I normally enjoy change. I like trying new things. Moving to a new city does not stress me out. Eating at a new restaurant, shopping at a new store, jumping into a brand new type of project at work are all fine with me.
There are a few changes are very stressful to me. Last night the instructor for my boxing class was out of town. There was a replacement. I did not enjoy the replacement. Our regular instructor is terse, funny and motivating in a non-threatening sort of way. The replacement was this little sprite of a girl with the hugest biceps I've ever seen. I'm sure she's lovely in person but she put the headset on and started shouting and I almost walked out.
I don't enjoy working out. I don't enjoy sweating. I don't run, jump or "bounce" in place. I wear two shirts just in case one rides up and shows my stomach. This is not my comfort zone and I do not enjoy having to deviate from my routine.
If you are my instructor don't say my name to encourage me to "push through the burn!" Don't say my name to point out that I'm doing something really well. Don't come next to me and bounce in a manner meant to make me follow along.
Just let me work in the back of the room. I will do my best but I am not having fun and will not pretend to be. Let me be invisible and I won't spend the entire class thinking about punching you.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
literary ramblings
So I've been on a bit of a reading binge for the last month. Here are a few of my thoughts.
Mina by Jonatha Ceely. I started this book skeptically as the introduction describing the discovery of a "journal" in an 18th century farmhouse is tedious. The first person tone of the introduction is self-important and off-putting. The pretentiousness ends completely once the narrative proper begins. It's not a romance but it's the story of a relationship between two very different people under unusual circumstances compounded by past tragedy. The journey taken by the main characters towards understanding and accepting each other and thereby themselves makes for a compelling read. Skip the introduction.
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding must be read with an open and tolerant mind. This is not Bridget Jones. It needs to be read like it's a James Bond movie. Don't take it seriously. Once you begin to read it like a Vin Diesel movie, it's funny and entertaining. I'm interested to see what Olivia Joules might do next. As KG said to me today, "it is crying out for a sequel."
Holy Fools was my introduction to Joanne Harris. I am familiar with the movie Chocolat based on her novel of the same name, but you can't judge a writer based on the movie. (Obvious exception that proves the rule is The Godfather by Mario Puzo.) I was compelled by the female protagonist and her journey to keep herself and her daughter safe in early 17th century France. The mystery running through the plot and the constant threat of witchcraft make it hard to put down. The writing is delicious although you will wish she made some different choices.
Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught follows a successful formula. If you've read her other contempory mystery/romances, you'll feel like you're putting on a comfortable sweater. Characters from two of her previous novels make cameos. The protagonists are smart and independent but have serious communication issues. The plot is formulaic but the writing is good enough to keep you interested in how the ending you know is coming will come about.
Quattrocento by James McKean combines two of my favourite genres, Art and History. I love to read about artists. I even enjoy reading about art historians and restorers. The protagonist is an art restorer who falls in love with a woman in a painting. Then there is some time travelling. If you can get past the time travelling and the fact that the modern guy immediately fits right in, knows the correct Italian dialect to speak, and of course lands in the exact place he "needs" to be, it's not a bad story.
Anybody Out There? is, in my opinion, Marian Keyes most ambitious novel to date. It takes us back to the Walsh family and shows them at their best. I can't say anthing about the plot without spoiling it, but you'll laugh out loud and you'll need to keep the tissues close at hand. I have read all of her novels many times. This is her best.
Mina by Jonatha Ceely. I started this book skeptically as the introduction describing the discovery of a "journal" in an 18th century farmhouse is tedious. The first person tone of the introduction is self-important and off-putting. The pretentiousness ends completely once the narrative proper begins. It's not a romance but it's the story of a relationship between two very different people under unusual circumstances compounded by past tragedy. The journey taken by the main characters towards understanding and accepting each other and thereby themselves makes for a compelling read. Skip the introduction.
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding must be read with an open and tolerant mind. This is not Bridget Jones. It needs to be read like it's a James Bond movie. Don't take it seriously. Once you begin to read it like a Vin Diesel movie, it's funny and entertaining. I'm interested to see what Olivia Joules might do next. As KG said to me today, "it is crying out for a sequel."
Holy Fools was my introduction to Joanne Harris. I am familiar with the movie Chocolat based on her novel of the same name, but you can't judge a writer based on the movie. (Obvious exception that proves the rule is The Godfather by Mario Puzo.) I was compelled by the female protagonist and her journey to keep herself and her daughter safe in early 17th century France. The mystery running through the plot and the constant threat of witchcraft make it hard to put down. The writing is delicious although you will wish she made some different choices.
Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught follows a successful formula. If you've read her other contempory mystery/romances, you'll feel like you're putting on a comfortable sweater. Characters from two of her previous novels make cameos. The protagonists are smart and independent but have serious communication issues. The plot is formulaic but the writing is good enough to keep you interested in how the ending you know is coming will come about.
Quattrocento by James McKean combines two of my favourite genres, Art and History. I love to read about artists. I even enjoy reading about art historians and restorers. The protagonist is an art restorer who falls in love with a woman in a painting. Then there is some time travelling. If you can get past the time travelling and the fact that the modern guy immediately fits right in, knows the correct Italian dialect to speak, and of course lands in the exact place he "needs" to be, it's not a bad story.
Anybody Out There? is, in my opinion, Marian Keyes most ambitious novel to date. It takes us back to the Walsh family and shows them at their best. I can't say anthing about the plot without spoiling it, but you'll laugh out loud and you'll need to keep the tissues close at hand. I have read all of her novels many times. This is her best.
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