This is a look back to: March 23, 2005 ~

During our travels to California last week, we were amazed at how much people are dependent on cell phones. Everywhere people were talking on the phones. As soon as they got off of the plane. In the plane right up to the time that the announcement said to turn them off. In restaurants. Of course, driving. I know in Texas the situation is the same but everyone getting off of a plane was on the phone. Everyone! Even young, young, like 10 years old young kids had phones.

Today while eating in a restaurant (Schlotzsky's Deli - one of my favorite sandwiches and now they have added free wireless in many locations!!) there was an older man over 60 who made a phone call after he finished eating. What made me grin was that he called a woman, probably his wife that he's been married to for 40 years, and didn't say anything. Only that he was eating and going back to work. Nothing urgent. No news of anything that happened to him since he last talked or saw her. So why did he call? Did he just want to be one of the crowd and make a call in public? Just makes one wonder.

On to the Script ~ Today's scene, back in act one, was an "additional" scene that I went back to add. I had the thought for it during the night. It's needed and I like the writing of it but the protagonist has no reaction in the scene. Granted, this is the first draft of the scene. I will go back and add subtext, etc. I was surprised that the whole scene revolved around the antagonist. The antagonist is introduced in this scene but he shouldn't take over. I know where I need to add her reactions and actions so I guess that's a good reason to call this the "first draft" of the scene.

Last night we watched "Van Helsing." I remember this movie getting the movie bomb rating but I don't remember why. For a horror/fantasy/superhero type movie, it had great graphics, lots of action and a little sexual tension thrown in (of course). There was one time when they did break the rules of their world. I can't remember now which rule but I noticed it. Of course Mike said, "It's only a movie." Then of course my response, "They aren't supposed to break the rules of the world they create." Maybe that's one of the reasons this movie got the bomb rating?

The worst part of the movie was the 130 minutes! Over two hours. By the time the ending finally came around, I was too tired (10:45pm ~ late for one that is up at 5am to write!) to watch the extra parts they add to the DVD. The deleted scenes, director and/or writer explaining why they changed scenes or what was happening at the time, etc. Very interesting and enlightening when you are writing a screenplay!

When we finally bought a DVD player, that was the main reason I relented to stop renting VHS. Of course, we bought a DVD/VHS dual player. I would rather not have to replace my many workout videos.

More later...

Ssssshhh! Don't tell my body, okay?

I am now a member of the bifocal group. I've had to use my cheaters for a few weeks so this morning my eye doctor added bifocal vision to my new glasses prescription. My contacts were also adjusted so that the cheaters can go back in the drawer.

When Marilyn came to measure my glasses for new lenses, she stated matter of factly that I can have the bifocals visible or invisible. I had to laugh at that one. I'm not vain but I would rather not advertise the fact that I am over 40! Let's just make the lines invisible so you and I will be the only ones that know!

Now I have to endure a few hours of dilated eye sight. I feel so helpless. Can I just close my eyes for a couple of hours and let it pass? Oh no, people need stuff. Stuff that's typed or written on pieces of paper that are just a blur for now. Grrrrr.

Enough already!

The media has blown this Cheney hunting trip way out of portion. Let's move on to real news that is worthy of our time. Both CNN channels on my XM radio talk about this "accident" every 20 minutes. Geez!

I can't seem to get into the Olympics this year for some reason. Our weather is unseasonably warm so not only can I not sit in front of the TV but I also don't want to look at all that snow. I haven't worn a turtle neck sweater in many years. I don't like the cold so why do I want to look at it?

I can't seem to get into American Idol either. The try out and the weeding out of the bad ones are usually my favorite parts. I guess I would rather be outside.

I'm ready for the garden to be planted. The tiller has already been digging away. Hmmm! Fresh veggies. There's nothing like vegetables home grown on the plant or vine! Beats the heck out of the grocery store produce.

Enough whining and dreaming. Time to get some work done. More later....

Steeler Mike was prepared for the big game. He has been waiting for this all year (actually since they won the last Super Bowl) because he knew this was meant to be. The last time the Steelers won the Super Bowl, a new Pope was elected, as was also this year (2005 season). Mike had quite a few signs that this was the year of the Steelers. And the one that topped it off...yesterday was the 36th day of the year...Jerome Bettis' jersey number is 36!


Steeler Mike didn't sit down for the entire game. We watched the game at the VFW in Corsicana, Texas. They had a big screen so Mike was able to pace around the room and not miss a play.


I am so glad the Steelers won. Otherwise, our household would be hell for a long while. Now maybe we can move on to other sports like the Olympics that will be starting soon or the Dallas Mavericks.

Congrats to all of the Pittsburgh Steeler organization!

"Stupid Girl! What is wrong with you!"

That's what I screamed out this morning during my drive to work.

This morning we had heavy, heavy fog in our area. The fog was so heavy that the visibility range was only a few feet. I was chugging along just fine on the farm-to-market road only a few miles from the Interstate when all of a sudden this beautiful, white-tailed doe jumped up out of nowhere, hesitated a couple of times before she dashed across the road right. in. front. of. me!

Gawd! I slammed on the brakes. I could feel my car sliding on the wet road. She jumped and darted quickly and with only a hair of room, she made it to the other side before I would have slammed into her rump. Whew! So close to creaming this gorgeous animal.

Deer aren't a normal citing in our neck of the woods so that was a treat to see. If only she would have been calmly grazing in the pasture when I drove by. Silly girl!

After I screamed at her, I had to take quite a few deep breaths. My yogi's voice came out loud and clear, "Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale."