Ah, decisions, decisions, decisions. I hate ’em. For the most part, I prefer to sit back and allow situations to resolve themselves. Take the big move from Montreal to Vancouver eleven years ago. Paul and I had just submitted the first draft of our script, Scorched Earth, to the producers of Stargate SG-1 and there were staff positions riding on just how well we’d done. It was one of those situations where the decision was out of my hands, and I was fine with that. Actually, more than fine. On the one hand, if they liked the script and offered us staff positions, it would mean uprooting and moving to the other side of the country – granted, to work on a major television series, but still it would mean selling the house, finding new accommodations, traveling, packing, unpacking, saying goodbye to everyone and everything we’d ever known… On the other hand, if they didn’t like the script, we’d still made a sale and it would be an impressive addition to our writing credits – and, of course, it would mean avoiding having to sell the house, find new accommodations, travel, pack, unpack, and say goodbye to everyone and everything we’d ever known… Well, we all know how that turned out. “For the best”, I’d say, and I didn’t have to make the decision. Okay, yes, I could have chosen to turn down the job offer and stay in Montreal, but that would’ve been crazy.
So hear I sit, mulling not one, not two, not three but four big-time decisions, continually putting them off in the hopes that they’ll magically resolve themselves – with no success. It’s been my experience that if you ignore things long enough, they’ll eventually work themselves out. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case in any of the dilemmas I face. I know its crazy, but I’m kind of hoping that some unexpected game-changing variable will suddenly present itself and either take the decisions out of my hands or make deciding inconsequential. I’m thinking something like an alien invasion, global ascension, or learning I’ve been gifted with incredible powers and must immediately abandon the life I’ve known to take up study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But I can only wait so long…
Anyway, on to other far less personally important but far more entertaining matters.
First – when I asked you all to help me come up with appropriate nicknames, I didn’t mean nicknames for Carl. Carl is perfectly happy with my sincere greetings of “Friend-o” and “Buddy-o”. It’s Linda (aka McG) who needs the nickname (preferably not McG).
Second – keep those questions coming for actor Tygh Runyan (SGU’s Robert Caine, last scene in episode 113, Faith). I’m hoping to send a batch his way by early next week…at which point we’ll be moving on to our next special guest blogger.
Third – Carl and I wandered onto Stage 6 the other day, looking for Lawren who has an annoying habit of wandering off in a confused state for hours on end. Usually, we’ll find him at craft service, stuffing his face with store-bought brownies, but yesterday he was nowhere to be found. I’m pretty sure he didn’t quit because he tends to do a lot of yelling whenever he does, and he couldn’t have left the lot given that the fence is electrified (although, come to think of it, Ashleigh did complain about smelling barbecue at one point), so I’m sure he’ll eventually turn up, a little hungry, a little thirsty, but none the worse for wear. Just in case though, if you see this handsome fellow – 
– please lure him into the trunk of your car (he’s partial to cookies and gin) and then drop him off at the Bridge Studios on Monday. Reward offered.
P.S. Virtue is its own reward.
Where was I? Oh, yeah. Carl and I wandering through Stage 6…
Fourth. Have you finished the July book of the month club pick, The Devil’s Alphabet, yet? If you have, then gold star for you. If you haven’t, then its a ninja star to the small of your back. Discussion begins Monday.
Fifth and finally, I have decided to set aside all Stargate movie-related questions until the end of the month so that I can answer them en masse with a blanket: “I have no idea”.
I hate making decisions about anything. I prefer other people to decide for me. Or I will say “if it is raining tomorrow I will buy the pink skirt” crazy !!
So – do you move to Japan, get a few more puppies, dye your hair blonde and get a job in a sushi joint? Or do you just sit there and think about it.
😉
Joe, you are so funny. I always get a chuckle reading your posts. Making decisions is a hard one. We’re facing some of those ourselves. Hope everything falls into place the way you want it.
Have a good night.
What happened to the 14? Did I miss a day…I mean I know its the 15th here….that was kind of you to start blogging on my time..
Cheers, Chev
Joe said:
Thank God!! They were starting to annoy me and I really want to see them.
Cheers, Chev
Well, if the question is whether you should stay or be lured by another opportunity, then it depends on how badly TPTB want SGU to continue and how much they want you to stay. On the other hand, if you wait til the numbers come out (I think someone mentioned around Christmas…), then the decision might be made for you. I, personally, would want you to continue because I love the show. But who am I to stand in the way of life unfolding for someone else?
On the third hand, it might be that you won a 6-month free cruise around the world, leaving next week and going would mean giving up commitments… How’s that?
First – Joe…what is your least favorite season? I’m guessing…summer. I think this is my third summer on your blog, and each year it’s either been turmoil over life-changing decisions or a sudden bout of melancholy over where your life is headed. From now on I think you should spend the summer enjoying Australia’s winter.
Second – OH! LINDA! Then ‘sweetcheeks’ it is! 😀 Of course, you’ll probably get fired for sexual harrassment…
Third – Joe – have you ever read DC’s Secret Six by Gail Simone? I just read the first trade of the current volume, and all I gotta say is that Gail scares me. A LOT. 😯
Forth – I think that’s it. Hubby and I spent the afternoon lazing around the back yard, reading and nibbling on cheese and grapes and stuff (he’s started reading Masked, which is going to cause a problem because I’m not done with it yet). He also just finished Diving Into the Wreck, and liked it lots. It was so cool under the trees with the breeze and low humidity, I actually needed a blanket! Beautiful – just beautiful. It was great having a do-nothing day, and now we’re having a do-nothing night! It’s great! 😀
das
Guh. FOURTH. That’s what happens when a do-nothing day involves vodka. 🙂
das
Ugh. I know what you mean about decisions. Hell, even deciding where to go for dinner is a stressful ordeal for me. 😉 Mainly because my husband always leaves the decision up to me, and that drives me crazy…I’d rather have him decide for me!
So, a friend recently introduced me to this website, and it reminded me of your food posts: http://www.foodporndaily.com Have you been there before? All I have to say is that it gave me lots of good cooking ideas, and made me hungry at the same time. 🙂
Four big-time decisions:
1. No way.
2. Maybe, if the timing’s right.
3. Definitely, go for it.
4. The oracle is unsure.
That help? 😉
Fifth and finally, I have decided to set aside all Stargate movie-related questions until the end of the month so that I can answer them en masse with a blanket: “I have no idea”.
HAHAHAHA. Im so sorry Joe. Have I driven you through the roof with the questions. I try to ask them not to frequently, but im very bad at it. 🙁
Maybe at the end of the month spyglass might control MGM and their might be news on the movies. We never know! 🙂
Hey Joe
If that’s the case how ’bout “Tesoro”.
Elminster
I find that most of the time, when I’m struggling with a decision, I already know what I want to do and really I’m struggling with what everyone else will think. So that when I take away all those nagging concerns about what everyone else will say when I tell them, it’s easy.
Everything changes all the time anyway, so don’t stress too much about decisions- nothing can stay the same for very long!
Also know that it’s ok to say after it’s all over: “Well, that was a dumb decision. I should have never done that!” Then you have a good laugh at yourself, eat a whole cheesecake, and start going down a different road again.
Is one of your decisions a joint-decision with Paul?
Joe, I’m curious…were the Supernatural production people using your offices for offices, or were Sam and Dean trying to finish off the bewitched garden gnome in an office set which was your office?
Either way, that’s kinda fun.
Anyway, avoidance is definitely the way to go when it comes to big decisions.
Hi Mr M!
Hmmm, another introspective post. I always get nervous when I see these, it usually means changes are afoot.
As a long term (from the beginning) reader of your blog, I think I can guess at least 3 of the 4 decisions you are hinting at. I am (of course) not going to mention what I believe they are but suffice to say:
Here are my responses to your decisions (in no particular order….or so you may think)
(1) Of course, YES! what are you waiting for???
(2) Yes, I know it’s difficult, but I think it’s time, don’t you?
(3) It was going to happen eventually, embrace the change…you’ll be happier
(4) Your guess is as good as mine.
So, now that that is clear (huh?) let’s move on!
S’n’T
That picture of Carl and “the beautiful scultpture” – are you sure he wasn’t trying to build a home Bar-b-Que. Look how proud he is!
First – One last idea…when someone’s name ends in “a”, I like to change it to “er”, you know, an endearing way of showing affection. So call her Linder.
Second – Sorry, I got no questions for Tygh Runyan as I am desperately trying to keep up with everything else you got going on this blog. Two books, authors almost everyday, guest actor Q&A’s, your endless calls for our help, etc, etc.
Third – Lawren. Check your emails for one from Lawren with the subject line: Very Important: List Of Things I Need You To Do While I’m On Vacation!
Fourth – Gold Star for me!
Fifth – Good!!
Exausting week !!!! is your pretty guest still in Vancouver ?? 😀
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtR2m20C2YM
those sneaky ninjas… another ninja parade and no one saw even one!!
I sure hope that Jelly’s “situation” hasn’t somehow
developed into becoming one of the four big-time decisions.
Good luck with everything Joe.
Stay strong.
…and when all else fails…blame Ashleigh.
Hey, Joe.
(I could have sworn the best time to ask mailbag questions were on Friday, lol. Guess I’ll try my luck again.)
I have a couple of questions.
1.) I came across an interesting link recently. I know you’ve answered something similar last month in regards to the upcoming season 2, but this was written at the end of 2009 and was written before the first season was finished. What’s your take each of the points raised here and which of them do you feel has been addressed since then? (There’s also some interesting bits of commentary, thoughts/insight and discussion sprinkled here and there in the comments section underneath [though you probably might have to wade through it])
http://www.cinemaspy.com/Features/Why-One-Stargate-Fan-Has-Stopped-Watching-Stargate-Universe/3600
Now again, that was written back in late 2009, before season 1 wrapped up. Do you think the show has addressed each of these points since then? What points do you feel it has touched on already and what points do you feel it still needs to work on or will work on in the upcoming season 2?
2.) Something else. Alot of people have been complaining that SGU has barely used the Stargate at all. “They don’t use the Stargate.” “The Stargate barely sees use.” “When will they explore more?” “Blah blah blah…” (Which is absurd IMO. Though it might have not seen as much use as in SG-1 and SGA, it’s gotten a decent amount of use) That got me wondering… which season of Stargate (SG-1, SGA and SGU included) currently holds the record for the number of missions undertaken through the Stargate? The two categories are I’m inquiring about are:
a.) going by highest amount of Stargate missions in terms of episodes-per-that-season (i.e the number of episodes that had Stargate missions in general) and…
b.) all instances of Stargate use for total TRIPS in a season (say, 65 total in a 22-episode or 20-episode season [or whatever the number of eps, doesn’t matter.] )
And again, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I enjoy your answers.
Oh geez, for a few minutes I was a bit disappointed thinking that you might be moving and I’d be losing an acquaintance I have yet to learn more about.
Thankfully I re-read this post before posting my reply… I somehow read it thinking that you had a decision to move back to Montreal before I even got a chance to ask “Have you tried the Japanese food carts across the River Rock Casino?” and if not “Would you and Akemi like to go with me?” I hear they have something called a takoyaki bomb… or something or other…if you’re interested.
If not well I can always make the situation awkward at my till.
Hope you’re having an awesome weekend~
Oh but joe, saying you’re setting them aside until the end of the month only makes people suspect you’re going to say something other than “I don’t know”
Ah Joe, you are a clever one. There never was a nickname contest. You just wanted to see how many of us you could get to jump through those virtual hoops for you. Well done. You got almost all of us.
I think Ponytail is right. Lawren is either on vacation or at home sick in bed with one of those summer viruses. I hear that some of those space illnesses can play havoc with a young man. Have you checked to see if he’s molted into someone else?
So, we never did get the Q & A from Chris Judge or from Jamil Walker Smith. Do you think those two are conspiring to hold out for better questions?
Are there any really great restaurants in Richmond? I really need to know.
Patricia
Where did Lawren get that swell watch?
Obviously you are in need of a Magic 8 Ball. It’s how I make all of MY important decisions. That way if something should go awry I can blame the 8 Ball. 🙂
Guh. FOURTH. That’s what happens when a do-nothing day involves vodka. 🙂
das
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
I dunno, das, I tucked into some wine and forth looked pretty good to me… 😀
I am in the same position as you. I just found out they are putting me into a “succession” program at work, but at the same time I have an interview on Tuesday for a position in another city, and from what I have heard if I nail this interview, the position is mine. So do I take the management position now, or throw the interview and wait it out here at home?
Hi Joe,
Here it is, Saturday, and I was looking forward to another episode of Persons Unknown. Then I became aware that it wasn’t on this week. How disappointing! For one reason or another, the show seems to be struggling. I can only say that I have enjoyed it and look forward to its conclusion.
I read that they will resume it next week, and post one of the episodes online only. That’s fine and dandy, except in two days I am moving from USA to South Korea and will not be able to see it (due to foreign IP address). What a shame! Hopefully a solution pops up.
Please give Remi my love & support for a job well done! Feel free to interpret the love part in your own way.
On another note, I look forward to some Korean food adventures. There was an episode of No Reservations where Anthony Bourdain went to some good looking places. Chicken anus? Sign me up!
Well it was certainly a very entertaining blog entry with great pics to go with it. 🙂 Funny entry! It made me chuckle at times. 🙂
BTW, about the “fifth”: Finally, even I was getting annoyed with the movie questions. And I still hope they’ll get made. I want them to get made. 🙂
Decisions. I have had to make a lot of them in my life. Many hard ones, many easy ones. I try to make a pro con list of all the good and bad results (or possible results) of a decision one way or the other. Then I don’t look at the good, I instead look at the bad of each choice and see which one I can live with the best. It’s easy to look at the good things and say, Hey I want that outcome. But then when things don’t go that way, it’s OMG! I say, “What do I have to lose by going in this direction?” If the price (or possible consequence) is too high, I don’t go that way.
Decisions I have to make that involve other people are the hardest. Sometimes no matter what, somebody is not going to like it.
It is my personal policy that I like to be the master of my own destiny. I want to be in charge of my life, not anybody else. I don’t want to wait for the stars to align in a certain way and make things go my way. In my experience, it doesn’t happen that way.
just my opinion. Good luck in your decision making process.
The decision process is actually really quite instant… You know in the back of your mind what a decision is immediately. Outwardly though, we constrict that natural process by either over-thinking or worse opening it to counsel from close friends who say the opposite to your initial gut instinct… Worse, we do it all the time…
It is rare that a true instinct is wrong, often if we air on the side of logic to protect ourselves, we can easily achieve an answer and while this may work, it’ll not make it right for you. Indeed, you can tart up the outcome in any way you like, support the decision to your grave, but you still won’t be happy with it.
So follow your gut, remember your first thoughts in the back of your mind and follow them…
It is there you will find your answers
G’day Joe
Lawren most likely has the dreaded Man Flu and is hiding somewhere feeling sorry for himself.
Oh my Jebus, we’re so similar. I, too, dislike making decisions. I’d rather have life making them for me. And so far it’s been working.
About a year ago I had no idea what to do after graduation. Then I ended up spending a week or two in a hospital, and decided to study something related to health-care. (Ironically, I had thoracic surgery because nurses messed something up – left a surgical tampon into my right lung… long story.) Picked exams, school ended, studied for exams, hated myself for picking math, passed exams, graduated. I knew what I wanted to do next, but studying to become a bioananalyst is insanely expensive. Moreover, the school’s located across the country (considering how small Estonia is, it wasn’t the biggest problem 😛 ), and I had no place to live. Plus no way of making more money. Months passed, things happened. Thanks to passing some exams successfully and having a great interview, I ended up being the first on the list of accepted students. Got myself a free spot. My relative happens to have an apartment in the same city, but he lives in another country, so it’s mine to use. All is good. I can’t wait to start a new life… next month, in fact.
I didn’t worry much, hoped for the best, and everything turned out great.
Remind me again, what episode are those pretty sculptures and smashed doors for?
Best of luck on your decision making, Joe. I’m a big procrastinator of those types of things, myself. Like you say, there’s always the hope that the universe will just kind of make the decision for you. It’s sometimes hard as well to consider that “do nothing” is a valid decision, and sometimes, at least for the time being, may be the best course.
@I like to play this great practical joke on Carl. Whenever he dozes off on set comment
LOL.. this made me smile.
They sound like four big, life-changing decisions. Those are always the hardest to make. Sorry, I haven’t any advice to give, but good luck with deciding what you want to do.
*feels nervous that Joe might be leaving SG*
Yeah decisions are hard. We have had to make some hard decisions over the years, and we are still here and more often than not, we’re looking back and wondering, what if?
I don’t think there is a right or wrong decision when it comes to moving/ careers, you need to do what’s best for you. People will judge you and question you NO matter what you do, your true friends will stand behind you no matter what, encouraging you and if you are making a really bad decision only a true friend will lovingly stop you and be honest with you. Only encouragement from your friends,family will make the the decision easier. Seek encouragement, positive friends and family and take a risk. Because after all, if you love what you do, then love is a risk.
I bet that is clear as mud now.
Oh you wanted nicknames for Linda… well not that I know Carl very well, but I know him more than I do Linda. I have a few nicknames at work, like, Trixie, Binky, but I don’t think those will work with Linda. I don’t know what nicknames I have when I’m not around…I can only imagine.
Still Captain oh Captain could work, mon petite chou, Electro Woman, or Dyno Girl, because if she has to put up with y’all….**snort** with Carl knocking down sculptures and all and doors coming off hinges…
decisions are hard to make. take me for instance, awhile back i had the decision of ending my marriage after knowing about my wife’s extra-curricular activities. Needles to say I think I made the right decision to not end it and instead have extra-curricular activities of my own. nay just kidding, i only had money for one game, call of duty modern warfare 2 or Battlefield Bad company 2—- i chose battlefield. my favorite weapon is the XM8 Prototype.
Linda? Try “Sugartits”. Then her true name will arise from “Woman Who Hands Man His Own Ass to Wear as a Hat”.
Or “Linda”. A classic.
How’s Uncle Creepy doing?
Hey Joe, what’s up ? Hope you and the dogs are fine. Talking about them, I was wondering how the others reacted about Jelly ?
Here are some Q’s for Tygh Runyan :
Did you cast for Caine first or any other character ?
How is the atmospher on set ? How funny is it ?
What is your favorite scene/episode of SGU and why ?
What are your similarities/differences between you and Caine ?
What was the hardest/funniest scene to shoot ?
What do you think about the spiritual way your character is involved in ? In this kind of situation religions etc are really important, do you think that others people need someone to listen or someone who will lead them like Caine could be ?
What would you do if you were really stuck on an old rusty ship, billions light years away from home ? ( only one ^^ )
Few words in french maybe ? =)
Thank you for answering our Q’s, and thanks to Joe !
Hey Joe,
I hust have a couple questions on the pictures.
1.) IS the piles of rubble hints at whats to come in season 2?
and 2.) Is the floor with the pile of rubble with Carl underneath it, the floor from Atlantis? Just curious…noticed the colors and strips.
Thanks,
Nate
Couple questions….
1. Is Will Waring directing Visitation?
2. Is Peter DeLuise directing Alliances?
3. Is Andy Mikita directing Seizure?
Thanks so much,
Major D. Davis
@JperW
Are you frustrated with me asking movie questions to Joe…. or me debating the movies and the franchise’s situation with you over at GW? 😉
I’ve found putting off decisions ends up with me having to make a snap judgement at the last possible moment. I’ve had success rate of 50%, which I think is pretty good. Or pretty bad depending on your view.
Poor Carl. We thought you were talking about him. And don’t bury him in styrofoam rubble. He might inhale that stuff.
I hate making big decisions too. I always seem to wait until something tips the scales and I scream in frustration. Good luck with it all.
If you have really important decisions to make I’ve found that the best solution is to buy a ticket to Las Vegas, find a decent bar and converse with the bartenders until you achieve total clarity of mind or you’re really drunk. Or both. The bartenders are cheaper than therapists, financial advisors and most mercenaries and their advice is often far better. Gambling is optional, of course.
Only thing worse than making bad decisions is not making any choices at all. It never ends well. Every positive thing in my life began with a choice I made; usually to finish a project to the end, or take a trip or go on a date or not punch that rude guy on the bus.
Sadly I find it’s harder to choose to do something I actually want to do; like take some class that’ll require long hours at night but that will be rewarding in the end.
I get more nervous going after something I want. If something I don’t care about falls through I’m sanguine about it, but going after stuff you want is always scary as hell. But it’s worse not to try.
Of course if you do ‘go for it’ and it doesn’t work out, don’t blame me, blame Carl Binder. Yeah, I heard he was sticking needles in an immaculately dressed voodoo dall.
For Linda the obvious nicknames are “Pretty,” if you want to be literal or ‘Fea,” if you’re into antonyms, tho if you call any lady Fea be prepared for a pinch or cracked jaw.
Actually both might merit slaps. How about L. Diddy or Furious Master Li? Or Lady Lala?
Hm, this ain’t working. I’m going to take “Nicknamer” off of my resume.
Google Tila Tequila if you need to justify your fear of clowns.
Hey Jo,
Just a quick question….
How many complete stargates do you use in production, do you have a warehouse full of the things?
thanks
Dave
Hey Joe,
Have you heard of 100% Chocolate Cafe in Tokyo? They have a website, but it’s all in Japanese: http://www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/choco-cafe/.
I found it here: http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2007/10/18/100-chocolate-cafe.html
But it might be something to check out, on your next trip.
Nate
To make a decision, I jump off an imaginary cliff and see where I end up. Usually reminiscent of banana fritters.