For the first time since launching on January 1, 2004, I missed an update. Sigh.
So what happened? Basically I spent all day Friday editing draft 6 of The Ridge Runner and then the wife came home and after dinner, we passed out. Along the way there was an argument about something. At least it wasn’t exploding eggs.
Anyway, that’s what happened.
This blog really straddles two categories, Writing and the Wife, but it’s more about the former than the latter.
So, I’m knee deep in the sixth draft of the Ridge Runner and last night the wife asked to read the first 20 pages. Which is odd, because she’s been supportive throughout this process but typically very hands off. When I finish something, I’ll set aside a a draft for her to read when she has a chance. Afterwards she’ll give me some comments.
Last night when she read the 20 pages what did she say?
The Wife: You got 50 pages like this?
sam: Yes.
The Wife: Then send it out.
sam: Really?
The Wife: This time you’re getting an agent.
There you go. For the first time in 2 years of trying, the Wife digs something I wrote. Hot dog!
The Ruby Tuesday’s near our house has been a quiet forgotten corner in the franchise, but all that changed recently when they went low carb. Before the switch, this was the sort of place one could walk into on a Saturday night at 7pm and get a table with a no minute wait.
Now the same place packs them in and the secret is the new menu and fare. Not only do they offer low carb choices, but the menu discloses the caloric breakdown of every item for sale, including booze and desserts. These days the only easy night to snag a table is Monday.
In an effort to better serve samhilliard.com readers, I’m proud to announce our new low carb venture. Effective now, these blogs are 100 percent carb free! No carbs ever! And there’s no fat, no excess fiber, no MSG and we never fry in partially hydrogenated oil. Sodium? Never touch the stuff.
You see you just gotta read this blog, because it’s good for the body. That’s right samhilliard.com a 100 percent pure blog. And now with no carbs!
Everyone’s favorite green dude is back for 105 minutes of non stop animated goodness. Thought the wedding in the Shrek 1 was the happily ever after part, did you? No sir for Shrek is more than a one trick ogre and he’s got to win his harshest critic yet, his father in law.
Jammed start to finish with laughs and zany antics Donkey, Shrek and a new sidekick Puss in Boots are off to help Shrek morph into something more acceptable to Princess Fiona’s parents. Along the way he and his green bride learn an important lesson about accepting themselves.
Some choice points about Shrek 2.
1) Puss in Boots. The new character does a lot to balance out the Donkey/Shrek relationship. Another interspecies buddy film would’ve been a bit too much a second time around. And Puss is one cute kitty.
2) Disney spoofs. Pick any character in the Disney catalog and it has a cameo and every one of them is spot on funny.
3) Excellent use of a large ensemble cast. This makes Shrek look even better and more lovable because his support team is so strong.
4) It’s exactly the right length.
5) After suffering through a 1 act play that ran for 2 hours with no intermission, just the night before, I’m acutely aware of when something has jumped the shark. Shrek 2 does not jump the shark. The quality is consistent start to finish.
6) Did I mention Puss in Boots is cute?
Verdict: go see Shrek 2. DVD it, Rent it, matinee it, whatever it but do see it!