Enumerated Update

Happy Friday, friends!

We are ready for a relaxing weekend to be topped off by the series finale of Downton Abbey. To demonstrate how sad I am to see the season end, I have refrained from purchasing season six on iTunes, which would have allowed me to watch the conclusion weeks ago. Allegedly there are already talks of a reunion movie, but those things 1) are rarely accurate and 2) never translate appropriately to the big screen.

In the meantime, here is where we are:

1) Dowager Countess: How will we get by without the Dowager's wit? See her best lines here.

2) Related: Did you happen to catch Dame Maggie Smith on Fresh Air? Her acting career began in 1952! I cannot imagine watching this series without her significant contributions. The plot lines involving Violet and Isobel are usually the most substantive, whereas the ongoing sibling rivalry and the many trials/tribulations of Mr./Mrs. Bates have become predictable and formulaic (and, IMHO, are attributable to the falling off of ratings).

3) Oscars: I have been meaning to mention the Oscars all week, and admittedly, only watched to see Leonardo DiCaprio finally win. Also, how adorable is the 20 year friendship he has with Kate Winslet, dating back to Titanic?

Speaking of, do you agree with Kate's assessment that Rose could have saved Jack?

4) Make time to read: I could just say, "Make time for more focused activity." Do you wonder why multi-tasking is so taxing? Perhaps you've thought about why you're tired after an hour (where did the time go?!) of social media and/or other informational searching? The Harvard Business Review explains why surfing the web is more tiring than reading.

5) The vote: We are about halfway through the nomination process. How are your nerves holding up? Are you ready for the the conventions and then the big push for the final vote? Here is the track schedule for the remaining activity.  Every vote counts so do your homework, pick carefully and be sure to vote.

Have a wonderful weekend. When we meet back up on Monday, I'll be despondent about the finale of Downton and will need cheering up.