Thursday, April 15, 2010

Back to Spring Break

We're in the last quarter of this year and it's busy as ever. As much as I'm enjoying this final stretch, I'm pooped and am looking forward to our next break. Spring break gave me a couple more ideas to add to my How-I-Will-Relax-And-Enjoy-This-Summer list (my first summer off, as a student and/or teacher, since 2005ish).

I like going to the City, aka 'Frisco. But it just wouldn't be the same without Pooki. He's great company and thoroughly enjoys being my Eating Buddy. When we want some yummy seafood and fresh (eclectic) air, we head out to Pier 41.



Shrimp, calamari, fish and chips are a must. We went a little happy and got (more) chips and clam:

The moment that sold one onlooking woman (She said to her co-eater, "Oh, those look good. Let's get one of those."):

Afterward, Mr. Woo took me to a garden.
Mrs. Woo: Oh, flowers! :)
Mr. Woo: They'll always be there for you. heh heh
Mrs. Woo: I can't take them home...



On another day the high wind speeds prevented us from picnic-ing outside, but this was spring break and I was determined to have my spring picnic. So I brought the outdoors to our living room:

We spread out the blanket on the carpet, and I laid out the plates and tupperware with carefully assembled yummies: bread, sandwich meat/hummus, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, chips, red pear, orange, celery, and carbonated water. There wasn't many butterflies and ladybugs in sight, but the daffodils were beautiful. The walk to the "car" to grab extra sandwiches from the "trunk" (read: kitchen) was a breeze. And it's always nice to be sheltered from watery eyes, sneezing, and other allergy attack symptoms.

Me and my Honey making it work, just like our marriage (with the Lord's help of course):

Looking forward to summer vacation!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

How To Date, I mean, Train Your Dragon

I spent half of this Spring Break on finishing up grades for the quarter, but tonight Mr. Woo surprised me with a night on the town! We had a delicious dinner at Burma Superstar before heading over to watch the magical 3D movie How To Train Your Dragon.

Initially, I had qualms about the title using the words "your dragon" because I don't have one. Even after watching the movie, I prefer it to be "A Dragon," but that's any and all criticism I can give about the movie (we can talk about the literary effects in person). It was fantastic!

From the message it gives to the details of the names of the characters, which kids will get a kick out of, it was a brilliantly executed film. It was absolutely appropriate for the younger audience (pyros and non-pyros alike) and not so predictable for adults. Brightly colored, action-packed, heartwarming - How To Train A Your Dragon soars.

I also applaud DreamWorks also for their willingness to cast an actor who does not look like the animated character for the voice-over. Case in point: America Ferrera as the "blonde Viking bombshell" Astrid. They had already created the character before casting Ferrera, but they cast her anyway. I'm liking that.

I'm sure Cressida Cowell's book will sell thousands of copies just on the fact that the movie is based on it. How closely it follows the plot, I do not know as I haven't read the book (yet), but I'm sure there were many changes.

Mr. Woo and I hardly purchase movies, but we walked out of the theatres both agreeing that this will be one of our rare keeps. This movie gets an A in our book. And it seems that the general public agrees as it is currently at a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

One of my favorite parts of the movie, without giving away too much, is when Toothless smiles back at Hiccup. It's a charming moment - and a blast from the past for me as it reminded me of (Lilo &) Stitch. Makes me want to get a pet dragon, but only if it's a Nightfury.

Dinner and a movie? Sign me up for the next date. :)

Image credit: DreamWorks Animation