Doctor Who Season 8 Finale

Season 8 of Doctor Who officially wrapped up Saturday night so I thought I'd give you my thoughts on the episode and the season in general.  Before you go on reading any further however I have to say that there are probably going to be SPOILERS in this post so if for some reason you haven't watched the whole season I would advise you to read no further.

First I want to say that this entire season was so good (even though I think almost every season is amazing).  What made this season great was Capaldi and the way he changed the dynamics between the Doctor and his companions.  I have never seen any classic Who so this was my first experience with an older Doctor and I loved it!  The development of Clara also made this season fun to watch.  She became a fully formed character and not just a plot device.  I was afraid she was going to stay one sided and flat but this season really fleshed her out.

And it was Clara that made "Dark Water" and "Death in Heaven" great to watch.  We got to see the full spectrum of her emotions and how far she would go for love.  I love the dream sequence at the beginning of "Dark Water".  We got to see the darkest parts of Clara, parts that we do not often see in companions.

Another part that I loved about this finale was Missy.  She was completely nuts and Michelle Gomez did an amazing job creating the character.  I feel like if I went back to watch the episode I would notice so many subtle additions to her character.  Missy was also slightly comical even if she was deranged and you couldn't help but hate her.  It was an interesting mix of feelings.

One thing I will say about the episode (and this is a major spoiler!) I wish we had gotten to know Danny a little more in previous episodes.  When Danny died I felt sad but only because Clara was sad.  I never felt like I was personally losing something, like I did when Rory died (again and again). I hope we will meet Danny Pink again because I think he has so much potential.  His final scene as a soldiers proves he's an incredible man.

Overall I thought the finale was great.  It had all the aspects of a Doctor Who finale with funny and extraordinarily sad bits.  Peter Capaldi once again delivered a great performance and I'm looking forward to seeing him next season. I cannot wait until the Christmas episode. The little scene at the end with Nick Frost as Santa Clause made me so excited for the Christmas episode.  Oh and this trailer today also amazing...

What did you think of the episode?  I know a lot of people are getting a little fed up with Moffat at this point, but I thought this season was actually one of his better seasons.  I'd love to know what you all thought.

ox Caitlin

Comfortable

It's been a while.  I've been super busy lately.  It feels like school is eating me alive and graduate school decisions have to be made sooner rather than later.  Today I came across this video and it made me think about how I view myself and my perceived flaws. It is easily to get bogged down by our flaws.  For example, I've always disliked my nose.  It curves slightly to the right and whenever I look at myself in photos I cannot help but zoom into that tiny flaw.  In reality I'm probably the only person who really notices/cares but it still matters.

The video shows the stark difference between how children and adults perceive themselves.  The piece shows how much we judge our bodies and our minds for things we cannot control.  It made me realize how much adults critique their bodies while children are much more accepting.

I think the greatest message to be gained here is that we are capable of loving ourselves.  If we could only grasp on to the carefree attitude of childhood we can regain our ability to appreciate every aspect of ourselves.

Let me know what you think of the video?  I hope it made you rethink your own perception just a little bit.

ox Caitlin

Think Positive!

I won't be the first to admit that sometimes I'm unhappy.  We all are at one point or another but now that I know everything is going to change within the next year I've been even more unsure.  I don't know what I want.  I have goals but there is no clear path to those goals and I feel like I'm bushwhacking through life right now.  

Today I came across this great video from Ellie and Jared.  If you are new to the family vlogging sphere of YouTube definitely check these guys out first because they are great!  They are such a fun loving little family. Anyway, they posted a great throw back Thursday video about creating your own happiness that I think we can all learn from.  It is so easy to get caught up in life.  

We are always busy, tired, angry, and sad that is sometimes seems so difficult to be happy.  However, I'm a firm believer and faking it until you make it.  Find one thing about your day that made you happy and go with that.  Force yourself to smile in the mirror every day.  Wake up in the morning and take a moment to be happy that the day can go any direction from that moment on.  You decide!

Totally check out Ellie and Jared's video it will make you feel so much better about your day!  They are great people with awesome advise. 

Ellie and Jared

What are some ways that you try to stay positive about life?  I usually try and write my feelings down.  It helps me plan out my life and makes me realize that in the whole scheme of things my life is not nearly as stressful as I make it out to be. 

ox Caitlin

Fall Fields

I thought I would show you some of my favorite fall pictures today.  I love where I go to school.  Even what It's raining it's still lovely here.  I will miss it so much next year.  I'm trying to take everything in.  Even the little things like the rain drenched leaves or the fields of soybeans.

What have you been up to today?

ox Caitlin

Songs of September

I thought I'd compile the songs that have gotten me through September and the beginning of the school year.  I've been listening to quite a bit of folksy songs recently.  I even made a new Spotify playlist specifically for that reason. Sorry if you aren't into indie folk songs.  Also I've found that many of the songs are slower, save a few exceptions.  They've just helped me relax as I walk through the turning leaves of fall.  Anyway enough rambling here are my favorite songs of September!

The Stable Song by Gregory Alan Isakov

I love this one! What makes this band so great are the lyrics.  They are so interesting and poetic.

Red Eye by Vance Joy

Vance Joy takes me back to my days in Australia.  This song is on their newly released album.  Definitely check it out!

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

People either love or hate Taylor Swift. I have to admit I was kind of indifferent for a while but now I've come to realize I actually enjoy her music.  You cannot deny that her music isn't catchy.  The music video is also super cute.  Every time I see Taylor Swift on television or in this music video I cannot help but realize that she actually seems like a funny and cute person.  She just always seems so happy and confident in her own quirky skin and I admire her for that.  

So those are some songs that have been on my September playlist.  What have you been listening to lately?  

ox Caitlin 

Life as a Woman

I feel like women are torn between two extremes these days.  On one hand the world tells us we should be perfect. We are bombarded by people and pictures telling us to wear the right clothes, right makeup, and the right sized body.  On the other hand we are told not to worry about being perfect. People tell us to embrace our imperfections.  While I completely embrace the second point, I think the messages together are all very confusing.  No matter how hard you try to love yourself there is always society telling you that you're not good enough.

I found a perfect video that embodies the feelings of a woman growing up. I in no way think that this embodies every aspect of a woman's life but I do think it deals with the issues women face in regards to their appearance.  It's cute, funny, and I think the message at the end is particularly important.  Women should try and help each other get through life so that every generation gets a little closer to accepting ourselves.

Hope you all have a great Monday!

ox Caitlin

Books I've been reading...for class

I haven't had a ton of time to read anything other than class related things but that's okay because I happen to be enjoying many of the books I've read.  Throughout high school I tended to dislike books read during class.  Many times I would skim entire books.  In college I've been trying to make a conscious effort to enjoy more of the books for class.  It's true they are often different from what I read for fun but there dis always time to gain information from what I'm reading.  Plus, knowing the reading helps you get so much more out of classes.

So here are a few of the books I've been reading for class that I've actually enjoyed this semester.

The Evolution of Desire by David M. Buss

Goodreads | Amazon

I'm reading this book for my biology seminar.  If you ignore the raunchy cover and get to the actual science within the book is pretty interesting.  If you are at all interested in evolution and human sexuality, this book would be a good place to start.  Buss gives a good overview of how and why human sexual preferences evolved while keeping the material easy to understand for those who have not studied science.

The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevky

Goodreads | Amazon

If you are looking for something a little creepy for around Holloween I would recommend reading The Double.  I would describe this as a twisted dark comedy with a sarcastic narrator and strange smiles.  The plot follows the life of Mr. Golyadkin, an awkward and slightly off person.  Things get more creepy when he finds his exact double has taken over his life and the reader is constantly questioning whether Golyadkin's troubles are real or all in his mind. 

 In fact if you are also looking for a psychological thriller for this season the movie adaptation looks great as well.  

Paradise Park by Allegra Goodman

Goodreads | Amazon

To be fair I have not finished Paradise Park but I can say that this book is already a great read.  It's a good story about growing up and following the path you want rather than what other's want you to do.  This is for a Religion class so she does find God and tries different paths to spirituality.  I will probably review this book once it is finished.  

I know reading for class is not always fun but you can definitely give them a chance.  They might become some of your favorites. What are some of your favorites you've read for a class?  

ox Caitlin