Utter fail with facepaw and an update

[carylerg]

The weeks have flown by, so all I can say about my lack of entry here is to point to my icon. Facepaw. *sigh*

Much of my free time lately has been occupied by the move. I’ve been packing, unpacking, sorting, or shifting things around. It’s absolute drudgery, but at least the end is sort of in sight. I was bad this last weekend and didn’t do any packing. That will, I’m certain, come back to bite me in the tail as we reach the end of the month.

Other than moving stuff, I’ve been taking advantage of opportunities to ignore the ridiculous and cold weather (we’ve set a state record for the number of consecutive days with at least 5 inches of snow on the ground) and spend time with people. We had a game night a few weekends ago, and went to a Golden Globes get together another weekend. This weekend we’re having a non Super Bowl party (taking place on Saturday rather than Sunday) where we’re eating Super Bowl party food and watching movies with Heidi and Dan. It should be fun.

Jeff and I are also going to try to see all of the movies nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture this year. Since the Academy has decided to nominate 10 of them, there’s a lot to see. Here’s my list so far along with some quickie thoughts. I’ve seen the ones in bold type:

1. Avatar: Loved it. Sure, we’ve seen the story before, but it’s a classic tale told in a thoroughly entertaining way. Plus, it’s GORGEOUS. I left the film wishing I could go visit Pandora because it was so beautiful.
2. The Blind Side: Yes, it’s a bit about football. But, besides that, it’s a very touching story about a woman and her family that don’t turn a blind eye to someone’s need and they really make a difference in all of their lives.
3. District 9: I wanted to see this when it came out. Am a bit disconcerted that the humans are going to be total asses in this one, but since it’s also a metaphor for apartheid, that’s to be expected.
4. An Education: I want to see this movie for one reason - the Oscar nominated actress in this film is Sally Sparrow from Doctor Who.
5. The Hurt Locker: Yes, it’s supposed to be amazing and real and visceral and … yeah. Films like this always seem like medicine to me. You watch them because they’re important or good for you, not to be entertained.
6. Inglourious Basterds: I’ve heard good things, so I’m looking forward to seeing this one. It’s Quentin Tarantino, though, so I need to be prepared for lots of violence.
7. Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire: Ugh. Another “powerful” medicine film. Not looking forward to this one at all.
8. A Serious Man: Honestly? I’ve never heard of it.
9. Up: I loved this one. I know others were a bit more lukewarm toward it, but I adored it. That sequence with no words at the beginning was one of the most emotionally effective film sequences I have ever seen.
10. Up in the Air: Also really good. My mom didn’t particularly care for the ending, but I was okay with it. There was potential for things to change for the better there.

I also wanted to talk books. I finished a book last weekend that I really enjoyed. It’s by Patrick Rothfuss, and it’s titled The Name of the Wind (TNoTW). It’s a large book (672 paperback pages), but it went by pretty quickly over a few days during a heavily interrupted week. It’s an epic fantasy, which is something I haven’t read lately, but I was persuaded by this review to give it a try. It was really, really good, and like the other folks that have read this book, I’m eagerly awaiting its sequel, The Wise Man’s Fear (no ETA yet). Fantasy has been a struggle for me to slog through in the past few years because of all the Names and Places and lack of transparency in the writing. In high school and college, I was more determined to push through until it made sense, but now I have no patience for it. That’s why TNoTW worked for me. It felt like I was being told a story by a great storyteller; the story flowed where it needed to go. But if you’re in the mood to be told a story, it’s a good one.

I’ve also been intrigued by The Book Smuggler’s review of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. I’ve read the first three chapters here and I’m completely ready for more when it’s actually released.

And I’m out of time. But anyway, for those that were wondering, that’s what’s going on.

Hugs to all and here’s hoping the remainder of the week brings sleep for those that are tired, appliances that work for those having trouble getting things properly fixed, pain free days for those struggling, music that inspires, and peace of mind for all.