Tonight, literally less than 8 minutes ago I finished Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight series. It was amazing.
I could have finished it yesterday or even this morning, but I saved the last 200 pages till I was safe at home in my bed, where I had began the first book merely a week ago.
It was the best place to conclude my Twilight experience, and it was a magical one.
I really, truly enjoyed the story. Knowing the end makes me think I would enjoy the first book so much more, but the last one was really great.
Now I am a little lost. These books have been the focus of the majority of my attention for the last week, I don't know what I am going to throw all that mental energy into.
If anyone has any suggestions for a new series, I am all ears. Or even their favourite books, or books they have enjoyed (doesn't have to be a story extended through many books).
Oh it is like a sigh of enjoyment to have completed the saga. As much I knew the ending was near, and wanted to find out what happened, I am sort of saddened that I rushed through it so fast. I would compare it to having a delicious meal placed in front of you and devouring it in 2 minutes, rather than savoring it for hours.
I hope you all had a Happy Holiday time.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Twilight Marathon
On Sunday while picking up a Chanukkah present for my Mom (2 Michael Buble CDs which she loved), I noticed that HMV had the Twilight books on sale for 25% off. I looked at the price, only $10 and I figured for that cost, I would buy it and read it. I've been reading lots of books I haven't been able to finish, so it was time for something easy. I figure if I didn't like it, I only spent like $7 so it wouldn't be the end of the world.
I couldn't put it down.
The book wasn't even that amazing. The first half consists of incredibly drawn out romantic dialogue, and it only picks up the action in the last third of the book. But still, I couldn't put it down.
Smarter than the average publisher, the story finishes, and then they give you a sneek peak of the first 2 chapters of the next book in the series.
After a little of 24 hours of purchasing the first book, I proceeded to walk to HMV to purchase the next one. It was a Monday night around 8:30 pm, so it really wasn't that busy. The books were located right in the front area of the store, but to my dismay they only had copies of the fourth book left, in hardcover no less. I thought for a moment, realizing that it would be cheaper to buy it now at the reduced cost, but also accepting that if I bought this one, I would have no choice but to go to the Indigo and purchase the 2nd and the 3rd books as well.
I paid my $17 for the hardcover of Breaking Dawn, not even really thinking that maybe the second and third books wouldn't be all that enjoyable to convince me to read the fourth.
Then I made my way to the Indigo to purchase the 2nd, New Moon (availabe in soft cover) and the 3rd, Eclipse only available in hardcover.
After thinking I was only spending $7 on a book, I ended up spending $50 on the whole series. But such is life...Happy Chanukkah to me!
I finished the second book on Tuesday night (this time less than 24 hours after I started it). I accomplished this by reading through my lunch at work and staying up way later than was good for me on Monday night when I started reading. Mat somehow convinced me to get to bed finally. Last night though I was not going to give in. The third book was in my immediete grasp and I wasn't about to let the story stop at the end of the second book. I was up till 1am (really late for my, I'm usually in bed by 10pm) reading when I finally convinced myself it was time for sleep.
The second book was much better than the first, a lot more anguish, character development, even thought the books really are not that deep. They are guilty pleasure. I compare the experience to those girls who read Shop a holic books (I CANNOT get into those). But I can, and have become twisted into the Twilight series.
The story is constantly on my mind.
I am now a good 150 pages into the third book. The only downside to reading so fast is that I do not think I am giving the story enough time to sink in. But I am enjoying myself, and haven't watched TV in days, so that is a great thing!
I'm heading to Mat's parents till Sunday, so I will have lots of free reading time available to me. I will let you know how the rest of the marathon turns out!
Happy Holidays
I couldn't put it down.
The book wasn't even that amazing. The first half consists of incredibly drawn out romantic dialogue, and it only picks up the action in the last third of the book. But still, I couldn't put it down.
Smarter than the average publisher, the story finishes, and then they give you a sneek peak of the first 2 chapters of the next book in the series.
After a little of 24 hours of purchasing the first book, I proceeded to walk to HMV to purchase the next one. It was a Monday night around 8:30 pm, so it really wasn't that busy. The books were located right in the front area of the store, but to my dismay they only had copies of the fourth book left, in hardcover no less. I thought for a moment, realizing that it would be cheaper to buy it now at the reduced cost, but also accepting that if I bought this one, I would have no choice but to go to the Indigo and purchase the 2nd and the 3rd books as well.
I paid my $17 for the hardcover of Breaking Dawn, not even really thinking that maybe the second and third books wouldn't be all that enjoyable to convince me to read the fourth.
Then I made my way to the Indigo to purchase the 2nd, New Moon (availabe in soft cover) and the 3rd, Eclipse only available in hardcover.
After thinking I was only spending $7 on a book, I ended up spending $50 on the whole series. But such is life...Happy Chanukkah to me!
I finished the second book on Tuesday night (this time less than 24 hours after I started it). I accomplished this by reading through my lunch at work and staying up way later than was good for me on Monday night when I started reading. Mat somehow convinced me to get to bed finally. Last night though I was not going to give in. The third book was in my immediete grasp and I wasn't about to let the story stop at the end of the second book. I was up till 1am (really late for my, I'm usually in bed by 10pm) reading when I finally convinced myself it was time for sleep.
The second book was much better than the first, a lot more anguish, character development, even thought the books really are not that deep. They are guilty pleasure. I compare the experience to those girls who read Shop a holic books (I CANNOT get into those). But I can, and have become twisted into the Twilight series.
The story is constantly on my mind.
I am now a good 150 pages into the third book. The only downside to reading so fast is that I do not think I am giving the story enough time to sink in. But I am enjoying myself, and haven't watched TV in days, so that is a great thing!
I'm heading to Mat's parents till Sunday, so I will have lots of free reading time available to me. I will let you know how the rest of the marathon turns out!
Happy Holidays
Monday, December 15, 2008
Seminar at Nirvana
Last night was a lovely time. It was great to see old friends and catch up with everyone about what is going on in their lives. The atmosphere was great, minus some loud music and the company was even better.
It was funny getting such a big group together, because a switch of venue and it could have been a film class. Makes me miss learning, but still not enough to go back to school just yet and suffer through exams.
I was so astounded at how many people turned out. Normally people say they will show up, but things come up and plans get changed, but all 11 people arrived pretty much on time if not early and it really made me happy to see others happy and smiling and enjoying eachother's stories.
This week is sure to be fun filled. I have plans every night basically till we leave to Mat's parents place for Christmas.
I get exhausted just thinking about it.
This morning I lugged a huge bag of files for my Rowing club board meeting tonight. Of course I thought this meeting started at 6:30, so my plan was to go straight from work. Evidently when I arrived at work and checked my Agenda, I realized the meeting doesn't start till 7:30, so my lugging efforts were a little pointless.
Either way, I think I will just stick around work till 6:45 and head over to the club around then. The only thing that sucks about these meetings is that the club is not heated, and it gets REALLY cold. Hopefully it doesn't last too long and I can get a ride home.
Another big thanks to my friends. It really makes me happy to see all of you, even if it is just once or twice a year (I would rather it be more), but I am satisfied with what I can get.
It was funny getting such a big group together, because a switch of venue and it could have been a film class. Makes me miss learning, but still not enough to go back to school just yet and suffer through exams.
I was so astounded at how many people turned out. Normally people say they will show up, but things come up and plans get changed, but all 11 people arrived pretty much on time if not early and it really made me happy to see others happy and smiling and enjoying eachother's stories.
This week is sure to be fun filled. I have plans every night basically till we leave to Mat's parents place for Christmas.
I get exhausted just thinking about it.
This morning I lugged a huge bag of files for my Rowing club board meeting tonight. Of course I thought this meeting started at 6:30, so my plan was to go straight from work. Evidently when I arrived at work and checked my Agenda, I realized the meeting doesn't start till 7:30, so my lugging efforts were a little pointless.
Either way, I think I will just stick around work till 6:45 and head over to the club around then. The only thing that sucks about these meetings is that the club is not heated, and it gets REALLY cold. Hopefully it doesn't last too long and I can get a ride home.
Another big thanks to my friends. It really makes me happy to see all of you, even if it is just once or twice a year (I would rather it be more), but I am satisfied with what I can get.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Milk
This post is not about the beverage (as we know I will only drink it if chocolate precedes it's title)
Film: Milk
Starring: Sean Penn, Emile Hersh, James Franco and others.
Rating: FANTASTIC!
This film was truly amazing. The raw emotion displayed by the characters grabbed me from start to finish. First of all, giving away the ending at the beginning of the film was brilliant, I think it only leaves you learning to love the character more in a short period of time, because you know their time is coming to an end. Just a note though, it is a true story, so many would know the ending going into the film regardless of them giving it away.
As a film student, I sometimes wonder if my opinion is flawed based on my attachment to the content of the film, rather than the actual production quality. In the case of MILK, I was blown away by both. The story is very strong (the film actually to 16 years from idea to theatres), the actors portrayals of the characters deserve much more credit than they are getting from the awards committee. The film was only nominated for Best Actor (Sean Penn) for the globes, where in my opinion it definitely deserves some screenwriting nod, as well as a supporting nod for Emile Hersh.
The story is based around Harvey Milk, his journey to becoming a gay activist in San Francisco and his quest to fill a seat in political office.
I cried at least twice in this film, not so much out of sadness, but out of the excitement and passion shown by the characters in bringing this story to life.
Go see it, you will not regret it. This is the type of film that makes me think I should be doing better things with my life than placing adverstisements.
I love the movies that stay with you long after you have left the theatre, and this is one of those films.
Film: Milk
Starring: Sean Penn, Emile Hersh, James Franco and others.
Rating: FANTASTIC!
This film was truly amazing. The raw emotion displayed by the characters grabbed me from start to finish. First of all, giving away the ending at the beginning of the film was brilliant, I think it only leaves you learning to love the character more in a short period of time, because you know their time is coming to an end. Just a note though, it is a true story, so many would know the ending going into the film regardless of them giving it away.
As a film student, I sometimes wonder if my opinion is flawed based on my attachment to the content of the film, rather than the actual production quality. In the case of MILK, I was blown away by both. The story is very strong (the film actually to 16 years from idea to theatres), the actors portrayals of the characters deserve much more credit than they are getting from the awards committee. The film was only nominated for Best Actor (Sean Penn) for the globes, where in my opinion it definitely deserves some screenwriting nod, as well as a supporting nod for Emile Hersh.
The story is based around Harvey Milk, his journey to becoming a gay activist in San Francisco and his quest to fill a seat in political office.
I cried at least twice in this film, not so much out of sadness, but out of the excitement and passion shown by the characters in bringing this story to life.
Go see it, you will not regret it. This is the type of film that makes me think I should be doing better things with my life than placing adverstisements.
I love the movies that stay with you long after you have left the theatre, and this is one of those films.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Older people
Do you ever encounter older people who think they know better than you just because of thier age?
I HATE people this like. Hate is a strong word, and I am using it.
It frustrates me to know end when my opinion isn't valued by others because they think "they know better".
I am the type of person who doesn't take shit from people, and unfortunately when you have debates with people at work who treat you like an idiot, this doesn't help your relationships.
I hate listening to older people speak as if they are the wisest people in the world, when they really don't know shit about issues and just laugh at you as you try to explain where they are coming from.
Fuck em.
This is the only big thing that sucks about my work. I work with a bunch of underachieving old people, and they are not wise or knowledgeable and scoff at ideas I try to put forward. I shouldn't even put my energy into trying to educate them on a different perspectives.
I am not intimidated by old people, it would just be nice if they would give me a chance to express myself regardless of my age.
I HATE people this like. Hate is a strong word, and I am using it.
It frustrates me to know end when my opinion isn't valued by others because they think "they know better".
I am the type of person who doesn't take shit from people, and unfortunately when you have debates with people at work who treat you like an idiot, this doesn't help your relationships.
I hate listening to older people speak as if they are the wisest people in the world, when they really don't know shit about issues and just laugh at you as you try to explain where they are coming from.
Fuck em.
This is the only big thing that sucks about my work. I work with a bunch of underachieving old people, and they are not wise or knowledgeable and scoff at ideas I try to put forward. I shouldn't even put my energy into trying to educate them on a different perspectives.
I am not intimidated by old people, it would just be nice if they would give me a chance to express myself regardless of my age.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Quotes leading up to the Vigil, installment #2
"The biggest challenge is to convince a woman that it’s not her fault. My daughter is 25; my stepdaughter is 22. As a mother, I want them to know that if a boyfriend is abusive, you cannot ignore it – ‘Oh, he’s been drinking’ or ‘He had a bad day’. There is no excuse for a man hitting a woman. Ever."
Senator Debbie Staenow, Michigan
"Violence against women ... is pervasive, it’s epidemic, it saturates the society. It’s very hard to make anyone notice it because there’s so much of it."
Andrea Dworkin, 1946-2005
Senator Debbie Staenow, Michigan
"Violence against women ... is pervasive, it’s epidemic, it saturates the society. It’s very hard to make anyone notice it because there’s so much of it."
Andrea Dworkin, 1946-2005
Waiting for the Snow
I know it's coming, the snow... but the idea of it coming seems so far.
It's in the air, but it hasn't arrived, like.. you can smell it, but not see it.
I don't particularly have any attachment to snow. I'm not a big skier, and frankly I DO NOT enjoy winter boots (I have never found a pair that fits my abnormal feet), but it is pretty and fun to play in, if you are properly equipped in a snow suit. (see orange snow pants post below)
Something that has been bothering me lately. People do not care. Over 600 women have died in Ontario alone since the Montreal Massacre, and yet only 21 people of the over 400 I emailed have replied that they are attending the Vigil. It is BEYOND me, how a birthday party can get over 50 attendees in the span of a few days, but no one will take an hour out of their night to remember these women.
The numbers haven't changed. What does it say that if every year over 30 women are murdered...? It says that more has to be done. I'm not asking for people to write letters, or picket the parliament buildings...I'm asking for people to show solidarity for the cause. Pay their respects to these women, and make a point of raising awareness, telling people that violence against women is an IMPORTANT issue that needs to be addressed and recognized.
I think that what bothers me most is my closest friends are the ones who are ignoring my invitations to help spread the word (if they can't attend) or just attend. It has been the strangers or semi colleagues who have reached out and volunteered their time to set up the event, and attend and forward the press release to their contacts. My closest friends have been MIA. Makes you wonder if some people share the same values like you thought they did.
This issue deserves, no demands attention, or how are we ever going to change the way people think.
It's in the air, but it hasn't arrived, like.. you can smell it, but not see it.
I don't particularly have any attachment to snow. I'm not a big skier, and frankly I DO NOT enjoy winter boots (I have never found a pair that fits my abnormal feet), but it is pretty and fun to play in, if you are properly equipped in a snow suit. (see orange snow pants post below)
Something that has been bothering me lately. People do not care. Over 600 women have died in Ontario alone since the Montreal Massacre, and yet only 21 people of the over 400 I emailed have replied that they are attending the Vigil. It is BEYOND me, how a birthday party can get over 50 attendees in the span of a few days, but no one will take an hour out of their night to remember these women.
The numbers haven't changed. What does it say that if every year over 30 women are murdered...? It says that more has to be done. I'm not asking for people to write letters, or picket the parliament buildings...I'm asking for people to show solidarity for the cause. Pay their respects to these women, and make a point of raising awareness, telling people that violence against women is an IMPORTANT issue that needs to be addressed and recognized.
I think that what bothers me most is my closest friends are the ones who are ignoring my invitations to help spread the word (if they can't attend) or just attend. It has been the strangers or semi colleagues who have reached out and volunteered their time to set up the event, and attend and forward the press release to their contacts. My closest friends have been MIA. Makes you wonder if some people share the same values like you thought they did.
This issue deserves, no demands attention, or how are we ever going to change the way people think.
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