My January Stuff

So, as my post yesterday indicated, I've been doing all my favourite January things.  Watching TV, crocheting while listening to podcasts, reading, listening to tunes while I cook or bake...  Here's a rundown on what I'm "into" these days:

• Game of Thrones:  This show was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to subscribe to Crave.  I have been hearing about it for years, and I've been told so many times I would love it.  So Sunday morning, I subscribed and dove into the show right away.  I finished the first season last night (so yeah, I've watched a lot of GoT in the past few days), and I have to say... I'm underwhelmed so far.  Disappointingly so. I'm not giving up on it, but I'm really not sure this show is my gig.  I'm having a hard time keeping track of who is who, for one thing.  I have to keep googling to remind myself how certain characters are related, or how they're connected, or just who the hell they are.  Problem #2: Beheadings.  Stabbings.  Tongues being cut out.  Hearts being eaten.  I have realized in recent years that I don't handle blood well, and I don't  handle TV blood well either apparently.  I cannot eat while watching this show because there is SO much blood.  I have to hide my eyes.  Sometimes it happens so fast and without warning, I don't get a chance to hide my eyes.  I haaaate that.  I'm going to hang in there, though.  Too many people have promised me I'll love this show for me to give up on it yet.  I keep thinking if I stick with it, I'll get hooked yet.  Maybe Season 2 will finally grab me.  Can I hope for less gore?  We'll see.
• Crave in general: I was so excited to get Crave because there are quite a few shows available through that streaming service that aren't on Netflix or Amazon Prime.  I hate to say it, but again... I'm underwhelmed.  I had read several reviews online and many complained of a poor set-up and it not being very user-friendly.  I figured it was just people whining.  It isn't  I can't figure out how they haven't got a better set-up.  I can't see a list of episodes for each show, there is no description to read, and it only plays one episode and then stops.  I have to go back to the main frame and click on the show again to get the next episode to roll.  SUCH a pain in the ass.  It makes Netflix's occasional "Are you still there?" message seem like nothing to ever complain about.  And don't even get me started on "fast-forwarding" or "rewinding".  It takes FOR. EV. ERRRRRRRR.  Surely to God, if Netflix and Prime Video and all these other streaming services can figure it out, Crave can too?  Another disappointing aspect: When I signed up, I went with the basic package for $9.99/month instead of the special package with current HBO shows + movies for $19.99/month.  I was well aware of what was available to me by making that choice.  However, once I was subscribed and started adding to "My Cravings" list, all of these amazing recent movies appeared to be available.  I was stoked.  That first night, I excitedly settled in to watch "The Greatest Showman", only to discover when I clicked on it that it said "Upgrade to Watch".  These newer movies weren't actually available to me at all. I don't think content that is NOT  included in my package should pop up at all. I wasn't impressed.  So overall? Yeah.  Less than thrilled.  I'll keep it to watch these shows I've been wanting to see, but then I'll probably cut Crave loose.
• Someone Knows Something: As you might recall, back in November I got all tangled up in the first season of the CBC podcast "Someone Knows Something".  It was the first time I'd ever listened to a podcast, and I was doubly intrigued by the story of a boy who went missing in the '70's from a nearby town.  I didn't continue to other seasons because A) it was Christmas, I had so many movies and shows to watch, and B) I didn't think I'd care about other stories that weren't as local as the first season was.  Over the holidays and into the new year, I tried out a few other podcasts - Dirty John and a true crime podcast a friend recommended, but I didn't love them the way I loved Someone Knows Something.  So last week, I decided to give Season 2 a try, and yet again, I'm hooked.  This season revolves around a girl named Sheryl Sheppard from Hamilton, ON 19 years ago.  Nothing I enjoy more than coming home from work and spending an hour crocheting and listening to SKS before supper time.
• Call the Midwife Blanket: I kind of lost my cro-jo over the Christmas holidays.  You would think it would have been prime downtime to start working on the next project, but I just had no inspiration at all.  I finally picked up the hook again last week and started on a pattern I'd been wanting to try out for the "Call the Midwife" blanket.  I haven't actually watched the show, but viewers had spotted a sweet and dainty blanket in one scene and someone has created a pattern for it.  It's coming along nicely, and I'm glad to have my cro-jo back!
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King: Guys, the end is in sight!  I have a little over 100 pages to go, and for a book that has close to 900, that feels really close!!  I actually think I will be done before book club on Feb. 1st now, which at one time I thought would be a miracle.  As long as I get some quality reading time  this weekend - and I should - I'll get it done.  I can't wait to see how this behemoth of a story wraps up.  It has been quite a journey!!
• Music: So far in 2019, I've been all about Dolly Parton, the Pistol Annies, and Lauren Daigle.  Girl Power, eh?  I didn't love the movie Dumplin', but I did love the Dolly music that came with it.  The soundtrack from the film, and an album I downloaded of essential Dolly, have been played a lot in my home over the past month.  I also have really been enjoying the Pistol Annies and Lauren Daigle albums I have downloaded recently.  Great great tunes. Perfect to listen to while I putter in the kitchen!

So that's what I've got going on this January!  What are you watching/reading/listening to/working on to keep yourself busy during these cold winter months??