Visiting Dad

Today Harry and I visited Dad.. this is the first time we saw him after his hospital stay from his heart attack. He looks good and is following all the rules. We took him to lunch and a movie.. we say Indy 4 again but it was the first time for him. He really enjoyed it as did Harry and I again.

Gas Prices

Today I paid over four dollars for a gallon of gas. This is the most I have ever paid for regular gas. $4.09 per gallon... I can't believe only a few years ago gas was going for 2 bucks.. now it's double and still going up. Times like these makes me wish I didn't have my gas gozzling Jeep Wrangler. Oh well.. just have to cut back on driving long distances. Luckily I don't work too far from our house. When visiting my Dad it costs my almost $50 dollars to fill the tank and I use more then 2/3's of it to drive there and back. Might have to cut back my visits to once a month instead of twice.

Indiana Jones 4

I have been dying to see this since it came out last week.. well finally Harry and I went to see this movie after work today and it didn't disappoint. After the movie was over I was on a high. It was everything I expected and more. It grabs you right at the beginning and never lets you go until the very last frame of film. It was one big wild adventure ride and I loved it. Ford was fantastic.. a bit older but still very much Indy. It was great to see Karen Black back as Marion and the addition of Shia as Marion's son was perfect. This was a funny, sweet, action packed, sci fi'ish, adventure film all rolled into one. I can't wait to see this film again. Here's a brief synopsis.

The newest Indiana Jones adventure begins in the desert Southwest in 1957 – the height of the Cold War. Indy and his sidekick Mac (Ray Winstone) have barely escaped a close scrape with nefarious Soviet agents on a remote airfield.

Now, Professor Jones has returned home to Marshall College – only to find things have gone from bad to worse. His close friend and dean of the college (Jim Broadbent) explains that Indy's recent activities have made him the object of suspicion, and that the government has put pressure on the university to fire him. On his way out of town, Indiana meets rebellious young Mutt (Shia LaBeouf), who carries both a grudge and a proposition for the adventurous archaeologist: If he'll help Mutt on a mission with deeply personal stakes, Indy could very well make one of the most spectacular archaeological finds in history – the Crystal Skull of Akator, a legendary object of fascination, superstition and fear.

But as Indy and Mutt set out for the most remote corners of Peru – a land of ancient tombs, forgotten explorers and a rumored city of gold – they quickly realize they are not alone in their search. The Soviet agents are also hot on the trail of the Crystal Skull. Chief among them is icy cold, devastatingly beautiful Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), whose elite military unit is scouring the globe for the eerie Crystal Skull, which they believe can help the Soviets dominate the world... if they can unlock its secrets.

Indy and Mutt must find a way to evade the ruthless Soviets, follow an impenetrable trail of mystery, grapple with enemies and friends of questionable motives, and, above all, stop the powerful Crystal Skull from falling into the deadliest of hands.

Happy Memorial Day

Just want to wish everyone a very Happy Memorial Day. I want to thank all those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I may not believe what the military is doing alot of the times but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the men and woman who serve and die for us.

Big Screen TV

Today when I got home from a really bad day at work I was greeting with the news that our fairly new (well to us) Big screen TV was out. Sure enough I turned it on and saw a bunch of crazy lines running through the screen. We got this from my Mom for my birthday last September from a friend of hers. I don't know how old the TV is but it has to be a four of five years old. So now I have to see if I can find a TV repair person and see if it's worth fixing it or just biting the bullett and buying a new big screen HDTV.

Prince Caspian

Today Harry and I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian. It's the second movie/book in the Narnia series. I have read all seven books and really enjoyed the series. Both Harry and I really enjoyed the first movie The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe so we were excited to see this one.

Here’s a short synopsis...

It’s one year after the event of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ and the former kings and queens of Narnia - Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy Pevensie (Georgie Henley) - find themselves back in that faraway realm only to discover that more than 1,300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the land’s Golden Age has faded into legend. It’s magical talking animals and mythical creatures exist as little more than folk tales to the Telemarines, a race of humans led by the merciless Lord Miraz (Sergio Castellitto). The mighty Aslan (Liam Neeson) has not been seen in a thousand years. The four children have been summoned back to Narnia by Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the young heir to the Telemarine thorne, to combat his evil uncle Miraz. With the help of a crusty, valiant dwarf, Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage); a courageous talking mouse, Reepicheep (Eddie Izzard); and a mistrustful black dwarf, Nikabrik (Warwick Davis); they lead the Narnians on a journey to restore magic and glory to the land.

Though this wasn't as good as the first movie it was still very enjoyable. Not a very complex story but neither is the book so I didn't expect it to be. The action was great, the acting good, and the sfx were very cool. It was a nice continuation of the series. Next up The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Daisy's Anniversary

Today marks the 3rd anniversary that Daisy joined our family... and we’ve made that her birthday as well, she’s now either 9 or 10 years old... we can’t be entirely sure about that... and she’s come a long way considering her behavior when we got her. You can tell she is getting older as the underside of her muzzle is getting completely white, she now looks like she has a little gray beard. Never thought I could love an animal as much as I love her. She is a pain in the butt and keeps us from vacations and traveling but she also brightens our days with her unconditional love. I couldn't imagine life without her.

More Bluetooth Issues

Today about mid day my brand new cell phone battery died. I couldn't figure out why that would happen as it was fully charaged when I left the house today. I told Harry and he did some research and found out that leaving on your bluetooth can drain your battery as your bluetooth is always active and looking for a connection. So I guess you keep your bluetooth off unless you plan on using it. Which kind of sucks because the only time I plan on using my bluetooth is in the car while driving. So now I have to remember to turn it on when I get in the car and turn it off when I get out of the car. Still the bluetooth is a really cool device.

I also went back to Best Buy on my lunch to exchange Harry's bad bluetooth device. When I got home we charged the new device up and connected it to Harry's phone.. everything turned out great. So now we both have a fully working bluetooth device.

Bluetooth Headset

Today Harry and I went to Best Buy to get a couple of bluetooth head sets for our new cell phones... not only because it’s a cool device but also because you will be required by law to use head sets while driving beginning July 1st... There were so many to choose from and the price range was from $19.99 to $149.99. We figured we would get something in the middle range. We both chose to Rocketfish RF-SH230 bluetooth headset with exchangeable color plates...

When we got home, we charged my head set first... then we activated the bluetooth device on my phone and the phone saw the headset right away. We did a few test calls to see if we liked the bluetooth device, it sounded great so we we tried the same thing with Harry's headset... but the phone never saw the headset... and the headset had some power issues.. I plan on exchanging for a new one in a few days.

Side Job

This week my old copany (The Idea Factory) asked me to come back part time and help out with a pilot that they are trying to finish. The Post Super that they hired after I left was more a Post Producer and didn't really know much about the techie part of post. I agreed to help out as it's always good to make a little extra money. So for the next four weeks I'll be working two jobs and trying not to get even more stressed out then I have already been.

New Cell Phones

Today our new Cell Phones arrived... Harry and I both got the Samsung A737. Harry got a blue one and I got a lime green one. We have had our previous Motorola flip phones for about 3 years or so... It’s a very nice and cool looking cell phone... It will take a little time getting used to the new phone... and of course it wasn’t pre-activated, so we had to go online to activate the phones... but other than that they’re really great... Now comes the fun part of transferring all the information from the old to the new phones...

Here’s a quick overview of our new phones...

This slim and light Samsung slider is packed with heavyweight features. Take pictures with the 1.3 MP camera with 2.6x zoom and video. Listen to music, play games, and go hands-free with Bluetooth® 2.0. Keep on top of the latest news, sports and weather with Cellular Video capabilities. Stay in touch with AOL®, Windows Live® and Yahoo® Instant Messenger. Surf the web, check email, and download graphics and ringtones - all capable of blazing fast 3G speeds.

Features:

1.3 MP camera with 2.6 x zoom, Video and audio streaming, Stereo Bluetooth® capable with A2DP, Integrated MP3 music player, Cellular Video capable - watch streaming clips, 3G high speed data access capabillities, Download MP3 ringtones, games and graphics, AOL®, Windows Live® and Yahoo® IM, Video Share capable - Share video while calling, Wireless internet and mobile email, Backlit keypad and LCD screen, Personal Organizer and Alarm, Conference calling, Speakerphone, Games, Rated for Hearing Aids: M3, T3

Finding Dad

Just got a call from my Uncle Wally asking me where my Dad is. I said.. where is my Dad.. he's at Corona Medical Center. Wally says he called there and was told that he was transfered to another hospital.. I was like WHAT... I knew he was going to another hospital for a procedure but wasn't told he was going to stay there. All I knew is that the hospital was in Anaheim. I called Corona Medical and asked where my Dad was and the first lady had not clue what I was talking about.. luckily I found another woman who told me he was transfered to Western Medical. So then I called Western Medical and after navigating there phone system I got the operator and asked about my Dad. She found him and told me to room and bed number and said she would transfer me. The phone rang and rang and rang.. I finally hung up figuring he was sleeping and called back so I could talk to the nurse to make sure everything was fine. Again navigaing the phone system and getting to the operator again, this time she transferred me to the nurse station and after talking to several different people got a hold of my Dad's nurse who said he was great and is awake and not sure why he didn't answer his phone.. she transfered me again and the phone rang and rang and finally my Dad picked up. I guess the phone was unplugged from the wall. Anyways after a half hour of phone play I was able to find my Dad and talk with him.. everything went well. It looks like he'll be heading home tomorrow.

Returning our Rent a Car

Today we finally returned the Rent a car.. two days longer then was planned but that couldn't be helped. It was strange driving the Jeep again after driving the Calibar. Calibar is low to the ground and has some major power. The Jeep is a much harder ride and the pick up power isn't the best.. still love my jeep but it was nice having a car again. I think once my Jeep is dead or I pass it off to Harry I'll get me a car again.

Visiting Dad

Today Harry and I went to the hospital to visit my Dad. He looked really good. He had IV's in both arms and a ton of machines hooked up to him but he was in good spirits. Of course he's tired of the hospital and wants to walk around but he's good. He get's taking tomorrow for a angio plastic (sp?) in another hospital in Aneheim. Then a few days later we find out if he will need a bypass or not. Here's hoping for the best.

Dad Update and my Jeep

Planned to see my Dad today but my Jeep is still not done. I was promised it would be done by 2pm today.. will at 3;30pm (they close at 4pm) I called to find out what is going on and they said it would be ready by closing so Harry and I headed over to the dealer. Of course we get there and it's still not done.. we waited another 15 minutes before it was complete. Total cost of repairs was $1600.00. If I still wasn't making payment on it I don't think I would have done the repairs.. but I still have two years of payments before it's paid off, gotta keep driving it.

As for Dad, Mom and Grandma (her mom) visited him today along with Michael and one of Dad's friends.. Harry and I plan on visiting tomorrow.

Dad's in the Hospital

Dad indeed had a heart attack last night. The doctors were able to prevent it from becoming a major heart attack. He is in stable condition at the moment.

He was feeling pain in his chest and left arm. He took some Bayer and went to lie down hoping it was pass.. well half hour later he told my brother that he need to go to the hospital. My brother said he was sweating up storm and looked horrible. That's when he called me and told me that he thinks Dad is having a heart attack. The doctors said he could have been a massive heart attack but it was caught in time. They will be doing a test on Monday to find out if he need a bypass surgery or not. I'll keep everyone posted. Think good thoughts...

Dad has a Heart Attack

Man.. this has not been a good day. I lost my Grandma six hour prior and I just got a call from my Brother, he thinks Dad is having a heart attack and is rushing him to emergency.

My Grandma Died

Today while on lunch my Dad called me to inform me that my grandmother (his mom) died. She has been ill for several years and recently was put into a hospice as she was no longer able to take care of herself. This is my Dad's biological mother, the one I found a few years ago. Luckily my Dad was able to met her in person and spend several days with her. My brother and I were never able to meet her but did talk to her on the phone. The death didn't effect me as much as it would have if I would have known her all my life. It was harder to hear the sadness in my Dad's voice. I told him at least we found her and you were able to see her and she see you after 58 years of being apart. Rest in Peace Grandma Bega

Work Stress

Seems like my job is getting more and more stressful. I'm working later and later hours. I try not to let the stress get to me but sometimes it's just too hard to ignore. Currently I'm in a battle with Production up north. We got our first batch of tapes and they were completely unorginaized and mis-labeled if labeled at all. Of course I know that production is going crazy up in Alaska so I sent them a very nice email reminding them how to organize and label tapes that it will help post in the long run. Well that was a mistake I got several nasty emails from Production folks, pretty much saying that they really don't care about post and we are lucky we got tapes at all. It's times like that, that I'm thankful that I'm a calm person by nature. Hopefully once things are up a running 100% the craziness will calm down a bit.. wishful thinking.. but you never know. If it doesn't get any better I'll just have to let things flow off my back more often as the stress will kill me.

More Repairs

I get a call from my Jeep dealer today and I expected that they were going to tell me that everything is done.. but of course not.. they found more problems and wanted to add another $1000 to my bill. I had had enough and told them there is no way I could afford all these fixes that I must be able to get by without fixing everything they are suggesting. I know a little bit about cars and picked the stuff that sounded like it had to be done to keep the jeep running.. so now it's the waiting game again. It's costing me $500 just for them to check and see if I need more repairs. Luckily all these fees go towards the actual repair costs.

Quote for Jeep Repairs

My worse fears have come true.. I just got a call from the Jeep dealer and he listed about ten things wrong with my jeep. All repairs totaled about $2500.00. I almost died and informed him I couldn't do all those so we narrowed it down to only stuff that I must do to keep my jeep running and the final cost is $1350.00, which is horrible but not as bad as $2500.00. One very costly thing was replacing the gauge bundle that controls my dashboard, that alone was 1100.00. I opted to live with my funky dashboard gauges. I gave them the go ahead with the repairs and hopefully I'll get my jeep back in a few days better then new. I hate spending so much money but since this is our one and only vehicle and I still have two years of payments on it I figure I had to do what I had to do. And I wonder why I can't save any money.. if it's not one thing it's another.

Happy Birthday Bro

Today is my brother's birthday.. he is turning 33 years old today.. WOW.. now that makes me feel old. I hope you have a great day today Michael.

Lexus Ls 460

Lexus Ls 460

Lexus Ls 460 interior

Ironman

Today Harry and I went to an Ironman screening at the PGA. This is the first movie screening that I have gone too since becoming a member of the PGA. The theater was okay, seating was not slanted enough so if you had someone farily tall sit in front of your they blocked part of the screen and the sound was okay but I can't complain it was free.

The movie itself was exactly what I was expecting.. a fun rollercoaster ride. Great SFX, nice acting and a cool story. I'm not into Ironman comics so I didn't know what to expect but it was a good first movie setting up who and how he became Ironman. Another great addition to the superhero movies.

Vet Visit

Today we Daisy bi-annual Vet visit. She loves going for drives but as soon as we get to the Vet she starts to panic and wine. We take her in and everytime you move she tries and escapes through the front doors. Doc checked her out and everything was great. They gave her a canine cough vaccine and we were on our way. She has a whole six months before she has to worry about going back again.

Renting a car/ Repairing the Jeep

My Jeep has been acting up for the past few months. My transmission has been slipping, the engine dies while idle, and my dashboard gauges go haywire once in a while and all three problems have been getting progressively worse. I finally made an appointment with my local Jeep dealer. Because of work I had to turn it in on a Saturday but they wouldn't be able to look at it till Monday so I had to rent a car. I reserved a economy class car (which was the cheapest) and I booked it for an etire week, just in case. So Harry and I got up early on Saturday and went to Enterprise rent a car to pick up the rental before dropping off my Jeep. When we got to Enterprise I found out that they didn't have any economy cars and I was getting a free upgrade. They gave me four cars to choose from and three of looked the same, like Ford focus and in my opinion very boring then there was this white one.. a Dodge Caliber and I took one look and knew it was the one I wanted.. it's funky looking inside and out and I loved it.

After we rented the car Harry drove it and I drove the jeep to the jeep dealer and dropped off my jeep. They said they would call my Monday with an estimate.. doesn't look like it's going to be very cheap.

Dinner with Craig

Today we had dinner with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in over three years. It's funny how time just seems to get away from you. We had a very nice dinner then went back to our place and visited a bit more. It was a fun night.

Three Months to Go

Three months to the day is our ceremony.. things are moving along nicely. It's alot of work putting something like this together. We have choosen our caterers, photographer, where we are having it, what kind of cake we are having and invites have been sent out. Still have to figure out music, decorations, what we are wearing and so much more. It's going to be a very laid back kind of event. I want it to be fun and causal. Just a bunch of friends hanging out.

Finding Rings

Harry and I bought rings way back when we first got together and now that we are actually "getting married" we decided that these are our engagment rings and we need new "wedding" rings. Today Harry and I looked at a bunch of different rings trying to find just the right ones. They have to be perfect, so we're taking our time in finding ones we both just love.