She survived!
Posted by samsynn on Jan 28, 2008
Nan actually made it through the entire FX show on Saturday without getting too freaked-out/geeked-out. We were a little late getting on the road but got there just in time for the majority of the Heroes panel with Greg Grunberg, Steven Tobolowski, and George Takei (oh my!). It’s easy to tell that Takei has been doing this for years (I think he was at the very first Trek Convention I went to 20 years ago with Rob) although some of his stories go on forever. After a little bit of shopping to kill time, we hit the autograph area. Just about everyone was charging so we had to pick and choose, but we got most of the ones we had wanted. Among the favorites (for me) were Ellen Muth (Dead Like Me), Tara Strong (who pulled out her iPhone to show Nan pics from San Diego Comic Con urging “you HAVE to go!”), and Nathan Fillion (I now have both his and Gina Torres’ sigs on a Serenity poster - only 7 more to go!) Nan also enjoyed meeting Nicholas Brendon and Greg Grunberg, both of whom signed DVDs that went back into our season sets. Both of them also donate a portion of the money they get to charities, which made it easier to choose them.
As for our least favorite, surprisingly - Adam West. First of all, you don’t find out how much he’s charging until you’re in front of him, and then you find out he’s charging double (at least) what the others are. And at that point, I wasn’t going to be an ass and tell him that was too much. He also won’t sign anything other than a headshot unless it’s personalized (so you don’t sell it) and (from what I hear) may charge more based on how valuable he thinks the item would be if sold. Should have skipped him and gone to meet Laura Vandervoort (Kara on Smallville) instead.
Also picked up some great DVD sets there including the original Batman TV show and a set of the old Dean Martin roasts for Nan. All in all a pretty good time. Just wish there were more panels to keep us there longer. Nan was already asking me to check who’s going to be at the next one (although I doubt we’ll go).
The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing. Took my mom shopping for a new laptop since she dropped hers (again) this week and then watched some TV. Nan was wishing that there was football on yesterday afternoon, but that was just so that she would have “an excuse to go take a nap”.
Wednesday already?
Posted by samsynn on Jan 23, 2008
Days are going by fast.
The past weekend went too fast as well, with Greek food for Mom-in-Law’s birthday Friday and the big dinner for Nan’s birthday Saturday night (big thanks to everyone who came out and could celebrate with us). Followed that with brunch at Sweet Tomatoes with both moms Sunday morning and (of course) football. Can’t tell you how happy Nan is that football season is basically over (and that I don’t watch basketball or hockey as much as I do football).
This weekend we’ll be driving up to Orlando for the FX Show. I was going through DVDs, books, etc last night finding the things I want to get signed. Found the Serenity sheet signed by Gina Torres from a few years ago that I’ll try to get Nathan Fillion to sign as well. Maybe one day I’ll get all 9 of the cast members. (Especially Summer Glau!) I still think Nan will be overwhelmed with geek-dom this weekend, but we’ll see.
Speaking of autographs - found the surprise that you were hinting at James… awesome! You rock!
Nan’s birthday (almost here)
Posted by samsynn on Jan 15, 2008
Wow - wasn’t expecting the huge turnout for Nan’s birthday dinner this coming Saturday. Not that it’s a bad thing by any stretch, but you know how you invite lots of people and think that maybe half will be able to come? Well we’re at 22 people attending. Nan will be making the reservation today (so the time may change a little bit based on that). She’ll also be asking them about separate checks in advance so that we can make this a little easier for the staff. (If you want to bring cash to make things easier it may not be a bad idea).
The next fun part will be when we have to get 22 people to agree on 2 appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pastas, 2 dinners and 2 desserts. Hmmmm….
I’ve had a few questions about what people should get Nan. Nobody is believing me that she would LOVE a new XBOX360 (and that includes Nan!). Nan is being difficult and can’t even tell our moms what she would like. Her comment is that “your presence is your present” so take that as you will. See you all on Saturday!
(Hopefully the) Last Jeopardy post…
Posted by samsynn on Jan 14, 2008
So I didn’t get to run by Gulfstream on Saturday to see if the producers I met in LA were down with the Jeopardy Brain Bus. I didn’t want to just go down there if I couldn’t convince anyone to go and try out for the show.
I did get my picture with Alex in the mail - I’ll try to scan that in this week and post it (I still have to post the pic of me in the Enterprise-D captain’s chair from the Vegas trip). The quality of the picture is not what I expected - and it had to be cut down to fit in the frame they gave me, but it’s not too bad.
I did get an email from the Jeopardy folks today - it looks like there will be another online test for anyone who wants to sign up for it and give it a try. This is the same type of test that got me started back in March of 06! Anyone who’s interested should give it a try here. You have to register with the site, but then you can take the test at the end of the month (January 29 for those on the East Coast). Anyone feel lucky?
Not too much new really. Nan and I saw the new National Treasure movie this weekend. Meh. The first was definitely better (I didn’t really like the first one, but Nan did - and this was not as good). Still want to see There Will Be Blood and a bunch of other movies as well.
Geek out alert…
Posted by samsynn on Jan 9, 2008
So after Rob just told me about the upcoming FX International Show in Orlando later this month, it looks like Nan and I will be heading up there (she’s going to be so overwhelmed by geek-dom).
Can’t wait - Nathan Fillion, William B. Davis, Ellen Muth (from Dead Like Me), Greg Grunberg (Heroes and Alias), George Takei (oh MY), Adam West(!), Nicholas Brendon (Nan will probably wait in that line), and Tara Strong and (for some reason) Stacy Keenan….
It’s no San Diego Comic-Con, but it’s a start. Let’s see if Nan (who is excited to go) makes it through even a day of this.
Whew!
Posted by samsynn on Jan 8, 2008
And that’s finally over with. Passed it. Wish I could say that I aced it, but no luck there. My score was probably about 10% lower than my average on the practice tests in fact. But it’s done - now I’m a certified PIMP PMP 
Getting nervous…
Posted by samsynn on Jan 8, 2008
I leave in about 15 minutes to grab a quick bite and then take the PMP exam. I’ve done so many practice tests and I am really confident in both my knowledge of the material and in test-taking in general. Not sure why I’m so nervous then. Couldn’t even get to sleep until about 2 am last night (this morning?) Had part of an energy drink to wake up (but not the whole thing so that I’m not too jittery).
Ugh - the test center just called as I’m typing this - they wanted to know if I can come in early for my appointment, which was scheduled for 1. Told them I could probably be a little early, but I don’t want to just rush over there or have NOTHING to eat before I take the test. Maybe McDonald’s French Fries for luck.
This…. is….
Posted by samsynn on Jan 7, 2008
Jeopardy!
Yup. This week (Wednesday 1/9) to be specific will be my time on Jeopardy. They have the short version of my “Hometown Howdy” up on their site here.
In other news, after this week’s announcement that Warner Brothers is going exclusively Blu-Ray after May 2008, I broke down and got a Sony Blu-Ray player. Great deal this week at Best Buy which includes any 5 movies in the store as well as 5 movies from their mail-in list. And a big thanks to Rob for the HDMI cable and the extra blu-ray title that he gave me yesterday.
Nan’s birthday… (coming soon)
Posted by samsynn on Jan 3, 2008
Just a quick heads up to those of you in town… Nan’s birthday is coming up on the 22nd - I’m still trying to figure out a good place for dinner (one that will take reservations for a large party). Most likely the dinner will be over MLK weekend (sometime between Friday the 18th and Sunday the 20th - most likely the Saturday night).
If anyone can think of a good place, Nan and I are open to suggestions. Evites should be going out sometime soon as well.
Happy New Year 2008…
Posted by samsynn on Jan 2, 2008
Well, other than a choke job by the Gator defense against Michigan (thankfully I didn’t spend money on going to Orlando for the game!) the new year has started off well. NYE was a blast with lots of Rock Band fun (if only we had an XBOX 360) and another wonderful NYE with Nan as the ball dropped. Man - Dick Clark just isn’t looking any better this year than he was last year - kind of sad.
It’s back to work for me today, but a short work week at least. Less than a week until I take the PMP exam, and only one week from tonight* should be my 22 minutes of fame on Jeopardy! I’ll post a link to my “Hometown Howdy”/TV Spot once it’s online.
* With the Rose Bowl last night on ABC, I’m starting to get worried that the Jeopardy episode will be pushed back a day. I’ll know after seeing who’s on Monday (and if I recognize them).
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