It's new year's eve eve.
I have two new year's songs that I like to listen while an old year closes and a new one begins.
I'm going to spend my New Year's Eve getting a pedicure, having dinner at a soul food restaurant I've been wanting to try, and then heading to Lee's Palace to see the always-fun Elliott Brood. I was disappointed that they didn't play Lee's last year, but I'm glad they are back this year.
I'm looking forward to saying good-bye to 2013. It's been a roller-coaster of a year. I can count lots of things that have gone wrong, or that have brought me stress and sadness, but it's probably best to focus on the good, right?
I spent most of the year exercising lots and eating healthy. I feel strong, and I'm probably in the best physical shape of my life. I can run faster than I've ever been able to. I have muscle definition that I've never seen before. I want to keep working out and eating healthy with the same consistency in 2014, and I'm going to run a half-marathon next year. (I'm going to register on New Year's Day.)
I started 2013 in Washington DC, which was a super fun trip. Who knew how much I'd love that city? The other trip I took in 2013 was to Kenya, of course, which is one of the best things I've ever done in my life. I got to finally go to Africa, and got to immerse myself in the rural Maasai Mara. I learned so much about humanity, love, and compassion on the trip, and I'm a better person for it.
Work was pretty good overall. I always love my classes, and as always, being involved heavily in extra-curricular activities has brought me lots of joy. I love getting to know students a little bit outside the classroom, where I get to know more about their lives, and it's fun when they get to know me better too. Like my love of Lorde, and dislike of Walmart, which raises the question "Miss, would you go to Walmart if Lorde was there?" Answer: I don't know.
2013 allowed me to work a lot for charitable causes, not only in Kenya, but in other places in the world and in my own community. My friends were kind enough to sponsor me when I ran the Sporting Life 10K, and I raised more than enough to send a kid with cancer to camp for a week. I was able to help Filipino staff and students raise an amazing amount of money for typhoon relief, and I felt very proud of this effort. And of course, I continued to support other causes dear to my heart like the Daily Bread Food Bank, the Toronto Humane Society, and my sponsored child in the Philippines.
Even though work and a healthy lifestyle keep me busy, I'm glad that I can keep up with all of the long-lasting close friendships that I've cultivated in my life. I'm glad that I've spent hours having dinner, drinks, going to shows, skyping, texting, visiting, and emailing all of the wonderful people in my life. Having great friends makes all of the difference in life.
My mom's health has improved a lot since her fall and surgery in September. She seemed quite strong while I was there over the holidays, so even though her health was a source of stress for me in 2013, I'm glad that it's turned around after some hard times.
Finally, I've been able to keep up with the things I love like reading and finding new bands and going to shows. I only (giant eyeroll) went to twenty concerts this year (down from 29 in 2012) but I saw some great stuff. Probably the high light was Field Trip, Arts & Crafts' 10th anniversary festival, that was comprised of my favourite artists like Broken Social Scene, Feist, Stars, Dan Mangan, and Hayden. It's fitting that I'm closing out 2013, with a show, and I'm excited that I already have my first concert tickets for 2014 (Blue Rodeo at Massey Hall with my dear friend Elisa).
So, despite any heartache, sadness, and bullshit... still, pretty good year.
I wish all of you the best in 2014 and thanks so much for reading my silly little blog, commenting, and supporting me whoever you all may be. :)
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
My Year in Lists: Favourite Albums of 2013
Well, I'm back in Toronto, reunited with my cat friend Rilo, and happy to be back in my own space. For what seems like the first time in months, I have a quiet Friday night to myself, and I decided why not compose my list of favourite albums of the year!
Now, I kind of feel like I'm playing music critic when I write this list, and I realize that I'm totally no expert when it comes to music. My list is usually made of half of new bands that I discovered this year (that may be old to most people), and half of bands that I've loved for years. Also, because of life, I just don't have time to check out all of the albums. Like I haven't even checked out Arcade Fire's "Reflektor" yet this year, and maybe it should be on this list, but maybe not. I don't know. All I do know that if I like that album, it'll be a 2014 memory for me.
With that said, here's the list of the music that will forever be my soundtrack of 2013.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
A) Give Up (Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition) - The Postal Service
I don’t know how I feel about including a re-issue on a best of 2013 list, because it kind of makes the year look lame, but I really loved getting (re)-acquainted with this album this year, so I’ll give it an honourable mention. (Although I have seen this album included on some best of 2013 lists.) I don’t think I fully connected with it in 2003 anyway, because that was the year that I was isolated from civilization in a remote northwestern Ontario community. The packaging of the vinyl set of this edition is gorgeous, and I fell in love with songs like “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” and “Nothing Better”. The new-ish material and remixes are worthwhile listening to as well. Bonus: Seeing them play at the ACC with Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley was an absolute 2013 highlight for me. Fave songs: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight & Nothing Better
B) Arrows of Desire - Matthew Good
I was not a fan of this album on first listen. I liked how a couple of the tracks melded into each other, but there was a lot on it that I couldn’t connect with. Fast forward to me seeing Matthew Good play this album live at Massey Hall at the beginning of November, and this album clicked for me. I spent lots of time after the show listening to this album, and although it’s not my fave MG work, it’s definitely grown a lot on me. Fave songs: Had it Coming & Letters in Wartime
NOW ONTO THE TOP TEN!
10) Fade Away - Best Coast
I’m not sure if this album is classified as an LP or an EP as it only has 7 songs. What it lacks in quantity, it definitely makes up for in quality. This album has a punk rock heart, with the heart of the saddest country song. Bethany Cosentino has a strong soulful voice like Jenny Lewis or Neko Case. I love this little album.
Fave songs: This Lonely Morning & I Don’t Know How
9) Ultramarine - Young Galaxy
I feel that 2013 is the year of me connecting with bands for which I feel like I’m late for the party. Young Galaxy is the first. I discovered this album because a random friend invited me to their show at Lee’s Palace, and I downloaded Ultramarine as prep for the show. This album is electronic-y and groovy, and has a decidedly summer feel to it.
Fave songs: Pretty Boy & New Summer
8) If You Leave - Daughter
I know nothing about this band, other than I really like this album. It’s dark, and rather depressing, and comes in handy when you’re in an emo mood and hating on love and romance. Great sounds for the autumn. Youth is such a lovely sad song that will haunt me for years to come. (Sample line: “setting fire to our insides for fun; collecting names of the lovers that went wrong”.)
Fave songs: Youth & Winter
7) Trouble Will Find Me - The National
The National is yet another late-to-the-party band for me. Everyone’s loved them for years, and this is the year that I’ve gotten into them, with help from my hair stylist and a friend from work. It’s another great emo hating-on-love album, and I have to be careful not to listen to it too much or I’ll get super sad, but it’s so good that it’s hard not to listen. These are the catch-22s of my life, I suppose.
Fave songs: This is the Last Time & Pink Rabbits
6) Volume 3 - She & Him
This is my last late-for-the-party band of 2013. Unlike #s 7 and 8 on this list, this album is pretty upbeat, and I’ve spent a lot of time spinning this on my turntable while doing adorable Zoe Deschanel things in my apartment like writing, wrapping gifts, and knitting. This album has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of seeing She & Him at TURF in July with some friends and getting rather tipsy and dancing around like a fool. I’d classify this as happy summer music.
Fave songs: I’ve Got Your Number, Son & Somebody Sweet to Talk To
5) Pure Heroine - Lorde
How did a 16-year-old produce such a mature album? I don’t really understand how Lorde is so great but she is. She nails how I, a 33 year-old-woman, feel about having to go out and party and things with lines like “I kind of over getting told to throw my hands up in the air” and “I’m kind of older than I was when I revelled without a care”. And, she name checks a Broken Social Scene song (Lover’s Spit) in another one of her songs. I guess my kindred spirit is a teenage pop star from New Zealand, and I’m fine with that.
Fave songs: Ribs & Team
4) Heartthrob - Tegan & Sara
I’ve been a fan of Tegan & Sara for years, and I totally dig how they embraced a completely pop sound for their new record. Heartthrob opens with “Closer” which is a delightful song about falling for someone new and just needing to get closer with them. Who doesn’t love that feeling. But then, BLAM! on track #2, love goes wrong and you’re saying “Goodbye, Goodbye” to that person who just wasn’t as great as they seemed. Yes, you might think that this is a sappy love album from Closer, but it’s actually a great pop album about love gone wrong. I think the best songs tend to be about love gone wrong, no?
Fave songs: Closer & Drove Me Wild
3) NO BLUES - Los Campesinos!
Los Campesinos! is in my top five bands, and they have such a strong hold in my top five because each album they put out is strong, and NO BLUES is no exception. Their music tends to be deliciously dark, gothic, and morose, yet it’s so fun to sing-along to. I knew that this album would be up my alley as soon as they released the first single “What Death Leaves Behind” and the other songs did not disappoint me. I find LC!’s lyrics evoke strong images for me, like as in the song “As Lucerne/The Low” where Gareth sings about his tunes sending “all the patrons home to make up with their first wives”. If you like dark, clever music, NO BLUES is for you.
Fave songs: As Lucerne/The Low & Avocado Baby
And now, here is where I totally lame out and TIE TWO albums for my favourite of 2013 because I can’t decide between the two.
1) The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You - Neko Case
First of all, this is my favourite album title ever. Neko Case’s albums never disappoint me, and I was so excited for her latest album. This album is the product of depression she suffered after the death of her grandmother, and I think anyone who has suffered death and sadness will be able to relate to her songs. Neko’s voice is as strong, beautiful and unique as ever, and her song-writing is the same. On “Nearly Midnight, Honolulu” she sings about overhearing a mother telling her child to shut the fuck up at an airport. “Calling Cards” makes me wistful for people who I miss, and “Ragtime” is my favourite winter song ever. “Where Did I Leave That Fire” evokes what it feels like when you lose yourself to depression, and I love that Neko is brave enough to write songs about such difficult material, yet make it beautiful.
Fave songs: Calling Cards & Ragtime
1) Us Alone - Hayden
I’ve been listening to Hayden since I was sixteen. For awhile, I felt his albums just kept getting better and better, but then disappeared for a few years and came back on Arts & Crafts records this year with this beautiful little album that just kept growing on me as the year progressed. It didn’t hurt that I got to see him play these songs on four occasions. Hayden, like so many of my friends, has grown up, and these songs describe the difficulties of parenting and adulthood, yet there are still songs about the importance of music, cheating lovers, and blurry nights.
Fave Songs: Blurry Nights & Rainy Saturday
And that's it. I don't even know what's coming up in 2014 musically. No clue. I look forward to discovering some new favourites, and maybe re-discovering some old favourites too.
Now, I kind of feel like I'm playing music critic when I write this list, and I realize that I'm totally no expert when it comes to music. My list is usually made of half of new bands that I discovered this year (that may be old to most people), and half of bands that I've loved for years. Also, because of life, I just don't have time to check out all of the albums. Like I haven't even checked out Arcade Fire's "Reflektor" yet this year, and maybe it should be on this list, but maybe not. I don't know. All I do know that if I like that album, it'll be a 2014 memory for me.
With that said, here's the list of the music that will forever be my soundtrack of 2013.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
A) Give Up (Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition) - The Postal Service
I don’t know how I feel about including a re-issue on a best of 2013 list, because it kind of makes the year look lame, but I really loved getting (re)-acquainted with this album this year, so I’ll give it an honourable mention. (Although I have seen this album included on some best of 2013 lists.) I don’t think I fully connected with it in 2003 anyway, because that was the year that I was isolated from civilization in a remote northwestern Ontario community. The packaging of the vinyl set of this edition is gorgeous, and I fell in love with songs like “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” and “Nothing Better”. The new-ish material and remixes are worthwhile listening to as well. Bonus: Seeing them play at the ACC with Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley was an absolute 2013 highlight for me. Fave songs: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight & Nothing Better
B) Arrows of Desire - Matthew Good
I was not a fan of this album on first listen. I liked how a couple of the tracks melded into each other, but there was a lot on it that I couldn’t connect with. Fast forward to me seeing Matthew Good play this album live at Massey Hall at the beginning of November, and this album clicked for me. I spent lots of time after the show listening to this album, and although it’s not my fave MG work, it’s definitely grown a lot on me. Fave songs: Had it Coming & Letters in Wartime
NOW ONTO THE TOP TEN!
10) Fade Away - Best Coast
I’m not sure if this album is classified as an LP or an EP as it only has 7 songs. What it lacks in quantity, it definitely makes up for in quality. This album has a punk rock heart, with the heart of the saddest country song. Bethany Cosentino has a strong soulful voice like Jenny Lewis or Neko Case. I love this little album.
Fave songs: This Lonely Morning & I Don’t Know How
9) Ultramarine - Young Galaxy
I feel that 2013 is the year of me connecting with bands for which I feel like I’m late for the party. Young Galaxy is the first. I discovered this album because a random friend invited me to their show at Lee’s Palace, and I downloaded Ultramarine as prep for the show. This album is electronic-y and groovy, and has a decidedly summer feel to it.
Fave songs: Pretty Boy & New Summer
8) If You Leave - Daughter
I know nothing about this band, other than I really like this album. It’s dark, and rather depressing, and comes in handy when you’re in an emo mood and hating on love and romance. Great sounds for the autumn. Youth is such a lovely sad song that will haunt me for years to come. (Sample line: “setting fire to our insides for fun; collecting names of the lovers that went wrong”.)
Fave songs: Youth & Winter
7) Trouble Will Find Me - The National
The National is yet another late-to-the-party band for me. Everyone’s loved them for years, and this is the year that I’ve gotten into them, with help from my hair stylist and a friend from work. It’s another great emo hating-on-love album, and I have to be careful not to listen to it too much or I’ll get super sad, but it’s so good that it’s hard not to listen. These are the catch-22s of my life, I suppose.
Fave songs: This is the Last Time & Pink Rabbits
6) Volume 3 - She & Him
This is my last late-for-the-party band of 2013. Unlike #s 7 and 8 on this list, this album is pretty upbeat, and I’ve spent a lot of time spinning this on my turntable while doing adorable Zoe Deschanel things in my apartment like writing, wrapping gifts, and knitting. This album has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of seeing She & Him at TURF in July with some friends and getting rather tipsy and dancing around like a fool. I’d classify this as happy summer music.
Fave songs: I’ve Got Your Number, Son & Somebody Sweet to Talk To
5) Pure Heroine - Lorde
How did a 16-year-old produce such a mature album? I don’t really understand how Lorde is so great but she is. She nails how I, a 33 year-old-woman, feel about having to go out and party and things with lines like “I kind of over getting told to throw my hands up in the air” and “I’m kind of older than I was when I revelled without a care”. And, she name checks a Broken Social Scene song (Lover’s Spit) in another one of her songs. I guess my kindred spirit is a teenage pop star from New Zealand, and I’m fine with that.
Fave songs: Ribs & Team
4) Heartthrob - Tegan & Sara
I’ve been a fan of Tegan & Sara for years, and I totally dig how they embraced a completely pop sound for their new record. Heartthrob opens with “Closer” which is a delightful song about falling for someone new and just needing to get closer with them. Who doesn’t love that feeling. But then, BLAM! on track #2, love goes wrong and you’re saying “Goodbye, Goodbye” to that person who just wasn’t as great as they seemed. Yes, you might think that this is a sappy love album from Closer, but it’s actually a great pop album about love gone wrong. I think the best songs tend to be about love gone wrong, no?
Fave songs: Closer & Drove Me Wild
3) NO BLUES - Los Campesinos!
Los Campesinos! is in my top five bands, and they have such a strong hold in my top five because each album they put out is strong, and NO BLUES is no exception. Their music tends to be deliciously dark, gothic, and morose, yet it’s so fun to sing-along to. I knew that this album would be up my alley as soon as they released the first single “What Death Leaves Behind” and the other songs did not disappoint me. I find LC!’s lyrics evoke strong images for me, like as in the song “As Lucerne/The Low” where Gareth sings about his tunes sending “all the patrons home to make up with their first wives”. If you like dark, clever music, NO BLUES is for you.
Fave songs: As Lucerne/The Low & Avocado Baby
And now, here is where I totally lame out and TIE TWO albums for my favourite of 2013 because I can’t decide between the two.
1) The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You - Neko Case
First of all, this is my favourite album title ever. Neko Case’s albums never disappoint me, and I was so excited for her latest album. This album is the product of depression she suffered after the death of her grandmother, and I think anyone who has suffered death and sadness will be able to relate to her songs. Neko’s voice is as strong, beautiful and unique as ever, and her song-writing is the same. On “Nearly Midnight, Honolulu” she sings about overhearing a mother telling her child to shut the fuck up at an airport. “Calling Cards” makes me wistful for people who I miss, and “Ragtime” is my favourite winter song ever. “Where Did I Leave That Fire” evokes what it feels like when you lose yourself to depression, and I love that Neko is brave enough to write songs about such difficult material, yet make it beautiful.
Fave songs: Calling Cards & Ragtime
1) Us Alone - Hayden
I’ve been listening to Hayden since I was sixteen. For awhile, I felt his albums just kept getting better and better, but then disappeared for a few years and came back on Arts & Crafts records this year with this beautiful little album that just kept growing on me as the year progressed. It didn’t hurt that I got to see him play these songs on four occasions. Hayden, like so many of my friends, has grown up, and these songs describe the difficulties of parenting and adulthood, yet there are still songs about the importance of music, cheating lovers, and blurry nights.
Fave Songs: Blurry Nights & Rainy Saturday
And that's it. I don't even know what's coming up in 2014 musically. No clue. I look forward to discovering some new favourites, and maybe re-discovering some old favourites too.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas Bloggarinos!
Happy Christmas to you all!
I've been having a blast in my hometown of St. Ratford. I've been treated to free cab rides from high school jerks whose existence I'd forgotten, had fun at the annual G of 9 Christmas party, discovered the new Target in town, and have had some good hangout time with the family. Today will be a chill day of reading new books, drinking tea, watching some movies and eating lots of food.
Rilo has been doing well sharing her electricity with those who lost power during the ice storm back in Toronto. My pal Mathew ended spending a night chez Rilo as he'd lost power, as did his mom. No lonely kitty this year!
Hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas!
I've been having a blast in my hometown of St. Ratford. I've been treated to free cab rides from high school jerks whose existence I'd forgotten, had fun at the annual G of 9 Christmas party, discovered the new Target in town, and have had some good hangout time with the family. Today will be a chill day of reading new books, drinking tea, watching some movies and eating lots of food.
Rilo has been doing well sharing her electricity with those who lost power during the ice storm back in Toronto. My pal Mathew ended spending a night chez Rilo as he'd lost power, as did his mom. No lonely kitty this year!
Hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
On ice storms and optimism.
I slept through the great ice storm of 2013. Last night, I fell asleep before 11 pm, and pretty much stayed in bed until 11 am, save getting up to give Rilo some treats at 8 am or so. I think my body needed it. I really feel like the busyness of the past four months, or even the entire year, has taken a toll on my body and I'm just feeling exhausted.
I had no reason to go out today. I packed, wrapped presents for my family, and finished reading my book. My pal Mathew came to exchange gifts, and pick up my keys as he is Rilo-sitting as I'm away until Friday. He commented that I sound like Jennifer Lawrence, so perhaps that's upgrade on the state of my voice.
As I was saying, we had a ginormous ice storm while I was sleeping off the year. Somewhere around 250 000 people were without power, but I was not one of them. I had checked the status of my train early in the afternoon, and the website said all trains were running on schedule, so I wasn't worried. However, when I got to the station, the board said my train would depart an hour late. No problem, I thought. I got a snack, and then read for awhile in line for the train. The board pushed the train's departure time back another hour, then after that hour, my 5:40 pm train was scheduled to leave at 9:00 pm. What a frustrating evening.
I spent some time texting people, emailing, and the like. I also thought a bit about my optimistic character. I was just asked about whether I'm an optimist or pessimist earlier in the week, and I tend to be an optimist by nature. Although, admittedly, there are times where I just want to be negative, and if a person tries to add a bit of positivity into my negative tirade, watch out.
But I do always think the best of people when I meet them, and sometimes I wonder if that's a bad thing. But then when I'm faced with meeting new people and forging new relationships again, I slide back into my optimistic ways. And I think I'm going to stay that way because I like it. And, when I do get burned, I have a lot of friends around me anyway, so who really cares?
I had no reason to go out today. I packed, wrapped presents for my family, and finished reading my book. My pal Mathew came to exchange gifts, and pick up my keys as he is Rilo-sitting as I'm away until Friday. He commented that I sound like Jennifer Lawrence, so perhaps that's upgrade on the state of my voice.
As I was saying, we had a ginormous ice storm while I was sleeping off the year. Somewhere around 250 000 people were without power, but I was not one of them. I had checked the status of my train early in the afternoon, and the website said all trains were running on schedule, so I wasn't worried. However, when I got to the station, the board said my train would depart an hour late. No problem, I thought. I got a snack, and then read for awhile in line for the train. The board pushed the train's departure time back another hour, then after that hour, my 5:40 pm train was scheduled to leave at 9:00 pm. What a frustrating evening.
I spent some time texting people, emailing, and the like. I also thought a bit about my optimistic character. I was just asked about whether I'm an optimist or pessimist earlier in the week, and I tend to be an optimist by nature. Although, admittedly, there are times where I just want to be negative, and if a person tries to add a bit of positivity into my negative tirade, watch out.
But I do always think the best of people when I meet them, and sometimes I wonder if that's a bad thing. But then when I'm faced with meeting new people and forging new relationships again, I slide back into my optimistic ways. And I think I'm going to stay that way because I like it. And, when I do get burned, I have a lot of friends around me anyway, so who really cares?
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Always be drunk.
Just in time for the holidays, I've lost my voice.
If I were speaking this post to you, trust me, it would sound kind of sexy. Well, sexy if you think the deep, husky voice of chain-smoking diner waitress is sexy.
I got this from my friend Fea. She's been talking like this for awhile, and my husky voice arrived on Wednesday night. At first I thought it could have just been a result of me having to talk loudly in a loud bar that night, but no, it's what Fea has.
Yesterday, I phoned Fea to organize plans, and when she answered her phone, I thought it was her husband. Last night, when we were driving home from the musical Once (which was awesome), my friend Paola started laughing and said "If I didn't know I was in the car with you guys, I wouldn't know who I was in the car with! You sound like a couple of men."
Tonight I was supposed to go to my friend Katie's birthday party, but I bailed since I don't think that I can really participate much at a party in a loud bar. I can talk for a little bit, but after 10 mins or so, the thing dies out. I'd have to start texting people to communicate. We're having an ice storm too, so I think ordering a festive special from Swiss Chalet, opening a bottle of red wine, and reading my novel about Zelda Fitzgerald is the way to go.
As I cracked open my book (or more accurately turned on my e-reader), I was treated to this awesome poem at the beginning of Part III of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. I rather love this poem, so I'm going to post it here.
Always be drunk.
That's it!
The great imperative!
In order not to feel
Time's horrid fardel
bruise your shoulders,
grinding you into the earth,
Get drunk and stay that way.
On what?
On wine, poetry, virtue, whatever.
But get drunk.
And if you sometimes happen to wake up
on the porches of a palace,
in the green grass of a ditch,
in the dismal loneliness of your own room,
your drunkenness gone or disappearing,
ask the wind,
the wave,
the star,
the bird,
the clock,
ask everything that flees,
everything that groans
or rolls
or sings,
everything that speaks,
ask what time it is;
and the wind,
the wave,
the star,
the bird,
the clock
will answer you:
"Time to get drunk!
Don't be martyred slaves of Time,
Get drunk!
Stay drunk!
On wine, virtue, poetry, whatever!"
--> GET DRUNK by Charles Baudelaire
Pretty awesome, huh? I love it.
Also, in awesome, thanks to everyone for the lovely comments, texts, et cetra that you sent me after my last post. You guys made me feel flawless and proud of myself. You're the best.
If I were speaking this post to you, trust me, it would sound kind of sexy. Well, sexy if you think the deep, husky voice of chain-smoking diner waitress is sexy.
I got this from my friend Fea. She's been talking like this for awhile, and my husky voice arrived on Wednesday night. At first I thought it could have just been a result of me having to talk loudly in a loud bar that night, but no, it's what Fea has.
Yesterday, I phoned Fea to organize plans, and when she answered her phone, I thought it was her husband. Last night, when we were driving home from the musical Once (which was awesome), my friend Paola started laughing and said "If I didn't know I was in the car with you guys, I wouldn't know who I was in the car with! You sound like a couple of men."
Tonight I was supposed to go to my friend Katie's birthday party, but I bailed since I don't think that I can really participate much at a party in a loud bar. I can talk for a little bit, but after 10 mins or so, the thing dies out. I'd have to start texting people to communicate. We're having an ice storm too, so I think ordering a festive special from Swiss Chalet, opening a bottle of red wine, and reading my novel about Zelda Fitzgerald is the way to go.
As I cracked open my book (or more accurately turned on my e-reader), I was treated to this awesome poem at the beginning of Part III of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. I rather love this poem, so I'm going to post it here.
Always be drunk.
That's it!
The great imperative!
In order not to feel
Time's horrid fardel
bruise your shoulders,
grinding you into the earth,
Get drunk and stay that way.
On what?
On wine, poetry, virtue, whatever.
But get drunk.
And if you sometimes happen to wake up
on the porches of a palace,
in the green grass of a ditch,
in the dismal loneliness of your own room,
your drunkenness gone or disappearing,
ask the wind,
the wave,
the star,
the bird,
the clock,
ask everything that flees,
everything that groans
or rolls
or sings,
everything that speaks,
ask what time it is;
and the wind,
the wave,
the star,
the bird,
the clock
will answer you:
"Time to get drunk!
Don't be martyred slaves of Time,
Get drunk!
Stay drunk!
On wine, virtue, poetry, whatever!"
--> GET DRUNK by Charles Baudelaire
Pretty awesome, huh? I love it.
Also, in awesome, thanks to everyone for the lovely comments, texts, et cetra that you sent me after my last post. You guys made me feel flawless and proud of myself. You're the best.
Friday, December 20, 2013
You wake up, flawless, post up, flawless.
▶ Beyonce - Flawless - Video Dailymotion
Today was a kind of crappy day. 2013 has been a year filled with a lot of great things, but also some not-so-great things, and I feel like today was 2013's final little kick to my ribs, that will leave a little bruise, but that will heal super quickly.
However, this bruise has left me spending a lot of time today having great venting conversations with my friends, which have left making me feel better in ways, but also super angry.
I am basically fucking sick and tired of all of the bullshit placed on women in this culture.
What has me especially bristling today is that I've been told, on more than one occasion, that I'm super smart, which is great (obvs) but I need to be careful, and perhaps tone it down a bit, because it can super intimidating for men.
Has a man EVER been told to tone down his intelligence, ever?? EVER? Fuck no.
And it's fucking bullshit that as I'm writing this, a little voice in my head is telling me to tone this down, that if I write this, I'm going look like I'm conceited/prideful/boasting/bragging about my intelligence and that I'd better point out that "oh no, I'm not that smart, there's tonnes of stuff that I don't know."
Well fuck that. You know what, I'm smart. And I worked hard to be this way. I'm always trying to learn new things, improve my brain, and I worked hard to get to where I have to be. And that's cool and I'm proud of it. And if someone is intimidated by that, let them run away.
I've spent today thinking about all of the bullshit that's been thrown at me this year. And I feel really angry because I know that all of these are criticisms that don't get thrown at men. Women in our society are constantly being cut up, and criticized for being one way or another, yet they can never get it right no matter what. You can't be too smart, but not too dumb either. Don't dress like a prude, that's not sexy, but you'd better not dress like a whore either. It's not modern to be a homemaker, but how dare you put your career before your family.
It goes on and on, and I feel like I'm constantly trying to fill in the variables into a formula that will make me an acceptable human being. But do you know what? There is no solution.
Besides my intelligence being too intimidating, here's some shit that's been lobbed at me this year (and I paraphrase):
"It's great that you are working out and exercising, but don't get too skinny, because you don't want to lose your ass." I'm just a collection of body parts, you know.
"I don't understand why you are spending so much effort making your body look better, yet your hair isn't right." Yes, the reason why I decided to work out and eat healthy this year was so I would look better for men, and had nothing to do with improving my own physical/mental well-being. Which I guess is pointless because you don't like my hair. There was a lot of shit I heard about my hair this year. So ridiculous.
"You're not a team-player." This is because I ask questions. Of course, men who ask questions were allowed to play on the team.
"You shouldn't talk very much about travel, because it sounds like you are bragging." I work hard to earn/save money so I can travel and have life experiences. Why can't I bring them up? Why does it make you feel bad that I've been places?
"You have to let the man take the lead. As soon as you take the lead, it'll be too much for them and will scare them off." OF COURSE! I just need to follow blindly! Silly me for asking for what I want.
"You're too much of a good girl/too sweet/too nice." Sorry that I have a moral compass and that I value kindness. The irony is that if I acted in another manner, I'd be called a bitch, a slut, or a whore.
I vented some of this to my awesome friend AlieMalie, and she sent me the above link to the above Beyonce song, which is amazing and makes me feel amazing. I've read a bit about the surprise album that Beyonce released a week ago, and I'm finally getting to listening to it now. She's been getting a lot of praise for the feminist message to the album, but also, some criticism too, because women never get things right. (Compare with all of the male musicians who release music with completely misogynistic messages to almost unanimous critical acclaim.)
My favourite part of the song is a spoken word excerpt by feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller
We say to girls: "You can have ambition, but not too much
You should aim to be successful, but not too successful
Otherwise, you will threaten the man"
Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage
I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is most important
Now, marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support
But why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage and we don't teach boys the same?
We raise girls to see each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are
Feminist: a person who believes in the social
political, and economic equality of the sexes
She nails it. This is exactly how I feel our society views women. You need to be ________ but not too ____________ or it will threaten the man.
My friend AlieMalie pointed out that "men get a pass on everything that society rips women for, and it has to stop."
It'd be great to get a pass for being intelligent, outspoken, ambitious, experienced, successful, sexual, accomplished, and all the ways that men in our society get to be without criticism. That's all I want, and that's all that feminists want, and all this long ranting post is about. I just want to be able to be proud of my accomplishments, and not to be ripped apart for my flaws.
And I'm going to start by stopping being critical of myself for how I am, and by stopping being critical of other women for how they are.
And I'm going to be unashamedly and unabashedly proud of how awesome I am, because god damn, I'm flawless.
Today was a kind of crappy day. 2013 has been a year filled with a lot of great things, but also some not-so-great things, and I feel like today was 2013's final little kick to my ribs, that will leave a little bruise, but that will heal super quickly.
However, this bruise has left me spending a lot of time today having great venting conversations with my friends, which have left making me feel better in ways, but also super angry.
I am basically fucking sick and tired of all of the bullshit placed on women in this culture.
What has me especially bristling today is that I've been told, on more than one occasion, that I'm super smart, which is great (obvs) but I need to be careful, and perhaps tone it down a bit, because it can super intimidating for men.
Has a man EVER been told to tone down his intelligence, ever?? EVER? Fuck no.
And it's fucking bullshit that as I'm writing this, a little voice in my head is telling me to tone this down, that if I write this, I'm going look like I'm conceited/prideful/boasting/bragging about my intelligence and that I'd better point out that "oh no, I'm not that smart, there's tonnes of stuff that I don't know."
Well fuck that. You know what, I'm smart. And I worked hard to be this way. I'm always trying to learn new things, improve my brain, and I worked hard to get to where I have to be. And that's cool and I'm proud of it. And if someone is intimidated by that, let them run away.
I've spent today thinking about all of the bullshit that's been thrown at me this year. And I feel really angry because I know that all of these are criticisms that don't get thrown at men. Women in our society are constantly being cut up, and criticized for being one way or another, yet they can never get it right no matter what. You can't be too smart, but not too dumb either. Don't dress like a prude, that's not sexy, but you'd better not dress like a whore either. It's not modern to be a homemaker, but how dare you put your career before your family.
It goes on and on, and I feel like I'm constantly trying to fill in the variables into a formula that will make me an acceptable human being. But do you know what? There is no solution.
Besides my intelligence being too intimidating, here's some shit that's been lobbed at me this year (and I paraphrase):
"It's great that you are working out and exercising, but don't get too skinny, because you don't want to lose your ass." I'm just a collection of body parts, you know.
"I don't understand why you are spending so much effort making your body look better, yet your hair isn't right." Yes, the reason why I decided to work out and eat healthy this year was so I would look better for men, and had nothing to do with improving my own physical/mental well-being. Which I guess is pointless because you don't like my hair. There was a lot of shit I heard about my hair this year. So ridiculous.
"You're not a team-player." This is because I ask questions. Of course, men who ask questions were allowed to play on the team.
"You shouldn't talk very much about travel, because it sounds like you are bragging." I work hard to earn/save money so I can travel and have life experiences. Why can't I bring them up? Why does it make you feel bad that I've been places?
"You have to let the man take the lead. As soon as you take the lead, it'll be too much for them and will scare them off." OF COURSE! I just need to follow blindly! Silly me for asking for what I want.
"You're too much of a good girl/too sweet/too nice." Sorry that I have a moral compass and that I value kindness. The irony is that if I acted in another manner, I'd be called a bitch, a slut, or a whore.
I vented some of this to my awesome friend AlieMalie, and she sent me the above link to the above Beyonce song, which is amazing and makes me feel amazing. I've read a bit about the surprise album that Beyonce released a week ago, and I'm finally getting to listening to it now. She's been getting a lot of praise for the feminist message to the album, but also, some criticism too, because women never get things right. (Compare with all of the male musicians who release music with completely misogynistic messages to almost unanimous critical acclaim.)
My favourite part of the song is a spoken word excerpt by feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller
We say to girls: "You can have ambition, but not too much
You should aim to be successful, but not too successful
Otherwise, you will threaten the man"
Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage
I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is most important
Now, marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support
But why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage and we don't teach boys the same?
We raise girls to see each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are
Feminist: a person who believes in the social
political, and economic equality of the sexes
She nails it. This is exactly how I feel our society views women. You need to be ________ but not too ____________ or it will threaten the man.
My friend AlieMalie pointed out that "men get a pass on everything that society rips women for, and it has to stop."
It'd be great to get a pass for being intelligent, outspoken, ambitious, experienced, successful, sexual, accomplished, and all the ways that men in our society get to be without criticism. That's all I want, and that's all that feminists want, and all this long ranting post is about. I just want to be able to be proud of my accomplishments, and not to be ripped apart for my flaws.
And I'm going to start by stopping being critical of myself for how I am, and by stopping being critical of other women for how they are.
And I'm going to be unashamedly and unabashedly proud of how awesome I am, because god damn, I'm flawless.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Oh man, the past few days have been really fun, and then next few days promise to be really busy.
The Two Hours Traffic show was great. So sad though it was the last time that I'll hear any of those song.
Trampolining with student council was so much fun. There was a bit of foam that you could jump into from some of the trampolines. That was pretty fun. Also, we spent a good hour playing dodge ball on trampolines. Great times. Dinner was lots of fun too. My secret santa got me Lorde on vinyl! I always love student council dinners. We feel like a big happy family.
We had a winter storm on Saturday which was a-okay with me. I had no plans whatsoever except for drinks at a neighbourhood pub. I spent the day reading and cleaning my apartment. Drinks were super fun too. What a great storm day.
I had a fun day with my friend Heather. We went for brunch, shopping at Shops at Don Mills, the ballet, and then for dinner. The Nutcracker was pretty spectacular. I'm glad I got to see it.
The next four days are going to kill me at work, so who knows if you'll hear from me. I might just post as proof that I'm still alive. :)
The Two Hours Traffic show was great. So sad though it was the last time that I'll hear any of those song.
Trampolining with student council was so much fun. There was a bit of foam that you could jump into from some of the trampolines. That was pretty fun. Also, we spent a good hour playing dodge ball on trampolines. Great times. Dinner was lots of fun too. My secret santa got me Lorde on vinyl! I always love student council dinners. We feel like a big happy family.
We had a winter storm on Saturday which was a-okay with me. I had no plans whatsoever except for drinks at a neighbourhood pub. I spent the day reading and cleaning my apartment. Drinks were super fun too. What a great storm day.
I had a fun day with my friend Heather. We went for brunch, shopping at Shops at Don Mills, the ballet, and then for dinner. The Nutcracker was pretty spectacular. I'm glad I got to see it.
The next four days are going to kill me at work, so who knows if you'll hear from me. I might just post as proof that I'm still alive. :)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
You sure can start.
List of things I'm looking forward to:
1) Not going to the gym tomorrow. (Body needs to recover after two intense days in a row.)
2) Two Hours Traffic's farewell show on Thursday night at Lee's Palace. Not happy that they're saying farewell, but happy that I'll get to see them. I've had some good memories with this band. Below is my all-time fave song of theirs.
3) On Friday, we're going trampolining with Student Council, and then having our annual Christmas dinner. I haven't jumped on a trampoline since I was eighteen. It was at the big "we're going away to university" party at my friend Christa's house, and I ended up breaking my foot and starting university with a damned cast on my leg. Fifteen years later, dare I return to the trampoline?
4) Drinks on Saturday night.
5) My friend Heather is visiting from London, Ontario on Sunday, and we're going to go see the Nutcracker. I've never been to the ballet! It should be fun.
6) Next week will be the last week of classes. I'm looking forward to getting that over and done with.
7) As per last year's contract negotiations with the government, teachers have to take a voluntary unpaid PD day on Friday the 20th. Con: I don't get paid. Pro: I don't have to go to work that day. That evening, I'm taking a couple of my work BFFs to see the musical Once as their Christmas gift. I've heard such great things and I'm excited.
8) I'm so looking forward to my holidays. I'm exhausted and feeling burned out. Two weeks of relaxing, reading, and socializing is just what I need.
1) Not going to the gym tomorrow. (Body needs to recover after two intense days in a row.)
2) Two Hours Traffic's farewell show on Thursday night at Lee's Palace. Not happy that they're saying farewell, but happy that I'll get to see them. I've had some good memories with this band. Below is my all-time fave song of theirs.
3) On Friday, we're going trampolining with Student Council, and then having our annual Christmas dinner. I haven't jumped on a trampoline since I was eighteen. It was at the big "we're going away to university" party at my friend Christa's house, and I ended up breaking my foot and starting university with a damned cast on my leg. Fifteen years later, dare I return to the trampoline?
4) Drinks on Saturday night.
5) My friend Heather is visiting from London, Ontario on Sunday, and we're going to go see the Nutcracker. I've never been to the ballet! It should be fun.
6) Next week will be the last week of classes. I'm looking forward to getting that over and done with.
7) As per last year's contract negotiations with the government, teachers have to take a voluntary unpaid PD day on Friday the 20th. Con: I don't get paid. Pro: I don't have to go to work that day. That evening, I'm taking a couple of my work BFFs to see the musical Once as their Christmas gift. I've heard such great things and I'm excited.
8) I'm so looking forward to my holidays. I'm exhausted and feeling burned out. Two weeks of relaxing, reading, and socializing is just what I need.
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Didn't mean to leave you hanging all alone.
Okay, I am getting into the Christmas groove now. I've started listening to Christmas music. Here's one of my faves. Emo-Christmas music from the nineties? Yes, please! (Best version on YouTube has Spanish subtitles.)
Friday night was my work Christmas party. It was a whole lot of meh. The food was average. Well, the chicken and lamb were above average, but the panna cotta was decidedly sub-average, so I would say the entire meal averaged out to a giant meh. The place where it was held was downtown which was great. Some years, they decide to hold it out in the suburbs, which is ridiculous since we're a downtown school. However, it was lame enough that pretty much all of my friends were willing to call it an evening after the food was served.
It was super cold on the way home, which lead me to berate myself for signing up for a 5K race the next day. What was I thinking? Well, when I pulled myself out of bed on Saturday morning, I threw on my winter running gear: a long-sleeved shirt with another long-sleeved zip-up pullover on top, mittens, a toque, long tights, etc. I threw my metropass, keys, and credit card into my pocket and ran to a nearby coffee shop for a quick bite, and an eggnog latte. Then I hopped on a bus to get to the park where the race was; conveniently just a 10-minute trip down my street.
It was a cold-ish morning, but beautiful and sunny. As soon as the race started I felt great. Running warming me up instantly, and doing something positive like running for charity made me feel better after the negative thoughts from the night before. I was so glad that I had signed up. It wasn't a timed race, but according to my RunKeeper ap, I ran at the pace of my personal best. Also, the best part was the hotdog at the end, and then I ran back to the bus stop and headed home for a shower and a nap.
I spend Saturday afternoon getting my nails done, and then making veggie chili for another Christmas party with friends. It was tonnes of fun. We had lots of food, wine, Christmas crackers, silly glasses, and fun gifts. We did the thing where everyone brings a funny and/or nice gifts and we randomly exchange the presents. My gift was definitely on the funny side. I found a giant brown mug that said "coffee makes me poop" and incorporated it into a theme gift with coffee, toilet paper, and magazines. It was a hit since some of the evening's conversation was decidedly scatological. Party #2 was definitely a great time.
Today I slept in, and then dragged myself out shopping in the vicinity of the Eaton Centre. I had saw a pair of Mr. Sparkle socks at Urban Outfitters and decided I should get them for my dad and my pal Mathew. The store near me ran out of them once I decided to buy them, so I had to drag myself down to the Yonge-Dundas location. This is what they look like, just in case you don't know what the hell I mean by Mr. Sparkle.
I ended up getting more gifts at the store. I now have the gift for my annual Student Council Secret Santa recipient. Yet again, I got a teenaged-boy to buy for, and I always find it difficult buying for teenaged-boys. But I think I succeeded this time. I also ended up doing that thing where whilst Christmas shopping, you end up inevitably buying something for yourself. No one's going to get me these pint glasses, am I right? (As you can see I've put them to good use already.)
I ventured into the mall for a bit, and got some gifts for my dad and my aunt. I think my shopping is at about 80% completion. I just have a few small odds and ends to get, and then something for my mom which is always the most difficult.
When I got home, I started getting all of my cards and gifts ready that need to be mailed. I also got laundry done, and even finally put up my tree. As I was going through my bag of Christmas decorations, and came across a cat Santa suit that my aunt mailed me a few years ago. I never tried putting it on Rilo, because I just assumed that I'd get scratched to bits, but I decided to try on a whim, and look at the result!
Bahahaha!!! Now I'm going to have to have this made into a card to send to my parents for sure. Oh man. Poor thing. Don't worry, I took it off as soon as I got this picture, and then she spent a good five minutes attacking the hat. And she's not in the least bit angry at me. (Maybe I should sleep with one eye open, though... Hell hath no fury like a humiliated cat.)
Friday night was my work Christmas party. It was a whole lot of meh. The food was average. Well, the chicken and lamb were above average, but the panna cotta was decidedly sub-average, so I would say the entire meal averaged out to a giant meh. The place where it was held was downtown which was great. Some years, they decide to hold it out in the suburbs, which is ridiculous since we're a downtown school. However, it was lame enough that pretty much all of my friends were willing to call it an evening after the food was served.
It was super cold on the way home, which lead me to berate myself for signing up for a 5K race the next day. What was I thinking? Well, when I pulled myself out of bed on Saturday morning, I threw on my winter running gear: a long-sleeved shirt with another long-sleeved zip-up pullover on top, mittens, a toque, long tights, etc. I threw my metropass, keys, and credit card into my pocket and ran to a nearby coffee shop for a quick bite, and an eggnog latte. Then I hopped on a bus to get to the park where the race was; conveniently just a 10-minute trip down my street.
It was a cold-ish morning, but beautiful and sunny. As soon as the race started I felt great. Running warming me up instantly, and doing something positive like running for charity made me feel better after the negative thoughts from the night before. I was so glad that I had signed up. It wasn't a timed race, but according to my RunKeeper ap, I ran at the pace of my personal best. Also, the best part was the hotdog at the end, and then I ran back to the bus stop and headed home for a shower and a nap.
I spend Saturday afternoon getting my nails done, and then making veggie chili for another Christmas party with friends. It was tonnes of fun. We had lots of food, wine, Christmas crackers, silly glasses, and fun gifts. We did the thing where everyone brings a funny and/or nice gifts and we randomly exchange the presents. My gift was definitely on the funny side. I found a giant brown mug that said "coffee makes me poop" and incorporated it into a theme gift with coffee, toilet paper, and magazines. It was a hit since some of the evening's conversation was decidedly scatological. Party #2 was definitely a great time.
Today I slept in, and then dragged myself out shopping in the vicinity of the Eaton Centre. I had saw a pair of Mr. Sparkle socks at Urban Outfitters and decided I should get them for my dad and my pal Mathew. The store near me ran out of them once I decided to buy them, so I had to drag myself down to the Yonge-Dundas location. This is what they look like, just in case you don't know what the hell I mean by Mr. Sparkle.
I ended up getting more gifts at the store. I now have the gift for my annual Student Council Secret Santa recipient. Yet again, I got a teenaged-boy to buy for, and I always find it difficult buying for teenaged-boys. But I think I succeeded this time. I also ended up doing that thing where whilst Christmas shopping, you end up inevitably buying something for yourself. No one's going to get me these pint glasses, am I right? (As you can see I've put them to good use already.)
I ventured into the mall for a bit, and got some gifts for my dad and my aunt. I think my shopping is at about 80% completion. I just have a few small odds and ends to get, and then something for my mom which is always the most difficult.
When I got home, I started getting all of my cards and gifts ready that need to be mailed. I also got laundry done, and even finally put up my tree. As I was going through my bag of Christmas decorations, and came across a cat Santa suit that my aunt mailed me a few years ago. I never tried putting it on Rilo, because I just assumed that I'd get scratched to bits, but I decided to try on a whim, and look at the result!
Bahahaha!!! Now I'm going to have to have this made into a card to send to my parents for sure. Oh man. Poor thing. Don't worry, I took it off as soon as I got this picture, and then she spent a good five minutes attacking the hat. And she's not in the least bit angry at me. (Maybe I should sleep with one eye open, though... Hell hath no fury like a humiliated cat.)
And with that, I must go to sleep soon. Tomorrow I'm taking my grade 9s to the Science Centre which will prove exhausting I'm sure. I also have so much to do this week that I really hope I'll be able to make it to a post office to mail all of the stuff I managed to pack up tonight.
But, I definitely made progress on Project Christmas Groove this weekend.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
And any book I’ll ever read, you’d be the line that sticks out to me.
I'm working on getting my Christmas groove on.
I've got a good chunk of my shopping done, and I'm definitely knee deep into the Christmas event circuit. Tonight I went to a Christmas concert at school (I like to support the kids), and this weekend I have two Christmas parties: one Friday night and one Saturday night. In between the parties, I'm going to run the 5K Santa Shuffle, because I think paying for exercise is the only way I'd get out of bed to workout. (And my race fee goes to charity, so yay! And I'll get a medal. And I always like races.)
But, I still don't have my Christmas tree up, and I haven't been listening to Christmas music yet. This is odd for me. I feel like I'm bah-humbugging it, and I'm questioning if it's worth even putting up a tree this year. However, as my friend Fea said "it's always worth it" so hopefully I have a chance to do that this weekend in between the parties and the race and all of the other things I need to do.
I've got a good chunk of my shopping done, and I'm definitely knee deep into the Christmas event circuit. Tonight I went to a Christmas concert at school (I like to support the kids), and this weekend I have two Christmas parties: one Friday night and one Saturday night. In between the parties, I'm going to run the 5K Santa Shuffle, because I think paying for exercise is the only way I'd get out of bed to workout. (And my race fee goes to charity, so yay! And I'll get a medal. And I always like races.)
But, I still don't have my Christmas tree up, and I haven't been listening to Christmas music yet. This is odd for me. I feel like I'm bah-humbugging it, and I'm questioning if it's worth even putting up a tree this year. However, as my friend Fea said "it's always worth it" so hopefully I have a chance to do that this weekend in between the parties and the race and all of the other things I need to do.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Book Reviews (a la Jabba)
Considering that it's been a busy fall, I've still been able to read a
few books; however, I've read more in the past three weeks or so than in
the previous three months. I figured why not review what I've been reading?
The Silent Wife - A.S.A. Harrison
This book has been touted (at least on subway posters) as this year's Gone Girl. In the genre of dark, twisted suspense novels about dysfunctional marriages, it definitely delivers. I've lent it to my dad, and to my work spouse, and it's one of those novels that you definitely want to share with other because you really want to talk about the ending, and what you think may have happened. Don't worry, I won't spoil it here. If you like a good page-turner, pick this up! I read it in less than 24 hours!
He's Gone - Deb Caletti
After finishing The Silent Wife, I wanted another book up the alley of a dark thriller about a dysfunctional marriage. I used Goodreads to find other books like The Silent Wife and decided to pick this one up from my local bookstore. It was all right. It centres around a woman whose husband just suddenly goes missing one day, and the fallout from his disappearance. It wasn't a bad book; just rather mediocre.
Big Brother - Lionel Shriver
Shriver is the author of We Need to Talk About Kevin which is a book so dark and twisted, that I had to read it twice, and then go see the movie. I came across Shriver's latest at the library, and it sounded intriguing: this book is about a woman whose older brother comes to visit her, and he has gained about 200 pounds since she's last seen him. He has no place to go, and ends up staying with her and causing great strain on her marriage and life.
This book is another read with a bit of a twist ending. I'd love someone else to read this, so I can find out what they think about the ending! Shriver is an excellent writer, however, this was one of those books where I found I didn't care much for the characters, and some of the plot seemed rather contrived. However, the quality of the writing and surprise ending somewhat make up for this book's faults.
Joyland - Stephen King
Stephen King is prolific, and his first book of 2013 is a fun pulp fiction set in an amusement park in a beach town in the 1970s. It's got ghosts, suspicious carnies, unsolved murder, and an exciting climax atop a ferris wheel in a lightning storm. This was a fun read!
The Dinner - Herman Koch
The Dinner is yet another book that has been compared to Gone Girl, but I had shied away from it because some of the Goodreads reviews described it as overly descriptive and boring. The entire book takes place over a dinner between two couples who must discuss the terrible crime committed by their teenaged sons. At first, I agreed with the reviews; this book definitely started off slowly and I started feeling frustrated because I wanted to know what the terrible crime was, dammit. However, once the plot starts to unravel, it becomes oh-so-horrific, and oh-so-fascinating. As the novel progresses, you discover that the narrator isn't quite what he seemed at first, and twists and turns abound! It definitely compensates for the slow start. In fact, I got so hooked on this book that I finished it in less that 48 hours.
One thing I do notice from my fall book reviews, I'm definitely into dark twisted novels these days! Wow. I'd better make my next read a little bit lighter! Perhaps something about kittens and unicorns? I do have a bunch of books on my Kobo that I need to get through, so perhaps I'll start something a little less murderous/crime-riddled/creepy/dark tonight.
The Silent Wife - A.S.A. Harrison
This book has been touted (at least on subway posters) as this year's Gone Girl. In the genre of dark, twisted suspense novels about dysfunctional marriages, it definitely delivers. I've lent it to my dad, and to my work spouse, and it's one of those novels that you definitely want to share with other because you really want to talk about the ending, and what you think may have happened. Don't worry, I won't spoil it here. If you like a good page-turner, pick this up! I read it in less than 24 hours!
He's Gone - Deb Caletti
After finishing The Silent Wife, I wanted another book up the alley of a dark thriller about a dysfunctional marriage. I used Goodreads to find other books like The Silent Wife and decided to pick this one up from my local bookstore. It was all right. It centres around a woman whose husband just suddenly goes missing one day, and the fallout from his disappearance. It wasn't a bad book; just rather mediocre.
Big Brother - Lionel Shriver
Shriver is the author of We Need to Talk About Kevin which is a book so dark and twisted, that I had to read it twice, and then go see the movie. I came across Shriver's latest at the library, and it sounded intriguing: this book is about a woman whose older brother comes to visit her, and he has gained about 200 pounds since she's last seen him. He has no place to go, and ends up staying with her and causing great strain on her marriage and life.
This book is another read with a bit of a twist ending. I'd love someone else to read this, so I can find out what they think about the ending! Shriver is an excellent writer, however, this was one of those books where I found I didn't care much for the characters, and some of the plot seemed rather contrived. However, the quality of the writing and surprise ending somewhat make up for this book's faults.
Joyland - Stephen King
Stephen King is prolific, and his first book of 2013 is a fun pulp fiction set in an amusement park in a beach town in the 1970s. It's got ghosts, suspicious carnies, unsolved murder, and an exciting climax atop a ferris wheel in a lightning storm. This was a fun read!
The Dinner - Herman Koch
The Dinner is yet another book that has been compared to Gone Girl, but I had shied away from it because some of the Goodreads reviews described it as overly descriptive and boring. The entire book takes place over a dinner between two couples who must discuss the terrible crime committed by their teenaged sons. At first, I agreed with the reviews; this book definitely started off slowly and I started feeling frustrated because I wanted to know what the terrible crime was, dammit. However, once the plot starts to unravel, it becomes oh-so-horrific, and oh-so-fascinating. As the novel progresses, you discover that the narrator isn't quite what he seemed at first, and twists and turns abound! It definitely compensates for the slow start. In fact, I got so hooked on this book that I finished it in less that 48 hours.
One thing I do notice from my fall book reviews, I'm definitely into dark twisted novels these days! Wow. I'd better make my next read a little bit lighter! Perhaps something about kittens and unicorns? I do have a bunch of books on my Kobo that I need to get through, so perhaps I'll start something a little less murderous/crime-riddled/creepy/dark tonight.
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