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| Thursday, July 9th, 2009 | | 9:35 pm |
MJ's First Review
Today I filed my first theater review with the City Paper. I don't know if they will edit it, but here's how I called it: They say: Life Inside an Open Kaije covers certain memorable chapters of the playwright's life while dealing with diabetes and how he was able to overcome each obstacle through narration. MJ says: Everything you ever wanted to know about living with diabetes but were afraid to ask. Playwright Kevin Ray Johnson unflinchingly chronicles his metamorphosis from a newly diagnosed 8 year old into a 20 something man who has finally made peace with his unwanted life companion of diabetes. The normal rollercoaster of growing up is made more gut wrenching as the physical and mental toll of his disease overshadows the highs and amplifies the lows. Gregory Joseph Twomey stars as the afflicted Kaije through every stage of his life -which given the breadth of ages is rather impressive feat. The supporting cast of two men (Joey Ibanez and Rob Loreto) and one woman (Rosanna Haddad) are left with the daunting task of playing everyone else of import in his life. Usually the changes in character are clear, occasionally they add a bit of mental vertigo until you recognize their new role. On the whole the story was compelling, and the actors stretched beautifully to portray a dizzying array of doctors, nurses, friends and family. See it if: You'd like to become more compassionate courtesy of a behind the scenes tour of living with a chronic disease. Skip it if: You'd rather not need a scorecard to tell the players. Now MJ will pack up some radio plays for justhuman and hit the hay. Books: Strata Movies: who needs movies when the Fringe Festival is in town? Soundtrack: I'm the Arbiter I know the score! Current Mood:  touched | | Monday, July 6th, 2009 | | 9:39 pm |
Old and Tired
I went for my Fringe Festival guest blogger orientation today. I think if you added the ages of any other two bloggers I would still be older. I don't know if I'm proud I held my own against the young spuds in the contest or vaguely ashamed that I have not yet put away childish things. Either way I am totally pooped. I am going to bed. Books: Strata Movies: no. bed. Soundtrack: The Long and Winding Road Current Mood:  tired | | Sunday, July 5th, 2009 | | 12:52 pm |
A Very Bungalow Fourth
We spent the 4th as we always do when we can - at the Fabulous Bungalow's party. Much talking about books, movies, and fandom along with yummy BBQ made by the amazing John. At 9:00 there were ground based fireworks in the backyard, then we drove home. On the way home we saw the finales of Arlington, Fairfax, Reston and Great Falls through the windshield of the car while patriotic music played on the radio. That was awesome. Many chores to do today :-( Books: Mean Streets/The Scarlet Pimpernel Movies: surely tonight we can find some time... Current Mood: busy | | Saturday, July 4th, 2009 | | 1:03 pm |
Breaking in the Table
We had sharrainchains over for dinner and games last night. It was very impromptu. Hubby came home with a giant load of things he'd suddenly decided to grill so we invited her over to help eat the heaps of food. After dinner we played Wasabi!, Ruin and Cribbage on our lovely new gaming table. Hubby thoroughly trounced us at Wasabi! - go figure, it's a tile laying game. In revenge sharrainchains wiped the floor with us in Ruin and Cribbage (actually by the time Cribbage rolled around I was too tired to play). All in all a pleasant evening. Books: Mean Streets Movies: turned out no Soundtrack: Stars and Stripes Forever Current Mood: content | | Friday, July 3rd, 2009 | | 3:31 pm |
Head breaks water - film at 11:00
I am just starting to resurface from the deeps of Origins. Today I ran the numbers and filed the sales taxes. The con's attendance was down around 23% but our sales were only $135 short of last year's total so I'm going to call that a victory. I also pulled all the booth furniture out of the car today. I left the goods inside though since I'll be at Shoreleave a week from today. Scheduling those so close was probably a mistake, but too late now. I won the contest to be a guest reviewer for the Fringe Festival! I am very excited even though it will add to the energy drain I'm feeling right now. The weekend after Shoreleave is the Asylum reunion in Jersey and the following two weekends we're going to Tarara for concerts [www.tarara.com]. Whew! BTW: If Lucket Virginia is a distance you don't mind driving for a concert we'd love to see you there. It's all lawn seating so whoever comes comes and we'll just all look for each other. It's not that big a venue so we should all find each other OK. The 25th is Shane Hines and the Trance and the 8th is Juniper Lane. A few days later elflord and I will drive out to Indy for Gencon. I am an idiot. Clearly. Hubby just came home and said he went to the grocery store and picked up all sorts of things he wants to grill tonight. I'm glad he's got the energy to plan something. Tomorrow the Fabulous Bungalow 4th of July cookout will fufill all our griling needs. Maybe I'll be relaxed by Sunday. Here's hoping. Books: Mean Streets Movies: maybe tonight Soundtrack: My eyes feel like they're gonna bleed Current Mood: tired | | Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | | 5:35 pm |
Home is where the laundry is
We're back from Origins, but there is the small matter of a week's worth of accumulated snail mail and laundry. Therefore you will be receiving a real post later. Perhaps much later. Sigh. Necessary shout outs to the hubby and my friend Brian for working the booth. Also a big thankee to Richard ML who bought us a wonderful dinner on Sunday and the whole Smithee crew for doin' whatcha do. Books: The Scarlett Pimpernel Movies: Many, many Smithee clips - most notable The Monster of Camp Sunshine Soundtrack: Workin' in a coal mine goin' down down Current Mood: tired | | Monday, June 22nd, 2009 | | 5:17 pm |
I May Be Some Time
Tomorrow we leave for Origins. I don't intend to bring a computer, so you may not hear from me for a week. I know you must be crushed ;-) On the other hand hubby might pack one. Who knows. Anyway no one freak out. Happy belated BD to spiralsongkat. Sorry I forgot. And yours is usually the only one I remember too. Yesterday I saw the Chess concert ambug666 mentioned. Josh Groban was perfect as Anatoly, but unfortunately the rest of the cast suffered in comparison. Not that it's fair to compare anyone to him but I just couldn't help it. It also doesn't help that I saw the original on Broadway. Still it was great to see and I will be watching it again I'm sure. Funny thing...I fell in love with Chess when I was single and it all seemed wonderful. Now as a married old lady I find myself scolding Florence. "Perfect situations must go wrong"? Excuse me, but when a man is married with 2 kids your year of infidelity with him is not a perfect situation. What were you expecting my dear? Oh I am SO going to get into being Svetlana when I hit that LARP... Books: Strata Movies: Chess the concert Soundtrack: Well you can slink back to your pawns and to your tarts Current Mood:  contemplative | | Sunday, June 21st, 2009 | | 11:56 am |
National Treasure 2 - Can't Help Myself
Completely improbable, but you can't help enjoying it anyway. Jon Voigt and Helen Miren bickering was in itself worth the price of admission. Yesterday I went to my PBS book club. So nice to have a room full of readers. One woman was describing a mystery novel where there was a little girl raised by people who weren't her parents. She said there was a lot of interest in the girl and then she gets kidnapped. I said "Sounds like The Golden Compass" and another woman instantly whipped out a copy of The Golden Compass and offered to loan it out. Now that's a crowd I can hang with. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Origins prep. Books: Strata/The Golden Compass (audio book) Movies: National Treasure 2 Current Mood: busy | | Friday, June 19th, 2009 | | 12:55 pm |
A Good Start
Since the weather was nice today [for a big honking change] I decided to pack as much as I could for Origins now. Every time I do this I think about buying a van. It's already pretty full without any luggage. This year we will also be bringing my sleep machine and hubby's ham radio gear. I hope it all fits. Now to make more EVPFs for the trip. And mail some stuff. And wrap Judy's present. And and and - sigh. Books: Reserved for the Cat Movies: no time! Soundtrack: When you're racing with the clock Current Mood:  rushed | | Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 | | 8:37 pm |
Thinking of Hoboken
Not the Hoboken of today, but the Hoboken of yesteryear. The "Hey chickie chickie wanna' ride" Hoboken. Today as I rolled my laptop case through the MITRE parking lot I heard a very distinct "Hey baby!" and it all came back in a rush. I thought oh come ON give me a break but when I turned he was on his cell phone. It made me think of my younger days in a grimy city I loved. I miss my Stevens buddies and hope you are all well. I don't see near enough of you. [sniff] Books: Reserved for the Cat Movies: nopers Soundtrack: Geisha Boys and Temple Girls [yeah, I miss Pat too] Current Mood: contemplative | | Monday, June 15th, 2009 | | 7:35 pm |
Ocean's 13 - Meh 0
Hey, I watched a movie and it didn't suck! Nice change of pace. Mr. Christopher came over for a visit last night. I made dinner and after we all watched Ocean's 13. It was just as much fun as the first two. At times we howled with laughter. Hooray for fun! Books: Reserved for the Cat Movies: Ocean's 13 Soundtrack: Sittin' by the riverside waitin' for the tide to rise Current Mood: chipper | | Sunday, June 14th, 2009 | | 11:34 am |
A Wonderful Lazy Saturday
We didn't plan for it. There were tons of things we should have been doing. We didn't even discuss it. We just did it. And by did it, I mean we didn't do a damn thing. We slept late, enjoyed each other's company, read in the sun, tried a new restaurant, and watched some TV. That's it. No laundry, no Origins prep, no bills, no yardwork - nothing. I didn't even turn my computer on all day. It was truly wonderful. We should do it more often. Today the hubby is helping out at a diabetes bike-a-thon and I am doing Origins prep with a renewed vigor. Hooray! Books: Poltergeist - cover to cover - will return shortly Movies: nope, but saw the series closer of Pushing Daisies [sniff] Soundtrack: Lazy day, Sunday afternoon, like to put my feet up watch TV Current Mood: refreshed | | Thursday, June 11th, 2009 | | 4:51 pm |
Mummy 3, Meh 2
I watched The Mummy 3 last night and was not terribly impressed. I don't know if it was the lack of Rachel Weis or if they just got lazy on the script. Either way - yawn. On the bright side Aspidites sent me the next Greywalker novel! I will put aside Strata and read Poltergeist diligently so I can return it in a timely manner. I'm starting to freak out a little about getting ready for Origins. I don't know why I do this. I've been enough times to know what to bring and the drive isn't that bad and I'll have hubby with me to help set up. Still, I've got nerves and it's two weeks away. Sheesh! Books: Strata Movies: The Mummy 3 Soundtrack: Then I think I'm goin' nowhere and that makes me nervous Current Mood:  nervous | | Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 | | 4:53 pm |
That Will be Quite Enough
The constant rain and thunderstorms can just quit it now. This morning I could not see the road and was deafened by hail as I hydroplaned to work. Climate change is real. I get it OK? Now knock it off. Books: Strata Movies: nope Soundtrack: Thunder, in the middle of a drought Current Mood: pissed off | | Saturday, June 6th, 2009 | | 8:55 am |
Sucked In
It's been a long time since a book sucked me in so completely I had to punt on everything else and just work on finishing it. Greywalker by Kat Richardson did that just that for me. I highly recommend it to anyone that thinks private eyes and the paranormal make a nice set. I hope she makes a series out of it. Last night I watched Scoop because, well, it had Hugh Jackman in it so I had to. The beginning was very clever, but it soon fell into a predictable plot with entirely too much Woody Allen being Woody Allen in it. If you ever have the opportunity to see it for free I recommend watching until Scarlet Johnansen meets Hugh Jackman then turn the thing off. Hubby is still gone and I'm getting a bit sick of it. I had dinner with my parents on Wednesday, and a drink after choir with Rose on Thursday, but on the whole I've been lonely. Even when I was single I didn't like living alone. That's why I kept roommates even though I could afford not to. Tonight I have a good-bye party for my retiring ministers, and tomorrow hubby will be home. I can't wait. Books: Greywalker/The Fourth Bear/Northanger Abbey Movies: Scoop Soundtrack: pandora's Sweet Honey in the Rock station Current Mood:  lonely | | Monday, June 1st, 2009 | | 5:55 pm |
The Hulk - Meh
Watched The Hulk last night. Can't say I was impressed. Luckily the swap snatched it right up. Bless the swap. Yesterday I went to the ordination of a lady I know from church. I'd never been to one before and it was interesting. More interesting than The Hulk for sure. Books: Greywalker/The Fourth Bear Movies: The Hulk Soundtrack: Ironman (the Tony Stark cameo was the best part of The Hulk - sad huh?) Current Mood:  okay | | Sunday, May 31st, 2009 | | 1:33 pm |
Ripples
I've been on my sleep machine for around a month now. At first I noticed sleeping longer through the night without interruptions. Then the return of the massively cranky morning MJ (something hubby didn't exactly miss). Seems it's easier to wake up if you're not really asleep in the first place. More recently there has been greater digestive leeway and quicker snappy comebacks. Yesterday I received a quantitative surprise - my cholesterol fell over 50 points. I find that astounding since if anything I've eaten worse now that my digestive system can handle more fats. I wonder what other surprises are in store for me. Truly oxygen is a wondrous thing. Hubby left for SC again yesterday and I took advantage of it by watching a chick flick without having to listen to him complain. Later in the evening I saw a new episode of Pushing Daisies. Only two new episodes left [sniff]. Today my choir has two concert appearances. I am in between them at the moment and will have to change back into my [gasp] dress soon. Our accompanist turns out to be very into ethnic food so we are trying to set up a date to go get some Ethiopian this week. It will be our first outside of choir expedition. I really like her so I am looking forward to becoming better friends. Books: To Kingdom Come (finished it just now) Movies: Sense and Sensibility (yes again) Soundtrack: There's a change anytime you join the choir be a voice up on the mountain Current Mood: surprised | | Thursday, May 28th, 2009 | | 4:33 pm |
| | Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 | | 4:59 pm |
The Comeback of Comebacks
Well I've been on the sleep machine for 3 weeks now, and I have to say I'm noticing a difference. The accompanist for our choir saw me for the first time since the change on Thursday and asked if I had just gotten home from a vacation. She said I looked relaxed and more energetic than she'd ever seen me. At Balticon I noticed that I was making snappy comebacks in a quick and effortless way that I'd almost forgotten I used to be able to do. Also at Balticon I was able to quote a book I had not read since middle school without a moment's hesitation while I was drunk. My brain certainly seems to like the extra oxygen. The added brain power and creativity might explain why I suddenly wrote a fic too. I will continue to report on my progress. I saw a number of movies this weekend. At Balticon I saw City of Ember which is sort of Dark City for tweens. It was good, but once again I had to watch an actor I like play someone I don't like (Bill Murray). I also saw a number of shorts during the film festival. I liked 6 Impossible Things and LOVED Burning Safari. The latter can be seen at: http://www.burningsafari.com/watch_movie.htm At home the hubby and I watched War Inc. with the Cusacks, Marisa Tormei, Dan Ackroyd, Ben Kingsly and Hillary Duff. It was sort of a Grosse Pointe Blank redux with a Halliburton/Blackwater twist. Hillary Duff can act - something I hadn't realized. The plot was a bit dark so hubby wanted to watch something else to cleanse his mental pallet. Unfortunately he decided to play "I wonder what's on this tape" and we watched a depressing Chinese film about a little orphan girl who cries (with good reason) through most of the movie. That left me far more depressed than War Inc., but hubby thought the happy ending made it worthwhile. From my point of view 90 minutes of misery topped off with 3 minutes of happiness is not an equitable trade. This is one of those things we will never agree on. Books: The Merchant of Death/Storm Front Movies: City of Ember/6 Impossible Things/Burning Safari/War Inc./Some nasty Chinese movie Soundtrack: Scritchy Chinese opera - ugh Current Mood: optimistic | | Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 | | 9:32 am |
The Road More Traveled
Two highways diverged in Silver Spring and I I took the one less traveled by Or so I thought. I suppose that 495 to 95 might have been worse - hard to say. All I know is leaving Tyson's at 1:30 in the afternoon SHOULD have gotten me to Hunt Valley in less than 3 hours, but didn't. I was very worked up by the time I got to Balticon. I dragged my copious luggage out of the car onto the curb in front of the hotel but could not find a luggage cart. I was near despair when out of nowhere jfitz appeared and played knight in shining armor helping me get it all to my room. After we walked over to Wegmans and got some dinner, then hung around at exsmof's scotch party. jfitz stuck to water and I tanked up on Irish whiskey and Kentucky bourbon. Despite the late start it was a pretty good time at the con. I ran into lots of people I know and did a just in time book buy. As soon as I got the book I asked information when and where the GOH would be doing signings. "He's right over there" was the reply. Less than 5 minutes later I had a signed book. That leaves the rest of the con for fun and games. Whoopee! Books: The Merchant of Death/Storm Front Movies: No, but Balitcon has a film festival going so I'm bound to see a lot of indie film this weekend Soundtrack: Frostiana Current Mood: happy |
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