Una sorpresa

Yesterday was my birthday. I had work that day, but it was a pretty easy day, much of the afternoon consisting of just stuffing envelopes. My boss sent us (the two of us, plus her son) home half an hour early because it was starting to hail and some nasty weather was predicted. Shannon had me get some chips and dip and stuff from the grocery store.

When I got home, much to my surprise, Shannon and Danielle were lying in wait to shout surprise amidst a Star Wars- and Lego-themed house! There were posters of Star Wars scenes all over, with word balloons saying quotes from the movies ("They're animals!") or just random stuff ("don't hold your light saber that way, it looks perverted!","I'm 28 and at the top of my game" said Darth). There was a table with jelly beans, nuts, chips, veggies, and a big ice cream cake (my favorite kind of cake) with a Star Wars image on it. There was also a big pile of presents that included two Lego Star Wars sets and the Lego Star Wars game that I have been pining after for months!

Pretty soon Richard and his son Sammy arrived, and then Marge and Jon and their son Jonathan, and then Shannon's family. We had a blast, playing video games and putting together Legos and eating cake. I got some great presents, like a huge book on Van Gogh; a portfolio of concept artwork from the original Star Wars movie from Richard that he said he'd had since 6th grade (he also said that he was in the Star Wars fan club when he was a kid); a huge Star Wars drawing and an original Lego ship by Sammy; a big tub of Legos; and a huge mp3 cd from Kate (that I'm listening to right now - currently it's a set of Who songs). Amber brought Guitar Hero, which I'd never played before, and everybody had fun trying it out. I also got to talk to some of my family who called.

I'd say it was one of the best birthdays I've had. I felt a quarter of my age. I'm going to get back to putting together my X-wing.

Labels: birthday, lego, party, star wars

posted by Bryce at 10:04 AM / 0 comments

Snow Day/Shrew Day

Today school was canceled for both Shannon and Danielle. So they got to sleep in a bit (I had some illustration work to do in the morning). I made pancakes and we had them with nutella and strawberries. Yum.

Then we made a video of ourselves making ice cream cupcakes for a film that Jack and Jazz are making. Before and during the filming, there was a shrew poking around the kitchen, which had us on edge even as we had fun mugging for the camera and making the dessert. We kept a plastic lid over this hole in the kitchen counter where he occasionally poke his head out.

After eating some cupcakes (and playing Carcassonne), we watched Good Night and Good Luck.

Then I went into the kitchen, where Boo had discovered the precise location of the shrew by the fridge. I watched him crawl up the side of the fridge and onto the counter, then I caught him in a plastic tub. We eventually got it outside, where I took it to the barn for Otis to do something with. But when I tossed the shrew, Otis didn't really perceive where he landed (he's not very perceptive in general). So I watched the shrew just readjust to his new surroundings and saunter off. So I guess everybody wins.

Right now Danielle is making some of her patented pizza. It's really good - I can't wait!

Labels: film, food, shrew, snow

posted by Bryce at 4:22 PM / 0 comments

First rehearsal

Had the read-through of Noises Off tonight. We read Act One on stage at the theater, then went to Kay's house to watch the second act (which has a lot of complicated action) from the 1992 movie version. Then we read through the third act. It's a really funny play, and it insanely complicated. I think we're up to the challenge, but it's going to take a lot of work. I'm just glad I'm not one who has to run around in my underwear or with my pants down. It's cold in that theater! And it's -18 degrees (windchill) outside!

posted by Bryce at 10:21 PM / 0 comments

Marie is back

Marie's website is back up since last I checked and it looks awesome. I am a big fan. I even have this on a t-shirt (in pink ink no less).

Labels: art, cranbrook

posted by Bryce at 12:18 PM / 0 comments