Wow. It's 2014. How did THAT happen? Sorry it's been so long since I've checked in. I've been busy and sick and busy again. No excuses.
Recapping:
Thanksgiving was good. I worked at Logan that day then came home and cooked for Daniel, Stephen, Natalie and Waylon. It was a nice relaxing time. I didn't do a huge turkey...just turkey breasts and some casseroles. I'd say about an 8 on a scale of 10. LOL
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| No counter space? I make do! |
As an early holiday (both) gift, Daniel got us our electric fireplace. I love it! It's great for heat, ambiance and as our entertainment center. As with all things, he did a great job picking it out himself. Mad props to our neighbor for helping us get it up the stairs to the 3rd floor. That is not fun. FYI: when we move our stuff up? We are very much hiring people to unload and carry it upstairs. VERY MUCH.
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| See how nice it is? |
Prince is still loving being with me at the house. He is my cuddle buddy. He's going to be 12 in April and it's starting to show. He's still energetic like always but his eye sight is getting worse. He face planted into the side of the bed when jumping up the other week. He was lethargic for a day after. Poor Boo. He got extra hugs and cuddles from his mommy that week.
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| I promise this is not photo shopped. My happy baby! |
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| You can see the fog from this pic. Crazy. |
Christmas was just as great as Thanksgiving. Daniel and I celebrated on Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve, though. We had an Eve Eve dinner at Boston Chops. OMG, so good. Not as swanky or expensive as your Shula's or Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris but oh so delish. We opened gifts to each other Christmas Eve and we spent the day together just relaxing in front of the tree and fire place. Perfect!
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| One of my gifts...we played for a few hours! Good times. |
I had to work Christmas Day but was home by 2pm and cooked a big dinner for the both of us. On a scale of 1 - 10 it was a 9.5. Yeah...that Russian Judge lowered my score! LOL
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| MMM |
Most all of my Christmas stuff is still in Florida. I was actually finally in the mood to decorate so it was sad to not have it up here with me. However, we're making new memories to go with the older ones. We got a pre-lit tree and I purchased some simple ornaments and it turned out great. I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out.
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| Oh, Christmas Tree... |
Around New Years, I started getting sick. It was some kind of viral thing and my doctor wanted me to stay home in bed. Unfortunately, I was still in my 90 day probationary period with jetBlue so I was "separated." This was highly disappointing. I had put so much work into my training and frankly, it's shocking that they would spend so much money on that training/investment in a crew member just to let them go like that. Oh well, it is what it is. I can reapply for any position in 6 months so if something comes up, I'll consider that. I sent back my badges and paperwork so I should be okay for that process.
I basically was in bed for over 2 weeks. I just couldn't shake it: tired, no energy...then I got vertigo. Weird. I'm still a bit tired all the time but so much better.
After I "got over" that stuff, I went on the road with Daniel for a week. I always love doing that. It's so peaceful and nice to just chill with him. He's very good at what he does and loves being out there. I get to take pictures and meet all his friends at the places he frequents every week.
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| Bay Bridge view: Gorgeous. |
When we got back, Daniel and I went to The Capital Grille for my Birthday Dinner. Last year we went with Leigh and Courtney. This year for Christmas, they and Dad & Janet sent us gift certificates so we decided to make it my birthday tradition. OMG, I love that place. We had a great time, of course. Along with the amazing food, it's always an "experience.' Love it!
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| Just the right size to share. |
It's funny: every year I try to plan something fun for my birthday with friends and I invite tons of people...not a lot show up most of the time. Not complaining at all. People have lives that don't center around me. (I know! What in the heck?!) This year I had a lot smaller group from which to chose and I'll be darned if most of them didn't show up. There is this Tex Mex place at Fanuiel Hall called, Zuma. They have great food and delish house margaritas. It is so reasonable...even for Boston. (**) Anyway, my Red Cross girls came as well as Brian (also Red Cross but not one of my girls, obvs) and my friend Tony from NY. We had a great time talking and eating and yes, drinking those margs.
[**I scale Boston prices so as not to have a heart attack when paying dining/drinking bills. Like, if I find a good beer (not Bud, etc...) for $5-8, that is cheap and I'm happy. If I find a cocktail that is $8-12 then that, too is cheap and I'm happy.]
This year has been more "snowy" than last year. Plus: I have a car now so it's a pain in ways that walking to the bus/train wasn't. Did you know your door locks freeze? What? I now carry de-icer and a butane lighter in my purse. Crazy. It's gorgeous until you have to park or drive in it. LOL
The food processor mom gave me died a horrible yet quiet death. Daniel got me a Ninja to replace it. It's a blender, too. Let me tell you how happy this gift (no occasion) makes me: VERY VERY VERY VERY!
Right now I'm in (not so very at the moment) sunny Sarasota, Florida. What a nice break from the 10 degrees and snow up in Boston. I'm staying with Cousin Matthew this week and having a great time being the Nanny! Poor thing is on crutches after his 2nd knee injury. Anyway, we're watching The Winter Olympics and doing homework (ahem) and eating the dinners I make. I love this stuff...temporarily. LOL He's a good kid and we're enjoying hanging out. We're both totes jelly of our parents' Vegas trip. Those peeps deserve it, though and we're loving seeing all the pictures and can't wait to hear the "stories."
Saturday, I'll be in Dade City for a week. Ava comes in that day, too and it'll be great to see her. I haven't seen her since the night before she left for South Korea in August 2012. I plan on seeing some friends and family and hopefully digging through some of the stuff in my apartment to get ready to move it up later in the year.
I think that's about it for the "what's Jini been up to" portion of the blog. Now...commentary:
The Biggest Loser Finale Controversy:
It's no secret I love this show. However, this year's finale was disturbing in many ways. I know it's a competition. When you're down to the final 3, it's all about winning the $250,000 grand prize. I'm sure that's crazy motivation and would make some people go insane. Usually, the winner (and top 3) look really good. It takes losing about 50% of your original weight to win this. Some past winners have done a bit much to win but are generally healthy (ish) looking. Plus, they usually level out as soon as they weigh in.
This year? OMG, overkill. The gentlemen were borderline too thin but didn't look "unhealthy." Rachael, the winner? She lost over 60% of her original weight and looked like she was about to star in a biopic about Karen Carpenter. She was SO thin...and looked completely unhealthy. Completely. I can't think about her arms without a shudder.
I'm not a doctor and I'm not on her journey or whatever but that was way too much. I think maybe she got caught up in "the game" part of the show ($250,00 is a lot) and it just got away from her. I hope that now the show is over she can level out to a more even weight.
The biggest disappointment for me is the cop-out by the show and some of the trainers. The Producers said that she had supervision/check ins from the medical people. That can't be right. If she looked that bad on tv, can you imagine what she looks like in real life?
Bob and Jillian wrote a joint statement saying they weren't her trainers and didn't feel comfortable commenting. I call BS b/c after they went to "singles" (no teams, individual competition), it was a training free for all. They had contact with her. AARGH. It's so unlike Jillian to keep quiet about these things. Anyway, their faces tell it all...it was the stereotypical slow clap and Jillian saying, "Oh My God" a few times. They were not at all happy with her new look.
TV:
Being stuck in bed for over 2 weeks, I caught up on some tv shows that had been highly recommended as well as keeping up with some "current" stuff.
1. Top of the Lake: this is a Jane Campion (The Piano, among others) thing so you know it's going to be weird. Oh yes, it was. Somehow I really liked it, though. Elizabeth Moss was fantastic and deserves all the accolades she's getting for it. It's only 7 "episodes" so if you've got the time, watch it.
2. Orphan Black: this show is amazing. It's a BBC production so the season is only like 10 episodes. Tatiana Maslany? Crazy talented. She's one actress playing no less than 5 characters. You can immediately tell who she is by her mannerisms. She's so great. I love SciFi and action so this was right up my alley. I can't wait for Season 2. I think that starts in April. Thanks to Kyle Anderson (nerdist.com) for the personal recommendation.
3. Sherlock: Stephen Moffatt is good when he's good and still decent when he's not on his game. This "season" of 3 was a tad better than decent, overall. I think I was so starved for the show that I forgave the first 2 episodes for it's faults. Still, by normal standards they were better than average. The 3rd episode really delivered, though. Man, I adore Cummerbach and Freeman together. I thought I'd dislike adding Mary into the mix but somehow it works really well. Don't get me started on how much I love having Mycroft around more! I'm excited for Season 4 but so sad we'll probably have to wait well over a year for it. I guess that's what happens when your show runner has multiple popular on air projects and your two stars are HUGE movie stars right now (Star Trek and The Hobbit to name just 2).
4. Downton Abbey: SO GOOD!!! Just...awesome all around. I miss Matthew but it seems that Mary is coping. It's starting to get a more Gosford Park feel than it has in the past. Time will tell if that's good or bad. In general I'm still engaged by it all so... we'll see!
5. Justified: there are no words...which stinks since this is a blog. LOL. Seriously, though. The new/old baddies are great. The guest stars are great. Timothy Olyphant continues to nail Raylon as a flawed person. Walton Goggins is so underrated as Boyd Crowder. What a great team those two actors make...layers and layers of history with the characters.
6. How I Met Your Mother: FINALLY we meet the mother! And? She's amazing! I know this final season takes place all in one (wedding) weekend but it's moving so fast. The best episode yet was where it was what she was doing these past years. What a great throw back to all the hints and clues that we've been given. Really well written and yes, acted. I can't wait for it to be over so I'll have all the pieces. I will miss the show, though.
7. The Big Bang Theory: Um, the Shamy Kiss was epic. Jim and Mayim just killed in that scene. I'm one of the people who (after so many seasons) no longer thinks of Sheldon as quirky. He's down right mean on purpose most of the time. However, this scene was perfectly staged and written and acted. Go Shamy!
8. Doctor Who: The 50th Anniversary Special was very good. I loved the interaction by 10/11: Tenant/Smith. They played well off of each other. This War Doctor thing is weird but it worked. The Christmas Special was pretty decent, too. I liked 11's send off and the regeneration cannon cheat worked for me. I'm very excited to see Capaldi step in and throw his hat in this.
9. Sons of Anarchy: OMG, can we discuss how cray Gemma is? That was just...insane. I can't wait to see how Sutter wraps all of this up next year. I think it's the last year. I think. I mean, it's Hamlet so everyone is going to die, yeah? Has to be the way it ends. Maybe Abel and Thomas can be adopted by some outside of Charming people. One can hope.
Speaking of the genius of Kurt Sutter:
He tweeted a picture of his dog with one word (yes, maybe?) so I replied with a picture of Prince and said, "Indeed." Mr. Sutter is now following me. OMG, Squee! LOL. So, thank you, Prince Redmond!
Movies:
I have been slacking. I haven't seen but 1 of any of the Oscar nominated flicks...Star Trek: Into Darkness has a special effects nomination.
1. LEGO Movie: Saw this with Matthew. It is HILARIOUS. Go see it now. With or without your kids. So great.
2. Despicable Me 2: I finally saw this and it was good. Not as good as the first one (duh) but it was pretty good. I continue to adore Agnes and her unicorn.
See? That's it. I'm a slacker!
Alright, this is a novella right now. No need to get into novel territory. I will update more frequently.
Be well,
Much love,
Jini
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| My ARC Peeps: Alex, Sara, Ashley, Kelly & Shawna |
This year has been more "snowy" than last year. Plus: I have a car now so it's a pain in ways that walking to the bus/train wasn't. Did you know your door locks freeze? What? I now carry de-icer and a butane lighter in my purse. Crazy. It's gorgeous until you have to park or drive in it. LOL
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| View of my back yard from my bedroom window. |
The food processor mom gave me died a horrible yet quiet death. Daniel got me a Ninja to replace it. It's a blender, too. Let me tell you how happy this gift (no occasion) makes me: VERY VERY VERY VERY!
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| SO COOL! |
Right now I'm in (not so very at the moment) sunny Sarasota, Florida. What a nice break from the 10 degrees and snow up in Boston. I'm staying with Cousin Matthew this week and having a great time being the Nanny! Poor thing is on crutches after his 2nd knee injury. Anyway, we're watching The Winter Olympics and doing homework (ahem) and eating the dinners I make. I love this stuff...temporarily. LOL He's a good kid and we're enjoying hanging out. We're both totes jelly of our parents' Vegas trip. Those peeps deserve it, though and we're loving seeing all the pictures and can't wait to hear the "stories."
Saturday, I'll be in Dade City for a week. Ava comes in that day, too and it'll be great to see her. I haven't seen her since the night before she left for South Korea in August 2012. I plan on seeing some friends and family and hopefully digging through some of the stuff in my apartment to get ready to move it up later in the year.
I think that's about it for the "what's Jini been up to" portion of the blog. Now...commentary:
The Biggest Loser Finale Controversy:
It's no secret I love this show. However, this year's finale was disturbing in many ways. I know it's a competition. When you're down to the final 3, it's all about winning the $250,000 grand prize. I'm sure that's crazy motivation and would make some people go insane. Usually, the winner (and top 3) look really good. It takes losing about 50% of your original weight to win this. Some past winners have done a bit much to win but are generally healthy (ish) looking. Plus, they usually level out as soon as they weigh in.
This year? OMG, overkill. The gentlemen were borderline too thin but didn't look "unhealthy." Rachael, the winner? She lost over 60% of her original weight and looked like she was about to star in a biopic about Karen Carpenter. She was SO thin...and looked completely unhealthy. Completely. I can't think about her arms without a shudder.
I'm not a doctor and I'm not on her journey or whatever but that was way too much. I think maybe she got caught up in "the game" part of the show ($250,00 is a lot) and it just got away from her. I hope that now the show is over she can level out to a more even weight.
The biggest disappointment for me is the cop-out by the show and some of the trainers. The Producers said that she had supervision/check ins from the medical people. That can't be right. If she looked that bad on tv, can you imagine what she looks like in real life?
Bob and Jillian wrote a joint statement saying they weren't her trainers and didn't feel comfortable commenting. I call BS b/c after they went to "singles" (no teams, individual competition), it was a training free for all. They had contact with her. AARGH. It's so unlike Jillian to keep quiet about these things. Anyway, their faces tell it all...it was the stereotypical slow clap and Jillian saying, "Oh My God" a few times. They were not at all happy with her new look.
TV:
Being stuck in bed for over 2 weeks, I caught up on some tv shows that had been highly recommended as well as keeping up with some "current" stuff.
1. Top of the Lake: this is a Jane Campion (The Piano, among others) thing so you know it's going to be weird. Oh yes, it was. Somehow I really liked it, though. Elizabeth Moss was fantastic and deserves all the accolades she's getting for it. It's only 7 "episodes" so if you've got the time, watch it.
2. Orphan Black: this show is amazing. It's a BBC production so the season is only like 10 episodes. Tatiana Maslany? Crazy talented. She's one actress playing no less than 5 characters. You can immediately tell who she is by her mannerisms. She's so great. I love SciFi and action so this was right up my alley. I can't wait for Season 2. I think that starts in April. Thanks to Kyle Anderson (nerdist.com) for the personal recommendation.
3. Sherlock: Stephen Moffatt is good when he's good and still decent when he's not on his game. This "season" of 3 was a tad better than decent, overall. I think I was so starved for the show that I forgave the first 2 episodes for it's faults. Still, by normal standards they were better than average. The 3rd episode really delivered, though. Man, I adore Cummerbach and Freeman together. I thought I'd dislike adding Mary into the mix but somehow it works really well. Don't get me started on how much I love having Mycroft around more! I'm excited for Season 4 but so sad we'll probably have to wait well over a year for it. I guess that's what happens when your show runner has multiple popular on air projects and your two stars are HUGE movie stars right now (Star Trek and The Hobbit to name just 2).
4. Downton Abbey: SO GOOD!!! Just...awesome all around. I miss Matthew but it seems that Mary is coping. It's starting to get a more Gosford Park feel than it has in the past. Time will tell if that's good or bad. In general I'm still engaged by it all so... we'll see!
5. Justified: there are no words...which stinks since this is a blog. LOL. Seriously, though. The new/old baddies are great. The guest stars are great. Timothy Olyphant continues to nail Raylon as a flawed person. Walton Goggins is so underrated as Boyd Crowder. What a great team those two actors make...layers and layers of history with the characters.
6. How I Met Your Mother: FINALLY we meet the mother! And? She's amazing! I know this final season takes place all in one (wedding) weekend but it's moving so fast. The best episode yet was where it was what she was doing these past years. What a great throw back to all the hints and clues that we've been given. Really well written and yes, acted. I can't wait for it to be over so I'll have all the pieces. I will miss the show, though.
7. The Big Bang Theory: Um, the Shamy Kiss was epic. Jim and Mayim just killed in that scene. I'm one of the people who (after so many seasons) no longer thinks of Sheldon as quirky. He's down right mean on purpose most of the time. However, this scene was perfectly staged and written and acted. Go Shamy!
8. Doctor Who: The 50th Anniversary Special was very good. I loved the interaction by 10/11: Tenant/Smith. They played well off of each other. This War Doctor thing is weird but it worked. The Christmas Special was pretty decent, too. I liked 11's send off and the regeneration cannon cheat worked for me. I'm very excited to see Capaldi step in and throw his hat in this.
9. Sons of Anarchy: OMG, can we discuss how cray Gemma is? That was just...insane. I can't wait to see how Sutter wraps all of this up next year. I think it's the last year. I think. I mean, it's Hamlet so everyone is going to die, yeah? Has to be the way it ends. Maybe Abel and Thomas can be adopted by some outside of Charming people. One can hope.
Speaking of the genius of Kurt Sutter:
He tweeted a picture of his dog with one word (yes, maybe?) so I replied with a picture of Prince and said, "Indeed." Mr. Sutter is now following me. OMG, Squee! LOL. So, thank you, Prince Redmond!
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| Prince: I got a mommy for daddy and now a celeb tweet follower for Mommy! |
Movies:
I have been slacking. I haven't seen but 1 of any of the Oscar nominated flicks...Star Trek: Into Darkness has a special effects nomination.
1. LEGO Movie: Saw this with Matthew. It is HILARIOUS. Go see it now. With or without your kids. So great.
2. Despicable Me 2: I finally saw this and it was good. Not as good as the first one (duh) but it was pretty good. I continue to adore Agnes and her unicorn.
See? That's it. I'm a slacker!
Alright, this is a novella right now. No need to get into novel territory. I will update more frequently.
Be well,
Much love,
Jini
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