Just a mere month ago, on the last day of February, I had all the free time in the world to write blog posts, read books, and watch television shows. On March 1, I started my new job at Target, and it immediately took over my life. In my application and interview, I said I was looking for part-time work, but I ended up working 40 hours for the first few weeks. Even on days when I had a short shift, I've been repeatedly asked to stay late or come in early in order to cover for someone who called in sick.
Thankfully, this week seems to mark a change. They've hired several more cashiers, so my hours have dropped down to my requested 25-30. I don't mind working five days a week, but eight-hour shifts are incredibly exhausting, and I'm not THAT desperate for money. I'm still able to meet my friends once a week and volunteer at the Civil Rights Institute, and I have to admit that I enjoy being so busy. Not only do I feel like I'm no longer wasting my time, but I'm able to better appreciate the free time I have. More than likely, this will be the pattern for April and May while I anxiously wait for my flight to England on June 9.
31 March 2011
24 March 2011
Review: Never Let Me Go
Because I keep up with the careers of so many British actors, I invariably hear about movies before I discover their release plans for the United States. Some movies open nationwide, some are limited to New York and Los Angeles, and some fall under the radar completely. Never Let Me Go was given a limited released last year, but I was absolutely convinced that it would gain some Oscar nominations and gain a wider release. Unfortunately, this wonderful movie disappeared almost completely after a half-hearted attempt to promote it, and I just now had the opportunity to watch it.
Based on a highly-acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (that is on my reading list), I had heard mixed reviews about the film adaptation. Some people loved the movie while others argued that it failed to capture the spirit of the novel. I decided it would be best to watch the movie before I read the book, and that was completely the right decision. I went into the movie knowing practically nothing about the plot, except that it dealt with cloning humans and that the ending was not a happy one. Since I didn't spend the entire movie comparing it to the book (which invariably happens when I switch the order around), I was able to appreciate the film and the story on their own merits.
Set in an alternate universe where medical science has decided to clone sick humans in order to harvest their healthy organs, Never Let Me Go follows three "donors" over the span of twenty years. One thing I loved about the story was how the children knew exactly as much as the audience about the world they lived in and the fate they had to accept; that is, they knew nothing in the beginning and our understanding grew only when theirs did. I also appreciate books and films that can fall into a variety of genre. Never Let Me Go can be described as a tragic love story, a coming-of-age story, a science fiction story, a cautionary dystopian story, etc.
Besides telling the finite story of three clones, Never Let Me Go forces the audience to contemplate current medical practices and their moral complications. Cloning humans isn't a moral quandry that society has been forced to face quite yet, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility in the near future. If and when it does arise, then the most glaring question to be discussed is the one presented by Ishiguro; namely, are clones any less human than their "originals," or do they have their own unique soul? However, plenty of parallels can be made regarding euthanasia, stem cell research, and other recent medical developments.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - So many things worked in this film, from the acting to the setting, and I genuinely felt like I was watching another society instead of my own. My only problem was that the friendship between the three children felt unnatural, and there were very few moments where I understood why they were such good friends. This was probably more of a failing on the part of the screenplay than the novel (and building relationships is a common enough problem with 90-minute movies), but I have to admit that Keira Knightly felt out of place.
Based on a highly-acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (that is on my reading list), I had heard mixed reviews about the film adaptation. Some people loved the movie while others argued that it failed to capture the spirit of the novel. I decided it would be best to watch the movie before I read the book, and that was completely the right decision. I went into the movie knowing practically nothing about the plot, except that it dealt with cloning humans and that the ending was not a happy one. Since I didn't spend the entire movie comparing it to the book (which invariably happens when I switch the order around), I was able to appreciate the film and the story on their own merits.
Set in an alternate universe where medical science has decided to clone sick humans in order to harvest their healthy organs, Never Let Me Go follows three "donors" over the span of twenty years. One thing I loved about the story was how the children knew exactly as much as the audience about the world they lived in and the fate they had to accept; that is, they knew nothing in the beginning and our understanding grew only when theirs did. I also appreciate books and films that can fall into a variety of genre. Never Let Me Go can be described as a tragic love story, a coming-of-age story, a science fiction story, a cautionary dystopian story, etc.
Besides telling the finite story of three clones, Never Let Me Go forces the audience to contemplate current medical practices and their moral complications. Cloning humans isn't a moral quandry that society has been forced to face quite yet, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility in the near future. If and when it does arise, then the most glaring question to be discussed is the one presented by Ishiguro; namely, are clones any less human than their "originals," or do they have their own unique soul? However, plenty of parallels can be made regarding euthanasia, stem cell research, and other recent medical developments.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - So many things worked in this film, from the acting to the setting, and I genuinely felt like I was watching another society instead of my own. My only problem was that the friendship between the three children felt unnatural, and there were very few moments where I understood why they were such good friends. This was probably more of a failing on the part of the screenplay than the novel (and building relationships is a common enough problem with 90-minute movies), but I have to admit that Keira Knightly felt out of place.
19 March 2011
Falling into a Routine
I'm at the end of my third week of work, and it's still going really well. Now that I can't remember my life before I worked retail (never mind that it was just a month ago), I've quickly fallen into a routine for both the days I work and the days I have off.
It's getting harder and harder to keep up with all my television shows, so I always watch something before I go to work and before I go to bed. My reading pace has slowed down as well, but I take a book to work with me and read during my breaks (which is much more fun than watching the sports or BET shows that are usually on in the break room). You'd think on my days off that I'd be able to catch up, but I tend to spend the days volunteering at the Civil Rights Institute and spending time with my friends. Now that spring is here, customers and the people I work with talk about how nice the weather is and what a shame it is that I'm stuck inside all day, never realizing that my best days off are the ones where I never leave my house at all!
It's getting harder and harder to keep up with all my television shows, so I always watch something before I go to work and before I go to bed. My reading pace has slowed down as well, but I take a book to work with me and read during my breaks (which is much more fun than watching the sports or BET shows that are usually on in the break room). You'd think on my days off that I'd be able to catch up, but I tend to spend the days volunteering at the Civil Rights Institute and spending time with my friends. Now that spring is here, customers and the people I work with talk about how nice the weather is and what a shame it is that I'm stuck inside all day, never realizing that my best days off are the ones where I never leave my house at all!
12 March 2011
Obscure British Actors 101: David Morrissey
A couple of days ago I finished watching the last movie in the Red Riding trilogy, and the miniseries South Riding is next on my list. Besides similar names, they have one more thing in common: the actor David Morrissey.
- The first thing I saw him in - Way back in early 2008, when my David Tennant obsession was in full swing, I watched a mini-series/one-season TV show called Blackpool. It's remembered primarily as the show where the actors broke out into dance numbers while lip-syncing music, but it was a genuinely good murder mystery with fascinating characters (and a pair of Davids who are very easy on the eyes).
- Why I like him - Where do I begin? The Northern accent? The floppy hair? The deep voice? The sexy intensity? Also, nobody does morally ambiguous characters better (Ripley Holden in Blackpool, a corrupt policeman in Red Riding, one of the murderers on Murder on the Orient Express, etc.).
- My favorite role of his - Definitely Colonel Brandon in the most recent Sense and Sensibility. He's so good in the role that I can't decide whether he or Alan Rickman make a better Colonel, and I love me some Alan Rickman.
- My least favorite role of his - I've never seen it, but imdb tells me that David was in Basic Instinct 2, so I'd probably pick that. Otherwise, his career decisions are pretty flawless.
- A role I'd like to see him in - I think he'd make a fantastic villain. Not an anti-hero or someone you can half-way sympathize with, but an honest-to-goodness villain. Like a mob boss or corrupt politician.
10 March 2011
Current Obsessions (Disguised as Recommendations), Part 4
Now reading: The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis - One of my most vivid memories from elementary school was the day (probably in third grade) that we read an excerpt from Voyage of the Dawn Treader and received a homework assignment to write a limerick. Just a few months after that, I found the book on a bookshelf at my grandparents' house, surrounded by the rest of the series. Unlike most people, who conventionally start with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, that was my introduction to Narnia.
The Chronicles of Narnia were among my favorite books when I was growing up, and I continue to re-read them every few years. The last time I did so was when the first movie came out, back in 2005. When the film version of Voyage of the Dawn Treader was released a few months ago, I decided it was past time to read the series again. What I love most about Lewis' books is how he created an entire world yet kept the story simple enough for children to follow along. The same cannot be said about Tolkein's Lord of the Rings trilogy, which is too bogged down in descriptive details to be a good introduction to the fantasy genre. Obviously it's a classic work that I adore, but there's a reason that children are given Narnia first. I also love that bits and pieces of history are offered along the way before the origins and destruction of Narnia are fully explained in the final two books, The Magician's Nephew and The Last Battle. This way, it feels like the reader is exploring Narnia and falling under its magic spell just as much as the Pevensie children or the others.
The Chronicles of Narnia were among my favorite books when I was growing up, and I continue to re-read them every few years. The last time I did so was when the first movie came out, back in 2005. When the film version of Voyage of the Dawn Treader was released a few months ago, I decided it was past time to read the series again. What I love most about Lewis' books is how he created an entire world yet kept the story simple enough for children to follow along. The same cannot be said about Tolkein's Lord of the Rings trilogy, which is too bogged down in descriptive details to be a good introduction to the fantasy genre. Obviously it's a classic work that I adore, but there's a reason that children are given Narnia first. I also love that bits and pieces of history are offered along the way before the origins and destruction of Narnia are fully explained in the final two books, The Magician's Nephew and The Last Battle. This way, it feels like the reader is exploring Narnia and falling under its magic spell just as much as the Pevensie children or the others.
Now watching: Les Misérables, the 25th Anniversary Concert - If I had had this blog back in October, I would have spent days gushing over this event. Les Misérables is hands-down my favorite musical, and I've kept up with each cast change since May 2009, when I saw it twice in England. I watched most of the concert as youtube clips the day after it took place, then watched it on the big screen when a handful of U.S. movie theaters aired it in November, pre-ordered it on DVD, and watched it on PBS on Sunday. The beauty of this cast is how they cast big names (Nick Jonas, Matt Lucas, Ramin Karimloo) to draw in the crowds and integrated current and recent cast members (including some I saw in London and plan to see this summer) into the supporting roles.
08 March 2011
Working Hard
I've been really good at keeping to a regular posting schedule for the past two months, but my new job at Target immediately took over my life and drastically reduced the amount of free time I have. I'm barely keeping up with my TV shows, and it's taking twice as long to read books, so there's nothing much to review or recommend. And obviously, when I come home at midnight from working eight or nine hours, the last thing on my mind is writing a blog post (even if it's about my beloved obscure British actors).
Yesterday (a Monday) was supposed to be my first day off since I started work last Tuesday, so you can imagine how upset I was when Target called that morning asking for me to work a seven-hour shift last night. I haven't worked retail in over three years, so naturally it's taking my body a little while to readjust, and I've been exhausted all week. The only thing that kept me going on Sunday, my sixth day in a row at work, was the fact that I could go home and rest for a couple of days. Thankfully, the store was less than half as busy as it had been all weekend, so I enjoyed the peace. There were a few short spurts where all the cashiers had long lines, but overall it was a huge change and relief.
Today I headed back to the Civil Rights Institute for the first time in a week and a half, and it was wonderful. All morning I waited for my phone to ring, but it thankfully never did. I stayed at the Institute for a few hours, doing a little filing here and there, and then I came home and took a nap before dinner. Supposedly I also have tomorrow off before a five-day spurt over the weekend. Thursday shouldn't be as bad because it's only a six-hour shift, and Friday will be worth going in because I'll get my first paycheck. I haven't gotten paid since last May, so it's an exciting moment, to say the least. Once I have money in my hand, all the hard work will be worth it because I'll be one step closer to England.
Yesterday (a Monday) was supposed to be my first day off since I started work last Tuesday, so you can imagine how upset I was when Target called that morning asking for me to work a seven-hour shift last night. I haven't worked retail in over three years, so naturally it's taking my body a little while to readjust, and I've been exhausted all week. The only thing that kept me going on Sunday, my sixth day in a row at work, was the fact that I could go home and rest for a couple of days. Thankfully, the store was less than half as busy as it had been all weekend, so I enjoyed the peace. There were a few short spurts where all the cashiers had long lines, but overall it was a huge change and relief.
Today I headed back to the Civil Rights Institute for the first time in a week and a half, and it was wonderful. All morning I waited for my phone to ring, but it thankfully never did. I stayed at the Institute for a few hours, doing a little filing here and there, and then I came home and took a nap before dinner. Supposedly I also have tomorrow off before a five-day spurt over the weekend. Thursday shouldn't be as bad because it's only a six-hour shift, and Friday will be worth going in because I'll get my first paycheck. I haven't gotten paid since last May, so it's an exciting moment, to say the least. Once I have money in my hand, all the hard work will be worth it because I'll be one step closer to England.
03 March 2011
Returning to Retail
When I chose to get a masters degree in public history, I knew that it wouldn't be easy to find a job because the economy was hurting more people than it was helping; however, part of me still hoped that it would turn around before I graduated. Unfortunately, the situation has only gotten worse in the past two years, and I had to do what many other twenty-somethings (including most of my friends) are using as their last resort: move back in with the parents and accept part-time work wherever you can.
Because I want to keep volunteering at the Civil Rights Institute, I decided that retail was my best option for employment. I probably wouldn't have had any trouble finding a job at a call center or a temp agency, but those would require me to work Monday through Friday, and the Civil Rights Institute's archives is closed on the weekends. I was shocked that Target hired me so quickly after I sent in my application, but after just two days I know from first-hand experience that they weren't exaggerating their need for cashiers.
I had my orientation on Monday, and I was shocked when I received my schedule. They immediately had me working eight-hour shifts for the next six days, requiring me to cancel any plans I had with friends this week. However, I'm choosing to look on the bright side. Every hour that I stand behind a register is another few dollars to spend in England, and since Target is in the middle of hiring a lot of cashiers, my schedule should slim down in a couple of weeks.
The work itself is easy enough, since cashiers are only responsible for ringing up purchases. Unlike at CVS, I never have to process film, do returns, or stock product when there are not customers in line. So far I like it better that way, and the register system is a lot better than CVS's too. Everyone I've met has been really nice and welcoming, and I think I'm going to really like working there. Obviously the money's not the best and it's not history, but I can think of a lot worse places to work for the next year or so.
Because I want to keep volunteering at the Civil Rights Institute, I decided that retail was my best option for employment. I probably wouldn't have had any trouble finding a job at a call center or a temp agency, but those would require me to work Monday through Friday, and the Civil Rights Institute's archives is closed on the weekends. I was shocked that Target hired me so quickly after I sent in my application, but after just two days I know from first-hand experience that they weren't exaggerating their need for cashiers.
I had my orientation on Monday, and I was shocked when I received my schedule. They immediately had me working eight-hour shifts for the next six days, requiring me to cancel any plans I had with friends this week. However, I'm choosing to look on the bright side. Every hour that I stand behind a register is another few dollars to spend in England, and since Target is in the middle of hiring a lot of cashiers, my schedule should slim down in a couple of weeks.
The work itself is easy enough, since cashiers are only responsible for ringing up purchases. Unlike at CVS, I never have to process film, do returns, or stock product when there are not customers in line. So far I like it better that way, and the register system is a lot better than CVS's too. Everyone I've met has been really nice and welcoming, and I think I'm going to really like working there. Obviously the money's not the best and it's not history, but I can think of a lot worse places to work for the next year or so.