Monday, December 11, 2006

Spinning Zone

boy oh boy. It's been a fast couple o' weeks! Around Calvin it's finals time. whew! I really didn't know if I would make it through this first semester here on staff, but I think I'm almost there. So, instead of recounting the craziness of the last few weeks, I'll share a few new favorites for fun...

First, I've been listening to my new CD Veneer by Jose Gonzalez. This is a great musician, if you've not discovered him yet. Very melodic and quiet music but very beautiful. And amazon.com has GREAT prices on used CDs! Wow. If you're looking for a Christmas present for someone you love, this CD is a good choice. If you're looking for a Christmas present for THIS someone you love, I'm a big fan of the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks and looking to start a Tori Amos CD collection.

Second, it was a Jack Black weekend; Nacho Libre finally found it's way to my DVD player, and we went to see The Holiday on Friday night. Both great movies in their own way. Warning: you may think singing the "Encarnacion" song from Libre is funny, but the only person who can sing that song and be funny at the same time is Jack Black (that's for you, Katy and Laura!). The Holiday was a really fun movie. Those cheesy rom-com Christmas movies get me every time! So, now I'm ready to move to the British countryside and live in a little Jane Austinesque cottage. Sigh.

Third, Do It Yourself (DIY) magazines! Check out the latest Martha Stewart Living... SO many fun craft and Christmas ideas. But the best is ReadyMade Magazine. Sometimes the projects range more on the really difficult side, but there are some great simple ideas in there this month. Actually, don't check it out because the majority of my Christmas presents will be made from those ideas. Speaking of magazines, I caught up on 3 New Yorkers this weekend... and now I'm chock-full of knowledge. Ask me anything about the Somali refugees living in Maine, Barbie vs. Bratz, Nintendo's place in the market, or caustic movie reviews. Quick- before I forget it all!

Okay... I had better get back to going over evaluations for Student Orgs. For a "moment of zen" Daily Show style, check out my friend Chris's podcast in which he becomes a "Christmas Light". It's good stuff.

1 comment:

Stephanie D said...

We actually made the graham cracker "cottages" from the Christmas Martha Stewart magazine. Big hit with little Payton. We made one for her grandma and she ate it. Never thought of our adorable creation as food.