I am a lazy, lazy blogger. Sue me.
Here's my list of things I am excited about:
1. New Vampire Weekend - They have a song about punctuation (Oxford Comma). Does it now make sense as to why I love, love, love them? I'm currently previewing their whole (new) album, and will likely download it shortly.
2. And the Mountains Echoed, Khaled Hosseini - I had no idea he was writing a new book. I loved both Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. It's been so long since I read both that I cannot recall which I liked the best. Hosseini is a phenomenal writer, and I think it's an absolute crime that there are only three books by him.
3. The Rithmatist, Brandon Sanderson - Okay, we all know Sanderson is awesome. I mean, Robert Jordan's window pegged him to finish WoT. That's got to mean something, right? Mind you, I've only read one short story by Sanderson, and I haven't gotten to his part of WoT yet, but I think he's pretty good. The premise sounds good and I'm quite intrigued. Sanderson does so very well at building a believable world (which says a lot coming from me, as I've only ever read Firstborn and I really wanted there to be more to it).
4. I travel by Night, Robert R McCammon - Holy Tardis! McCammon has returned to horror. Thank God. I did not like Speaks the Nightbird at all, and stopped following McCammon's work since I read it. I keep meaning to return and finish Boy's Life and a few others. Just haven't yet. And, we do know I like vampire books--there really hasn't been a decent one in quite a long time. Thanks Stephanie Meyer.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Food for thought..
I just realized I don't think I've talked about food. I. Love. Food. In fact, over the past two months, I've gained four pounds. That isn't an issue as I'll run it off now that the weather is nice. But, when I tell you I love my food, I really mean that. There isn't much I won't try. I grew up in a house where it was a requirement to try something at least once. And I was, and still am an awful liar. So, my mother always knew the truth when I said I didn't like something. The list was quite short--I have always been an eat my veggies kind of girl.
My mother is Cajun. So, I also grew up with food that had quite a bit of taste. And, I will say, I am a tried and true gumbo snob. I have had gumbo in many places, and nowhere matches up to the at home kind. Sadly, it's something that I haven't mastered. My brother, who is nearly thirteen years older than me hasn't got it down yet either. Our other brother does, but probably only to make up for the fact that he comes up with some pretty weird concoctions a lot of the time. Some are successful. Others... Not so much. We're a family of cooks--we get together and we cook. There is never a time we get together and food isn't involved somehow. I love it.
Over the past two months, I've tried at least a dozen new places to eat. I've had a kick ass chicken salad sandwich (my favorite), amazing tacos, the most delicious blackened (red?)fish, and several other things. I love finding new places. So, imagine my delight in finding this gem: http://www.dallasobserver.com/2013-01-17/dining/30-essential-texas-restaurants-to-visit-before-you-die/full/
I have been all over the state in my life. Every weekend was a road trip from age nine until I was a senior in high school. I loved every minute of it. We ate a lot of fast food. But, we also had the opportunity to eat at some of the most amazing places--some that have stuck in my memory. There is a taqueria in San Antonio that I cannot remember how to find. There is a BBQ place outside of Brenham that I've been dying to visit again. There is a seafood place in Austin, and another place there that the bestie took me to the fist summer I was back home.
Se? I told you. This may or ay not always be about books. If I wasn't a book whore, I'd probably be a foodie. Hell, I am a foodie.
My mother is Cajun. So, I also grew up with food that had quite a bit of taste. And, I will say, I am a tried and true gumbo snob. I have had gumbo in many places, and nowhere matches up to the at home kind. Sadly, it's something that I haven't mastered. My brother, who is nearly thirteen years older than me hasn't got it down yet either. Our other brother does, but probably only to make up for the fact that he comes up with some pretty weird concoctions a lot of the time. Some are successful. Others... Not so much. We're a family of cooks--we get together and we cook. There is never a time we get together and food isn't involved somehow. I love it.
Over the past two months, I've tried at least a dozen new places to eat. I've had a kick ass chicken salad sandwich (my favorite), amazing tacos, the most delicious blackened (red?)fish, and several other things. I love finding new places. So, imagine my delight in finding this gem: http://www.dallasobserver.com/2013-01-17/dining/30-essential-texas-restaurants-to-visit-before-you-die/full/
I have been all over the state in my life. Every weekend was a road trip from age nine until I was a senior in high school. I loved every minute of it. We ate a lot of fast food. But, we also had the opportunity to eat at some of the most amazing places--some that have stuck in my memory. There is a taqueria in San Antonio that I cannot remember how to find. There is a BBQ place outside of Brenham that I've been dying to visit again. There is a seafood place in Austin, and another place there that the bestie took me to the fist summer I was back home.
Se? I told you. This may or ay not always be about books. If I wasn't a book whore, I'd probably be a foodie. Hell, I am a foodie.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Something snarky goes here...
I follow several blogs about books. It gives me an idea of decent books to read outside of my comfort zone. Granted, some of the books aren't anything I would ever read, but I've gotten some decent ideas and I admire the writing quality of the ladies' whose blogs I follow. Side note: why don't I know of any guys' blogs to follow??
Now, I don't read them religiously. But, I do scroll through the handy feed that google gives me. And this morning, the first thing I see is a post about what to do and not do as a geek girl. It was written sarcastically, but frankly I was a bit offended on behalf of the blogger and my fellow lady nerds. She had a conversation with someone she knew and it resulted in the sarcastic response. Who in the world can tell me as a geek (though, I go by nerd. I'm not getting into the argument about nerd vs. geek) what is acceptable to like? Seriously. What the actual fuck?
Honestly, I am pleased as punch anytime I hear a teenage girl like something so completely out of the usual norm of Twilight and getting all big eyed over Robert Pattinson (who usually looks like he needs a bath to me). I wish my niece, who is ten, liked some of the books I enjoyed as a kid. But, I'm just happy she reads. Even if it is Twilight. But, still--the idea of being told what is acceptable to like as a nerd or geek? That idea is preposterous!
Being a geek is all about being honest about what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It’s basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating. -Simon Pegg
I cannot begin to tell you the difference in the types of anime. But, I've watched several and I have a few books on my reading list that were recommended to me. As for video games? Yes, I like RPG games. But, you can bet your sweet ass that when I get together with my best friend, her fiance and I will have epic Soul Caliber battles that involve large amounts of yelling and trash talking. So, because I am a girl, I'm not allowed to like any other video games other than RPG's? And when I ever do get around to playing Skyrim, you can bet I will try every class. Oh, and I like video game violence, thank you very much!
Also, my mother fucking librarian glasses, yeah those are real. Though, there was a picture of me on twitter briefly in some librarian glasses that do not belong to me. I'm still adorable, no matter who the glasses belong to. And am still immensely blind without glasses or contacts.
Okay, that ends the ranty portion of today's post (at least the part where I was fuming). This business of ascribing to social norms regarding gender roles is beyond ridiculous. Yes, I like science fiction. Yes, I like watching Doctor Who, not just because the Doctor is hot. It is also a lovely show that touches on some of the very things I am writing about today. I also happen to love baking. I also write poetry. I'm girly. But, I was brought up to be able to handle changing a flat tire and putting together IKEA furniture without any assistance. Don't get me wrong, if you're paying for road side assistance, use it. But, don't rely on some man to stop a change the tire for you if you don't. On the other hand, a man friend cooks for me upon occasion. Mind you, it isn't the fanciest of things, but pasta and sauce still count. Does this make him less manly? Nope. Makes him more attractive to me (and likely most other rational women), of course. But that has nothing to do with proper gender roles. I see no reason why we as men and women individually have to give up proper etiquette in order assert that we are either "feminists" or manly men. I can be and independent and free thinking nerd lady while still letting a man open my car door if we're out on a date. I'm from the South. We expect that to happen around here. Y'all.
I am approaching the age of 30 fairly quickly (before you ask, I am perfectly fine with it). But, it took me roughly ten years to become more than slightly comfortable with myself and what I happen to like. I ignored things during my college years that fascinate me now, merely because I cared too much how I was perceived by my peers. It happens much too often and frankly drives me crazy. I occasionally catch myself still doing the same thing--leaving a particular genre off my playlist to accommodate people, or never exploring graphic novels (until now). I've even tried too hard to get into a specific thing in order to share an interest, when we should listen to the people we forge relationships with in order to show them we have a genuine interest in their lives but still maintain our own individuality. I'm not just talking abut romantic relationships--I've seen friendships do this as well.
Making everything so strictly black and white is impossible. There is no telling what will ultimately appeal to me. If you looked at my playlist, my book collection and tv/movie watching habits... Well, I doubt you'd really know what label to stick me with. I'm a walking contradiction, honestly.
And I honestly like myself. I'm a nerd who likes country music. I run. I watch BBC shows. I like Harry Potter. And even some paranormal romance (but that is shush shush). But, I'm also a huge Austen fan. I am constantly on the look out for used copies of the Dark Tower graphic novels. I'm allowed to label myself a nerd and like whatever I damn well please. My best friend is a nerd. She is not the same flavor of nerdy as me. But, who am I to argue with her about the appropriateness of her nerdery?
So, nerdy girls of the world: you are free to like what you want. Or dislike something. If you play Halo and other "boy" games, you go kick ass. You know why I don't like Halo? Because I suck at it. I'm not coordinated enough to play it well. Sure, I'd get better with time. But, I'm too busy enjoying all the other things I like. If you're a biased jerk nerd and want to tell people what they're allowed to like and dislike in order to properly label themselves, congratulations on exercising your right to be a jackass. Oh wait, I meant your right to free speech. Oopsy.
Now, I don't read them religiously. But, I do scroll through the handy feed that google gives me. And this morning, the first thing I see is a post about what to do and not do as a geek girl. It was written sarcastically, but frankly I was a bit offended on behalf of the blogger and my fellow lady nerds. She had a conversation with someone she knew and it resulted in the sarcastic response. Who in the world can tell me as a geek (though, I go by nerd. I'm not getting into the argument about nerd vs. geek) what is acceptable to like? Seriously. What the actual fuck?
Honestly, I am pleased as punch anytime I hear a teenage girl like something so completely out of the usual norm of Twilight and getting all big eyed over Robert Pattinson (who usually looks like he needs a bath to me). I wish my niece, who is ten, liked some of the books I enjoyed as a kid. But, I'm just happy she reads. Even if it is Twilight. But, still--the idea of being told what is acceptable to like as a nerd or geek? That idea is preposterous!
Being a geek is all about being honest about what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It’s basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating. -Simon Pegg
I cannot begin to tell you the difference in the types of anime. But, I've watched several and I have a few books on my reading list that were recommended to me. As for video games? Yes, I like RPG games. But, you can bet your sweet ass that when I get together with my best friend, her fiance and I will have epic Soul Caliber battles that involve large amounts of yelling and trash talking. So, because I am a girl, I'm not allowed to like any other video games other than RPG's? And when I ever do get around to playing Skyrim, you can bet I will try every class. Oh, and I like video game violence, thank you very much!
Also, my mother fucking librarian glasses, yeah those are real. Though, there was a picture of me on twitter briefly in some librarian glasses that do not belong to me. I'm still adorable, no matter who the glasses belong to. And am still immensely blind without glasses or contacts.
Okay, that ends the ranty portion of today's post (at least the part where I was fuming). This business of ascribing to social norms regarding gender roles is beyond ridiculous. Yes, I like science fiction. Yes, I like watching Doctor Who, not just because the Doctor is hot. It is also a lovely show that touches on some of the very things I am writing about today. I also happen to love baking. I also write poetry. I'm girly. But, I was brought up to be able to handle changing a flat tire and putting together IKEA furniture without any assistance. Don't get me wrong, if you're paying for road side assistance, use it. But, don't rely on some man to stop a change the tire for you if you don't. On the other hand, a man friend cooks for me upon occasion. Mind you, it isn't the fanciest of things, but pasta and sauce still count. Does this make him less manly? Nope. Makes him more attractive to me (and likely most other rational women), of course. But that has nothing to do with proper gender roles. I see no reason why we as men and women individually have to give up proper etiquette in order assert that we are either "feminists" or manly men. I can be and independent and free thinking nerd lady while still letting a man open my car door if we're out on a date. I'm from the South. We expect that to happen around here. Y'all.
I am approaching the age of 30 fairly quickly (before you ask, I am perfectly fine with it). But, it took me roughly ten years to become more than slightly comfortable with myself and what I happen to like. I ignored things during my college years that fascinate me now, merely because I cared too much how I was perceived by my peers. It happens much too often and frankly drives me crazy. I occasionally catch myself still doing the same thing--leaving a particular genre off my playlist to accommodate people, or never exploring graphic novels (until now). I've even tried too hard to get into a specific thing in order to share an interest, when we should listen to the people we forge relationships with in order to show them we have a genuine interest in their lives but still maintain our own individuality. I'm not just talking abut romantic relationships--I've seen friendships do this as well.
Making everything so strictly black and white is impossible. There is no telling what will ultimately appeal to me. If you looked at my playlist, my book collection and tv/movie watching habits... Well, I doubt you'd really know what label to stick me with. I'm a walking contradiction, honestly.
And I honestly like myself. I'm a nerd who likes country music. I run. I watch BBC shows. I like Harry Potter. And even some paranormal romance (but that is shush shush). But, I'm also a huge Austen fan. I am constantly on the look out for used copies of the Dark Tower graphic novels. I'm allowed to label myself a nerd and like whatever I damn well please. My best friend is a nerd. She is not the same flavor of nerdy as me. But, who am I to argue with her about the appropriateness of her nerdery?
So, nerdy girls of the world: you are free to like what you want. Or dislike something. If you play Halo and other "boy" games, you go kick ass. You know why I don't like Halo? Because I suck at it. I'm not coordinated enough to play it well. Sure, I'd get better with time. But, I'm too busy enjoying all the other things I like. If you're a biased jerk nerd and want to tell people what they're allowed to like and dislike in order to properly label themselves, congratulations on exercising your right to be a jackass. Oh wait, I meant your right to free speech. Oopsy.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Things I'm Watching
What does a bookwhore do when she isn't reading? Well, this particular BW happens to watch an insane amount of Netflix. I never seem to get into shows when they're first on. But, some of my favorite shows are ones that I am in the midst of catching up on, or rewatch constantly on DVD.
Currently, I'm in the midst of watching the BBC Sherlock (I know nothing about the American one), Doctor Who, HIMYM, 30 Rock, Torchwood, Parks & Rec, and Jekyll. I think I either have one or two more episodes of Sherlock to watch until I am caught up. Then I wait (impatiently) for the next season to come out.
Doctor Who... Well, I am so behind on that--season 4 of the reboot. And then started watching Torchwood because I thought I'd watching the first three seasons of DW over with the SMF, but I am much too impatient to wait, plus he has a queue of his own to deal with. Plus, I am sure he has no desire to see me actively lust over David Tennant. Whatever, don't judge me. Torchwood turned out to be as engrossing as the Doctor is, so now I have to go back and forth.
The others all come a long way behind, as I love Doctor Who!
Currently, I'm in the midst of watching the BBC Sherlock (I know nothing about the American one), Doctor Who, HIMYM, 30 Rock, Torchwood, Parks & Rec, and Jekyll. I think I either have one or two more episodes of Sherlock to watch until I am caught up. Then I wait (impatiently) for the next season to come out.
Doctor Who... Well, I am so behind on that--season 4 of the reboot. And then started watching Torchwood because I thought I'd watching the first three seasons of DW over with the SMF, but I am much too impatient to wait, plus he has a queue of his own to deal with. Plus, I am sure he has no desire to see me actively lust over David Tennant. Whatever, don't judge me. Torchwood turned out to be as engrossing as the Doctor is, so now I have to go back and forth.
The others all come a long way behind, as I love Doctor Who!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Sin City
Now, I've seen the movie. Loved it! I know, I know. All the die hard comic lovers out there cringe as I say that. But, I didn't know it was a graphic novel before I saw it. Plus, back then I wasn't really into the graphic novels. I do regret that reading Sin City is NSFW. Which sucks. I almost took it yesterday... Too many boobs!
I'm also loving the graphic novels. I will say I liked 300 better visually. The color in combination with the darkness does so much more for me than the black and white. But, the black and white fits with Sin City so well that I cannot criticize it. However, I will say I love, love, love what they did with the movie. I've always loved the pictures that are black and white with a splash of color, kind of like the girl in the red dress in Schindler's List.
Listening to: stuff by a friend! Exciting!
Watching: The Magic of Belle Isle
I'm also loving the graphic novels. I will say I liked 300 better visually. The color in combination with the darkness does so much more for me than the black and white. But, the black and white fits with Sin City so well that I cannot criticize it. However, I will say I love, love, love what they did with the movie. I've always loved the pictures that are black and white with a splash of color, kind of like the girl in the red dress in Schindler's List.
Listening to: stuff by a friend! Exciting!
Watching: The Magic of Belle Isle
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Book haul (7)
So, here is where I misbehaved:
1. The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck - It's been on my list of things to read for awhile, so I snagged a copy for under $2.
2. The Screwtape Letter, C.S. Lewis - Had a copy of this some time back, but I don't know what happened to it. Can't have too much C.S. Lewis.
3. Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Milay, Nancy Milford - So, Edna St. Vincent Milay is one of my favorite poets. She was quite a lady, so I'm looking forward to reading this.
4. Invisible Monsters, Chuck Palahniuk - My favorite title by Palahniuk. My copy disappeared into the nether, so happy to have another on my shelf.
5. Serenity: Those Left Behind - I did a nerd purr when I found this. I had completely forgotten about these. So very glad I found it. I really want the one that tells Book's story.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Gunslinger Born, Stephen King
Finished this at work on Friday and thoroughly
enjoyed it. The interlude to all of this part of Roland's past during Wizard and Glass
was well loved (by me at least--I can't speak for other King fans). But,
I loved seeing it in another medium. It
actually seems to fit the tale better than the novel. I've only ever read
one other graphic novel, Frank Miller's 300. And I have the ability in
the near(ish) future to borrow Sin City from a friend, which I plan on doing. It isn't
really a medium I ever cared to read, and in fact I read 300 for an upper level
Classical Literature (in Interpretation) class.
So, now to hunt down the next one on Amazon!!
So, now to hunt down the next one on Amazon!!
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