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