Taking Stock – March 2020

Monday, March 2, 2020 Permalink

I started writing two versions of this. One blunter, more honest than the other. I’ve talked before about that fine line between being open about one’s life when it feels as if the overwhelm is, well… overwhelming; and the fear of pushing others away because of constant negativity, or having them eye-rolling at the never-ending pity party.

I know I’m often surprised and appreciate it when others share the bad stuff, but think I react better when they’re not people who do nothing but share the bad stuff.

Anyway… today I’m checking in and taking stock. In a mostly upbeat way! *insert beatific smile here*

What I’m watching – December 2019

Monday, December 23, 2019 Permalink

I’ve cut back on my reading over the last couple of years. Initially it was because of work commitments, but almost a year of unemployment has meant this hasn’t been an issue.

So though I’ve continued to read and review I’ve spent evenings in front of the television rather than in the bath with a book. I loved both television and books when younger and it seems little has changed.

June 2019 check-in

Thursday, June 27, 2019 Permalink

Almost the end of the month AND the financial year here in Australia. As I’ve only worked for a few months this year I have my fingers crossed for a tax cheque which will make a nice change. And keep me off the streets (ie. pay my mortgage, electricity and hefty brownie-mix bills) for a while.

After dipping a little mood-wise earlier this month I’m feeling much better** so….

What I’m watching – May 2019 (Part 1)

Thursday, May 16, 2019 Permalink

My reading has dropped off over the last couple of months and my television viewing has picked up – something I mentioned in my ‘April: What I’m watching’ post. In fact, the last couple of weeks have actually seen me barely pick up a book. Instead I’ve been watching sh*tloads of Netflix. So much so that I’ve decided I should – in fact – do a mid May ‘what I’m watching’ update lest the end of month version become toooo long. So here we go. (IMDb links in titles)

What I’m watching – April 2019

Thursday, April 25, 2019 Permalink

I haven’t written any personal posts for a while and have cut back a bit on my reading and reviewing. I have, however, been watching quite a bit of television. Well, not live television but stuff online. I shared some of my viewing in early March 2019, so thought it was time for an update.

Square eyes

Thursday, March 7, 2019 Permalink

I’ve not been doing as much reading of late. I felt like a break at Christmas. (Well, a break from reviewing, not reading!) But that has pretty much extended and I took only a couple of books to Brisbane with me on my recentish foray (aka 3wks of cat-sitting).

I have however, rediscovered my television addiction over the last six months; although I’ve not watched much live TV cos here in Australia we’ve had mostly sport and reality TV shows foisted upon us, so I’ve delved into Netflix and online viewing (SBS-on-demand) instead.

TV show: The Cry

Saturday, February 9, 2019 Permalink

I don’t usually review TV shows, though I used to write about TV and movies quite a bit. Television more so probably as I used to be quite a TV addict. It comes and goes now. Box sets and Netflix is my catnip as I’ve always been prone to watch stuff in a binge and then not turn the television on for a few weeks.

So after some positive (well, glowing) local reviews I decided to tune into The Cry – a 4-part BBC production, showing here in Australia on ABC TV. Naturally I didn’t watch it live, rather watched it online via iView over a couple of days after the first episode aired.

Of course I write this as someone who’s not read the novel on which it’s based, by Helen FitzGerald. Having done some post-viewing research (googling) however, I understand the plot is pretty consistent but the structure deviates a little from the book.

November 2018 check-in

Thursday, November 22, 2018 Permalink

I’ll be honest and admit my mood has been yo-yoing around quite a bit lately. I’m trying to be upbeat… as I said last week, I know I’ve got nothing to moan about… I mean, sure I’m unemployed, single, childless, 50 and need to improve my diet and exercise regimes, but other than that… life is going swimmingly. 😉

Anyhoo, while I continue to ponder on the joys of my existence I thought I’d skip the navel-gazing post this week and instead share with you the, ummm… joys of my existence.

Life lessons from The Alienist

Friday, May 25, 2018 Permalink

I actually read Caleb Carr’s book The Alienist and its sequel, The Angel of Darkness about 20 years ago, but remembered little about both. Indeed, neither remain on my bookshelves now, so I obviously decided at some point to retire and replace them… shelf space always being at a premium.

But when I saw the original book had been made into a Netflix TV series I jumped right in.