Halloween... and doing nothing

Today is Halloween and I would love to say that I'm trick or treating and having fun dressing up and actually being sociable. And to some extent, I am: I've eaten quite a few chocolates, I've been absolutely exhausted this past week which has turned me into a zombie and it counts being sociable when I'm writing a blog while I'm sitting by myself... right?

Okay, it's Halloween and I'm doing nothing to acknowledge the fact, which is pretty upsetting because Halloween seems like one of the most genius ideas ever. I know that the origin of this particular celebration has nothing to do with what it has been turned into in the present day, but I'm all for embracing Halloween for what it is and keep on wishing that I could be a part of it. When I was in junior school I did go trick or treating with friends which was one of the highlighting events of the year because ever since I can remember, I have loved the idea of the supernatural. When I was little I really wanted to be a witch, in fact, when people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up- and lots of girls my age would say something like a hairdresser- I used to say I wanted to be a "viking-witch-healer" because I am weird. Why would I want to cut peoples' hair if I could have powers by carving on stones for gigantic warrior guys? 

Okay, I was a very weird five year old

I'm definitely going off topic (as I said, I'm utterly exhausted and my attention span, which is short at best, is even worse than normal), but the point I'm trying to get across is: I've always loved the idea of witches, vampires (OHMYGOSH! I love vampires- I think I have to write a separate post about that- not Twilight), spirits and so on. And because I'm such a nerd when it comes to the 'fantastical' and romantic gothic genre, I really wanted to write a post about something to do with that category, but I have so many ideas that I couldn't even think of just one and ended up unable to write anything at all. Sorry about that. But instead, I found this really interesting Ted Talk about the legend of vampires around the world- it is a cartoon and really short, but it is actually quite informative:

And maybe next year I might actually do something for Halloween. I guess that can be my next years resolution. But in the meantime, Happy Halloween to all of you who celebrate it! 

Things people should not do on public transport

I, amongst many other people, catch some form of public transport every day. I catch the bus to and from uni, and I catch the train to work. And it has come to my attention that there are two types of people who catch the train/ bus/ tram: those who respect the other passages, and those who absolutely do not. The latter group of people are the ones who really annoy me, and I'm not saying I'm perfect (I'm far from), but when it comes to etiquette on public transport, I think I am pretty good, which is why I thought I should state some things that people should not do on public transport:

just... no

1. Do not block the doors- there are people who, even if it isn't a crowded bus/ train- stand right in front of the doors. I understand if it is really crowded and there isn't any other place for them to stand, but seriously, people need to use those doors

2. Do not take off or change your shoes- the other day I was sitting down on the train and this lady sits down next to me, takes off her shoes (runners) which unleashed this horrible sweaty foot odour which forced me into breathing as little as possible, and then she changed her shoes, in the meantime putting her older shoes beside her and me on the seat. I just think this is disgusting



3. Do not play music out loud- there is such a thing as headphones, and I think on public transport, when listening to music, people really should use them. The other day, I was on the train and this guy was playing his music loudly through his phone (without headphones) and it was the most disgusting music I have ever heard in all of my life. I am not a music snob, but when I say disgusting, I mean that it was basically a stream of swear words in aggressive rap, which not only is inappropriate (especially as there were young children on the carriage too), but also, it was incredibly sexist and disrespectful to women. And this guy played this same song over and over again. And there was nothing I could do, because he was either
a) so angry at that moment, which lead him into listening to such an aggressive song- so he wasn't in the best of moods or
b) he always listens to that song and is always aggressive too

4. Don't make out- one of the most awkward scenarios on public transport is when it is a crowded train or bus and the two people sitting next to you start making out as if they are all alone and as if I wasn't pressed up beside them. I think it is great that those people are in a happy relationship, but I don't remember being part of this relationship, so please don't kiss when I am unfortunately pushed up against you, because everyone is all cramped in this now very small space. It is a hell uncomfortable. This is also something that people shouldn't do when waiting in a line either, because sometimes people behind are impatient and think that to speed up the process of whatever they are lining up for, they push the people in front of them, making a person to stumble into a couple.

This actually sums it up perfectly

So those are a few things that I think should not be done on public transport. I'm sure there are many more, but I think those are my major pet peeves in that area.

Que sera sera

Firstly, I just want to make a very important announcement: my hair looked absolutely incredible today. You know sometimes you just wake up and have those really good hair days? Well, today my hair was like a pantene commercial... and there was no one around to see it. So that's why I'm literally telling the world, because I don't think my hair is going to look this good again.  Anyway...

This time last year I was completing my last year of high school with the end of year exams only a couple of days away. That is also when you reach a point of complete indifference about it all, because the thought of having to open another text book just makes you want to go to bed and just sleep or read something that is more leisurely instead, and your ultimate dream is just to suddenly find yourself transported to a few weeks time when you have finished with school completely.

Don't get me wrong, I did like school, but twelve years is an awful long time to be subjected to that very structured and quite limiting environment. Well, for me I thought so and I welcomed change as much as I welcome a lovely warm cup of tea on a really cold day. The point of saying this (even though it isn't coming out exactly motivational) is that if you are in this 'exam-frenzy' situation, it is okay to feel fed up with it, because I think that 99.99% of students feel the exact same and at the end of the day, you will most likely do a lot better than you thought you initially had.

For anyone who is doing exams at the moment, my personal advice (other than: it is okay to eat Tim Tams to put that lovely smile back on your beautiful face) is that "Que sera sera (Whatever will be, will be)". Sung by Doris Day in Hitchcock's film 'The man who knew too much' in 1956, this particular line has become my life's mantra. Whenever things get out of hand and I have no control over a certain situation (like stressing over the outcome of an exam) I take a step back and take a deep breath and think "que sera sera" and feel better. Obviously in life we should always work to the best of our ability and not cut ourselves short, but it is always important to remember that if something doesn't go according to plan, the world isn't going to end and quite possibly, a better option will come around.

"Que sera, sera

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours to see

Que sera, sera"

Good luck to anyone who has exams/ essays/ assignments coming up

If I stay

Having recently been released in cinemas, I decided to read the book 'If I stay' by Gayle Forman, which I enjoyed reading. Despite the serious themes within this short novel, it is an easy accessible read. Written through the point of view of seventeen year old Mia in the aftermath of a traumatic car accident that leaves her family dead and her in a coma,  she is conveying what is happening through an out of body experience.

Mia had been living a good and happy life, with her love and talent for the cello leading her to an opportunity at a prestigious music college, having loving parents and family and a wonderful boyfriend... until one icy day that changes everything. She now has a decision to make: whether to stay or go; to wake up from her coma or join her parents in whatever comes next. The story switches backwards and forwards between the present and flashbacks of the past, which allows for the reader to learn about Mia's sense of belonging in her world. I enjoyed this technique, as the past events seem to link well with the reflections that Mia is making when she is at the hospital, also as it provided for more character development.

The present tense of the novel is only set in the space of twenty-four hours- the text itself isn't divided into chapters, but rather into the passing of time spent in her coma at the hospital. During these moments in the hospital, the reader witnesses alongside Mia, the different people in her life, most of them willing her to stay. Some of these moments are incredibly touching, for example, a particular scene was when her grandfather speaks to her saying it is alright if she chooses to let go. I got teary at that, because it is written with so much understanding and compassion, that you really admire Forman's writing style. I was also incredibly moved towards the very end of the book, when her boyfriend Adam returns. I'm not going to say too much, because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who is planning to read it.

I wish I have seen the movie to compare the two, but I haven't. But it will be interesting to see how the directer turned the book structure into something cinematic.

7/10

I shall be going to the ball

I am so proud of myself right now, because for one of the first times, I have completed an entire essay a week before it is due and did not leave it until the night before. I know this isn't very impressive as there are so many people who actually are productive, but this is a big deal for me and because of this, I was in an amazing mood the entire day.

How did I manage to go out of my 'procrastinator-like' character? you may ask.
Well, for the simple reason that I have been an absolute hermit for the past... I don't know, but an awful long time. I've declined to going out so many times these last few weeks because I've had so much homework to do. But I'm now so sick of saying no to invites, and the other day I was invited to another party for this coming weekend. At that point in time I had two essays, a folio and assignment and an exam looming (if this was a fairytale, these are the equivalent to the ugly step sisters in Cinderella). But the two essays are due next week and on the same day and I hadn't started on either.

So I was like: "RIGHT! I am going to start and finish one of these essays tonight, and if I don't, I'm not going to go to the party (ball)."

As soon as I got home I started work on it, had an hour break for dinner and then for the rest of the evening I got down to business, and literally when the clock struck midnight... I finished the essay. So I shall be going to the ball!

So for anyone who is in the same situation as me, with an overload of essays, projects, exams, etc:
The best way to get stuff done is to set a goal, and have a reward at the end of it. Because right now, I'm feeling like this pumpkin... (I know that is a strange comparison, but just bear with me on this)

I wish I was a punk rocker

I've had so many problems with technology  and on numerous occasions it has been agreed by many of my friends and family that I have been born in the wrong time. I should have been born a few decades earlier, back to a time where blackberry and apple were still just fruit and hard copies of books and documents existed. I had another "one in a thousand" issue with something online a few days ago regarding my enrolment at uni, which is just typical, and this led to me feeling a tiny bit sorry for myself, as I was thinking "why!?!"

(I'm not overdramatic at all... um)

 And like I always tend to do, I started looking for the perfect song to express how I felt, and came across a song that I loved when it first came out and have now officially adopted as my personal anthem. Ant that song is Sandi Thom's "I wish I was a punk rocker" because: oh. my. gosh. it is so true! So enjoy, because I think it is one of the best pop songs from that decade and maybe it will bring you back to eight years ago and you can reminisce a bit about the past, just like I am right now.

The go-to book for quotes

Undoubtably, the "go-to" book for quotes is the universally loved book 'Winnie the Pooh' by A.A. Milne. Before you think I am crazy for choosing a child's book, I would like to point out that this isn't just any kid's book... it's 'Winnie the Pooh' and I think that just says it all. Yes it is a book that you probably had when you were two, but when you are two, that is when you learn some of the most important lessons in your life, and some of those lessons, like friendship, love and courage and being true to yourself can be found in most children's books. 'Winnie the Pooh' is one of the most loveable characters to have ever been written, and I don't say that lightly- he is kind, caring, clumsy and you know that whenever you need cheering up, his words are really words of such wisdom and love.

In the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh and his friends have taught us how to love each other and now that we are older, sometimes it feels like the world needs to love a bit more. The friendship between each of the characters are so beautiful, so I want to bring 'Winnie the Pooh' and A.A. Milne's amazingness into the spotlight. So if you feel down and need some cheering up, here are some quotes that can bring a smile to your face again and make you feel better about yourself. If you are feeling lost and confused, you are not alone, because Pooh is there to put everything into perspective again and make you realise that everything is okay. And if you have an absolutely incredible friend and you can't find the right words to say how much you love them and appreciate them, here are some quotes that perfectly sum up what friendship is all about:

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” 

“I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time.” 

“What day is it?"
"It's today," squeaked Piglet. 

"My favourite day," said Pooh.” 

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”

“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” 

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?”

“My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.” 

“If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” 

“How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet
"You don't spell it. You feel it." - Pooh”

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” 

“A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference.”

September- October readings

I haven't updated my reading reviews for around a month, my last one being 'From Page to Screen: Divergent"  And since then, I have read quite a few books. One of which is the second book of Veronica Roth's series, 'Insurgent:'
I thought it was a gripping read. I personally prefer the first book, enjoying the process of the initiation and the tests that Tris had to face, whereas this book has extended to outside the Dauntless compound and is about the whole of society living in revolt and unrest. The storyline is unpredictable, which is fantastic as you can't put the book down because you really want to know what is going to happen. There are twists and turns in the plot with so many surprises along the way. Tris is recovering from the traumatic events that occurred in 'Divergent' which I won't go into in case you haven't read the first book, but Roth's writing is engaging and you really get to understand Tris's mentality and see her situation through her eyes. Anyone who loves dystopian novels would love the series, and even though I am not as much of a big fan of this genre, I loved reading both of the books and am looking forward to reading the last instalment, 'Allegiant.' 


8/10

The Maze Runner:
I heard a lot about James Dashner's first book in the series, probably because of the movie that just came out. I was originally thinking of reading the book then watching the movie and then compare, however, because I just bought my iPod after saving up for a few months, I didn't get to see the movie, which I am interested in seeing so I'll wait until I can borrow it from the library. But in the meantime, I think I was so enthusiastic about the 'Divergent' series, that I thought I had entered a dystopian novel phase, but turns out I was wrong, because I didn't really enjoy 'The Maze Runner.' I think the book is well written and the concept is intriguing and I can appreciate it for what it is, however I just don't think it was the kind of book for me.The protagonist, Thomas, wakes up in this place called the Glade, with no memory of who he is or why he has woken up in this place that is home to boys who woke up the same as him. Surrounding the Glade is a maze, where 'runners' try to map out each day to find a way out before the doors close for the night.


Outside in the maze are horrific creatures called Grievers that can inject you that causes you to go through 'the change,' which means that the victim remembers snippets of their life before waking up. Thomas is different from the others, but we don't know why, and things start to change in the maze when he shows up, for one thing, a girl appears...

6/10

Last Sacrifice
I have now completed the entire 'Vampire Academy' series, reading the final book, 'Last Sacrifice' in three days because I just couldn't put it down (it has 594 pages). The previous book finished on a cliff hanger, so as soon as the next book came in, I started reading and I didn't stop. It is always sad when you finish reading a series that you have really loved, but it is also such a satisfying feeling. I was not disappointed with the proceedings of the novel and I certainly thought it was a good way of concluding the story. I don't want to say too much, but just encourage urban-fantasy-romance lovers to read Richelle Mead's series if you haven't done so, because it is an enjoyable, easy read with so much action and interaction with loveable characters.

9/10


Breakable
One of my favourite novels is 'Easy' by Tammara Webber. I love it so much because it is so intense and the relationship and interaction, which is so fragile, between the two main characters is just a beautiful thing to read. 'Easy' and it's companion book 'Breakable' are romance novels, that is about the same events, however 'Easy' is written through the eyes of Jacqueline, whose long term boyfriend has broken up with her even after following him to the same university to study, which results to her failing one of her classes, where she seeks the help via email from the student tutor, Landon. Amongst this, she gets assaulted by another student, but she is saved just in time by the dark and mysterious Lucas, and from that a relationship forms. 'Breakable' is written in Lucus's point of view of the same events while also having flash backs of his past, which allows the reader to understand how he got to where he was when meeting Jacqueline. I loved 'Breakable' so much! Both are just such a pleasure to read.

9/10

Life in outer space
It is always exciting reading a book set in your own city, especially when the book is exceptionally cute. Yes, it is stereotypical, about a nerdy guy who is used to his nerd-like routine until the new 'dream-like' girl comes to his high school and befriends his entire friendship group and he grows feelings towards her. They become such close friends: sharing movies, video-games, music and never running out of things to talk about; it is a book about friendship of the most beautiful kind. There are moments when reading this book when you are so overwhelmed by the utter cuteness, that your eyes do fill up a bit with happy tears. It is a nice book to allow you take a break from studying and just relax into the storyline, perfect for this time of year (if you are in the southern hemisphere) when the uni work load is taking it's toll.

8/10


Eleanor and Park
Another book that has such cute moments, is Rainbow Rowell's novel 'Eleanor and Park.' One of my wonderful friends told me about this book and let me borrow her copy because she said it was a must read, and I'm so glad I did, because I enjoyed every minute of reading it, and there were times when I had to message her saying which part I was up to and how beautiful that scene was. After finishing the book, we met up and had a full on discussion about this novel, and we agreed that Rowell's writing is so realistic, that you can really believe the relationship between the two protagonists. Written in the third person, the point of view switches back and forth from the girl, Eleanor and the boy, Park. Eleanor is the new girl at school with the frizzy red hair, and by chance,  sits next to the comic-reading Park, on the bus. They don't talk, but when Park notices Eleanor reading over his shoulder, he opens up his comic so she can read too (so cute!) and it goes from there. Eleanor doesn't have an easy life and Park is willing to be there for her and I just couldn't stop reading.

8/10  

Froot

I am extremely excited because my favourite singer, Marina and the Diamonds has just released a new song! It came out on the 10th October to celebrate her birthday, so it's like her giving a birthday present to the whole world. I can't even contain this excitement because it has been two years since her last album 'Electra Heart' came out (which is an incredible album and completely faultless in my opinion) I wasn't disappointed. Her new song is called 'Froot' and it is quite electronic at the beginning, but her voice is spectacular and the lyrics spark vivid imagery and is up to her always sensational poetic standard.

I do acknowledge that I am incredibly bias because I absolutely love her work so much, but I'm sure many people would probably not like this song or Marina's unique style, which can be described as new wave, electro-pop. However (okay, I'm going to sound really corny with this pun), this song is like a delicious piece of 'froot' that is a teaser for what the whole bowl will be like when the new album is going to come out. I don't know when an album is coming out, but I can't wait when it does.
But in the meantime, here is 'Froot:'

The Skeleton Twins

I recently saw the new released movie 'The Skeleton Twins' with a few friends. I had watched the trailer previously, and I don't know why, but I just automatically assumed that it was going to be a romantic comedy... I was very much mistaken. Granted, there was humour in the story and some funny scenes, but with the movie opening with the two twins Maggie and Milo (played by Kristen Wigg and Bill Hader) simultaneously attempting to commit suicide, I realised that this was going to be much more intense than what I initially expected.

This action at the beginning of the movie was the mediator in the two characters to reunite again, after ten years of not speaking. The movie accounts the lives of the 'Skeleton twins' when they are together again, showing the personal issues that they each individually face, like depression, unemployment, starting a family, relationships of the present and past, as well as providing flash backs of their childhood and discovering the hardships that they faced together as children and how it impacts them now.

I was really impressed with the quality of acting- as I said, it was a really intense and the script was incredibly real- the characters and events were believable and the movie has quite rightly won the Screenwriting award: US Dramatic at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film makes you laugh as well as want to cry, which demonstrates the ups and downs that one faces in life; it was complex and thoroughly written. My favourite scenes were the light hearted ones, for example when Milo is trying to cheer up Maggie by lip singing and dancing, which she joins in. It is a beautiful scene that makes you cheer up alongside her, even though their is a dark undertone, it provides a break from the troubles that are happening.

Powerful, moving, touching, confronting... 'The Skeleton Twins' is worth watching.

Chess

Last week I saw one of my friends performing in the musical 'Chess.' I didn't know that much about it, only that it had something to do with chess (I think the name was a bit of a give away) and the music was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus who were the guys in ABBA. But other than that, I didn't know what the story was about or what any of the songs were. In summary, it is set during the period of the Cold War and about the World Chess Championship between an American and a Soviet, who not only are fighting over the game of chess, but also a woman. It was quite political, which I hadn't been expecting, but it was thoroughly entertaining and really interesting. The performance was quality, and similar to 'Les Miserables,' it was sung the entire time.  I was also really impressed with the lighting, which captured the mood and events perfectly.

Having not known any of the songs, I had no particular one that I was looking forward to hearing. So hearing them for the first time, I really enjoyed many of the songs and when I got home, I looked up the song list and tried to identify some of my favourites, which included: 'The Arbiter', 'Nobody's side' and 'I know him so well.' The last two of these are so beautiful and sad.

But for today, I really loved the number 'Where I want to be' which is sung by the Soviet chess champion's character. The lyrics are soulful and passionate, and the music is quite eerie, reminding me a bit of a circus, which I thought added some more character to the song and creating a mysterious atmosphere.

World Smile Day

Today was 'World Smile Day' so I wish you all an absolutely wonderful day and that you have a massive smile!

I was lucky enough to spend the day with one of my all time favourite person in the world who always makes me smile. We started the day with scones for lunch, then sharing a tub of coconut milk ice-cream which was delicious (and so easy to get through the entire tub in under ten minutes) in the park. The day was sunny and perfect temperature, and we laughed for ages, dancing around and I almost fell asleep several times when lying in the grass, while putting flowers in our hair and making wishes from these 'wish-plants' that I don't actually know the name of:

It was a spectacular day and I loved every second of it- a great way to spend 'World Smile Day.'

To spread a smile across everyone's face, here are a few images/ quotes that are positive and make you feel happy and to help realise just how wonderful every single one of you are:

(This is my reasoning)

Happy 'World Smile Day' everyone!!!!!