![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatLots of year end lists popping up. I tried to construct one and drew a blank. I've listened to more books this year than I've actually read. And I kind of lost interest in doing much of anything on Good Reads. Apathy sunk in - in odd ways. Things I used to care about no longer seemed all that important or to matter. While things I used to not think much about - did.
In regards to movies? I've seen a handful - and all on streaming. Same with television series. And I seem to have forgotten half of them.
2020...the roller coaster ride from hell continues. A news blurb during a show I was watching via DVR, stated the following: "someone had tried to steal the vaccine (again), and squirrels are attacking people in Queens". I thought squirrels? Really?
Meanwhile, my mother's back problem has consolidated on her hip and leg. It's so painful now that she can barely walk, and had to us my father's walker to walk to the mail box and back. She doesn't know what to do about it. It's the hip and the sciatic nerve down the leg. My poor father is concerned and keeps trying to help her.
Her sister recommended a chiropractor - but she's a little leery of it. Having never used one. Also, hello, COVID. And South Carolina has a high infection rate. COVID makes everything harder.
When I think of what I accomplished or did this year...I survived the year.
As I told boss the day after my birthday, "I'd like to go to Peru for my birthday next year, assuming of course I survive 2020." (Boss: assuming we all survive 2020.) I don't see Peru happening any time soon - maybe 2023, assuming of course, I make it to 2023.
And I kept my job, my apartment, my family, and those closest to me. I didn't lose anyone. And I got four miracles that I asked for...at least a portion of them at any rate.
Plus the Doofus was not re-elected.
It's the little things ...although that list is by no means little.
Meanwhile, this continues to amuse me...
For easily 30 minutes, the husband and I have had a nuanced argument about gender, identity, power and self-identity. We just did not agree. And then we end it with; “let’s watch Wonder Woman for a third time since Christmas?” “Yes.”
So, folks - there's at least four people on Facebook, who adore Wonder Woman 84 - enough to watch it multiple times.
Why?
As silly as it was, I couldn't hate WW84 the way the internet seems to. Great characters, and Pedro Pascal giving me that ugly cry sad dad energy back to back, from protagonist to antagonists, on different streaming services, in different universes.
I didn't hate it. I just found it kind of disappointing and boring. But I get why people love it - the theme and the fact that there are no real villains in it, just the geode. Which is a subversive and cool idea, actually, I just wish it was executed better. (Also I don't like Pedro Pascale as much as everyone else seems to...the appeal of the actor is kind of lost on me - he looked like he had either had plastic surgery or his face had been photo-shopped in the film - it was too smooth, which I found distracting.) And, it's probably worth noting that I'm more of a Marvel fan than DC - DC's take on superheroes kind of irritates me. I've read both and seen all the films in both - I just prefer Marvel more. It's a personal preference. But it fascinates me how differently people perceive things.
Old college roommate agrees with me - she also prefers Marvel, and doesn't think DC does good films. But I've met and talked to people who think the exact opposite. We've debated it. I can see their point of view, we look for different things.
If you've seen the film? Love to hear your take on it. I may re-watch to see if I change my mind. It's on HBO MAX until January 24.
Took a short walk around the cemetery today. I felt off due to a dull sinus headache, lack of sleep, and overall fatigue. Almost a little unsteady on my feet - in that half way into my second mile, I wanted to lie down on a grassy mole (or grave) and sleep. (I didn't - because it's a tad cold for that, and it's kind of frowned upon and not permitted even if people were doing it all summer long.)
Considered buying sugar and evaporated milk to make a pumpkin pie - then thought better of it. (I got rid of all of my sugar some time ago - when I discovered I was diabetic.) I don't really need it. What I need to do is stick to an anti-inflammatory diet so I don't end up like my parents. And put clothes in vacuum sealed storage bags for storage. (Apparently my brother was clearing out his daughter's closet today or rather helping her clear it out. Remarking to my mother that she hordes and squirrels away things like her mother does. My brother believes he's immune to this curse, of course.)
In other news, I've been playing around with a new story - a fantasy story with a heroine who doesn't believe in fairies, but is actually half fairy.
I'll see where it goes, if anywhere. I prefer to write stories that spring from my imagination than anything based on mine or others lives.
I kind of finished the 800 page and counting contemporary romance novel. There's probably two or three chapters to go, but I've no clue how to get there, so letting go of it for now.
Why is it that the days seem to go faster when one is on vacation? Even if it is a stay-cation, and all I am doing is watching television, sleeping, walking about, eating, writing, and chatting on the phone?
The idea of going back to work - in any capacity - makes me tired.
Watched more of The Great Pottery Throw Down today. I've figured out why it feels so different season to season. It's because it is a different show. First season was 2015, secong was 2017, and it was cancelled. Then they resurrected it in 2020 with a new host, and a new judge (whose a bit harsher than the previous one) and some changes in the format. They filmed in January 2020. (Very odd watching it - and knowing what's coming.) And HBO Max acquired the rights - just in time for them to option a fourth season, with two new judges, yet the same host. Keith leaves and the kilm operator, and technician for the show steps up to become a judge. I don't think it's filmed yet. Although I don't think it would be that hard to do this type of reality series during COVID. Easier actually than some others that I've seen. (I'm on S3 now. My favorite is the first season. Another odd thing, the winners of the first and second season, didn't stick with pottery, instead they took off to do other things, and both were men in their early twenties. The challenges get harder as they go - the second season was by far the hardest. The third has the most episodes..)
Also saw more of Bridgerton - the references to "racism" while subtle, start to pop up in Episode 3 - with the flashbacks to the Duke's childhood, and why he despises his father. Rhimes unlike some writers tends to go for a subtle touch. I rather like the series.
Mother: We watched the first episode of Bridgerton last night.
ME: We?
Mother: Your father stayed awake. He kept thinking we'd seen it before..
Me: Well, it's nothing like Downton Abbey, but it is similar to Sandition -
Mother: And the series that took place in India.
ME: I kind of like it better than that one.
Mother: I don't. Although I do agree the Duke is very attractive, and it is fun.
And watched more of His Dark Materials - which is slower than the first season, but I knew it would be. The second book - the Subtle Knife isn't quite as good as the first one, the Golden Compass. I do however like the characters, and enjoy aspects of it. It also, being Pullman, has an interesting take on Judae/Christian mythology.
Well, I'm tired and it's time to start fixing dinner...so have a good night or evening. (I wonder do I use the word "so" too much?)
In regards to movies? I've seen a handful - and all on streaming. Same with television series. And I seem to have forgotten half of them.
2020...the roller coaster ride from hell continues. A news blurb during a show I was watching via DVR, stated the following: "someone had tried to steal the vaccine (again), and squirrels are attacking people in Queens". I thought squirrels? Really?
Meanwhile, my mother's back problem has consolidated on her hip and leg. It's so painful now that she can barely walk, and had to us my father's walker to walk to the mail box and back. She doesn't know what to do about it. It's the hip and the sciatic nerve down the leg. My poor father is concerned and keeps trying to help her.
Her sister recommended a chiropractor - but she's a little leery of it. Having never used one. Also, hello, COVID. And South Carolina has a high infection rate. COVID makes everything harder.
When I think of what I accomplished or did this year...I survived the year.
As I told boss the day after my birthday, "I'd like to go to Peru for my birthday next year, assuming of course I survive 2020." (Boss: assuming we all survive 2020.) I don't see Peru happening any time soon - maybe 2023, assuming of course, I make it to 2023.
And I kept my job, my apartment, my family, and those closest to me. I didn't lose anyone. And I got four miracles that I asked for...at least a portion of them at any rate.
Plus the Doofus was not re-elected.
It's the little things ...although that list is by no means little.
Meanwhile, this continues to amuse me...
For easily 30 minutes, the husband and I have had a nuanced argument about gender, identity, power and self-identity. We just did not agree. And then we end it with; “let’s watch Wonder Woman for a third time since Christmas?” “Yes.”
So, folks - there's at least four people on Facebook, who adore Wonder Woman 84 - enough to watch it multiple times.
Why?
As silly as it was, I couldn't hate WW84 the way the internet seems to. Great characters, and Pedro Pascal giving me that ugly cry sad dad energy back to back, from protagonist to antagonists, on different streaming services, in different universes.
I didn't hate it. I just found it kind of disappointing and boring. But I get why people love it - the theme and the fact that there are no real villains in it, just the geode. Which is a subversive and cool idea, actually, I just wish it was executed better. (Also I don't like Pedro Pascale as much as everyone else seems to...the appeal of the actor is kind of lost on me - he looked like he had either had plastic surgery or his face had been photo-shopped in the film - it was too smooth, which I found distracting.) And, it's probably worth noting that I'm more of a Marvel fan than DC - DC's take on superheroes kind of irritates me. I've read both and seen all the films in both - I just prefer Marvel more. It's a personal preference. But it fascinates me how differently people perceive things.
Old college roommate agrees with me - she also prefers Marvel, and doesn't think DC does good films. But I've met and talked to people who think the exact opposite. We've debated it. I can see their point of view, we look for different things.
If you've seen the film? Love to hear your take on it. I may re-watch to see if I change my mind. It's on HBO MAX until January 24.
Took a short walk around the cemetery today. I felt off due to a dull sinus headache, lack of sleep, and overall fatigue. Almost a little unsteady on my feet - in that half way into my second mile, I wanted to lie down on a grassy mole (or grave) and sleep. (I didn't - because it's a tad cold for that, and it's kind of frowned upon and not permitted even if people were doing it all summer long.)
Considered buying sugar and evaporated milk to make a pumpkin pie - then thought better of it. (I got rid of all of my sugar some time ago - when I discovered I was diabetic.) I don't really need it. What I need to do is stick to an anti-inflammatory diet so I don't end up like my parents. And put clothes in vacuum sealed storage bags for storage. (Apparently my brother was clearing out his daughter's closet today or rather helping her clear it out. Remarking to my mother that she hordes and squirrels away things like her mother does. My brother believes he's immune to this curse, of course.)
In other news, I've been playing around with a new story - a fantasy story with a heroine who doesn't believe in fairies, but is actually half fairy.
I'll see where it goes, if anywhere. I prefer to write stories that spring from my imagination than anything based on mine or others lives.
I kind of finished the 800 page and counting contemporary romance novel. There's probably two or three chapters to go, but I've no clue how to get there, so letting go of it for now.
Why is it that the days seem to go faster when one is on vacation? Even if it is a stay-cation, and all I am doing is watching television, sleeping, walking about, eating, writing, and chatting on the phone?
The idea of going back to work - in any capacity - makes me tired.
Watched more of The Great Pottery Throw Down today. I've figured out why it feels so different season to season. It's because it is a different show. First season was 2015, secong was 2017, and it was cancelled. Then they resurrected it in 2020 with a new host, and a new judge (whose a bit harsher than the previous one) and some changes in the format. They filmed in January 2020. (Very odd watching it - and knowing what's coming.) And HBO Max acquired the rights - just in time for them to option a fourth season, with two new judges, yet the same host. Keith leaves and the kilm operator, and technician for the show steps up to become a judge. I don't think it's filmed yet. Although I don't think it would be that hard to do this type of reality series during COVID. Easier actually than some others that I've seen. (I'm on S3 now. My favorite is the first season. Another odd thing, the winners of the first and second season, didn't stick with pottery, instead they took off to do other things, and both were men in their early twenties. The challenges get harder as they go - the second season was by far the hardest. The third has the most episodes..)
Also saw more of Bridgerton - the references to "racism" while subtle, start to pop up in Episode 3 - with the flashbacks to the Duke's childhood, and why he despises his father. Rhimes unlike some writers tends to go for a subtle touch. I rather like the series.
Mother: We watched the first episode of Bridgerton last night.
ME: We?
Mother: Your father stayed awake. He kept thinking we'd seen it before..
Me: Well, it's nothing like Downton Abbey, but it is similar to Sandition -
Mother: And the series that took place in India.
ME: I kind of like it better than that one.
Mother: I don't. Although I do agree the Duke is very attractive, and it is fun.
And watched more of His Dark Materials - which is slower than the first season, but I knew it would be. The second book - the Subtle Knife isn't quite as good as the first one, the Golden Compass. I do however like the characters, and enjoy aspects of it. It also, being Pullman, has an interesting take on Judae/Christian mythology.
Well, I'm tired and it's time to start fixing dinner...so have a good night or evening. (I wonder do I use the word "so" too much?)
no subject
Date: 2020-12-30 12:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-12-30 03:41 pm (UTC)I've enjoyed the pics that come across my reading circle - thank you for posting them.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-30 11:25 pm (UTC)It's been a tough year. So much bad news...that after a while, I kind of felt...tired?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-30 07:49 pm (UTC)I was "meh" on the whole, and actually fell asleep during climactic scene (it was past midnight when we watched it, but still).
I mostly dislike how empty Diana's life seemed - no friends, no connections, no little quirks. Work and more work and walking sadly alone...
no subject
Date: 2020-12-30 11:24 pm (UTC)And it makes sense that she would be somewhat aloof. When you are "different" or "bigger" than others, and don't quite fit in - there is an air of aloofness - that can provide protection in a way. She can't really let people in.
But, we're talking 70 years here - you'd think she would have picked up relationships outside of Steve Trevor in that time period? I mean people do. And she's not living in a fortress of solitude.
A few people stated that they fell asleep during it - which makes sense. My attention drifted during it. I made and ate dinner during it. And kept stopping it to clean up, pull stuff out of the oven, etc. But I started prior to dinner...and my attention kept wandering. It has a lot of slow sections - which could have been tightened up a bit.
I was excited to see it - because you're correct there hasn't been any big movie releases for quite some time. And we had two in one day - Wonder Woman and Soul.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-31 12:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-12-31 02:08 am (UTC)I felt that Diana has little to no character development in the film and it annoyed me. It's her movie - but she seems to be the supporting player in it, the villains take center stage - which is the problem with many of DC's sequels, actually.
Also the Steve Trevor thing has so many problems. Why did they bring him back in another man's body? Why isn't this a problem for either Trevor or Diana? Now that I think back on it - I think they did it so they could have that final scene with Diana interacting with the guy and flirting. But it doesn't really work - because again, wouldn't he have been affected by Steve's possession?
Then we have the whole price Diana paid for Steve possessing another man's body is losing her own powers? I was thinking for a bit there that she was losing her powers because of Minera's wish. That was confusing. Partly because of how they did the Steve Trevor resurrection.
On top of all of this - we have even Steve wondering why she's still closed off and pining for him after 70 years. The immortality thing works to a degree - but, not completely. They kind of did the same thing with Superman - but it worked better there, because Superman would go off into his fortress of solitude and brood. Or Bruce Wayne would brood in his bat cave. Diana isn't off somewhere brooding.