In a holiday mood

I actually wound up seeing the movie today. They changed a lot of things; I’m not sure if I’m quite happy with the changes, but I understand most of them. Dumbledore did not seem in character; he was too angry. Mad-Eye Moody was a gem. Cedric Diggory was perfectly cast. The film has its own character separate from the book; there were quite a few suggestive scenes. But all and all I wouldn’t put it up against the book, which is superior. I’ve been re-reading it, and this time the Quidditch World Cup didn’t seem to take forever and the pacing seemed better than I remembered it. I was rather shocked that it cost $28.50 for two tickets and the works. Like I said, it’s been awhile since I went to a movie, and even longer since I treated. But if it’s that bad for a matinee, I’d hate to see what a night showing would have been like. And they wonder why people aren’t going to the cinema as much as the studios would like. It’s much cheaper to rent and watch at home, and you don’t have to worry about being squished in chairs next to a lot of other people or drinks spilling on your stuff. Still, I’m glad I saw it there.

Tonight I finished decorating for the holidays. I have icicle lights and holographic snowflakes in the window, the snowflake lights above the hall entry, a few coloured lights swagging across the divider between my living and dining room, where they’re caught by the mirrored baubles that normally hang there and the mirrors on the paintings that take up one wall to the living room. Instead of buying a tree this year (I usually get a potted Norfolk Virginia pine, which lasts one-three years, but lately I just kill them after the season) I bought a foot-tall aromatic rosemary cone, because one it was cheaper, two I’ve raised rosemary indoors successfully before, and three because it just smells nice. I put a tiny 20 light string on it, and the warmth of the lights causes the room to fill with scent. I got some tiny ornaments and a mini star topper and garland. It looks quite festive despite the small size. I’m thinking about having our Secret Santa party over at my apartment; it’s in good shape after I had all that time off earlier this week.

I think I’m either coming down with a cold or just have really bad sinus drainage bothering my throat. I’ve also had to use my inhaler for the first time in months, about three times in the past twenty-four hours. That’s usually the first sign for me. So I have some Ricola cherry honey drops and I’m hoping it clears up soon. I’ve felt kind of cruddy (like that feeling you get when you’re coming down with a virus) on and off all day, like I might have a low-grade fever but at the same time I’m not warm to the touch. So, I don’t know, I just hope I feel better tomorrow. I’ve also been a little dizzy. Again, it might just be sinus stuff. Let’s hope so.

I went to Meijer hoping to fill out an application, but their computers are down on Saturday nights for maintenance, so it was a no go. Oh well, I’ll just have to go back.

I’ve been thinking about things I’d like for Yule. I didn’t as a rule ask for things as a child; I just thought that was wrong. I did ask for Lincoln Logs at age 13 because my mom had confided that she’d always wanted to play with them. But this year I’m making a list of things I like but wouldn’t normally buy for myself or things I need and may not have the money for them yet.
On the list (in no particular order):

• A digital camera—nothing fancy, just something to play with and it would allow me to post more pictures here. [Update 12/27: Half of the money I got from my mom went for this.]
  
• A DVD player—yeah, I know, they’re getting really cheap. I sometimes feel like the only person on the planet without one. On the other hand, then I’d have to buy DVDs, right? [Update: 12/15 won one in a door prize drawing]
  
• Towels—I own three, none in a set, and none of those hand towels you put out for people to use (of course, that’s only an issue if I ever get visitors).
  
• Bedding (Queen)—I have one set of sheets, which isn’t quite adequate.
  
• >A tyre—I’m down to driving without a spare. [Update 12/27: Half of the money I got from my mom will go for this.]
  
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince--Yes, I’ve read it, but I don’t own it. [Update: 12/27 Got a Joseph-Beth gift card that will go to this.]
  
• An iron/ironing board--I've been told I often look rumpled. [Update 12/22: a friend has offered a long-time loan on his iron/board since he doesn't use them.]
  
• Gloves, hat, and scarf—I seem to wear these out or lose them. Black is nice, as I have a purple coat and a blue one. Although I could probably knit a set for myself, I suppose. [Update 12/9: Got from my Secret Santa, C]
  
• An aquarium light—Mine has died.
  
• Earrings—I have one or two pairs that are still intact. Small or dangly are fine.
  

That’s all I can think of. I have a Secret Santa series of gifts to get and shopping for Christmas, Yule, and Chanukah. I can’t really splurge much, but I should be able to get at least a small gift for each person, without resorting to my all-time low point, when I gave people a labradorite marble for Yule. (Yes, that’s gone down in infamy, let me tell you).

Well, it’s late, so I should wrap up. It’ll be a little weird going back to work after having a whole week off. I’m glad I took the time, though—I’d never taken that much off at once before.