Here's what I've done since Monday the 20th. On the 20th I did nothing but Tuesday, I ended up at a Walgreens. Wednesday was more interesting for me, as that was my 36th birthday. I don't believe it either that I am this age, yet it's true. I went with my parents for dinner. It was rainy weather so we stayed in town and dinner was at Outback Steakhouse. I saw an item only available to order on Wednesday when I looked at their website; it was not mentioned anywhere at the restaurant itself so instead I had my trademark “almost always” of a burger and fries. It was not the most exciting birthday but that is OK.
Thursday, I had to be in Orlando for something; it was minor. After I left there I was going to turn right at an intersection, and I saw that many police cars had blocked off the intersection, as least for those people who wanted to go straight. It did not impede me as that's where I was turning anyhow but I was wondering what major incident resulted in such a heavy police presence. Well, I found out a few hours later that at the Walmart in the area, some likely mentally ill dude was shooting people with his BB gun. The cops arrived and he pulled his BB gun on them; that went as well as you'd expect it to. Anyhow, I ended up at an outlet mall I hadn't been to in more than a year. It was largely the same as before. I only purchased food & drink but at least I got the chance to walk around when the weather was fine and it only briefly sprinkled.
Friday, I had to return to Orlando for something. The main thing I'll mention is that I ended up in downtown Orlando for the first time since that awful night where the Pulse nightclub massacre happened. Sometime in the near future I need to spend a night in the area again, so I can visit a new hotspot or two. What I did while I was there in the late afternoon was to have dinner at Wahlburgers; I hadn't been to that joint in months so it was about time. They make pretty good food so I should give them some moolah once in awhile. Oh, and before that I stopped... at an adult store! It was Fairvilla, a famous store in Orlando. I won't discuss what I may or may not have purchased there; I'll just say I have frequented the store a few times before.
Saturday, I got a much-needed haircut from the Sportclips in town. Unfortunately, I was the only customer there and it's typical for the place to be barren when I go there. I would not be surprised if that location shuts down; it'd make me sad, as it's real convenient for me and I do like not having to wait a long time before I sit in the barber's chair. Sunday, I watched the Oscars. That was with the sound off, as that's what I typically do; especially this year that was a good move on my part. Having to listen to Jimmy Kimmel speak, no thank you. Overall, I can't really complain about the awards or who won what. It went mainly as expected... until the hilariously botched ending. How can you give two legendary acting veterans the wrong envelope and make them look so bad? Amazing. I feel bad for La La Land, although I am glad that Moonlight won as that's my movie of 2016. On another note, the deaths that happened on this day were sad. When I was real little I did watch The People's Court; honestly I did not know that Judge Wapner was even still alive. Bill Paxton was quite the shock; I certainly have seen a decent amount of his movies in my life.
When I return a week from today, I do know I'll have several things to talk about.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
The Great Wall, Manchester By The Sea, La La Land & Other Movies
Here's what I've done since Monday the 13th. It was another dull week, for the most part. I had other things to focus on and I'll leave it at that. On the 13th I ended up at Burger King, where I got some dinner. The order took forever to be made, but such BS is common at pretty much every Burger King in my vicinity. Tuesday I did nothing and Wednesday was forgettable but Thursday, I went out with someone to an Uno's Pizzeria. That went fine as they usually make good food; sure, a few years ago I got my worst case of food poisoning ever after eating at Uno's one night, but other than that... Friday, I was out and about in the Orlando area. All I'll mention from that is that I ended up seeing The Great Wall. It's a fancy B movie, pretty much. You certainly can carp about the script or the plot or how it's so silly, yet it's fun as the action scenes are quite entertaining.
Saturday, that was the most interesting day of the past week, for sure. As I did in 2014 and 2016, I spent a Saturday watching some of the Best Picture Oscar nominees at one of the AMC Theatres (in my case, the ones at what is now known as Disney Springs) holding an event where two Saturdays in February they play those movies in a marathon. I only do it one of the two Saturdays as it eats up most of an entire day. Yet, the two times I did it before, it was a lot of fun seeing a movie marathon with a big crowd. It's in a large auditorium that holds almost 350 people and it is always near sold out; no wonder AMC has done this on a yearly basis since 2007. It is neat seeing nominees that weren't box office hits (such as Nebraska or Her) alongside films like The Martian or Spotlight or Captain Phillips. Last year I got to see The Revenant that way, and while I thought it was only “fine” overall, the film itself was full of beautiful images so I am glad I saw it on the big screen.
Now, Saturday overall was a pretty “blah” day for me. Between the traffic both there and back, the massive cluster F that was getting hot food while in the AMC (it shouldn't have been so complicated even if it was busy), and other factors... a day I'd rather forget. The fact that they now have reserved seating at this place-I'll never be a fan of that-and unlike the previous two times, I had to be around some rather noxious people, that didn't help either.
This year I saw the following films, which I'll give my brief thoughts on:
Manchester by the Sea: It had some great moments and some quality performances. To me, the movie was full of A-holes being A-holes and yelling at each other. No thank you to that noise.
Fences: While it's definitely based on a stage play, it's still greatly engrossing and the two leads are outstanding.
Hell or High Water: I saw this last summer on the big screen. I dug it then and I still dig it now.
La La Land: I did not love it like everyone else does. I would have preferred seeing actual musicals from all those decades ago, and also listen to jazz records rather than have some white hipster tell me about it. It is pleasant overall despite some weird story moments.
To me, Moonlight (which I saw a few months ago) is the best movie of 2016.
Sunday I did not do a thing, which was fine by me. When I return a week from today, hopefully things will be more interesting for me. I have a birthday coming up in a few days, which is neat. I'll at least be out and about a few of those days, so I should have things to discuss... having days that aren't crappy would be nice also.
Saturday, that was the most interesting day of the past week, for sure. As I did in 2014 and 2016, I spent a Saturday watching some of the Best Picture Oscar nominees at one of the AMC Theatres (in my case, the ones at what is now known as Disney Springs) holding an event where two Saturdays in February they play those movies in a marathon. I only do it one of the two Saturdays as it eats up most of an entire day. Yet, the two times I did it before, it was a lot of fun seeing a movie marathon with a big crowd. It's in a large auditorium that holds almost 350 people and it is always near sold out; no wonder AMC has done this on a yearly basis since 2007. It is neat seeing nominees that weren't box office hits (such as Nebraska or Her) alongside films like The Martian or Spotlight or Captain Phillips. Last year I got to see The Revenant that way, and while I thought it was only “fine” overall, the film itself was full of beautiful images so I am glad I saw it on the big screen.
Now, Saturday overall was a pretty “blah” day for me. Between the traffic both there and back, the massive cluster F that was getting hot food while in the AMC (it shouldn't have been so complicated even if it was busy), and other factors... a day I'd rather forget. The fact that they now have reserved seating at this place-I'll never be a fan of that-and unlike the previous two times, I had to be around some rather noxious people, that didn't help either.
This year I saw the following films, which I'll give my brief thoughts on:
Manchester by the Sea: It had some great moments and some quality performances. To me, the movie was full of A-holes being A-holes and yelling at each other. No thank you to that noise.
Fences: While it's definitely based on a stage play, it's still greatly engrossing and the two leads are outstanding.
Hell or High Water: I saw this last summer on the big screen. I dug it then and I still dig it now.
La La Land: I did not love it like everyone else does. I would have preferred seeing actual musicals from all those decades ago, and also listen to jazz records rather than have some white hipster tell me about it. It is pleasant overall despite some weird story moments.
To me, Moonlight (which I saw a few months ago) is the best movie of 2016.
Sunday I did not do a thing, which was fine by me. When I return a week from today, hopefully things will be more interesting for me. I have a birthday coming up in a few days, which is neat. I'll at least be out and about a few of those days, so I should have things to discuss... having days that aren't crappy would be nice also.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Tales Of International Art Festivals & John Wick: Chapter 2
Here's what I've done since last Monday. On that Monday the 6th, I returned to Target, where I purchased a few random items. Tuesday, I spent time in Orlando; the highlight there was me eating at a Cheesecake Factory for the first time in a few years. They make good food so it was about time I returned. I did not have an actual cheesecake there nor did I bring any home; considering my typical diet and what great shape I am (not) in, that is probably for the best.
Wednesday, I went with someone to the local Steak & Shake; I had a coupon for a cheap meal, which was the main reason we went there. That was uneventful, which is a good thing. Thursday I did nothing but Friday finally added some excitement to my life. I returned to Walt Disney World, Epcot in particular. As their Food & Wine and Flower & Garden Festivals they have at Epcot are always popular, they created a new one in the International Art Festival. What is is: there are some art stands around which sell (expensive) art and there are also some food stands. There's also more art to look at in some buildings. It's not as elaborate as the other festivals but it's still fine. At least I got to walk around and get some exercise.
The weekend was more unexciting moments for me. Well, the upcoming week will be more interesting for me, I promise you that. Saturday, I went to Walmart to purchase a few items. Thankfully for an early Saturday night it was not too busy. I also watched my old college (Illinois State University) play a mens basketball game on an ESPN channel. A few weeks ago I saw them play a big game on ESPN2 against Wichita State; both teams have won far more often than they lost, so it was important. Unfortunately, ISU soiled themselves in that game and lost by a lot of points. In this game, they played against rival Bradley and as Bradley has been pretty bad for like the past decade or so, Illinois State easily won. It is amazing to me I haven't been at a live ISU game in almost 13 years. It does not seem that long ago.
Late Sunday night, I did my one activity for the day: I went and saw John Wick: Chapter 2. I was originally planning on seeing it Monday, but I discovered that one location in Orlando would show it on a giant screen, but it was only a late night thing. I was glad to see it that way. The first movie is pretty great as it's a lot of fun and has great action. Chapter 2... while the action is usually pretty awesome, the story is not only more complicated, I didn't really like it at all. I thought it was no fun, which is a darn shame considering how much I enjoyed most of the action.
Like I just said, when I return a week from today I'll have more interesting things to say.
Wednesday, I went with someone to the local Steak & Shake; I had a coupon for a cheap meal, which was the main reason we went there. That was uneventful, which is a good thing. Thursday I did nothing but Friday finally added some excitement to my life. I returned to Walt Disney World, Epcot in particular. As their Food & Wine and Flower & Garden Festivals they have at Epcot are always popular, they created a new one in the International Art Festival. What is is: there are some art stands around which sell (expensive) art and there are also some food stands. There's also more art to look at in some buildings. It's not as elaborate as the other festivals but it's still fine. At least I got to walk around and get some exercise.
The weekend was more unexciting moments for me. Well, the upcoming week will be more interesting for me, I promise you that. Saturday, I went to Walmart to purchase a few items. Thankfully for an early Saturday night it was not too busy. I also watched my old college (Illinois State University) play a mens basketball game on an ESPN channel. A few weeks ago I saw them play a big game on ESPN2 against Wichita State; both teams have won far more often than they lost, so it was important. Unfortunately, ISU soiled themselves in that game and lost by a lot of points. In this game, they played against rival Bradley and as Bradley has been pretty bad for like the past decade or so, Illinois State easily won. It is amazing to me I haven't been at a live ISU game in almost 13 years. It does not seem that long ago.
Late Sunday night, I did my one activity for the day: I went and saw John Wick: Chapter 2. I was originally planning on seeing it Monday, but I discovered that one location in Orlando would show it on a giant screen, but it was only a late night thing. I was glad to see it that way. The first movie is pretty great as it's a lot of fun and has great action. Chapter 2... while the action is usually pretty awesome, the story is not only more complicated, I didn't really like it at all. I thought it was no fun, which is a darn shame considering how much I enjoyed most of the action.
Like I just said, when I return a week from today I'll have more interesting things to say.
Monday, February 6, 2017
The Superb Owl, Poor Commercials & The Bowling Green Massacre
I don't want to get political here; I was just amused by the whole controversy revolving around The Bowling Green Massacre. I could always use a laugh; I'll only be vague here but in the past month or two there's been bad things happening to too many people I know, from a veteran local pro wrestler just recently passing away out of nowhere, to other tragic deaths and someone fighting a serious illness... it's all very sad, so laughs are needed.
On a lighter note, the past week for me was decent. Monday I did not do anything but Tuesday I went to the Florida Mall for the first time in a long while. They are now remodeling the mall so some sections have the floor torn up but I was OK with that. The newest areas look pretty nice so I won't complain. I ate dinner there and had some tasty treats also. Wednesday I did nothing but Thursday I went to my local bank and later got food from Arby's; I mentioned last year how they opened a franchise a few miles from where I live. Considering that the two times I have gotten food from there my order was screwed up both times (albeit mildly and I was still able to eat it. The fact that they can't get a simple order right...) does not make me want to go there too often.
Friday, I had to go to Orlando to do something. After I finished with that, I had the option of going to a few different places. Due to how traffic on Interstate 4 was even worse than usual for that time of day, I ended up on International Drive, the I-Drive 360 shopping area in particular. The last time I was there the giant Ferris wheel was known as the Orlando Eye rather than the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. I ate at a place new to me known as Cowgirls Rockbar; the theme is obvious. After the fact I saw that some people online had bad experiences there. Me, I say that while at times it was way too loud in there, otherwise I can't really complain with the food or service. Then again, when I was there I was one of only a few customers. After that I went to the nearby Twin Peaks for a quick drink; the place was the same as my last time there a couple of months ago.
Saturday I did nothing so let me talk about Sunday. I decided to stay at home to watch the Super Bowl, or as some people call it, “The Superb Owl”. To me it would have been more interesting seeing Atlanta win it for the first time rather than the New England Patriots win it again (nevermind all the controversy surrounding New England)... for awhile I thought my hopes would be fulfilled, until the Falcons choked in the second half and New England came back and for the first time in the Super Bowl's history, the game went into overtime, where they won. I can't get too mad about it... the winning quarterback's mom has been ill with cancer for like a year and a half now, and that is pretty terrible. As I've said for at least the past few years now, the SB ads have seemingly gotten worse and worse... my theory has not changed after the ones last night. I thought that many of them were just dumb and not interesting in the least. The halftime show, I loathe Lady Gaga as a person as her whole “bold” act is incredibly eye-rolling and lame; even with all that, I have no complaints about the halftime show.
When I return a week from today, I do have some ideas in mind for what I'll be doing in the upcoming week.
On a lighter note, the past week for me was decent. Monday I did not do anything but Tuesday I went to the Florida Mall for the first time in a long while. They are now remodeling the mall so some sections have the floor torn up but I was OK with that. The newest areas look pretty nice so I won't complain. I ate dinner there and had some tasty treats also. Wednesday I did nothing but Thursday I went to my local bank and later got food from Arby's; I mentioned last year how they opened a franchise a few miles from where I live. Considering that the two times I have gotten food from there my order was screwed up both times (albeit mildly and I was still able to eat it. The fact that they can't get a simple order right...) does not make me want to go there too often.
Friday, I had to go to Orlando to do something. After I finished with that, I had the option of going to a few different places. Due to how traffic on Interstate 4 was even worse than usual for that time of day, I ended up on International Drive, the I-Drive 360 shopping area in particular. The last time I was there the giant Ferris wheel was known as the Orlando Eye rather than the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. I ate at a place new to me known as Cowgirls Rockbar; the theme is obvious. After the fact I saw that some people online had bad experiences there. Me, I say that while at times it was way too loud in there, otherwise I can't really complain with the food or service. Then again, when I was there I was one of only a few customers. After that I went to the nearby Twin Peaks for a quick drink; the place was the same as my last time there a couple of months ago.
Saturday I did nothing so let me talk about Sunday. I decided to stay at home to watch the Super Bowl, or as some people call it, “The Superb Owl”. To me it would have been more interesting seeing Atlanta win it for the first time rather than the New England Patriots win it again (nevermind all the controversy surrounding New England)... for awhile I thought my hopes would be fulfilled, until the Falcons choked in the second half and New England came back and for the first time in the Super Bowl's history, the game went into overtime, where they won. I can't get too mad about it... the winning quarterback's mom has been ill with cancer for like a year and a half now, and that is pretty terrible. As I've said for at least the past few years now, the SB ads have seemingly gotten worse and worse... my theory has not changed after the ones last night. I thought that many of them were just dumb and not interesting in the least. The halftime show, I loathe Lady Gaga as a person as her whole “bold” act is incredibly eye-rolling and lame; even with all that, I have no complaints about the halftime show.
When I return a week from today, I do have some ideas in mind for what I'll be doing in the upcoming week.
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