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Friday, July 27, 2001; 10:15 a.m.
We're in Georgia now. Yup. We decided to take the plunge and packed up all our duds and moved back home. Tony and I are staying (temporarily) with my folks along with the kittens, but Phoebe decided she was happier in a quieter environment, so she's with Tony's mom. I've transferred to a Borders down here and Tony is in the midst of the big job search.
Well, the most important thing for y'all to know is that our e-mail has changed. We had to close the optonline.net account and are now struggling with a hotmail account. The new addy is simscatnip@hotmail.com.
Otherwise, not much excitement to report. We've seen a few flicks, read a few books and played a lot of yatzee. I hope to have a more permanent residence (and e-mail) soon.
Sunday, May 13, 2001; 08:11 p.m.
Summer Has Started -- at least the Movies are Already Here
Last week we enjoyed The Mummy Returns -- which I think was better than the first one. The week before that, we enjoyed Spy Kids and Bridget Jones' Diary. Clearly, the fun, summer, pop-corn movies are here! Today we went to see A Knight's Tale -- with slightly skeptical, but open minds (it's a Summer movie after all). Well, the verdict is in and we believe that Heath Ledger need not worry about carrying the weight of this picture on his inexperienced shoulders. (Of course, we enjoyed him on TV in Roar). As for the incongruity of 14th century crowds rocking to Queen and such ... well, it seems to work. Our first reactions to the film are positive and if I were considering a paper on the film (of which I'm sure there'll be at least one next year at Kallamazoo) I'd have to applaud the choice to flaunt anachronisms from the very beginning of the film. This takes the film off the hook for any historical inaccuracies from the beginning. Secondly, I might look into the clever choice of name for the protagonist's knighly alter-ego. Ulrich von Lichtenstein, author of Frauenlob was presumably a 13th century master of the joust. Perhaps young William had heard of him -- according to his nemesis, William (aka Ulrich) was sporting a century old suit of armor. Also cudos for choosing to make the villain a Count of Anjou -- any family who revelled in its legendary origins as devil's spawn could likely produce such a character. Well, that's about it for now ... more popcorn, please.
Wednesday, May 2, 2001; 12:40 p.m.
Crystal's Yoga update
As many of you know, I've been practicing yoga for a couple of years now. I started out on my own with videos, then signed up for a class at the University health center. My practice really came to life when I started Iyengar classes at the Yoga Institute in Urbana, Il. I found out that I had been practicing bad habits and had been lazy in many of the poses. With improved form and focus I really began to see and feel the benefits and it has changed my life! Now, I'm the overly enthusiastic bookseller at Borders in Bridgewater, NJ who jumps at the opportunity to advise on yoga products ;-)
Although I've been pleased with a number of yoga books and videos, there are two resources that have been particularly useful to me. One is the Yoga Jounal -- I especially appreciate the montly segment on a particular pose. The other is a new book by B.K.S. Iyengar called Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. This book is amazing! Poses are presented in detail, including advice for beginners/intermediates/advanced, variations with props and 360º views! There's also useful background on yoga history and philosophy and sequences for specific health issues and for an entire yoga course. With proper attitude, this book (and a few props) and you're good to go!
Props -- When I first started my practice, I got a yoga sticky mat, but had to wait a while to add to my props. I was so excited to get a bolster and bricks for Christmas -- then I broke down and bought myself a strap so that I could do supta badakonasana properly. After that it was a really long wait (especially so, since they were on backorder) I just got my yoga chair. Oh boy! The things I can do now! ;-)
Wednesday, May 2, 2001; 12:27 p.m.
Support Heart of Atlanta at IGive
The Heart of Atlanta Network is an non-denominational community building project in downtown Atlanta. It is a cause which is close to my heart, not only because my dad is the director and because I have volunteered to update (and eventually makeover) their website, but also because I believe in their vision. A while ago, I discovered that I send some additional support to this cause (and/or others) when I buy things that I normally buy on-line anyway. The IGive mall has lots of my favorite stores. I've bought books at Borders.com. Tony has bought toys at Amazon.com. We've bought gifts at e-merchandise, Petsmart and 1800flowers. By starting out at the IGive mall, a percentage of each of these purchases goes to my cause -- so Heart of Atlanta gets a little bit of extra financial support whenever I buy these things that I was going to buy anyway. Isn't that cool?
I started buying a lot of my household supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, dish and laundry detergent, etc.) at GreenMarketplace.com so that I could do my part to save the environment. By starting out at the IGive Mall a bit of these purchases goes to my cause as well.
Why not try it yourself? You might like it!
Monday, April 30, 2001; 12:22 p.m.
Sims Kitties Update
Well, people keep asking what's up with the Sims Kitties, so I'll just post a few tidbits here. Phoebe is still happily ruling her roost (our bedroom, that is). Although she does sometimes allow Bisquick to visit her (if he keeps his nose to himself), she still prefers her solitude. She has taken to sleeping on my pillow at night and makes a little tent from the bed blanket to sleep under during the day. She's really enjoying Springtime Kitty TV (that is windows -- which are open now). Muffin and Bisquick are also really enjoying Springtime. In addition to a few escape attempts, they have both had a few fun walks outside on their leashes. Their favorite indoor toy now (besides us and each other) is the mylar teaser. It has won out over Da Bird, which was a long time family favorite. A couple of months ago, Bisquick decided that he really enjoyed "flossing his teeth" on Da Bird's string and broke it. Free from the fishing rod, the poor little "bird" didn't stand a change and was torn to shreds. So far the mylar teaser is still intact. We do have to watch anything with strings, tho....
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