Happy Birthday, Dad!

What I Watched -- Mr. Holmes

A long way back, I went to see Mr. Holmes.  (Which I'm sure is long since out of theaters.)

In any case, Ian McKellen, who plays the titular character, is wonderful as usual. The film is about the relationship between Holmes and the son of his housekeeper, through which you learn about Holmes's past. But the only other character of emotional significance is the housekeeper, played by Laura Linney, who is wonderful as usual. (I feel like I'm repeating myself.) McKellen and Linney, as the heavies, are well-matched. The boy does a fine job, but it's an easy one, and as a consequence he is somewhat foregettable. 

Bottom line: not your typical biopic due largely to the lack of plot, but the enjoyable characters make up for the meandering story.

Goal #45

Goal #45: blogging!

So, as many people have noticed, I have not been a very good blogger lately.  But I miss blogging, and I would like to get back to it.  And a couple big things have recently happened that are blog-worthy!  So, back at it.  I hope.

Recap of goal #44: it was a good week last week!  G&G's party was a smashing success, I got to see some cousins I don't see terribly often, and G's surgery went well.  Success all around.

Goal #44

Goal #44: G&G.

This week is a big week for G&G.  It started out with a bang - the big family party - and it's not going to let up (though it won't be so fun or celebratory).  Thankfully dad is here to help, but I'd like to see them a few times too!

Recap of goal #42: I got half of the clothing deliveries done, but everything that I have weeded out so far is all packed up for delivery to the other location, I just have to get it there.  Easier said than done, obviously.

Welcome to the Future

Goal #42

Goal #42: clothing deliveries.

I got at least part of the way through my closet picking out stuff to get rid of.  I'm planning to deliver it to two places, and hopefully I can make that happen this week.  Neither one is too far from my work, so I just need to find 20 minutes here or there - but sometimes that can be harder than it sounds.

Recap of goal #40: yes, I've been having a ton of fun.  I raced in my second bike race of the season yesterday (and only crashed once!), I've been spending some quality time with G&G, enjoying the weather at it turns to autumn, and listening to lots of good music.

Random Links

Unrelated words.

The Giving Tree.

Secret classical musicians.

The sounds of the world.

On Amish time.

Can your life be hacked?

Random Links

Suggestions for a literary road trip.

Not your typical fancy plates.

Staying happy during the Polar Night.

How bikes built America.

What happens when you leave your body to science.

New uses for old architecture.

What I'm Reading Now -- The Emerald Mile

Dad and D gave me a copy of The Emerald Mile last Christmas, in preparation for our upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon.  It took me a while to get started on it (as you can tell, since it is way past Christmas), but I took it on my climbing trip a couple of weeks ago and turned the first few pages.

Now I don't want to stop.  I have been sucked it already, and am fighting a battle between the obligations in my life and reading this book.  If you hear about the book again soon, you'll know the book won.

Goal #40

Goal #40: life is short.

Am I the only one who noticed that I have taken an unannounced break from blogging?  Perhaps.

However, I have been having loads of fun in the meantime. I rode my bike, cyclocross season started, Mom came to visit, Dad came to visit, I went rock climbing (outside! on real rocks!), I went to Memphis, I went to a Cardinal's game or two.  All in all, it's been a blast.

I will get back to writing about things.  But right now I'm having so much fun doing them that I simply haven't gotten around to it.

Recap of goal #38: the cleanup is still a work in progress.  I stalled out for a while, but I am feeling newly motivated.