Rocking Reading Raani

Readit: Agnes and the Hitman + Tangled + Extras

I read Agnes and the Hitman. In one sitting of just over three hours. Yup, I crazy like that.

I loved this book. I love just about anything Crusie but damn! I LOVED THIS BOOK.

I haven't read any Mayer, mainly because I didn't know he wrote as Robert Doherty. Which explains why I couldn't find his novels. WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME?

The humour was fast paced and written in-novel. Even though physical humour was used, it wasn't slapstick at all. The characters had depth and the dialogue nuanced. (Huh, reviewer word, check me out!)

The book reminded me of Bet Me in it's structure and characterisation. Or should I say characterisations? There were a lot of characters. But each so well drawn, I didn't mix them up or lose track.

It is going to be a book that I re-read often. It'll be a go-to as a pick-me-up, a boredom release or just for the pleasure of reading the well crafted work of supreme wordsmiths. Thank you Crusie and Mayer.

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This is the joke I'm referencing in my title today.

There was a librarian is working away when a chicken enters the library and walks up to her desk. The chicken clucks, 'Book, book, book, BOOK!'

The librarian sets a pile of four books in front of the chicken. The chicken grabs them and disappears out the front door.

About an hour later, the librarian sees the same chicken come into the library. It sets the four books down on the desk and again squawks, 'Book, book, book, BOOK!'

The librarian wonders what the chicken is doing with these books, but since they seem to be in fine shape, she takes the returns and gives the chicken 4 more books. The chicken zips out the door and down the road.

Another hour passes and the librarian hears a loud 'Book, book, book, BOOK!' She looks up from her work and sees the chicken back yet again! By now, the librarian's curiosity has gotten the better of her. She gives the chicken four more books and it heads for the door. This time, as soon as the chicken is gone, the librarian jumps up and runs to the door. She follows the chicken down the road for a half mile to an old farm. The chicken ducks through the fence and disappears into a cluster of trees.
The librarian hops the fence, and sneaks up to the trees. As she moves some branches aside, she sees the chicken standing by a pond handing each book to a frog. As the frog looks at the cover of each book, he says, 'Read It. Read It. Read It. ...'
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I FINALLY watched Tangled today. I am now officially crushing on Zachary Levi. One of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. With some actors, you hear themselves only or a character that they've done previously in another film or TV show (as in Mr Incredible - Craig T. Nelson).

I watch Chuck a LOT but not once in Tangled did I hear the same pitch or pacing from him. AWESOME. I might do a review of Tangled. We'll see.

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Post recap on the Four Agreements for someone who might be coming by to read them. It looks like I haven't done two of them. Now I know.  

 29 June 2010  http://sarahv2000.typepad.com/blog/2010/06/always-do-your-best.html 

 18 Dec 2010 http://sarahv2000.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/take-things-generally.html

15 Dec 2010  http://sarahv2000.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/recap-the-four-agreements.html

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Gratitude

My job. It is where I need to be. I am blessed.

Good friends to laugh with.

Zachary Levi.  :-D

Ask for help

Once in a while, I go to an alternative bookstore that has a selection of oracle/tarot cards for readings. (As metioned here http://sarahv2000.typepad.com/blog/2010/08/a-sign-to-explore.html)  

On Friday I was at the bookshop and made a selection - I got a card that suggested that asking for help is a good thing. That it is something worth learning and doing.

Incidentally, I'm sure the Sandra Bullock movie 28 Days has a plot point that involves learning to ask for help. I can't remember enough to make it relevant to this post, but I'm sure someone out there can. ;-)

When it comes to doing things, I'm pretty independent and go off on a mission to get things done. I just find that its easier than waiting on someone.

I have had an experience since that has resulted in me resolving to ask for help. With that decision made,  I find that I'm not sure what help I need. There are so many things that I need to work on and work toward that I'm a tad confused. I open it to you.

What help do you need? Who would you ask? How would you ask?

Laugh a little

I am busy with the book organising and general de-cluttering but in-between I've been taking breaks to enjoy things that make me smile or, better yet, laugh out loud.

It was a toss-up between this link and another - hope this does it for you. Its one of my favourite films EVER!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0BOOgW7rHE

Enjoy!

Studying hard.

The coursework and studies have increased in intensity. Therefore, in an effort to avoid and prevent the self-sabotage I have blogged less and tried to study more.

So that your trip here was not wasted, here's a link - http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/

Song selection for Success

Don’t you wish working toward achieving goals in life could be like training in movie montages?  They make it look easy and fun.  Various aspects of training and practice are depicted, accompanied by a stirring song selection. 

After all, who doesn’t remember and joke about and even try to emulate the training montage in Rocky?

 

Whenever a there is a goal and work needs to be done, film will use this device – I’ve been enjoying the films – Step Up, Step up 2, Take the Lead and the one of these that is not like the other, Batman Begins.  The music contributes to the effect.

 

I’m studying again this year and while I know how to get to my goal, I wouldn’t mind being able to fast forward to the point at the end of the montage. 

I suppose this is another reason why I love Iron Man – no montage, just scenes that show the work, no music to obscure the fact that this goal requires time, attention and practice.

 

I have many goals for this year, among them, achieving an excellent level of fitness, passing my studies and breaking bad habits.  The last one contributes to the execution of the first two.  

 

It will take planning, time, attention and practice.  I am well aware that if I want something I’ve not had before then I have to do something I have not done before.

 

Step one - I’m going to do what’s recommended for healthy living – get eight hours of sleep, eat well, exercise and meditate. I’ll report on the attempts here.

 

Maybe I’ll create an interesting soundtrack to help me on my way. Suggestions are welcome.  

 

I know that there’s one thing that I do have in my favour – I am committed to achieving the things that I want.  So, time to go to work.