The Force Awakens

*I think I've waited long enough. If you haven't seen the movie, don't read this post.*

Remember this? 

We weren't planning on seeing The Force Awakens until the very end. In fact, I was so jaded that I wasn't even planning on going at all. 

Then....my mom went. She enjoyed it so much and begged me to go so we could talk about it! So Brad and I went in December and.....I've seen it three times and I'm planning on going again.

It's complete redemption for all the crap JJ Abrams has done in the past. I think they had people like me in mind, and he was obviously a fan of the original three movies. I could go on and on about all the things I love but I'll try to keep it short.

First of all - how badass is Kylo Ren?! His mask, his ship, his belt*, his light sabre (I hated it at first until I researched it) and best of all his voice.

Rey - amazing, intimidating, strong, female lead character. Finn - fantastic, so interesting to see the storm troopers. And he is kick ass in action scenes, emotional scenes and funny scenes. 

I was most worried about BB-8. I thought for sure he was going to another Jar Jar. But he wasn't overdone at all. In fact he was so well done I almost liked him more then R2.

One of the best things they did was kill off Han Solo. *gasp* I know. I was so shocked in that scene, mostly because I didn't think Hollywood was capable. It was dramatic, sad, surprising and intense. Sucks to see Han Solo go but it makes the story deeper. And anyway, there's speculation that Harrison Ford wanted it to happen in Jedi.

I was so anxious to see Luke Skywalker. When I was a kid I had the most massive crush on him.

I mean...

.....seriously.....come on.

I loved how it felt like Luke was present during the whole movie. Then when we finally see him....it couldn't have been done better.


* Okay that belt. What is with it?!

Tidal Wave

Are you one of those people who work better under pressure?

I'm not sure I fall into that category. However, I find that if I have a ton to do and actually get ahead in my work (rare) then I immediately lose all momentum. Which is my I'm posting this on Thursday at 10:30 in the morning.....

I'm finding that sometimes work is like a tsunami. You know how the water retreats way out to sea before coming back in a giant tidal wave?

That's where I am right now. I have enough work to keep me busy for the next two days. But I can see what's coming....and it's a giant tidal wave.

Lately I know I'm completely burnt out. I'm restless in the evenings but not sure what I want or need. I've tried retail therapy, tried indulging in food and alcohol.....nothing works.

I think it's time for a cabin in the woods.

Vinyl. Finally.

We finally bought a turntable.

There's something about choosing a record, pulling out the vinyl and plunking the needle down that is so much better than .mp3 files. There's so much more intention to listening to music this way. I love hearing the album in the order the artist wanted me to hear it - while looking through the art work and lyrics.

And record stores?! Oh how I miss them. We have a couple here and they're great. I took my mom to one when she was here and she ended up talking with a guy her age about "how expensive records are these days." All this was happening as I dropped $80 on my two favourite Bowie albums.

The other day I took a break from work, wandered into the living room and put on an album. I sat here and savoured Side B, then went back to work.

Our record collection is small but mighty. My favourite Stones album, more Bowie, some Tom Waits and other random awesomeness. I can see this getting out of hand financially.

Next up: Pink Floyd, Tom Waits' entire discography and Led Zeppelin.

Bowie

I don't think I'll ever forget the moment I found out David Bowie died.

It was the middle of the night, I got up to get a glass of water and - I never do this - checked my phone. My mom had texted me and told me. I'm so glad I heard it from her.

You guys know me - I'm the last person on earth who cares anything about movie stars or Hollywood gossip or any of that stuff.

But - David Bowie?! 

I crawled back into bed, woke Brad and told him and cried myself to sleep.

After that all I can say is 'thank god I work at home'. I had Bowie on high rotation - for the first few days I didn't listen to much else. Then......the Lazarus video.

 

Again - thank god I work at home: Sobbing. Tears. Snot. Head on my desk at the end. Kleenex everywhere. When he gets into that cabinet - !? And the lyrics put me over the top.

Oh I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Oh I'll be free
Ain't that just like me

Bowie stood for all the freaks and weirdos who felt like they never fit in. He told them they were okay and not alone. The music on Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory blow my mind every time I hear them. Just do a search on my blog for Bowie - I dare you! 

My mom was here in January visiting and we were so glad to be together. We felt like we were clutching each other after the news - we were so sad, it was hard to express and comforting to be together. We listened to music together, shared lyrics and songs we loved and helped each other through it.

I read an article about how people were saying "get over it" and the writer's response included the usual - everything he stood for, the talent etc. But also the question: What if there is never anyone else like him?

At this point, I'm just thankful for the music. He truly was amazing and holds a big place in my heart.

Book Review 25

I will admit - I'm skipping ahead in my book reviews. I read these exactly one year ago now - trust me, you aren't missing anything with the stuff I'm skipping. I'm so behind in my reviews that if I don't skip ahead I'm going to forget what the books were about.

Life After Life - Kate Atkinson

I was intrigued with this book - a woman who keeps re-living her life until "she gets it right". And not in a funny way like Groundhog Day. It was well written and made me want to read more by this author. *

Fortune's Rocks - Anita Shreve

Anita Shreve usually does a number on my emotions. This was a good book, but a different style for her. I enjoyed it although I felt like it ran a little long.  However the relationship between the heroine and her lover is really intense.....then again a little unbelievable and....strange.

Above all Things - Tanis Rideout

I was really looking forward to this one, and it was good - but that's it. Not completely memorable but a solid three stars. I know I'm not saying much, but honestly nothing stands out.

The Hidden Reality - Brian Greene

I love physics and Brian Greene is so good at explaining complicated theories in layman's terms. That being said there are theories in this book that were still way over my head. If you want a challenge and are interested - a definite must-read.

The Moving Toyshop - Edmund Crispin

Brad reads a lot of "old classic mysteries" and this one looked really good. If fell so flat, I was really disappointed. The synopsis was like a trick, it pulled me in but didn't deliver on the mysterious "how'd they do it?!" aspect.  I wish someone modern would take this idea and re-do it properly.

What are you guys reading? I've been reading a book since January 1st and I'm not sure about it yet. 


* I did try another book by Atkinson and I couldn't get through it - I didn't like the characters, the story or the writing?! (One Good Turn)

Best of 2015

Happy New Year!

2015 was an intense, crazy year.  I started my own business, met tons of new people, lots of good camping trips through the summer and a trip to San Francisco. Lots of changes and new experiences. Overall it was a great year!

Best Book

I can't help it this year, it's a tie. 

I'm not sure if you could find two more different books. 

Last year a Joseph Boyden book was the best, this year I read the sequel. This book made me cry. CRY. His writing is incredible.

Ready Player One was also amazing for different reasons. It's a fun, original story that grabs your attention right away. It's also a trip back to 80's nostalgia. I recommend having Google Images close by if you can't remember or don't know about the things he's talking about. 

(Honourable mentions: The Martian, A Pair of Blue Eyes)

Best Album

Digits - Death and Desire was on high rotation for most of the year. Such great music to work to, it's edgy but not too crazy and distracting. (Honourable mention: Hot Chip - Why Make Sense.)

Best Instagram

I still love Brad's shirt, this is my favourite t-shirt and the lighting is great. I seem to have tons of shots of my messy desk, coffee and - surprisingly - beer in my feed this year. 

Best Blog Post

My favourite book lead to my best blog post. Krull. Definitely not the best movie - in fact one of the worst movies ever. But I love this cartoon and I still laugh of the memory of how tortured Brad was.

Best Show

I know, I'm late to the party. As usual. I'm actually only on Season 2 but it's such a great show. So rare that I can find something that makes me laugh out loud.

(Honourable mention: W1A and The Killing.)

Best Movie

We actually just saw this last night, but I'm including it as 2015 movies. This is also another blog post in itself, but I'll wait because I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

I'm looking forward to 2016! We're planning a big trip, my parents are here for the month of January, I'm busy with work, and best of all......I'll be getting these braces off sometime this year!