1)My Thanksgiving was a lot of fun..My mom and dad and I did Meals On Wheels. We had Thanksgiving dinner at a hotel near their house.It was really good-I'd never had stuffing with chorizo-but I am now a fan-see also:The bread pudding, which had butterscotch chips on top of it. Mind you, I hate butterscotch-and bread pudding-but *that* I liked! Then we went to see The Theory Of Everything, the movie about Stephen Hawking.
2)My new favourite thing is the Jag ads with Nicholas Hoult. Hard to believe that's the kid from About A Boy.
3)What can I say about Ferguson that hasn't already been said?I found it upsetting.I'll just leave it at that.
4)I LOVED the trailer for the new Star Wars movie. I decided that I am going to go to a midnight showing the day it comes out.Which is something I would NOT normally do..but that is how excited I am about it.
5)I am a technologically savvy person..to a point..but trying to figure out the pluses and minuses of certain things(like makes and brands of cell phones)that makes my head hurt.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
[who let the dog(s) out?]
Apparently there has been a problem with a service dog on the Niew Amsterdam.The problem?It's not a real service dog.And it's very badly behaved.
The dog's owner is on an extended(world?) cruise.Just think of all the logistical issues involved with having a "service dog" on an extended cruise.I mean, it's not like there's an area you can take the dog to, like you can at, say, an airport. It's really surprising that this dog hasn't been making more of a mess. But, as I said, it's become a bit of a major issue for other passengers. Plus, the matter of the dog not being a real service dog, too.
Thanks to the ADA act, bus drivers and the like can't give people trouble about whether their dog is or isn't a real service dog. They can get sued.Which sucks. Not only that,there is a whole black market for fake certification and vests and the like.It is illegal, but it goes on all the time.
According to the thread about this on Cruise Critic,the wonder is stressed by the situation. But the crew are bearing some of the brunt too(and probably are stressed themselves) as they have been enlisted to watch the dog whilst the owner and her husband go on shore excursions.
*I can't remember what thread it was on(I thought it was on the service dog thread but it's not) about knowing when to quit cruising.
Now, this is something I have seen before-people talking about how they travel with a disabled family member, or a family member with health issues.There was a woman who was saying that they would not be cruising anymore because it was too much stress for her and other family members. Well, it's probably stressful to the disabled family members as well-they're having to be flexible about timing of everything, etc and it's not always easy.
So I wonder why they always choose a cruise as their vacation. They would be much better served finding something that would be more appropriate.
The dog's owner is on an extended(world?) cruise.Just think of all the logistical issues involved with having a "service dog" on an extended cruise.I mean, it's not like there's an area you can take the dog to, like you can at, say, an airport. It's really surprising that this dog hasn't been making more of a mess. But, as I said, it's become a bit of a major issue for other passengers. Plus, the matter of the dog not being a real service dog, too.
Thanks to the ADA act, bus drivers and the like can't give people trouble about whether their dog is or isn't a real service dog. They can get sued.Which sucks. Not only that,there is a whole black market for fake certification and vests and the like.It is illegal, but it goes on all the time.
According to the thread about this on Cruise Critic,the wonder is stressed by the situation. But the crew are bearing some of the brunt too(and probably are stressed themselves) as they have been enlisted to watch the dog whilst the owner and her husband go on shore excursions.
*I can't remember what thread it was on(I thought it was on the service dog thread but it's not) about knowing when to quit cruising.
Now, this is something I have seen before-people talking about how they travel with a disabled family member, or a family member with health issues.There was a woman who was saying that they would not be cruising anymore because it was too much stress for her and other family members. Well, it's probably stressful to the disabled family members as well-they're having to be flexible about timing of everything, etc and it's not always easy.
So I wonder why they always choose a cruise as their vacation. They would be much better served finding something that would be more appropriate.
Friday, November 28, 2014
[the review posts will return..they're just taking a bit of a break for now!]
There has been quite a bit of talk about whether Hannibal could come back earlier than expected since the show that is in its time slot(Constantine) is not getting any additional episodes.
This means that Hannibal has the potential to come back as early as late February or March.The problem is that Hannibal has only been in production since October 20th.Presumably they're taking time off for Christmas. Mads is not going to his daughter's debutante ball(which is in Paris), which leads me to think that they are working really hard to get things together in case Hannibal gets a time slot for next year.
Hopefully, there isn't *too much* rushing to get things done-Filming moves to Italy next week.
Again, this is just a guess, but I have a feeling that a decision about Constantine was made pretty early on. Its ratings have improved..but not by much. Mind you, Hannibal's ratings are pretty marginal but here we are,on the verge(r) of Season 3.Supposedly NBC is supposed to announce their mid-season lineup soon, so maybe we'll find out something then?
Last time, they announced an air date out of the blue in mid-December(to say that it was unexpected would be putting it mildly!)
Pretty much the only problem that I could see with it is that there will be a several week break between episodes. But then again, seeing as how Bryan Fuller has said that S3 will be split into two chapters-the hunting for Hannibal chapters and then the start of the Red Dragon arc, maybe that is actually a *good* thing?
I like to tell myself that the lack of spoilers/on set pictures is because they have been SO busy putting together an *amazing* S3 for us Fannibals. We do love our spoilery pictures and have fun figuring out what they mean(see also:The promos, both U.S. and international, for S2) and also also a picture of Will with antlers sticking out of his back.That was taken so out of context it's not even funny!
This means that Hannibal has the potential to come back as early as late February or March.The problem is that Hannibal has only been in production since October 20th.Presumably they're taking time off for Christmas. Mads is not going to his daughter's debutante ball(which is in Paris), which leads me to think that they are working really hard to get things together in case Hannibal gets a time slot for next year.
Hopefully, there isn't *too much* rushing to get things done-Filming moves to Italy next week.
Again, this is just a guess, but I have a feeling that a decision about Constantine was made pretty early on. Its ratings have improved..but not by much. Mind you, Hannibal's ratings are pretty marginal but here we are,on the verge(r) of Season 3.Supposedly NBC is supposed to announce their mid-season lineup soon, so maybe we'll find out something then?
Last time, they announced an air date out of the blue in mid-December(to say that it was unexpected would be putting it mildly!)
Pretty much the only problem that I could see with it is that there will be a several week break between episodes. But then again, seeing as how Bryan Fuller has said that S3 will be split into two chapters-the hunting for Hannibal chapters and then the start of the Red Dragon arc, maybe that is actually a *good* thing?
I like to tell myself that the lack of spoilers/on set pictures is because they have been SO busy putting together an *amazing* S3 for us Fannibals. We do love our spoilery pictures and have fun figuring out what they mean(see also:The promos, both U.S. and international, for S2) and also also a picture of Will with antlers sticking out of his back.That was taken so out of context it's not even funny!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
[meme]
*If you could do one thing to change the past,would you do it? Yes,I would. I know *exactly* what part of my past I would change, too.
*What's the first thing on your bucket list and why? Believe it or not, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
*Talk about green. When I think of green, I think of the color. Of grass(I love the smell of freshly mowed grass)
*If you could have any five actors/characters for dinner, who would they be? Hugh Dancy,Michael Fassbender ,Harrison Ford,Ian McKellen and Sean Connery.
*What has been your favourite trip?I really liked our family trip to Alaska a few years ago,so I'll say that!
*Sleepwear: This time of year, whatever shirt I wore during the day, and pajama pants.Or a nightshirt and pajama pants.
*What's the first thing on your bucket list and why? Believe it or not, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
*Talk about green. When I think of green, I think of the color. Of grass(I love the smell of freshly mowed grass)
*If you could have any five actors/characters for dinner, who would they be? Hugh Dancy,Michael Fassbender ,Harrison Ford,Ian McKellen and Sean Connery.
*What has been your favourite trip?I really liked our family trip to Alaska a few years ago,so I'll say that!
*Sleepwear: This time of year, whatever shirt I wore during the day, and pajama pants.Or a nightshirt and pajama pants.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
[blog housekeeping]
*Because of..circumstances I will not be posting my Hannibal review this Friday..but it will be back next week.
*You may have noticed a new weekly(providing I can come up with enough things) post-Five Things. I did Five Things a few times back at the old blog.
*Finally, at the end of the year,I will be posting a list of the books I read/liked this year.
*You may have noticed a new weekly(providing I can come up with enough things) post-Five Things. I did Five Things a few times back at the old blog.
*Finally, at the end of the year,I will be posting a list of the books I read/liked this year.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
[fair weather fans]
This is something I've noticed in several fandoms-including Hannibal, though I'm going to start with other fandoms and wrap up this post by talking about Hannibal
I'll start with House and Once Upon a Time.
There is a writer, Barbara Barnett who is/was part of several fandoms.She writes about TV and pop culture for a living, so her opinion is out there,in a big way.
Well, some of her (very strong)opinions about House started to filter to others fans.And her opinion-that she didn't like the way the show runners were doing things-became the majority opinion in the House fandom.When a favourite character of Barnett's was written out of the show she made her opinions *quite* known.Because of that,there are certain House fans who, 3 years later, feel very strongly, and have been known to harass former show runners and writers on Twitter. Even now. And Barbara Barnett is *entirely* to blame for that.
I get that Barnett is in the buisness of writing about TV but when you can get dissent in the ranks of a fandom by writing your opinion and stating it as how *everyone* feels, that is a conflict of interest.
BTW, the 10th anniversary of House was the other day and the producer David Shore(one of the people involved with the show that she dislikes intensely) was one of the few people that acknowleged that fact on Twitter. Of course,I pointed that out to her and.. *crickets.* Yeah, she really dislikes him THAT much.
Fast forward to 2014.She's doing the same thing same thing with the Once Upon A Time fandom. A show she's watched for several years but now no longer reviews because(once again) she doesn't like the direction that the show runners are going in.
Yes, it is all a matter of opinion but a lot of the things that she had to say came off like nitpicking.For all the people that agreed with her reviews, there were plenty of people who DISagreed with her.Especially on IMDB.For all the smack that I talk about the IMDB boards(and I do) they know what's what on that score.
Now, she's moved on to The Walking Dead fandom, and I'm sure they'll be annoyed with her before too horribly long.It seems like fandoms have become a little less innured to..outside opinion since House.
I'm waiting for The Walking Dead's show runner to do something wrong..at which point she will move on to another show.Probably. And it'll start all over again.
And finally, Hannibal: I have been hearing that some Mads fans have been feeling like Mads is getting short shrift from the official Tumblr and the like, and that the show is called Hannibal and that Hannibal is the main character and other characters(Will, Jack, etc.) are minor characters. Yes, really.Luckily,that(unlike with House) is a small minority of the fandom. And there's plenty of people to call bullshit on it-that they love Mads/Hugh Hannibal/Will equally.
I'll start with House and Once Upon a Time.
There is a writer, Barbara Barnett who is/was part of several fandoms.She writes about TV and pop culture for a living, so her opinion is out there,in a big way.
Well, some of her (very strong)opinions about House started to filter to others fans.And her opinion-that she didn't like the way the show runners were doing things-became the majority opinion in the House fandom.When a favourite character of Barnett's was written out of the show she made her opinions *quite* known.Because of that,there are certain House fans who, 3 years later, feel very strongly, and have been known to harass former show runners and writers on Twitter. Even now. And Barbara Barnett is *entirely* to blame for that.
I get that Barnett is in the buisness of writing about TV but when you can get dissent in the ranks of a fandom by writing your opinion and stating it as how *everyone* feels, that is a conflict of interest.
BTW, the 10th anniversary of House was the other day and the producer David Shore(one of the people involved with the show that she dislikes intensely) was one of the few people that acknowleged that fact on Twitter. Of course,I pointed that out to her and.. *crickets.* Yeah, she really dislikes him THAT much.
Fast forward to 2014.She's doing the same thing same thing with the Once Upon A Time fandom. A show she's watched for several years but now no longer reviews because(once again) she doesn't like the direction that the show runners are going in.
Yes, it is all a matter of opinion but a lot of the things that she had to say came off like nitpicking.For all the people that agreed with her reviews, there were plenty of people who DISagreed with her.Especially on IMDB.For all the smack that I talk about the IMDB boards(and I do) they know what's what on that score.
Now, she's moved on to The Walking Dead fandom, and I'm sure they'll be annoyed with her before too horribly long.It seems like fandoms have become a little less innured to..outside opinion since House.
I'm waiting for The Walking Dead's show runner to do something wrong..at which point she will move on to another show.Probably. And it'll start all over again.
And finally, Hannibal: I have been hearing that some Mads fans have been feeling like Mads is getting short shrift from the official Tumblr and the like, and that the show is called Hannibal and that Hannibal is the main character and other characters(Will, Jack, etc.) are minor characters. Yes, really.Luckily,that(unlike with House) is a small minority of the fandom. And there's plenty of people to call bullshit on it-that they love Mads/Hugh Hannibal/Will equally.
Monday, November 24, 2014
[weekend report, Nov. 21-23]
Friday: I went to Encinitas and hung out there for a few hours.
Saturday:Was Mads Mikkelsen's birthday(I have to mention that!) I went down to Point Loma, to Liberty Station(the old Navy training station here in San Diego which is now a bunch of shops, galleries and the like. It's amazing.)
My parents had a dinner party Saturday night but I wasn't part of that. :)
Sunday: I went to the Farmer's Market near my parents' house.Later on, my brother and his wife and kids came over for dinner.
Saturday:Was Mads Mikkelsen's birthday(I have to mention that!) I went down to Point Loma, to Liberty Station(the old Navy training station here in San Diego which is now a bunch of shops, galleries and the like. It's amazing.)
My parents had a dinner party Saturday night but I wasn't part of that. :)
Sunday: I went to the Farmer's Market near my parents' house.Later on, my brother and his wife and kids came over for dinner.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
[five things]
1)They put new streetlights on my street.They are LED I think..they're very bright..and energy saving, too.
2)My hometown,Oceanside, was on an episode of Storage Wars. I didn't see anyplace I recognised, though.
3)Thursday will be our second Thursday in a row doing Meals On Wheels.We are also doing Meals On Wheels the first Thursday of December and then not for 2 weeks.
4)I just started reading my 50th book for the year-and now that I'm on book #50..I plan to keep reading!
5)Facebook mystifies me..I mean, it's how I keep in touch with family out of state..but how certain companies(like airlines') Facebook pages mystify me. First of all, anyone wanting to report issues basically gets a robo response. It's much better to actually try to deal with it at the time(at the airport)than deal with someone on their social media site.
Not only that, the trolls.The trolls who post nasty replies to anyone who has a legit complaint. Like I said:Better to just deal with it at the airport at the time it happens.
2)My hometown,Oceanside, was on an episode of Storage Wars. I didn't see anyplace I recognised, though.
3)Thursday will be our second Thursday in a row doing Meals On Wheels.We are also doing Meals On Wheels the first Thursday of December and then not for 2 weeks.
4)I just started reading my 50th book for the year-and now that I'm on book #50..I plan to keep reading!
5)Facebook mystifies me..I mean, it's how I keep in touch with family out of state..but how certain companies(like airlines') Facebook pages mystify me. First of all, anyone wanting to report issues basically gets a robo response. It's much better to actually try to deal with it at the time(at the airport)than deal with someone on their social media site.
Not only that, the trolls.The trolls who post nasty replies to anyone who has a legit complaint. Like I said:Better to just deal with it at the airport at the time it happens.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
[the drama is getting, well, dramatic again]
*Someone pointed out that "cheerleader" posts on Cruise Critic was coined to describe people that think HAL(Holland America Line) can do no wrong.True,there *are* people who think HAL can do no wrong.I know this,I've seen it with my own eyes.
But it's the blowing off of major issues(non-working a/c, non-flushing toilets)that gets me.Basically "You have to be lying".Again:I have seen people with legit complaints called "trolls"-and worse.It's allowed to go on until the red triangle(reporting button for obnoxious posts) gets pushed so many times that they can't ignore it.
It scares people off-they ask a question that longtime posters might think is "dumb" or "obvious". and respond in their own way. Well, the original poster gets that response and..they don't want to come back.And who can blame them?More than a few people have said that they felt unwelcome when they first started posting on the Cruise Critic boards.I was reading an old thread where an established poster said that they were suspicious of posters with low post counts. And see that is exactly the posrt of thing I've been talking about for a while.
Someone..defended isn't quite the right word but it fits..the cheerleading by saying that "it isn't putting people down, it's showing that it's not the norm". Doesn't matter. It's still rude.Posters take the blame because they're made to feel that it's their problem or that they have an attitude, which is wrong.
The timing of this thread is interesting, I think, because I haven't seen so much of the ganging up on cheerleaders.To me, it seems like shit-stirring.
It went a couple of different directions, including the usual complaints about how some posters on the Cruise Critic boards are stereotype. I have to disagree. I think that there are a few people on the cruise Critic Holland America boards that revel in living up to the stereotype of wanting to go back to the "old days" of cruising.It gets into self parody.
On the other hand, some of the most extreme posters have left(unfortunately, some equally obnoxious people have replaced them.)
But it's the blowing off of major issues(non-working a/c, non-flushing toilets)that gets me.Basically "You have to be lying".Again:I have seen people with legit complaints called "trolls"-and worse.It's allowed to go on until the red triangle(reporting button for obnoxious posts) gets pushed so many times that they can't ignore it.
It scares people off-they ask a question that longtime posters might think is "dumb" or "obvious". and respond in their own way. Well, the original poster gets that response and..they don't want to come back.And who can blame them?More than a few people have said that they felt unwelcome when they first started posting on the Cruise Critic boards.I was reading an old thread where an established poster said that they were suspicious of posters with low post counts. And see that is exactly the posrt of thing I've been talking about for a while.
Someone..defended isn't quite the right word but it fits..the cheerleading by saying that "it isn't putting people down, it's showing that it's not the norm". Doesn't matter. It's still rude.Posters take the blame because they're made to feel that it's their problem or that they have an attitude, which is wrong.
The timing of this thread is interesting, I think, because I haven't seen so much of the ganging up on cheerleaders.To me, it seems like shit-stirring.
It went a couple of different directions, including the usual complaints about how some posters on the Cruise Critic boards are stereotype. I have to disagree. I think that there are a few people on the cruise Critic Holland America boards that revel in living up to the stereotype of wanting to go back to the "old days" of cruising.It gets into self parody.
On the other hand, some of the most extreme posters have left(unfortunately, some equally obnoxious people have replaced them.)
Friday, November 21, 2014
[S2, Ep 4:Takiwase]
*The whole thing with naming the bait for someone you know.. *sob*-and Will names his Abigail. Staaahp.
*Beverly visits Will-this episode does NOT end well for her :(
*The human beehive .....*shudder* strangely- that put me off of honey but the mushroom people from S1-didn't bother me at all. Go figure.
*Chilton is unethical-and Will sees right through it.Even throws Chilton's comment about Will being a topic of conversation in psychiatric circles back at him. You go, Will! Will has a very low tolerance for Chilton.
*Bella is actively making a cry for help, and it's emotional(especially given what happens later on in the episode..)
*Price is a expert on bee sex(I learned way more than I ever wanted to know about bees from this episode!)
*Chilton is doing therapy on Will. Oh shit. Oh shit because a) it's Chilton doing it and b) Will remembers what Hannibal was doing to him-inducing the seizures and the blackouts.And we see Wills POV with Hannibal's face looking all screwed up(that's putting it mildly!) Chilton's not sure what to believe, but he blocks Hannibal from seeing Will, telling him that he(Chilton) is in charge of Will's therapy now.
*Bella smokes pit-and Jack joins her out of solidarity. Jeez, I'd be worried about toking if I worked at someplace like the FBI where you *know* they do regular drug testing. It's the sort of thing I can picture Kade Purnell going off on him about if his test turned up positive for pot.
*The human beehive, and the acupuncturist from this episode have put me off of both of those things.And Salisbury steak. The acupuncturist is like "Yeah, I did it. and I'd do it again!"
*The guy who was doing the mural had his kidney removed(which comes into play in the next episode.)
*Bella OD's, and Hannibal has to make the decision to save her life or not(which he does) only to get slapped by Bella. Bella wants to die on her own terms and not(as she has said several times) to be a burden to jack, which couldn't be further from the truth!
*Beverly is going to go to Hannibal's without backup.
So, the first time I watched the episode I seriously was yelling at my TV, I couldn't believe that she went there by herself.. and then.. shit got real. Funny how we never heard anything about the bullet that went from the basement into Hannibal's dining room(maybe in S3?)
Quotable:
Bev:Don't say Hannibal Lecter.
Will: I'm saying Hannibal Lecter.
*Beverly visits Will-this episode does NOT end well for her :(
*The human beehive .....*shudder* strangely- that put me off of honey but the mushroom people from S1-didn't bother me at all. Go figure.
*Chilton is unethical-and Will sees right through it.Even throws Chilton's comment about Will being a topic of conversation in psychiatric circles back at him. You go, Will! Will has a very low tolerance for Chilton.
*Bella is actively making a cry for help, and it's emotional(especially given what happens later on in the episode..)
*Price is a expert on bee sex(I learned way more than I ever wanted to know about bees from this episode!)
*Chilton is doing therapy on Will. Oh shit. Oh shit because a) it's Chilton doing it and b) Will remembers what Hannibal was doing to him-inducing the seizures and the blackouts.And we see Wills POV with Hannibal's face looking all screwed up(that's putting it mildly!) Chilton's not sure what to believe, but he blocks Hannibal from seeing Will, telling him that he(Chilton) is in charge of Will's therapy now.
*Bella smokes pit-and Jack joins her out of solidarity. Jeez, I'd be worried about toking if I worked at someplace like the FBI where you *know* they do regular drug testing. It's the sort of thing I can picture Kade Purnell going off on him about if his test turned up positive for pot.
*The human beehive, and the acupuncturist from this episode have put me off of both of those things.And Salisbury steak. The acupuncturist is like "Yeah, I did it. and I'd do it again!"
*The guy who was doing the mural had his kidney removed(which comes into play in the next episode.)
*Bella OD's, and Hannibal has to make the decision to save her life or not(which he does) only to get slapped by Bella. Bella wants to die on her own terms and not(as she has said several times) to be a burden to jack, which couldn't be further from the truth!
*Beverly is going to go to Hannibal's without backup.
So, the first time I watched the episode I seriously was yelling at my TV, I couldn't believe that she went there by herself.. and then.. shit got real. Funny how we never heard anything about the bullet that went from the basement into Hannibal's dining room(maybe in S3?)
Quotable:
Bev:Don't say Hannibal Lecter.
Will: I'm saying Hannibal Lecter.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
[staying healthy]
And it's ironic that I am writing this post just now..because I am having a minor health issue(not anything big, but I had to go to the doctor today;I am so grateful to the doctors at Scripps-they are frickin' rock stars-I was not able to get in to see my usual doctor,but there are other doctors that are associates of his that I can see, and they're always super cool. I've seen several different doctors for various issues(once I saw a doctor for a sore throat which was so bad I felt like I needed to have it checked out..just to be sure. Turned out that it was bacterial, so I couldn't take anything for it which sucked because it was *painful* and nothing would work on it.
That's part of it; I really have been trying to make an effort to go to the gym more; I worked out for the first time in quite a while the other day and I realised *just* how much I need to get there. Like,I have a doctor's appointment next week kind of close to where my gym is;I'm thinking that maybe I'll get a workout in before I go to my appointment.And then, of course, I'm planning on working out on Thanksgiving(I wonder if they'll be busy-is everyone else going to have the same idea-work out before a huge meal? Most of the time my gym isn't even close to crowded-we'll see if Thanksgiving is different!)
I've been lucky as far as my diabetes goes;I've always heard that people with diabetes have lowered immunes systems. I dunno; I've been lucky *knocks wood* apart from this current health issue and a few other things, I've been lucky that way. But I do everything I should, like get flu shots.
That's part of it; I really have been trying to make an effort to go to the gym more; I worked out for the first time in quite a while the other day and I realised *just* how much I need to get there. Like,I have a doctor's appointment next week kind of close to where my gym is;I'm thinking that maybe I'll get a workout in before I go to my appointment.And then, of course, I'm planning on working out on Thanksgiving(I wonder if they'll be busy-is everyone else going to have the same idea-work out before a huge meal? Most of the time my gym isn't even close to crowded-we'll see if Thanksgiving is different!)
I've been lucky as far as my diabetes goes;I've always heard that people with diabetes have lowered immunes systems. I dunno; I've been lucky *knocks wood* apart from this current health issue and a few other things, I've been lucky that way. But I do everything I should, like get flu shots.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
[already thinking ahead]
Since we're going out to dinner for Thanksgiving,I don't have to worry about cooking..but now it's got me thinking about what I want to make for Christmas dinner. I usually contribute something(or a couple of somethings) to Christmas dinner.
Our holiday dinners usually go this way: a HUGE Christmas Eve dinner(with at least one dessert) and then Christmas dinner is a roast(one year my uncle sent smoked pork chops that were REALLY good), sides, and several pies, including Chocolate Peppermint Pie which is a sort of chocolate mousse pie which has been a staple of our Christmas dinners for a LONG time.
This year, I'd like to try something different,maybe make a side that I've never made before-or revisit one that I haven't made for a while. It kinda depends what we're having for Christmas dinner-when I know that, maybe I can kinda think about what I should make.
Our holiday dinners usually go this way: a HUGE Christmas Eve dinner(with at least one dessert) and then Christmas dinner is a roast(one year my uncle sent smoked pork chops that were REALLY good), sides, and several pies, including Chocolate Peppermint Pie which is a sort of chocolate mousse pie which has been a staple of our Christmas dinners for a LONG time.
This year, I'd like to try something different,maybe make a side that I've never made before-or revisit one that I haven't made for a while. It kinda depends what we're having for Christmas dinner-when I know that, maybe I can kinda think about what I should make.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
[creative writing]
Today's prompt is: Write about a habit you find hard to break.
Not sure if this counts, but..I tend to be a creature of habit when I go to my favourite restaraunts. If I find something that I really like,that's what I'll order. I have been going to Anthony's, a seafood restaraunt here in San Diego since I was small and I always order the same thing:Fish and Chips.
There are a few places in town(the place that is within walking distance of my house starts making my lunch as soon as they see me-no word of a lie-I have a standard order-tuna melt-there, too!)that know me very well.
Not sure if this counts, but..I tend to be a creature of habit when I go to my favourite restaraunts. If I find something that I really like,that's what I'll order. I have been going to Anthony's, a seafood restaraunt here in San Diego since I was small and I always order the same thing:Fish and Chips.
There are a few places in town(the place that is within walking distance of my house starts making my lunch as soon as they see me-no word of a lie-I have a standard order-tuna melt-there, too!)that know me very well.
Monday, November 17, 2014
[weekend report nov. 14-16]
Friday: Headed down to my parents' house. Had navy bean soup for dinner(it was cooler and cloudy that night so it hit the spot) and garlic bread.) My mom was setting up for her holiday boutique which was Saturday, so I just got everything ready so it was no stress for her.
Saturday:My mom's Holiday Boutique was today. My parents belong to the Civic and Historical Society for the town they live in. The boutique is their annual fundraiser.They always have a lot of great stuff there(and make a ton of money which they definitely did this year!) My aunt and one of my cousins were there for the day-They hung out at the bazaar for a while and then the 3 of us went to lunch at one of my favourite Mexican food restaraunts. They wanted to do some shopping so we did that.
Then, my brother and his wife and kids came over to my parents' house and my dad went and got pizza. I went back home that night.
Sunday: Went to Barnes and Noble and had my coffee then walked over to my gym(which is within walking distance) and worked out for the first time in quite a while(my muscles were letting me know they were not happy with me later but as my dad says "it's a good kind of sore".
No Hannibal Rewatch yesterday-I spent a long time at the bookstore,then I wanted to spend plenty of time working out,but not so much I was really feeling it, then I went to Trader Joe's and did a little grocery shopping.
Saturday:My mom's Holiday Boutique was today. My parents belong to the Civic and Historical Society for the town they live in. The boutique is their annual fundraiser.They always have a lot of great stuff there(and make a ton of money which they definitely did this year!) My aunt and one of my cousins were there for the day-They hung out at the bazaar for a while and then the 3 of us went to lunch at one of my favourite Mexican food restaraunts. They wanted to do some shopping so we did that.
Then, my brother and his wife and kids came over to my parents' house and my dad went and got pizza. I went back home that night.
Sunday: Went to Barnes and Noble and had my coffee then walked over to my gym(which is within walking distance) and worked out for the first time in quite a while(my muscles were letting me know they were not happy with me later but as my dad says "it's a good kind of sore".
No Hannibal Rewatch yesterday-I spent a long time at the bookstore,then I wanted to spend plenty of time working out,but not so much I was really feeling it, then I went to Trader Joe's and did a little grocery shopping.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
[making obligatory "I'm thankful I'm not cooking Thanksgiving dinner" joke]
Not only that, my parents and I are delivering Meals On Wheels on Thanksgiving. Supposedly we shouldn't have a lot of people on our route because of that, and even if we did, it wouldn't be a big deal(we pick up out meals at a certain spot around 11 a.m. and it takes about an hour or so depending on how busy we are)
Also, I am going to go to the gym before that. Usually, I have to take two buses to get there, but the bus that doesn't go over there except on Sundays and holidays. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays so I figure I might as well take advantage of it before we have our Thanksgiving dinner!
My mom made reservations at a local hotel.. I was able to find their menu online and I liked what I saw :) There are no shortage of places to go out for dinner-even Buca Di Beppo does a Thanksgiving dinner. I wouldn't mind having a holiday dinner there-I have to wonder, is it Thanksgiving with a Italian twist?
There are the more pricey places like the Hotel Del Coronado(*super* pricey, but it's popular-they also have a buffet on the weekend that is $80 a pop but there's always a wait to get in-go figure!)
About this time of year there are ads in the Reader(our local free paper) and in the Night &Day section of the newspaper for all of the hotels and restaraunts that offer Thanksgiving dinner, and a lot of them will tell you what they're serving. I like the ones who have the real typical Thanksgiving dinner(turkey, stuffing,mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie)
Also, I am going to go to the gym before that. Usually, I have to take two buses to get there, but the bus that doesn't go over there except on Sundays and holidays. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays so I figure I might as well take advantage of it before we have our Thanksgiving dinner!
My mom made reservations at a local hotel.. I was able to find their menu online and I liked what I saw :) There are no shortage of places to go out for dinner-even Buca Di Beppo does a Thanksgiving dinner. I wouldn't mind having a holiday dinner there-I have to wonder, is it Thanksgiving with a Italian twist?
There are the more pricey places like the Hotel Del Coronado(*super* pricey, but it's popular-they also have a buffet on the weekend that is $80 a pop but there's always a wait to get in-go figure!)
About this time of year there are ads in the Reader(our local free paper) and in the Night &Day section of the newspaper for all of the hotels and restaraunts that offer Thanksgiving dinner, and a lot of them will tell you what they're serving. I like the ones who have the real typical Thanksgiving dinner(turkey, stuffing,mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie)
Saturday, November 15, 2014
[it'd be an excuse to go to europe!]
So Holland America has a mini-site for their new ship, the Konigsdam. There isn't a whole lot on there yet but I really like what I see.
First of all,they have renderings of the new cabins(all of them-and supposedly there are going to be less suites-one or two on this ship compared to the other ships in the fleet which have a lot.) I think they have realised that the suites are not as big of a sell as they think..true, reading Cruise Critic, you would think that is the only way to go but it's not the truth. I much prefer inside cabins..and I love what they've done with the inside cabins on the Konigsdam-they're sparse-very plain and white, but I think the floor plane is a lot more thought out-mind you, you don't spend all that much time in the cabins, but you want someplace that is going to be conducive to a good night's sleep.
The MDR(Main Dining Room) is AMAZEBALLS. It's open and light,Holland America are moving away from their "Old World Charm" tact and going with something that's much more 21st Century. Again, Holland America have been doing their due dilligence and Holland America passengers want something that was much more modern...Cruise Critic is such a small percentage of the cruising public yet you would think that they represent this HUGE majority of the cruising public but it simply isn't the case.
The Konigsdam is going to be based(primarily) in Europe *points to subject line* I haven't gotten to travel nearly as much as I would like and a cruise would be a great way to see Europe!
First of all,they have renderings of the new cabins(all of them-and supposedly there are going to be less suites-one or two on this ship compared to the other ships in the fleet which have a lot.) I think they have realised that the suites are not as big of a sell as they think..true, reading Cruise Critic, you would think that is the only way to go but it's not the truth. I much prefer inside cabins..and I love what they've done with the inside cabins on the Konigsdam-they're sparse-very plain and white, but I think the floor plane is a lot more thought out-mind you, you don't spend all that much time in the cabins, but you want someplace that is going to be conducive to a good night's sleep.
The MDR(Main Dining Room) is AMAZEBALLS. It's open and light,Holland America are moving away from their "Old World Charm" tact and going with something that's much more 21st Century. Again, Holland America have been doing their due dilligence and Holland America passengers want something that was much more modern...Cruise Critic is such a small percentage of the cruising public yet you would think that they represent this HUGE majority of the cruising public but it simply isn't the case.
The Konigsdam is going to be based(primarily) in Europe *points to subject line* I haven't gotten to travel nearly as much as I would like and a cruise would be a great way to see Europe!
Friday, November 14, 2014
[S2 Ep3: Hassun]
*Will(in a suit) dreaming about being executed.
*Will(and Hannibal) getting ready for court at the same time.
*Will looks so uncomfortable in his suit :(
*The prosecutor is obnoxious(I wonder if we could see her again at some point..)
*Going on and on about how Will killed people(except he didn't..)
*Kade Purnell is hurting things, NOT helping(I'm rather vocal about my dislike of her :P)
*We get a callback to the Evil Minds Museum mentioned in the pilot.
*Jack is-in one sense-trying to help-but in other ways, not so much.
*It was a big deal when the character of Will's lawyer, Leonard Braver was announced, but we only saw him in this episode.
*Brauer gets an ear (Brauer(to Will) "I think I opened your mail".
*Bella doesn't want to turn the Crawfords' bedroom into a sickroom, but I'm wondering if that might be some foreshadowing-it's not Bella who is sick, it's Jack-he's at home recovering(or in a coma?) instead of being in the hospital-where it's more comfortable. Just a guess.
*Team Sassy Science break down what's going on for Jack-and still they doubt.
*Hannibal all but admits to being the killer, and yet nobody goes "wait, backthefrickup?" Seriously.
*Freddie Lounds will never be viewed as a credible witness(in court, anyways) after this episode. Hoping she is part of the hunt for Hannibal in S3.
*Braver is majorly jerky when he's going over what is going to happen in court with Alana and Will.
*The FBI has the worst guarded evidence room-someone was able to go in there and sneak evidence out and try to frame someone with it? WTF, man!
*Chilton is obnoxious in court.
* "See?" and "What Do You See?" are recurring themes, both in Season 1 and Season 2.
*Will imagines the crime scene-he body slams the guard onto the antlers.
*Hannibal takes the stand;really,the bible he put his hand on should have burst into flames as soon as he touched it, LOL
*The judge gets put on display("It's a elegant if not unorthodox solution""-you don't say!)
*Kade is SO convinced of Will's guilt-I would even call her feelings about him a vendetta.
*The stool sample line "we should have taken a stool sample" "Yes we should have" is the textbook definition of TMI.
*Kade Purnell is just at her..searches for a word and settles on "worst" in this episode.
*Will goes to his happy place-fishing-whilst he is in court. Can't really blame him, though.
*Will dreams he is walking out of his cell-he follows the ravenstag and there's..Hannibal.Unsubtle and unsettling.
Quotable:
There is not yet a name for whatever Will Graham is-Chilton
He is merely the ink from which flows my poem-Will
*Will(and Hannibal) getting ready for court at the same time.
*Will looks so uncomfortable in his suit :(
*The prosecutor is obnoxious(I wonder if we could see her again at some point..)
*Going on and on about how Will killed people(except he didn't..)
*Kade Purnell is hurting things, NOT helping(I'm rather vocal about my dislike of her :P)
*We get a callback to the Evil Minds Museum mentioned in the pilot.
*Jack is-in one sense-trying to help-but in other ways, not so much.
*It was a big deal when the character of Will's lawyer, Leonard Braver was announced, but we only saw him in this episode.
*Brauer gets an ear (Brauer(to Will) "I think I opened your mail".
*Bella doesn't want to turn the Crawfords' bedroom into a sickroom, but I'm wondering if that might be some foreshadowing-it's not Bella who is sick, it's Jack-he's at home recovering(or in a coma?) instead of being in the hospital-where it's more comfortable. Just a guess.
*Team Sassy Science break down what's going on for Jack-and still they doubt.
*Hannibal all but admits to being the killer, and yet nobody goes "wait, backthefrickup?" Seriously.
*Freddie Lounds will never be viewed as a credible witness(in court, anyways) after this episode. Hoping she is part of the hunt for Hannibal in S3.
*Braver is majorly jerky when he's going over what is going to happen in court with Alana and Will.
*The FBI has the worst guarded evidence room-someone was able to go in there and sneak evidence out and try to frame someone with it? WTF, man!
*Chilton is obnoxious in court.
* "See?" and "What Do You See?" are recurring themes, both in Season 1 and Season 2.
*Will imagines the crime scene-he body slams the guard onto the antlers.
*Hannibal takes the stand;really,the bible he put his hand on should have burst into flames as soon as he touched it, LOL
*The judge gets put on display("It's a elegant if not unorthodox solution""-you don't say!)
*Kade is SO convinced of Will's guilt-I would even call her feelings about him a vendetta.
*The stool sample line "we should have taken a stool sample" "Yes we should have" is the textbook definition of TMI.
*Kade Purnell is just at her..searches for a word and settles on "worst" in this episode.
*Will goes to his happy place-fishing-whilst he is in court. Can't really blame him, though.
*Will dreams he is walking out of his cell-he follows the ravenstag and there's..Hannibal.Unsubtle and unsettling.
Quotable:
There is not yet a name for whatever Will Graham is-Chilton
He is merely the ink from which flows my poem-Will
Thursday, November 13, 2014
[blog housekeeping/what's coming up on the blog]
*There will be a wrap-up of the books I've read this year.
*In lieu of anything interesting at Cruise Critic I'll be talking about the Konigsdam, Holland America's new ship(they have a mini site with renderings of what the ship is going to look like but more about that Saturday!)
*Other things I want to write about..tech-related things..I am in the market for a cell phone so I'll be talking about that..
*Holiday/food posts(they go together!)
*Creativity(for a while I was regularly doing creative writing prompts from this really cool website that I have bookmarked!) and fanfic.
*I will(as is my custom) post my New Year's resolutions on January 1st.
*Hannibal posts will be weekly..after I finish reviewing/watching S2(and finish watching the few episodes of S1 I have left to watch.. that should take me through January and February...) then there will be some various Hannibal-related things..if there is any bighuge news I'll do a whole separate post for that. And, of course, I will be doing reviews when S3 starts(whenever that is..I have a feeling we may know something about *that* pretty soon!)
*In lieu of anything interesting at Cruise Critic I'll be talking about the Konigsdam, Holland America's new ship(they have a mini site with renderings of what the ship is going to look like but more about that Saturday!)
*Other things I want to write about..tech-related things..I am in the market for a cell phone so I'll be talking about that..
*Holiday/food posts(they go together!)
*Creativity(for a while I was regularly doing creative writing prompts from this really cool website that I have bookmarked!) and fanfic.
*I will(as is my custom) post my New Year's resolutions on January 1st.
*Hannibal posts will be weekly..after I finish reviewing/watching S2(and finish watching the few episodes of S1 I have left to watch.. that should take me through January and February...) then there will be some various Hannibal-related things..if there is any bighuge news I'll do a whole separate post for that. And, of course, I will be doing reviews when S3 starts(whenever that is..I have a feeling we may know something about *that* pretty soon!)
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
[what i've been reading]
I am starting my 48th book for the year(hope to get to 50 by New Year's Eve..a pretty safe bet that is going to happen, don't you think? ;) )
I just finished Prince Lestat by Anne Rice. It was the first book of hers that I have ever read, and I think you could read this without reading any of the other Vampire Chronicles books. In fact, she has a TL:DR(Too long, didn't read) summary of characters and the books. For those of us that don't want to read all of the books(though admittedly Prince Lestat has piqued my interest in her Vampire Chronicles books so imma try to read at least one of them, I think..)
Anyways, I enjoyed it, and it was a quick read-it went everywhere with me-I take whatever I'm reading with me and read at the bus stop, on the bus, you name it.
Right now, I'm going through jags of reading certain authors-I've read several of Kathy Reichs' Bones books(which I like a lot better than the TV show-the books are *quite* a bit different than the TV show!)
I just finished Prince Lestat by Anne Rice. It was the first book of hers that I have ever read, and I think you could read this without reading any of the other Vampire Chronicles books. In fact, she has a TL:DR(Too long, didn't read) summary of characters and the books. For those of us that don't want to read all of the books(though admittedly Prince Lestat has piqued my interest in her Vampire Chronicles books so imma try to read at least one of them, I think..)
Anyways, I enjoyed it, and it was a quick read-it went everywhere with me-I take whatever I'm reading with me and read at the bus stop, on the bus, you name it.
Right now, I'm going through jags of reading certain authors-I've read several of Kathy Reichs' Bones books(which I like a lot better than the TV show-the books are *quite* a bit different than the TV show!)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
[i love costco]
My dad and I went to Costco the other day-I LOVE Costco-and it has nothing to do with the free samples (and the hot dogs, pizza, etc at the food court. (though those are a bonus that is for sure!)).
No, it's the selection they have at their stores(admittedly, I couldn't find what I was looking for the other day;I was able to find a serviceable replacement). I also found some corn chowder(in small 2-serving cartons though one carton is dinner for me!) that I really like.
Another thing I like about Costco is their selection of books and of DVD's. It seems to vary wildly from store to store. If I was looking to get a book in hardcover, I would look at Costco first(or Target, though it's less likely they would have them there since they only have a few new hardcover titles there when they're new;however the price is hard to beat..and anyone who knows me knows I like a good deal!)
I have a Keurig coffee maker, and when I got it(from Costco by coincidence!) it came with a ton of K Cups, so you can kinda make up your mind about what coffees you like.
They actually carry a bunch of different coffees, including a Kirkland(Costco brand) K Cup which is really good. Though I noticed when I was there the other day that they sell a multi-pack with a bunch of different types of coffee(I would buy that if I wasn't trying to switch from coffee to tea, because there are a couple of types of coffee that I've tried in the past that I really liked.
No, it's the selection they have at their stores(admittedly, I couldn't find what I was looking for the other day;I was able to find a serviceable replacement). I also found some corn chowder(in small 2-serving cartons though one carton is dinner for me!) that I really like.
Another thing I like about Costco is their selection of books and of DVD's. It seems to vary wildly from store to store. If I was looking to get a book in hardcover, I would look at Costco first(or Target, though it's less likely they would have them there since they only have a few new hardcover titles there when they're new;however the price is hard to beat..and anyone who knows me knows I like a good deal!)
I have a Keurig coffee maker, and when I got it(from Costco by coincidence!) it came with a ton of K Cups, so you can kinda make up your mind about what coffees you like.
They actually carry a bunch of different coffees, including a Kirkland(Costco brand) K Cup which is really good. Though I noticed when I was there the other day that they sell a multi-pack with a bunch of different types of coffee(I would buy that if I wasn't trying to switch from coffee to tea, because there are a couple of types of coffee that I've tried in the past that I really liked.
Monday, November 10, 2014
[weekend report, nov. 7-9]
Friday: I went to UTC(University Town Center). Made chicken salad with rotisserie chicken from Costco for dinner.
Saturday:Went to watch my nephew's soccer game. Went to Costco. Watched a terrible movie(Paranormal Activity:The Marked Ones) I got out of the library.
Sunday:Hannibal rewatch.
Saturday:Went to watch my nephew's soccer game. Went to Costco. Watched a terrible movie(Paranormal Activity:The Marked Ones) I got out of the library.
Sunday:Hannibal rewatch.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
[tv randomness tbh]
*Bones has had record low ratings this season and there is talk that this will be their last season(though the producers/show runners have said that's not the case but the not-so-great ratings may force their hand just a bit. I think it may be for the best, if we're being honest. At least House ended at the right time(some people may disagree, I know. And I don't acknowedge the Season 9 finale that someone wrote. That was just bad fanfic.
Granted,Hannibal gets less than stellar ratings, and it's only had 2 seasons,with S3 filming right now..Bones has had 10 seasons and it is definitely played out at this point. Grimm has the same issue(with less than great ratings)
One of the big issues with Grimm is that they have 2 or three episodes right in a row, and then they aren't on for a month or more.
*On a TV-related note: My parents now get a bunch of pay channels(Starz, Showtime, and a couple of others. )Gonna LOVE being able to watch Homeland, etc. or see if there's a good movie on. They also get Movie Channel and there are a lot of good movies on there at any given time.
*I listen to a TV-related internet radio show which has a focus on Once Upon A Time but they do talk about other shows(including Hannibal) but they are *always* having trouble with technical issues.
Granted,Hannibal gets less than stellar ratings, and it's only had 2 seasons,with S3 filming right now..Bones has had 10 seasons and it is definitely played out at this point. Grimm has the same issue(with less than great ratings)
One of the big issues with Grimm is that they have 2 or three episodes right in a row, and then they aren't on for a month or more.
*On a TV-related note: My parents now get a bunch of pay channels(Starz, Showtime, and a couple of others. )Gonna LOVE being able to watch Homeland, etc. or see if there's a good movie on. They also get Movie Channel and there are a lot of good movies on there at any given time.
*I listen to a TV-related internet radio show which has a focus on Once Upon A Time but they do talk about other shows(including Hannibal) but they are *always* having trouble with technical issues.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
[i wish i was making this up!]
There was a thread on Cruise Critic asking what the waiters in the MDR(Main Dining Room) are wearing on formal night because he doesn't want to clash with them. Yes, really.
Lots of "you're joking, right?" -type comments..and a few are offended by some of the more..how shall we say..jokey reactions. He also went after a poster on his thread because he noticed, from their signature-a list of ships that they had been on- that they had been of a few non-Holland America ships and that their opinion was invalid.
And see there is that attitude of "HAL is superior to every other cruise line out there" attitude that is so prevalent among people at Cruise Critic.
I can't remember if it was R.(her actual first initial) or someone else that said it but she said "I do not dress to Emily Post standards". R. used to be a real thorn in my side when I posted there with any frequency,but now she's frequently the voice of reason on threads that tend to get a little..searches for a word and settles on "ridiculous".
She also was the voice of reason on a thread where someone got snotty because the OP and a few other posters were asking for comparisons of HAL(Holland America) to other cruise lines.
Lots of "you're joking, right?" -type comments..and a few are offended by some of the more..how shall we say..jokey reactions. He also went after a poster on his thread because he noticed, from their signature-a list of ships that they had been on- that they had been of a few non-Holland America ships and that their opinion was invalid.
And see there is that attitude of "HAL is superior to every other cruise line out there" attitude that is so prevalent among people at Cruise Critic.
I can't remember if it was R.(her actual first initial) or someone else that said it but she said "I do not dress to Emily Post standards". R. used to be a real thorn in my side when I posted there with any frequency,but now she's frequently the voice of reason on threads that tend to get a little..searches for a word and settles on "ridiculous".
She also was the voice of reason on a thread where someone got snotty because the OP and a few other posters were asking for comparisons of HAL(Holland America) to other cruise lines.
Friday, November 7, 2014
[S2 Ep 2: Sakizuke]
*Mural guy escapes-OUCH. And he *almost* makes it but..not quite.
*Alana and Hannibal visit Will-Alana is still deluded-as they all are. Hannibal wants Will to trust him.Hey Hannibal...how about NO? Not only that, Will can do the fake tear thing too.In fact, he does it better than you do, if we're being honest. :P Go Will!
*Bedelia breaks up with Hannibal(and is nowhere to be seen when Hannibal shows up later in his murder onesie,presumably to kill her, she's nowhere to be found. I like to think she sent him a text that said "Bye Felicia". LOL
Bedelia also goes to see Jack and basically tells him "don't call, don't text, don't email". She wants to get as far away from Hannibal as she can and who can blame her?
On some level, Bedelia must know/deduce that Will is playing Hannibal.
*Beverly says too much in front of Jack, and he knows that she's been to see Will(and he isn't happy..that's putting it mildly.) Helping a brother out is what gets her killed, ultimately.
*Meanwhile, Jack has to have a psych eval, and he is NOT happy about it. But maybe he should have thought about that before he pushed Will so hard. Seriously, there's a lot of people at the BAU that could stand to have a psych eval, but I think Jack is right at the top of the list.
*Hannibal deduces that the bodies were near a cornfield and we get Hannibal at a crime scene, ala Will.
*We see the human mural in all its glory, and Hannibal telling the mural killer "I love your work!"(I lol at that.Every.Time.) How convenient is it that Hannibal just happens to(presumably) be close to the crime scene when he gets a call from the BAU asking for his help.
*There is a lot of talk of God, and of existential crises;We get a call back to "Killing must feel good to God too".
*Hannibal makes osso buco with the mural maker's leg. I don't like Osso Buco and that doesn't help matters much.
*Will quotes Sesame Street when he tries to recreate the mural tableau "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things doesn't belong".
*Kade claims she's got Will's best interest at heart. Riiight. Will has heard that before, so he's right to side eye anyone who says shit like that.
*Bedelia goes to visit Will and tells Will that she believes him..she also gets close to Will as she dares.
Quotable:
Will: I am the unreliable narrator of my own story
Bedelia: The conclusion I've drawn is that you are dangerous
Thursday, November 6, 2014
[there's no point in being mad at cancer for being cancer]
Timothy Spall was on Graham Norton's show talking about how back in 1996, doctors gave him 3 days to live. With all due respect, if doctors told me that I had 3 days to live, I would say "I'd like a second opinion". Turns out that he had leukaemia. 3 days went by and he was still around.
He said that it made him very philosophical, which I think happens a LOT when you're faced with a life-threatening illness. It struck a chord with me, because I am a 12-year cancer survivor. I probably had a lot less challenges than some, but in other ways(certain parts of my recovery were less than perfect),I really did. With hindsight, you realise that those were life experiences were important.
With me,(at first)I didn't like the constant doctor's visits, having to get poked and prodded to find out what was going on.But after a few times of it,I was-for lack of a better word-blase about it. Which came in handy when I found out I was diabetic-that also involved a lot of doctor's visits and poking and prodding.
Anyways, when I hear stories like Timothy Spall's, I can relate, for sure. The subject line for this entry is from an episode of Hannibal where a character is talking about having cancer. It's so damn true that it hurts. Later on in the episode Hannibal says "You will feel fine,up until the precise moment you don't". With me, I had some symptoms, but felt fine otherwise. Fortunately,my cancer was caught early, I got surgery, and that was the end of it.
We're so much more fortunate now, I think. Early detection and going to the doctor are what saved my life.
Cancers that used to kill a lot of people get caught earlier because of screenings and awareness.I know that was the case recently, with a family member.
He said that it made him very philosophical, which I think happens a LOT when you're faced with a life-threatening illness. It struck a chord with me, because I am a 12-year cancer survivor. I probably had a lot less challenges than some, but in other ways(certain parts of my recovery were less than perfect),I really did. With hindsight, you realise that those were life experiences were important.
With me,(at first)I didn't like the constant doctor's visits, having to get poked and prodded to find out what was going on.But after a few times of it,I was-for lack of a better word-blase about it. Which came in handy when I found out I was diabetic-that also involved a lot of doctor's visits and poking and prodding.
Anyways, when I hear stories like Timothy Spall's, I can relate, for sure. The subject line for this entry is from an episode of Hannibal where a character is talking about having cancer. It's so damn true that it hurts. Later on in the episode Hannibal says "You will feel fine,up until the precise moment you don't". With me, I had some symptoms, but felt fine otherwise. Fortunately,my cancer was caught early, I got surgery, and that was the end of it.
We're so much more fortunate now, I think. Early detection and going to the doctor are what saved my life.
Cancers that used to kill a lot of people get caught earlier because of screenings and awareness.I know that was the case recently, with a family member.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
[too much competition]
The Ralph's/ Kroger near my house is closing this weekend. I honestly am not all that surprised. The reason given that the store is closing is that it's a "underperforming" store. I suspect that there are other factors in play.
TBH, it's a big store crammed into a small one. Plus, it's cluttered! They put big displays in the middle of-and blocking-aisles.
I hope some of the people who work at Ralph's are able to get jobs elsewhere-there's Frazier Farms, Smart and Final and Fresh And Easy(the competition of the subject line)
Ralph's is far from the only game around-but it is going to eliminate options for people in the area who only walk or take the bus.
Fortunately, I have a backup-I can go to the Vons on El Camino Real-slightly further from my house but they do have a good selection there so there's that. There are some things that I will miss about Ralph's though-their bakery was really good-their bread specifically.
If I don't want to take the bus, I can walk to the Walmart Marketside(a smaller footprint version of a Walmart store with just groceries and the like). It's only a 10 minute walk from my house and I like to walk there, especially when the weather is nice(today would have been a perfect day to do it but I didn't)
TBH, it's a big store crammed into a small one. Plus, it's cluttered! They put big displays in the middle of-and blocking-aisles.
I hope some of the people who work at Ralph's are able to get jobs elsewhere-there's Frazier Farms, Smart and Final and Fresh And Easy(the competition of the subject line)
Ralph's is far from the only game around-but it is going to eliminate options for people in the area who only walk or take the bus.
Fortunately, I have a backup-I can go to the Vons on El Camino Real-slightly further from my house but they do have a good selection there so there's that. There are some things that I will miss about Ralph's though-their bakery was really good-their bread specifically.
If I don't want to take the bus, I can walk to the Walmart Marketside(a smaller footprint version of a Walmart store with just groceries and the like). It's only a 10 minute walk from my house and I like to walk there, especially when the weather is nice(today would have been a perfect day to do it but I didn't)
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
[times(and things) change]
This should just be part of the Cruise Critic post Saturday but I decided to do it earlier.
Lovedamships, and its "sister" website, Lovedamships Review and-by extension Cruise Critic- are-more or less-dead. Lovedamships isn't updated regularly anymore, and Lovedamships Review hasn't been updated for 2 plus years.
I think a lot of it has to do with the people at Lovedamships and Lovedamships Review realising that they were-at times-mean-spirited. I know I said some not-so-nice things on my Cruise Critic posts(boy did I ever!) but I've turned over a new leaf. I try not to name names if I can help it.
Unless Lovedamships starts going again, I see Lovedamships Review staying dead.
I want to point out some of the shit that goes on, but as I said,I 'm not naming names anymore.But if someone from Cruise Critic saw something they had written quoted(but without their name)they would know it was them.
The reason that Lovedamships Review was so weird is it was people criticising things that were(IMO) petty.
Not everyone knows this, so here's some backstory:There is definitely a hierarchy at Cruise Critic.A sort of "speak when you're spoken to" sort of thing, you know? That sort of mentality is what has scared people off of cruising with Holland America.Add to that, all of the usual sticking points(dress code, smoking, etc.) and it's a tinderbox. If you dare to deviate and ask what they think is a stupid question.. gone.
Well, I mean you could stay-it's not as if the people posting are in charge of who gets banned or not-but after having your ass handed to you, you won't want to stick around, trust me!
Lovedamships, and its "sister" website, Lovedamships Review and-by extension Cruise Critic- are-more or less-dead. Lovedamships isn't updated regularly anymore, and Lovedamships Review hasn't been updated for 2 plus years.
I think a lot of it has to do with the people at Lovedamships and Lovedamships Review realising that they were-at times-mean-spirited. I know I said some not-so-nice things on my Cruise Critic posts(boy did I ever!) but I've turned over a new leaf. I try not to name names if I can help it.
Unless Lovedamships starts going again, I see Lovedamships Review staying dead.
I want to point out some of the shit that goes on, but as I said,I 'm not naming names anymore.But if someone from Cruise Critic saw something they had written quoted(but without their name)they would know it was them.
The reason that Lovedamships Review was so weird is it was people criticising things that were(IMO) petty.
Not everyone knows this, so here's some backstory:There is definitely a hierarchy at Cruise Critic.A sort of "speak when you're spoken to" sort of thing, you know? That sort of mentality is what has scared people off of cruising with Holland America.Add to that, all of the usual sticking points(dress code, smoking, etc.) and it's a tinderbox. If you dare to deviate and ask what they think is a stupid question.. gone.
Well, I mean you could stay-it's not as if the people posting are in charge of who gets banned or not-but after having your ass handed to you, you won't want to stick around, trust me!
Monday, November 3, 2014
[weekend report]
Friday: Went to Coffee Bean And Tea Leaf. That was about the extent of my day. It was cooler and cloudy-appropriate weather for the day, I must say! I got a TON of trick-or-treaters-get this:I had 3 big bags of Costco candy and I got rid of all of it.
Saturday:The weather was inclement(rained on and off all day) so I stayed indoors for the most part.I did a couple of loads of laundry though.
Sunday: I went to the Laurence Welk Theater in Escondido with my mom and dad and my niece and nephews and saw a production of Oklahoma! It was really good-long-2 plus hours-but I loved it. Then we had a early dinner at In &Out Burger(the perfect end to the perfect day!)
Saturday:The weather was inclement(rained on and off all day) so I stayed indoors for the most part.I did a couple of loads of laundry though.
Sunday: I went to the Laurence Welk Theater in Escondido with my mom and dad and my niece and nephews and saw a production of Oklahoma! It was really good-long-2 plus hours-but I loved it. Then we had a early dinner at In &Out Burger(the perfect end to the perfect day!)
Sunday, November 2, 2014
[tastes great!]
I had a cup of French Roast coffee from Whole Foods recently-it had a lot of flavour going on:cocoa-ey, but with a sort of smoky finish. I wondered if that had anything to do with the fact I put agave(which I'd never tried before!) in it..it drew out the flavour, maybe?
Then, when I was visiting my brother we went to a restaraunt that served fried chicken with honey on top of it, and cheese grits. It was an amazingly delicious combo!
Also, Canes' chicken..their Canes sauce is *addictive*. And all it is is Mayo, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. My sister in law was worried I wouldn't like it, but I totally did!
Hoisin sauce is another favourite condiment of mine. It's a standard at Vietnamese restaraunts..I like to put it in Pho..gives it a pop of flavour along with the wedge of lime. I love the salty/sweet thing that Hoisin's got going!
I have tried Ethiopian berbere spice a couple of times.. I love spicy food, but that..it just keeps going and going.
Then, when I was visiting my brother we went to a restaraunt that served fried chicken with honey on top of it, and cheese grits. It was an amazingly delicious combo!
Also, Canes' chicken..their Canes sauce is *addictive*. And all it is is Mayo, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. My sister in law was worried I wouldn't like it, but I totally did!
Hoisin sauce is another favourite condiment of mine. It's a standard at Vietnamese restaraunts..I like to put it in Pho..gives it a pop of flavour along with the wedge of lime. I love the salty/sweet thing that Hoisin's got going!
I have tried Ethiopian berbere spice a couple of times.. I love spicy food, but that..it just keeps going and going.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
[how about..no]
I could do without the "those ugly(non-Holland America) ships are blocking our view"-type posts on the sailaway threads.People are entitled to their opinion but it just comes off as..searches for a word and settles on "bitchy".
See also: the "Eat in your cabin or the Lido if you're not going to dress up for formal night" comments that always crop up in EVERY dress code thread.It's become *such* a thing that someone on a dress code thread basically said "and don't say "eat in your cabin".
If you ask me,it's demeaning.And more than a little offensive, too.
See also: the "Eat in your cabin or the Lido if you're not going to dress up for formal night" comments that always crop up in EVERY dress code thread.It's become *such* a thing that someone on a dress code thread basically said "and don't say "eat in your cabin".
If you ask me,it's demeaning.And more than a little offensive, too.
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