Review: Stardust

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I'm not too good at reviewing books, but here goes:

I chose this book (yes, superficially) based on the fact that I enjoyed the movie. The premise was cute and interesting and the story was written well. But I don't know if it's because of the fact that I saw the movie first, or just some forms of continuity, but the book version didn't really do much for me. Yes, I enjoyed it, but ultimately, it's not like this is something I would rave about or lose sleep over.

Nonetheless, I liked Stardust and Neil Gaiman does excellently in writing detail and painting his descriptions with his words. It just wasn't something that I would put on my favorites list since (as my only complaint) the ending was kind of bland. I really WAS expecting a whole lot more excitement towards the second half of the story line, but it almost seemed as if we were in a hurry to finish up so that we could get Tristran and Yvaine closer towards their happy ending without anything too demanding happening to them -- more paraphrased (at least that's how I felt about it) narrative than action (and I don't even mean that combats and fights and running around type of action).

Still, it was fun while it lasted.



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In which I make a new goal...

This is technically my second time using the Nike+ technology, but with this particular run, I was finally able to calibrate the sensor a bit more properly. It was pretty much a "start up sensor, run, pause sensor, walk, un-pause sensor, run, pause sensor, walk, walk, walk, un-pause sensor, run..." Rinse, wash, repeat. Nonetheless, it didn't take long for me to finish "running" that one mile even if there were multiple "walks" in between.

Here's hoping that sooner or later I'll be able to run more than two laps without hyperventilating. This new goal will require a LOT of motivation and a LOT of discipline. The only thing that kept me going was a little bit of "Only four laps left... two... one..." And then let the huffing and puffing commence.

Yea... I feel like a dead turtle right now.

Hopefully I'll be able to make it again tomorrow morning?

Lunar New Year of the Dragon

Happy New Year to all of the Asian and non-Asian community out there!

I typically have more of a sense of excitement for our culture's new year than the universal new year. Call it tradition or even call it just a sense of fondness for something that NOT everyone else in this country celebrates, but I'm fairly content. For one, the new year allows us more food and festivities than the typical universal new year invokes.

On December 31, 2011, I awaited patiently for the new year to approach while sitting (bored) at a bar with friends all around. It wasn't like I didn't enjoy myself, but to be totally honest, I'm not a bar person and I'm not a heavy drinker. And we ALL know that I am the last person in this world to initiate being a social butterfly. But spending time with friends was great, so there are no complaints there.

As for this upcoming Chinese New Year (which I simply refer to as a new year), our festivities have always included visiting family, receiving lucky red envelopes (with money, of course), and eating ton-loads of great traditional Chinese dishes made by either Mom, Grandma, or some random relative. There are also lots of candies and gifts passed around.

It's typically a pretty nice time and I am honestly a tad more excited for this particular holiday than I have been for others from the most recent line-up. I know I don't look enthused, but the extent of my emotions is only so wide.

So anyway, here's to the new year, Year of the Dragon, and let's hope that we have a good one!

My Bon Voyage Treats

Technically it's not like I'm really going anywhere, but as the "official" last night working 3rd shift at one campus in our hospital network, my manager brought in cupcakes. Aren't they pretty? I especially love the cupcake stand (never thought that I would actually be squeal-y about a cupcake stand). It's so cute that I want one even if I never really eat cupcakes (I'm not a fan). This little set up is especially nice because of all the pretty colors.

I didn't even want to make a big deal about my "going away" since I'm pretty much a prime candidate to return to help cover shifts if it's necessary. And it's not like I'm going away forever either. But anyway, it's all good. I had my celebratory "congrats on full time position and we'll miss you, but not really" dinner with my only few coworkers from 3rd shift and now cupcakes on my last night.

So sweet! (No pun intended.)