eXtra inQuiry » Life

Watching, Reading, Listening…Enjoying

Craig Huffstetler — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:32:54 +0000

So, what have I been watching?

Quite a few films a shows. I think I’ll touch on just two.

A friend across the pond introduced me to Truly Madly Deeply. I can sum it up by saying: quirky, entertaining, enlightening and romantic. I absolutely adore it. I love discussing films whilst watching them. This is much easier online than in person for obvious reasons.
Velvet Goldmine. Two words. Big Impact. Big names. If you have not seen it, I recommend that you do. I really enjoy the cinematography, the glam-rock elements and the historical aspects. You will be glued to the screen. If you miss a piece, you may miss the entire film. I love the portrayal of gender, societal perceptions, family perceptions and value systems, romance (and sometimes lack thereof), and pop style. Hats off to the director.

Listening to?

Well, according to last.fm I’ve been listening to a lot of Dido, Florence and the Machine, IAMX and Goldfrapp; however, I need to follow that up by saying one word: “Glee.” I would say that’s pretty accurate.

Reading?

Check out the new side bar.

Other things…

Stay tuned. Been quite busy, I might post some pictures!

MGMT’s “Congratulations,” a Hike, & the Weather

Craig Huffstetler — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:50:00 +0000

I’m really looking forward to this weekend. I get to finally go hiking in M.A.! I feel more fit to actually do it as well (good thing). It’s supposed to be near 70 degrees, finally. I can’t wait. I also learned of something new, to me, called “hashing.” The best way to explain it is an outdoor activity with a group of friends. It’s when a group of friends get together for a social, athletic (non-competitive) event, and have a few drinks…kind of. It’s hard to explain. HOWEVER, you can read about one majorly well-known international hash group here. So, now I’m determined to this with a group of people one day. I think it would be exhilarating. Of course, the first time I do this I would start out as a hash virgin. But whatever.

MGMT’s new album, Congratulations takes some getting used to. It is not as “upbeat” as their last album, Oracular Spectacular. Don’t get me wrong, some songs are more upbeat than others; however, the album in its entirety is going in an entire different direction than the synthesizer sounds of their last album (like Passion Pit, for example). They are using more instruments and less effects. I had to listen to it about 5 or 6 times, as I usually do, to get a feel for it. However, I like it now. I think it’s a good summer album.

Ramblings about today & yesterday

Craig Huffstetler — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:10:45 +0000

So, my work-out routine has finally taken shape and it begins with a 15 – 20 minute walk/jog/run (2 minutes “walking,” 1 minute “jogging” on and off). I’m pretty proud of this considering I started no where. I never thought I would even be doing one mile let alone three in a week. And no, this isn’t vain. This is just a pat on the back to myself and to wherever is reading this. If you think it’s vain, I don’t really care.

I’m actually finally starting to notice a difference not only physically, but mentally, which is refreshing. I think this is just a self affirmation that I need to go to the gym. I should have started a long time ago. I don’t know why I didn’t.

IN OTHER NEWS: I wish Whole Foods had a nibbling policy that, well, allowed nibbling. Because every time I go there and buy food from their hot/cold bar I end up with $12.00+ of food. And no, I don’t weigh it. So, of course, it’s all my fault. But regardless, I want to nibble. It could be done in a sanitary way if they wanted. I’m sure people would buy more that way.

I had my second job interview this week (all went well with all three), the third is tomorrow. I’m actually mostly looking forward to the one tomorrow because the company fits me the most. We’ll see though.

I also discovered some great new music with a friend last night. So, on that note…

– HELLO Whole Foods…food. Hello, wine. And hello, Little Boots, Stereophonics and Gabriella Cilmi!

Unlike

A Rainy Saturday…

Craig Huffstetler — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:14:18 +0000

It’s a rainy Saturday in Boston, but that’s not really keeping me down. I decided to sign up for another gym (my trial membership at Bally’s is about to expire). So, I went with Boston Sports Club. Funny story – I’ve been a member there before, however I never went. It had to do with fear of the gym and a health problem at the time. I think in the beginning though, before the health problem really set in, it was just my internal fear that I talked about earlier. I think I’m getting over that pretty fast.

On the way back picked up a yummy taco from Taco Loco. If you’re in the Boston metro area and haven’t tried Taco Loco, give them a bite. They’re excellent. Now I think it’s movie time or maybe a book. What movie? I’m thinking Un Prophète.

Preview below:

I’ll get back with a review later on.

Unlike

Gym – Step 1 (Free 7 Day Membership)

Craig Huffstetler — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:55:30 +0000

Well, I started going to the gym. I went to the gym on and off through the years. It started in college. Doesn’t everyone start in college? I think I’m a bit different though — I have a fear of gyms. For multiple reasons: what other people think of me, the locker rooms, — I guess I’m just terrified.

Well, I’m trying to break that phobia. Plus, I just want to be comfortable with myself. No, I don’t want to be a raging hulk. Yeah, I want to have nice pecs and some nice biceps…who doesn’t? But, most of all, I want to conquer a fear. One step at a time, right?

Unlike