Review: A Dance with Dragons
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin My rating: 2 of 5 stars This is going to be difficult for me to write, as I looked so forward to this book for so long, and have recommended the series to everyone I know. Twice. *** SPOILER WARNING *** SPOILER WARNING *** “A Dance with Dragons” is a disappointing read. Not disappointing within the context of the series, although the writing certainly isn’t as strong or as cohesive as the first or second books. Not disappointing within the fantasy genre, as it is still some of the stronger fantasy writing I’ve read. It is disappointing because I am already scrambling to find a synopsis just so I can remember who everyone is and why they did what they did. Maybe it would have...
Read MoreDay 68 of Project 365: hello february
That familiar tickle in the back of my throat appeared this morning, so I downed some juice and went for a very slow run. It went even slower when I spotted this cluster of croci and had to stop to snap. As I huffed and puffed my way around a 5K course, I spotted Occupy Edinburgh establishing their new camp. While I chugged through some homework, FunkyPlaid made us a wonderful stir-fry for dinner. Now I am completely wiped, so it is time for a giant Vitamin C fizzy drink and then bed. Wish me luck avoiding this cold. I really, really do not want to get sick again....
Read MoreDay 67 of Project 365: beacon
Two phrases for you from the beacon of wisdom: Nemo me impune lacessit. And: Perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim.
Read MoreDay 66 of Project 365: drink all the liquids
It was Azra’s birthday ‘do in Edinburgh tonight, and there were many liquids. We drank them, in order: pre-dinner cocktail, champagne, wine, water, more wine, tea, port, post-dinner and pre-last-call cocktail. Ambling down Leith Walk at half-past one is, as far as I am concerned, the best way to be slightly in your cups. There are so many people out on the street as the clubs let out, half of them fighting, the other half snogging. I laughed so hard my face hurts right now. FunkyPlaid just handed me a big glass of water. More liquids,...
Read MoreDay 65 of Project 365: emergence
Today I spotted new growth on our hyacinth bulb and Christmas cactus, and marveled at how an unassuming corner of the kitchen one day can suddenly burst. That metaphor can go either way, from the exhilarating makeover of a once-plain person to an outburst of violence from a shy and retiring character. I am neutral today, so either fits.
Read MoreDay 64 of Project 365: fumbled
Tonight Judith and I turned the corner on our walk home and I yelled “holy crap!” because I did not expect to see that. I fumbled with my iPhone and here is the result. I wonder when I will start expecting to see it, and if that expectation will mean that I am a little more at home. Today was one of those all-around stellar days marred only a little by a nagging health issue (surprise surprise). Volunteering was just about perfect, with the added bonus of a conversation about personal productivity tools that made me very, very enthused and also curious if this is something I should be pursuing professionally while the library job market does its … adjustments. A quick dash home and then back out again to meet Judith at the hair salon to take...
Read MoreDay 63 of Project 365: blank page
I really shot myself in the foot with the 500 words a day challenge. Between homework, slush reading, and Project 365, the storytelling part of my brain is exhausted before I even sit down to write. My offline journal has suffered as a result; I’m settling for the little notes I leave in Moodscope each day. But that’s not exactly cathartic writing, and it sure as hell isn’t helping me finish a short story. I’ve fallen into the old trap of...
Read MoreDay 62 of Project 365: tiny fortune-telling pig
The tiny pig was adamant. Her new tarot deck had just arrived, and she could tell my future in her cards. Who was I to argue? Present: Strength, reversed. Immediate challenge: Nine of Pentacles. Distant past: Knight of Swords. Recent past: Nine of Swords. Best outcome: Eight of Swords. Immediate future: Ten of Pentacles. Factors affecting this situation: Four of Pentacles. External influences: Three of Pentacles. Hopes and fears: Five of Pentacles. Final outcome: Queen of Cups. That’s as far as the pig got. She is still learning how to interpret the cards. And needs to shuffle...
Read MoreDay 61 of Project 365: new recipe
FunkyPlaid and I stayed up very late to watch the Niners game. Actually, I was up already, finishing an assignment a whole day early — crazy, I know, but I just wanted it to be done already — and wandered in front of the TV for the last quarter. The best part of the game was the chatter, and I don’t mean from the Sky Sports commentators. Full samovar of tea and the 49ers coming right up. If you’d like to virtually scream over Gchat with me, hit me up on funky plaid@geemale. — FunkyPlaid (@FunkyPlaid) January 22, 2012 When technology makes the world a little smaller, I fall in love with both all over again. Day two of light therapy treatment went much better. I dropped the level down to 25% and felt pretty good. No naps today, either....
Read MoreDay 60 of Project 365: boo-hoo-lean
My presentation went off the rails. I actually said “dire repercussions to the fabric of space-time.” The day started out great. I woke up on time and got settled in front of my computer and new SAD light. During the fifteen-minute treatment at 50% strength, I felt pretty good, and immediately afterwards I was energized and excited about craft day later in the afternoon. Less than an hour later, I was nauseous, headachy, and the energized feeling had worn off into a bad caffeine buzz feeling. So no crafts for me, just grocery shopping and homework and a little crying in between those two because … well, no real “because”. I guess that is why they call it a disorder. Sadness for no reason is lame. With the day I’ve had, talking...
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