Reading is FUNdamental

I love updating my Goodreads page, so it pains me that I haven't read a real book in awhile. I have a sizable stack of books on my shelf longing for my attention. One big factor that has caused me to ignore said stack is my discovery of the The Minuteman Library Network before Thanksgiving. From the comfort of my computer, I can go about requesting, reviewing, and rating books in the collective library, but most importantly, there is a wealth of comic book trade paperbacks (collected editions) for my viewing pleasure.

While financially this has been a huge blessing, drastically reducing my monthly spending on the hobby, this also meant I had to put aside my summer goal of reading more novels, both contemporary and classic. In addition from resolving to become more fit in body, I'd also like to resolve to be more fit in mind. Here are a few books from the list that I'd like to finish by 2010:

• Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
  
• Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk
• On the Road, by Jack Kerouac
• Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
• Catch-22, by Joseph Heller

Lastly a quick plug for Rodney's Bookstore, which I pass everyday on the way to work. Not only have I been able to find books at great prices at this store, but have been able to clear my own bookshelves of books I have finished or don't wish to hold onto any longer, thus giving me a slight head start in funding further entertainment.

DVR Overload

With the return of new television episodes, my DVR has become over-stuffed with programs to watch. One of my resolutions of the year was to be more intentional with not only people, but with my media viewing as well. What this means is I will watch my regular weekly programs, but will not just veg out for hours in front of the tube with whatever's playing. Here's a rundown of my current television habits:

Watch Weekly

1. Lost
2. Scrubs
3. 30 Rock
4. The Office
5. Top Chef
6. Chuck
   
7. American's Best Dance Crew
   

Watch in Batches

1. How I Met Your Mother
2. Battlestar Galactica
   
3. Heroes
   

On Warning

1. Heroes: My viewing will depend on whether or not the writing gets back on track for the second half of this season.
   
2. Top Chef: The constant name-dropping of sponsors and forced awkward "drama" has become a headache.

Both Lost and Scrubs have been pleasantly surprising. Lost has kept a good balance of staying mysterious, with a healthy mix of actual answers. Meanwhile, Scrubs has moved from NBC to ABC and is on its final season. While the previous two seasons have been underwhelming, the final season is actually setting itself up to see the characters grow and mature, which will ultimately provide fans a satisfying ending to the series.

Now, I've heard of Tivo/DVR guilt, which sounds like what I'm experiencing. I wonder if that "guilt" stems from a personification of my beloved machine that has freed me from being tied down to my television schedule, and I just want to honor the relationship. Let's just hope I don't hooked on any new shows.

Back to Work

Happy 2009 everyone!

I had a relaxing time during Christmas/New Year's. Eating good food, playing games, and catching up with friends and family defined my time in NY, while in Boston I greatly enjoyed being off the work schedule and had complete freedom with my hours. A few things that occupied those hours:

Movie: Slumdog Millionaire: First movie I've seen in the theater since "The Dark Knight" and it lived up to all the recommendations I got telling me this is a must-see.

DVD: How I Met Your Mother: Started watching Season 1 just before Christmas and I just wrapped up Season 3 this past weekend. Favorite episode that I watched multiple times: "Slap Bet". Love it.

Game: Saboteur: I must have played this game a dozen or so times. I'm also happy to report that I've made some new fans of the game! Its a great one for gamers and non-gamers alike, kind of life the social game "Mafia" combined with building a maze out of cards.

Kitchen: Pot Roast with Cranberries: Food post pending...