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!

Crying in the Office

I signed up for Apple Music. I'm so hooked.

I'm like a kid in a candy store except the candy store is the world of music. I've listened to tons of new stuff that I wouldn't have found without it.

The playlists they make for you are really good too. I've found a bunch of new artists to check out and enjoyed lots of good compilations. My favourite one was Tom Waits Influences - consisted of The Stones, Howlin Wolf, polka and opera to mention a few. 

Tom Waits is the best. 

I spent a week working in an office in December.* I had my laptop with me so I was all over Apple Music, innocently working away and listening to a playlist. A song** came on that was so amazing.....tears. TEARS. In the office.

Damn?! This is why I work at home!! 

I went home that night and played it for Brad - again: tears. I was sitting there crying, snot everywhere, blubbering about how "it was like that song expressed how I felt about Brad" ....I look over and he's sitting there peeling an orange, looking at me like I'm CRAZY.

Funny how music affects people differently.


* That's a blog post in itself. Working in an office again was interesting.
** The First Time Ever I saw your Face - the Roberta Flack version

More Plates and Screws

Remember when I had jaw surgery?

Can you believe this is still going on? Yesterday I had to have the remaining plates removed from my lower jaw. Deja vu? Yup. I had one plate removed in April.

Recently I developed another infection so we decided to take them all out of my lower jaw. The plates in my top jaw will stay.

 (This is what we took out yesterday.)

Today is all about Netflix, ice packs, smoothies and T3s. 

The recovery isn't too bad but definitely worse than April when I only had one plate removed. I have stitches and swelling and I'm developing some bruising along my jaw.

Oh and one last piece of advice:

The day of IV sedation you aren't allowed to eat or drink anything. The night before, you're allowed to have a normal dinner but likely no alcohol.

What did I do? I went to a Christmas party and had 3 glasses of red wine, one small carrot, a small piece of eggplant, two mussels, a piece of bread and a few spoonfuls of cheesecake.

I wasn't feeling great the night before because I didn't eat enough, and the next day: starving and my surgery wasn't until 2pm.

Hopefully my next post on this subject is announcing the date my braces come off.

Best Meeting Ever

I'm finding new clients, mainly interior designers which is exactly who I want to work for.

I've been working with one designer on a massive millwork package she has to get out. I go meet with her once a week now and I always look forward to it. We got along really well, right from the very first meeting.

Our second meeting ended up with both of us wolfing chocolate truffles.

I already knew that working with designers is fun, but this was off the charts!

Best. Meeting. Ever.

Capsule Outfits

Outfits!

It's Week 3 of my One Month Capsule Challenge and I'm hanging in strong. I feel like I'm starting to narrow down what's working and what needs attention. I'm not sick of anything and still like putting stuff together.

I wore this to a business lunch meeting. I already knew the guys so it wasn't super formal, but I wanted to make a little effort.

 This is an outfit I would wear while I'm working and maybe having to run out to a job site or meet a friend for lunch.
 

 This is one of the more casual, weekend outfits.

This one is almost the same as an earlier photo, but the boots and scarf make a big difference.

I posted this earlier but I wanted one with my chambray shirt. This outfit works for anything and I wear it to death.

My parents are coming out in January again so I'm saving up my shopping trip so I can go with my mom. We never get to shop together so it will be fun. Hopefully I'll know exactly what I want by the time she gets here.

Superstitions

After the Jays game ended yesterday my mom and I texted each other the same sad emoticon - at the same time.

I get really superstitious when stuff like this is going on. I saw most of game 5, including the best home run ever! I had watched the game from the start then I had to leave to go to a meeting. I got back about 5 minutes before the homer.

So now I feel like I have to watch the games from the beginning - on the couch where I was for game 5. Although I did that the last two games and we lost....maybe if I wore the same clothes as game 5.....and ate the same lunch....it goes on and on.

Book Review 24

I'm so far behind with my book reviews, and I'm sure you guys are sick of capsule posts...

Today I added another horrific read to my one star, bad books list. I'll do another 'special' book review post on it.

Blasphemy - Douglas Preston

I turn to these guys when I want pure escapism/mindless thrillers. I love stories that revolve around science - even if the stories are a little far fetched. It's like a good action movie (as opposed to a Vin Diesel movie) in book form.

Borrowed Time - Robert Goddard

This book seemed to have so much potential in the synopsis. Unfortunately the story dragged and it fell flat. I was really bored and looking back, I'm surprised I finished it. I won't read him again.

The Dinner - Herman Koch

An interesting book. I love that it took place in one evening, however there was also lots of back story which was necessary to describe the situation. There was one part that made me laugh out loud. A solid three star book.

The Probable Future - Alice Hoffman

I really like Alice Hoffman, however this one fell a tiny bit short for me. Her prose is there but I thought the story dragged a bit in the middle. She does such a wonderful job of building up the settings and people so it's enough for me to recommend it.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

What can I say? Hardy is my favourite author and this is one of his best. Better review here.

Endless Night - Agatha Christie

After reading Hardy, I usually turn to something light. Agatha Christie is a good place to start. Unfortunately this one was strange. Not her usual whodunnit. Still worth reading to get a full spectrum of her writing.

Here's to another week! I hope your guys had a great Thanksgiving.

Capsule Challenge

I'm starting a challenge. I'm going to wear nothing but my capsule wardrobe for the next month. I started two days ago.

There are some exceptions where I won't necessarily wear capsule items:
1. Working from home - this depends - if I'm running out to a meeting I'll wear capsule. If I'm staying home and working all day I'll wear whatever I find in the closet.
2. Exercise - clothes for activities like this aren't counted as capsule.
3. Hanging out at home on the weekend - pajamas it is! 

So almost every time I leave the house I'll be in capsule items.

I'm looking forward to it. Will I get sick of everything? What will I feel like I need to add/replace? Will I be doing laundry more often? What will get the most use?

You wanted outfits so here's one!

Basic flowy white t-shirt, chambray shirt, light brown cardigan, medium wash skinnies, basic black shoes.

I'll report back in a month.

Another Special Book Review

Recently I read two books - almost in a row - that kind of destroyed me. 

If you spend time here, you'll see that I'm all over the map with my reading. General fiction mostly but I throw in some thrillers, classics and I'm just getting into science fiction.

Once in a while I'll come across a book that is so awful I can't finish it. I usually read about 50 - 100 pages, give it a fair chance, put it down and move on.

Then there are books like this.

So I can appreciate the whole adding-weird-photos-and-text-and-graphics-to-novels-thing that some authors are into lately. That part of the book didn't bother me.*

What bothered me was a nonsensical story involving super annoying characters with a plot line leading no where. There was also a side story that was so bizarre it ended up frustrating me to death. When that story had some guy wandering through the Blitz shooting escaped zoo animals, I threw the book onto my donate pile.

Then....I started reading this beauty.

Sigh.

I know - horror books. I'm taking a chance, I know that! But this one was recommended.

I was about 50 pages from the end when I quit. Let's just say when I got to the scene with the vampire with no face and an erection, I reached my quota of stupidity.

When I read something this bad, it turns me off reading for a couple days. It's intense. Brad also has to put up with my ranting.


*The Raw Shark Texts did a way better job of this by the way.

Lunch at Home

Let's talk lunch.

When I worked downtown I had a routine for lunch and I enjoyed it - a lot. I hit a coffee shop and had a scone and a coffee and took time out with a book.

Now that I'm working at home my lunch is drastically different. It's taken me a while to get into a routine. I usually dig around in the fridge and throw something together. Grilled cheese sandwich, toast, fruit and yogurt....cereal.

The other day I kicked it up a notch.

Grilled cheese with caramelized onions. Hell yes! I get to make it the way I like it, sit in my own comfy chair and eat without worrying about the food in my braces. Woot!

Yet another perk to working at home.

Chambray Shirt

Have you ever splurged on a piece of clothing? Have you ever owned something that cheers you up when you put it on?

I saw this shirt a couple months ago in Club Monaco and scoffed at the price. Then when I decided to seriously pursue a capsule wardrobe, I went back and bought it.

Words fail when it comes to describing how this shirt feels. It's super soft and but way better than silk. I can roll the cuffs, leave it for a couple hours, unroll them and the wrinkles fall out. Sometimes when I walk through my closet I touch it as I pass by just because it's so amazing.

It's like it's already been broken in. It looks good with the cuffs rolled - or not. It doesn't gape at the front when I do it up. It goes with anything and even tucks into jeans well.

I can tell the quality is above grade because the buttons do up easily. This thing is made well, no loose stitches and the material is going to last and stand up to abuse. A huge part of my capsule is quality over quantity and this shirt fits in with that motto.

If you're looking for a chambray shirt - don't skimp on the cost. It's a major part of my wardrobe - capsule or not.

My First Capsule

Have you guys heard the latest thing!? I'm. So. Fully. On. Board.

A friend showed me this website a couple months ago and asked me if I'd re-vamp my cloest and do this with her.

I'll admit that at first I wasn't completely interested. I kinda sorta agreed but with hesitation. Then I went away and actually looked through the website thoroughly. This girl is classic style all the way. Really, her blog describes the style I've been going for (but flailing aimlessly and never quite nailing) for years.

What I walk away with is this: buy less, create a wardrobe you can completely mix and match and above all, buy quality.

First, I went through my closet and ditched a lot of clothes. Stuff that doesn't fit, stuff that I don't feel great wearing and stuff I haven't worn for a long time.

Next I created my first capsule. I bought 4 items to achieve this, the rest I already owned. My fall capsule contains 22* items including shoes and scarves.

So with these items I can dress super casual to meet someone for coffee, dress it up for a work meeting and even attend a cocktail party.

Sweaters/Button-up Shirts/Blazer (x6)

Two of the four items in this group are new, the chambray shirt** and the white/blue plaid shirt***. I have my favourite-goes-with-anything grey cardigan sweater and a white cardigan. The black one on the bottom is an unstructured blazer that dresses up or down.

Graphic T-Shirts (x3)

I dig graphic t-shirts, I don't know why I haven't been wearing them more often. I bought these three beauties in San Francisco and they are perfect in this capsule.

Jeans (x4)

What would we do without dark denim skinnies? I can dress them up or down, feel great in them and they go with everything. I bought these and a more washed out version in San Francisco. I have a pair of boyfriend jeans and dark grey skinnies. Done and done.

Shoes (x3)

Fall. Blundstones are a must. Converse are essential and a pair of simple black flats that go with anything. I'd love a pair of those ankle boots that everyone is wearing but I'm in a holding pattern with this capsule for now.

Plain Shirts (x3)

In the winter I layer. Always a thin shirt, sweater over top and scarf. These shirts are kick ass staples and go with everything. I want that striped one to never wear out - ever.

Scarf (x1)
I cannot leave the house from October until June without a scarf. This is my favourite one and goes with everything. Plus it's one of those big ones so you can do a lot with it.

I also have a basic black dress and a basic black skirt.They can both be dressed up or down, I could wear the black dress with a sweater to dress it down or the black skirt with the blazer for a power meeting. I could also wear a graphic T with the black skirt. Seriously, it's endless.

Here's everything together.

I am so stoked! I have lots more clothes in my closet that I'm curious about. Will they make it into my capsule over the next few months? What will I find I want to add to this? A lot of the clothes in there are summer so they don't count.

Would you consider doing this?

* A sweater is missing from this photo, it's a light tan cardigan.
**This shirt deserves it's own post.
***This shirt will get it's own post very soon.

Book Review 23

I had three or four epic reading fails in a row this summer. That will be another blog post. For now, the usual.

Left Neglected - Lisa Genova

I found the main character in this book annoying and shallow. She's begins by being so obsessed with her work I feel like she already has major issues other than the devastating diagnosis that's in store for her. I understand the author isn't exactly writing a novel, but it doesn't make me want to read more from her. Overall the book fell flat in many ways.

Annihilation - Jeff Vandermeer

I saw this book all over the place and was in the mood for something eerie so it seemed appropriate. It's a short book, only about 200 pages and honestly - it's weird. I finished the book and wondered what I had just read.

My craving for eerie/creepy reading went unsatisfied yet again...

Floating Staircase - Ronald Malfi

I realize I'm taking a risk with these books, but this little voice in my head keeps saying "What if it's what you're looking for? Give it a try." Well, this one wasn't great either. It read like a Hollywood TV mini series, and a cheesy one at that. Nothing too creepy either.

Plus the ebook came as a pdf which added more layers of annoyance.

Enduring Love - Ian McEwan

I love this guy. Nobody builds up tension like McEwan and I totally dig it. The only problem is sometimes the tension builds up, the book is awesome, the "big event" happens and then it's "downhill" and I'm only about halfway through the book.

That being said, I'll definitely read him again.

Old City Hall - Robert Rotenberg

This guy has migrated to the top five of my "page turner" authors. He writes what you wish John Grisham wrote about - the crimes, cops and lawyers who solve them. Plus he includes the trials. It's like Law and Order in a book and best yet - he's Canadian so it's even more relevant. I'm now on his fourth book (I read this one over a year ago) and I'm hoping he writes more.

Death Comes to Pemberley - P.D. James

Normally I scoff - SCOFF - at anyone who comes near Jane Austen and messes with her books. But if there is an author I can forgive it's PD James. She also wrote an apology in the beginning of the book which I love. This mystery isn't bad either, good page turning and she brings back Elizabeth in a classy way. She also treated Lydia perfectly. 

At least there were no zombies. Don't ask.