I have finished a second book off ML100. This week I completed The Maltese Falcon. It was much better than my first pick off the list. By that, I mean, I enjoyed it more. If you have ever seen the classic film based on the book, you already know the story. The film stays pretty true to the original, even down to specific lines. Granted, they are great, very important lines, but some film adaptations have been known to take out very important parts of a story.
The Maltese Falcon is primarily a detective novel. It tells the story of Sam Spade, a private eye, in the time when movies depict private eyes as fedora-sporting, trenchcoat-wearing, chain-smoking smart alecs. The kind in movies who sit in their office with their feet up on the desk, and the story doesn't start until that hourglass figure is spotted coming in through their smoked-glass office door, and then she walks in. And often, in the movies, the hero's narrative will say something like that: "The she walked in, a tall glass of water if I ever saw one." You know that whole genre.
Anyway, The Maltese Falcon is that type of book. I daresay it even invented that genre. So of course I liked it. I knew the story from watching the Humphrey Bogart film adaptation, so I was prepared for all the twists and turns. Perhaps because I knew what was coming, some parts of the story seemed to drag a bit. But I didn't even mind, because even if the plot dragged, the writing was great. Sam Spade is a truly awesome character. He's like 10 steps ahead of everybody, and is simply too clever. He calls women "angel" and "sweetheart." He is most definitely a wise guy. And he is very complex. Part of what makes the story so interesting is trying to figure this guy out. I mean, he's clearly ok with operating outside of the law, but when it comes down to it, he's not willing to break the law for love. There is a code of conduct for a detective which, to him, is more important than the law. Of course he can't let his partner's murderer go free, even if he wants to. That's bad for his reputation as a private eye. It's completely opposite from what we see in the movies now--people who do anything for love, decide that the live they've been living is nothing without the one they love, and who cares if they have to give up their career, move to a new city and change their name? As long as they have love. Sam Spade is decidedly not of that mindset.
Plus, there's always Brigid O'Shaughnessy. She is one smooth operator. I said I like a good femme fatale and she certainly is one. She plays everyone (except Spade) for a fool, and is always looking out for #1. I was almost sad to see her lose in the end. Of course she was a criminal, and a manipulative feline, the kind of girl, when watered down, I would hate--selfish, bitchy, Regina George-ish. But when she is undiluted, she is, frankly, awesome. I would almost want to be a femme fatale if I lived in the 20s. Modern day femme fatales are just demented and scary.
Anyway, TMF is a great read, especially if you like detective novels and television shows that parody film noir. I know "Boy Meets World" did an episode once in this genre, if you're looking for an example. Now, I'm on to Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. I did not realize it was about a pedophile. This should be interesting...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
1 Down, 99 to Go
I finished the first book on Modern Library's Top 100. Well, not the first, but my first. I am skipping around. But, I finished reading Brave New World last night. I didn't like it. I fully expected to, given my past record, but I just didn't. I would say that it was because the main characters were not able to break through the soma-induced haze of government propaganda and control into a true understanding of life and their place in it, but I think that would be incorrect. In Anthem the hero was mostly able to escape the State's control, and in The Giver, while he did not escape, he was able to see through the world as he knew it into the past. But, in 1984, Winston did not succeed. He came so close, but he was weaker than Big Brother and became a drone, just like they wanted. So, because of this, I do not think the weakness of the characters and lack of a triumphant escape from the Civilized World is at the root of my dislike.
Perhaps part of the reason I did not enjoy the book was that I hated all of the characters. Lenina was too stupid to realize her instincts were telling her there was more to live. She says at the very beginning that she hasn't been into all the activities required for social conformation, but when confronted with the possibility of change, she runs back to her soma. And Bernard was just an idiot. He, too, feels the stirrings of unhappiness, but he makes no effort to break free. I thought Helmholtz was the only admirable character. He felt the need for more than the shallow, consumerist existence he was fed, and he felt he had the power to do something about it. So he throws in with the Savage in the fight against soma-rations, and when thus forcibly transferred out of Society (so as not to pose a threat) he willing takes his punishment and plans to use it to explore his individuality and power. I'm not sure what to make of John the Savage, to be honest. He felt at home neither in Society or on the Reservation. I suppose I applaud him for his attempts to live in isolation, but he was weak. He was not able to see either world for what it was, he was too wrapped up in Shakespeare's view of the world. Referencing the past is great, but he was unable to chose his own views and follow his own heart. And, of course, in the end he went completely nuts and killed the woman he loved and himself. He lived and died by Shakespeare, which, is always a mistake.
So I didn't like most of the characters, and the plot was slow to get started. I thought the entire first half of the novel was an introduction into the world of the future. It made harsh comments on consumerism and technology, but I think it would be possible to make those comments while still moving the story forward. Also, Huxley put random scientific-sounding words in front of everything. "Acetate-silk," "ferra-concrete" and "vibro-vaccuum." I know it feeds into the image the Government was trying to create--scientific progress without any real experimentation, and feeds into the image Huxley was trying to create--an un-reality fed by consumerism, but it pretty much just annoyed me.
This is all my take on the book. I have no idea if I am interpreting anything correctly, because, after all, I chose not to be an English major because I hate analyzing literature, but I do know that I did not enjoy this book, and though probably every one should read it, if it weren't on ML Top 100, I probably would not recommend it.
But, I'm on to The Maltese Falcon which I am optimistic will be better. I do love a good femme fatale.
Perhaps part of the reason I did not enjoy the book was that I hated all of the characters. Lenina was too stupid to realize her instincts were telling her there was more to live. She says at the very beginning that she hasn't been into all the activities required for social conformation, but when confronted with the possibility of change, she runs back to her soma. And Bernard was just an idiot. He, too, feels the stirrings of unhappiness, but he makes no effort to break free. I thought Helmholtz was the only admirable character. He felt the need for more than the shallow, consumerist existence he was fed, and he felt he had the power to do something about it. So he throws in with the Savage in the fight against soma-rations, and when thus forcibly transferred out of Society (so as not to pose a threat) he willing takes his punishment and plans to use it to explore his individuality and power. I'm not sure what to make of John the Savage, to be honest. He felt at home neither in Society or on the Reservation. I suppose I applaud him for his attempts to live in isolation, but he was weak. He was not able to see either world for what it was, he was too wrapped up in Shakespeare's view of the world. Referencing the past is great, but he was unable to chose his own views and follow his own heart. And, of course, in the end he went completely nuts and killed the woman he loved and himself. He lived and died by Shakespeare, which, is always a mistake.
So I didn't like most of the characters, and the plot was slow to get started. I thought the entire first half of the novel was an introduction into the world of the future. It made harsh comments on consumerism and technology, but I think it would be possible to make those comments while still moving the story forward. Also, Huxley put random scientific-sounding words in front of everything. "Acetate-silk," "ferra-concrete" and "vibro-vaccuum." I know it feeds into the image the Government was trying to create--scientific progress without any real experimentation, and feeds into the image Huxley was trying to create--an un-reality fed by consumerism, but it pretty much just annoyed me.
This is all my take on the book. I have no idea if I am interpreting anything correctly, because, after all, I chose not to be an English major because I hate analyzing literature, but I do know that I did not enjoy this book, and though probably every one should read it, if it weren't on ML Top 100, I probably would not recommend it.
But, I'm on to The Maltese Falcon which I am optimistic will be better. I do love a good femme fatale.
Plans for Today
Today I have the whole day off work, and absolutely no plans to go anywhere. I am sure it hasn't been that long since this happened, but for some reason it feels like it has, so I plan on making full use of it. I will also be home alone for the majority of the afternoon and evening, which really hasn't happened in a long time. So, I am facing the prospect of the next 14 hours with nothing to do.
Which actually sounds great. This week has been sort of busy, and yesterday I was flying around doing all sorts of things, and was a total mess. I was late to meet my sister for a cake tasting because I needed gas and forgot to have breakfast, then on my way down, I realized I forgot my work shoes and needed my mom to drop them off at work before I got there at 5. Then I ended up getting to work an hour early, which was good, because I suddenly panicked that I was supposed to be there at 4 not 5. To make a long story short, I felt like a hot mess. So I am excited for today.
I am contemplating a movie marathon. I actually do have some work--editing and emails-- to catch up on, but I can probably be finished those by lunch. So an afternoon movie marathon with the last bit of the Valentine's Day chocolate sounds great. I just have to pick my theme. Should I do high school movies and watch Mean Girls, A Cinderella Story and 17 Again? Or animated films and watch The Princess and the Frog, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty. Action? Indiana Jones, Crocodile Dundee, and Lucky Number Slevin? The Back to the Future trilogy?
So many choices! I simply can't decide. Good news is, I don't have to right now, because I still have that editing to do. That will give me some time to figure out how I feel. That's how I decide things, by the way. What movie to watch, what food I'm craving, the possibilities are endless. I simply go through the list in my head, imagine myself doing that thing--watching Ocean's 11 or eating Skittles--and see how that makes me feel. Am I happy doing that? Or am I still unsatisfied. If I'm happy, I continue through the list and go to round two, narrowing down all the ones that made me feel satisfied. If I feel unsatisfied, I know that Skittles is not the food I am craving.
Just a little insight into the complexity that is my cerebral cortex.
Which actually sounds great. This week has been sort of busy, and yesterday I was flying around doing all sorts of things, and was a total mess. I was late to meet my sister for a cake tasting because I needed gas and forgot to have breakfast, then on my way down, I realized I forgot my work shoes and needed my mom to drop them off at work before I got there at 5. Then I ended up getting to work an hour early, which was good, because I suddenly panicked that I was supposed to be there at 4 not 5. To make a long story short, I felt like a hot mess. So I am excited for today.
I am contemplating a movie marathon. I actually do have some work--editing and emails-- to catch up on, but I can probably be finished those by lunch. So an afternoon movie marathon with the last bit of the Valentine's Day chocolate sounds great. I just have to pick my theme. Should I do high school movies and watch Mean Girls, A Cinderella Story and 17 Again? Or animated films and watch The Princess and the Frog, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty. Action? Indiana Jones, Crocodile Dundee, and Lucky Number Slevin? The Back to the Future trilogy?
So many choices! I simply can't decide. Good news is, I don't have to right now, because I still have that editing to do. That will give me some time to figure out how I feel. That's how I decide things, by the way. What movie to watch, what food I'm craving, the possibilities are endless. I simply go through the list in my head, imagine myself doing that thing--watching Ocean's 11 or eating Skittles--and see how that makes me feel. Am I happy doing that? Or am I still unsatisfied. If I'm happy, I continue through the list and go to round two, narrowing down all the ones that made me feel satisfied. If I feel unsatisfied, I know that Skittles is not the food I am craving.
Just a little insight into the complexity that is my cerebral cortex.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
I Am in Such a Great Mood
And I really don't know why. In the past week a lot has happened, both good and bad. I have worked four shifts in the bar (good). I have organized and ran two Dough Raisers for Uno's which brought in good business and landed me a neat commission (also good). I had an interview at a company that we'll call DEF which did not go that well because three of my five interviewers bailed with no notice or explanation (bad). So they didn't really get a good idea of my capabilities (also bad). And they did not bother to reschedule said interviews, but instead decided not to offer me any of the five positions I interviewed for (very bad, very rude, and very discouraging). I went skiing (good) and the weather today was absolutely gorgeous (very good). So you can see there has been quite a mix of good and bad events in the past week. And a lot of frustration towards corporations and the way they treat people. Yesterday when I received my rejection email, I was very angry, and did a fair bit of crying, and then wrote an email to the DEF telling them how disappointed I was with the way my interview was handled. Perhaps the email was a bit forward. I don't expect, and haven't received, a reply.
But despite all of this, I am in a sunny mood. Probably because I was able to sit outside and read today, which means spring is coming. Its not here, and the weather is supposed to turn yucky again next week, but spring has left the cave it has been curled up in the past few months, and is slowly making its way up from the Southern Hemisphere and will eventually reach Maryland. The journey has begun, and that is all I can ask for. Additionally, I am facing the lovely prospect of spending this evening enjoying $3 margaritas with Megan and Angela, with absolutely nothing to do tomorrow except drive to Queenstown where I will spend the day outside reading, walking around and generally killing time while my father and brother golf, and then will culminate the day with a delicious seafood dinner.
A few posts ago, I referenced my lack of lust for life. While I haven't completely regained my sense of self, I have certainly made progress. I am writing more, I am more than halfway finished Brave New World, I have a social life again, I have exercised multiple times this week, and I am actively applying for jobs once again, because although my confidence in the competency of companies is low, my confidence in myself and my abilities is still moderately high. And so, I find myself in a great mood, walking around singing that song about being solo. I don't know who sings it, but it goes a little something like this:
"Nah-nah-nah-nah, can't stop my shine, something-something-something, I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo."
I think you all know the one I mean. So if you do, could you please tell me how it goes?!?!
But despite all of this, I am in a sunny mood. Probably because I was able to sit outside and read today, which means spring is coming. Its not here, and the weather is supposed to turn yucky again next week, but spring has left the cave it has been curled up in the past few months, and is slowly making its way up from the Southern Hemisphere and will eventually reach Maryland. The journey has begun, and that is all I can ask for. Additionally, I am facing the lovely prospect of spending this evening enjoying $3 margaritas with Megan and Angela, with absolutely nothing to do tomorrow except drive to Queenstown where I will spend the day outside reading, walking around and generally killing time while my father and brother golf, and then will culminate the day with a delicious seafood dinner.
A few posts ago, I referenced my lack of lust for life. While I haven't completely regained my sense of self, I have certainly made progress. I am writing more, I am more than halfway finished Brave New World, I have a social life again, I have exercised multiple times this week, and I am actively applying for jobs once again, because although my confidence in the competency of companies is low, my confidence in myself and my abilities is still moderately high. And so, I find myself in a great mood, walking around singing that song about being solo. I don't know who sings it, but it goes a little something like this:
"Nah-nah-nah-nah, can't stop my shine, something-something-something, I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo."
I think you all know the one I mean. So if you do, could you please tell me how it goes?!?!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
P.O.D
P.O.D is a band. But it is also the acronym I have created for my Photo Of the Day project. So anytime you see reference to POD or PODs, that's either Photo of the Day or Photos of the Day (even though that should technically be PsOD). That abbreviation cleared up, we now move to the exciting portion of our post...the actual photos. So here we go, folks--the first photo update in almost two months! We'll take it slow, since uploading 60 photos would be outrageous. We'll finish off December today and tackle January at a later date!
Yay! Finally a photo update. And we've still got all of January and my awesome Vegas pics to look forward to! Coming soon, I promise.
 |
| 12/17-- My mom's wheelchair basketball game |
 |
| 12/18-- Out for Emily's birthday! We are all way too excited! |
 |
| 12/19-- I wanted to make the globe look like it was the Earth hanging in space...but I forgot globes don't look exactly like the Earth. Minor photo fail. |
 |
| 12/20--It looks like stars, but its my Christmas tree lights. |
 |
| 12/21-- Sweet clouds. |
 |
| 12/22-- Hanging out at Angie's when Kathryn visited Maryland! |
 |
| 12/23-- The moon over Uno's after the Christmas party. |
 |
| 12/24-- Ashbaugh's Christmas Eve bash! |
 |
| 12/25--Christmas morning! Aren't we all so cute in our matching PJs? |
 |
| 12/26-- Prepping for the Thoreson Christmas dinner. I will refrain from further comment on this photo. |
 |
| 12/27-- This week's theme: I judge you on your Christmas decorations. |
 |
| 12/28-- A good effort. Clearly they didn't try too hard...no ladder was needed for any of this. But props for not going the tacky route. |
 |
| 12/29-- Really?!? Your lights aren't even the same color!! Next year, let's see some real effort! |
 |
| 12/30-- We've gone a little overboard here. But I appreciate the effort...especially in comparison to the previous slackers! |
 | ||
| 12/31-- New Year's Eve surprise! |
Valentine's Day
Was yesterday. I hope you all already knew this, but just in case... I did not spend Valentine's Day with Andrew because, unfortunately, we live in two different states. However, he did hop on a last minute bus on Thursday and spent the weekend at my house! It was superfun. Thursday, I had to work, but only for a couple of hours and it was my first real shift in the bar! That's right, yours truly is a true bartender. I also worked in the bar last night (Valentine's Day). So far, I am really liking it. I'm not very good at mixing drinks yet, but I have seen remarkable improvement in the beer-pouring arena.
Anyway, after my 3 hours in the bar, Andrew and I met Emily and Mike at the grocery store, where we bought ingredients to make my dad a lovely birthday dinner. We made asparagus, roasted red potatoes, homemade bruschetta (I love bruschetta so much) and tuna with tomato and basil chutney (aka, bruschetta). On the whole, it was very good. We did have a few issues with timing...it's true what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen. Then we had a lovely chocolate fondue for dessert and watched Despicable Me, which I actually found rather enjoyable.
On Saturday, I had the whole day off so we went skiing! I hadn't been skiing in six years, and Andrew had only been once back in 2003. So we were both very excited to hit the slopes. I was surprised by how easily I picked it back up. When I first learned to ski, I was fearless (well, after my first couple runs, that is) but each time I went after that first weekend, I got progressively more careful and more worried. I'm not really sure why that is, but its true. I also used to talk to myself on the slopes. "Whoa, slow down. Balance! Turn! Damn little kid, whizzing around without even any poles! Watch out!" I like to think nobody heard me, but who really knows.
This weekend, I didn't talk to myself at all. Strange. And I think I did my best skiing ever. My cuts were smaller than they'd ever been, I didn't fall at all, and I even was able to successfully advise Andrew. Though I forgot how exhausting skiing is, and my calves have been sore for days, due to borrowing someone else's boots and cramming myself into them, I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with the sport. I sincerely hope I get the chance to go once more before the season ends. Though yesterday was in the 60s here, so I don't actually know if that will be possible.
Well, I wrote this blog while I waited for the energy to take a shower to come, and I think I'm almost there. Tonight I am really going to try to post some pics. Two months is way too long, and way too many pictures to post. I'll at least get through New Years, I swear!
Anyway, after my 3 hours in the bar, Andrew and I met Emily and Mike at the grocery store, where we bought ingredients to make my dad a lovely birthday dinner. We made asparagus, roasted red potatoes, homemade bruschetta (I love bruschetta so much) and tuna with tomato and basil chutney (aka, bruschetta). On the whole, it was very good. We did have a few issues with timing...it's true what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen. Then we had a lovely chocolate fondue for dessert and watched Despicable Me, which I actually found rather enjoyable.
On Saturday, I had the whole day off so we went skiing! I hadn't been skiing in six years, and Andrew had only been once back in 2003. So we were both very excited to hit the slopes. I was surprised by how easily I picked it back up. When I first learned to ski, I was fearless (well, after my first couple runs, that is) but each time I went after that first weekend, I got progressively more careful and more worried. I'm not really sure why that is, but its true. I also used to talk to myself on the slopes. "Whoa, slow down. Balance! Turn! Damn little kid, whizzing around without even any poles! Watch out!" I like to think nobody heard me, but who really knows.
This weekend, I didn't talk to myself at all. Strange. And I think I did my best skiing ever. My cuts were smaller than they'd ever been, I didn't fall at all, and I even was able to successfully advise Andrew. Though I forgot how exhausting skiing is, and my calves have been sore for days, due to borrowing someone else's boots and cramming myself into them, I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with the sport. I sincerely hope I get the chance to go once more before the season ends. Though yesterday was in the 60s here, so I don't actually know if that will be possible.
Well, I wrote this blog while I waited for the energy to take a shower to come, and I think I'm almost there. Tonight I am really going to try to post some pics. Two months is way too long, and way too many pictures to post. I'll at least get through New Years, I swear!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Reasons Why I Suck
Number 1: As Kathryn pointed out in a comment, I have not posted in over a week.
Number 2: Once again, I have completely failed at keeping up with a weekly shout-out
Number 3: I have almost 2 months of Photos-of-the-Day that I have not posted.
I'm sorry. Lately, I have not been able to screw up the motivation to do much of anything. I can't get into a book, the thought of composing a blog post exhausts me more than a double shift, even watching tv is more than I care to do. I don't facebook stalk. I don't listen to music. I had to force myself to make cupcakes last week. I am, rather quickly, devolving into a vegetable. I really don't know what I do with my time.
Actually, I do know: I work. And when I'm not at work, I countdown the hours until I have to be at work. Or, more recently, I work from home. I am the newly appointed Local Store Marketing Coordinator for Uno Chicago Grill in Frederick. What does this mean? Well, I call a bunch of organizations and ask if they want to book a Dough Raiser with us. I set up meetings to talk to schools about "adopting" them. I attend two-hour-long marketing meetings with LSMs of other Uno's. And I generally promote Uno's throughout the community. At least, those are the goals. I've only just started though, so I'm still getting warmed up. Though, I have already booked three Dough Raisers, and need to set a date for a fourth. I think that's pretty impressive, actually.
Anyway, point is, my life, and myself have become almost entirely unrecognizable. I have always gotten a little, not depressed, but less energetic in the winter. Cold weather makes me want to curl up and hibernate, always has. But this year seems worse. And I am so over it.
I have already taken a few steps towards getting my life back on track. Last week, I went to lunch with my best friend Angela. Also last week, I went to a movie with BFs Angela and Megan. Tonight, I am attending "therapy" (aka $5 martini night at the Cellar Door restaurant) with BFs Angela and Megan again. And this weekend Andrew is coming to visit. So, my social life has been good.
I am going to force myself to engage in the activities I once loved. This blog post is one. When Andrew comes on Saturday, I am reuniting with a long-lost love: skiing. I haven't been skiing in almost 5 years. I love skiing, and miss it dearly. So I am quite excited to once again hit the slopes. Andrew has only been skiing once, so I'm glad to share an almost-new experience with him, and, should he need a refresher course, it will give me an excuse to hit the bunny slopes a few times to get all the kinks out.
Also, today I hit the library. I went last week, but was thoroughly underwhelmed with the volumes I picked out. Clearly, I need a little help in the literary department lately. And since my last project--reading all the #1 NYT Bestsellers in hardcover fiction for 2011-- bombed (due to lack of availability of said novels in the library, and lack of funds to purchase them independently), I have devised a new scheme. Thanks in part to a fellow blogger, www.artinthedeal.blogspot.com, I have decided to read all of Modern Library's Top 100 Novels of All Time. The goal is to do it in one year. That's approximately 2 books a week, and one of those books is Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce. So I doubt I will actually accomplish this task, but a little over/under never hurt anyone. Ok, perhaps when you're talking about bungee jumping, exacting timing and measurement is rather important. But we're talking about a book list here, people. If I need a little extra time, I'll take it, and brook no complaints from any of you.
So, today I printed out the list, which you can find here. I'm going with the library's picks, not the reader's picks. I took my list to the library and picked out three at random. Ok, not at random. I picked three that sounded like an easy start. And guess what?! All three were in the library--no wait! So this plan will definitely be easier in that respect than my last. I emerged with:
1. The Novels of Dashiell Hammett from which I will read The Maltese Falcon (saw the movie and liked it)
2. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (my experience with Russian-sounding literature is limited to Anna Karenina so I am a little hesitant about this one)
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Rather unexpectedly, I am a fan of futuristic, faux-utopian literature. 1984, Anthem, The Giver, I expected to hate all, and instead, enjoyed them. Thus, I have started with BNW)
I am quite excited about this venture, which means it is already working the way I wanted it to. I will definitely keep you posted about my progress. For real. I am going to be better about this blogging thing. I started off so well, and, now that I need some new life breathed into me, I hope to get back on track.
Apologies for my lameness once again. But please find encouraging the fact that I am self-aware enough to acknowledge my epic failures and correct them.
Merci, mes amours!
Number 2: Once again, I have completely failed at keeping up with a weekly shout-out
Number 3: I have almost 2 months of Photos-of-the-Day that I have not posted.
I'm sorry. Lately, I have not been able to screw up the motivation to do much of anything. I can't get into a book, the thought of composing a blog post exhausts me more than a double shift, even watching tv is more than I care to do. I don't facebook stalk. I don't listen to music. I had to force myself to make cupcakes last week. I am, rather quickly, devolving into a vegetable. I really don't know what I do with my time.
Actually, I do know: I work. And when I'm not at work, I countdown the hours until I have to be at work. Or, more recently, I work from home. I am the newly appointed Local Store Marketing Coordinator for Uno Chicago Grill in Frederick. What does this mean? Well, I call a bunch of organizations and ask if they want to book a Dough Raiser with us. I set up meetings to talk to schools about "adopting" them. I attend two-hour-long marketing meetings with LSMs of other Uno's. And I generally promote Uno's throughout the community. At least, those are the goals. I've only just started though, so I'm still getting warmed up. Though, I have already booked three Dough Raisers, and need to set a date for a fourth. I think that's pretty impressive, actually.
Anyway, point is, my life, and myself have become almost entirely unrecognizable. I have always gotten a little, not depressed, but less energetic in the winter. Cold weather makes me want to curl up and hibernate, always has. But this year seems worse. And I am so over it.
I have already taken a few steps towards getting my life back on track. Last week, I went to lunch with my best friend Angela. Also last week, I went to a movie with BFs Angela and Megan. Tonight, I am attending "therapy" (aka $5 martini night at the Cellar Door restaurant) with BFs Angela and Megan again. And this weekend Andrew is coming to visit. So, my social life has been good.
I am going to force myself to engage in the activities I once loved. This blog post is one. When Andrew comes on Saturday, I am reuniting with a long-lost love: skiing. I haven't been skiing in almost 5 years. I love skiing, and miss it dearly. So I am quite excited to once again hit the slopes. Andrew has only been skiing once, so I'm glad to share an almost-new experience with him, and, should he need a refresher course, it will give me an excuse to hit the bunny slopes a few times to get all the kinks out.
Also, today I hit the library. I went last week, but was thoroughly underwhelmed with the volumes I picked out. Clearly, I need a little help in the literary department lately. And since my last project--reading all the #1 NYT Bestsellers in hardcover fiction for 2011-- bombed (due to lack of availability of said novels in the library, and lack of funds to purchase them independently), I have devised a new scheme. Thanks in part to a fellow blogger, www.artinthedeal.blogspot.com, I have decided to read all of Modern Library's Top 100 Novels of All Time. The goal is to do it in one year. That's approximately 2 books a week, and one of those books is Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce. So I doubt I will actually accomplish this task, but a little over/under never hurt anyone. Ok, perhaps when you're talking about bungee jumping, exacting timing and measurement is rather important. But we're talking about a book list here, people. If I need a little extra time, I'll take it, and brook no complaints from any of you.
So, today I printed out the list, which you can find here. I'm going with the library's picks, not the reader's picks. I took my list to the library and picked out three at random. Ok, not at random. I picked three that sounded like an easy start. And guess what?! All three were in the library--no wait! So this plan will definitely be easier in that respect than my last. I emerged with:
1. The Novels of Dashiell Hammett from which I will read The Maltese Falcon (saw the movie and liked it)
2. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (my experience with Russian-sounding literature is limited to Anna Karenina so I am a little hesitant about this one)
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Rather unexpectedly, I am a fan of futuristic, faux-utopian literature. 1984, Anthem, The Giver, I expected to hate all, and instead, enjoyed them. Thus, I have started with BNW)
I am quite excited about this venture, which means it is already working the way I wanted it to. I will definitely keep you posted about my progress. For real. I am going to be better about this blogging thing. I started off so well, and, now that I need some new life breathed into me, I hope to get back on track.
Apologies for my lameness once again. But please find encouraging the fact that I am self-aware enough to acknowledge my epic failures and correct them.
Merci, mes amours!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)