May 31st

I wonder if I’ll actually work tomorrow. God knows my part time job doesn’t have a lot of hours right now. In lieu of this, I’m playing video games with Brad. Hell yeah.

May 30th

Today was a rainy, sleepy day for me. I'm...kind of tired now? Or hungry? It's very humid and my brain feels sticky.

No plans yet for tomorrow - hopefully the weather is nice so I can go out on an adventure!

May 29th

It is warm here. And sticky.

I went to Target today and didn't even buy anything.

I watched Doctor Strange last night. Or Mr. Doctor. It's strange. Who am I to judge?

May 28th

All right friends, tonight I'm coming at you with a hot take: I thought Solo: A Star Wars Story was all right. It was not great, but I don't think it's an awful mess either. I have an interesting knowledge of the Star Wars universe; I have only seen one of the films start to finish, but my job has given me a lot more Star Wars knowledge than the average person who has seen only one of the films. On top of that, most of my coworkers really enjoy Star Wars, so I'm kinda of a second-hand fan if you will. So I was in a unique position to see this movie.
I knew a decent bit about Han Solo - the one Star Wars film I've seen all the way through is A New Hope. I also knew about Chewbacca of course, and had a slight knowledge of Lando as well. And to be honest, I don't think I needed to know much more. There were some in-jokes and references I could tell I didn't quite pick up on, and on the other hand, my vague knowledge of things and places made mentions of Tatooine and TIE Fighters click in my head.
So, in terms of special effects, scoring, sound design, costuming, all that jazz - I'd say this was top notch. The score had callbacks to original themes while integrating new pieces, which worked well. The planets and sets were all well-designed, and I found a lot of the ships had excellent designs both inside and out.
The casting was pretty good. This movie had quite a few characters that fall within the category of "funny guy but can also get serious when he needs to" but they were diverse enough in personality to make them all fairly interesting. Woody Harrelson and Donald Glover were both excellent choices. Emilia Clarke was also good, though I found her character to be a bit too trope-ish and uncomplicated, despite efforts to make her seem complex. (More on that later.) The part was well-acted though. And of course there's the titular Han Solo. I will be honest with you, I do not have a clue who played him. But I do think he was good. He was filling some huge shoes, and while I think Harrison Ford is iconic in the role in later films, this new guy wasn't half bad. He doesn't have the charm or the wit of Ford's Solo, but he's also playing a younger, more naïve Solo. Still, I would have liked to see a little more arrogant charm pulled off in that perfectly Han Solo way.

Here's my primary complaint with the movie: it has a simplistic script and characters with minimal depth. On the surface this movie is exciting and entertaining, but if you look closer, things start to fall into tropes, and badly. I've heard this film described as a heist film but in space, and if you've ever watched a heist movie, you know that they're not often character driven, or that the characters often fit a "role" and aren't much more complex than that. Solo is just that.
And from a feminist perspective, this movie...well, it fails in that regard. It doesn't even pass the Bechdel Test. Don't go into this expecting Qi'ra, the lead female, to be anything other than a love interest with questionable loyalty. Also, I say lead female, but in all honestly she's really the only female for nearly all of the movie.

So, do I recommend Solo: A Star Wars Story? Perhaps. If you want a fun action movie with some sci-fi elements, go for it. If you're looking for an iconic Star Wars movie, maybe not. It's got thrills and twists but it's unlikely to blow your mind. This may be a wait-til-it's-out-on-DVD kind of film.

However, one good thing did come from this viewing experience: It made me want to watch the other Star Wars films. I've felt a bit intimidated by the franchise since I didn't watch the movies growing up, and A New Hope never completely captivated me when I saw it. However, I have a newfound interest in the series, so I think I'm going to give it a try. If anyone wants to marathon all the movies with me, just tell me a time and place!

May 27th

Man, pizza for dinner was a good idea. Even though I may have eaten too much...or at least too much to then follow it with crazy rich ice cream. Protip: if arugula is not available, spinach is a good alternative topping. Arugula is the best though. Oh Punch Pizza, please come to Ohio.

I think the Claritin I took today kinda messed me up. Like, I feel really foggy in the brain. And more sleepy than I should.

On the plus side, my hair feels pretty soft today.

May 26th

Hi friends! It has been super rainy here today. I even got called off work. I did go to Perkins though...it was time for some potato pancakes. With applesauce of course.

No plans yet for tomorrow...any suggestions?

May 25th

Aside from shipment this morning, today was a pretty nothing day. I um...napped? I had oatmeal? I also had pizza for dinner but it made me feel weird. Delivery pizza is kinda weird huh.

May 24th

I GOT THE JOB

YA GIRL IS A FULL-TIME WORKING ADULT LADY

May 23rd

Brad and I went to the zoo today! I met a wonderful goat and now we are best friends!

Wish me luck at my job interview tomorrow!

May 22nd

Brad and I are discussing gender tonight. But tomorrow we're going to the zoo, so that should be a little more low key.

I'm still trying to catch up on all the YouTube videos I missed while I was in Minnesota. There's like...50 more. But I can do it!

May 21st

I have my laptop back! It only cost $510! Oh dear god!

...I have no money.

It's so stormy here! It's kinda nice though. Luckily it didn't storm during work. On the flip side, my car didn't start today and I needed Brad to come jump it. And I had to get an Uber to work. And work...was slow. But it's okay! I might have a job interview later this week!

May 20th

I’m safely back in Columbus! Still tired. Still no laptop. But reunited with Cas! So all is well. I wish I had the day off tomorrow though...

May 19th

Okay, I know my blog has been shit during this trip. I’m sorry. I am very tired and I don’t have a computer. Forgive me.

I did go to the Mall of America today though. It was amazing. I do actually miss going there. Can I live the The Alpaca Store?

May 18th

I am SO FREAKING TIRED but the wedding was really rad. I’m gonna sleep now.

May 17th

Tomorrow is bridesmaid day! I’m so excited! Weddings! Joy!

May 16th

All right! I made it to Minnesota! And I am sleepy. Possibly from residual Dramamine. But hey, I’m here. I’m home.

May 15th

Got my bridesmaid dress after all the alterations and it fits well. Got my nails done. Now...yes, now...I need to pack. I can’t believe it’s basically been two years since I’ve been on an airplane. I hope the weather tomorrow is a lot less rainy than today; I really want a smooth flight. Thank goodness it’s nonstop!

May 14th

DONT FORGET TO BLOG! Brad and I got caught up watching this “dorm room tour” from my freshman year of college. I was so lame. I’m still lame.

May 13th

Happy Mother’s Day! I got to talk with my mom about her recent trip to Walk Disney World...I’m envious.

I have my very old laptop on me now! It’s black and heavy. And old. But it works!

I have to be at work in seven hours!

May 12th

Man, I really do like Steak and Shake. I also got to visit Tucker today! He’s a 24 year old tortoise who has a balloon so he doesn’t get lost. He’s a big boy!

Work tomorrow! Also Mother’s Day! I’m bummed I don’t get to see my mom tomorrow, but we’re planning on meeting up soon, so that’s fun.

May 11th

Work wasn't too bad today but my goodness, my shoulders are hurting! I did get to do some hanging out and eating some good pizza though. ...I'm getting hungry again though. Leftover pizza, yes please.

I feel like tomorrow is my last chill day for awhile. I've got stuff to do before going back home! Wah! When do I pack?

May 10th

My hair looks so much better! I’m so glad.

...I have to get up at 5:45 tomorrow morning but I’m not tired. How do I get to sleep?

May 9th

Hey, hair consultation tomorrow. Gonna try to look decent for my first go as a bridesmaid, you know? I hope the dress alterations work out well too. I’m so glad I found shoes that work!

I am like...very sleepy tonight. I wanna take a good long shower but I’m here in this bed with Cas and...I just wanna be cozy.

May 8th

My laptop screen is all goofed up. Sad day.

Tomorrow is dress fitting day! I can’t believe I’ll be back in Minnesota so soon. I’m so incredibly excited.

Brad wants to say hi to you guys. He’s very sleepy.

May 7th

Oh hey, another stressful day! But my housemates are gone again, so that's nice I guess. I don't know. I feel like I don't know anything right now...which is really stressful. I'm very stressed. I want a massage.

May 6th

First day back at work and naturally, we were overstaffed so I went home an hour early. I don't work again til Friday. But hopefully on Wednesday I can walk Ace!

Tonight is my first night actually sharing the house with my "landlords" i.e. the couple who own the house. I feel really awkward about it! I don't know what to do with myself! I don't own enough pajamas for this lifestyle!

May 5th

So uhh...I need to keep my closet doors closed right now. Because Cas can get...in the ceiling...from in there. This house is weird.

My head hurts. I have work tomorrow. Everything is weird.

May 4th

Live long and prosper!

I went to IKEA today. I bought a lamp. Also I’ve had a slight stomachache all day. Work tomorrow...for the first time in what feels like forever. What if I forgot how to do everything?

May 3rd

Well, last night had a few hiccups. But in the end, I left my apartment for the last time, and I'm not settling into my temporary sublease. Sure, there's stuff that didn't get brought to storage...but I'm just glad that I'm not traveling between two living spaces at this point. Also, to reiterate for the thousandth time, Brad is the absolute best for helping me.

May 2nd

It’s the last moving day. It’s been tough this evening. I can do this though.

May 1st

Moving continues. Currently packing up perfume. And Brad is a saint.