Tingly With Anticipation

With the start of a new year, the internet is rampant with people getting excited about the cool new things to look forward to in 2012. Lists are everywhere. A common theme I keep seeing is "most anticipated movies of 2012."

Now, I don't get to the movies nearly enough (by my reckoning, at least) now that I have a kiddo. It is possible this will be the year that changes that--she's growing up and soon we'll be able to do our mommy/daughter movie lunches together. I am really looking forward to that, but it won't come to pass probably until at least the back end of the year.* Even when it does, we'll be limited in what we can see together, because I know there will be a higher chance of her sitting still (and quietly) throughout if she is also engaged in the story. I don't think she'll be ready yet when this is released, but, if she is, this is probably the first thing I'll take her to see:



I'll be going to see Brave in theaters regardless, but it would be awesome if I could enjoy it with Baby Girl. We shall have to see.

Other than Brave, there are three other movies that I know I will be making the effort to see in theaters this year. I am super excited for each one of these.



The Avengers should, I hope, be a super fun romp. I absolutely adored Thor, found myself surprisingly engaged by Captain America, and also enjoyed the Iron Man films more than I expected. Add to this the fact that Joss Whedon is directing and I (and most of geekdom) have high hopes that this is just going to rock, pure and simple. Marvel has really done an amazing job with these one-universe films and I think that The Avengers will be the deciding factor on whether or not they keep it up. I hope they do. It's nice to have these things all tied together just a little bit. It makes the story feel a little bit more complete in my mind.

Next up, there's this:



John Carter, based on A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. This...this is something I have been waiting for for a long time. I discovered Burroughs when I was about ten or eleven, picking up the first Tarzan book and becoming completely captivated by the world that Burroughs created on the page. I picked up many of his other series, and while the John Carter books aren't my favorites by a long shot, I have grown to appreciate them more in my adulthood, despite the problems arising from the fact that Burroughs was a man writing at the turn of the twentieth century with many of the outlooks and prejudices of his times. Still, his heroes always do feel like true heroes to me, and his world-building is absolutely phenomenal. I am very pleased to know that the movie is keeping the original era of the books (post-Civil War) intact, and I am quite curious to find out how this adaptation plays out. "Squee" doesn't even begin to cover my reaction to the approach of this film.

Finally, I am also waiting on tenterhooks for:



The Hobbit just squeaks past John Carter as the movie I am most looking forward to. Mostly because I am not really worried about it letting me down like I am with John Carter. Peter Jackson has more than earned my trust in regards to this franchise. I am not entirely sure I even need to explain why I am so excited about this one, but I'll try. Martin Freeman! Dwarves! Dwarves singing! I think every card-carrying geek on the planet is looking forward to it at least a little.

Honestly? I don't even care what else comes out this year. Let these four films entertain me, and I will be more than satisfied.

What movies are you guys most looking forward to this year?

*Yes, I know that many theaters have "child-friendly" viewings, where parents are welcome to bring their young kids and the lights aren't turned down all of the way and whatnot. I personally have no desire to attend one of those. For me going to the movies is a special kind of experience. I don't even like to get up to take a bathroom break during the film. I like to nip down in my seat and just let the movie take me away. Hence my personal decision not to take my daughter to the theater until she is able to at least sit more or less still and quiet throughout the film.

Setting Goals is Important, But So Is Actually Reaching Them

Happy Friday!  Learn how to carve a pumpkin in today's Gronk!

So, I have an announcement of sorts to make.  I have decided to participate in this year's National Novel Writing Month.  For those of you unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo, each year in November, writers around the world get together and each of them write (or at least attempt to write) a 50,000 word (175 page) novel during course of the month.  That works out to about 6 pages a day, so all it really takes is an idea for a story and the dedication to actually make the time to sit down and do it.  The big selling point of NaNoWriMo is that it provides a community for writers to get together and help each other meet their goal.  The idea here is quantity, not quality.  Just get a first draft written.  Then, you can go back and fix it up all you want. 

So, I have my story idea, and I am starting to assemble my cast of characters and do a little outlining and world building--you can have all sorts of background material assembled beforehand, but you can't start writing the actual story until the first of the month.  I am officially taking a hiatus from video games in November so that I can devote that time to writing (and give myself a break to recuperate from the intensity of Dragon Age before diving into Morrowind).  I even have a local friend who has signed up to do it as well, so we are going to plan to make a few "writing dates" during the month to get together and just write sans husbands and babies.  I am super excited about this.  And I am sharing it with all of you, and planning to make frequent updates on Facebook so that I will actually stick with it.  My biggest obstacle in writing throughout my life has been just getting the story finished.  I usually start off pretty strong and then get stalled, wander away, and never come back.  I am determined not to do that this time.  I don't care if what I churn out is absolute crap (I hope it's not), but I am going to finish, dang it. 

If any of you out there have been kicking around the thought of writing your own novel, now is the time to give it a go!  Head on over to the site, sign up, add me as a buddy.  We'll keep each other on track!  My user name is AtlantisDragonGirl.  Let's do this, people!

In entertainment news, looks like the film production of The Hobbit is finally on track and moving forward.  It's been greenlit, with Peter Jackson officially directing (as he should have been from the beginning), and the cast is starting to be announced!  It is just flat out incredible--and I am in love with the idea of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.  Nothing but good can come of this, folks. 

And finally, for anyone wondering, today is the first (of two) Halloween party I'm going to this year, and I did manage to get my costume assembled in time!  My husband picked up the sweatshirt from American Apparel last weekend for me, it was even on sale.  I have to give Doctor Who's costuming department huge props on their taste in sweatshirts, too, this thing is awesome comfy (I may have "tested" it out on Sunday).  I found a skirt for $3 at Berry Good Buys.  It's not quite as mini as dear Amy's skirt, but it is about as mini as I personally should ever be wearing (and it has attached shorts inside, double yay).  I was a little worried about finding a pair of Chucks in a bricks and mortar store in the style and color I needed, but then I remembered that Foot Locker totally carries a big selection of Converse and I had success there.  I couldn't really tell from my reference photos if her shoes are navy or royal blue, but they had navy in my size so that's what I went with.  I found a red wig that (after a washing and thorough coming/brushing out) will do alright for now,  and I rounded the costume out with some black pantyhose, a black headband, black socks, and a gold watch (that I found on clearance for $7, score). 

Red sweatshirt and black skirt.

Blue hi-top Chucks.

Pantyhose, gold watch, headband, and black socks.

Red wig, pre-washing.

I will try to get some photos of me in the costume to post for you as well. 

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that it is my alma matter's Homecoming weekend.  Go Frogs!  Also, go Rangers, you only have to win one more game! (Please do it tonight so I don't have to drive through game traffic on my way to Dallas tomorrow, kthxbye.)