So I am back at work today - ooooo fun!
I am bored...I'm tired of this big project, which I should have been done with already and getting back to my usual work is not a draw of any kind.
So I decided to read some other blogs (big mistake)...and have managed to distract myself for a bit. But now - I am actually annoyed.
It is tough when no names are used to figure out who someone is referring to, but I need to set the record straight about something...pardon me while I quote another blog:
1) I needed a change – ok, so this is the main reason I moved. I needed to do something different with my life and this was it. I’m done trying to justify it. I did what I had to do for my own sanity and happiness. People who don’t get it probably never will, and people who do get it don’t need me to explain it…
This better not be talking about me - even when being treated like dirt, I still supported the decision, all I did was question the timing (1 year from 2 months paid vacation). Hell - I did the same thing 3 years ago - the only difference was I was moving towards family and had a job to move to (a net of sorts), whereas Angie did it netless. It's funny how you can be best friends with someone for 11 years and then they turn on you like bad dairy products.
I am hopeful this will work out, but considering the last phone conversation we had she blew me off and that was 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard a lick since. No updates from the road...no emails...just blog posts with little mention of anything positive directed at friends (sorries and a little guilt, but over all nonchalance).
So I apologize to the rest of you for this ranting post - but I want something made clear...
I did nothing to you but support you. I tried to make plans to hang out before you left and was summarily dismissed and ignored. No one got a chance to say goodbye and those that wanted to were deeply hurt. Those that sort-of got the chance (you promised them a lunch before you left town) were also hurt. Don't make promises you aren't going to keep. If you wanted to sever all ties, then don't act the opposite. This solitude you have created is of your own doing and it would not make you less of a person to admit you need friends. Your last 6 months of holing up in your apartment playing video games at least got some of us used to you being gone, but didn't do much to keep friends when you left. At work, you left a team of people who looked up to you and respected you behind wondering why you didn't even say word one to them before walking out the door for the last time. And when they look to me for explanation - my only response is that I got the same brush off. I'm over it. I have been over it. One day you may want to mend fences or bridges and for that I would hope our friendship is one of them, but I am not holding my breath. You find yourself - I have always encouraged you to do so - I just didn't mean at the expense of friendships you have spent years building.
Okay - sorry everyone, apparently I was not at a loss for words, but it had to be said.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming!!
Love y'all ;)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
The Longest Day
Movie Review: The Longest Yard
So my mom is off to California - Phase 2 of the Baby Patrol is now in progress. What does that mean for me? Okay, besides the fact that it means 2 weeks until I get to go (Phase 3), it means my dad is without my mom for 2 weeks...and he is lost without her.
It is actually pretty sweet - he gets lonely and demands quite a bit of attention. I figured I would lessen the pain by hanging out with him on Saturday. I knew I wanted to see a movie (my movie buddy moved to LA and we had barely seen anything together all year anyway) and I had gift certificates for The Flying Biscuit I wanted to use up (since I had bought them to use with said movie buddy and she ditched me and went with someone else - isn't that special?).
So we dropped my mom at the airport and headed back to my parents house to watch the Braves game before the flick. We headed to the theatre and watched a pretty decent movie.
Not having seen the entire first movie, and even then watched it long ago, it was hard for me to compare it. So basically, the movie had funny parts, was pretty predictable, but entertaining. That's all you can really ask for $7 and to see something that would interest my dad. I figured that anything else on my list would not have been interesting to him in the least. See it, but save your money and Netflix it.
Next, we drove to midtown and had an awesome dinner at the Biscuit. I think my dad was actually surprised. He had never eaten there before but I knew it was his kind of place.
Organic Field Greens Salad with a Flying Biscuit
Fruit Bruschetta with Brie
Margarita Chicken with Corn Soufflé and Sautéed Spinach
So after we stuffed ourselves (and had an awesome waitress take care of us) and I paid the bill, we walked out to my car. I commented to my dad that it was too bad we stuffed ourselves as I had planned to take him to Jake's for ice cream afterwards. Well, he perked up and insisted we go to Jake's anyway (my father has never turned down ice cream in his life). We drove around the block and I pulled into a place at Jake's. We just beat the crowd in there too (something was going on at Piedmont Park that afternoon). I got my usual cone with Brown Sugah Vanilla and my dad couldn't decide between that and Chocolate Slap Yo Mama...so he got a cone with both.
Those of you have eaten Jake's know that this ice cream is really soft. So he had to eat it over a bowl while the entire cone kept threatening to topple over on him. But he was successful - not a drop spilled!
So I dropped him at home with plans for Sunday night barbeque (be over sometime after 1pm, he said).
Sunday was cool - I napped a lot while we watched baseball, the Indy 500 (a chick came in 4th!) and LPGA golf. My dad smoked some chicken leg quarters before putting the ribs on and I handled the sauce-production between breaks sitting down.
So we had an awesome meal before I headed home to crash and had already prepared our lunch for Monday.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Lindy's Rib Rub and Mom's BBQ Sauce
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Pete and Sam's Spinach
And Monday Lunch (be over around noon) was excellent as well:
Pulled Chicken BBQ Sandwiches
All-in-all it was a busy and hectic weekend. And I ran errands! Too bad I have to return to work tomorrow...:(
So my mom is off to California - Phase 2 of the Baby Patrol is now in progress. What does that mean for me? Okay, besides the fact that it means 2 weeks until I get to go (Phase 3), it means my dad is without my mom for 2 weeks...and he is lost without her.
It is actually pretty sweet - he gets lonely and demands quite a bit of attention. I figured I would lessen the pain by hanging out with him on Saturday. I knew I wanted to see a movie (my movie buddy moved to LA and we had barely seen anything together all year anyway) and I had gift certificates for The Flying Biscuit I wanted to use up (since I had bought them to use with said movie buddy and she ditched me and went with someone else - isn't that special?).
So we dropped my mom at the airport and headed back to my parents house to watch the Braves game before the flick. We headed to the theatre and watched a pretty decent movie.
Not having seen the entire first movie, and even then watched it long ago, it was hard for me to compare it. So basically, the movie had funny parts, was pretty predictable, but entertaining. That's all you can really ask for $7 and to see something that would interest my dad. I figured that anything else on my list would not have been interesting to him in the least. See it, but save your money and Netflix it.
Next, we drove to midtown and had an awesome dinner at the Biscuit. I think my dad was actually surprised. He had never eaten there before but I knew it was his kind of place.
Organic Field Greens Salad with a Flying Biscuit
Fruit Bruschetta with Brie
Margarita Chicken with Corn Soufflé and Sautéed Spinach
So after we stuffed ourselves (and had an awesome waitress take care of us) and I paid the bill, we walked out to my car. I commented to my dad that it was too bad we stuffed ourselves as I had planned to take him to Jake's for ice cream afterwards. Well, he perked up and insisted we go to Jake's anyway (my father has never turned down ice cream in his life). We drove around the block and I pulled into a place at Jake's. We just beat the crowd in there too (something was going on at Piedmont Park that afternoon). I got my usual cone with Brown Sugah Vanilla and my dad couldn't decide between that and Chocolate Slap Yo Mama...so he got a cone with both.
Those of you have eaten Jake's know that this ice cream is really soft. So he had to eat it over a bowl while the entire cone kept threatening to topple over on him. But he was successful - not a drop spilled!
So I dropped him at home with plans for Sunday night barbeque (be over sometime after 1pm, he said).
Sunday was cool - I napped a lot while we watched baseball, the Indy 500 (a chick came in 4th!) and LPGA golf. My dad smoked some chicken leg quarters before putting the ribs on and I handled the sauce-production between breaks sitting down.
So we had an awesome meal before I headed home to crash and had already prepared our lunch for Monday.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Lindy's Rib Rub and Mom's BBQ Sauce
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Pete and Sam's Spinach
And Monday Lunch (be over around noon) was excellent as well:
Pulled Chicken BBQ Sandwiches
All-in-all it was a busy and hectic weekend. And I ran errands! Too bad I have to return to work tomorrow...:(
Sunday, May 29, 2005
The Shot Felt 'Round the Leg
Shot #3 has come and gone...thank god!
So the 3rd one was better than the first, but more painful than the second. Thank goodness I am done and can attempt to get back to a normal existance...in a few days anyway.
So I lounged around and took it easy - watched DVDs all day:
Minority Report
Jaws
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Contact
Superman
Spider-Man
Anyway, the day was not too bad. I got decent food and slept a lot. I was glad when it was over...the worst pain is felt in the first 24 hours. Now, to get rid of this cane...
So the 3rd one was better than the first, but more painful than the second. Thank goodness I am done and can attempt to get back to a normal existance...in a few days anyway.
So I lounged around and took it easy - watched DVDs all day:
Minority Report
Jaws
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Contact
Superman
Spider-Man
Anyway, the day was not too bad. I got decent food and slept a lot. I was glad when it was over...the worst pain is felt in the first 24 hours. Now, to get rid of this cane...
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Bowling for Strategy
So bowling was fun on Tuesday, but it would have been more fun if I could have bowled. I did manage to forget my pain for a couple of hours, but I was mad popping pills towards the end.
It was pretty funny to see the group interact, even though Mandy and I still don't speak and she looked like she couldn't wait for it to end. Everyone else was entertaining - especially Kyle - you just know he was the class clown.
Most people were picking on my boss, but he seemed to take it in stride and have fun with the ribbing. All-in-all, it wasn't a bad day.
My bowling position was outsourced to a Sales guy, but he was a pretty decent bowler and scored about what I would have each game - they called me a ringer, but I wasn't really.
Yesterday wasn't too bad - painful, but tolerable. I am really ready to get this last shot taken care of and move on. This has been no bowl of cherries and I am seriously happy to get it resolved. Tick-tock.
Now, as a side note, I have to say that I am in a really good mood despite the pain and the crappiness that keeps being dumped on me (no one lives for me, but me). Things are going well at work, despite being insane, my boss is appreciative and keeps telling me how impressed he has been. Thank goodness for him - I might revolt otherwise.
I will say that things are good, except for the pain. Plus, only 2 weeks until Maggie and Will - so I am happy as a clam.
339 days until sabbatical
It was pretty funny to see the group interact, even though Mandy and I still don't speak and she looked like she couldn't wait for it to end. Everyone else was entertaining - especially Kyle - you just know he was the class clown.
Most people were picking on my boss, but he seemed to take it in stride and have fun with the ribbing. All-in-all, it wasn't a bad day.
My bowling position was outsourced to a Sales guy, but he was a pretty decent bowler and scored about what I would have each game - they called me a ringer, but I wasn't really.
Yesterday wasn't too bad - painful, but tolerable. I am really ready to get this last shot taken care of and move on. This has been no bowl of cherries and I am seriously happy to get it resolved. Tick-tock.
Now, as a side note, I have to say that I am in a really good mood despite the pain and the crappiness that keeps being dumped on me (no one lives for me, but me). Things are going well at work, despite being insane, my boss is appreciative and keeps telling me how impressed he has been. Thank goodness for him - I might revolt otherwise.
I will say that things are good, except for the pain. Plus, only 2 weeks until Maggie and Will - so I am happy as a clam.
339 days until sabbatical
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Sofa's Choice
Yesterday was day 203 of hell project and things keep being broken or needing a new process. It's been exhausting and I'm SO over it.
The one good thing about Angie moving (and let's face it, her invasion-of-the-body-snatchers-turn was not a highlight), was I got her sofa which she had no room for. This is perfect timing as my parents were taking back their sofa that I have been using for 3 years. In exchange, my mom said she would pay to recover this sofa, including fabric that I picked out - that's guilt for leaving me sofa-less.
So a few weeks ago, the hunt began for fabric. I ended up with something pretty cool - black corduroy with an embossed pattern of serpentine.
Well, yesterday it was delivered while I was at work. I came home, completely beat and in need of a nap. I walked into the apartment and there it was - complete with spotlight and angels signing from above...okay, not really, but it felt like it.
Here is the problem - it looks nothing like the sofa that was given to me - it is completely rebuilt, restuffed (no more Teemu scratch marks) and it looks sorta fancy. I was afraid to actually sit on it. I was absolutely amazed that the job Mr. Han (my upholstery guy) did with it...it's like brand new!
Well, with all that excitement (yes, I am that lame), I was wide awake and could not nap. So I spent the evening watching the last 4 hours of 24 and sewing. It was a great night for me and quite relaxing.
Now I am really wishing I had taken that nap!! My new sofa is calling my name :)
Back to work for my half-day before the big Strategy bowling outing where I cannot bowl and have to watch while my co-workers get to have all the fun without me.
The one good thing about Angie moving (and let's face it, her invasion-of-the-body-snatchers-turn was not a highlight), was I got her sofa which she had no room for. This is perfect timing as my parents were taking back their sofa that I have been using for 3 years. In exchange, my mom said she would pay to recover this sofa, including fabric that I picked out - that's guilt for leaving me sofa-less.
So a few weeks ago, the hunt began for fabric. I ended up with something pretty cool - black corduroy with an embossed pattern of serpentine.
Well, yesterday it was delivered while I was at work. I came home, completely beat and in need of a nap. I walked into the apartment and there it was - complete with spotlight and angels signing from above...okay, not really, but it felt like it.
Here is the problem - it looks nothing like the sofa that was given to me - it is completely rebuilt, restuffed (no more Teemu scratch marks) and it looks sorta fancy. I was afraid to actually sit on it. I was absolutely amazed that the job Mr. Han (my upholstery guy) did with it...it's like brand new!
Well, with all that excitement (yes, I am that lame), I was wide awake and could not nap. So I spent the evening watching the last 4 hours of 24 and sewing. It was a great night for me and quite relaxing.
Now I am really wishing I had taken that nap!! My new sofa is calling my name :)
Back to work for my half-day before the big Strategy bowling outing where I cannot bowl and have to watch while my co-workers get to have all the fun without me.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Welcome to the Dark Side
Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Clearly, George Lucas made Episodes I and II just to get to III.
I was very happy with this installment and felt like I was 10 years old again. I think he made up for I and II with this well put together bridge between the old and new trilogies. I loved everything from the opening bars of the Star Wars Theme, to the first Vader breath. They explained a lot of things that make the transistion from 3 to 4 almost seemless...maybe one or two loose ends that will be covered by George's 2006 TV series.
All-in-all, it was a great show and I am dying to see it again!
The day was a lot of fun too. Kerstin and Kim were great fun to hang out with and enjoyed the movie just as much as I did (okay - moreso Kerstin than Kim, but Kerstin is an SW geek like I am). Afterwards we had a great dinner at a Mexican place (authentic - the menu was all in Spanish!). Thanks guys :)
I went home, propped my leg back up (okay, so the knee hated me all through the movie and dinner, but I had so much fun I tried to ignore it) and watched more DVDs and some TiVo stuff. I finally went to bed around midnight and woke up and was wide awake from about 330am on. It sucks, but this is what the drugs do to me.
So I am at work - cleaning up the aftermath from my big project and hoping for the end of the day to get here soon so I can go home and prop up my leg on my new sofa.
Later all!
Clearly, George Lucas made Episodes I and II just to get to III.
I was very happy with this installment and felt like I was 10 years old again. I think he made up for I and II with this well put together bridge between the old and new trilogies. I loved everything from the opening bars of the Star Wars Theme, to the first Vader breath. They explained a lot of things that make the transistion from 3 to 4 almost seemless...maybe one or two loose ends that will be covered by George's 2006 TV series.
All-in-all, it was a great show and I am dying to see it again!
The day was a lot of fun too. Kerstin and Kim were great fun to hang out with and enjoyed the movie just as much as I did (okay - moreso Kerstin than Kim, but Kerstin is an SW geek like I am). Afterwards we had a great dinner at a Mexican place (authentic - the menu was all in Spanish!). Thanks guys :)
I went home, propped my leg back up (okay, so the knee hated me all through the movie and dinner, but I had so much fun I tried to ignore it) and watched more DVDs and some TiVo stuff. I finally went to bed around midnight and woke up and was wide awake from about 330am on. It sucks, but this is what the drugs do to me.
So I am at work - cleaning up the aftermath from my big project and hoping for the end of the day to get here soon so I can go home and prop up my leg on my new sofa.
Later all!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Fuel Injection
Shot #2 and I'm still alive - but not kicking!
Let me just tell you that I think the doc hit a nerve the first time around. This one hurt, but not nearly as much as last week.
My angel of mercy took me to and from the doctor and even cracked some jokes with him to help keep my mind off the big needle...did I mention that Heather rocks?
Anyway, she got me all set up at home - laid out on the sofa, leg propped up, ice pack on, remote controls close and ready to nap for hours...which I did.
My day consisted of drinking water, taking pain pills, barely eating and watching DVDs of TV Shows (a good hint, these you don't have to get up and change discs as often). I did some cross-stitch and slept some more. I did as little as possible since my sofa (for this last weekend) is too low for my bad knees.
All was well Saturday too. I basically repeated Friday except I had to run one errand. But I kept it short and sweet and got right back on the sofa. I slept a lot, especially since the good drugs tend to throw off my sleep pattern so much that I find myself taking 6 naps a day and not sleeping through the night...
Oh well, only a little more than a week left of this!
Let me just tell you that I think the doc hit a nerve the first time around. This one hurt, but not nearly as much as last week.
My angel of mercy took me to and from the doctor and even cracked some jokes with him to help keep my mind off the big needle...did I mention that Heather rocks?
Anyway, she got me all set up at home - laid out on the sofa, leg propped up, ice pack on, remote controls close and ready to nap for hours...which I did.
My day consisted of drinking water, taking pain pills, barely eating and watching DVDs of TV Shows (a good hint, these you don't have to get up and change discs as often). I did some cross-stitch and slept some more. I did as little as possible since my sofa (for this last weekend) is too low for my bad knees.
All was well Saturday too. I basically repeated Friday except I had to run one errand. But I kept it short and sweet and got right back on the sofa. I slept a lot, especially since the good drugs tend to throw off my sleep pattern so much that I find myself taking 6 naps a day and not sleeping through the night...
Oh well, only a little more than a week left of this!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
A Matter of Trust
Sorry it has been a few days since I last posted, but I figured I needed a couple of days to try and chill so my posts were not quite so "ranty."
The question of the day has been "So how was Episode III?!"
Why don't you all take a seat...I didn't go. Quiet down, quiet down. The world is NOT coming to an end or anything; it was a matter of circumstance and really came as no big surprise. Now to worry, I am going to go and see it on Sunday with some friends and I am sure I will enjoy every minute of it!
Today is a very odd day - I had originally taken the day off since I had plans for the flick last night, but ended up coming in and not wasting the vacation hours for no reason. I'm still working my arse off on this project and I keep thinking I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but then something else crops up.
I'm in a weird place right now and haven't really figured out what do to next. I am at a loss. I am a very lucky person and I have a lot of people around me who care about me and help look out for me. I think this comes from years of being selfless when it came to my friends and putting others ahead of myself. I never really did something for someone with the expectation of getting something out of it (except for the satisfaction of helping a friend), but it has really touched me in the last couple of weeks to have all the love and support that I do. And who knew I would need it? Certainly not me.
So, to all of my dear friends who have put up with me all these years and stayed close friends (even when I was gone to California for 2 years), I thank you. You are all such wonderful people and I feel like I don't deserve you :)
It's really hard dealing with loss and usually someone has actually died, which is where this feeling of loss comes from...however to lose someone who is still alive, but has basically broken ties and moved on to other things, with little or no explanation and just a trail of broken promises and hurtful acts, is hard to deal with.
5 Stages of Grief
Shock/Denial
Inward Anger
Outward Anger
Depression
Acceptance
Well, I have made it through the first 2 - I think that is safe to say. Stage 2 was all about, 'what did I do?' 'how did I make this happen?' 'I should have done something different." Stage 3 has become all about a lack of trust; you place your trust in someone and they use that to take advantage or hurt you in ways you never imagined. I really didn't think this would happen to me, but alas, I was wrong.
It is one thing to pull away from someone due to being scared, not wanting to say goodbye, etc., which is perfectly understandable and avoidable if the friendship is strong. However, it is the deliberate acts of cruelty and doing things to hurt others that always has me baffled. It is a tough road for me, and having access to heavy drugs right now is probably not a good thing...
Don't panic - I'm not doing anything rash and nor would I ever - I just mean that while dulling the knee pain, I am also able to dull the heart pain...today, that is a good thing, but overall it keeps me in denial for a very long time.
I'll live. I refuse to be "poor me" and complain forever. I have promised myself that I will not let this cloud anything and everything that comes my way.
Pick yourself up...
Take a deep breath...
Dust yourself off
And start all over again.
The question of the day has been "So how was Episode III?!"
Why don't you all take a seat...I didn't go. Quiet down, quiet down. The world is NOT coming to an end or anything; it was a matter of circumstance and really came as no big surprise. Now to worry, I am going to go and see it on Sunday with some friends and I am sure I will enjoy every minute of it!
Today is a very odd day - I had originally taken the day off since I had plans for the flick last night, but ended up coming in and not wasting the vacation hours for no reason. I'm still working my arse off on this project and I keep thinking I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but then something else crops up.
I'm in a weird place right now and haven't really figured out what do to next. I am at a loss. I am a very lucky person and I have a lot of people around me who care about me and help look out for me. I think this comes from years of being selfless when it came to my friends and putting others ahead of myself. I never really did something for someone with the expectation of getting something out of it (except for the satisfaction of helping a friend), but it has really touched me in the last couple of weeks to have all the love and support that I do. And who knew I would need it? Certainly not me.
So, to all of my dear friends who have put up with me all these years and stayed close friends (even when I was gone to California for 2 years), I thank you. You are all such wonderful people and I feel like I don't deserve you :)
It's really hard dealing with loss and usually someone has actually died, which is where this feeling of loss comes from...however to lose someone who is still alive, but has basically broken ties and moved on to other things, with little or no explanation and just a trail of broken promises and hurtful acts, is hard to deal with.
5 Stages of Grief
Shock/Denial
Inward Anger
Outward Anger
Depression
Acceptance
Well, I have made it through the first 2 - I think that is safe to say. Stage 2 was all about, 'what did I do?' 'how did I make this happen?' 'I should have done something different." Stage 3 has become all about a lack of trust; you place your trust in someone and they use that to take advantage or hurt you in ways you never imagined. I really didn't think this would happen to me, but alas, I was wrong.
It is one thing to pull away from someone due to being scared, not wanting to say goodbye, etc., which is perfectly understandable and avoidable if the friendship is strong. However, it is the deliberate acts of cruelty and doing things to hurt others that always has me baffled. It is a tough road for me, and having access to heavy drugs right now is probably not a good thing...
Don't panic - I'm not doing anything rash and nor would I ever - I just mean that while dulling the knee pain, I am also able to dull the heart pain...today, that is a good thing, but overall it keeps me in denial for a very long time.
I'll live. I refuse to be "poor me" and complain forever. I have promised myself that I will not let this cloud anything and everything that comes my way.
Pick yourself up...
Take a deep breath...
Dust yourself off
And start all over again.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Bumpin' and Grindin'
After the phone call I just received - it is a two-post day.
When my dad and I went outside to get in his car on Saturday, I noticed that there was a puddle under my car...it looked rainbow-like, so I knew it was probably not water. My dad sniffed around under my car and determined it was gasoline.
Now, I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I love it to death...to death is pretty close to the truth apparently.
So I dropped the car off at my trusty Goodyear Gemini location and left the keys on Sunday night. I get to drive my dad's Mercedes for a day or two - yahoo!
So Tom from Goodyear just called to tell me the damage. They had to remove the gas tank to figure out the problem and found that the fuel pump assembly was cracked. This must have happened when the rear shocks blew and I took the Jeep off-roading...
Yeah, I don't off-road in that thing - it isn't a 4x4.
No clue how this happened. I have been searching the ol' memory banks and cannot find a single instance where this might have happened. Here is the damage:
New Fuel Pump Assembly
Rear Shocks
Oil and Filter Change
Air Filter Change
New Windshield Wipers
Passenger-Side Brake Light Replacement
Labor for all the above
$1139 (oh yeah, plus tax!)
Damn! That hurts! Plus the $40 per week for these damn shots (and 10% on top of that) and I need a 3rd job just to keep up.
Okay - off to earn my paycheck in a 2-hour meeting...fun, fun!
When my dad and I went outside to get in his car on Saturday, I noticed that there was a puddle under my car...it looked rainbow-like, so I knew it was probably not water. My dad sniffed around under my car and determined it was gasoline.
Now, I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I love it to death...to death is pretty close to the truth apparently.
So I dropped the car off at my trusty Goodyear Gemini location and left the keys on Sunday night. I get to drive my dad's Mercedes for a day or two - yahoo!
So Tom from Goodyear just called to tell me the damage. They had to remove the gas tank to figure out the problem and found that the fuel pump assembly was cracked. This must have happened when the rear shocks blew and I took the Jeep off-roading...
Yeah, I don't off-road in that thing - it isn't a 4x4.
No clue how this happened. I have been searching the ol' memory banks and cannot find a single instance where this might have happened. Here is the damage:
New Fuel Pump Assembly
Rear Shocks
Oil and Filter Change
Air Filter Change
New Windshield Wipers
Passenger-Side Brake Light Replacement
Labor for all the above
$1139 (oh yeah, plus tax!)
Damn! That hurts! Plus the $40 per week for these damn shots (and 10% on top of that) and I need a 3rd job just to keep up.
Okay - off to earn my paycheck in a 2-hour meeting...fun, fun!
A Royal Pain in the Knee
So Shot #1 completed...do a dance for me, because I cannot.
So Friday was an insane day. We have this major project going on as I mentioned before and it is taking up ALL of my time. I had to leave work at 1:45 to get to my doctor's appointment (actually, I had to get to my parent's house, leave my car, change clothes, and have my mother drive me to the doctor's). All in time for a 2:30 appointment and they close at 3pm.
So, I had a project update meeting at 1pm. I explained to everyone that I had to walk out at 145pm and could we cover my area first. No one had a problem with that.
We started the meeting 10 minutes late and started with all the technical crap and caused a huge argument and a big delay in the meeting. 145pm came and went and we still hadn't covered my stuff. We finally got to it at 2pm and after 10 minutes, (my boss had already left) I had to excuse myself. I booked it to my car and peeled out of the parking lot. I killed myself to get to the doctor and my dad was kind enough to drive my mom to the doctor's office.
I walked in, with shorts and tennis shoes in hand (since I can't wear that to work) and was given a couple minutes to change in the room. Thank goodness. My mom walked in about the same time I did and that was nice. The nurse offered to get me a gown to change into and then I showed my shorts and she said "see, this is why you are one of our favorite patients!" Nice sentiment, it did make me feel good, but worries me that I spend too much time there. I think I keep Resurgens in business.
Anyway, I talked to my mom while I got the shot - it hurt like an SOB and I tried not to yell out. My mom kept me distracted while he shot world's longest needle into my knee (and hit a nerve or two on the way in) and shot the motor oil in...fun, huh?
So, the day sucked and ended with pain...and I get to do this for the next two weeks. The problem is, my parents are out of town on Friday and cannot be my transportation. I have a good friend who volunteered when I told her of my predicament and so I think I am covered...thank goodness.
So the weekend was pretty much a bust - I was unable to do much of anything for almost 2 days afterwards. I was supposed to go to my friend's house for dinner on Saturday, but was unable to drive down there. I passed along messages via cell phone, email and an SMS to Angie, but it turns out she was a no show as well - not to mention Steev didn't check his voicemail...nice.
Anyway, I think I convinced my friends this was unavoidable and I am no longer in the doghouse. I hate being in the doghouse. Hopefully, this weekend will suck less than last.
On a positive note, I sent presents to the West Coast (niece and nephew) and I got a phone call at my parents on Friday. Maggie is still the cutest ever. But when I got home on Sunday and checked my voicemail, there was a message from her. It said:
"Aunt D...Thank you for the present, but can you call back for us?" Clearly, Maggie doesn't like leaving messages anymore than I do :)
Back to work with my knee propped up under my desk and confined to my cube for the duration!
So Friday was an insane day. We have this major project going on as I mentioned before and it is taking up ALL of my time. I had to leave work at 1:45 to get to my doctor's appointment (actually, I had to get to my parent's house, leave my car, change clothes, and have my mother drive me to the doctor's). All in time for a 2:30 appointment and they close at 3pm.
So, I had a project update meeting at 1pm. I explained to everyone that I had to walk out at 145pm and could we cover my area first. No one had a problem with that.
We started the meeting 10 minutes late and started with all the technical crap and caused a huge argument and a big delay in the meeting. 145pm came and went and we still hadn't covered my stuff. We finally got to it at 2pm and after 10 minutes, (my boss had already left) I had to excuse myself. I booked it to my car and peeled out of the parking lot. I killed myself to get to the doctor and my dad was kind enough to drive my mom to the doctor's office.
I walked in, with shorts and tennis shoes in hand (since I can't wear that to work) and was given a couple minutes to change in the room. Thank goodness. My mom walked in about the same time I did and that was nice. The nurse offered to get me a gown to change into and then I showed my shorts and she said "see, this is why you are one of our favorite patients!" Nice sentiment, it did make me feel good, but worries me that I spend too much time there. I think I keep Resurgens in business.
Anyway, I talked to my mom while I got the shot - it hurt like an SOB and I tried not to yell out. My mom kept me distracted while he shot world's longest needle into my knee (and hit a nerve or two on the way in) and shot the motor oil in...fun, huh?
So, the day sucked and ended with pain...and I get to do this for the next two weeks. The problem is, my parents are out of town on Friday and cannot be my transportation. I have a good friend who volunteered when I told her of my predicament and so I think I am covered...thank goodness.
So the weekend was pretty much a bust - I was unable to do much of anything for almost 2 days afterwards. I was supposed to go to my friend's house for dinner on Saturday, but was unable to drive down there. I passed along messages via cell phone, email and an SMS to Angie, but it turns out she was a no show as well - not to mention Steev didn't check his voicemail...nice.
Anyway, I think I convinced my friends this was unavoidable and I am no longer in the doghouse. I hate being in the doghouse. Hopefully, this weekend will suck less than last.
On a positive note, I sent presents to the West Coast (niece and nephew) and I got a phone call at my parents on Friday. Maggie is still the cutest ever. But when I got home on Sunday and checked my voicemail, there was a message from her. It said:
"Aunt D...Thank you for the present, but can you call back for us?" Clearly, Maggie doesn't like leaving messages anymore than I do :)
Back to work with my knee propped up under my desk and confined to my cube for the duration!
Friday, May 13, 2005
The Replacements
So it has happened...I have been replaced. It is an odd feeling really, but it's funny how I sort of knew this was coming for some time now.
So the question is, what is my game-plan? What am I going to do next? I haven't really figured that one out, but I figure that I have time. I mean, hell, I went it alone for 2 years in San Francisco, so this should be no different....it's just sad. The end of an era.
So today at work is kind of quiet (at least for now). I'm finishing up a few things I didn't get completed in my 10 straight hours yesterday, but over all it has been mostly about answering some questions. Boring, really.
The countdown beings to San Francisco and the new baby and lots of Maggie time. I can't wait. She keeps me young and honest and I like that a lot.
The rest of my day will suck, however. I'm getting a really BIG needle jabbed into my knee and motor oil pumped in - sounds exciting, doesn't it? Here is what is more exciting, I get to do it again the next two Fridays as well...Yippeee! Then I get to stay off my leg for the day - man I am bored already!
Good news is that I have plans with friends tomorrow night that should be a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to that :) These are friends I really treasure and am not sure I would still work at my current job (moving back to Atlanta), if I didn't have this big support system right in the office...it's a beautiful thing, really :)
Back to work, I guess. It's gonna be a long, painful, boring day and I might as well get it over with...
So the question is, what is my game-plan? What am I going to do next? I haven't really figured that one out, but I figure that I have time. I mean, hell, I went it alone for 2 years in San Francisco, so this should be no different....it's just sad. The end of an era.
So today at work is kind of quiet (at least for now). I'm finishing up a few things I didn't get completed in my 10 straight hours yesterday, but over all it has been mostly about answering some questions. Boring, really.
The countdown beings to San Francisco and the new baby and lots of Maggie time. I can't wait. She keeps me young and honest and I like that a lot.
The rest of my day will suck, however. I'm getting a really BIG needle jabbed into my knee and motor oil pumped in - sounds exciting, doesn't it? Here is what is more exciting, I get to do it again the next two Fridays as well...Yippeee! Then I get to stay off my leg for the day - man I am bored already!
Good news is that I have plans with friends tomorrow night that should be a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to that :) These are friends I really treasure and am not sure I would still work at my current job (moving back to Atlanta), if I didn't have this big support system right in the office...it's a beautiful thing, really :)
Back to work, I guess. It's gonna be a long, painful, boring day and I might as well get it over with...
Thursday, May 12, 2005
There is No Joy in Pain
So this is pretty late in the day for me to post, but today has been crazy and this is the first chance I have gotten.
Ihave been dealing with a major project at work and it has taken up every moment of my time and there is no joy in that.
Things around here are odd. We are in the middle of what I would call a Mass Exodus. Many people who have been here for some time have decided to move on for school, other jobs, etc. and it is very eerie here. I'm not going this close to sabbatical - it's less than a year at this point and for that, I can hang on. Besides, I don't hate it here, I just hate certain parts of my job at times.
Otherwise there is nothing to report...it's all work all the time.
By the way, to the anonymous poster from yesterday - I refuse to believe it is so hopeless.
Ihave been dealing with a major project at work and it has taken up every moment of my time and there is no joy in that.
Things around here are odd. We are in the middle of what I would call a Mass Exodus. Many people who have been here for some time have decided to move on for school, other jobs, etc. and it is very eerie here. I'm not going this close to sabbatical - it's less than a year at this point and for that, I can hang on. Besides, I don't hate it here, I just hate certain parts of my job at times.
Otherwise there is nothing to report...it's all work all the time.
By the way, to the anonymous poster from yesterday - I refuse to believe it is so hopeless.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The Truth About Trouble
Men can be trouble. I'm not sure if it is something they are by design or just by years of programming, but lately it seems to not matter how, just the why.
I love men, I do. It is when they become frustrating and make our lives more dramatic that you wonder why we keep them around at all. Mind you, I am not referring to ALL men, but at some point and time, each man becomes difficult to some girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, etc.
So, for more information as to why this has come up, please feel free to pop on over to Ancalagon's Abyss and read all about it (the Voodoo Doll post from 5/10) and then her follow up post from today (5/11).
Here is my point...men do not "get" women. They should - they have been trying for enough years that they should have made some progress. But to that point, women are too sensitive to things men say. We read too much into any word uttered by a man and end up making things into even more drama than they started out. Last time I checked, even though there have been a couple of sexual revolutions in the last few decades, women still experience an emotional attachment when sex is involved. We can lie to ourselves and our friends and say "it's just sex," but deep down there is this connection that we cannot control...The difference is how we choose to handle that connection that keeps all of us chicks unique and keeps the boys guessing.
So where have we all gone wrong? Well, men need to understand that this will happen no matter what we say we want. Women need to be honest with themselves (me included) and understand their own hearts and minds. In other words, don't write any checks you can't cash!
That said, and I think I have said my peace, can't we all just get along!?!
So today is less insane than yesterday, but my job is making me crazy this week and I need a little adventure. I'm not sure what kind of adventure, but something to break up the monotony. Something fun...exciting...did I mention fun? Day trip somewhere would be nice, but who has the time? Yeah, yeah...make time.
So yesterday a friend here at work asked me a weird question...do I have a boyfriend? Now this was completely out of left field and I wasn't really expecting it, but it was an odd question based on what the conversation had been. I explained my status (between bad relationships) and that I have little time to meet anyone who isn't at work. Then I started to think about that. Except for the redneck next door who likes to hit on me, I don't really meet people outside of work. Sad, really.
So, I need to get out there. At least meet some people. I was going strong in January and somehow I allowed my momentum to fizzle out and die. I really am not sure how that happened. So a mid-year resolution - get out, have fun and stop letting work run my life.
Good luck to me :)
I love men, I do. It is when they become frustrating and make our lives more dramatic that you wonder why we keep them around at all. Mind you, I am not referring to ALL men, but at some point and time, each man becomes difficult to some girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, etc.
So, for more information as to why this has come up, please feel free to pop on over to Ancalagon's Abyss and read all about it (the Voodoo Doll post from 5/10) and then her follow up post from today (5/11).
Here is my point...men do not "get" women. They should - they have been trying for enough years that they should have made some progress. But to that point, women are too sensitive to things men say. We read too much into any word uttered by a man and end up making things into even more drama than they started out. Last time I checked, even though there have been a couple of sexual revolutions in the last few decades, women still experience an emotional attachment when sex is involved. We can lie to ourselves and our friends and say "it's just sex," but deep down there is this connection that we cannot control...The difference is how we choose to handle that connection that keeps all of us chicks unique and keeps the boys guessing.
So where have we all gone wrong? Well, men need to understand that this will happen no matter what we say we want. Women need to be honest with themselves (me included) and understand their own hearts and minds. In other words, don't write any checks you can't cash!
That said, and I think I have said my peace, can't we all just get along!?!
So today is less insane than yesterday, but my job is making me crazy this week and I need a little adventure. I'm not sure what kind of adventure, but something to break up the monotony. Something fun...exciting...did I mention fun? Day trip somewhere would be nice, but who has the time? Yeah, yeah...make time.
So yesterday a friend here at work asked me a weird question...do I have a boyfriend? Now this was completely out of left field and I wasn't really expecting it, but it was an odd question based on what the conversation had been. I explained my status (between bad relationships) and that I have little time to meet anyone who isn't at work. Then I started to think about that. Except for the redneck next door who likes to hit on me, I don't really meet people outside of work. Sad, really.
So, I need to get out there. At least meet some people. I was going strong in January and somehow I allowed my momentum to fizzle out and die. I really am not sure how that happened. So a mid-year resolution - get out, have fun and stop letting work run my life.
Good luck to me :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Nut Allergy Jokes Aren't Funny
Movie Review: Monster-in-Law
I will say that after 15 years away from the big screen, Jane Fonda still has it. She was great and the over-the-top, insanely jealous, borderline psychotic mother to ulti-hottie Michael Vartan (Did I mention he plays hockey?).
I don't mind J Lo in these romantic comedies. She is actually pretty good for these types of roles, but I didn't pick up on any chemistry between her and Michael...okay, maybe I am projecting and just want him for myself. :)
This movie was fun, but it needed more of the little fantasy snippets (Jane bashing J Lo's head into the table, etc). I think it would have carried more laughs and sustained the audience more. It was fun, but is a safe bet to add it to your Netflix queue instead of spending the $8 to go to the theatre, ss much as it pains me to day this (frankly, Michael is not on the big screen enough for my taste as it is). Personally, I wish the world would go see this so maybe he gets more movies.
For now, I think I have to wait until Wednesday nights at 9pm to get my Michael fix. Or maybe run across one of those celebrity hockey games he likes to play in (sigh).
I could be wrong, maybe this will do great $$ and he will start doing one of these a year? One can dream!
And a tip for the movie company, poisoning someone with nuts who is allergic, isn't a way to get laughs - especially when that same stunt pulled on me, would have caused my immediate death :(
And P.S. Some people suck! Can I just say that a friend of Angie's got to go to Skywalker Ranch last week and watch the George Lucas screening of SW3. That was bad enough until the jackass had to go and send a picture of him with Chewie and Darth and rub it in...why? That's just rude and he should apologize immediately for his insensitivity! Is it May 18th yet??????
I will say that after 15 years away from the big screen, Jane Fonda still has it. She was great and the over-the-top, insanely jealous, borderline psychotic mother to ulti-hottie Michael Vartan (Did I mention he plays hockey?).
I don't mind J Lo in these romantic comedies. She is actually pretty good for these types of roles, but I didn't pick up on any chemistry between her and Michael...okay, maybe I am projecting and just want him for myself. :)
This movie was fun, but it needed more of the little fantasy snippets (Jane bashing J Lo's head into the table, etc). I think it would have carried more laughs and sustained the audience more. It was fun, but is a safe bet to add it to your Netflix queue instead of spending the $8 to go to the theatre, ss much as it pains me to day this (frankly, Michael is not on the big screen enough for my taste as it is). Personally, I wish the world would go see this so maybe he gets more movies.
For now, I think I have to wait until Wednesday nights at 9pm to get my Michael fix. Or maybe run across one of those celebrity hockey games he likes to play in (sigh).
I could be wrong, maybe this will do great $$ and he will start doing one of these a year? One can dream!
And a tip for the movie company, poisoning someone with nuts who is allergic, isn't a way to get laughs - especially when that same stunt pulled on me, would have caused my immediate death :(
And P.S. Some people suck! Can I just say that a friend of Angie's got to go to Skywalker Ranch last week and watch the George Lucas screening of SW3. That was bad enough until the jackass had to go and send a picture of him with Chewie and Darth and rub it in...why? That's just rude and he should apologize immediately for his insensitivity! Is it May 18th yet??????
Saturday, May 07, 2005
And It's Giacomo By a Landslide
And no one bet on him...not at my party, anyway. A longshot Won the Kentucky Derby. It isn't the first time, nor will it be the last, but what a shocker!
So our party was a raging success. Despite the tar stained floor (they are resurfacing the streets in my parent's neighborhood) and party crashers (there was a dueling party down the street and some guests were confused) and phantom bets (Linda K Grum who?), we had a grand old time!
The food was amazing, even if I do say so myself, and we had an excellent helper from the SCA here in Atlanta. For those of you not in attendance, the menu was as follows:
Baked Ham
Buttermilk Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Oven-Roasted Tomato Tart
Mushroom Tartlets
Prosciutto Wrapped Hearts of Palm
Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Puréed Broccoli and Roasted Garlic Canapés
Black Pepper Almonds
Hot Brown Dip
Fresh Strawberries with Powdered Sugar and Chocolate Ganache
Boiled Shrimp with Remoulade and Tartar Sauce
Winner's Circle Strawberry Cake
Mint Julep Kisses
We had a lot of fun and I was completely exhausted afterwards...I love entertaining, but sometimes I wish I didn't have to do any work!
Which reminds me, it has been entirely too long since I had a Poker Night. And with Angie leaving, I don't know if I will be able to fit one in between now and then...DAMN.
Anyway, the horses for Win, Place and Show were and their payoffs at the track were:
10 Giacomo - Win: 102.60 Place: 45.80 Show: 19.80
18 Closing Argument- Place: 70.00 Show: 24.80
12 Afleet Alex - Show: 4.60
So since no one bet on the winning horse at my house, we paid out for horses 2, 3 and 4...as if an amatuer won the race (you golf fans will understand this logic). So we paid $21-1 for Closing Argument, $.30-1 for Afleet Alex and $1-1 for the number 4 horse (which now I forget).
Anyway, it was fun and now I am exhausted and therefore need to sleep.
Later kids!
So our party was a raging success. Despite the tar stained floor (they are resurfacing the streets in my parent's neighborhood) and party crashers (there was a dueling party down the street and some guests were confused) and phantom bets (Linda K Grum who?), we had a grand old time!
The food was amazing, even if I do say so myself, and we had an excellent helper from the SCA here in Atlanta. For those of you not in attendance, the menu was as follows:
Baked Ham
Buttermilk Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Oven-Roasted Tomato Tart
Mushroom Tartlets
Prosciutto Wrapped Hearts of Palm
Chicken with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Puréed Broccoli and Roasted Garlic Canapés
Black Pepper Almonds
Hot Brown Dip
Fresh Strawberries with Powdered Sugar and Chocolate Ganache
Boiled Shrimp with Remoulade and Tartar Sauce
Winner's Circle Strawberry Cake
Mint Julep Kisses
We had a lot of fun and I was completely exhausted afterwards...I love entertaining, but sometimes I wish I didn't have to do any work!
Which reminds me, it has been entirely too long since I had a Poker Night. And with Angie leaving, I don't know if I will be able to fit one in between now and then...DAMN.
Anyway, the horses for Win, Place and Show were and their payoffs at the track were:
10 Giacomo - Win: 102.60 Place: 45.80 Show: 19.80
18 Closing Argument- Place: 70.00 Show: 24.80
12 Afleet Alex - Show: 4.60
So since no one bet on the winning horse at my house, we paid out for horses 2, 3 and 4...as if an amatuer won the race (you golf fans will understand this logic). So we paid $21-1 for Closing Argument, $.30-1 for Afleet Alex and $1-1 for the number 4 horse (which now I forget).
Anyway, it was fun and now I am exhausted and therefore need to sleep.
Later kids!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Where There's a Will...
A baby Will to be specific!
My new nephew has arrived! He was born on Friday afternoon in California and is as cute as can be. He is 7 pounds, 4 ounces and 20 inches long (my exact dimensions when I was born 32 years ago). He has a full head of black hair and has been introduced to his big sister, Maggie. I'm very excited and cannot wait to get my hands on him and be Aunt D for a second time.
However, it makes me long for California. The last time this happened I picked up and moved cross-country and now I am sorry I moved back. Don't get me wrong, I am happy being back in Georgia near my parents and everything, but I hate that Will won't know me like Maggie does. I have to keep on making my quarterly trips to SFO to keep it up.
Otherwise, it has been quite a Friday. I cooked all day getting ready for the Kentucky Derby Party my family has each year and my back and feet are killing me.
More to come on the party and the baby later on in the weekend!
My new nephew has arrived! He was born on Friday afternoon in California and is as cute as can be. He is 7 pounds, 4 ounces and 20 inches long (my exact dimensions when I was born 32 years ago). He has a full head of black hair and has been introduced to his big sister, Maggie. I'm very excited and cannot wait to get my hands on him and be Aunt D for a second time.
However, it makes me long for California. The last time this happened I picked up and moved cross-country and now I am sorry I moved back. Don't get me wrong, I am happy being back in Georgia near my parents and everything, but I hate that Will won't know me like Maggie does. I have to keep on making my quarterly trips to SFO to keep it up.
Otherwise, it has been quite a Friday. I cooked all day getting ready for the Kentucky Derby Party my family has each year and my back and feet are killing me.
More to come on the party and the baby later on in the weekend!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Like Sands Through the Hourglass...
So it's Monday again and its MAY! How did that happen exactly? I swear, it was March just a minute ago. This week is shaping up to be really hectic for me and I am kind of looking forward to having it be Sunday...Mother's Day (Oy, Vey!).
The Kentucky Derby is this coming weekend, usually a welcomed day in my family, but truly this year I would prefer it just pass me by without any fanfare...no such luck.
So we are having a party on Saturday, which should be a lot of fun, but as usual with be a lot of work. I took Friday off to help cook and prepare, which should ease the pain a bit, but we are in an environment where people no longer RSVP. What is that about? It's called common courtesy to RSVP when people ask you to. It's kind of hard getting a headcount when people don't tell you if they are coming.
The food should be excellent (as always) and the betting is always fun (especially when I win), but I'm tired just thinking about it.
This morning I was given a Zen Garden (promotional Schwag at work) and I set it up, knowing full-well that I would need this to keep myself calm for the week. There is too much sand!! Now it is everywhere and I made a big mess.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but usually the sand is supposed to stay in the container, not all around it and on the floor too, right? Some Zen Garden - it stressed me out from the second I opened it...I feel like this is some sick cosmic joke on me, and anal retentive one who hates mess...
Back to work as I need to get some Monday morning madness completed before I take my morning nap under my desk...later all!
The Kentucky Derby is this coming weekend, usually a welcomed day in my family, but truly this year I would prefer it just pass me by without any fanfare...no such luck.
So we are having a party on Saturday, which should be a lot of fun, but as usual with be a lot of work. I took Friday off to help cook and prepare, which should ease the pain a bit, but we are in an environment where people no longer RSVP. What is that about? It's called common courtesy to RSVP when people ask you to. It's kind of hard getting a headcount when people don't tell you if they are coming.
The food should be excellent (as always) and the betting is always fun (especially when I win), but I'm tired just thinking about it.
This morning I was given a Zen Garden (promotional Schwag at work) and I set it up, knowing full-well that I would need this to keep myself calm for the week. There is too much sand!! Now it is everywhere and I made a big mess.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but usually the sand is supposed to stay in the container, not all around it and on the floor too, right? Some Zen Garden - it stressed me out from the second I opened it...I feel like this is some sick cosmic joke on me, and anal retentive one who hates mess...
Back to work as I need to get some Monday morning madness completed before I take my morning nap under my desk...later all!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
It's a Navy Thing
Movie Review: Sahara
I may be the odd man out, but I really enjoyed this movie. Now, I have not yet read the book (starting tonight) and I was not expecting great cinematic history to be made...I just wanted to watch something fun and adventurous - which I did.
I will say that Matthew McConaughey seemed the same as he does in most of his movies, but I didn't mind so much as it just makes Dirk Pitt sexy for my viewing pleasure. And Steve Zahn, as the ever wise-cracking sidekick, Al Giordino, has been forever type-cast and the funny man who never gets the girl.
There was a LOT going on, and it was over 2 hours, but really it didn't seem too bad - I didn't really notice the time. There were some laughs and some adventure and a lot of desert sand. Oh yeah, and Penélope Cruz as the WHO doctor trying to track down an epidemic...okay, this plot line was hard to become invested in, but it worked to further the story and bring the adventures together for the big finally (of course, all plot points converge).
The script needed some work and a change of scenery would have been nice, but overall it was not a waste of my 2 hours on a Saturday. I needed this break and I look forward to a possible 2nd shot at a Dirk Pitt adventure on the big screen - I think it could and should be done...at least give it a shot.
If you want to have a little fun, you should see this movie as long as you are not expecting the next Indiana Jones. I know I wasn't :)
I may be the odd man out, but I really enjoyed this movie. Now, I have not yet read the book (starting tonight) and I was not expecting great cinematic history to be made...I just wanted to watch something fun and adventurous - which I did.
I will say that Matthew McConaughey seemed the same as he does in most of his movies, but I didn't mind so much as it just makes Dirk Pitt sexy for my viewing pleasure. And Steve Zahn, as the ever wise-cracking sidekick, Al Giordino, has been forever type-cast and the funny man who never gets the girl.
There was a LOT going on, and it was over 2 hours, but really it didn't seem too bad - I didn't really notice the time. There were some laughs and some adventure and a lot of desert sand. Oh yeah, and Penélope Cruz as the WHO doctor trying to track down an epidemic...okay, this plot line was hard to become invested in, but it worked to further the story and bring the adventures together for the big finally (of course, all plot points converge).
The script needed some work and a change of scenery would have been nice, but overall it was not a waste of my 2 hours on a Saturday. I needed this break and I look forward to a possible 2nd shot at a Dirk Pitt adventure on the big screen - I think it could and should be done...at least give it a shot.
If you want to have a little fun, you should see this movie as long as you are not expecting the next Indiana Jones. I know I wasn't :)
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