surprises

Across the street from the happiest place on earth, taking stock of what I've learned today.

Now Playing: Prometheus

To prepare for Prometheus, AnCe suggested an Alien marathon, since the movie is from the same universe.  Despite Mr. Scott's insistence that this was not a prequel, we erred on the side on caution.  After seven hours of Aliens, we felt prepared for a knock-down, drag-out epic.

Alas.

I won't talk spoilers, because that's not fair.  There's little this movie offers and taking away its meager plot thrills would leave you with nothing but scraps, my poppets.

Now Playing: Snow White and the Huntsman

I'm really slow on this, but really I was so underwhelmed, it took a lot of effort to actually sit and write a review of Snow White and the Huntsman.  So much so, it will be short.  But first: disclosed biases.

I love fairy tales.  No, I really do.  The magic and intrigue, exotic places, dangerous beasts, beautiful princesses, (sometimes strong too), witches and wizards, and enchantments...and villains.  I love the villains.  For me, a good story can only be held up by an excellent baddie.  In terms of villains, the Stepmother is an indelible part of my psyche (Snow White, Cinderella, Cymbeline).  Oh yes, I love me a good villain and Ms. Theron did not disappoint.  I felt sorry for her, reviled by her, equal parts fear and respect.  Perfect.

Bahstin, Mass.

AnCe and I flew into Boston over the long weekend for a quick three-day jaunt. We left on a 0700 flight on Saturday and were checked in by 0830. Wicked.

away

Assignment #6: away

Sometimes I wonder if taking a holiday is really a good idea. Sure, I come back refreshed, full of stories and food, carrying memories – but really, all I do is think about the next trip, the next flight, the next bag to pack. If I could find a way to travel perpetually, to spend my life out of a suitcase, I think I’d do it. At least, for a while.

Of course, this is where cognitive dissonance sets in. You see, by nature, I’m a nester. I like my hearth and home. I like the idea of having a bed to call my own and bookshelves brimming with staycation adventures. I like baking and decorating and curling up in front of the TV to watch reality shows about islands or dancing. And yet… and yet.

Now Playing: The Avengers

A short review, poppets. Avengers was excellent – a real reward for watching its five predecessors. I was particularly stoked to see Tom Hiddleston return as Loki. I love this character and this actor. And I shouldn’t have worried at all about how so many big characters could share one screen – Joss Whedon did a great job with the ensemble cast. And the script – wow. Really. Wow. Hulk got two great one-liners (considering that the previous two movies had a grand total of none), Captain America was appropriately lost in most conversations, Thor was still so believable in his quest to bring his brother home and Stark? Well, RDJ and Whedon are a match made in heaven. You MUST stick around until after the credits to truly understand their chemistry.

Go watch it: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

je suis arrivée

Today, I returned to Vieux Québec; the last time I was here, I reaffirmed my love of not just all things French, but of this beautiful country with its rich (and so often forgotten)  history.  Jadek and I packed up and left the 'Saug at 0500, making the 8-hour trek to Quebec City; it was a great drive, with excellent passenger relations.  We chatted about Warcraft and read "Discover" magazine articles for a lot of the trip and passionately discussed topics like Einstein's Theory of Relativity, unsolvable math problems and dreams posed by the impatient futurist. Only two yawns on the entire trip.  Also: one tank of gas!  Go Bella!