback.  I was completely in the dark throughout the finale that the flash “back” was actually the future!  Only when Kate stepped out of the car at the end, did I think “Holy Crap!”  No, I have no idea whose casket it was.  I’ve read some things that say the casket was too little to contain a full size person – but I’ve looked at it (I taped it!) at different angles, and actually it does look full size – maybe not for a very tall person.  Did Jack say “Either” or “Neither” when the funeral home director asked if it was friend or family?  My opinion is he said neither.  On the island, the person could have been a close friend, but by the time they are all back home, things could change.  Was that Jin & Sun sitting behind Jack on the plane in the flash “forward”?  Sure looks like it – again I’ve checked it out several times on my recorded version.

Hooray for Hurley saving the day in the Dharma van!  That was absolutely the coolest thing!  I just love Hurley – he’s so funny!  Yes, a lot of questions were answered but geez, not enough and what about the questions the episode created?  And we have to wait until February?! Ugh!

My favorite episode this season has to be when Hurley found the van – I found myself rolling with laughter during that eppie.  Especially Sawyer saying to Jin “Well, look who’s hooked on phonics!”

My favorite characters are Sawyer – yes, he’s supposed to be a bad boy but he has some of the funniest lines and Hurley – “dude” for everything.

Well, Dear Readers, until Season 3 comes out on DVD and until February when the new season starts, leave your thoughts here and we’ll discuss!

Summer Activities
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Things to Do
So the kids will be out for summer break soon & I've been trying to find things for us to do so we all won't be BORED!  TeenDaughter visited a modern art museum on a field trip a month or so ago & absolutely loved it. Not being much of an "artsy" person, I never gave an art museum much thought.  They have "free" days - so we'll pick a Wednesday & high tail it to Ft. Worth (which is a hike for us) to go & do a walk through.  I also want to go back to the zoo sometime this summer.  One week is taken by our church's musical program - instead of Vacation Bible School.  Another week will be vacation out of state - so that leaves how many weeks left to find things to do?!  Did I mention that school will be out SOON!  Today, tomorrow & half day of Thursday is all that's left.  Meanwhile, I'm witnessing the end of my "normal" schedule until late August!  So, Dear Reader, what are your plans to keep your young'uns (or teen ones) occupied for the summer?

My Old Blog
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Blogging

What happened to Blogspot?  I had have a blog there - http://wendyswonders.blogspot.com - however, now blotspot wants everyone to have a google account.  Fine, I have one, but when I go to retrieve my OLD blogspot stuff, it won't let me.

If you want to read what I blogged about back in the early months of '05, click the link above & have at it. 

Glad to be blogging here at Tripod now & hopefully I'll keep up with it

 

Why is CBS doing this to us?
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Television

THEY CANCELLED JERICHO!!!!  I know that I'm not the only one who invested an entire season in this show.  Even when I couldn't be home or watch the show, I recorded it.  Last year one of the other networks did the same thing with "Invasion".  Folks - you there - The Powers That Be - if you know (& you do know in advance!) that a show is NOT returning - please tie up all the loose ends and answer all the mysteries/questions.  It is only fair.  Now if they'd decided not to bring it back in February (after a 2 month hiatus), I could sort of see that - but don't wait until the season is over - with a cliffhanger no less.  What is wrong with you people (TPTB)?  Ok, if you plan on bringing it back as a "mid season" replacement or in case something is cancelled (& by the look of the new shows you are putting on - you'll have lots of opportunities) - that's fine - but TELL US!  Don't leave us hanging out in the Black Hole somewhere.  Just my humble opinion.  So, Dear Readers, what are your thoughts? Post now & be nice!

Will Sara be Killed by the Mini-K?
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Television

Anyone else been glued to CSI all season waiting for the Mini-Killer to be revealed?  So what did you think - were you surprised it was a woman?  They had sort of alluded to that back when the train guy (character name escapes me!) Ernie Dell killed himself.  Several message boards that I checked out had speculation that Sara was one of Dell's foster kids.  Is

****SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE EPISODE ****

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Natalie out for revenge against Grissom for Ernie's death?  Did Natalie encounter Sara at some other Foster Home?  What is really up with the creepy ventriloquist and the doll named for his murdered daughter?  Did the other CSI's realize what Grissom was saying about loving Sara?  Will Jorja Fox sign a new contract and be rescued by Gil in the Season Premiere?  Will Jorja decide to walk and be killed off?  That, Dear Readers, will be answered in the fall - stay tuned!

American Idol Review
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Television

Don't look now, Melinda, but the thief is getting away!  What in tarnation (that's a Southern expression!) happened on Wednesday night?  Ok, I get it - Jordin & Blake are both "young" and "marketable" (too most overused words to describe them) - but Melinda has the consistency, the star-power, the non-"diva"ness, the whole Sally Field "they like me, they really like me" stuff goin' on.  But you know what - she'll be just fine.  Her CD will probably sell more than some of the Idol winners of the past (with the exception of Kelli & Carrie) and I'm not worried about her.  Besides she has the whole AI tour coming up so she'll be plenty busy for the next several months.  Not only that - but I think she is really excited for her two friends/competitors to make it to the finals.  Shows you what a genuinely great person she is.  So did the votes not come in because Simon voiced his wishes and everyone decided that he wasn't going to get his way?  Sure, take it out on Melinda if that's the case.  Will tune in next week to see Blake & Jordin battle it out.  So, Dear Readers, until later . . .