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Category: Film
Film – Happy-go-Lucky
Here are some films I enjoyed in 2008:
Our Town – I have never seen a Korean film I didn’t like. This is not surprising since I have only seen about half a dozen Korean films each of which made it onto the Festival or Video Store circle. However, Our Town is truly outstanding. I am in no way fan of crime thrillers which makes it all the more impressive that I enjoyed this film. The plot is somewhat stock with the usual threads of revenge, childhood memories, madness and friendship, however, the script was bulletproof. Every sentence revealed a new twist to the story and kept me on the edge of my seat. Acting and directing were likewise impeccable. Such a meticulously executed film!
The Band’s Visit was magical. The roller disco scene is my favourite of the year. The Last Mistress and Vicky Christina Barcelona were very good sex and relationship analysis films.
Outsourced was unapologetically low budget, but it packed punch in the right places. The four main actors were right on the money and the script was sweet. I love romantic comedies, and this was one of more successful romantic comedies I’ve seen in a long time.
Film – Rachel Getting Married
Some things I am looking forward in the next year:
Eugene Onegin Opera with the gals
Going to the Mountains with Chris and Trev
Biking in the Summer
Fringe Festival
Finishing up the Thesis
Other
Film – Quantum of Solace
I am thinking back at some of the things I enjoyed in 2008:
– Family moments like going to the park with Trevor
– Anytime I am relaxed and playing with Trevor
– Biking to Carleton
– Going to movies
– Snuggling with Chris reading or watching TV after Trev goes to bed
– Baking with my new toys (stand mixer, mini muffin pan…)
– Lots of other things…
Film – Outsourced
My Christmas tradition (going on four years now) is to bake a new type of cookie and make a craft.
For cookies, I used to make walnut vanilla cookies, but lately I am getting bored with them. I still made them this year, however, the cookie that I have been focusing on is the mini apple tart.
Last year I attempted to make mini strudels which was an utter disaster due to my lack of skills with phylo dough. I made tart dough this time. I think it turned out better but I must keep a few things in mind for next year:
– always wait a day before eating them. It will give time to dough to dry out a bit and be a bit more crust like
– do not use whole wheat flour. Though I am not sure about that, after a day or so, I did not think it was all that bad
– bake for 12 minutes at 445 degrees, or something like it
Overall, these cookies show potential, but aren’t too great. My nostalgia for apple strudel is probably why I like these. I don’t know if anyone else thinks they are any good. My mom liked them, but I think she suffers from the same strudel fondness.
My other craft turned out a bit better. I was making reusable gift bags from cloth. I combined useful with pleasant and had a few friends over to work on this and other crafts. It is great to have friends who are into making crafts. I have fond memories sewing and knitting with my grandmother so I always enjoy crafting with company. I always think about my nona when I make crafts, it is such a pleasant way of remembering her.
Unlike my cookies, bags were a success. It took me much longer to do than I expected and I had to run out and get more fabric and ribbon to complete the project, but it was all worth it. Sewing with a sewing machine was much easier than I thought it would be and I am much more confident about my sewing now. I am thinking of some future projects, but have not made up my mind yet.
Film – Burn After Reading
I absolutely love being in the mountains. I don’t go very often and I rarely think about it, but when I am in the mountains, I am so happy.
Chris took me on a little weekend getaway to Vermont. We went up Killington in the gondola, walked down and then spent the rest of the day in and around Woodstock. The next day we went to the White Rocks conservation area.
Next time it would be nice to stay there a few more days and bring Trev. I like staying in B&Bs but I don’t like eating at restaurants every night. Getting something with a little kitchenette would be nice. This time around we didn’t do any serious hiking because we had problems with hiking shoes (as in I don’t own any and Chris forgot to bring his), but it would be nice to remedy that in the future.