New Year, New Post..

Hi there,

I'm pretty sure nobody will read this, but I thought I'd give it a bash anyway. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in myself for not updating this site for SO long. I am a terrible person! I'd partly blame my lack of time though, due to a crazy busy few years at work as well as making the most of my free time in the Big Smoke when I'm not working.

For those who have read this from the beginning, you'll know I wanted to give myself things to complete outside of the workplace, as it was all consuming and making me generally miserable. While my current job can sometimes overshadow my personal life, I'm making a conscious decision to ensure I make the most of the times it doesnt.

With that said, I thought I'd update on my completed list items since I last posted..

2) Visit Iceland / Look for the Northern Lights - Complete!

Since the last time I wrote here, I met a nice young man who also had the idea of heading to see the lights. So much so, that when his friend returned to live there having had enough of London, he made the vow to visit for New Years Eve. Turns out that nice young man kind of likes me, so invited me to join him and a group of current/new friends to head to Reykjavik... and we found the lights!

The Northern Lights!

Me and the man at the National Park

7) Watch all 50 Movies on Film4's List - getting there!
Since my last update, I've watched the following films from the list:
15) Pulp Fiction
27) The Breakfast Club

This leaves me with 18 films left to see, I may have to rope in the boy to help cover my eyes on the gory ones...

17) Read 50 books - almost done!
I've now completed the following books (I've included the ones from last update also)..

26) 50 Shades of Grey trilogy (counting as one as they are so badly written!)
27) The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
28) Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
29) Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
30) The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
31) One Day - David Nichols
32) The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
33) Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
34) Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn
35) Dark Places - Gillian Flynn
36) Horns - Joe Hill
37) Into the Darkest Corner - Elizabeth Haynes
38) Is it Just Me? - Miranda Hart
39) Let the Right One In - John Ajvide Lindqvist
40) Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
41) This Book Will Save Your Life - A.M Homes
42) This is Where I Leave You - Jonathan Tropper
43) This One is Mine - Maria Semple
44) Where'd You Go, Bernadette? - Maria Semple
45) The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
46) Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman


4 books to go... easy peasy! I already have a few lined up, so watch this space...

Long time no see..

Missed me?

I have again been absolutely useless at updating this blog.. it's been a while! In my defence, I have been up to quite a lot.. including:

• Going to Venice Film Festival
• Properly learnt to ride a bike (in Venice.. oh yes!)
• Turning 26
• Going on various online dates (again, I know.. nothing good to report, other than I have caused no 'spark' with anyone yet)
• Going to the Dark Knight Rises premiere
• Going to see Ed Sheeran live (don't judge, he was really good)
• Seeing some pretty cool exhibits at museums in London
• Seeing Shakespeare at the Globe again (see Number 26)

Following my last book post, I've also read the following books:

• 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy - Badly written porn, basically.
• The Hunger Games Trilogy - Actually brilliant, would highly recommend.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower - As above, such a good book.
• One Day - Ruined by people telling me how it was going to end, but otherwise brilliant.

I have also started reading 'Money' by Martin Amos, and have ticked a couple more things off my list..

8) Work at a live entertainment show / 22) Take part in a charity event

On Friday I managed to kill two birds with one stone, so to say.. 

I took part in a charity event, at the same time as working at a live entertainment show, by spending the day working with the team at Stand Up To Cancer for Channel 4... and what a day/evening it was!

My day involved helping with the studio rehearsals and standing in on Alan Carr's Chatty Man and then helping look after the contributors / celebrities whilst the show ran live on Channel 4. It was a great event, and for an extremely important cause, so I'm really glad I had the chance to be part of it.

So far the total raised is over £6million, but if you haven't donated you really should at: http://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/donate

Coming up on my list I'm hoping to do the following:

• 4) Attend a convention (Comic Con)
• 24) Help in a soup/charity kitchen

I also know how dull this entry is, so I promise that my next one will be a bit more exciting.. !! 

 

Book Update (Again!)

So far I've read the following 25 books from the WH Smith '50 Books to read before you die...'

1) The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R Tolkien

2) 1984 - George Orwell

3) Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

4) Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

5) Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

6) Hamlet - William Shakespeare

7) The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

8) The Diary of Anne Frank - Anne Frank

9) The Bible

10) The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer

11) Ulysses - James Joyce

12) Harry Potter Series - J. K Rowling

13) Moby Dick - Herman Melville

14) The Wind in The Willows - Kenneth Grahame

15) Alices Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Caroll

16) On the Road - Jack Kerouac

17) The Colour Purple - Alice Walker

18) Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

19) Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift

20) A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

21) Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe

22) Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

23) Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

24) The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

25) The Lord of the Flies - William Goulding

But as I've reached the halfway point, I've decided that I'm no longer doing this list because I want to.. it feels like more of a chore. Plus I do not intend to die at 30 (or anytime before mind you!) ..

So here's the new update.. I will still read 50 books before I'm 30 (4 years to go..) but the final 25 will be books of my choice.. I may count trilogies as one if they're easy readers.

So watch this space for my next titles...

Lucy does Latitude 2012 (Number 14)

 

It's only taken me 25 years (Ok, I wouldn't have attended a festival as a baby, but you get my drift!) but it was most definitely worth the wait..

Three days of mud, music and fabulous company (in the form of the lovely Roly) .. did I mention the mud?

Highlights of the weekend included:

* Late night Musical Bingo in the woods... 90s music blaring out, glowsticks a plenty.. amazing!

* Seeing Bon Iver / Ben Howard and melting into a ball of musical joy.

* Seeing the multicoloured sheep.. some say cruel, I say adorable.

* Laughing in the comedy tent / in the arena / in our tent / in the mud (pretty much everywhere)

* Meeting Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar (ha, yes I am 25!)

* Having our hair done at the Evo Salon ... so good.

* Early morning tent eavesdropping:

Guy A: Mate, I've just done something stupid.
Guy B: What mate?
Guy A: Just had unprotected sex with some girl, do you think I've got HIV?
Guy B: Nah mate, probably just Chlamydia or something.
Guy A: Shit, half way through she told me she'd had a threesome with two Australian blokes.
Guy B: You should probably get checked out, mate.

* Making pretty bunting in the woods

* The sun finally rearing it's lovely head after two days of downpour..

Basically, I had a fabulous time and fully intend to attend again another year.. when it's hopefully slightly brighter and less damp!

23) Get back on a bike - check!

They say that learning to ride a bike is as easy as learning to ride a bike.. or at least you’d hope so.

Thirteen years ago tragedy struck when a four-eyed freckly faced teenager hurtled down a concrete hill on a mountain bike, only to be told half way down said hill that the brakes no longer worked. The result? A pair of shredded birthday trainers and a broken wrist. The cyclist? Me.

Thousands of Londoners cycle to work on a daily basis in order to beat the sardine commute on the tubes and buses. I am not one of them. I would rather rest in the armpit of a sweaty commuter than be squashed by a bus. However, having been told by my new boss that I will have to cycle to work on one of our trips later this year, I decided that it was time to bite the bullet and get back on a bike!

Thankfully, the lovely people at Cycle Confident have been my knights in shining armour (or bike helmets!) with a subsidised scheme in the Westminster* area, for people who have never ridden/fallen off/forgotten how to ride a bike. The aim of the scheme is to make sure that cyclists are safe on the roads of London and to try and reduce the number of injuries on the roads.

There are three levels of classes:
Level 1A: Complete Beginner – Balance, confidence, simple off road cycling (2 hours)
Level 1B: Signalling, breaks, gears and advance off road training (2 hours)
Level 2: On Road Training  (Half Day Course)

I started with Level One and I’m proud to say that I only fell off once! The instructor, Nick, was extremely supportive and good at building confidence in both myself and the other beginners. One girl in my class had never been on a bike and by the end of the two hours she was whizzing past me. Needless to say, I was impressed! Not having a bike is no excuse, as they are happy to provide you with a bike and helmet during the class.

So if the thought of getting on a bike sends shivers down your spine, take the plunge and sign up for a class. If I can do it, you can!

Oh, hello there..

Hello It has been a crazy few months, but I'm back again..

Thankfully, I am now no longer unemployed, having started a new job in April at a Film PR company... so far, so good. You may be pleased (or not bothered) to know that I've also been continuing with my list

14) Go to a music festival
Tickets almost booked.. hoping to go to Latitude in a few weeks time.. we shall see.

17) Book Update
I've finished Hamlet, and currently halfway through The Canterbury Tales.. reviews to follow.


21) Go to the Olympics

Tickets booked! I will be going to the Olympics on the 11th August.. I did, however go to the London Prepares Series just in case..

Date: Saturday 5th May 2012
Venue: Riverbank Arena, Olympic Park
Fixture: Men’s Hockey, Germany VS India
Days til the Olympics: 82 days

I had the exciting experience of visiting the Olympic Park for the first time. What a day! I won’t lie and tell you I’m a huge sports fanatic, but as the Olympics will be taking place an hour from my house in a few months time it would be rude not to pay the park a visit.

Anyone who knows me will vouch for the fact that I have serious navigational issues.Thankfully the people of 2012 were warned in advance and had lined the roads from the tube station with a bountiful supply of volunteers wearing pink foam fingers pointing in the right direction.

A warning for anyone who doesn’t like exercise… the park is HUGE. I think it’s a good ploy to get us all fit on our way to see the various events. After our epic walk to the Riverbank Arena, I purchased a rather large hotdog and made myself comfortable in my slightly damp seat (alas, there was no roof!).

What a game! I found myself rooting for the Germans (mainly due to the fact that I had found a picture of the star player in my programme and he was rather beautiful) but it was well played by both teams. Great atmosphere, great views of the pitch (even sat up in the Gods) and GREAT bottoms (forgive me, I can’t resist a man in Hockey shorts!).

Alas I did not score.. but the Germans did and won 2-1, bravo! If you haven’t got tickets, then it looks like they’ll be opening the park to show events on big screens and whatnot. I would highly recommend the experience not only for the eye candy, but because it’s not every day the Olympics turns up on your doorstep, is it?

23) Get back on a Bike
Lessons booked! In two hours from now, I will be getting back on a bike for the first time.. so watch this space. Hopefully I won't be typing one handed when I get back.. eek!

So there you have it.. I'm back in the game (so to say) .. and will update again soon x

I want to ride my bicycle..

Aloha,

As I'm still very much unemployed, I've had the chance to finish my book and watch a few more films on my list..

Wuthering Heights****

Sometimes you can't beat a classic. Having seen the various televised versions of Wuthering Heights, I was rather looking forward to reading the actual novel and I was far from disappointed.

The novel is full of romance, feuds, innocence, emotion and, dare I say, incest. There's a birth, a death or two and some cracking northern accents!

I really enjoy how Emily Bronte captures the raw emotion in her characters, and makes them real to the reader, unlike some modern day chick-flick stories which all seem to smile and make everything OK again.. not in this story.

A true classic, which I will no doubt read again one day. 4/5.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)**

"An estranged family of former child prodigies reunites when one of their member announces he has a terminal illness" - Imdb

I was a little disappointed with this film. It has a really great cast, but it was a bit to 'indie' for me to really get into.

I should probably have enjoyed the fact that it's about a largely dysfunctional family, but I felt that it was a bit too forced upon the audience. We're even privy to some more potential incest!

Don't have much more to say, it's a measly 2/5 from me.

All About Eve (1950)****

"An ingenue insinuates herself in to the company of an established by aging stage actress and her circle of theatre friends" - Imdb

I loved this film. It's a brilliant example of how something simple can be something great. Following the story of Eve, who wants to someday take to the stage, we step into the glamorous world of theatre.

With beautiful costume, hair and make up for the lead actresses, I was transported into a time before film overtook the world of theatre. It is a simple story of a girl trying to fulfill her dream, no matter what it takes. 4/5.

In other news..

I've been told to change one of the items on my list.. and as more than one person has told me to do so, I feel that I must oblige. The number is question is 23) Write something. Several people have told me that as I'm already writing this blog along with bits and bobs elsewhere that it's not really a big challenge to do before I'm 30. So instead, my new challenge is to get back on a bike!

To bring you up to speed with my lack of bike skills, this is how the story goes..

At 12, I finally learnt to ride a bike. Not just any bike, mind you. It was a beautiful little purple bike with stabilisers. Yes, I was a twelve year old with stabilisers! I was far from popular with the local kids in the area, so was over the moon when the most popular girl on my street said I could have a go on her bike, which ended in disaster.

Her bike was a much bigger version of mine, minus the stabilisers, and it wasn't until I was half way down the hill (a concrete one, at that) that she decided to inform me that the brakes did not work... This ended with shredded trainers and a broken wrist.

Did I also mention that this took place on my thirteenth birthday? Which happened to fall the week before term started.. meaning I spent most of it scrawling with my left hand. Talk about unlucky for some!

However, at 25 I now think I need to grow some non-literal balls and get back on a bike.. so watch this space!

Woooah we're halfway there...

Morning,

I've finally closed my Twitter page so I can concentrate on writing an update.. that site is far too addictive for someone like me.

So since last time we met I have:

- Completed my 3 weeks at Frank PR
- Attended a Benefit make up launch party with naked waiters
- Attended a Member's Club launch in Wimbledon with a lack of naked waiters
- Seen 'All New People' at the theatre
- Been baby bump shopping with Bethminda
- Created a fancy online CV and sent it to PR companies
- Been offered two interviews because of said CV (Click here to be dazzled)
- Officially deleted my online dating accounts
- Been to the Zoo and fallen in love with a baby Meerkat

Plus a lot of other random bits and bobs which I shan't mention at the moment. All in all a rather busy month, and a fun one at that. I've decided to really push trying something new, hence all of the CV madness. I think it's time to try it now, before I get too old/bitter/twisted or all of the above.

I'm 25, so have plenty of time to chop and change again. If women can't stick to one man, and vice versa, why do they have to stick to one career path?

Anyway, enough about my ever-changing life path. Here's a bit of a list update for you..

Since we last met, I've done quite well with my film list, with another five films in the bag, kerching. I've also made this fancy Pinterest page for all of the ones I've watched so far.. Click here to see it.

So here are the five films (in no particular order) ..

Walkabout (1970)**

"Two young children are stranded in the Australian outback and are forced to cope on their own. They meet an Aborigine on "walkabout": a ritualistic separation from his tribe" - Imdb

A very simple description of this film, but then there's not much more to say about it in my opinion. Oh wait, there is 'boobs'. Anyone with a crush on Jenny Agutter will be pleased to know that you get to see her completely starkers whilst galavanting in some water. Every straight man's dream, right?

I can't be too mean, because it is a rather lovely film, but I'm just not a huge fan of well to do children at the best of times. I went to private school as a teenager, and can imagine that if I sent some of my then-classmates out into the wilderness then they would not survive. Let alone make friends with an Aborigine. Kudos to Agutter though.

Bit dull, but heartwarming, with nice scenic shots. 2/5.

The Player (1992)***

"A studio executive is being blackmailed by a writer whose script he rejected but which one?" - Imdb

This film actually made me laugh at how cheesy it was. From the world's worst blackmail postcards, to an amazing drowning of a writer by the lead. It contains lots of in-house Hollywood jokes from the era, so a lot of them were lost on me, but the film is a hit back at tinseltown and the way it was (and probably still is) run.

Having worked in film, it was interesting to see how they showed the studios and the incestuous nature of the industry, particularly when the lead (Tim Robbins) begins a love affair with the widow of the write he's just killed.. Ok, so it's not that criminal in the industry, but it's not often that a woman/man will stick to one person throughout their film career..

A funny (for its time) and bizarre look at Hollywood. 3/5.

The Ipcress File (1965)****

"In London, a counter espionage agent deals with his own bureaucracy while investigating the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists" - Imdb

Michael Caine is one of my favourite actors, and I do like a bit of a spy film. Caine plays a British secret service agent who is assigned to find out who is brainwashing the country's top scientist. Cue lots of low lit office shots and dark alleyways. The film is like a working class version of Bond. It isn't full of lavish locations of Bond girls, but Michael does get his share of the ladies.

Favourite cheesy line:

Girl: Do you always wear your glasses?

Caine: Yes, except when I'm in bed

Sir Michael, you sly dog.. You can have a 4/5 for being splendid.

Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972)*

"In the 16th century, the ruthless and insane Aguirre leads a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado" - Imdb

I was bored, very bored, for the duration of this film. I know it's a classic and I should see it before I die, but I feel like that's a few hours of my life that I'll never get back.

My attention span can sometimes be that of a gnat, and this film was a prime example. I found myself desperate to read my book or check my Facebook. Then again, that could just be an indication of how times have changed for my generation. Back in 1972 there were less distractions in the comfort of your home.

It's just a bizarre film with funny looking people and subtitles. I'm sorry if I've just destroyed a little bit of some film-lover's soul by saying I don't like it, but it's only get 1/5 from me!

Sexy Beast (2000)***

"Brutal gangster Don Logan recruits "retired" safecracker Gal for one last job, but it goes badly for both of them" - Imdb

Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane. Need I say more?

The fact that the C word is used liberally makes me happy.. and I don't mean Christmas. There's something rather fabulous about gangsters shouting obscenities throughout a film. Although I'm not sure I'll ever get the image of a frazzled Ray Winstone out of my head for a while.. not as erotic as you may think.

I wouldn't say it's a laugh-out-loud type affair, or I didn't think so, but it is a rather splendid old gangster mashup. The cast are great, the acting is good and it's full of violence and old fashioned crime.

Maybe I just have a thing for bad boys, but this film gets my vote for being really rather good. 3/5.

So there you go.. another five down on my list.. and I've hit the half way mark. I wonder whether I'll hit jackpot with one of the remaining 25 ... guess you'll just have to watch this space..

All by myself...

Aloha,

So in the spirit of Valentine's I thought I'd write a blog entry. I'm currently sat in my PJs, eating pickled onions from the jar and watching Chinatown/Alien (two from the list, hurrah..) and talking to a couple of my single friends who are doing similar things in their flats (although probably with rom coms not old classics). Not quite as depressing as the Bridget scenario!


Today I sported my loveheart dress to embrace the love, but it did not find me the man of my dreams, alas. It was nice to see that romance isn't dead though, as half of the female staff at Frank PR received roses/chocolates/balloons and whatnot. Oh to be someone's better half on the biggest commercial day of the year! (NB: Working at Frank PR for three weeks experience, figured it would be a good chance to add to my CV whilst I'm not on a film.. and rather enjoying it!)

Back to Valentine's.. I've been thinking about romance lately, and settling down... I am so not ready for that yet. In the next six months, two of my friends are getting married which will give me a grand total of four married friends. This is fine because I get to celebrate their happiness and get free cake, which is never a bad thing! I can't even picture myself getting engaged, let alone married.. this could be down to the fact that I'm single, or just because I think I've got too many big ideas I worry I'll miss out on if I get too close to someone... how deep.

Anyway, with this in mind, I've decided that I want to travel. Properly. Next year. This means I'll hopefully be able to cross off number 3 (learn how to swim), 11 (visit Australia), 23 (write something - would write a travel blog), 29 (go up in a hot air balloon) and maybe even 30 (get a tattoo). All in one trip.. huzzah! I'm thinking of a six month type scenario on my own, across the world... so watch this space.

Anyhoo... this is what I thought of Chinatown / Alien...

Chinatown (1974)***

The film follows a private investigator who is hired to follow a woman's husband to see if he is having an affair. During this, he stumbles onto a scheme of murder as he realises that not everything is what it first seemed. The film features many elements of the film noir genre, including a multilayered story that is part mystery/party psychological drama.

It is a classic from it's decade and of the genre and was nominated for eleven Oscars amongst other awards. I love the costume design and the classic mystery element about the film. Can definitely see the Polanski effect on it, and the strange way in which he thinks.

I'll give it a 3/5 because of it's achievements, and because I do rather enjoy trying to solve a good mystery plot...!

Alien (1979)***

I would just like to say EWWWWWW.. I didn't really want to watch this when I saw it on the list, but had to be dutiful to it and pay the price. I can see why it's on the list, it was a huge success at the time and won several awards for it special effects amongst other things. I am not a huge fan of gore/horror so I'm not the best judge for a film like Alien... but if I was, I think I'd definitely enjoy it a lot more.

As a Trekkie though, I did like the scifi side of the film... including the ship and all the set dec, very cool. Wouldn't mind getting hold of a space suit either... and loved that the little cat thinks it is the ultimate match for the nasty alien.. good effort.

I'll give it 3/5 cause I'm not a gore fan, but I did like the acting and storyline.. I'm now quite intrigued by the latest Alien update, Prometheus. Maybe I'll have to take my cushion to the cinema to see it..!

So there we have it, my Valentine round up ... I'll hopefully be back soon to tell you some more updates from the list... xx

Happy New Year!

Hello there...

I realise it's been almost a month since I wrote on here... but I have been a busy bee, so think I can get away with it!

In the past month I have..

- Become a Canadian Citizen
- Attempted online dating (and have been royally humiliated)
- Celebrated Christmas
- Attended an Uncle's wedding
- Celebrated New Year
- Attended an Uncle's funeral (different one thankfully!)

... which is quite a mix!

As much I was dreading Christmas and New Year, because of personal reasons, I was pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of it. It was great to see family that I'd lost touch with, and to be able to stay up til the early hours talking nonsense with my eldest cousins for the first time in cousin history. I have also eaten far too much food, meaning I've had to be good and start eating healthy things as of this week. Let's see how long that lasts, aye?

Anyway.. I'm supposed to be writing my update for the month, which includes the following:

6) Get my Canadian Citizenship

I've done it!! I am now the proud Citizen of Canada (although I don't currently live there..) and I'm rather excited by this! I'm a girl who likes to have options in life... so this is a pretty big one! Yesterday I spoke with a friend of mine who moved to Vancouver a while ago, and has offered to lend me his spare room should I want to visit and see if I like the city. I am VERY tempted. But I fear if I go to soon I'll never finish this list.. and I will have failed you.. and myself. Watch this space though, I am in desperate need of a change at the moment so Canada might be just that.. eek.

Catch 22 - Joseph Heller***

Wow. What a long time it has taken me to finish this book.. oops. I think I started it at the beginning of last year, and thankfully finished it within the same year, just. The novel is set in World War II and follows Yossarian,

He is desperate to complete his quota of missions, so that he can leave the war behind, but various people up this quota every time he thinks he is close. Throughout the story he tries to find different ways of being sent home, one being to be admitted into hospital and declared insane. By the end of his story, I was certain he'd manage to get out somehow, but there is a rather ironic ending... I'll leave you to find that out for yourself.

I enjoyed parts of the book, but found the first half really hard to keep reading. The story didn't really keep me gripped enough to read it all in one go, so I read it in sections. Don't get me wrong; the book is full of irony and humour, which is entertaining, but I felt there were too many threads about different characters.

I think for anyone who is a fan of war novels or films would enjoy this book, but I'm afraid I'm not one of those people... It is well written though, so I'll give it 3/5.

1984 - George Orwell*****

I absolutely LOVED this book. Having read Animal Farm a few years ago, I was already an Orwell fan... and 1984 did not disappoint. It follows a central character, Winston, who lives in a version of England that is ruled by 'telescreens' and 'Big Brother' ... a clever insight into present day if you think that the book was actually published in 1949. It's incredible how well Orwell has captured our present day (or the future for the people of 1949).

I found the book hard to put down, and managed to read it in a day or so. It describes the emotionless world that Winston lives in and how he fights against Big Brother in his head, trying to keep hold of his human emotion. The book describes how his 'Thoughtcrime' leads him to meet people that feel the same as him.. or so he thinks.

I don't really want to tell you much about the plot, because it's one to read for yourself. The characters are easy to connect with and so you too will be hooked on 1984. A definite 5/5.

Manhunter (1986)**

I have never been, and probably never will be, a fan of the whole horror / gore genre. So I wasn't looking forward to lots of blood in Manhunter. This is the original version of Red Dragon, before Anthony Hopkins became the better known version of Hannibal Lecter.

The story follows on from the imprisonment of Hannibal Lecter. Another killer is on the hunt for female victims.. and succeeding. William, a member of the FBI, makes it his mission to find this killer before any more women are killed. He goes back to visit Hannibal to see if he can work out the mindset of the killer... but his plan backfires.

It's a good film, for its time, but it wouldn't really hold its place in present day. With remakes by the dozen, classic films get lost along the way. It doesn't help that now we're used to fancy VFX and realistic blood and guts, which makes films like Manhunter look rather student-esque. I'll give it 2/5 to be nice (ish).

Dawn of the Dead (1978)**

Having watched this original version of Dawn of the Dead, I can now see why Simon Pegg and his gang had so much fun making Sean of the Dead.

Back in the 70's this may have been a heart stopping, hide-behind-my-cushion type affair, but unfortunately I found it more humorous than scary... no need for my cushion!

It follows a group of people who are hiding in a deserted mall from thousands of zombies who want to bite them. The film is rather old, so I'll forgive it's poor quality effects and zombie 'prosthetics'. I guess I'm biased, having spent the majority of last year working on World War Z and being unable to eat my lunch in the catering hall as it was full of our modern day zombies... vile. I did chuckle whenever a zombie was shot though; everyone loves a blood squib!

Maybe I'd feel different if I wasn't sure a pathetic girl, but the film didn't really keep me entertained and I found it hard to concentrate on the 'storyline'. I'll probably get shot by one of my male friends for this.. but Dawn of the Dead gets a 2/5 from me.

So there we go... Citizenship sorted, two books read and two more films watched... ! Not bad for a few weeks' work, aye?

Until next time... x

Another one bites the duck ?

Bon soir!

I'm back again to declare that I've completed another one of the items on my list .. hurrah!

18) Go to a Michelin star restaurant

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be treated to a night out with the EPK/Publicity from Snow White and The Huntsman.. Little did I know that it would also tick off another item from my list..

We went to Hakkassan in Hanway Place (http://www.hakkasan.com/hanway-place/) for one of the most amazing meals I've ever eaten. It's a beautifully decorated restaurant in the basement of Hanway place, with romantic lighting and perfectly groomed waiters and waitresses... a place where you know you'll be treated like royalty, even if you're a common northerner like me..

I started with vegetable Dim Sum and anything else that was offered my way (we went a bit crazy with the starters menu..), followed with some incredible duck and rice ... and finished with a lovely coconut themed dessert! (Although I did get food envy when I saw what the others had.. much to their delight..).

I had a great night full of great food and great martinis... and did I mention the great company? ('Great' usage overload?)

If you ever get the chance to visit the restaurant (or beg your significant other to take you there) then I would highly recommend it. xx

Films, Films, Films..

Hello again ..

Don't be too shocked that I've posted another entry within six months of the last one.. I just happen to have a bit more time on my hands at the moment it seems :)

Since we last spoke, I've watched a further three films from my list...

Three Colours: Blue (1993)

The Three Colours Trilogy, directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski, are based on France's national motto.. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. 'Blue' is the first of the three themes, focusing on the life of Julie who loses her husband and daughter in a car accident. It is a dark and depressing film as a whole, as Julie hides herself away from the world and lives in solitude, away from people and life itself. The film is shot well (apart from the initial car crash, which is pretty appalling) with the theme of blue running throughout. Juliette Binoche plays the role superbly, and as a viewer you really feel for her as she deals with her loss. The use of music, as her husband was a famous composer, is powerful within the film. I can't say I came away from the film feeling good, but it is well shot, and well acted.. so would have to give it 4/5.

North By Northwest (1959)

North By Northwest follows a New York advertising bod (Cary Grant) as he is mistaken for a secret agent by a group of foreign spies. It's a classic old-school comedy with terrible 'fights' and the obvious love interest being a secret spy too... I can't say it's a barrel of laughs, but I can appreciate why it may have been fun back in 1959. Someone I spoke to about it said the film was more about the slick suit worn by Grant than the actual storyline.. and never have a seen a film with so many endings!! It was fun though, I'll give it a 3/5.

City of God (2002)

All I can say is EPIC. I don't think I've ever seen that many people get shot in one film before! One for those people who can sit through a whole film of subtitles and not switch off. Based on a true story it follows two boys from a violent neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Li'l Ze who grows to 'own' the city, killing any rival gangs that get in his way, and his best friend, Benny who tries to keep him on the good side of sanity (though I'm not sure how good he is at this!!). The narrator is Rocket, an aspiring photographer, who has watched the two friends across the years and wants no part in the violence, but somehow ends up part of it throughout. It shows the harsh world of drugs, gangs and violence... where you either kill, or get killed. A brilliant film with great performances.. and rather a lot of blood! A definite 5/5.

So I'm getting there...!! Have put the rest on my LoveFilm list and will try and track down the ones that I can't find on there...!!

I've also been told I need to watch 'Into The Wild' at some point... so have added that to the list too :)

xx

Frying Pans Get Everywhere..!x

Hello again ... told you I'd be back!

I hold my hands up to say how useless I have been at updating this blog in the past I don't know how long.. but I am here to amend this.. starting with a swanky new layout... hope you like it..

As I mentioned before, I've had a crazy few months working on 'World War Z' ... although I think my job has been the least of my worries having dealt with heartbreak and a my family life being flipped upside down. Then again, this isn't one of those blogs and last time I checked I'm not called Bridget!

So... Frying pans? I hear you cry..

A Night At The Opera (1935)

I am referring to the use of said appliance in 'A Night At The Opera' ... the latest film from my blog list. This 1935 classic has been hailed as one of the best Marx Brothers films in existence, and I have to say I rather enjoyed it... particularly the amusement of watching crazy characters wielding frying pans... (watch it and you'll understand). A smile inducing film, I can safely recommend this black and white gem to anyone who wants to feel nostalgic and remember how film used to be before VFX/SFX/CGI and any other letters you want to add.. A definite must-see now that we're in the colder months.. with a cup of tea and a pack of digestives to accompany it. It's a 5/5 from me.

Frying Pans seem to be a common theme in my film choices this week. In Disney's 'Tangled' Rapunzel carries her ever-useful pan to defend herself against any nasty things she may come across.. and having been bumped in the face with the aforementioned appliance, I can safely say the it is a worthy weapon (I was 8, and my father was trying to sell one at a car boot sale ... Walking behind him whilst he swung it around probably wasn't my most intelligent move at the time... !).

In other news... here's a few brief updates on my list..

10) Watch a match at Wimbledon

This year, I've finally managed to enter the ballot for tickets... so watch this space, bring on Wimbledon 2012..

11) Visit Australia

Dependent on work .. this might be happing in January, get a shrimp on the barbie, sheila! (Of course, they all say these things.. *ahem*)

14) Go to a music festival

Unfortunately due to WWZ taking over my life, this didn't happen in 2011.. fingers crossed for 2012!

17) Book List

I am reading two at once, which can be rather confusing, yet rewarding! Catch 22 and 1984 are my books of choice .... so watch this space readers ;)

22) Take Part in a charity event

Again, thanks to WWZ taking me off to Budapest, I missed my half marathon :( ... so on the look out for a new challenge to complete.. suggestions welcome?

23) Write something ..

Obviously I'm writing this blog.. but I've decided to write some form of book as well (which may one day be adapted into a script, if I feel inspired enough!). I've only managed 2000 words so far... but will definitely keep it up if I stay unemployed for months on end like last time...

I'm also working on the rest of my list, in the hope that I can complete a few things before the year is out, otherwise I will feel a bit of a failure... uh oh..

If anybody (if there are people that read this) can help with any of my list wishes... it would be AMAZING. I can repay you in tea and biscuits and northern cheer :)

Until next time ... x

I Promise I've Not Forgotten You...

I feel terrible... it's been five months since I've updated this blog... how bad of me!

I've been sucked into the world of WWZ ... which has taken me all over the place with the shoot.

However, the more I work, the more pennies I have to spend on completing my list.. holiday at the end? Yes please!

I'll come back and write a real update soon..

xxx

Drip, drip, drop, little April showers..

... I say showers, but it's been remarkably dry lately! Nice to see the sunshine finally after months of miserable weather.

As I am feeling lethargic and slightly hungover today, I thought I'd write a little list update .. exciting, I know!

So here's what I've been up to ...

1) Write for a Paper/Magazine

I know I've already ticked this off my list, but as I've written another article recently, I thought I'd share... enjoy.

5) Print all of my online photos and make real albums

.. I am on the hunt for some nice albums to put my photos in! I want the big chunky ones with plastic covering, so I can make them look fancy.. but no joy as of yet. Watch this space..

6) Get my Canadian Citizenship

.. Application has been filled in, photos taken, and all sent off. Slight hitch in the fact that my lovely father gave me the wrong version of his Birth Certificate, so I'm delayed in my application at the moment. Panic not readers, the correct form is on it's way! One that's been taken to the Commission it's fingers crossed that they process me asap...! ..

9) Visit every stop on the Bakerloo line and take pictures

I picked this line because it seems to have the most interesting stops... lots of historical whatnot. I've spoken to a friend of mine who has agreed to come along for the day and take some photos (I'll have my trusty iPhone camera personally!) .. we just have to pick a nice sunny day!

14) Go to a music festival

Looks like this could be happening this year... for my 25th Birthday! If I go to V it's the week before, but Reading is on my actual birthday weekend... so tempting! I am determined to go though .. (alas it depends on whether I a) have a job and b) can get the time off!)

17) Book List!

I've finished another one ... which means I've read 18/50 .. 32 to go. My most recent read has been 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. 4/5

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. Not only because I bought a 1p copy from Amazon, that someone had used for their exams and was full of annotations, but also because it's really well written. The story follows a young female socialite who slowly has a breakdown and is put into an asylum for treatment, and we live the emotional turmoil with her. Plath uses the rhetoric and metaphorical world to take us along the roller coaster that she lives through throughout her life. Having come across people with depression and mental insecurity before, it was easy to relate to her story which I think made it a lot more powerful to me as a reader. I would definitely recommend the book, but don't expect to feel great about life!

22) Take part in a charity event

After much deliberation about my stupid feet and ankles, I have decided to sign up to do a half marathon with a twist. I'll be walking the London 'Shine' walk for Cancer Research along with Beth in October. Nice people can sponsor us here.

So there you have it for now ... there are more updates to come, but I'll leave you with what you've read so far for now...

Hope you've all had a good weekend, back to the grindstone tomorrow!

xxx

List Updates ... x

So here we are again ...

I am currently unemployed, which in theory should mean I'm finishing books left, right and centre.. but apparently when I'm bored I have the attention span of a goldfish.

This means I've been a bit feeble when it comes to doing my list..!

I did mentioned back at the beginning of February that I've started to read Memoirs of a Geisha.. and I am happy to say that I finished it today!

Memoirs of a Geisha

I have to say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I think the reason it has taken me so long to read it is the sheer amount of description used by the author, and the fact that I wanted to make sure I was completely encompassed in the book with nothing to distract me from the writing.

It follows a young girl through her life as she meets different people that will help shape her life as a Geisha. It's a really moving story, full of emotion, that I found hard to put down when I had a spare moment to read it.

I didn't know much about the lives of Geisha before I read this, and I must say it has opened my eyes to their world. I particularly like how the author handles intimacy and sex within the book, as he shows how differently viewed it is by this culture.

I have to give this a 5/5 as anything less would be an injustice. I might have to watch the film soon, so I can see how well the Director manages to capture the story on a big screen.

The Apartment (1960)

What a lovely old romantic 'comedy' ... I can't really describe it as a comedy as it wasn't laugh out loud for me... but perhaps it was at the time of release.

Baxter gets promoted at work as he lets people use his apartment to meet up with their 'other women' without their wives finding out and as a cover for their real addresses.

This eventually becomes too much for him and he demands that they stop using his apartment, but not before his boss brings back the woman that Baxter has wanted from afar to his apartment .. on Christmas Eve! He then proceeds to break her heart and leave her alone to attempt suicide..

Baxter comes back to his apartment to find her, and nurses her back to health..

I won't tell you any more of the plot as it'll spoil the story, but it's a lovely tale of romance.. more so than comedy!

I will give it a 4/5 as it didn't quite go the way I'd have liked... but a great film nonetheless :)

So there you have it.. two more strikes on my book/film list...

I have just spent a whole 3p (I know, pushing the boat out!) on Hamlet, The Bell Jar, and Catch 22.. so looks like they will be next on the agenda.

I've also convinced a friend of mine, Beth, to write a list of her own to do before she's 35 and she's taken up the gauntlet... will keep you posted!

xx

The Oscars 2011

Hello all,

This is a bit of a non-blog related post.. just wanted to say a HUGE congratulations to Rick Baker and Dave/Lou Elsey who won an Oscar last night for their work on The Wolfman :)

I was part of their team for the film and so happy that they won... they even thanked everyone on their team in their later speech, which I thought was really nice of them.

Click HERE to see the Thank You speech. I'm there about two minutes in...

SO proud, and hopefully they'll win another one in the future, lovely people.

Congratulations also to John Midgley, who won for his sound work on Inception and Chris Corbould who won for VFX on Inception.. I have worked with both of them on different projects and they are very talented men indeed!

xx

The Ladykillers...

So in my time off, I have done plenty of things!

I have created wall art for my room, some nice new curtain ties... rearranged the rest of my room to make it a mini lounge.. and other such things!

I have also been keeping to my list, and looking into what to do next this year...

I have started reading Memoirs of a Geisha (which I will blog about once finished.. ) as part of my list of books to read.

Wow, so all of those sentences started with 'I have..', thought I better break the trend!

The Ladykillers (1955)

The Ladykillers (1955) was my latest viewing treat! I have to say I am always partial to a classic Ealing comedy... and this one does not disappoint! Not only do I love old ladies, but I also love the style of old comedy, which is almost slapstick...

A great film with lots of classic moments (which I won't mention and spoil for you..) that kept me chuckling for the mostpart of the film.

I'm not quite sure why they remade it a few years ago, the original could still stand alone... perhaps they just thought that the 'youth' of today (haha .. not that I'm much older..) wouldn't want to concentrate on something with actors they didn't recognise, which is madness as there are some amazing actors in this version.

Overall, the film gets a 5/5 from me.. definitely worth a watch!

As well as film watching, I've now managed to print all of my online photos and they are currently sitting in a box waiting to be put into albums. This part, however, has been put on hold as I am lacking severely in funds and think it's time to save the pennies for food until I have a job and can splash out on luxuries such as photo albums..!

For now, I shall go and read some more of Memoirs and decide which film from my list to watch next...

Au revoir xx

Hi Honey... I'm Home!x (Number 19!)

I'm finally back in The Big Smoke.... hello!

This time I at least have an excuse for a late entry ... I have been completing another item from my list... take a trip round America :) with a friend of mine, Kelly.

The trip was made up of three parts... New York, a road trip across the desert, and Los Angeles..

Part One - New York, New York!

We left on the 29th December from Heathrow Terminal 4 .. I think someone must have been on our side as we only had a few hours delay, unlike the people before us who had flights cancelled for days thanks to the snowfall.

We landed at JFK in the afternoon and headed to our first hotel, Hotel 99 at the top of New York which had a pretty cool room.. As you can see from the photo, we went exploring in the snow.. which ultimately ended up in the purchase of some wellies thanks to the amount of snow!

Day two meant moving down to the bottom of New York to the East Village, where we were staying in an apartment of a friend of a friend. It was a lovely studio apartment, which I could imagine myself living in if I ever moved to NYC.

Once we'd moved, we headed to Central Park to board our tour bus for every girl's idea of fun ... a Sex and the City tour! Three and a half hours of sex, swearing, men, chocolate and cocktails.. what could be better? Followed by dinner near the flat where we met two local New Yorkers who took us for drinks afterwards, perfect end to the day..

New Year's Eve was good fun... we spent it at the AMC Theatre in Times Square. VIP Red Carpet Access and met some really nice people from across the globe. We also may have slipped our numbers to the hot barmen.. haha. Lots of drinking and dancing, and some rather good chocolate brownie to eat!

New Year's day we moved down to the Meatpacking District to Hotel Jane, which is probably my favourite NYC hotel that we stayed in.. as it's decorated like the inside of a train. Look it up : www.thejanenyc.com .. it's definitely worth a visit. They also have a cafe/bar attached to it which is lovely, and all of the staff dress in french stripes, my favourite!

That evening, we walked along the high-line which is an elevated park in the district that gives you a different view of the city from above. I can imagine it's beautiful in the summer with flowers and grass, but was still pretty impressive in the snow. We ended the evening by drinking cocktails at The Boom Boom room at The Standard Hotel. Expensive, but definitely worth it as the bar offers a 360 degree view of the city at night.. just beautiful.

We spent the next morning moving hotels to The Empire, a four star hotel next to Central Park... which is amazing but with rather pretentious staff. The rest of the day we visited Times Square and the surrounding areas before meeting a friend of Kelly's, Cameron, for drinks. We discovered the joy of Shake Shack burgers, which are officially my favourite American Burger, before sniffing out an Irish pub for beverages before heading back to the hotel to sleep our last sleep in NYC...

Our last day in New York consisted of Tiffany's, Serendipity's signature Frozen Hot Chocolate and a walk around a frozen Central Park. A great ending to a great week in the Big Apple before heading to the airport to catch a plane to Phoenix... or so we thought..

Part One A ... Houston, we have a problem!

So thanks to a joyful drive to the airport full of traffic and hold ups.. we arrived at the airport 55 minutes before our flight to be told that we were 5 minutes too late and couldn't get on it. At first we thought it was an amusing joke, but in fact it was reality. This meant that our night was spent in JFK Terminal 4 as the next flight was a connecting one the next morning...!!

Part Two - Jump in my car!

Once we finally got to Phoenix, we picked up our Chrysler Sebring and headed to the hotel to finally get some sleep! It's amazing how well Kelly managed to drive after only 20 minutes of sleep in the airport, she did a lot better than I would've!

Our route took us from Phoenix, through the desert to Yuma then across to San Diego and up the coast to Los Angeles..

En route to Yuma we visited Goldfields, a little Gold mining town in the middle of the desert next to the Superstitious Mountains. It was a great day involving a visit in the mine, panning for gold, riding on the Goldfields steam train and defying gravity in the Mystery Shack. Our stomach also defied gravity when we ate the most awful food at the Saloon... not something to repeat!

Yuma's excursion was the Territorial Prison, which was also an interesting day out.. nothing like a piece of history to keep the brain cogs turning :) We drove from here so San Diego, ready to check into the Hard Rock Hotel!

Once we'd checked into the hotel, we had a lovely visit to Victoria's Secret for about two hours... oops! Many dollars later, and we left the shopping centre vowing to not spend any more...! Instead we went to drink rather powerful cocktails and eat various chicken related snacks at a bar in the centre, which was gooood!

Our second day in San Diego was great fun. Award winning pancakes in the morning, followed by a trip to Mission Beach and the Marina, followed by tipsiness at a local bar.. Next came a makeover at MAC, before having a true 27 Dresses evening. We started off by drinking locally, before going to see a live band at a little bar not far from our hotel. After the gig, we headed back to the hotel to get our glam on and go dancing in the VIP clubs followed by a late night/early morning burger at Mary Jane's Cafe... yum!

Part Three - Hollywood here we come!

After our bender in San Diego the night before, we made the most of our 12 o clock check out time and left at midday. It was a lovely scenic drive along the coast, with a stop at Crystal Cove (they filmed Beaches there don't you know!) and an amusing attempt to find petrol in the middle of hillbilly land..!!

We got to Los Angeles by dinnertime, by which point we'd eaten nothing really, so went to treat ourselves to dinner at Asia de Cuba at The Mondrian Hotel (which is where we stayed, courtesy of some lovely people on X-Men). A snip at $200 ... for two starters, one main, one dessert and a bottle of vino (and we shared.. ouch!) but definitely worth it.

The next day we wandered along the Sunset strip and had manicures/pedicures before heading to The Comedy Club, which is where many great comics have started their careers. Three hours later our stomachs reminded us that we'd not eaten, so we walked further up the strip to a lovely italian restaurant which served the BEST salad I've had in years... yum!

The following day we had a fabulous tour of LA, courtesy of my friend Suzanne. We visited Rodeo Drive, saw The Ivy, and saw some incredible houses in Beverly Hills / Bel Air. This was followed by a lovely dinner and a game of ice hockey between LA Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. We also met a group of crazy Canadians who sat behind us and bought us all drinks at the end of the game, result!

After the game we headed Chez Winther for a couple of days, during which we were taken for breakfast and had chance to look around Hollywood.. we saw the stars, toured the Chinese Theater, had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and ended our day watching Black Swan at the ArcLight Cinema. A most worthy choice to say we were in the land of film!

Wednesday marked our move to Santa Monica Pier where we visited Bubba's Shrimp House, walked along the Pier, rode the famous ferris wheel and sat on the beach for a little while... before hitting the famous 3rd Promenade shops..! What fun! This was followed by dinner at a sports bar, and dessert at a seafood restaurant on the seafront ... fabulous!

Thursday we moved to Venice Beach for our final leg of the trip. Two days in one of the most varied places I've been in LA... from street performers, to local stalls, to a whole load of stoned people. Never have I seen so much weed in my life... it's literally offered to you every few steps... there were definitely some characters to see/hear! We also tasted our first In and Out burger, of which Kelly was a convert, but I'm afraid I still prefer Shake Shack.. Sorry Americans everywhere!

The rest of our American trip was spent relaxing on a beach, watching skaters, drinking wine and generally winding down after a lot of walking and driving (for Kel) ... and what a lovely time it was!

So there you have it ... number 19 is complete... sorry for the cut down mini version ... I have a lot more to say, but right now it's staying in my little head and in the photos I will be turning into a rather fabulous album...!

The List goes on ... x

Hello there!

Ok, so don't shoot me... I know it's been a ridiculous amount of time since I even attempted an entry. I blame this entirely on the horrendous world of X-Men. It's all over now though so I've spent the last week or so catching up on some of my list... I have watched another five of my 'Films to watch before you die', and have planned, booked flights and hotels for a rather fabulous three week trip across America...!

So really, I have been sticking to my list... just not documenting it, until now..!

Here's a roundup of the films I've watched this week:

2001: A Space Odyssey = 3/5

This film was pretty amazing for it's time, but I'm afraid I still didn't quite enjoy it to the full. It looks great for a sci-fi and the acting was ok, but it just went on and on... and didn't really keep me glued to the screen. Perhaps the Trekky in me didn't come out as much as she could've when watching A Space Odyssey.. but I will give it 3 stars for its production value and the fact it's a Kubrick film.. (I'll probably be disowned by anyone I work with in the industry for not giving it 5 stars... sorry xx).

Scarface = 3/5

This is one of THE longest films about gangs I've ever seen. I enjoyed the idea of the gang warfare, etc and that he goes from a nobody to Mr Suited and Booted.. but I was a little disturbed by his relationship with his sister.. thank God she gets revenge at the end. The storyline is good, but again it's really long film and I think they could have done it in less screen time.. but Al Pacino knows his stuff, and no wonder it's such a well celebrated film. 3/5 from me :)

Apocalypse Now = 2/5

Not a fan I'm afraid.. perhaps it's because I'm a girl, or maybe I'm just rubbish with films that I'm supposed to like? I just found it a bit mind numbingly boring...

Words can't really describe my lack of enthusiasm for it... so I'm going to have to just give it 2/5.. sorry film buffs!

Cabaret = 5/5

I LOVED this... such a girly film, and I don't think it's lost anything from when it came out to now. It's a brilliant story, and love the costume and makeup design, along with a few musical numbers.. can't go wrong!

It's a 5/5 from me, probably because I'm a girl, but also because I love a good musical. Very impressed with the film, and could probably watch it over again :)

Trainspotting = 1/5

I REALLY wanted to like this.. just because it's so well known and so many people have seen it. Don't get me wrong, the acting is great, and the cinematography is great.. I just didn't enjoy it. Or was I not supposed to? That's what I never quite understand with the dark, dingy films... they are full of horrendous material, but people love them. Maybe I just need to be more open minded? Either way I don't think it's really improved my life having seen it, if anything I now can't look at babies in quite the same way, eurgh!

So there we have it, a collection of films from my list that I've now seen.. you might not agree with my opinions, but everyone's different :)

Next blog post will be about the America trip... so watch this space xx