Spent most of the morning writing. The Sith Dragons start chasing the carriage. Luke beats them off with his Force magic, turning them into flowers. Ben's magic turns them into stardust. Even when the group arrives at Aldran Town, they're far from safe. The dragons have already gotten there and are setting everything they can ablaze. Tarkin is there as well, about to make a speech...and show off the might of the Kingdom of the Empire by officially annexing the Kingdom of Aldran and killing its royal family.
Oh, and tonight, I finally made a list of all the ideas I have for stories - for Star Wars, for Remember WENN, for original kids' stories. They're at my writing blog, for those of you who need a little long reading tonight.
Upcoming Stories and Story Ideas
Started Here Comes Peter Cottontail during breakfast. Finished it as I ate lunch and got ready for work. Peter Cottontail (Casey Kasem) is a brash, boastful young rabbit who is in contention to become the new Easter Bunny. Alas, so is Irontail (Vincent Price), a nasty old rabbit. When Irontail wins, he takes over the Valley and tries to eliminate Easter. With help from Seymour S. Sassafras and the pilot caterpillar Anton (both Danny Kaye), he travels back in time through the calendar to finally deliver the Easter eggs as he should of on Easter day.
Work was really kind of boring again. It did pick up a little shortly before rush hour - I had to take a register around 2:30. Otherwise, I continued doing returns and organizing the inside of the Gift Card Mall.
I'm fairly annoyed with my schedule. On one hand, I do have twice as many hours as I've had in months. On the other hand, I once again only have one day off. And why do I have so many hours? Because at least six or more people went on vacation this week in the front end alone. I HATE it when they let everyone go on vacation at once! I have said for years that the managers really, really need to start making stricter rules about when people can and can't take vacation weeks, so everyone doesn't go at the same time and leave ten people doing all the work.
Still had a ton of groceries to buy, too. The Acme's in the midst of one of their huge, buy six-items, get-three-dollars-off deals. I picked up tuna, Cheerios, two boxes of Duncan Hines cake mix, and two containers of canola oil as part of that deal. Restocked peanut butter, frozen green beans and almonds, canned chicken, frozen juice, chocolate chips, brown sugar, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, apples, and bananas. Grabbed two individually-packaged crab cakes with manager's coupons on them. Since the Oetker mousse mixes were on sale, I tossed in things to make a Chocolate-Strawberry Mousse Pie.
Miss Willa, my landlady (and the mother of Charlie, the guy working on the downstairs apartment and yard), had mentioned to me that Charlie was going to need to do some plumbing work in the bathroom and kitchen again and she would have to shut them down. I figured that was fine. At least, until I found a note from her in my door. I assumed she meant they would be shut down for three hours. Turns out, they're shutting them down for 3 to 5 days, starting early Monday morning. I would either have to use the downstairs bathroom and kitchen and borrow a microwave or stay at Dad's.
I was - and am - mad as hell. Is there a reason they couldn't have given me a lot more than a weekend's notice? Willa is going to have to open the fire escape door and let me use the bathroom downstairs, and I'll eat canned food and eat out a lot. I can't stay at Dad's. Not with just a few days' notice. I'd have to give them at least a week's notice or more. It isn't fair to them to just walk in on them at the last minute and disrupt their lives. And why is this going to take a couple of days? Why didn't they do this back in February, when he was originally working on the plumbing? Given Charlie's not known for being on time, it'll probably be more like three to five months before he's done. And why couldn't he have told me himself, instead of sending his mother to do it? I'm still annoyed about the stupid fence that's blocking the path to my apartment, too. And hey, weren't they supposed to be finished with the downstairs about a year ago? I was told they would be coming up here "in the spring." That was in November of 2014, and I keep hearing "in the spring, in the summer, in a few months." Yeah, well, could they be a little more definite? Some of us actually have lives here.
I put everything away, then put on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to calm myself down while having leftovers for dinner. Everyone's favorite whip-cracking archaeologist (Harrison Ford) is now searching for the Holy Grail and his father Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), a noted Grail scholar who went missing after the Nazis started looking for the Grail, too. Father and son have to avoid the Nazis, follow the trail to the missing holy artifact, and avoid the designs of a scheming Austrian femme fatale (Alison Doody), all while trying to mend their long-fractured relationship.
This has long been my favorite Indiana Jones movie. Ironically, while I tend to prefer my Star Wars films deeper and darker, I like the Indy movies better when they're light-hearted and fun. The relationship between Jones senior and junior is hilarious - Connery and Ford are just a delight to watch. (And while there is some blood and scary stuff, it's not to the degree of Temple of Doom.)
Life is a lazy river - no matter where you are. Movies, musicals, mysteries, pop culture, and lots of other great stuff.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Picnic In the Late Evening
Began my morning with breakfast and finishing Night at the Opera. One of the shorts included with my DVD copy of Opera is the Oscar-winning Robert Benchley lecture spoof How to Sleep. It's exactly what it says on the DVD cover. Benchley narrates and demonstrates ways of sleeping and getting to that state, from sleeping positions to what happens when you try to sleep with a hangover. I don't know if it's Oscar material, but it's still mostly pretty cute - especially the sleeping positions.
It remains ridiculously warm for March here, at least in the mid-70's. I headed out in a t-shirt, khaki capris, and sandals and was perfectly fine. The first hyacinths are starting to show up in gardens. I saw people blowing leaves, mowing lawns, and clearing flower beds. There's not too much in the way of decorations out right now - some folks even still have their winter things out - but we'll probably see more for spring when we get to St. Patrick's Day next week.
I mostly wanted to hit the Oaklyn Library to return Jason of Star Command and do a little bit of volunteering. (And yes, I did tell the librarian on duty about the missing disc in the Jason set.) Needless to say on such a warm day, it was just me, the librarian, and one other person on the computer. The TV wasn't even on. I worked on the DVDs and took a quick look at the kids' books before heading out.
Stopped at WaWa on my way back. I was almost out of milk anyway. Thought I'd pick up a nice, cool treat for the walk home. Dodged the long lines for people on their lunch break and got a Mint Cream Smoothie and a really doughy pretzel. Oooh, yum yum. Sooo minty! Nothing but green food coloring and mint, and it was delicious. Really hit the spot.
Worked on writing for a little while when I got home. Han, who doesn't believe in magic, thinks the creatures in the sky are very large birds at first. Ben and Luke know better. They're Sith Dragons, nasty creatures that obey the dark magic...and they're headed for Aldran Town.
Did some spring and Easter-oriented Max & Ruby as I ate the last of the chicken salad for lunch and got ready for work. "Ruby's Easter Bonnet" will be the fanciest at the Bunny Scouts Easter Bonnet competition...or so Ruby hopes. Max just wants his froggy friend to hop on cue. Max wants to borrow Ruby and Louie's Easter eggs for "Max's Easter Parade," but the girls want to show them to Grandma. Ruby and the Bunny Scouts are all ready to find eggs on Easter morning, but "Max the Easter Bunny" keeps hiding the ones they find.
Work was a little bit busier than the last few days, but still not really crazy. I was in the register for the first half of work and did returns for the majority of the second half. There were a few obnoxious or annoying people. We had a lot of call-outs too, probably folks who took one look at the weather and decided to play hooky. I can't do that. Some of us can't afford to play hooky. Thankfully, it had slowed down enough by 6 that I was able to sign out with no problems.
It was a bit windy by 6 PM, but otherwise still gorgeous. It was too nice of a night to eat dinner anywhere but Sonic. I wasn't the only one who decided to eat outdoors or in a car, either. Sonic was actually pretty busy for them. I enjoyed a messy cheeseburger (the patty was probably fake, but it wasn't bad), their good, greasy tater tots, and my favorite cherry limeade while watching the cars pull in and out.
It remains ridiculously warm for March here, at least in the mid-70's. I headed out in a t-shirt, khaki capris, and sandals and was perfectly fine. The first hyacinths are starting to show up in gardens. I saw people blowing leaves, mowing lawns, and clearing flower beds. There's not too much in the way of decorations out right now - some folks even still have their winter things out - but we'll probably see more for spring when we get to St. Patrick's Day next week.
I mostly wanted to hit the Oaklyn Library to return Jason of Star Command and do a little bit of volunteering. (And yes, I did tell the librarian on duty about the missing disc in the Jason set.) Needless to say on such a warm day, it was just me, the librarian, and one other person on the computer. The TV wasn't even on. I worked on the DVDs and took a quick look at the kids' books before heading out.
Stopped at WaWa on my way back. I was almost out of milk anyway. Thought I'd pick up a nice, cool treat for the walk home. Dodged the long lines for people on their lunch break and got a Mint Cream Smoothie and a really doughy pretzel. Oooh, yum yum. Sooo minty! Nothing but green food coloring and mint, and it was delicious. Really hit the spot.
Worked on writing for a little while when I got home. Han, who doesn't believe in magic, thinks the creatures in the sky are very large birds at first. Ben and Luke know better. They're Sith Dragons, nasty creatures that obey the dark magic...and they're headed for Aldran Town.
Did some spring and Easter-oriented Max & Ruby as I ate the last of the chicken salad for lunch and got ready for work. "Ruby's Easter Bonnet" will be the fanciest at the Bunny Scouts Easter Bonnet competition...or so Ruby hopes. Max just wants his froggy friend to hop on cue. Max wants to borrow Ruby and Louie's Easter eggs for "Max's Easter Parade," but the girls want to show them to Grandma. Ruby and the Bunny Scouts are all ready to find eggs on Easter morning, but "Max the Easter Bunny" keeps hiding the ones they find.
Work was a little bit busier than the last few days, but still not really crazy. I was in the register for the first half of work and did returns for the majority of the second half. There were a few obnoxious or annoying people. We had a lot of call-outs too, probably folks who took one look at the weather and decided to play hooky. I can't do that. Some of us can't afford to play hooky. Thankfully, it had slowed down enough by 6 that I was able to sign out with no problems.
It was a bit windy by 6 PM, but otherwise still gorgeous. It was too nice of a night to eat dinner anywhere but Sonic. I wasn't the only one who decided to eat outdoors or in a car, either. Sonic was actually pretty busy for them. I enjoyed a messy cheeseburger (the patty was probably fake, but it wasn't bad), their good, greasy tater tots, and my favorite cherry limeade while watching the cars pull in and out.
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Springtime Dolls
I couldn't believe how warm out it was when I got up this morning. I threw open the windows and celebrated the weather with breakfast and The Easter Bunny Is Comin' To Town. My favorite Rankin-Bass springtime special celebrates the origins of everyone's favorite rabbit. Sunny the Bunny was raised by orphans who live in an isolated town in the Big Rock Mountains. He wants to sell their eggs and other goods to gloomy town, but grouchy Lady Lily doesn't like him, his eggs, or kids in general. Seeing how unhappy her strict laws are making her gentle nephew King Bruce, Sunny and the orphans find a way to bring Easter to Town...and teach everyone about the importance of traditions, new beginnings, and making changes.
Spent most of the morning dressing the American Girl dolls for spring and St. Patrick's Day. Whitney's trying on the Our Generation Retro dress and purple shoes Lauren sent for Christmas . The lavender flowers on the white dress have prominent green stems, enough to pass for the holiday. (Besides, I wanted to see how it looks on her. It's adorable. I may have to see if I can find more OG Retro outfits.) Since the dress is sleeveless, I threw the white ruffled Springfield Collection sweater on over it, along with Molly's bobby socks and the lavender bow scrunchie that goes with Sam's Pink Frilly Dress. Samantha wears her Spring Day Dress, red shoes, and headband from last year with the pink tights from the Ballet Outfit. Felicity has borrowed her friend Elizabeth's Summer Gown. Its quilted petticoat really makes it more appropriate for spring. Molly is in a shamrock-print dress I found at a yard sale years ago, bobby socks, and Sam's black "meet" outfit strap shoes. Josefina's sporting her Harvest Outfit and beige moccasins. Jessa's in a mix - a green wrap blouse I found at a booth at the Deptford Mall at least six or so years ago with the khaki trousers and loafers from Molly's Aviator Outfit and thick socks.
Ate a fast lunch while watching an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures. Spring in Acme Acres brings thoughts of many things to the Toons, starting with love. The Elmer Fudd-like Cupid quits his job, but his replacement, Conrad the Buzzard, wrecks havoc among the Toons' love lives. In the second story, Elmyra's spring cleaning proves to be hazardous to the health of everything around her, including one poor goldfish whose water is sucked into her vacuum cleaner. The last story has Plucky and Dizzy courting Lady Luck on a parody of the Double Dare/Fun House-style stunt game shows of the late 80's and early 90's.
I had just enough time to eat really quick, change, and pack a snack before rushing off to work. Work was only slightly more interesting than it was Monday. Along with doing returns and the few carts, I picked up trash from the front of the store and cleaned the break room. The break room is disgusting. They don't even have a sponge back there. I had to clean with paper towels. I don't know how everyone else can stand it being such a mess. The tables are sticky with spills no one has bothered to wipe up. There were a spoon and a knife that hadn't been washed, papers scattered all over the tables. I cleaned as best I could under the circumstances.
There was a box waiting for me, leaning against what remains of the front patio area, when I got home. It was the other part of my eBay order, the storybooks for Star Wars (A New Hope) and The Empire Strikes Back. I couldn't believe how well-wrapped they were for two thirty-year-old hardback kid's books that weren't even in good shape! They were in a box, in a bag, in another bag, smothered in bubble wrap. At least they got here. We never had these. I was a year old when Empire came out. Mom says she didn't see either movie until much, much later in their theatrical runs. She once told me the line to see New Hope at the Beach Theater in Cape May stretched literally around the block!
Worked on a little writing after getting the books organized. Han, Luke, Ben, Chewbacca, and the servants are fleeing Aldran Castle in the enchanted Falcon, Han now driving. Ben says he can feel something terrible coming. Luke's worried, but Han scoffs at such magical trickery. At least, until Luke hears leathery wings, and they see enormous, scaly monsters soaring in the inky early morning sky...
Finished off the night by making Chicken Salad from Samantha's Cooking Studio (though I opted to eat it on a bed of spinach, rather than as a sandwich). Watched the first half of A Night at the Opera while I ate. My favorite Marx Brothers movies has Chico and Harpo trying to help a pair of opera hopefuls (Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones) get together, while Groucho woos Margaret Dumont and her money and tries to get the head of the opera company (Sigfried Ruman) off his back. I know a lot of fans prefer Duck Soup, but for my money, it doesn't get any better than this one. Even the lovers are hilarious. This is worth seeing just for the classic scene that manages to fit at least twenty people, an enormous trunk, and about thirty hard-boiled eggs (and one duck egg) into one tiny stateroom.
Spent most of the morning dressing the American Girl dolls for spring and St. Patrick's Day. Whitney's trying on the Our Generation Retro dress and purple shoes Lauren sent for Christmas . The lavender flowers on the white dress have prominent green stems, enough to pass for the holiday. (Besides, I wanted to see how it looks on her. It's adorable. I may have to see if I can find more OG Retro outfits.) Since the dress is sleeveless, I threw the white ruffled Springfield Collection sweater on over it, along with Molly's bobby socks and the lavender bow scrunchie that goes with Sam's Pink Frilly Dress. Samantha wears her Spring Day Dress, red shoes, and headband from last year with the pink tights from the Ballet Outfit. Felicity has borrowed her friend Elizabeth's Summer Gown. Its quilted petticoat really makes it more appropriate for spring. Molly is in a shamrock-print dress I found at a yard sale years ago, bobby socks, and Sam's black "meet" outfit strap shoes. Josefina's sporting her Harvest Outfit and beige moccasins. Jessa's in a mix - a green wrap blouse I found at a booth at the Deptford Mall at least six or so years ago with the khaki trousers and loafers from Molly's Aviator Outfit and thick socks.
Ate a fast lunch while watching an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures. Spring in Acme Acres brings thoughts of many things to the Toons, starting with love. The Elmer Fudd-like Cupid quits his job, but his replacement, Conrad the Buzzard, wrecks havoc among the Toons' love lives. In the second story, Elmyra's spring cleaning proves to be hazardous to the health of everything around her, including one poor goldfish whose water is sucked into her vacuum cleaner. The last story has Plucky and Dizzy courting Lady Luck on a parody of the Double Dare/Fun House-style stunt game shows of the late 80's and early 90's.
I had just enough time to eat really quick, change, and pack a snack before rushing off to work. Work was only slightly more interesting than it was Monday. Along with doing returns and the few carts, I picked up trash from the front of the store and cleaned the break room. The break room is disgusting. They don't even have a sponge back there. I had to clean with paper towels. I don't know how everyone else can stand it being such a mess. The tables are sticky with spills no one has bothered to wipe up. There were a spoon and a knife that hadn't been washed, papers scattered all over the tables. I cleaned as best I could under the circumstances.
There was a box waiting for me, leaning against what remains of the front patio area, when I got home. It was the other part of my eBay order, the storybooks for Star Wars (A New Hope) and The Empire Strikes Back. I couldn't believe how well-wrapped they were for two thirty-year-old hardback kid's books that weren't even in good shape! They were in a box, in a bag, in another bag, smothered in bubble wrap. At least they got here. We never had these. I was a year old when Empire came out. Mom says she didn't see either movie until much, much later in their theatrical runs. She once told me the line to see New Hope at the Beach Theater in Cape May stretched literally around the block!
Worked on a little writing after getting the books organized. Han, Luke, Ben, Chewbacca, and the servants are fleeing Aldran Castle in the enchanted Falcon, Han now driving. Ben says he can feel something terrible coming. Luke's worried, but Han scoffs at such magical trickery. At least, until Luke hears leathery wings, and they see enormous, scaly monsters soaring in the inky early morning sky...
Finished off the night by making Chicken Salad from Samantha's Cooking Studio (though I opted to eat it on a bed of spinach, rather than as a sandwich). Watched the first half of A Night at the Opera while I ate. My favorite Marx Brothers movies has Chico and Harpo trying to help a pair of opera hopefuls (Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones) get together, while Groucho woos Margaret Dumont and her money and tries to get the head of the opera company (Sigfried Ruman) off his back. I know a lot of fans prefer Duck Soup, but for my money, it doesn't get any better than this one. Even the lovers are hilarious. This is worth seeing just for the classic scene that manages to fit at least twenty people, an enormous trunk, and about thirty hard-boiled eggs (and one duck egg) into one tiny stateroom.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Promise of Spring
Started my day by opening my windows. I couldn't believe how ridiculously warm it was. Even at 8:30 in the morning, it had to already be in the 60's. While that's too warm for early March, at least it meant it would be a nice day for running the many errands I had to do on my only day off this week.
Started off the day with breakfast, then dusting my bedroom. It takes forever to get my bedroom clean. That's where I keep the vast majority of my collectibles, including all of my dolls, the Star Wars action figures, and about half of my stuffed animals. (I have so many stuffed toys, I do keep some in the living area, along with seasonal items.) That doesn't even count all the fiction books, comic books, and self-help books I have in my bedroom. That stuff takes time to dust under.
Finished off Jason of Star Command as I cleaned. I didn't realize the set was missing the second disc. I only saw the last five or so episodes of the second season. Even with the abbreviated season, I still consider it to be a major improvement. The extra fifteen minutes gave them more time to develop stories, and while Jason was still a bore, the rest of Star Command was a lot stronger.
Still, the improved second season isn't enough to redeem that lethally dull first season. I don't recommend this one unless you have very fond memories of the Filmation live-action shows or you are a huge fan of Space Academy or the late 70's-early 80's Star Wars clones.
As soon as I finished the dusting, I went right into taking down the winter decorations and putting up what I have for spring. Though the calendar says spring isn't for another two weeks, I think this week's crazy-warm weather is a good indication that Mother Nature is ready for the change. I tossed in my St. Patrick's Day decorations along with the cardboard butterfly and flower hangings, small baskets of fake flowers, and stuffed rabbits, ducks, and shamrock-covered Beanie Baby bears.
Ran the first Easter special of the year as I worked. I thought Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies was a nice way to ease into the spring season, since it really doesn't deal that much with Easter. The Easter Bunny has gotten sick and can't deliver eggs. Granny wants Bugs to do it, but he's busy making cartoons, so they search for a replacement among the Tunes. This is really just a flimsy set-up on which to hang bits and pieces of some of Termite Terrace's best work, including parts of "Hillbilly Hare," "Robin Hood Daffy," "Sahara Hare," "The Rabbit of Seville," and the Oscar winners "Birds Anonymous," "Knightly Knight Bugs," and "For Scentimental Reasons."
I was going to head off the moment the Toons ended, but my first of two eBay orders had arrived in the mail. Almost every kid-friendly movie in the late 70's and early 80's had at least one storybook released, complete with lots of great photos you couldn't find anywhere else. Mom bought us the Return of the Jedi storybook, along with several action figures. We loved it so much, by the end of the 80's, it was literally falling apart. (The cover came off - I used it as a poster for a couple of years.) I bought it partially because of fond memories, but mostly for the wonderful photos. I've seen a couple online, but there's some (including one of Lando and Han discussing the Falcon and two of Luke on Endor) I haven't seen elsewhere. (The two for the remaining movies should hopefully be coming tomorrow or later this week.)
I had quite a bit to do today, starting with a very quick stop at the Haddon Township Library to return DVDs. I didn't stay to volunteer. There wasn't time! I had to move along to counseling, and I wanted to eat, too.
I had lunch at the Westmont Family Diner, across from the PATCO train station in a small shopping center. It was the tail end of lunch hour when I arrived. The lunch hour was just ending as I settled in with my book. I ordered a "Popeye Chicken" sandwich - spinach, onions, and a ton of melted Swiss cheese tops grilled chicken, on a brioche roll. Yum. Very messy (I think they used a little too much cheese) but tasty. I also had some nice, slender fries, a thick half of a pickle, and a tiny cup of cole slaw.
After a short peek at the Happy Hippo Toy Store, I made my way to counseling. I really didn't have that much to discuss with Mrs. Stahl. I spent the vast majority of the winter inside, avoiding the strange wet weather. The Star Wars storybooks are some of the few splurges I've made, along with a couple of things from the malls and one small Amazon.com order. I'm trying to avoid overspending, like I did last winter. I'm going to hold off on another online writing course until after Lauren visits this summer.
We talked a lot about my family. I have a hard time discussing a lot of my problems with them. Rose in particular isn't always the most understanding. We're so different. She's a practical lawyer with a son, a man, two dogs, a cat, a car, and a home. I want none of those things. Sure, I like kids and animals, but I'm fine with occasionally seeing my nephews and niece and watching the squirrels and birds play on my porch. She's been trying to push me for years about finding a better job. I want to, but it's not as easy for me as it is for her. I'm not the talker she is, and I lack her confidence.
To give Rose credit, she did give me one good idea. Next month, when I get my vacation money, I think I'm going to open a second savings account for fun things, like trips and new electronics. I've barely had the money to put in my first savings account, but now that I was able to get my tax return money in there, I can start thinking about other types of saving.
It was the perfect day for a water ice. I stopped at Primo's on the way home. I just barely got in ahead of the kids just out of school. I had a Gelato - a dessert made of soft-serve ice cream layered with water ice. I kept things simple and had vanilla ice cream layered with orange cream water ice. Not bad. To be honest, the orange water ice tasted more like Tang than any real orange I'd ever known, but it paired pretty well with the creamy frozen custard. I enjoyed my treat while watching the long line of kids come out with their own milkshakes and ice cream cones.
As soon as I got home, I went into writing. Vader brings Leia before Lord Tarkin, the second-in-command of the Kingdom of the Empire. Tarkin threatens to burn Aldran Town if Leia doesn't tell them where the Rebels in the Woods are hiding. The Empire's "secret weapons" are dark dragons, who'll burn whatever they say to at a moment's notice. Even when Leia tells them the first thing she can think of off the top of her head, they still send the dragons to the town, to Leia's horror.
She's even less happy when Vader declares his intention to marry her off to his master, the evil black magician King Palapatine. Leia would rather do anything than either become a black sorceress or marry that old crone. Vader intends to imprison her in the highest, most security-tight tower in his castle until she changes her mind.
Had the last of the leftover "Home Made Tuna Helper" casserole for dinner, then made Feather Nutmeg Muffins. Ran one of the three hour-long Sailor Moon movies while I ate. In the spring, a young Japanese girl's thoughts lightly turn to love...or more specifically, to the love of her boyfriend. Usagi and the other Guardians are visiting a local garden when a young man suddenly appears, claiming to be an old friend of Mamoru's. He's really an alien who befriended Mamoru as a child. His love has been tainted by an evil flower, who wants to use him to suck the energy from the Earth. Sailor Moon and the Guardians have their hands full dealing with a pack of evil energy-stealing flowers...and rescuing Tuxedo Mask when the alien makes off with him.
Started off the day with breakfast, then dusting my bedroom. It takes forever to get my bedroom clean. That's where I keep the vast majority of my collectibles, including all of my dolls, the Star Wars action figures, and about half of my stuffed animals. (I have so many stuffed toys, I do keep some in the living area, along with seasonal items.) That doesn't even count all the fiction books, comic books, and self-help books I have in my bedroom. That stuff takes time to dust under.
Finished off Jason of Star Command as I cleaned. I didn't realize the set was missing the second disc. I only saw the last five or so episodes of the second season. Even with the abbreviated season, I still consider it to be a major improvement. The extra fifteen minutes gave them more time to develop stories, and while Jason was still a bore, the rest of Star Command was a lot stronger.
Still, the improved second season isn't enough to redeem that lethally dull first season. I don't recommend this one unless you have very fond memories of the Filmation live-action shows or you are a huge fan of Space Academy or the late 70's-early 80's Star Wars clones.
As soon as I finished the dusting, I went right into taking down the winter decorations and putting up what I have for spring. Though the calendar says spring isn't for another two weeks, I think this week's crazy-warm weather is a good indication that Mother Nature is ready for the change. I tossed in my St. Patrick's Day decorations along with the cardboard butterfly and flower hangings, small baskets of fake flowers, and stuffed rabbits, ducks, and shamrock-covered Beanie Baby bears.
Ran the first Easter special of the year as I worked. I thought Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies was a nice way to ease into the spring season, since it really doesn't deal that much with Easter. The Easter Bunny has gotten sick and can't deliver eggs. Granny wants Bugs to do it, but he's busy making cartoons, so they search for a replacement among the Tunes. This is really just a flimsy set-up on which to hang bits and pieces of some of Termite Terrace's best work, including parts of "Hillbilly Hare," "Robin Hood Daffy," "Sahara Hare," "The Rabbit of Seville," and the Oscar winners "Birds Anonymous," "Knightly Knight Bugs," and "For Scentimental Reasons."
I was going to head off the moment the Toons ended, but my first of two eBay orders had arrived in the mail. Almost every kid-friendly movie in the late 70's and early 80's had at least one storybook released, complete with lots of great photos you couldn't find anywhere else. Mom bought us the Return of the Jedi storybook, along with several action figures. We loved it so much, by the end of the 80's, it was literally falling apart. (The cover came off - I used it as a poster for a couple of years.) I bought it partially because of fond memories, but mostly for the wonderful photos. I've seen a couple online, but there's some (including one of Lando and Han discussing the Falcon and two of Luke on Endor) I haven't seen elsewhere. (The two for the remaining movies should hopefully be coming tomorrow or later this week.)
I had quite a bit to do today, starting with a very quick stop at the Haddon Township Library to return DVDs. I didn't stay to volunteer. There wasn't time! I had to move along to counseling, and I wanted to eat, too.
I had lunch at the Westmont Family Diner, across from the PATCO train station in a small shopping center. It was the tail end of lunch hour when I arrived. The lunch hour was just ending as I settled in with my book. I ordered a "Popeye Chicken" sandwich - spinach, onions, and a ton of melted Swiss cheese tops grilled chicken, on a brioche roll. Yum. Very messy (I think they used a little too much cheese) but tasty. I also had some nice, slender fries, a thick half of a pickle, and a tiny cup of cole slaw.
After a short peek at the Happy Hippo Toy Store, I made my way to counseling. I really didn't have that much to discuss with Mrs. Stahl. I spent the vast majority of the winter inside, avoiding the strange wet weather. The Star Wars storybooks are some of the few splurges I've made, along with a couple of things from the malls and one small Amazon.com order. I'm trying to avoid overspending, like I did last winter. I'm going to hold off on another online writing course until after Lauren visits this summer.
We talked a lot about my family. I have a hard time discussing a lot of my problems with them. Rose in particular isn't always the most understanding. We're so different. She's a practical lawyer with a son, a man, two dogs, a cat, a car, and a home. I want none of those things. Sure, I like kids and animals, but I'm fine with occasionally seeing my nephews and niece and watching the squirrels and birds play on my porch. She's been trying to push me for years about finding a better job. I want to, but it's not as easy for me as it is for her. I'm not the talker she is, and I lack her confidence.
To give Rose credit, she did give me one good idea. Next month, when I get my vacation money, I think I'm going to open a second savings account for fun things, like trips and new electronics. I've barely had the money to put in my first savings account, but now that I was able to get my tax return money in there, I can start thinking about other types of saving.
It was the perfect day for a water ice. I stopped at Primo's on the way home. I just barely got in ahead of the kids just out of school. I had a Gelato - a dessert made of soft-serve ice cream layered with water ice. I kept things simple and had vanilla ice cream layered with orange cream water ice. Not bad. To be honest, the orange water ice tasted more like Tang than any real orange I'd ever known, but it paired pretty well with the creamy frozen custard. I enjoyed my treat while watching the long line of kids come out with their own milkshakes and ice cream cones.
As soon as I got home, I went into writing. Vader brings Leia before Lord Tarkin, the second-in-command of the Kingdom of the Empire. Tarkin threatens to burn Aldran Town if Leia doesn't tell them where the Rebels in the Woods are hiding. The Empire's "secret weapons" are dark dragons, who'll burn whatever they say to at a moment's notice. Even when Leia tells them the first thing she can think of off the top of her head, they still send the dragons to the town, to Leia's horror.
She's even less happy when Vader declares his intention to marry her off to his master, the evil black magician King Palapatine. Leia would rather do anything than either become a black sorceress or marry that old crone. Vader intends to imprison her in the highest, most security-tight tower in his castle until she changes her mind.
Had the last of the leftover "Home Made Tuna Helper" casserole for dinner, then made Feather Nutmeg Muffins. Ran one of the three hour-long Sailor Moon movies while I ate. In the spring, a young Japanese girl's thoughts lightly turn to love...or more specifically, to the love of her boyfriend. Usagi and the other Guardians are visiting a local garden when a young man suddenly appears, claiming to be an old friend of Mamoru's. He's really an alien who befriended Mamoru as a child. His love has been tainted by an evil flower, who wants to use him to suck the energy from the Earth. Sailor Moon and the Guardians have their hands full dealing with a pack of evil energy-stealing flowers...and rescuing Tuxedo Mask when the alien makes off with him.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Quiet Day for the Laundry
Started off a sunny, beautiful day with work. Work was...really, really boring. Except for the 15 minutes I went in for someone at a register so they could take a break, I spent the day doing returns. Normally, I love doing returns, but I finished most of them after an hour. I spent the majority of the remaining three hours searching for the place where the three or four things I just couldn't figure out went. Oh well, it was still better than dealing with tons of people all afternoon. Needless to say, I was in and out with no trouble, picking up eggs on the way out.
As soon as I got in, I changed, took out the recycling, and went right back out again. I really needed to get the laundry done. I had an enormous load, including towels. Figures it would be busy when I arrived. I got one of the last remaining washers. Thankfully, by the time I needed to use the dryers, the place was starting to clear out. I spent most of the time listening to Action News and working my way through the thick stack of notebook papers with story ideas on them that I wrote down at work.
I started watching Jason of Star Command this morning before work. I continued it after I finished putting away my laundry, while eating leftovers for dinner. The second season of Jason made a few significant changes. Perky-but-bland Natalie and the original Commander have been replaced by tough, intelligent Samantha and a stoic blue-skinned alien leader. While there's still an ongoing story line, the episodes are now a half-hour, instead of two ten-minute installments. This works much better. There's more time to tell a story and set up the plot twists. The dialogue isn't any better (and Jason still isn't a very exciting hero), but the episodes are a lot more interesting and fun to follow. Right now, I just finished a series that involved the rescue of a little girl, her creepy moving doll who holds a secret, and her scientist father from the Evil Queen (no longer played by Julie Newmayr, alas).
As soon as I got in, I changed, took out the recycling, and went right back out again. I really needed to get the laundry done. I had an enormous load, including towels. Figures it would be busy when I arrived. I got one of the last remaining washers. Thankfully, by the time I needed to use the dryers, the place was starting to clear out. I spent most of the time listening to Action News and working my way through the thick stack of notebook papers with story ideas on them that I wrote down at work.
I started watching Jason of Star Command this morning before work. I continued it after I finished putting away my laundry, while eating leftovers for dinner. The second season of Jason made a few significant changes. Perky-but-bland Natalie and the original Commander have been replaced by tough, intelligent Samantha and a stoic blue-skinned alien leader. While there's still an ongoing story line, the episodes are now a half-hour, instead of two ten-minute installments. This works much better. There's more time to tell a story and set up the plot twists. The dialogue isn't any better (and Jason still isn't a very exciting hero), but the episodes are a lot more interesting and fun to follow. Right now, I just finished a series that involved the rescue of a little girl, her creepy moving doll who holds a secret, and her scientist father from the Evil Queen (no longer played by Julie Newmayr, alas).
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Tales of the Gold Wookie
Began a mostly sunny, chilly morning with simple, tasty Buttermilk Pancakes, a couple of easy listening CD's (including Johnny Mathis' On Broadway), and working on revising one of my three Star Wars story ideas. I've now moved the 20's story up a decade to 1938. I saw photos of Harrison Ford online in what more-or-less looks like Jake Cutter's pilot's costume from Tales of the Gold Monkey and I thought...ooh yes, Han would make a great Jake! And in fact, it makes even more sense.
Luke remains a newsboy and wanna-be reporter. Leia is now a reporter herself and a spy. Han is a pilot-for-hire. The Falcon is his dilapidated cargo plane. Chewie is his faithful mechanic whom no one can understand. Ben Kenobi is a World War I vet-turned-weary-crime-reporter. The droids are still Laurel and Hardy-type comedians. Vader is the corrupt Chief of Police. Palapatine is the even more corrupt mayor who may or may not be involved with some of the nastier things going on in Europe in the late 30's. Lando is a gambler who owns a casino and amusement park. The Ewoks are midgets in the boardwalk side show. I may even throw in a couple of Rebels characters as renegade reporters, photographers, and artists at the Los Angeles Daily Empire.
Got to work on time and ended up spending the whole four hours behind a register. I was a bit surprised. We were really busy, but I thought they might want me to help round up the carts. Evidently, not today. They just plain hadn't scheduled enough cashiers. You'd think they'd know better on a Sunday in the beginning of the month. Thankfully, it did slow down long enough for me to close down with no relief.
When I got home, I had leftovers for dinner while listening to The Muppet Movie soundtrack. I was glad to find one last fall. I always did like the songs from the first three movies, including some of the background music. I love the jazzy instrumental version of "I Hope That Something Better Comes Along" that plays when Kermit and Piggy are reconciling in the back of the Electric Mayhem's bus right before the "cop" comes to warn them.
Did a little bit writing this morning before work and this evening as well. While Han, Luke, and Ben head off towards Aldran Town, Leia is being taken to Vader's stronghold in the Kingdom of the Empire. Once the Kingdom of Naboo, it was the most beautiful kingdom in the entire Alliance...until Vader and Palapatine's black Force magic infected everything. Now, barely anything grows, and there's very little color or light. Vader's castle sits on top of a slick mountain made of red and black dark Khyber crystal. It's impossible for anyone without powers to climb. Leia still refuses to talk, but Vader and his aid Lord Tarkin have ways of getting information from her...
Luke remains a newsboy and wanna-be reporter. Leia is now a reporter herself and a spy. Han is a pilot-for-hire. The Falcon is his dilapidated cargo plane. Chewie is his faithful mechanic whom no one can understand. Ben Kenobi is a World War I vet-turned-weary-crime-reporter. The droids are still Laurel and Hardy-type comedians. Vader is the corrupt Chief of Police. Palapatine is the even more corrupt mayor who may or may not be involved with some of the nastier things going on in Europe in the late 30's. Lando is a gambler who owns a casino and amusement park. The Ewoks are midgets in the boardwalk side show. I may even throw in a couple of Rebels characters as renegade reporters, photographers, and artists at the Los Angeles Daily Empire.
Got to work on time and ended up spending the whole four hours behind a register. I was a bit surprised. We were really busy, but I thought they might want me to help round up the carts. Evidently, not today. They just plain hadn't scheduled enough cashiers. You'd think they'd know better on a Sunday in the beginning of the month. Thankfully, it did slow down long enough for me to close down with no relief.
When I got home, I had leftovers for dinner while listening to The Muppet Movie soundtrack. I was glad to find one last fall. I always did like the songs from the first three movies, including some of the background music. I love the jazzy instrumental version of "I Hope That Something Better Comes Along" that plays when Kermit and Piggy are reconciling in the back of the Electric Mayhem's bus right before the "cop" comes to warn them.
Did a little bit writing this morning before work and this evening as well. While Han, Luke, and Ben head off towards Aldran Town, Leia is being taken to Vader's stronghold in the Kingdom of the Empire. Once the Kingdom of Naboo, it was the most beautiful kingdom in the entire Alliance...until Vader and Palapatine's black Force magic infected everything. Now, barely anything grows, and there's very little color or light. Vader's castle sits on top of a slick mountain made of red and black dark Khyber crystal. It's impossible for anyone without powers to climb. Leia still refuses to talk, but Vader and his aid Lord Tarkin have ways of getting information from her...
Saturday, March 05, 2016
The Art of the Rebels
Began the morning with breakfast, cleaning, and more Star Wars: Rebels. Ezra learns about the Force in one episode that takes him and Kanan to a ruined Jedi temple. There, he encounters manifestations of his greatest fears, from the Inquisitor attacking to the others abandoning him. He finally realizes how important his friends are...and finds the crystals to make his very own combination blaster-lightsaber.
Worked on dusting the living room while the show was on. I really want to get the dusting done as soon as I can, so I can get the spring decorations up early next week. I also watered the plant, or tried to. The Pur water filtration attachment that's been on the sink since I moved in suddenly came off, putting a lot more water than I originally planned into that poor plant! I tossed the Pur system. It came with the house. Even if it really works anymore, it probably needed to be changed years ago.
The sun was trying hard to duck around some heavy clouds when I arrived at work. I did spend the first half of a very busy day rounding up carts. The second half was passed inside. I alternated between taking customers and actually doing something I'm good at - organizing. I had no idea you could step inside the pegboard-style booth used to hang the gift cards on. Extra card stock is apparently kept in there. Most of the extra cards that aren't in boxes are hung on pegs inside the gift card "mall." When the manager tried to move one of the larger boxes, it broke, sending gift cards everywhere...which meant I had to figure out how to organize the cards and pick up the mess she left. She claimed they'd been organized before, but I sure didn't see it. Half the restaurant cards were in with the cards for department stores, and I had no idea where to put the credit gift cards or the phone cards. It was starting to look a bit better when my relief arrived to take over.
Went straight home and on the computer for some writing. Ben realizes that Vader senses his and Luke's presences and will be arriving at the ballroom any second. He and Luke use their powers to make them disappear and reappear at the Falcon in the stables. Luke manages to rescue his own favorite pony Tauntaun and release the other horses before the Imperials can get them before he, Han, Chewie, Ben, and the servants ride off in the fancier carriage version of the Falcon.
Indeed, Vader does realize someone was there...and he's not happy. He's even less happy when some of his men report that his daughter danced with two mysterious young men at the ball, and was supposed to be delivering messages to an old...acquaintance...of his...
Finished out Star Wars: Rebels while eating sauteed spinach and mushrooms with slices of cheese bread and a leftover chicken leg for dinner. Season One ended with an exciting three-part episode that first had the group sending a message that they're out there to other Rebels, then rescuing Kanan, who was captured by the Inquisitor and the Empire. We also discover the identity of the mysterious "Fulcrum," who gives Hera the orders for the team, and that there's a lot more Rebels out there than anyone suspects.
I really enjoyed this show. It was just so much fun. I loved the continuity - as I mentioned, episodes in the early part of the season that seemed like a one-off (like the one where Zeb and Ezra escape the market in a stolen TIE Fighter) do come up later in the season. (What Sabine did to that stolen TIE Fighter - and the reaction of everyone on Govenor Tarkin's ship and the crew of the Ghost - is absolutely hysterical.) And yes, I will unabashedly admit that I ship "Team Parents" Kanan and Hera, my favorite characters.
If you're a Star Wars fan, especially of the previous cartoons, this is a no-brainer. It's well-written, acted, and animated. I will add that you do need to know a little about the Star Wars universe going in, especially Jedi and what happened to them, to understand a lot of what's going on. For action cartoon lovers (and those who were disappointed by the darker tone in Force Awakens), this is a worthy addition to the expanding universe.
Worked on dusting the living room while the show was on. I really want to get the dusting done as soon as I can, so I can get the spring decorations up early next week. I also watered the plant, or tried to. The Pur water filtration attachment that's been on the sink since I moved in suddenly came off, putting a lot more water than I originally planned into that poor plant! I tossed the Pur system. It came with the house. Even if it really works anymore, it probably needed to be changed years ago.
The sun was trying hard to duck around some heavy clouds when I arrived at work. I did spend the first half of a very busy day rounding up carts. The second half was passed inside. I alternated between taking customers and actually doing something I'm good at - organizing. I had no idea you could step inside the pegboard-style booth used to hang the gift cards on. Extra card stock is apparently kept in there. Most of the extra cards that aren't in boxes are hung on pegs inside the gift card "mall." When the manager tried to move one of the larger boxes, it broke, sending gift cards everywhere...which meant I had to figure out how to organize the cards and pick up the mess she left. She claimed they'd been organized before, but I sure didn't see it. Half the restaurant cards were in with the cards for department stores, and I had no idea where to put the credit gift cards or the phone cards. It was starting to look a bit better when my relief arrived to take over.
Went straight home and on the computer for some writing. Ben realizes that Vader senses his and Luke's presences and will be arriving at the ballroom any second. He and Luke use their powers to make them disappear and reappear at the Falcon in the stables. Luke manages to rescue his own favorite pony Tauntaun and release the other horses before the Imperials can get them before he, Han, Chewie, Ben, and the servants ride off in the fancier carriage version of the Falcon.
Indeed, Vader does realize someone was there...and he's not happy. He's even less happy when some of his men report that his daughter danced with two mysterious young men at the ball, and was supposed to be delivering messages to an old...acquaintance...of his...
Finished out Star Wars: Rebels while eating sauteed spinach and mushrooms with slices of cheese bread and a leftover chicken leg for dinner. Season One ended with an exciting three-part episode that first had the group sending a message that they're out there to other Rebels, then rescuing Kanan, who was captured by the Inquisitor and the Empire. We also discover the identity of the mysterious "Fulcrum," who gives Hera the orders for the team, and that there's a lot more Rebels out there than anyone suspects.
I really enjoyed this show. It was just so much fun. I loved the continuity - as I mentioned, episodes in the early part of the season that seemed like a one-off (like the one where Zeb and Ezra escape the market in a stolen TIE Fighter) do come up later in the season. (What Sabine did to that stolen TIE Fighter - and the reaction of everyone on Govenor Tarkin's ship and the crew of the Ghost - is absolutely hysterical.) And yes, I will unabashedly admit that I ship "Team Parents" Kanan and Hera, my favorite characters.
If you're a Star Wars fan, especially of the previous cartoons, this is a no-brainer. It's well-written, acted, and animated. I will add that you do need to know a little about the Star Wars universe going in, especially Jedi and what happened to them, to understand a lot of what's going on. For action cartoon lovers (and those who were disappointed by the darker tone in Force Awakens), this is a worthy addition to the expanding universe.
Friday, March 04, 2016
As the Snow Vanishes
It did, indeed, snow overnight...but the snow was wet and fat and fluffy. It was just barely sticking to the ground when I awoke. The streets were wet, but clear.
Since the snow continued through the morning, I ran Frosty's Winter Wonderland while I ate breakfast and got ready for work. The second Rankin Bass Frosty tale has him feeling lonely when the kids aren't around. They make him a snowwoman he names Crystal to cheer him up and become his wife. Jack Frost, who brings the snow and wind, is very jealous of all the attention Frosty's getting and becomes determined to get rid of the snowman for good.
It was still snowing when I went to work, but it didn't last for very long. I was called in early last night, 10 to 2 instead of 12 to 4, and that was fine. In fact, I preferred it that way. The earlier I could get out, the better. I was in the register for most of the day this time (instead of a brief 20 minutes doing returns). I wish I'd been getting carts. It's the beginning of the month, which means we had lots of annoying, grouchy people who won't do much of anything, including help out.
My schedule didn't help. I'm absolutely livid. In good news, I have a few more hours next week than I have been getting. Trouble is, I only have one day off, and it's the day I asked off for counseling. And I'm still listed as a bagger. I'm not the only one getting weird hours, either. I complained about my strange, short hours to a fellow employee, who also complained about odd shifts and only getting one day off. (And she has far more seniority than I do!) How am I going to get anything done next week, including cleaning, writing, counseling, and putting up the spring holiday decorations?
Thankfully, it wasn't too busy by the time I did my own grocery shopping. I had a LOT that I needed this week! The Acme was having its "buck a bag" dollar vegetable sale. I picked up celery, mushrooms, and spinach, along with restocking apples, grapefruit, and bananas. The only meat on sale was the 4 for 20 deal; I'm not spending 20 dollars on just meat. I bought ground chicken and found a pack of tortilla-crusted salmon on manager's clearance. Also restocked yogurt, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk (they were out of skim - I grabbed 1%), frozen peas, vanilla, jam, and dish washing liquid. The Acme is still clearing out its original generic brands. I grabbed a 3 pack of generic tape for $1.49.
No wonder it slowed down a bit later. By the time I was heading home, the snow was long gone, and the sun was out. The streets weren't even wet anymore. You'd never know we had any snow last night. It was even kind of warmish for early March, probably in the mid-40's.
After I put everything away, I went into writing. After Princess Leia is knocked out by the stormtroopers, she finds herself in a very awkward position - in the arms of the evil Lord Vader, who happens to be a half-demon and her father. She demands that he put her down and reminds him that he invaded her ball. He points out that she was having the ball to cover her spying activities, not to find a husband. At any rate, he's going to turn her over to his master, King Palapatine, to train as a black sorceress. Not to mention, he wants to find out more about the Rebels In the Woods from her. She refuses to do either, but he hands her off to his men to carry away before she can protest further.
Did a quick vacuuming session next. Goodness knows when I'll get to dusting. I'm hoping to get everything done by the end of next week. The apartment's getting kind of bad again.
I had leftovers and made Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies from a cake mix (since the peanut butter ones came out so well) while continuing Star Wars: Rebels. I absolutely love the dynamics between the characters here, especially my favorites, the strong commander and former Jedi Kanan and the Twi'lek pilot Hera, who act as surrogate dad and mom to the group. Also, this show can surprise you. An episode that seemed like a one-off (Hera and teen bomb expert/artist Sabine bond while escaping cat-like monsters) has repercussions later when Ezra and Kanan use the same monsters to escape the show's Big Bad, the evil Sith Lord the Inquisitor.
Since the snow continued through the morning, I ran Frosty's Winter Wonderland while I ate breakfast and got ready for work. The second Rankin Bass Frosty tale has him feeling lonely when the kids aren't around. They make him a snowwoman he names Crystal to cheer him up and become his wife. Jack Frost, who brings the snow and wind, is very jealous of all the attention Frosty's getting and becomes determined to get rid of the snowman for good.
It was still snowing when I went to work, but it didn't last for very long. I was called in early last night, 10 to 2 instead of 12 to 4, and that was fine. In fact, I preferred it that way. The earlier I could get out, the better. I was in the register for most of the day this time (instead of a brief 20 minutes doing returns). I wish I'd been getting carts. It's the beginning of the month, which means we had lots of annoying, grouchy people who won't do much of anything, including help out.
My schedule didn't help. I'm absolutely livid. In good news, I have a few more hours next week than I have been getting. Trouble is, I only have one day off, and it's the day I asked off for counseling. And I'm still listed as a bagger. I'm not the only one getting weird hours, either. I complained about my strange, short hours to a fellow employee, who also complained about odd shifts and only getting one day off. (And she has far more seniority than I do!) How am I going to get anything done next week, including cleaning, writing, counseling, and putting up the spring holiday decorations?
Thankfully, it wasn't too busy by the time I did my own grocery shopping. I had a LOT that I needed this week! The Acme was having its "buck a bag" dollar vegetable sale. I picked up celery, mushrooms, and spinach, along with restocking apples, grapefruit, and bananas. The only meat on sale was the 4 for 20 deal; I'm not spending 20 dollars on just meat. I bought ground chicken and found a pack of tortilla-crusted salmon on manager's clearance. Also restocked yogurt, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk (they were out of skim - I grabbed 1%), frozen peas, vanilla, jam, and dish washing liquid. The Acme is still clearing out its original generic brands. I grabbed a 3 pack of generic tape for $1.49.
No wonder it slowed down a bit later. By the time I was heading home, the snow was long gone, and the sun was out. The streets weren't even wet anymore. You'd never know we had any snow last night. It was even kind of warmish for early March, probably in the mid-40's.
After I put everything away, I went into writing. After Princess Leia is knocked out by the stormtroopers, she finds herself in a very awkward position - in the arms of the evil Lord Vader, who happens to be a half-demon and her father. She demands that he put her down and reminds him that he invaded her ball. He points out that she was having the ball to cover her spying activities, not to find a husband. At any rate, he's going to turn her over to his master, King Palapatine, to train as a black sorceress. Not to mention, he wants to find out more about the Rebels In the Woods from her. She refuses to do either, but he hands her off to his men to carry away before she can protest further.
Did a quick vacuuming session next. Goodness knows when I'll get to dusting. I'm hoping to get everything done by the end of next week. The apartment's getting kind of bad again.
I had leftovers and made Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies from a cake mix (since the peanut butter ones came out so well) while continuing Star Wars: Rebels. I absolutely love the dynamics between the characters here, especially my favorites, the strong commander and former Jedi Kanan and the Twi'lek pilot Hera, who act as surrogate dad and mom to the group. Also, this show can surprise you. An episode that seemed like a one-off (Hera and teen bomb expert/artist Sabine bond while escaping cat-like monsters) has repercussions later when Ezra and Kanan use the same monsters to escape the show's Big Bad, the evil Sith Lord the Inquisitor.
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Rebels In the Snow
Started off the morning with breakfast and the remaining episodes of Doc McStuffins. Stuffy is excited about his first day with his new pet in "Stuffy and Squibbles." He quickly discovers just how hard it can be to take care of a pet when Squibbles becomes run-down after he opts to keep playing rather than re-charge him. Chilly makes friends with the hamster Doc is taking care of in "Take Your Pet to the Vet." When the hamster gets sick, Doc takes her to a real vet, who helps them find out what's wrong.
"Queen of Thrones" has the Queen figure giving orders to the other toys when they have to rebuild hers and the King's castle. The toys accuse her of being bossy, but they find out just how hard it can be to do good work without a solid leader. Different styles of leadership also come up in "Master and Commander." An alien and a Buzz Lightyear-style space man toy both want to be the captains of Doc's new toy ship. The space man is better with working with a crew...until he falls off a chair, hurts his wings, and scrambles his memory chips a bit.
Switched to Star Wars: Rebels as I gave the kitchen a quick scrub. This Disney animated show takes us to the early years of the Rebellion and the Empire several years before the original trilogy. Ezra Bridger is a kid thief living on the streets...until he encounters a group of diverse aliens and humans who are essentially terrorists, helping people whom the Empire has displaced while occasionally doing small-scale attacks against the Imperial guards. He's surprised at how close these folks are to each other...and is downright shocked when they rescue him from an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Headed off to work almost the moment I finished cleaning up the kitchen. Work was very busy today, partially due to the beginning of the month, but mostly because of the inch of snow they're calling on for tomorrow. I did pretty much everything you can think of. I shelved items. I went in for at least one cashier who needed a break. I took customers. I put carts away. I even got to drive two of the big mobile carts disabled and elderly customers use to get around back into the store, which was really fun. Thankfully, there were no really major problems, not even with customers, and I was in and out.
It was such a nice day, I rode home down Nicholson Road, ignoring the beginnings of the rush hour traffic. Though it was chilly, probably in the lower 40's, it was also still fairly sunny at that point. The wind that made such a mess early in the week and last weekend had dissipated, making for a nice, easy ride.
Got on the computer the moment I arrived home. Luke's still fighting off stormtroopers in the ballroom. Han, Chewie, Cecil, and Arthur all appear, Arthur insisting he has a message from the Princess to Sir Kenobi. Ben rescues them from several stormtroopers who got the drop on them. Arthur able to give Ben the parchment. Luke insists that he wants to rescue the royal family from Vader's stronghold in the Parched Mountains, but Han's not so keen on the idea...
When I got off, I made myself a simple but wonderfully filling dinner of baked chicken legs, roasted Brussels sprouts, and brown rice. Continued Star Wars: Rebels while I ate. I'm really enjoying this, probably more than I have any Star Wars movie or TV programming since I was a child. (Including The Force Awakens, though I'll really have to catch that one on DVD before I can assess it properly.) I love how this disparate group - a teenage girl bomb expert with Boba Fett-style armor, Ezra, a huge, hulking gray creature with a British accent and a grouchy attitude, a green-skinned Twi'lek woman who drives their ship, a former Imperial Navy soldier - are all so close. Even Ezra becomes family after only a few episodes. I can't wait to see where this all goes. They've already rescued Wookies from the Spice Mines of Kessel and farmers on Lothal. They tried to rescue a Jedi master, but that turned out to be a trap by the evil Inquisitor. This looks like it's going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to watch the rest.
Oh, and it only just started snowing a few minutes ago. It's not coming down hard, really more of a shower than anything. The snow looks light and fluffy. It'll probably be the dry type of snow that'll be blown to Canada with the first good wind.
"Queen of Thrones" has the Queen figure giving orders to the other toys when they have to rebuild hers and the King's castle. The toys accuse her of being bossy, but they find out just how hard it can be to do good work without a solid leader. Different styles of leadership also come up in "Master and Commander." An alien and a Buzz Lightyear-style space man toy both want to be the captains of Doc's new toy ship. The space man is better with working with a crew...until he falls off a chair, hurts his wings, and scrambles his memory chips a bit.
Switched to Star Wars: Rebels as I gave the kitchen a quick scrub. This Disney animated show takes us to the early years of the Rebellion and the Empire several years before the original trilogy. Ezra Bridger is a kid thief living on the streets...until he encounters a group of diverse aliens and humans who are essentially terrorists, helping people whom the Empire has displaced while occasionally doing small-scale attacks against the Imperial guards. He's surprised at how close these folks are to each other...and is downright shocked when they rescue him from an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Headed off to work almost the moment I finished cleaning up the kitchen. Work was very busy today, partially due to the beginning of the month, but mostly because of the inch of snow they're calling on for tomorrow. I did pretty much everything you can think of. I shelved items. I went in for at least one cashier who needed a break. I took customers. I put carts away. I even got to drive two of the big mobile carts disabled and elderly customers use to get around back into the store, which was really fun. Thankfully, there were no really major problems, not even with customers, and I was in and out.
It was such a nice day, I rode home down Nicholson Road, ignoring the beginnings of the rush hour traffic. Though it was chilly, probably in the lower 40's, it was also still fairly sunny at that point. The wind that made such a mess early in the week and last weekend had dissipated, making for a nice, easy ride.
Got on the computer the moment I arrived home. Luke's still fighting off stormtroopers in the ballroom. Han, Chewie, Cecil, and Arthur all appear, Arthur insisting he has a message from the Princess to Sir Kenobi. Ben rescues them from several stormtroopers who got the drop on them. Arthur able to give Ben the parchment. Luke insists that he wants to rescue the royal family from Vader's stronghold in the Parched Mountains, but Han's not so keen on the idea...
When I got off, I made myself a simple but wonderfully filling dinner of baked chicken legs, roasted Brussels sprouts, and brown rice. Continued Star Wars: Rebels while I ate. I'm really enjoying this, probably more than I have any Star Wars movie or TV programming since I was a child. (Including The Force Awakens, though I'll really have to catch that one on DVD before I can assess it properly.) I love how this disparate group - a teenage girl bomb expert with Boba Fett-style armor, Ezra, a huge, hulking gray creature with a British accent and a grouchy attitude, a green-skinned Twi'lek woman who drives their ship, a former Imperial Navy soldier - are all so close. Even Ezra becomes family after only a few episodes. I can't wait to see where this all goes. They've already rescued Wookies from the Spice Mines of Kessel and farmers on Lothal. They tried to rescue a Jedi master, but that turned out to be a trap by the evil Inquisitor. This looks like it's going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to watch the rest.
Oh, and it only just started snowing a few minutes ago. It's not coming down hard, really more of a shower than anything. The snow looks light and fluffy. It'll probably be the dry type of snow that'll be blown to Canada with the first good wind.
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
The Doc and the Space Opera
Began a sunny, very windy day with more Jason of Star Command. The most interesting thing about the second half of the first season episodes is the introduction of an evil queen, played by Julie Newmayr, who is working with Dragos. We also get to see the nifty monster from the first half of the season again. I also thought the second-to-last episode, with Jason and Natalie having to figure out which is the real Dragos from a group of them, was at least somewhat creative.
Cleaned the bathroom while I watched. It needed to be done. I probably should have done it last week. It doesn't take me that long - the bathroom isn't that big - but I do have to drag out all the cleaning supplies and actually sit down and do it.
When I finished, I had a quick lunch and got ready for work while beginning Doc McStuffins. Doc has added "veterinary medicine" to her list of achievements in caring for stuffed animals. She's opened a secondary clinic that caters to toy animals who can't talk like other playthings. Among her first clients are an electronic dog whose nose has lost its power to find its bone and three plastic goats whose yarn coats have gotten tangled.
Headed to work with plenty of time to get there, for once. I could have been infinitely late. It wasn't a busy day, especially early on. I spent most of the afternoon doing what few returns could be found. I also cleaned up a jar of baby food someone dropped, put baskets away, and wiped down a basket someone dropped macaroni salad in. They didn't even need me to do carts. There were so few, one of the college boys was fine handling it on his own. By the time it started getting busier, I was just about done.
As soon as I got home, I returned to writing. Luke and Leia are separated when Luke saves Leia from being hauled off by a stormtrooper. She finds Arthur and Cecil (Artoo and Threepio), who have been trying to avoid the carnage in the ballroom, and, worried about being followed, gives Arthur her message for Ben Kenobi. Cecil wants to go back to the kitchen and fret over the dishes and linens the Imperial Army destroyed, but Arthur insists (with his hands - he's a mute who speaks in sign language) that he's now on a mission. Cecil thinks he's crazy, but he follows his friend back to the ballroom anyway.
Did more Doc while eating leftovers for dinner. A strange, adorable little dog-like toy on a rolling ball becomes attached to Stuffy the Dragon in "A Dragon's Best Friend." Stuffy's annoyed by him at first, until he, Doc, and the others realize that the toy is lost. They first try to find its owner, then, to Stuffy's delight, adopt it when no kid comes forward to claim it.
Cleaned the bathroom while I watched. It needed to be done. I probably should have done it last week. It doesn't take me that long - the bathroom isn't that big - but I do have to drag out all the cleaning supplies and actually sit down and do it.
When I finished, I had a quick lunch and got ready for work while beginning Doc McStuffins. Doc has added "veterinary medicine" to her list of achievements in caring for stuffed animals. She's opened a secondary clinic that caters to toy animals who can't talk like other playthings. Among her first clients are an electronic dog whose nose has lost its power to find its bone and three plastic goats whose yarn coats have gotten tangled.
Headed to work with plenty of time to get there, for once. I could have been infinitely late. It wasn't a busy day, especially early on. I spent most of the afternoon doing what few returns could be found. I also cleaned up a jar of baby food someone dropped, put baskets away, and wiped down a basket someone dropped macaroni salad in. They didn't even need me to do carts. There were so few, one of the college boys was fine handling it on his own. By the time it started getting busier, I was just about done.
As soon as I got home, I returned to writing. Luke and Leia are separated when Luke saves Leia from being hauled off by a stormtrooper. She finds Arthur and Cecil (Artoo and Threepio), who have been trying to avoid the carnage in the ballroom, and, worried about being followed, gives Arthur her message for Ben Kenobi. Cecil wants to go back to the kitchen and fret over the dishes and linens the Imperial Army destroyed, but Arthur insists (with his hands - he's a mute who speaks in sign language) that he's now on a mission. Cecil thinks he's crazy, but he follows his friend back to the ballroom anyway.
Did more Doc while eating leftovers for dinner. A strange, adorable little dog-like toy on a rolling ball becomes attached to Stuffy the Dragon in "A Dragon's Best Friend." Stuffy's annoyed by him at first, until he, Doc, and the others realize that the toy is lost. They first try to find its owner, then, to Stuffy's delight, adopt it when no kid comes forward to claim it.
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
March Goes In Like a Lamb
I couldn't believe how gorgeous it was when I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning. It was so nice, I opened the windows for the first time in ages. The breeze felt fresh and inviting.
Had breakfast while watching the next Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode. Music is at the heart of "Mickey's Pirate Adventure," another hour-long story. The crew receives a message from Goofy's grandpa Captain Goofbeard. His home, Harmony Island, is sinking into the ocean! Harmony Island is made up entirely of instruments, and they need to be tuned for the island to remain above the water. Captain Goofbeard and the Clubhouse gang search for the treasure that'll keep the island afloat...but Peg-Leg Pete has other plans for it.
Headed out as soon as the episode ended. It was too nice of a day to sit inside! It was so nice, I was perfectly fine in a light-weight cardigan, short-sleeved blouse, and capris. My first stop was the Oaklyn Library. I returned Space Academy, organized DVD's, and ignored CNN going on about politics and politicians in the background.
The Oaklyn Library is only about two or three blocks from Capitol Pizza, so I headed up to the White Horse Pike for lunch. It was about 1:30 when I arrived. Except for CNN still going, they were empty. I ordered my slice of cheese, slice of mushroom, and can of Diet Pepsi, worked on story ideas, and once again ignored the politicians on the TV.
I needed a walk. I hadn't had a really nice, long walk in ages. I strolled down the White Horse Pike to Newton Lake Park. It was a glorious day for a stroll. The sun was shining. The sun was warm, but the increasingly brisk wind was cool. The sunlight danced and frolicked over the rippling green water. Ducks and Canadian geese chased each other, looked for lunch, and swam in the lake.
It was so nice to be able to just get out and enjoy the day, after spending so much of the winter indoors! I played at the playground across from the condos and watched a dad help his toddler daughter up the steps and across the chain bridge. I passed dog walkers, joggers, bikers, parents pushing babies in strollers, and college kids shooting the breeze on the small bridge. I stopped at a concrete patio to think and take in the amazing view. I took in the lake curving towards Westmont as I hiked up one of stone stairways to Oaklyn.
Stopped at WaWa for a treat. I considered a milkshake, but I ended up with a Chocolate Banana Smoothie. To my delight, they used a real banana crushed with the chocolate syrup, rather than flavoring. Oooh, it was so good! The real banana made all the difference. It was just sweet and decadent enough.
Spent the next few hours writing after I finally got home. Luke dances with Leia,his mind unable to believe she chose him. Leia's more worried about getting her message to Sir Kenobi than her dancing partner. They finally decide to go look for him when suddenly, a chilling presence arrives in the room. The music cuts off. Dancers part; fearful, terrified whispers rocket around the room. He is here, they murmur. The evil Lord Vader, said to be half-man, half-demon, and his loyal army has arrived.
Luke can understand their fear. Vader is a frightening visage in black and red crystal armor. Nothing can be seen of his human body, not even his eyes. Leia's more angry than frightened. How dare he interrupt her ball? She finally pulls Luke away to find Ben.
I decided to try something different for dinner. I've long given up using "Helper" mixes that substitute fake, freeze-dried cheese and vegetables for the real thing. What's in those mixes that can't be recreated with whatever is in your pantry? I put my theory to the test with Tuna-Noodle Casserole, cooked in a pan instead of baked. I cooked fresh onions and carrots in the pan for a few minutes, then added chicken stock, tuna, cooked frozen peas, cooked whole-wheat rotini noodles, and low-fat-and-sodium cream of mushroom soup. Yum. It didn't look pretty after simmering it for about 20 minutes, but it tasted good, a wonderful, simple blend of flavors. Maybe next time, I'll cook the veggies in olive oil, or add bread crumbs.
Ran the last Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode in the set during dinner. "Mickey's Fun Farm Fair" is a take on state fairs, with games and bake-offs and vegetable-judging booths. Chip and Dale just want to be good at something, but they can never seem to win one of those prize blue ribbons...until Donald gets stuck and needs their help.
Disney tossed in a random Minnie's Bow-Toons for good measure. It's Halloween, but Minnie and Daisy have lost the treats they were going to give out. The kids are disappointed when they attempt tricks instead, until Mickey reminds the girls that the holiday is about more than candy.
Switched back to Jason of Star Command while making Apple-Cinnamon Torte for dessert. The stories mainly involve Jason's and Star Command's ongoing war with the evil Dragos. Despite some interesting stories (like Jason and his crew meeting Blackbeard the Pirate and rescuing a child princess), I'm not enjoying this one quite as much as I did Space Academy. You'd think a serial-type story would be right up my alley. The big problem is, I just don't care much about the hero or the villain. Jason's a bland hunk of rock; Dragos is a sneering, cackling Ming the Merciless imitation. It's too bad, because the special effects are major improvement over Space Academy, including a genuinely well-done Ray Harryhausen-style stop motion monster.
The episodes I'm watching now involve the return of Peepo from the previous show, who seems to have been manipulated by Drago into betraying Star Command. Hopefully, things will start to pick up from here.
Had breakfast while watching the next Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode. Music is at the heart of "Mickey's Pirate Adventure," another hour-long story. The crew receives a message from Goofy's grandpa Captain Goofbeard. His home, Harmony Island, is sinking into the ocean! Harmony Island is made up entirely of instruments, and they need to be tuned for the island to remain above the water. Captain Goofbeard and the Clubhouse gang search for the treasure that'll keep the island afloat...but Peg-Leg Pete has other plans for it.
Headed out as soon as the episode ended. It was too nice of a day to sit inside! It was so nice, I was perfectly fine in a light-weight cardigan, short-sleeved blouse, and capris. My first stop was the Oaklyn Library. I returned Space Academy, organized DVD's, and ignored CNN going on about politics and politicians in the background.
The Oaklyn Library is only about two or three blocks from Capitol Pizza, so I headed up to the White Horse Pike for lunch. It was about 1:30 when I arrived. Except for CNN still going, they were empty. I ordered my slice of cheese, slice of mushroom, and can of Diet Pepsi, worked on story ideas, and once again ignored the politicians on the TV.
I needed a walk. I hadn't had a really nice, long walk in ages. I strolled down the White Horse Pike to Newton Lake Park. It was a glorious day for a stroll. The sun was shining. The sun was warm, but the increasingly brisk wind was cool. The sunlight danced and frolicked over the rippling green water. Ducks and Canadian geese chased each other, looked for lunch, and swam in the lake.
It was so nice to be able to just get out and enjoy the day, after spending so much of the winter indoors! I played at the playground across from the condos and watched a dad help his toddler daughter up the steps and across the chain bridge. I passed dog walkers, joggers, bikers, parents pushing babies in strollers, and college kids shooting the breeze on the small bridge. I stopped at a concrete patio to think and take in the amazing view. I took in the lake curving towards Westmont as I hiked up one of stone stairways to Oaklyn.
Stopped at WaWa for a treat. I considered a milkshake, but I ended up with a Chocolate Banana Smoothie. To my delight, they used a real banana crushed with the chocolate syrup, rather than flavoring. Oooh, it was so good! The real banana made all the difference. It was just sweet and decadent enough.
Spent the next few hours writing after I finally got home. Luke dances with Leia,his mind unable to believe she chose him. Leia's more worried about getting her message to Sir Kenobi than her dancing partner. They finally decide to go look for him when suddenly, a chilling presence arrives in the room. The music cuts off. Dancers part; fearful, terrified whispers rocket around the room. He is here, they murmur. The evil Lord Vader, said to be half-man, half-demon, and his loyal army has arrived.
Luke can understand their fear. Vader is a frightening visage in black and red crystal armor. Nothing can be seen of his human body, not even his eyes. Leia's more angry than frightened. How dare he interrupt her ball? She finally pulls Luke away to find Ben.
I decided to try something different for dinner. I've long given up using "Helper" mixes that substitute fake, freeze-dried cheese and vegetables for the real thing. What's in those mixes that can't be recreated with whatever is in your pantry? I put my theory to the test with Tuna-Noodle Casserole, cooked in a pan instead of baked. I cooked fresh onions and carrots in the pan for a few minutes, then added chicken stock, tuna, cooked frozen peas, cooked whole-wheat rotini noodles, and low-fat-and-sodium cream of mushroom soup. Yum. It didn't look pretty after simmering it for about 20 minutes, but it tasted good, a wonderful, simple blend of flavors. Maybe next time, I'll cook the veggies in olive oil, or add bread crumbs.
Ran the last Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode in the set during dinner. "Mickey's Fun Farm Fair" is a take on state fairs, with games and bake-offs and vegetable-judging booths. Chip and Dale just want to be good at something, but they can never seem to win one of those prize blue ribbons...until Donald gets stuck and needs their help.
Disney tossed in a random Minnie's Bow-Toons for good measure. It's Halloween, but Minnie and Daisy have lost the treats they were going to give out. The kids are disappointed when they attempt tricks instead, until Mickey reminds the girls that the holiday is about more than candy.
Switched back to Jason of Star Command while making Apple-Cinnamon Torte for dessert. The stories mainly involve Jason's and Star Command's ongoing war with the evil Dragos. Despite some interesting stories (like Jason and his crew meeting Blackbeard the Pirate and rescuing a child princess), I'm not enjoying this one quite as much as I did Space Academy. You'd think a serial-type story would be right up my alley. The big problem is, I just don't care much about the hero or the villain. Jason's a bland hunk of rock; Dragos is a sneering, cackling Ming the Merciless imitation. It's too bad, because the special effects are major improvement over Space Academy, including a genuinely well-done Ray Harryhausen-style stop motion monster.
The episodes I'm watching now involve the return of Peepo from the previous show, who seems to have been manipulated by Drago into betraying Star Command. Hopefully, things will start to pick up from here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)