Unabridged Opinions

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to go to a physics’ work party (not my work party…but hey, scientists generally throw good ones) that was held on the 43rd floor of the Hilton, the tallest building in Manchester (by a “wide margin” according to Wikipedia). The views were excellent; pizza was consumed in copious amounts, and the beer was cold. It was also fun to get a look into what is definitely one of the premier addresses in Manchester. The views are amazing, but we’ll probably stick with our quieter, cheaper, flat for the time being. Although being able to see the (now under renovation) Central Library (it’s that circular building on the left of the photo) from above was seriously cool. I still can’t believe that that was my public library. The new one isn’t as impressive on the outside, but it’s equally gorgeous on the inside. So cool.

The second highlight of the weekend was a new book, a new series, and a new author. (Colin) Bateman’s Mystery Man is one of the funniest books I’ve ever run across. The combination of random references to classic detective novels, what must be one of the few laugh-out-loud grammar jokes in literary fiction, and an unnamed, totally wacky, detective made it the highlight of my month, if only for quotes like this one (prompted by our not-so-intrepid detective trying to deny both that his store is named “No Alibis” and that its motto is “Murder is our business”.)

Noahbylies–yes, indeed. It’s an….Elvish word. Elvish for bookshop. We specialise in science fiction and fantasy novels. You know, Lord of the Rings. Mordor is our business.

Hee. Continue reading

snow!

It has been snowing, off and on, since December–the most spectacular storm even went so far to shut down the University and prompt people to cross-country ski into work . And then get sent home early a few hours later, but, still, cross-country ski into work.  It was not a lot of snow by Minnesota standards (not even a foot, really), but it was enough to grind the entire country to a halt in surprise and to spawn what seemed like limitless stories about the shortage of salt/grit for the roads (we still seem okay) and the number of people who would slide/freeze/ski to their deaths because of the weather (not happened yet).  Mostly, though, it really seems to have delayed the daffodils and other early warning signs of Spring that usually come along with the now slightly longer and lighter days.  The snow isn’t really sticking around, but the cold has been loathe to let go (this week, finally, we broke out of the 30’s for about ten minutes).

Even with the cold, though, it’s definitely starting to look like Spring might arrive before, you know, July–if only because some of our trees are making brave efforts to bud out, and the bird song has gotten extremely loud and raucous again. That, and the squirrels who seem to think that tap dancing on our skylight is the best way to say good morning to the world. (Of course, every time I even think the word “squirrel” I think of Pixar’s “Up” so it’s difficult to get too angry.)

I’ve been busy at work looking into the data our study is generating (hey, it turns out that students would like more contact with…people who are willing to help them learn!).  It’s been fascinating if only because there are huge assumptions about what is going on…and then there is reality. It’s been an interesting winter to say the least.

From Drop Box

oops! So, in mid-September, I got a job.  Which, it turns out, severely cuts into blogging time.  Well, it severely cuts into free time, and blogging was the thing that went (as compared to reading, which was the thing that I now find time for on the bus and at lunch and far too late in the evening…).

So, I have, though, been lucky enough to have reviewed a number of young adults for Bookgeeks, and I had a wonderful few days vacation over the holidays.

The riding is also going well.  I’m at Finlow Hill–which is a smaller stable, but it’s working for me right now. I’ve also managed to join the local BHS committee–here’s hoping that it helps me get plugged into the local eventing community a bit more.

The end of December/beginning of January has been a good time for books. I re-read a ton of books I love (both of Kristin Cashore’s books, a few Agatha Christies, a few Mary Stewart’s books), and I read a number of new ones that I enjoyed (Jim Butcher’s newest Codex Alera book and The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas to name two). Other than that, life has settled, mostly. We are getting all ready for our trip to Nicaragua in April for a friend’s wedding and hoping that life just goes smoothly for awhile.