Wednesday, October 31, 2007

October 2007 Books and Movies

Practical Demonkeeping
Christopher Moore

What a great book! I mistakenly thought that, as this was Christopher Moore's first novel, that it wouldn't be as good as the others (only have one more to go) I have read. I finished the last page and said to myself "What a great writer. I can't believe he just sat down and wrote that book, having never being been a published author before". Having read his latest novel about Pine Cove (The Stupidest Angel) first and then The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, I now understand so much more about the inner quirky workings of this setting. Loved the twist and turns, great characters (he should return to Augustus Brine and Gian Djinn for another tale) and fast pace. A definite must read for Moore fans and newbies alike.

Death at a Funeral

Absolutely hilarious! Great British humour, wonderfully acted, bizarro plot twists and a great way to spend a couple of hours! Appreciate the subtleties, they are worth watching again and again. I was really impressed with Alan Tudyk, he has a killer British accent and is hilarious as Simon. Go see it!

Island of the Sequined Love Nun
Christopher Moore

Started off slowly, but got better and better. I read The Stupidest Angel first, so it was interesting to see where the character Tucker Case got his beginnings. Another funny and twisted novel from Christopher Moore. He has the zanniest ideas, it's a wonder where he comes up with them. I seriously thought he was making up Yap, Truk and Micronesia, but they really do exist! Aluahu doesn't though. Beth was scary. Sarapul was hilarious. Roberto, need I say more? Read it and laugh!

Unlikely Destinations - The Lonely Planet Story
Tony and Maureen Wheeler

Let me start off by saying that I'm a huge fan of Lonely Planet guide books. They have helped me have wonderful travel experiences and have gotten me out of more than a few jams. That being said, this autobiography is very poorly written. It's voice (mostly Tony's) is poncy and it's tone is completely disjointed. I found the information interesting, but it is laid out in a really terrible way. I'll still use the guidebooks, but I'll be wary of any more novels from these authors. I think they'll lose some of the respect they have earned from world wide travelers, just because this book is so sub par.

Three Wishes
Liane Moriarty

This was a chance find at the Burlington Central Public Library. I just liked the cover. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I liked the story inside as well. Chick lit, Aussie style, with quirky characters that you actually care about. The contrived coincidences were a bit much at times and Cat's temper made my head hurt but all in all, I enjoyed it very much.

Rush Hour 3

Silly and fun. The acting was a bit forced, but what more than made up for it was the action sequences. Jackie Chan is amazing, as were many of the other fight actors. Chris Tucker is one funny guy, and I'm doubly impressed by his altruistic efforts in Africa between movies. I haven't seen 1 or 2, but now I want to, wooden acting aside.

Friday, October 12, 2007

I love my bike!

I biked 27.6 km today! (Yes I calculated it using google maps, I just had to know.) My route to school is 8.3 km so I bike 16.6 everyday I go to school by bike. This week has been a poor showing, as it threatened to rain everyday, but I did ride today and yesterday. Today I went a few more places than usual. I guess the most grueling part of my ride to school is that it is up Kingston Road every morning. Some days are better than others, that is for sure! Love the ride home, coasting down that big hill. Did I mention I love riding my bike? It's great to be alone with your thoughts, not zoned out in a book or with your iPod. Of course, there are some downsides: cars, pollution, severe head winds, inclement weather, but it's rewarding to get around on your own speed. I'm going to be sad when the snow comes!

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Woefully neglecting my Blog

I know it's been a long time. I could blame it on a number of things, work, facebook, social life, band, choir etc. but that would be a screen. I just haven't had the inclination to blog, plain and simple.

So here I go with a brief synopsis:

Work:

I'm at my 5th school in 4 years, so again, it's slow going with finding out where I fit into this new dynamic. I'm teaching at a school in a well to do area, which brings with it a whole other set of challenges than a school with lower socio-economics. My assignment this year is half Core French (grades 4, 5 and 6) and half Vocal Music (grades K to 6). Interestingly, the staff are all female, which is something I've never encountered. I have to say, I prefer a mixed gender staff, and also feel for the boys, who have no male teacher role models.

Health:

I have switched drugs once again, and am in my 2nd month. I feel very well and bike to work most days. My wrists are still a little sore, but overall, I'm doing so well that I even forgot to take my medication once, because I've had few symptoms to remind me. Unfortunately, I haven't achieved full remission, but am hopeful still. My next appointment is November 20th, so we'll see what my doctor has to say.

Relationships:

The advent of Facebook has brought me closer to some people, further away from others and has actually had a tangible impact. I'm amazed that a website could actually change my social life, but it's true. I'm not an addict as some are, but do enjoy the unexpected tidbits from old and new acquaintances.

Mike and I celebrated one year together, on September 17th. I'm frankly in awe of reaching this significant milestone, as I have only done it once before, and that was 13 years ago. Like any relationship, it has it's ups and downs, but is by far the healthiest one I've ever been in, and for those who know me well, that is saying a lot.

Outlook:

Fairly positive. I still have my days, but am focusing on recongnising when my energies are negative and redirecting them. I get to think a lot while on my bike, which has been good for me. When I take the TTC, I tend to zone out, with my iPod, a book or both, and don't actually spend time with my own thoughts. I'm making a concerted effort to work on my self-esteem, which has taken a nose dive due to all of the above categories. I know I cannot do it on my own, and to that end, I'm looking for assistance as well. Reading helps a lot whether it be related or for pleasure.

I'm glad I've updated, reading this over has reminded me that I actually enjoy blogging and really should do it more often!