back to the books

Welcome back to school. Yipee. And I realize it doesn’t exactly come through in the typed format, but my tone was intended to be a bit sarcastic there. Laura and I were just commenting that this time last year we were packing for Europe, so forgive me if I’m not bouncing off the walls with excitement at the prospect of three more months of winter and school. =)

Last week I was complaining to Zach about how unprepared I felt for this semester and how much I was dreading it. He simply said, "I wouldn't worry too much about it. When you go and get your books you'll be all excited again."

And sure enough, he was right. As much as I hated standing in line at the bookstore for an hour yesterday to drop $180 on new textbooks, I couldn't help myself--I got a little chill of excitement about what I would be learning this semester. That cranky, pessimistic side of me couldn't quite shut up the ridiculous nerd in me.

School brings out the best and worst in me. One moment I'll be practically singing about how much I love analyzing short stories, and the next I'll be vehemently ranting about the stupid inconsistency of my Philosophy professor. I can spend the morning filled with enthusiasm and passion for life, and by mid-afternoon be going out of my way to criticise everything in my path while suffering from a caffeine induced headache. As my sleep decreases, my range of emotions increases--a very unforunate fact for those that have to suffer through my company throughout the week.

So for those of you who have the lovely pleasure of hearing me occasionally vent through my frustrations or gush with excitement (because I believe both are equally painful), I apologize. You are saints. Absolute stars.

the most wonderful time of the year

The next Eau Claire public library's book sale is next weekend, and I can't wait. Library book sales are truly AWESOME events.

I have been buying books since I was old enough to spend money. Every Sunday on the way home from church I would beg my parents to stop at Borders, and if we did stop, I almost always left with a purchase. Every year for my birthday I would ask for the same thing from my grandparents: gift cards to Borders. I didn't want clothes, I didn't want toys, I didn't want anything fancy (except perhaps the latest Oregon Trail computer game), I just wanted the next book in the Redwall series or one of the few Roald Dahl books I was still missing. Yes I know--total nerd. But I love it.

And even though I've accumulated more books than I have space for or time for, I can't help feeling called to buy more. After all, it's for a good cause, right? Supporting the library? I just want to give those books a good home... is that so wrong? =)

I wonder if the library will let the money I spend at the book sale go toward paying off my current account balance of $22.70 in unpaid fines and bills...

p.s. two more things

1. I do not know why the colors are reversed in that image below. Weird.
2. There will be no blog entries next week, because I will be away from the internet until further notice (about a week or so).

Best/Worst of 2008 - Cinematic Special

I'm still not done processing 2008, so if you'll allow a few more blog entries to reminisce over the year that just ended, I'd be very appreciative.

Note: When I say "best" or "worst," please automatically substitute "in my own opinion, which is often wrong, I considered this the best or worst, or I enjoyed this the most or least." Thanks.

Best movies >> I saw 25 of the 281 films released in 2008 (list taken from the eligible films of 2008 list found on the Academy Awards page). Of those 25, these were my favorites.

• SON OF RAMBOW
• WALL-E
• THE DARK KNIGHT
• BE KIND REWIND
• FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
• PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
• IRON MAN
• DOUBT
• IN BRUGES** (could not finish, but I really liked the first half)

Worst >> There weren't really too many movies I hated. Although, if I had to pick the two that annoyed me the most, it'd have to be GET SMART and DEFINITELY, MAYBE

Biggest Disappointments >> AUSTRALIA

Movies I Regret Not Seeing (or not being able to see, thanks to Eau Claire theatres) >>

• SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
• THE WRESTLER
• RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
• SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (but hey, this is coming to London Theatres on January 23!)
• HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
• FROST/NIXON
• GHOST TOWN
• MILK
• HUNGER
• THE READER

Anything I missed? Any challenges?

auld lang syne

Well look at that, it's 2009. Hooray for us.

In order to hold myself more accountable, my goals this year will be clear and concise. Rather than the vague 'let's do more of this or that' I want some specific, measurable things I can work toward. So, at the risk of embarrassing myself again, here I go...

1. Wear my retainer at least one day per week.
2. Write a journal entry at least once per week. I used to write all the time as a kid, and my journals from my childhood are probably some of my most valued possessions. I don't like the fact that over the past few years, I've really slacked off and have little record of what I was up to or, more importantly, how I was feeling.
3. Write a blog entry at least once a week. My motivation for this resolution is similar to my reasons for keeping a journal. However, because there is the possibility of others reading my blog entries, I do write in a more self-conscious manner and pay closer attention to elements like wording and tone. If I do want to be a real writer some day, it's good for me to practice as often as possible. =)
4. Spend at least a solid ten minutes a day in devotion with God. This means praying, reading the Bible, etc. How sad it is that I have to try so hard to make this happen, and that I fail so often.

So, there they are, my "resolutions" for this year. =) We'll see what happens...