Review: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

[caitri]

So I know I'm late to the party on this epic low fantasy series, but it was way the hell better than I thought it would be. The only thing that nags me is how much the writer does in effort to be cool over realistic--like going into elaborate descriptions of gilted armor (seriously, one character has a giant lion rampant on his FRIGGIN' HELMET. And he's in the cavalry. And when he finally falls off his own horse he uses his helmet to stab another dude's horse. No I'm not making this up, either.) or detailing the architecture of a castle built RIGHT ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN (yeah cos they never have temperature or oxygen issues, or food issues for that matter). Etc ad nauseam. And most of the characters are stupid and obvious. And yet somehow I still liked all this. I guess it's like The Da Vinci Code but without all the stupid translating and puns.

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In other news, VM still totally rocks my world. Gilmore Girls continues to not suck. And I can't WAIT for Dr. Who and BSG Friday!!!!!!!

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In irritating personalish news my BFF from high school--who somehow did not deign to talk to me after high school--felt like tracking me down and sending a length email to my work addy detailing the awesomeness of her life and wondering what's up with me. Pfft. I deleted it and really kinda want to send a catty email back. (Scott says that's mean, but well, can't I BE MEAN now and then?) Bleh. Mostly it calls back all the loathing inherent in my existence circa 1999. Of course life since then has been a bit of a large yet not funny joke, but ah well. Comment if you will.

Comments

[100wordspermin.livejournal.com]

She wrote to you AGAIN?!?

[caitri.livejournal.com]

See, YOU get it. Should I write back and be like, "um, yeah, so, this is seven years too late and why should I make nice with the tea and the biscuits" or just take the high road? I sincerely have no interest in dealing with this girl--she wasn't really much of a friend back in the day (not that I knew that, cos, well, I guess I didn't know how good REAL friends could be) and have no interest in renewing ties with her self-absorption.

[100wordspermin.livejournal.com]

As tempting as the catty email might be (and it's VERY tempting), I've gotta suggest the high road here.

If you really really don't want to be involved in her life or have her in yours--and it sounds like you've given your decision serious consideration and aren't just blowing her off lightly--then it's better to just leave it alone. It's a clear, yet unaggressive response, and if you do it for long enough, she'll almost certainly quit.

Also, non-engagement. If you write her, it shows her that you care, at least on some level. She's written to you, and if you respond, then she's got an excuse to write to you again: "I don't want to talk to you" turns into "Why don't you want to talk to me?" with you explaining yourself/your decision (which you totally have no obligation to do, of course). She might decide that she can convince you 'round to the tea and biscuits. After all, you used to be friends, right?

My $.02: high road all the way.

[caitri.livejournal.com]

Good points all. Le sigh.

Btw, did you see BSG tonight? How much did it rock!!!!!!

[100wordspermin.livejournal.com]

I know, it sucks, taking the high road when all one wants to do it deliver a verbal smackdown. But you are strong and shall overcome the longing. Having tea and biscuits with real friends or your boy might help :)

BSG is intriguing. I'm interested to see where it will go, and am mostly disappointed that I can't watch the next episode immediately, or without commercials. I got spoiled by watching the first two seasons on DVD.

How goeth the fall decorating?

[caitri.livejournal.com]

It goeth. I put up a lovely candle and then a Halloween cat and another Halloween candle, then hurriedly moved them last night as the heat abruptly kicked in the apartment. It's somewhat frustrating having the heat pipes (I know there's a better word, I just don't remember what it is right now) as in my place they are disguised by a lovely decorative sort of mantle/fake cabinety thing that looks very naked with nothing on it, yet is far too warm for me to be comfortable leaving anything on it. So while that space was a lovely extra shelf for oddments in the warmer months it is now bare again, but it is nice to have warmth.