Star Wars Day

Even though I'm still sick I wasn't going to let it get the best of me this weekend. My buddy Chris and I talked about seeing Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace in 3D. We had first talked a few weeks ago about us meeting in Santa Barbara, kind of of middle ground for both of us. But last week when I was visiting him he mentioned seeing a Star Wars Exhibition down in Santa Ana. So kind of last minute he decided that he would come down here for the weekend and we would go to the Star Wars Exhibition and then go see Star Wars Ep1 in 3D. I suggested that he try and take Monday off so we could go to Disneyland on Sunday as well since he still had a pass and will be leaving CA in April. So the fun filled weekend was born at the last minute. We opened up the Star Wars day to close friends, ones whom we knew were big Star Wars fans. And Sunday Disneyland we opened up to everyone.

My friend Jes who lives up in the San Francisco area manged to work some magic and get the time off to come down and join us. She actually arrived at my place last night. So we got up in the morning had some breakfast. I had to do my taxes today at 11am but first my buddy Anthony texted me last night to see if I would be able to swing by and pick him up as well. Of course both he and Jes would have to go with me to my tax guy, but both were cool with that. As I was getting my taxes done those two walked to Starbuck for some coffee. About a half hour later I was done with my taxes (getting best refund yet) and we headed down to The Discovery Science Center where they were holding the Star Wars Exhibition.

Anthony, Jes and I were the first to arrive and the place was packed so we had to park in the mall across the street. Shortly after we arrived Chris arrived. The four of us went into the mall to grab some lunch. While there Jen arrived and joined for lunch. After lunch we got a message from Anne and Nicki that they were at the Science center so we headed over to meet up. When we got there we saw the large building that contained the Millennium Falcon experience (a 4 and a half minute ride in the cockpit of the Falcon), though we were there around 2pm the experience had already sold out.. which put a dampener on the beginning of this awesome weekend.

So Chris, Jes, Anthony, Anne, Nicki and I entered the Science center and went directly to the Star Wars Exhibition since our tickets were for 2pm. Part of the section had replicas, models and costumes and the other sections had interactive games, simulators, robot building and other hands on things. While there Rupert joined us. We walked around the place looking at all the cool Star Wars stuff. We first started off as a group but some would take more time to look at things then others so eventually I was by myself taking pictures and checking out all the AWESOME things. I did several pass as I took pictures the first time, then figured out a better setting on my camera so I started over again and took more pictures then realized that I really didn't look at anything with my own eyes so I went back for a third time and looked at everything and finally did one finale pass with my flip cam. Chris joined me for a bit, but eventually it was just Rupert and I in there while everyone else went to check out the rest of the Science center.

You can check out some of the pictures HERE

After the Exhibition we all headed back to the mall to re-group and figure out where we were going to go to watch Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace. We decided to go to The Block at Orange. We had planned to go to Dave and Busters to play some games before hand but when we got to The Block we had about an hour before the movie started so we opted to go get tickets and get in line. We saw the movie at an AMC and it was kind of bizarre as they didn't hand out 3D glasses, you had to go up to guest service and get them (though they didn't tell you this when you bought the ticket). Anyways there were folks dressed up at the theater (as expected). Besides Chris, Anthony, Jes, Jen, Anne, Nicki, Rupert and myself we were joined by Kim and Brian. Anthony already saw the movie so he opted to go see Chronicle with his friend Rachel.

As for my option of the movie. I'm a HUGE Star Wars fan.. have been since I was 7 and seeing the original Star Wars in a drive in theater 16 times. I enjoyed The Phantom Menace, I'm not one of the many haters. Of course there are parts that I'm not a fan of but the great parts out weight the bad. But with the 3D aspect I have to honest and say I really didn't see a different. There were a few shots that were cool and you could see the 3D aspect of it but for the most part I was just excited to see this movie on the big screen again.

After the movie we met up with Anthony and Rachel and went to grab some dinner at Alcatraz. I wasn't that hungry because I ate so much crap during the movie (and got flack for it.. thanks Chris :) ). But Nicki and I shared some wings and fries.

Once dinner was over some of us who were not local (Brian, Chris, Jes, Anthony and I) headed over to the Disneyland area to get a hotel close to Disneyland so we could just get up and go tomorrow morning.

All in all it was a fantastic Star Wars filled day.. and it's only the beginning of the weekend.

Alien Nation: The Newcomers Podcast Ep2

Download from itunes http://bit.ly/itunesAlienNation or Listen/Direct Download http://Aliennationpodcast.com

Show Notes

Brothers Kenny and Michael Mittleider review and discuss a short lived but very socially aware TV series from the late 80's early 90's ALIEN NATION. Each podcast we will review a single episode in sequential order starting with the Pilot. Will give you our thoughts on the episode as well as some fun behind the scenes information.

Today we cover Season 1, Episode 2 - Fountain Of Youth

Directed by John McPherson
Written by Diane Frolov
Original air date September 25, 1989

Plot Summary: Sikes and Francisco investigate a doctor who is killing Newcomers to benefit human patients.

Hope you enjoy it,
Kenny & Michael

Getting Sick

Well the past few days I've had a sore throat but this morning it wasn't so bad I figured it passed. I started editing the my MASH 4077 Podcast and about halfway through the day I started to get this cough. Then my ears started to hurt and finally I started to get light headed just sitting at my computer working on my podcast... I'm getting sick :( It sucks because I have some fun plans this weekend that I can't change so I'll be doing them regardless of how I feel. Would be great if I felt great so I'm hoping this is a quick thing. I'm taking vitamins C and other meds hoping to knock this bug out of me quickly.

So I opted not to work out, which really is killing me. But I can't stand for more then five minutes without getting dizzy. So I think working out would be a bad idea. Was planning on visiting family tomorrow but instead I think I'm going to stay in bed and get as much rest as possible (of course this will depend on how I feel when I wake up). I still need to finish my MASH podcast so I may attempt to do that tomorrow as well, only have a few more hours of work on it before it's done.

I just want to feel okay for the weekend.. is that to much to ask for.

Errands & More TV

Today I really should have been editing several podcasts (Knights of the Guild, Confessions of a Fanboy, and MASH 4077 Podcast) but nope that didn't happen. I did manage to get outside as it was a beautiful day. I went and purchased 2 new tires. 3 of my tires were okay so I moved two good ones to the 2 back tires and purchased 2 new tires for the front tires. And the third good tire I'm using as my spare. Let's hope these four tires last a little while. Jeep tires are expensive, I spent about $350 on the two tires, alignment and labor. After that I went to Stater Brothers to pick up some food. I haven't gone in a few weeks and it was time as I was running out of basic stuff. I then grabbed some lunch from El Pollo Loco before gassing up the Jeep and heading home.

Like yesterday I watched more of my DVR'd tv shows. Today I watched this weeks New Girl and Raising Hope. Really enjoy Raising Hope but New Girl is my new favorite comedy. Today's episode was hilarious. Nick's facial expressions when the landlord is explaining what he's going to do during their menage a trois was just epic!!!

Then watched a new series My 600 lbs Life, it's a series that follows one person over seven years after they get a gastric bypass. I find these shows extremely interesting. After that I watched my favorite reality show FaceOff. Again the stuff these artists come up with are amazing. I think that's why each episode is so interesting. I mean it's pretty much the same thing each episode but it's always cool to see what these guys will come up with. Also got some good news that Syfy picked up FaceOff for a third season.

A Healthier Me - Day 17

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the back leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Had a bit of a rough start to the work out, still not feeling 100% but doing better. I did mange to complete my entire workout so I'm happy.

It's TV Time

Today I pretty much watched hours and hours of DVR'd TV. Started with a few DIY shows, Bath Crashers, Room Crashers, and House Crashers. Biggest Loser was next, I stopped watched a few seasons back but decided to pick it back up.. but it really is a take it or leave show for me. Then moved on to the Michael Jackson themed Glee episode which I thought was pretty good. I only fast forward through a few parts. I watched an episode of Anderson talk show, I think Anderson is just dreamy :) I then watched the latest episode of Raising Hope.. loved it and re-watched the latest New Girl (another show I loved). Watched the latest Clone Wars, 3rd part of a four part story. Really enjoyed this one, probably my favorite part of the story so far.

Watched that last two Being Human, I'm liking Josh (werewolf) and Sally (ghost) storyline but really not enjoying the Aidan (vampire) storyline. But the previews for next week I'm not sure I'll be liking the Sally story much longer. Still a great show and I look forward to seeing where these characters go.

And finally I watched the last two episode of Lost Girl and this is quickly becoming my new favorite show besides Once Upon A Time. I love the writing and the interaction between the characters. Bo and Kenzi are just too perfect together. I can see why everyone loves Kenzi as she's one of the best characters on the show. And man is this show steamy. I wonder since it's a Canadian show if Syfy cuts out things for the US version. I mean they say shit and show some side boob but I wonder if anything is being cut out.. I'll need to look into that. Can't wait for next week.

A Healthier Me - Day 16

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

3 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Still not feeling great but did manage to get out there and workout this morning. Another good workout.

A Healthier Me - Day 15

Since it's Monday I weight myself this morning 208

That's a half a pound more then last Monday, I actually happy with that as my diet last week and this past weekend was horrible.

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

3 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the back leg press (45 lbs)
3 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Have a sore throat and really did feel like working out but no excuses. I got out there and did a really good workout. Just wish my eating was going as well as the working out. I can workout like crazy but if I can't get my eating down it's all for not as I won't lose weight and that really is the most important thing to me right now. Oh well two weeks into my new workout and things are professing slowly. Just can't this slow progression discourage me in any way. I know in time I'll start to see and fill the difference.. just gotta be patient and diligent.

Lunch with Teal

Today I got to hang out with Teal. I first went over to her place to meet her new baby Bre. Sweetest puppy in the world. After that Teal and I walked over to a local restaurant to have lunch. This place has the best Chicken meatballs I have ever had. It's a must have whenever go.

It was great catching up with her. It's been a few months since we were able to just sit and chat. Lots going on with her personal and professional life. We chatted about her new webseries My Gimpy Life, I offered my BTS and podcasting services to help promote this new comedy. We talked Guild stuff, movies, comics and other geeky things. We just enjoyed ones company.. hope we can do it more often.

Road Trip - Sunday

So I didn't sleep to well the night before. I'm a very light sleeper and I forgot my earplugs. I did get a few hours.. but finally got out of bed around 7:30am and took a shower. When I got out Aaron was up and took a shower next then Rupert and finally Anthony. Chris came back over around 9am.

We headed out to one of Chris' favorite breakfast place called American Host. We had a great breakfast and then headed out to Nijoqui Falls Park to check out a waterfall. We found this really cool tree that kind of grew over the path so we all had to jump on it. The hike to the fall is fairly short, about a mile. Got there in no time to see the fall, which had very little water. Though there was little water it was still a cool fall.

After the park we headed back to Chris' place to drop him off :( before starting our trek back home. After saying goodbye we jumped on the freeway and headed to Santa Barbara (about an hour drive). Once there we parked and walked down State St and checked out all the cool antique shops. We also grabbed some lunch at Chipotle (which was the first time I had eaten there). We then continued down State Street which ends at the Santa Barbara pier. We made our way to the end of the pier before turning around and making our way back to the car. Anthony had a run in with a crappy coffee place... but other then that the walk back was fairly uneventful.

W still had a two hour drive so we played around round of 20 Questions and again we gave it a twist with a Fantasy themed. And like before 2 hours flew by and we were back at my place. Said my goodbyes to Rupert and Aaron who both had a while before they would be home. Anthony, who rides a motorcycle didn't want to ride home because it was late and freezing so I offered to take him and his motorcycle home in Harry's truck. It was a mini adventure to get his motorcycle into the back of the truck but we manged and got him and his motorcycle home in one piece. I finally got home around 8:30pm thus ending the Weekend Road Trip to visit Chris.

All in all the trip was a success. It was fun, entertaining, crazy at times, adventurous and best of all spent with some of the best guys on the planet. Thanks Chris, Anthony, Rupert and Arron

You can see more picture HERE