Sunday, 9 September 2012

Sunday Salon: Start of the New Academic Year

Monday was start of the academic year for all of us teachers and students here in the UK.  As expected, work has been kicking my butt all week!  September is always a busy time for teachers but it's more so for me this year due to a combination of factors that collectively mean reading and blogging have fallen by the wayside.

I did manage to finish one book, Sense and Sensibility, which was a great escape from reality during the evenings.  I liked it a lot (review to follow) but not as much as the other two Austens I've read, Emma and Pride and Prejudice.  Even so, I can see myself rereading it many times in the future.

I'm pleased that I've managed to keep up my exercise routine in the back to work rush.  I don't discuss health matters on here much but I have inflammatory bowel disease and it can take a lot of managing.  I have the right medication and I'm good with diet and knowing what will cause a flare up but exercise has always been my weakest link.  In the summer hols I exercised properly for the first time and got in shape.  The test was always going to be whether my motivation would continue when I went back to work, but I did manage to fit in three running sessions of about half hour each, so I'm pleased with that.  I hope I can continue.

Yesterday, my husband and I went to see Anna Karenina.  I had high hopes for it, being a big fan of the book, but ultimately I was left disappointed.  I was expecting the Levin and Kitty storyline to be side-lined so I wasn't too upset with that, but stylistically it just didn't work for me.  The whole thing was filmed in a theatre (the trains were model trains) and between scenes you could see extras changing props/background sets and it was disconcerting.  The whole thing was choreographed to the extent it was almost a musical without any songs.  I was forcibly reminded of Moulin Rouge.  Honestly, the styling and theatre setting detracted from the story too much.

The acting was mixed.  Keira Knightley was OK as Anna but Count Vronksy was all wrong, too young and weak and passive.  Kitty and Levin were both acted well, as were Oblonsky and Dolly.  I guess it wasn't a bad film but if you just saw this, you would have no idea why Anna Karenina is one of the most loved books of all time.  For fans of the book, the film can only disappoint.

I've missed out on lots of blog posts and reviews this week so I plan to spend some of this afternoon relaxing and visiting blogs.  My lesson plans and resources are all up to date so I can take a bit of time for myself.  I'm hoping work will settle down over the coming weeks as I get adjusted into new routines.

How was your week?
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23 comments:

  1. missy9 September 2012 at 15:15

    I've missed you Sam! I knew you were going back to work and I can only imagine how your week was. I'm disappointed to hear that the movie didn't live up to the book. I have plans to read it soon. I don't understand their choice in filming without real locations. That is the beauty of watching a film, especially something as huge as Anna Karenina. That is great about the exercise. I can relate to that very much so. I need a routine desperately, but it is so hard to start, isn't it? I'm working on it myself at this time. I'm glad you loved S & S. I need to re-read Emma because it has been so long. I have been so enjoying Wuthering Heights as a re-read, much more than I thought I would! Hope you have a great week <3

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)9 September 2012 at 18:59

      My week was fun even if busy, I have an awesome class this year, I can tell I am going to enjoy it.

      Anna K is one of my favourite classics and the first 'proper' Russian literature I read. It's one I am already looking forward to starting again, Tolstoy is just so observant of human nature. And I was looking forward to some gorgeous Moscow scenes!

      The first week of exercising was hard, but now I actually quite like it. I'm starting to see the health benefits now which keeps me going, it's just getting to that point which was tricky!

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  2. SoulMuser9 September 2012 at 16:08

    Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books as well - I always think that movies never make it as good as books...there is always something missing. I was wondering if I should see the movie, but I think not - I love that book too much.

    Hope you have an easier week ahead!

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)9 September 2012 at 19:00

      It's rare that I like the movie as much as the book, so I agree with you. I wish I knew about the changes to the book before I saw Anna K, it might have made it more enjoyable.

      Hope you have a good week )

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  3. Anonymous9 September 2012 at 16:43

    I conpletely understand. Everything has come to a grinding halt for me since school started last week. Trying to get back into the swing of things. Take care of yourself first and everything else will fall into place.

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)9 September 2012 at 19:01

      The joy of teaching right? :P
      On the positive side, my class are awesome (I'd taught half of them before) so I don't mind the lack of life whilst I get to grips with things.

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  4. Celeste859 September 2012 at 18:08

    What a shame about Anna Karenina - I'm going to try and go this week. I saw Jude Law on TV this morning and he said it was all about artificiality of their world and how fake it all was, like speaking French when they're not in France etc. It's so tricky to watch a film that isn't completely realistic or faithful to the book...

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)9 September 2012 at 19:02

      It is worth seeing, I just wish I had known about the theatre setting before going, I might have enjoyed it more. I see what they were trying to do (nobility living as if they are on a constant stage etc) but for me it didn't work. Jude Law was very good though, he out-acted most of the main parts.

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  5. Chinoiseries9 September 2012 at 18:41

    I work back office at university, so I know what you're saying about crazy business in the first week(s) :( And I bet that the previous weeks were not all that relaxing either? It'll get a bit better towards the end of the month. I hope!

    For some reason, an image (Anna Karenina?) is not showing in this post. I haven't read the book yet, but now I'll take care not to watch this particular movie adaptation first. I really can't see the similarities between Moulin Rouge and Anna Karenina, so it must've been pretty bad :(

    Sense & Sensibility! It is pretty good, isn't it? It's not my favourite Austen so far, but that is because I'm an Elinor and I can't stand extremely delicate and emotional types like Marianne. Not that I never was one in my teens, but I pretend that I am way past that now ;) Anyway, I'd like to read your thoughts on S&S.

    My family suffers from belly problems as well. I think my physician diagnosed me with IBS in my teens, but all the twit did was give me fiber powder. No advice on how to live, what to eat. So yes, I do somewhat understand the importance of exercise. Whenever I'm too lazy to do anything for long, it'll show in my tummy health. Yay for the regular running :-) Hope your IBS troubles subside again soon!

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)9 September 2012 at 19:05

      You're right, September is a slog. I'm working on my routines, expectations etc, once I have systems in place things should ease up. Hopefully!

      The image was the film poster for Anna K, don't know why you can't see it?

      I am an Elinor too, that's what I'm planning to write about in my review. I sometimes wish I was more of a Marianne (especially as no one ever realises that Elinor does feel as deeply in her own way). Elinor got a better ending though.

      I have had lots of issues getting a correct diagnosis. I don't have IBS as I have flare ups with inflammation that have led to me being hospitalised in the past. But apparently I don't have Crohn's or colitis either, just a mystery illness? But exercise helps :)

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  6. Anonymous9 September 2012 at 19:14

    My semester just started as well. I'll be happy when I'm done with grad school and won't have to balance it into my schedule anymore. :)

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)10 September 2012 at 20:08

      I bet you'll miss it when you're done even if you don't always enjoy it now! :P

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  7. Unknown9 September 2012 at 22:05

    I honestly believe teaching is ne of the mot noble occupations and it sounds likeyou are dedicated to your career. I know here in the US mot teachers are paid very little and quite below what they should be paid. hope it's better for you.
    I'm glad you enjoyed Sense and Sensibility. I can imagine it was a great way to unwind from your ust first days of th semester! S & S is one of my favorite Austen's but I agree with you thatit's not as good as the stars of her work, Emma and P&P.

    I'm sorry to read you have IBD which can really wrek havoc but it sounds like you've got a good handle on things. Excercising is a great addition and if it helps with the IBD and makes you feel better, that's fantastic. It's tough to fit into a busy day. When I was a paralegal in a NYC firm, befre I went to law school, I used to get up at 4:30 in the morning to swimlaps before work. I always felt better the days I did it.

    I didn't expect Anna Karenina with Knightly to be gret but I hoped to be wrong. It's such an amazing book thatI think it would be quite a feat to make an outstanding movie equal to the book. Sorry you were disappointed.

    I have been on the book blogs very litle this summer and I'm going to try to change that in the upcoming weeks!
    I hope thi week is a little calmer for you :o)

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)10 September 2012 at 20:10

      Amy, I'm in my fourth year of full time teaching and still learning. Every day is different. I believe we do get paid more in comparison to US teachers - we have two American teachers at our school and they say they are better off here. But I think the work load is different.

      Getting up at 4.30am to swim? :O I couldn't do that! I'm trying to exercise as soon as I get in from work, before I sit down on the sofa and don't get up again!

      Hope you have a good week too :)

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  8. Anonymous10 September 2012 at 01:34

    I agree with what Amy said about the teaching profession -- it must be a very rewarding career.

    That's wonderful that you're finding the motivation to keep up your exercise routine-- it really is excellent medicine. I'm at the point where I enjoy it now, I feel so much better afterwards!

    I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Sense and Sensibility.... Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)10 September 2012 at 20:11

      Teaching is different every day and there are the little moments that make it worth while :)
      I am getting to that point with exercise, but I'm not quite there yet. I feel mentally and physically better after doing it but still have to force myself to start.

      Enjoy your week too :)

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  9. Anonymous10 September 2012 at 16:38

    If you're only going to be able to read one book at the start of term, Sense and Sensibility is a great choice. :)

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  10. Lindsay10 September 2012 at 17:57

    It sounds like you've got a lot going on at the moment Sam. I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility too. I'm sorry to hear of your illness, it sounds like you manage it as well as you can. School must be very demanding just now. Hope you find some reading time.

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)10 September 2012 at 20:12

      There's always reading time, even if it impinges on sleeping time it's worth it! I love my job but it's hard work in September. By next week things should have slowed down a bit.

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  11. Lindsey Sparks11 September 2012 at 01:59

    I hate to hear that about the Anna Karenina movie. It doesn't come out in the States until Nov. 16 and I thought about making that a late birthday present but I think I'll wait for it to hit Netflix. I didn't realize it was filmed in a theatre either - odd choice. I would love to see a grand, full-scale version of this as I loved the book.

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  12. Anonymous12 September 2012 at 13:59

    Glad to read that you are a teacher. my mother is a retired teacher and I have always had a noble respect for teachers and the profession. It's unfortunate that the film Anna Karenina did not match up to the novel. It is on my Classic List and can't wait to read it. Judging from what I 've read on blogs , I am sure I won't be disappointed. All the best as you catch up on blogs and settle to your routine in class.

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  13. Anonymous18 September 2012 at 14:45

    Oh bummer about the film of Anna Karenina - I love the book but I didn't have particularly high hopes for the film, mostly because of how condensed it was bound to be. But I saw a photo of the guy playing Vronsky and I think I grimaced! It didn't look good. And bleached hair, I think? Ugh. I'm still a big fan of the BBC mini-series with Kevin McKidd and, oh I always forget her name, but they were great! Maybe a bit older than the characters but it didn't bother me because they were so strong. I hadn't heard about the new film being filmed as if it were a play, that's unusual and I don't think it appeals to me. I'd want to focus on the story itself, though I guess the director was trying to do something different to make it stand out? Might just stick with the book. :)

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