Thoughts 8.1

Wow, how long has it been since I put a Thoughts post up?! I love writing these; it is a bit like writing an internet version of a diary (you know, since people are totes obsessed with what is happing in my life lol) but I forget about them/ have other things planned/ are lazy/ thoughts too inappropriate for the internet.

I am currently reading Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris. This is the fourth book in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series and I have to say I am still having way too much fun with this. It is exactly the right type of book to read if you don’t want to break your brain. I am also reading Nora Roberts’ latest book, The Collector. Reading a new book by your favourite author is like holding a puppy, the pleasure is astronomical. So far, so good!

Series wise, I am watching Vampire Diaries Season 3. I watched it a while back, so the story is actually quite fresh – I remember only the major plot lines so the smaller plot lines are fun to follow. I am still on a Sherlock hangover, and I don’t think it will pass over soon. I reviewed season one here and two here, and the third should be going up sometime next week. I still need to put up my thoughts on the Mentalist Season 6, which will happen sometime in the next 50 years or so J

As for movies, I finally watched Frozen last week and it was so darn cute. I completely get the fan-base for the movie, and it is now one of the few animations I will watch again.

My Studies is going well – I have practicals for two weeks in September, and I am rather nervous about it. Chemistry is definitely one of the trickiest subjects I have and one in which I have the least experience. I have to start studying as well – I sincerely don’t want to stress myself out come October/November!

Random thoughts:

This one girl keeps calling me Natasher. I have no idea how to tell her there is no “er” to the end of my name. Sad, sad sigh. But, she also spells “Maternal”, “Martenal”, so she obviously has some issues with the letter R.

Why can’t people find solutions to their own problems before running to me? Really, do I look like I know everything? I do know a lot, but you have the answers for the questions you ask!

I actually broke my phone cover, and now I am living on the wild side until I get the chance to buy one again. I obviously need one, because really, who breaks a phone cover?

I am working on something rather exciting to replace my 5 Things Friday posts. 5 things was awesome and great fun, but it is feeling stale these days. Will let you know when it is more structured.

What is happening in your life lately? Tell me!

August 28, 2014August 27, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Thoughts, UnisaTags: Books, Charlaine Harris, Dead until Dark, Reviews, Series, Thoughts, Unisa, Vampire Diaries 11 Comments

May – you better be good to me.

Happy May.

Firsly, April was so crap I am only too glad it is over. When I say everything went wrong, that really is the truth. I got sick, then got an ulcer, which felt like someone was drilling into my mouth at a high speed and very often. Work was insane, petrol was fucking expensive (still is, FYI), and my brand new laptop broke, and my bank balance is sadder than Zimbabwe’s.

So, May

I really hope you are good to me. I am writing exams this month, but I will take it in the hope that I 1) pass and 2) anything will be better than April. I really want to start reading constantly again. I love books and reading helps me relax. It is really the best escape valve there is because it takes you to another world completely.

I want to finish Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. I do not know why it is taking so long. The book is well written and interesting and I don’t understand why I can’t just finish it.

I want to read my third Karin Slaughter book. She is an amazing author who I am still surprised I enjoy so thoroughly.

I am rereading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the millionth time. It is so good and entertaining and sad and funny.

Walking slash running.

I am finally doing frequent exercise and I just want to continue in May because it leashes the crazy. I am still going a bit slow, but I am definitely improving. I already feel much better than a few weeks ago.

Movies

I love watching rom-coms and chick flicks and I am not afraid to say it. BUT, I want to start watching some decent stuff too. I can’t wait to explore and see what I love and hate.

What are your plans for May?

May 1, 2014April 28, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Books, Movies, Thoughts, UnisaTags: April, Committed, Elizabeth Gilbert, exercise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Karin Slaughter, May, Reading, Running, Walking 16 Comments

Reality

After three weeks of doing absolutely nothing, I am back at work.

It was wonderful and fun filled.

I need to diet (which I am busy with) to shed all those unwanted extra kilos.

The first week of my leave I pretty much spent every day in the shops hunting for Christmas presents. It was probably the least fun of it all, because as much as I like buying presents and shopping, neither is fun when the entire South-Africa is with you in the mall. I eventually got everyone sorted though. I really do like buying presents, and think it this year I gave out some excellent ones.

I went to see the Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, in theater with my dad and sister. To say that I was unimpressed is an understatement. It is basically a three hour tale that is loosely based on the most boring part of the book. When I say loosely based, I mean loosely based. Just where the hell does Legolas factor into the Hobbit? And some elvish-dwarf love story? I was sincerely not impressed with the tale, but the special effect (especially Smaug) is worth mentioning. The scenery was once again amazing. All in all, it is okay to wait for the DVD and not spend money on the cinematic experience.

I spent my second week of leave with my friend Zoë in Nelspruit. It was a lot of fun. Thank you bestest! After returning, I had the best New Year’s party I’ve had in a few years. I really hope that this is an indicator of a great year ahead!

Movies (old and new) watched this holiday:

50/50

Inception

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part one)

Letters to Juliet

Stupid Crazy Love

Bourne Identity

I read a very unimpressive amount of books this last three weeks:

Beautiful Creatures

This Charming Man (Marian Keyes)

Sanctuary (Nora Roberts)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (JK Rowling)

The Fiery Heart (Richelle Mead)

I finally finished Supernatural Season 5! It was amazing, and I really, really enjoyed it much more than season four, where Sam irritated the shit out of me. He still was, but at least in five he had some redeeming qualities!

I also (finally) started watching Suits Season Three. I’m really enjoying it.

Some Unisa news: I passed both subjects this semester. That makes it 5/6 subjects passed for 2013. I want to pass 8 subjects in 2014. Let the studying begin!

What did you do this December?

 

January 6, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Books, Movies, UnisaTags: 2014, Books, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter, Holidays, Movies, Unisa, Weight loss 1 Comment

New Year’s resolutions 2014

To be thankful

I am so blessed. I have friends, family, people who love me and whom I love. I have clothes to wear, food to eat and a job. I live in an amazing country that defies everything people have ever thought about Africa. I am literate. I can read as much as I want. I have the capacity to understand what I read and apply it. I have no disabilities. In 2014 I want to complain a little less, love a little more, and appreciate what I have.

Explore new things

I want to be able to sit as an old lady and say that I have lived the best possible life, and tried everything. I want to see new places this year, read new books, listen to new music, and talk to new people. I don’t want to get stuck in a comfortable bubble, content to slip into routines and never

Get a car

My biggest obstacle in life was not having a license. I finally got my license in June 2013 (WHOOP) and now my next goal is a CAR – the next step to freedom. Watch this space!

Be better with my finances

Which means no new debt and saving for the next independence move – my own place.

Building up a good wardrobe. I want a functional wardrobe that is appropriate for any occasion. I always feel that my wardrobe has good ideas for parties, but generally less for normal life. Sigh.

Being the healthiest I can be – by this I mean content with my size, feeling healthy and energetic. I also really want to do the Warrior Race, so I need to get into shape for that.

Pass 7 subjects with Unisa

*If they actually release my results before 2058

Travel to a new place.

Develop my blog and get a new, customized theme.

Start my fashion blog.

Stop swearing so damn much (haha)

January 3, 2014December 13, 2013 by Natasha Categories: UnisaTags: 2014, Finances, healthy-living, New Year's Resolutions, Travel, Unisa, Wardrobe, Weight loss Leave a comment

Life Lately

Social media causes fights. I was in the most intense disagreement on Facebook last Friday. It is so ridiculous that people seem to think they can attack you on your (very innocent) status and then get a fit when they are put in their place. Said person has since unfriended me, but I am completely okay with it. BUT I am still astonished to see how bigoted and idiotic people are. I am gobsmacked that people don’t realise that what they put on Facebook and Twitter can negatively impact their careers. That putting something out there can say something about your country or race when the majority really doesn’t feel that way. I am shocked that people who I grew up with, who had exactly the same opportunities as I, raised in the same social-economic environment, can become so completely weird and blind. It makes me truly, truly sad.

A Trio of losses.

Three greats died this week in three important circles: Paul Walker in Entertainment, Baby Jakes Matlala in sport, and then of course the colossal President Nelson Mandela of my home country, South-Africa. I am so honoured that the world is grieving with us. Currently, 70 heads of states are flying in for his funeral, which is the greatest amount of leaders ever gathered for a funeral. That, in itself, speaks of his legacy. This past few days I have witness our great nation once again showing the world who we are: Broken, sure, but mending and refusing to be told who we should be. We are once again united, and stand firm against the grief that threatens to overwhelm us.

Moving on

I have been trying to block out most of the Mandela coverage now. Save for news bulletins and tweets, I am trying to function. It is very difficult to actually read other news too, and rightly so, but I don’t want to get caught up in the frenzy. It has been exhausting this weekend, and I am too much affected by any news, always. So this weekend we went to Monte Casino, played ten pin bowling (I SUCK at it), watched Catching Fire and then ate and the Met Grill. It was lovely and I felt much better for it.

Unisa Results

The final release dates for all results is now the 20^th of December. It irritates me to no end. I need to plan my syllabus for next year, you know. And who keeps results till 5 days before Christmas?!

I seriously need to buy Christmas presents. Like ASAP and I have no idea what to get. Perhaps I am slower than usual because I still can’t get my head around the fact that it is DECEMBER.

Movies: I finally saw Catching Fire after weeks for delays, and it was so amazing. This weekend I will hopefully watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. I hope it is good. I wasn’t overly impressed with the first movie (A lot of theatrics and very little loyalty to the book) so I will reserve judgement for now. Also, I re-watched one of my favourite movies, PS, I love You. I have always enjoyed that film and to me, that is Gerard Butler in his prime. He is gorgeous, and kudos to Hilary Swank’s Holly for getting over his death – just not sure if I would have done it.

Currently reading: Beautiful Creatures (my 74^th book). It is odd, but still good enough to try and finish it. I am nearly on holiday, so then I will most likely be closing in on 100 books if I have nothing else to do but read. Which is unlikely, since it is December and everyone and their aunt has a function, but I will do my best.

Speaking of holidays:  This is my last week at work, and between power-cuts, closed off roads (for the Nelson Mandela memorial at Soccer City FNB Stadium) and dumb nurses, life is going to be interesting. I apologise for any rants that may occur, blog or elsewhere. I can’t wait for the holidays. I am planning a visit to my best friend, who lives in the hottest place on the planet (okay, that is slightly exaggerating but Nelspruit is pretty toasty) and furthermore just relaxing back home. I really, really need it. I am at that point where I am likely to snap quickly.

December 10, 2013December 9, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Books, Movies, Unisa, WeekendsTags: Baby Jakes, Beautiful Creatures, Catching Fire, December, Family, friends, Gerard Butler, Holidays, Nelson Mandela, Paul Walker, PS I love you, Results, The Hobbit, Unisa 1 Comment

5 Things Friday: Five Studying tips

Hello, Study Bugs

The last few months in a year is known for many things – Halloween, new seasons, Christmas and New Years. It is also known for EXAMS. I wrote Chemistry last week, which isn’t fun at all if you are relatively normal. (I’m really sorry for the okes that enjoy Chemistry). I’m writing Business Management at the end of the month (let’s not discuss why Business Management is part of my BSc curriculum, because I don’t know why) so I am once again preparing to study my but off. I am competitive, I like doing good. So here are 5 tips to make studying for exams easier.

Prepare your basic materials.

Nothing is more frustrating than having to stand up five minutes after you have started to fetch something, then again, and again. Therefore, I try to get everything I am going to need ready. This includes

Pens

Paper

Highlighters

Sticky notes

Pencils

A Ruler

A puncher and a stapler

Erasers, Sharpeners

Have a basic outline of everything you need to study

Make sure that you have all your assignments, old exam papers and study guide with you. Work systematically through the information and make sure you understand it before you move on.

Find what works best for you

There are so many ways to learn something. Spider diagrams, writing out your work a lot of time, shorthand notes, etc. you have to choose one that makes the information sticks in your head. I simply write out the work I need to know, keep it stacked and work from there. It eliminates working with a thick textbook, and much easier to navigate and to get an idea how much work you still need to do.

A little bit each day

When I am close to my exams, I try to get in at least an hour and a half each day. If you do five out of seven days, it is seven and a half hours, without those exhausting long periods of studying. Obviously, if you are a full time student, you can adapt it to suit your needs, but it remains important to keep the material fresh in your mind.

Stay healthy

Drink water and eat healthy snacks in between. Your brain is incapable of functioning properly if you are sleep deprived or hungry. Minimize caffeine use as much as possible – it can prevent you from sleeping when you are finally done. Take breaks where you stand up and move around, refreshing your brain. Scrolling through your smart phone will give you a bigger headache. Make sure you sleep enough. It is difficult if you are preparing for a large test, but you will feel better if you write with a fresh mind.

I hope this helps. If you are writing, good luck and stay calm!

November 8, 2013 by Natasha Categories: UnisaTags: Exams, Five Things Friday, Studying, Unisa Leave a comment

Weekend stuff

Reading

Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I went to bed at two am on Saturday because I was reading Divergent. I am such a bad ass. LOL. It is very good. The second book is a bit stretched out, but it is very good as well. The books have the same train of thought of Hunger Games, but manage to be completely original at the same time. They are my 64^th and 65^th books in the challenge

Watching

Finally got to go to the cinema on Friday. WOW. I wanted to watch Oblivion, but that had sadly finished. So I watched About Time (With Rachel MacAdams) and had such a good time. It was wonderful and funny. It is the type of Romantic Comedy people enjoy even if they don’t like Romcoms.

I am on the last episode of Season 2 suits. Still in love with the fast paced lawyer drama. It is just that good. Afterwards I am going to watch Supernatural season three, to make my friend happy.

Le Good life

I had way too much chocolate the last week. I don’t really care, because I was studying Chemistry, and you need chocolate if you are studying Chemistry. This week I will learn to refrain myself in favor of losing weight, and I am determined to succeed.

November 4, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Books, Unisa, WeekendsTags: 100 books, About time, Book, Books, Divergent, Eat Pray Love, Movies, Rachel MacAdams, Reading, Series, Suits, Veronica Roth 1 Comment

Relevant things right now

Chemistry

My exams are starting this week. I have been preparing for ages but I am still stressing because I am writing the delightful subject Chemistry. It is extremely important to pass because I need this subject to be able to take another bunch next year. Please send through positive vibes!

My eternal warfare with being healthy

I am only focusing on being healthy now. Losing weight is not my main plan right now. I am drinking Decaf instead of real coffee, continuing with drinking plenty of water, and cutting out a lot of carbs. We will see how it goes. I have been excising a lot and am feeling a difference with my clothes. It is exciting, although I haven’t seen a change on the scale.

I’ve had this pic for ages and think it is particularly funny, as many people don’t have a clue how life in South-Africa is. Especially the US Government, it would seem, since they arrest apartheid heroes as terrorists. Nice going, guys!

 

October 28, 2013October 28, 2013 by Natasha Categories: UnisaTags: Chemistry, Exams, healthy-living, South-Africa, Tokyo Sexwale, Unisa, US. Studying, Weightloss Leave a comment

Weekend 11-14 October 2013

Friday

Friday night I babysat my friend’s daughter. She is six months old, and an absolute sweetheart. I am sure that she is the sweetest, most well behaved baby on this planet. She may be the reason that will convince me to have one of my own one day. Sneaky little thing, I tell you.

Saturday

Saturday we went to Gilroy’s brewery. It had the most wonderful atmosphere. The place was packed, and it was enormous fun. It is sadly too far away to go frequently.

I am really enjoying summer. The weather has been great – it is not scorching yet.

Watching

My new obsession at the moment is Friends. I am now at season two. I have seen bits over the years, but have never made a real effort to follow it. It is so amusing.

Reading

The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. It is good, but I find myself vacantly staring into space sometimes. Perhaps it is one of those books who would have been great had it been better edited. Finished the second book last night, Frostbite, and took out Shadow Kiss to start on if I have time today.

Eating and Exercising

I have mostly gotten my outrageous need for food under control. Mostly. Some people tell me it is the heat; some tell me it is the frequent exercise. But the truth is, I need to plan my meals better then I won’t be hungry all the time. Starting today, I am eating better, and keeping up with the exercise, which is going great.

Studying

Exams are getting close – my first one is the 1^st of November. It is chemistry, so I am stressing and studying to the maximum. I try to put in at least an hour each night, and have so far been {mostly} successful.

Irritating

Men. In general. I’m sorry, but dating and relationships are just frustrating. Contemplated giving it up permanently, then remembered that I don’t want to be old with fifty cats and a bad attitude (I already have a bad attitude, just scared of the fifty cats)

Religion

Not a huge blogger on religion, but I have thinking about all the different types and what it means a whole lot lately. Am told that it is normal with my current age to question everything. So at least I am normal in the sense that I question everything. Will let you know my conclusions.

Charlie Hunnam is not Christian Grey anymore

He dropped out. I am happy because I love that man, and I loathe those books. Yes, Charles, you do not want to lose your badass persona from Sons of Anarchy because of this. No, you don’t

Block

Not feeling the writing bug today, which is weird since I had it the past two weeks.

Nearly voting time

In South-Africa, we vote around April. A relatively new democracy, SA hosts a bunch of the most ridiculous political parties you can imagine. The latest one now is the EFF, started by the suspended ANC youth league president Julius Malema. I cannot accurately describe the antagonism I feel towards this man. I have very ugly thoughts about him and his ideas. Read about the joke of the DECADE here.

To sound off, here is a motivational pic, because we all need it on a Monday.

(image source)

October 14, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Books, Reviews, Unisa, WeekendsTags: 100 books, Bloodlines, Book, Books, Charlie Hunnam, Dating, Democracy, entertainment, Exams, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fitness, healthy lifestyle, healthy-living, Inspiration, Julius Malema, literature, Men, politics, Reading, Relationships, Religion, Review, Reviews, Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy, vampires, Voting, Weight loss, Writers block Leave a comment

October Love

Welcome to the second post of the day. It is October! We can rant for a few seconds about how quickly the year went. It went FAST. From the first of October it is approximately 85 sleeps till Christmas (Whoop! Mom, Dad, buy me a car :D). And December is closer than ever, which means sun, and holidays (Sun for us Southern Hemisphere folks, in any case ;)) I love this time of the year in SA – it is warm, but not as hot as January till April (scorching time)

Here is my to do list for October

STUDY

This is the most important thing I have to do this month, as I am writing CHEMISTRY the 1^st of November. YUCK. I am telling myself if I could pass Statistics (the greatest achievement of my life) I can do Chemistry. I am refusing to fail. Then at the end of November I am writing again, but I am not overly stressed about that subject.

SAVE MONEY

I want a car by January. It will be a birthday present to me, from me. BUT, I need to save cash first. Which leads to the next point on my to do list.

STOP SPENDING

Like, stop spending money on all the stuff you spend money on. I need to curb my shopping appetite, and I will not spend anything if I can save it. At least until December.

EXERCISE

I am exercising like a boss at the moment, but I really am focused on not losing momentum.

DIET

I am NOT dieting like a boss right now, so I need to get back to that. ASAP. Or all the running in the world wouldn’t tone me up.

BOOK CHALLENGE

Read 10 books. I know it sounds steep, but I have proven to myself that I can read a lot fast.

SERIES

Finish Sons of Anarchy Season Three and Start on Four

HALLOWEEN

Halloween isn’t such a big holiday here, but I still think it is fun and deserves a party. And who doesn’t like dress-up?

What are your goals this month?

October 1, 2013October 1, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Books, UnisaTags: 100 books, Book, Books, entertainment, Exams, Financial freedom, Halloween, health, healthy lifestyle, healthy-living, literature, Money, October, Reading, Review, spending, Studying, Unisa, Weight loss Leave a comment