Week/End

weekend

FIFTY SHADES OF RESEARCH: Jamie Dornan told Elle UK how he ‘researched’ for his role as Christian Grey. I’m so torn on this movie, y’all. Like, I’ll definitely see it…but part of me thinks seeing it in a theatre would be très awkward. Just me?

GRAMMAR, CELEBRITIES, AND A CHOICE: This fun piece on the Oxford comma made me smile, especially with all the embedded celebrity tweets. I’m one of those terrible writers who isn’t consistent enough when using the Oxford comma. Do you have a stance on this pressing issue?

THE HEADSTAND: I love, love, loved this essay from Hallie. On headstands, mind over matter, and so much more. So worth the read as we head into the weekend.

WELL, THAT’S NO SURPRISE: I thought I would never be more glad to see a New Year’s Eve than I was on December 31, 2013. I was wrong: I really can’t wait for 2015. This year kind of was a downer, and the top Google searches of the year definitely prove it (also: Flappy birds!!!).

STEP BACK AND ASSESS: Over on The Well, as we wind down the month and focus on reflecting, I put together a post on taking a step back and assessing goals you set for yourself this year. And note, this is true whether you blog or not. I plan on spending some time on this after Christmas and before the new year…just sitting with thoughts and jotting down some ideas and reflections. It always refreshes me for the new year ahead!

TALKING WHILE FEMALE: In doing lots of post-Serial finale reading, I stumbled upon this YouTube video NPR put out in October. It’s all about how female voices are interpreted, and the potential biological responses people have to different voices. A short, interesting thing to watch.

AND SPEAKING OF SERIAL: If you listened, odds are, you want to talk about. So let’s do it: did you listen to the whole series yet? What do you think? Where do you come down after hearing the full season? Any theories? Did you like the finale? I’m firmly in the camp of should never have been convicted.

THE WHOLE INTERVIEW MESS: And yeah, about the whole The Interview mess. Crazy, no? I thought this op-ed on how it might end a certain type of satire was a good read.

FOR THE EGGNOG HATER: I must confess, I really hate eggnog (or any type of creamy beverage…barf). Jacquelyn’s eggnog donuts though — these, I could get behind.

GIVE ME ALL THE SWEATERS: Everlane just released a new collection of chunky wool sweaters, and if their sleeveless turtleneck wool sweaters are any indication, these will be good. Yeah, that sleeveless number? I’ve worn it a lottttt since getting it — trust me, it’s amazing. Even Joe complimented me on it! (PS, New Yorkers and SFers — did you know Everlane now has a same day delivery program? This is dangerous.).

Oy, what a news week, amiright? The Interview, Cuba, Pakistan, the end of Serial…I felt like I had loads of things to read and think about this week. Also true of life in general — after getting back from Texas on Tuesday, it was a race to the finish today to catch up on work. Luckily, this time of year isn’t as crazy as it could be (and people are more forgiving) since the holidays are just around the corner. Speaking of which, anyone doing anything fun for Christmas, Hannukah, et al? Joe and I are staying local, hoping for a little snow on Christmas Day, and making a 6+ hour bolognese again (we’ve really taken this whole “Christmas fettucine” thing to heart). One other fun thing to report from this week: we took Lucy on her first walk outside since her surgery! She’s doing really well, and slowly regaining strength. Her gait is a little funny right now, and if she goes too fast, she often stumbles, but she was SO excited to get outside and sniff, and seems confused (and a little disappointed) when we bring her back after a quick trip around the block. I’ve never been happier to go on a “pack walk” with my girl.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend ahead!

Image via: my Instagram

15 Comments

  1. 12.19.14

    The Oxford comma is something I hold near and dear…. I grew up using it and firmly believe in its existence. Definitely weird how people feel so strongly about it though (myself included!). And I’m with you on Serial. I sort of have a theory that Stephanie is more involved and yeah, definitely not enough proof to have convicted him. So fascinating though…hopefully it will open up the world of podcasts to more people!

    • 12.19.14

      Yeah, my theory definitely has Jay and Jenn way more involved (why did she freak out and wouldn’t talk to the cops, but then had a story after she talked to Jay?). Will be interesting to see how appeals shake out over the coming months!

  2. 12.19.14

    Yes on Serial! I’m struggling. First off, yes, Adnan should never have been convicted because there is a not enough solid evidence. But that doesn’t mean I think he’s completely innocent- I’m still torn.

    I definitely think we are missing a large part of what happened that day with Jay & Adnan- that has been made very clear. But what? On one hand I think Jay was more involved in Hae’s murder because parts of his story do not line up at all. On the other hand I think the cell records show Adnan was with Jay the evening of, when they were allegedly burying her body. That makes me think Adnan isn’t completely innocent but may not have murdered her. But if that were the case, why wouldn’t he turn on Jay instead of maintaining his innocence? So then I’m back to square one.

    The case was so messed up. Not accounting for the exact whereabouts of either Jay or Adnan’s movements or having any type of real motive are the two biggest issues for me.

    • 12.19.14

      I’m with you. Probably like Sarah, I go back and forth. It’s definitely true that someone here is lying, and it’s a big lie! And we’re also missing a ton of info, clearly.

  3. 12.19.14

    This past month before the new year has definitely been crazy! But I’m loving it all the same. I always try to include the oxford comma in my writing, it just seems proper. As for The Interview being cancelled, I can see why the studio made this decision, but t definitely saw an overwhelming response of negativity. Many were saying that this was a direct violation of the Constitution and our freedom of speech.

    • 12.19.14

      I agree — it was a business decision for them, and it’s not necessarily up to Sony to police or make statements about our Constitutional rights. But still. What a precedent it sets.

  4. 12.19.14

    Bahaha, très awkward indeed. I’ll be watching it from the comfort of my sofa and NOT with my parents. Loved all your links. Happy weekend xo

  5. 12.19.14

    Re: Serial — totally should never have been convicted. But something weird is still going on there… I don’t buy that he wasn’t involved AT ALL, and I don’t buy this serial killer dude she brought up either. I am feeling like we’ll never know. In any case, so excited for a second season!

    x Lily
    http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/

  6. 12.19.14
    Liz said:

    Love Christmas Fettuccini! Glad I’m not the only one

  7. 12.19.14
    Rose said:

    Ohh, I hate Oxford commas! I’m pretty particular about it, but my background is also in writing so it’s quite noticeable to me. I always take it out when editing work my employees submit to me, too.

    I have to say, I thought 2013 was a shit year for me…2014 has been much better, and I’m hopeful 2015 tops that!

  8. 12.19.14
    Kathleen said:

    Love it!
    <3
    katsfashionfix.blogspot.com

  9. 12.21.14
    Jasmin said:

    100% FOR the Oxford comma!!!!!!!!! I don’t have very many pet peeves in life but that is definitely one of them!!! (Can you tell by the amount of exclamation marks?!) If I can impart this passion for the Oxford comma on my children someday, I can die a happy woman.

  10. 12.22.14
    Tracy Faber said:

    LOL – VERY awkward…like I will be watching the movie at home…by myself ;)

    OH Serial – I’m soooo on the fence because I feel like we don’t have enough information! But seriously, if we don’t have enough info, then 100% yes he should NOT have been convicted! I think Sarah let Jay off very easily! I wonder if it was due to the fact that they are trying to get the appeal for Adnan. All we know from the WHOLE DAY of the murder is Jay’s side. He’s the one person giving us “facts” and there are alot of really bad lies…alot. Loved the podcast and excited for what they will bring for the 2nd season!! :)

  11. 12.28.14

    I’ll probably make a point to see Fifty Shades of Grey (out of curiosity more than anything!) but might need to wait till it’s out on dvd to avoid the theater-awkwardness! :)

  12. 12.29.14
    Maddy said:

    RE: serial – SOMETHING is definitely up with Jay. He’s the only one who is connected to the crime in a direct way (he knew where the car was!) Plus it’s SO strange they didn’t look into the current boyfriend more. Also… RECENTLY RELEASED SERIAL KILLER. God. So much reasonable doubt. Blergh.

    I wish season 2 was (were?) going to be a new murder mystery instead of a totally different topic…!

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