Christmas Ramblings

I survived another holiday season despite a valiant effort by a stomach flu to do me in. My rush into health came just in time for Christmas Eve. Christmas Day was spent with family, and I'm happy to report that nothing too traumatic occurred.

In between sleeping & feeling like a limp dishrag, I did manage to squeeze in a viewing of Twilight with a twelve year old girl borrowed from a friend (Okay, okay, it was part of her Christmas present!). It was interesting, as both she & I had read the book, and much discussion ensued. We concurred that we (naturally) like the book better, but our major issues were with casting. Bella was too flat while Edward's voice was much higher than either of us imagined while reading the book. We just looked at each other & started laughing when Edward walked into the sun. The effect was defnitely not what I imagined when reading the book & was truly quite comical to both of us. The first half of the movie had a rushed feeling that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it was the course of the relationship being different than in the book. I can't say I hated the movie, but it is not among my favorite vampire films (I'm now having trouble conceiving of Meyers' creations as vampires, as my image falls more in line with the old school Lugosi type vampire). I'm now reading the last book in the series, and that is driving the feeling more than the movie, I think.

Oooh, more Christmasy stuff! I managed to catch the Doctor Who Christmas Special -- The Next Doctor. While not quite what I originally envisioned upon hearing about the departure of David Tennant, it was quite enjoyable. There was an especially teary moment at the end. :)

All in all, a nice holiday filled with good fellowship with friends & family. Hope each of you had a joyful holiday.

And the World Smacks Back

Recall me saying something in an earlier post about the world watching out today because my class would be over? I think someone warned the world because it beat me down with a stomach bug. I survived the final (don't get me started on the craziness of that), but I'm watching the world go by from the comfort of my couch, where I've bedded down with my doggies, my blanket, and a CSI marathon. Guess the world will have wait until tomorrow. Back to my ginger ale. Anyone know how to train dogs to make drinks so I don't have to get up to refill my ginger ale?

Heroes: Volume 3 -- The Reaction

Ten minutes ago, Heroes Volume 3 ended. My thoughts? All in a jumble. There is so much I want to write, but I also do not want to post spoilers for those who have not seen it yet. All in all, I like what ended up happening. The show seems to be returning to its character driven roots. That was a strength of the show from the beginning, and I hope it highlights those strengths again in Volume 4 (starting Feb. 2).

On to more reactions:
The Petrelli Clan: Are they cursed to unhappiness? Is there such a thing as a happy Petrelli? It was nice to see Peter taking a stand. Angela is a guilty pleasure. She's so good at what she does. Even if she is doing wrong, I enjoy watching her do it! Loved that final scene with Nathan. He's finally going the direction I've always felt he should. It is the way he has been written from the beginning to me, and I'm eager to see how it turns out. Loved that little cameo there at the end too!

Sylar: I'm happy to see him getting off the fence & making a moral choice. Sylar bad is best & I'm looking forward to seeing him revel in his villany (at least for a little while). He's almost as good at mind games as Angela!

Claire & Noah: These two need a father-daughter weekend in the worst way. Noah was one the characters I liked the least at the beginning & now I've come to really him.

Suresh : I'm really getting tired of him. His strength was being the moral center & the one without powers. He was the check & giving him powers changed that. If only he would lose his powers.

Daphne & Parkman: The struggle between these two over Daphne's morality is cute! I really like Daphne's spunk. I want these two to be happy, but I want resolution on Matt's family.

Hiro & Ando: I absolutely adore Hiro! The scene with his mother was wonderful, and his relationship with his father is enjoyable, too. Ando & he are a great team! I can't wait to see what happens with Ando's power.

Mostly quick reaction tonight. More later as I turn it all over in my head!

Let the Christmas Season Begin...

The Christmas season officially kicked off this weekend with a holiday gathering on my father's side of the family. My grandmother's little farmhouse was packed to the rafters, and the merriment spilled onto the porch, meandering out into the yard. It was nice to catch up with family I haven't seen in a while, and the fun and frivolity helped get me in the Christmas spirit. I have two Christmas parties at work this week, so I'll definitely be feeling Christmasy by Friday. Which reminds me, I have to do my holiday shopping yet.

In addition, I'm preparing for a final on Tuesday, and the accompanying anxiety has prevented me from focusing my attention on the holiday season. So, world you'd better watch out on Wednesday, for it will be full on Christmas then.

Just Another Manic Monday

Wow, has it been a crazy day! Work chaos followed by a roller coaster of a Heroes episode. Ending with a mad dash down the street after a freaked out dog! Don't know about y'all but I'm ready for bed.

Thankfully, the pup was recovered without incident & he's fine. It's just his mama that's still freaked out. The adrenaline surge will be over soon & my heartbeat will return to normal.

It's days like this that let me know I'm still human.

Ramblin' On

Wow, I guess it's been a while since I've visited this space. I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted anything. What few readers I had have probably wandered off in boredom now. For those you still out there, I'm still alive.

The most interesting thing that has happened has been the addition of two new dogs to our family back in April(Can you hear them barking?). It was supposed to be just one with the second a surprise for my parents. My mother decided she did not want another dog (their dog passed away a couple of years ago), and we could not bring ourselves to part with the little fellow. Our menagerie is holding at six. Hubby keeps saying no to the penguin and the pygmy hippo! Getting everyone settled took quite a bit of time, but we've all survived mostly unscathed.

Nothing interesting on the movie front in quite some time. I loved Iron Man! Hated Kingdom of the Crystal Skull! Zack & Miri was sweeter than I expected, but not too saccharine. Very enjoyable. I'm still waiting to see Quantum of Solace and Twilight.

Oh, that reminds me! I achieved a dream of mine! I got to go to a Kevin Smith Q&A. He actually did on at the local university. The night was phenomenal! Ok, a few of the questions sucked, but Kevin was amazing!! I laughed until my entire body hurt, and then he made me laugh more. The man is awesome!!!!

I have not been able to read as much as I'd like because I started taking a few classes. Textbooks are not as interesting as novels. Someone should do something about that. I have managed to read The Dresden Files up through White Night. I can't wait to get my hands on Small Favor. I also read the first three Twilight books. Not nearly as angsty as I expected. Most recently, I've read the last two Goldy Schulz mysteries (well, I'm still reading the last one.)

One other thing that has consumed a lot of time has been Rock Band! The second is even better than the first. The DLC lately has been nice. Still haven't persuaded hubby to dl the Foo Fighters and RHCP yet, but the day will come. Oh, and Netflix on the 360 freakin' rocks!

I've developed an addiction to Deadliest Catch and Surviorman! Dirty Jobs too! I'll watch these shows whenever they are on, no matter how many times I have seen them. Ok, that's the real reason I haven't been blogging. Damn you, Discovery Channel!!

Just a brief update, more to come -- maybe. :)