Movie Review

Last night we watched Lars And The Real Girl. It was a sweet little movie, happy/sad. I really enjoyed it, a nice change to watch a calm dialogue driven movie instead of an in-your-face special effects BLAM! type movie. Know what I mean? Shane fell asleep, but that almost always happens so I don't think it's a knock on Lars. My favorite line is when the brother says, "what the hell is he doing with a delusion for Christ's Sake?" That just cracked me up. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments, and plenty of heartwarming parts too. Watch it!

*Thumbs Up*

Just Stuff In My Head

Hot August Nights is in full swing. It's a huge classic car show and celebration of all things '50s that takes over our town every year. Not being a huge car person, and not really into poodle skirts, I find that the event is more of a traffic jam than anything. But, keep on coming, folks...it stimulates our local economy.

And, seriously...when did chow mein go from crunchy fried noodles topped with veggie or meat goo, to soft noodles with chunks? Just curious.

I'm about 2/3 through The Book Of Lost Things. It's pretty cool, if you like fantasy. A little bit Narnia, a little bit Pan's Labyrinth - dark and full of mysteries. Evil creatures abound.

Off to check out some Olympic action.

Billiards Anyone?

Shane's pool team is getting ready to head down to Vegas for the championships. Bring that prize money home to mama!

The team (Pat, Jack, Tina, Scott, Dorene, Brad, SHANE):


Shane in action:

An article in the local paper:

August 5, 2008
Community: Nevada residents prepare for national pool championships-- Staff Reports
Three Northern Nevada pool teams will be competing for $25,000 first-place prize money at the APA 8-Ball National Team Championship and $15,000 first-place prize money at the American Poolplayers Association 9-Ball National Team Championship held Aug. 15-23 in Las Vegas.
The teams, two 8-Ball teams and one 9-Ball team, will be traveling to the Riviera Hotel & Casino to compete for the Open Division national title and a portion of more than $600,000 in guaranteed prize money in 8-Ball and more than $150,000 guaranteed prize money in 9-Ball.
The two 8-Ball teams, The Murphs from Reno and The Cocoons from Carson City, will be joining more than 650 other qualified 8-Ball teams from North America, while the 9-Ball team, Diamond Billiards, from Reno will be joining more than 250 other qualified 9-Ball teams from North America.

It's Heating Up Folks

Another candidate has entered the race...get ready to cast your votes!

My Lil' Sis...

...is not so little anymore. She's all growed up and married and stuff. I was so honored to be in the wedding, even if the shoes and the "special undergarments" were a bit uncomfortable. It was so worth it. The ceremony was beautiful, so intimate and heartfelt, and the setting was gorgeous - lakeside at Tahoe. I loved seeing all the family and most of all visiting with Bri. There is something magical about wedding dresses. Helping her get dressed was so cool because she helped me get dressed at my wedding almost 18 (gasp!) years ago. I assure you that I am not pregnant. I only look like it in these pics. Maybe it's a gas baby.



2008:




1990:

1982:

Sunday Adventure

Hannah and Evan and I rode along this beautiful bike trail between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley while Shane and Co. paddled a lower section of the river. Then we all met up at The River Ranch for beers and some of the best nachos around.

On the way home, we stopped at Cabelas. It was a big deal when it went in, and I'd heard a lot about it but never been. Well...I don't think I'll be going back. Ok, the giant aquarium full of trout and catfish was pretty cool, and they do have a plethora of bitchen' camping gear and some sweet outdoorsy clothing. But all the dead animals really turned me off. No offense to you hunters out there, but it just isn't my thing. I couldn't even look at the African display, it heebed me out. And I'm not a card carrying member of PETA or even a veggie, at least not yet.

Rollin On The River

The free concerts in the park series is back on, and last night we saw Mark Hummel and The Blues Survivors. They were really good, and I guess he is a pretty famous harmonica player - he definitely jams.