Thankful continued November 27, 2009

Today, black Friday, I am so grateful not to be working retail, or shopping at the malls. I feel for all my friends still working at B&N, and other retail establishments! So, if she’s not working or shopping, what is she doing, you may ask. Excellent question. I began the day by working out using Fit TV, and sitting next to my HappyLight. Next, I contemplated the falling snow and the birds at my feeder (sparrows, cardinals, a blue jay and later some mourning doves and junkos), and prepared (which consisted of me washing yesterday’s dishes) for my mom to visit. Mom came over and we watched some classic movies – Home for the Holidays, Garfield’s Thanksgiving, and Some Kind of Wonderful. Oh, and we baked bread in my bread machine. This, of course ensued in hilarity and creative cursing (only on my part) because once again we forgot the matra PIF (paddle in first). Damn, you’d a thunk we’d learned our lesson the first time this happened.

But I digress, I am also thankful for Buffy The Vampire Slayer, season 8, written my Joss Whedon in comic book form sitting in my living room. Sometimes a woman just needs a witty, resourceful, ass-kicking role model…you know?

I’m grateful for my warm, warm socks from Sock Dreams.

The song (playing loudly in the background) Turn to the Sky – from the Some Kind of Wonderful soundtrack.

Pumpkins turned into edible goodness.

LuLu.

You

For the Beauty of the Earth November 27, 2009

Today is the traditional day of giving thanks (unless you are a native person for whom diabetes and alcoholism are probably not things for which ones gives thanks), and so I shall…

I am grateful for life, and more specifically my life.

For all my senses.

For being literate, artistic, creative, and imaginative.

For so many dear friends, and knowing so many amazing people.

For having the money to live my life the way I want, which includes: having the roof of my choice over my head, cable and wireless Internet, never going without food or water, being able to support myself and my cat, being able to shop with a conscious, and really not being limited in any significant way.

Health, and the mindset to make healthy lifestyle choices.

For the Beauty of the Earth – my favorite hymn expresses this sentiment well

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

I won’t lie to you and tell you I never feel sorry for myself, but when I do I like to remind myself of the many things which I have, which many others do not, and as the song goes, I fall asleep counting my blessings. I hope you do too.

Everyone’s a Critic November 24, 2009

For your entertainment I shall review a book and a film.

First, the book -  Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, whom you may “know” from The Time Traveler’s Wife. This is a ghost story along the lines of The Turn of the Screw. While the novel is set in modern times, an old cemetery and its history play a supporting role. The ghost is Elspeth, a twin who leaves behind a younger lover and her two twin daughters. The tale is at once Gothic and modern, filled with delicious imagery and build on a solid characters. Over half way through the story takes (to me) a surprising turn, which then kicks the action into high gear for the last part of the novel. Love, lies, secrets, fear, history, and relationships are all deliberately and delectably explored by the adroit Niffenegger. This is a good literary book with which to curl up on a series of chilly winter evenings.

Now onto The Box directed by Richard Kelly, whom you may “know” from Donnie Darko. I was intrigued by this film. Throughout, I was in a state of…keen confusion…? I’m not quite sure how to describe the feeling. I was definitely not bored, and for the first half of the film I was unsure about the Frank Langella character in terms of his motivation and “employer.” I found this film to be both transparent and opaque. Clearly there are biblical references thoughout. Indeed, I think it’s no coincidence that only women (or Eve’s) push the button in the experiment. Also, the play No Exit is featured within the film at various times, and the viewer can easily connect the dots in terms of the film itself…No doubt there’s more subtext than I garnered in a single sitting, but I do recommend this thought provocing film.

Ahhhhh November 23, 2009

Well friends I got cable and high speed Internet this weekend, and I don’t mean to sound like a drama queen here, but it’s already made a big difference. First off, I was so excited to get cable and Internet because in my entire life I’ve only had cable once for the span of ten months while I lived in Maine, and I’ve never had high speed Internet at home. Shocking, but true…So, as I mentioned I was wedding day type excited about getting the install.

I don’t mean to put too much of philosophical spin on this, but to me having my own solid Internet connection and cable is liberating. I no longer have to rely on the kindness of my friends. Indeed, there will be no more phone calls along the lines of “can I come over Saturday at 7:30 a.m. to watch the Abominable Dr. Phibes, please?” No sirree, I am now completely independent and self sufficient. Hooray!

But, to continue the story…Prior to the hookup I scouted my living room and discovered the cable outlet was on the opposite wall of where my television resided. Consequently, I spent a good chunk of Saturday morning rearranging my living room. By noon I was all set, and by 3:00 the install was completed (although I didn’t get the router for my wireless configured until Sunday). I then spend Saturday evening watching a few of  my billion channels. I kept the cable “on” from when it was installed until I went to sleep Saturday. I watched a two-hour biography on the secret lives of vampires, The Goonies, and Beyond Belief Fact or Fiction. In other words – bliss. The only time I left my condo was to fetch Szechuan scallops and then decadently consume my Asian vittles on the sofa whilst watching a movie.

Sunday Em came over and configured my wireless router with only one turrets type f-bomb outburst on my part (thank you, thank you very much). Those of you on Facebook Sunday no doubt saw my gleeful post about having Roadrunner…

This morning, while sitting in front of my happy light for half an hour I leisurely flipped through over 350 channels…ahhhhhhh.

Friday Free For All November 20, 2009

This week has been fairly full, so at the end of the week all you’ll get is my schizophrenic brain dump.

I would be remiss if I did not give a nod to the 40th birthday of Sesame Street (see Kevin, something is older than you).

The countdown to cable is ON! Except for the year I lived in Maine and was subsidized by my Other Mother, this will be the first time in my life I’ve had cable. Plus, I’m getting Roadrunner too. I’ll finally be like all the other cool kids.

Happy birthday to my dad (today), and happy anniversary to my parents (tomorrow).

It finally feels like November, but soon the days will begin lengthening again.

Lame, but true TGIF!

Come on, come on, get happy November 18, 2009

So I recently got a Verilux HappyLite to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mind you, I’m totally self diagnosed here, but SAD has resonated with me ever since I saw a Northern Exposure episode about it. It seems like from about the time daylight savings time ends until March or April I lose steam and gain moodiness. So, when my dad slipped me some cash about a month ago I decided I would spend my “found money” on a SAD light. I chose Verilux because I have two reading lamps that feature Verilux’s full spectrum light, and those lamps have been performing beautifully for years.

Anyway, I am here to report that for me it made a noticable difference. On the third or fouth evening I looked up from my knitting and t.v. watching to notice it was 10:45. The following morning I did chores and housework from 10:30-3:30 without ever sitting down. If you follow my blog you will recall at least one post where I mention drowsing on the sofa at an early hour, and I must admit to enjoying staying up to watch my favorite t.v. shows and not having to catch them on Hulu later in the week.

Virtual Book Group – Story of Edgar Sawtelle November 16, 2009

I recently read (upon multiple recommendations) The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. As usual with a book group book I looked up the title in the fantastic database NoveList to see if there was a book group discussion guide, and I am happy to report there was one.

On the surface, Edgar is the story of a mute boy who carries on the family business of dog breeding and training. The story encapsulates all the Edgar’s life and death. A basic reading alone will leave the reader with rich imagry and a solid sense of plot and setting. On a deeper level Edgar shares many similarities with Hamlet and The Jungle Book.

As for Hamlet, Edgar follows the same basic plot (brother murders brother to get to the widow, son’s revenge results in accidental death of the wrong man, son leaves, ending with the death of most main characters), but in my opinion without the same impending sense of doom because the reader (I) got sidetracked by the fascinating story between the Sawtelle family and their dogs, and Edgar’s flight and subsequent life as a runaway with three dogs.

Mowgli in The Jungle Book has similiar communication issues with people, while at the same time more easily bonds with animals than humans as Edgar. In fact, The Jungle Book is actually referenced throughout Edgar as one of Edgar’s favorite books. Indeed, when Edgar runs away he goes so far as to tell Henry his name is Nathoo (Mowgli’s human name).

To sum up, this story can be read on multiple levels, and is accessible to many audiences. I borrowed the book from someone who read it from the “animal lovers” point of view, but this book can also be read from the literary standpoint, and appreciated in the context of the Western Canon of literature as well.

Light Speed November 13, 2009

Well friends, another week has come and gone in my life leaving only a sonic boom in its wake.

Work has been busy with projects that were previously on the back burner, moved to the front burner because I had a small window of time with no highly time sensitive projects. Can I get an amen? AMEN!? You know what, I stand corrected, I did have to process a huge invoice accounting for almost half of the total budget entrusted in my care. Then there was another half-marathon meeting…So, you get the idea.

My not at work time has been nice. I’ve been working my way through a virtual book group book and two pleasure books. I’ve also been knitting like a fiend, and watching the new fall television season on network television. I’m really enjoying Fringe, Flash Forward, and The Big Bang Theory. I’m less enthralled with a previous favorite, Ghost Whisperer (or Horse Whisperer as I am want to say), and am bummed the fledgling Doll House got cancelled this week.

This weekend I’m tremendously looking forward to supping with “Other” and my mom. I can’t wait to see Other’s new digs and her adorable face! I’m also looking fowarding to celebrating the job success of my friend Kirstin.

Musical Interlude November 10, 2009

For your entertainment I include two charming songs which make me smile and shake my money maker. Take a listen to Jemina Pearl with Iggy Pop, and Weezer.

The Weekend, Mathmatically Speaking November 9, 2009

IKEA with mom (Swedish meatballs, kitchenware, and a cold)

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nap

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Cornish game hens with wild rice and The Lost Weekend

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Fabulous Friday

 

Lunch, Desert and shopping with library babes

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nap

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knitting

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The Devil Bat, The White Zombie, and The Blob

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Super-Duper Saturday

 

 

Book group with the Book Bitches (pumpkin bread and tea)

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nap

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massage

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dinner with the folks

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Superb Sunday