Monday, April 16, 2007

Alternate Universe

Strange things are happening here: lately the husband has been reading during his free time--instead of video-gaming or tv-watching--and reading in bed late into the night. Very unusual behavior for him, but what is more unusual is that I haven't been reading much. Admittedly the book I'm reading now, though interesting, is not engaging me very much, but as usual I stubbornly continue to read because I can't stand not finishing a book unless it is truly horrible. I'm reading The Duchess of Windsor, which is about the life of Wallis Simpson (for those not in the know, Edward VIII abdicated to marry her). The story is interesting, especially considering her interactions before and during the war, but I have reservations about some of the author's claims because he tends to state facts and then he proceeds to detail the very shaky evidence for them. The second book I'm reading (Nesarim) is for research and is packed with information, but the content is depressing so I can only read it for a limited amount of time and usually not before I sleep. Even more strangely, the husband has talked me into watching his new Discovery Channel obsession: Planet Earth. It is fascinating and the filmography is stunning. The only thing that would make it better is if we actually had HD, but that won't happen any time soon. I do like some Discovery Channel shows, but I'm not usually drawn to the nature shows because they either highlight the mating patterns of animals--yay, animal porn--or the eating habits of animals--mm, I love watching animals tear each other apart. I've never been able to face up to the cruel reality of our world without feeling a bit despondent. And the news this morning only confirms it with another school shooting. It depresses me to see how savage our world is at its heart. Also, the first episode last night featured the jungle, which I knew could be problematic for me. It was. I spent half the episode with my eyes hidden behind my hands asking the husband if the scary creepy-crawly bugs were gone yet. EURGH! Gives me the heeby jeebies! Luckily the second episode was on fresh water and was much more pleasant to watch. Aw, waterfalls and fish, and er, more animals eating each other. Ah well, the visuals are fabulous.

4 comments:

Yvonne said...

I'm not reading much either. The news of the shooting was depressing - to be honest the magnitude of it hasn't sunk in yet.

Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com said...

What is the husband reading?

Joseph R. Ruthruff said...

I was watching The Today Show's coverage of it this morning while eating oatmeal, and the whole thing just made me sick to my stomach...

Angie, you didn't mention the other reason you haven't been reading much: we've been sending you on apartment-fact-finding missions. ;) Thanks again so much for helping us out.

Anonymous said...

At least you can stand to finish a book. I hardly do that, however interesting. I don'tknow why, maybe out of laziness, or other priorities. Two new books I've bought lately are still on my desk.

The shooting was simply horrible. I've tried to understand why people shoot, but the answer is always elusive. See may latest post in my blog.