I keep reading all these compendiums, best movies, books, songs, etc, and i thought I should join up with the herd and do a mini one of my own because, well, its my blog. Anyway, those who know me know that I love to read. It is truly one of my favorite pastimes/escapes. There is nothing quite like finding an engrossing book. One that kind of plays on your thoughts when you aren't reading it. One that convinces you that one more chapter would be a good idea before shutting it down for the night.
I like to read enough that, when someone says that they don't like to read, (and people do say that oddly enough........in my mind akin to saying they don't like to eat), I look at them like they just unhinged their jaw and ate a puppy whole in front of me. I am more incredulous than Fabio was when he found out that, indeed, it wasn't butter (read on for more dated references :). I am not saying that we all must read great works of literature.......we all like mindless fluff now and again. I am not going to list all the pulp novels that I read this year because I know that while I enjoyed them, they aren't necessarily compelling reads. So, without further ado, in no particular order, some books I dug and 1 I could not stand this past year.
The lost City of Z - Just a phenomenal read and an incredible adventure and superbly written. I think I enjoyed it all the more because it was true. Cannot recommend it enough.
The Devil in White City - Perhaps my favorite read of the year. The description of the wonder of the world's fair in 1893 Chicago contrasted with the serial murders going on in the city's midst. Once again, more amazing for being true. (Isaac's Storm is also an incredible read btw)
The Terror - brings the horrific trials and tribulations of arctic exploration vividly to life in this beautifully written historical, which injects a note of supernatural horror into the 1840s Franklin expedition and its doomed search for the Northwest Passage. Still working on this one. Ending the year with a bang it seems. Very tense.
Under the Dome - not my favorite work by King (that is either The Stand or the Gunslinger series), but an above average read and an interesting premise. A lot of characters to juggle and a body count rivaling anything else he has ever written.
Into Thin Air - Another amazing but true adventure with sadly tragic results for many who dared to climb Everest. I find it fascinating when people are willing to risk their safety and their lives for such adventure. What compels them? After reading this, I know whatever it is won't be compelling me. Anything by Krakauer is a worthy read.
The Road - Grim and heart wrenching, but gripping nonetheless. You can almost feel the hopelessness.
As an afterthought, I thought I would throw in the worst book I checked out this year: Daniel X - I know what Patterson does is less literature and more throwaway beach reads, but they are generally at least entertaining and brief. I made it through 3 chapters of this drivel and gave up entirely. Truly childlike writing. Terrible.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year. See you in '10!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Another Yuletide gone
I had the darnedest time getting into the holiday spirit and now I find myself already packing up ornaments. What happened? I think its that I REALLY miss being off for extended periods over the holidays. Perhaps for some reason that just hammers the whole thing home (or I just like not working for extended periods of time........a given really, just ask Tia :) Being afforded time to recharge and enjoy friends and family is such a luxury. Working on Christmas eve and then the following Sunday just makes it seem like a weekend, albeit a weekend with presents! If this is what growing up is about, I think I will take a pass. Long live the spirit of (an extended) Christmas break!
Work stuff should potentially get more interesting and hopefully more palatable soon as HR is going to speak with the big boss lady tomorrow. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Needless to say I am excessively interested to hear how it goes. Maybe it will even lead to at least a short term reprieve. One can dare to hope anyways.
I have some to realize that there is more than just a vague connection between my spending more time on the floor with people who are there with communicable viruses and diseases and my own health concerns (I know it wasn't exactly Holmesian sleuthing). what I need/want is less floor time and more clinic time and/or a new job with much less exposure. The hunt has already begun of course, but will commence in earnest starting the new year. Cross em as always.
Since I haven't acquired any new toys this holiday season I guess I will just go put on my new socks, new underpants and new robe and read. I still love the holidays, but I definitely miss the toys! :)
Hope everyone who reads this had a wonderful holiday and, if I dont post before (a distinct possibility) a Happy New YEar!
Work stuff should potentially get more interesting and hopefully more palatable soon as HR is going to speak with the big boss lady tomorrow. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Needless to say I am excessively interested to hear how it goes. Maybe it will even lead to at least a short term reprieve. One can dare to hope anyways.
I have some to realize that there is more than just a vague connection between my spending more time on the floor with people who are there with communicable viruses and diseases and my own health concerns (I know it wasn't exactly Holmesian sleuthing). what I need/want is less floor time and more clinic time and/or a new job with much less exposure. The hunt has already begun of course, but will commence in earnest starting the new year. Cross em as always.
Since I haven't acquired any new toys this holiday season I guess I will just go put on my new socks, new underpants and new robe and read. I still love the holidays, but I definitely miss the toys! :)
Hope everyone who reads this had a wonderful holiday and, if I dont post before (a distinct possibility) a Happy New YEar!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
forgot about Dre
It is only now starting to dawn on me, and bother me just the same, that the 00's are on their way out. I felt the same way about the end of the 90s though (only this time free from the dreaded Y2K end of the world scenarios). I have a hard enough time remembering and taking stock of one year, let alone a decade. So, what happened exactly?
The 00s have seen me move out of Florida, for a place distant and alien.....the Pacific NW. A place where winter is not just marginally different than any of the other seasons. A places where you have to own things like pants and can't wear flip-flops 350 days a year. A places where the beach is a place to look at, not to swim in (and you frequently wear the aforementioned pants). A place where trees change colors and humidity means rain. It has been an odd transition, but one I am quite happy that I made.
The 00s found me graduating from college, not once but twice (the second time to far happier and more successful result). It found me engaged, not once but twice (with eerily similar results to college). Married once. First house purchase. First new car. First real job (amongst many now). First surgery. First recovery. First trips to Asia and Europe (and last desire to go to Asia for some time). First 401K. First loan repayments. First bouts with the difficulties and successes of being an adult. First gray hairs (and surely not the last).
With still a few weeks left, who knows what will happen, but I am thankful that they are nearly over if only because I know I made it through them, and sad because there were so many important memories.
The 00s have seen me move out of Florida, for a place distant and alien.....the Pacific NW. A place where winter is not just marginally different than any of the other seasons. A places where you have to own things like pants and can't wear flip-flops 350 days a year. A places where the beach is a place to look at, not to swim in (and you frequently wear the aforementioned pants). A place where trees change colors and humidity means rain. It has been an odd transition, but one I am quite happy that I made.
The 00s found me graduating from college, not once but twice (the second time to far happier and more successful result). It found me engaged, not once but twice (with eerily similar results to college). Married once. First house purchase. First new car. First real job (amongst many now). First surgery. First recovery. First trips to Asia and Europe (and last desire to go to Asia for some time). First 401K. First loan repayments. First bouts with the difficulties and successes of being an adult. First gray hairs (and surely not the last).
With still a few weeks left, who knows what will happen, but I am thankful that they are nearly over if only because I know I made it through them, and sad because there were so many important memories.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Work work work & is that gay?
The suspense is killing me with work. More interviews, more damning comments. Still, no action. But, I understand if only because I have no choice otherwise. I think one of my coworkers comments summed things up most succinctly when asked about our manager by HR "I have learned to just avoid her. She doesnt back anyone up ever and my job is just easier the less contact I have with her" (I paraphrase of course). Fun. In the meantime, absence continues to make the heart grow fonder......the longer we dont see the manager, the happier we all have been.
Tia likes to tease me constantly about my 'gay male' qualities by putting imaginary checkmarks in the gay column every time I enjoy something less than definitely masculine. Its funny (and true). So, I thought I would try to compile a compendium of sorts:
Gay things (and I write this meaning no offense as I could also just as easily categorize them as feminine things):
1. Spas - love em. From pedicures to full body massages, I cant get enough. Scented oils, yes please!
2. Some Rom/coms - Here I am a little more picky. I will laugh and cry along with the 'good' ones, but hate them by and large. Give me When Harry Met Sally or any Meg Ryan film before she got all plastic surgery on us and I will likely watch and enjoy. Throw in Mr. McConahey (sp) or J-Lo or anything with 3 generations of women and I would rather take a hot poker to my eye. But Julie and Julia, second helpings please!
3. Camping/outdoorsy stuff - I am game for a short hike or a visit to a scenic point or natural wonder, but I draw the line at sleeping outdoors or getting unneccesarily dirty. I will take my nature in little bites thank you.
4. Fixing things/craftmanship - I am inept. Maybe that gene hasn't activated just yet. My dad is so good at it too.
Things that lean masculine:
1. Sports - love em. Cant get enough minutia about them.
2. Movies where things blow up. I can no longer handle bombastic Michael Bay type inanity, but who doens't love a good action adventure with a point ala Star Trek or violent stylized violence like in the MAtrix or James Bond.
3. Musicals or singing competititions - unless there are actually instruments, count me very much out. Musical movies/shows are particularly bizarre to me (looking at you Glee!), though I have made exceptions to this rule (Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog).
4. Dancing - see above
Certainly not a definitive list, but I thought funny enough to write about. Now, if you'll excuse me I am off to grab a latte and a pedi :)
Tia likes to tease me constantly about my 'gay male' qualities by putting imaginary checkmarks in the gay column every time I enjoy something less than definitely masculine. Its funny (and true). So, I thought I would try to compile a compendium of sorts:
Gay things (and I write this meaning no offense as I could also just as easily categorize them as feminine things):
1. Spas - love em. From pedicures to full body massages, I cant get enough. Scented oils, yes please!
2. Some Rom/coms - Here I am a little more picky. I will laugh and cry along with the 'good' ones, but hate them by and large. Give me When Harry Met Sally or any Meg Ryan film before she got all plastic surgery on us and I will likely watch and enjoy. Throw in Mr. McConahey (sp) or J-Lo or anything with 3 generations of women and I would rather take a hot poker to my eye. But Julie and Julia, second helpings please!
3. Camping/outdoorsy stuff - I am game for a short hike or a visit to a scenic point or natural wonder, but I draw the line at sleeping outdoors or getting unneccesarily dirty. I will take my nature in little bites thank you.
4. Fixing things/craftmanship - I am inept. Maybe that gene hasn't activated just yet. My dad is so good at it too.
Things that lean masculine:
1. Sports - love em. Cant get enough minutia about them.
2. Movies where things blow up. I can no longer handle bombastic Michael Bay type inanity, but who doens't love a good action adventure with a point ala Star Trek or violent stylized violence like in the MAtrix or James Bond.
3. Musicals or singing competititions - unless there are actually instruments, count me very much out. Musical movies/shows are particularly bizarre to me (looking at you Glee!), though I have made exceptions to this rule (Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog).
4. Dancing - see above
Certainly not a definitive list, but I thought funny enough to write about. Now, if you'll excuse me I am off to grab a latte and a pedi :)
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