Things I need to Stop/Start Doing

Woohoo! Happy Friday, dears! I’m working hard to at least bring forth some blog posts (i.e. more than two of last week) this week, and what better than this vague post about things I need to stop/start doing. So, here is my list. Feel free to comment on what YOU need to stop doing as well.

I need to start scheduling blogposts when I have open time. (and not napping).

I need to stop saying Winter is my favorite season. I fucking hate winter.

I need to stop complaining. Holy cow. I complain a lot these days. Granted, I have plenty of reason, but I need to channel some of this shit internally!

I need to stop writing this post while I’m actually writing a review for The Host (the book).

I need to finish (Actually START) this reading list. The books on it are:

Looking for Alaska (John Green)

The Woman Who Stole my Life (Marian Keyes)

The Ruby Circle (Richelle Mead)

Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)

Atonement (Ian McEwan)

I have 4/5 of these books, just WAITING to be read.

I need to stop eating so much junk

I need to finish watching Pretty Little Liars season 5, then write a scathing review for it because it sucks.

I need to watch a Blindspot movie. I think I will watch Interstellar next.

I need to send Eric my Shitfest entry. It is mostly done. At least.

I need to start studying in earnest. I’ve been actually quite good this semester so far, but I still need to work really hard.

I need to prepare for another two weeks in Potchefstroom.

I need to finish my blanket I’m crocheting. Things I’ve learnt while working on this blanket:

Don’t start a project without having ALL THE YARN YOU NEED

Use thick yarn for a blanket. Fuckit.

I need to go to bed earlier. My wild life now starts at five in the morning, and I need sleep to be out of the door at 5:30. FML.

Okay, I’m going to finish the Host’s review now, which will hopefully run before this post!

July 31, 2015July 27, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Friday, GeneralTags: Friday, fun, Pretty Little Liars 5 Comments

Friday Fun: Life Lately (what’s happening right now) and responses to two award nominations

Hello! Happy Friday! Have we all dealt with the fact that we are half way through the year (I did a mid-year review here if you want to go check!). I know I’ve only semi accepted that half of this year is gone. Sigh. But anyhow, here is a rundown of everything going down in my life right now as well as responses for two awards I was nominated for.

Life:

It is slightly better and I’ve learnt to deal with my father’s not so great health. Mostly. It is still particularly hard, but I’ve kind of desensitized and that has helped me so much.

Planning to do a 10km walk in August for Women’s month. FYI – I’m not fit enough to do a 10km walk so I better get my ass into exercise mode.

I am obsessed with crocheting. It started out mildly – my older sister, mom and my sister’s mom-in-law started crocheting and I joined because it gets rather boring when everyone crochets and you are just sitting there twiddling your thumbs. Then I got obsessed and now I can’t stop. It is insanity. I crocheted a skull on Zoë’s request (pic below). I was so damn chuffed! I’m busy with a blanket and should finish up this scarf I am nearly done with. So.much.fun.

Books:

Nothing worth mentioning on here actually. I am reading all my favorite Nora Roberts books for the umpteenth time and I love it. I still need to read most of the books I listed here. Zoë loved the Rosie Project and recommended it to me, so that is my next avenue to explore.

Movies and Series:

I got to go to the cinema twice recently, and enjoyed both Jurassic World and Inside Out. I finally chose a movie to review for my Sugar Pappy’s Shitfest. Hopefully by next week you will have it, Sugar Pappy Giuseppe!

I tried watching Pretty Little Liars Season 5… Let’s just say NOPE. It’s cheesy and lame and every time I think the season is improving it slips again.

Have you seen the new Sherlock posters doing the rounds? I am so excited. Right now I will take any morsel they throw my way. I want to do a complete run of the show before they start again. #cantwait #sherlocked

Also – the new Hunger Games posters! ERMAGHERD If you haven’t read the book, or know what happens in the last section of the books, good luck. That is all I’m going to say.

Some moral questions:

Can we for a second ponder the incredulous world we live in? Where ratbags like Ariana Grande and Donald Trump gets more attention than Greece defaulting on its debt – or the war in Syria – or the AIDS pandemic?

Really world, get your priorities in order. FFS

1^st Award Answers

Thanks to Christina from My Tiny Obsessions for nominating me for the Sisterhood of the World blogger’s Award.

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.

Put the award logo on your blog.

Answer the questions the tagger has given you.

Nominate ten other bloggers

Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.

Questions (lets go with a theme, shall we?! Quick and easy!):

1. Favorite book?

It changes from time to time – I fall in love with good books the way a teenage girl falls in love with boys – all the time. My most recent favorite book was Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. The Classics – Emma by Jane Austen. Epic Fantasy – Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince – JK Rowling.

 

2. Favorite TV show?

Downton Abbey

 

3. Favorite Movie?

Crazy, Stupid Love

4. Favorite Book-Movie/TV adaptation?

The Lord of The Rings – JRR Tolkien

 

5. Favorite Actor?

On looks – Chris Hemsworth

On talent – James McAvoy (and his looks are gorgeous too!)

 

6. Favorite Actress?

Emma Stone

7. Favorite Author?

Nora Roberts

8. Favorite Book ship?

Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter – Harry Potter

Eleanor and Park – Eleanor and Park

Gus and Hazel –The Fault in Our Stars

 

9. Favorite TV Show ship?

Michael and Mary Crawley

10. Favorite Movie ship?

Alley and Noah – The Notebook

As for nominating, I’m just listing some awesome blogs – go check them out (the blogs are listed below the last nomination)(. If you want to answer these extremely random questions I chose as a separate post or just in the comment section of my blog, feel free 😀

Questions:

Favorite Superhero

Most Hated Actor

Most Hated Actress

Favorite Animation

If you had to be stuck with Joffrey Baratheon or Justin Bieber, who would you choose?

What is your favorite car make?

Do you like chocolate?

Would you wear Crocs?

When you are in traffic and people are being dumbasses, are you the person who gives the death stare or are you the person looking like you are going to explode, get out of the car and go Hulk Smash on them all?

If you had to change your nationality, to which country would you move?

Then Drew from Drew’s movie reviews nominated me for a Liebster award. Thanks Drew!

The Rules:

Thank the blog who nominated you and link back to them.

Nominate up to 11 other bloggers to receive the coveted award.

Answer 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.

Tell your readers 11 random facts about yourself.

Give the nominees 11 questions to answer on their blog when they post their nomination.

Can you wiggle your ears?

No haha. I really admire people who do!

Do you watch any web series? If so, what’s your favorite one?

I have no idea what that is. So I guess not 🙂 or I probably do, I’m just not aware of it haha.

What is the first movie you remember watching in the theaters?

Liar Liar.

Do you prefer 3D or 2D movies or are you indifferent?

2D. I think 3D is a waste of money and it is often not even that effective.

Do/Did you play any sports? Which ones?

I used to play Hockey. It is the best game ever

What is your favorite card game?

I am a master in Rummy

What is your favorite board game?

30 Seconds, teamed up with my sisters

What is your favorite video game?

If I play, Super Mario.

If you had a time machine and could go back in time without consequence of messing up the future, where and when would you visit and why?

I would love to travel back to see the discovery of major things – Fire, the wheel, electricity, etc. I would like to see the wonder and triumph on the faces of people who couldn’t even begin to realize that they had changed humanity for always.

Do you have a motto or mantra?

Everything becomes nothing. Depressing, I know, but it is the truest thing.

What is your favorite thing about blogging or being a blogger?

The first would be getting my opinion on things out there – it doesn’t feel that I’m just shouting my opinions into a void. The second would be is coming into contact with people I would never have met in my life without the blogging platform.

11 Random facts about myself?

Sheesh. I am not that random. I will try though.

I have a “Keep Calm and Carry On” mug in my office. I always look at it before I answer stupid questions. I think the mug has saved many lives as well as my job.

I love stationery. Papers, pens, books, sticky notes. I get so excited about it.

I want the word “insultment” to be added to the dictionary. It is beyond me that it hasn’t been added yet!

I’m a pretty aggressive driver.

I’m very open to people’s choices in life. I really don’t care what you prefer, as long as it brings no harm to other people. I can’t stand people who think they can tell other people who to love or what to believe.

I have a very bad habit of hiding someone’s feed on Facebook and then going back to their page and still looking at the annoying things they say. I don’t even know what is wrong with me.

I work in the third largest hospital in the world. It is… interesting to say the least.

If I only visit one other country in my life, I would choose France. I desperately want to see the Eiffel Tower. After that, I would head to Germany to go visit my ancestral homeland.

I used to really hate ginger cookies but now I love them.

I try to visit a new place in South-Africa each year. I live in this really picturesque country with such vastly different scenery. It is gorgeous and breathtaking here.

I am ridiculously amped to finish my pretty blanket

Tranquil Dreams

The Sporadic Chronicles of a Beginner Blogger

Emmakwall (Explains it all)

Film Grimoire 

Cinema Parrot Disco

Justine’s Movie Reviews

Movie Rob

The IPC

Alex Raphael

July 17, 2015July 12, 2015 by Natasha Categories: UncategorizedTags: Chris Hemsworth, Crazy Stupid Love, Downton Abbey, Eleanor and Park, Emma Stone, Friday, fun, Harry Potter, James McAvoy, Liebster Award, Nora Roberts, The Fault in Our Stars 5 Comments

Love/Hate Tag

I was nominated by the mastermind between My Tiny Obsessions for this interesting challenge, and naturally I jumped right in! I’m not going to specifically nominate, but if you read this and you want to take part, please please do! 😀

10 Things I Love:

Knowledge. To me there is no other thing as powerful as someone armed with good information. I get so ridiculously excited when I read about interesting things. I used to be such a news junkie (I stopped that and you can read WHY here) but I remain a general know-it-all (and probably a bit of a pain in the ass because of it).

Books: It is probably a result of my thirst for knowledge, but man do I enjoy a good book.

Taking people on about sexism: I often think that sexist remarks delivered unconsciously is much worse than the remarks made as a deliberate attack on someone. I love pointing them out because men really do need to made aware that they are furthering the sexist environment that women are so desperately trying to get free from.

Coffee: Otherwise known as my bloodtype

Love stories: They are by far my favorite genre. I enjoy many movies across the genre board, but movies about love conquering immense odds remains the best thing to watch.

My blog: It makes me so happy. It has gone much bigger than I would ever have thought possible and I just get such immense joy from it.

My dog: She is such a little cartoon and provides endless entertainment by her dramatic nature.

My family: We are going through a rather rough time right now with my dad being so ill, but I am so fortunate to have such a loving family.

Snuggling in with a good book on a rainy day: It has been WAY too long since I’ve done this, but there is nothing better than just listening to the rain patter on the roof while you lose yourself in a story.

Dan Stevens: Current mancrush extraordinaire

10 Things I hate: 

Anti-Vaxxers. Kill me. Now.

People who don’t appreciate hard work.

People who are rude to waiters.

Traffic.

Bad Signal.

My laptop. I desperately need it to work – hallo, who has money for a new one? But sheesh I just want to throw it out of the window and be done with it.

People who are full of spoilers. GRRRRR.

Sexism and Racism

Intolerance to other religions

The Petrol price. WTF world?!

June 12, 2015June 7, 2015 by Natasha Categories: GeneralTags: Anti-Vaxxers, Books, Coffee, Friday, fun, Hate, Knowledge, Love, racism, Religion, sexism 15 Comments

Five Things Friday: My five favorite books as a child

Yep, it’s Friday again (I know you all really hate Fridays ;)). I try to keep Fridays unscheduled to allow space if inspiration strikes – I’m totally kidding, I am usually over scheduling stuff after the fourth post for the week has been uploaded. I’ve been thinking about books a lot – I haven’t been reading as much as I enjoy and need because life has been so insane the last few months, but I’m slowly getting back on the book train again. I’m currently reading The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes and Evening Classes by Maeve Binchy.

All this thinking about books lead me to think about what started this insane reading passion I have. It started pretty early on in my life, somewhere between Enid Blyton and JK Rowling – these ladies are my heroes and they have incomparable talent. So in the spirit of books and childhood and reading, I compiled a list of my favorite books I read as a child. Read, enjoy, and let me know which books you adored!

Enid Blyton: The Secret Seven

Enid Blyton has a descriptive writing style that places her in an elitist class of her own as an author. I’ve read a number of her books, and this series, as well as the Famous Five are wonderful books full of mystery and childhood adventure. I remember a particular trait of Blyton very well – her description of food! Wow, this lady could make me ravenous by describing lunch. The food was always succulent and plentiful, and the characters always had the most amazing adventures before settling down for lunch. The books are also full of adventure – secret passages, saving dogs, climbing through wells, small secretive towns – everything that makes a child want to believe that you can have fun while saving the world!

JK Rowling: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

JK Rowling could really take over this entire post if I let her, because Potter was the very definition of my childhood. During my recent move I found my Potter scrapbook where I had pasted every article, picture or reference regarding these books I could find. It was vaguely embarrassing to page through but I was fangirling nonetheless.

I’ve often mentioned that these books are some of my favorite one’s ever – I’ve never felt that I’ve outgrown them and they are special to read every single time.  The Philospher’s Stone takes you through that pity for the life young Harry has at the Dursleys’, the excitement of finding out he is a wizard, the wonder of the first exploration of Hogwarts and the daring courage of an eleven year old boy to stand up against the monster who murdered his parents. The Chamber of Secrets is still full of exploration, Harry learns more of Voldemort’s past and how he was already evil as a student, he learns what his strange snake speaking ability means and that similarity between him and Voldemort and, very importantly, he finds the first Horcrux although he has no idea at the time what it means or even what it is.

The Prisoner of Azkaban brings us a Harry that is quickly approaching his teenage years – he starts noticing girls andhis temper is all over the place. It also introduces us to a fatherlike figure for Harry, Sirius Black and takes you through the unbelievable glory of Harry and the Gryffindor team finally winning the Quidditch cup. It is as excellently written as what comes before and after it, but I really enjoyed this book more than the first two. It carries great significance in the Potter world because if Wormtongue hadn’t escape Voldemort would never have risen again (OR WOULD HE?) and Harry would never have lost Sirius (again, thanks for that, Rowling).

(Do you see how I can make this entire post about Potter if I allow myself?)

 RL Stine: Goosebumps

These books terrified the crap out of me as a kid, but I could never stop reading because it is so fantastically written. I especially remember reading one of the novels where a sponge was the villain, and believe it or not, that was pretty creepy to twelve year old Natasha. I also remember the notoriety the writer achieved in school – there was rumors if you properly realigned the letter in his name you would find “satan” written in there – yep, once again, an utterly impossible event that terrified twelve year old Natasha.

The books are pretty fun though, and I found something in the recurring theme that evil can’t be fully eliminated interesting. I can see myself rereading it at some stage, only if it is to see if sponges still terrify me.

 Francine Pascal: Sweet Valley High

These books, also a series, epitomized the highest living standard I could ever hope to achieve as a teenager. I mean – TWINS firstly: Imagine how awesome life would be if I had a twin! Then, super-hot boys pining away for you – no girl would deny the need for that one. Jessica’s life as a cheerleader seemed so glamorous and Elizabeth’s cool and calm confidence in her brains and abilities – these two were the combination of everything a teenager would want to be – popular, pretty, smart, confident (I see what you did there, Pascal)

These books were available in our school library and my one friend and I devoured these books. They provided endless entertainment, impossible situations and a perfect setting for teenage fun.

 JRR Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings

I first read the LoTR trilogy when I was eleven years old. My dad, recognizing a fellow book junkie, loaned me his battered mammoth copy of the three books. I can’t really remember if I took everything in at that young age, but I read it about three times that year. Eventually it got superglued into my brain and made me the Tolkienista I am today.

I adore this series. I fully agree with people who moan that the books are mostly about walking and take ages to move between scenes, but Tolkien was an exemplary writer for his time. I also applaud the female characters in his novels, although it saddens me that there were no ladies in the fellowship. These books are a large project to undertake and to be perfectly honest I haven’t had the guts in the last few years with life happening and all. However, I do think that it is the right time again, just to see if I can still reach that fanatic reading level the munchkin me was known for!

Honorable Mentions:

Edward Stratemeyer/assorted writers: Nancy Drew

The Nancy Drew series is a quite important read for a young girl – the first book was released in 1930 – a time where women were expected to wash dishes and have babies, and Nancy came along and solved mysteries and took care of herself. Yay for feminism!

These books are well written and are intricate reads – there is always something unexpected and nothing is ever quite what it seems. I haven’t read even half of the books available in the series, but the one or two of these I have read were wonderfully done.

Stella Blakemore: Maasdorp

No we get to the more obscure and lesser known books of this post – they are in Afrikaans, so I don’t think the majority of my readers would have heard of them J

Afrikaans literature is surprisingly good for such a small language. I think it is because our language developed quickly and stemmed from a language that was already at the height of its’ existence (Dutch).

The Maasdorp series is extremely old – it was also written in the 1930s. It follows the tale of Kobie Malan and her escapades in the boarding school Maasdorp.

These books are really well written and extremely fun, although I think it must be mentioned that there is something specifically precious about a book that is written in your own language. That, and the midnight feasts and extravagant plans these girls undertake while still excelling at school, provided endless entertainment and addiction as a young girl.

Maritha Snyman/Louise van Niekerk: Reënboogrant

This series is also Afrikaans, but it is much more recent (somewhere in the 1990s). To perfectly sum up these books would be to say that it is a more innocent version of Sweet Valley High (Afrikaans parents are particularly strict and traditional). I loved these books because between the two main characters Shani and Sunette they had kidnappings, suicides, alcoholism, anorexia, holidays to the South-African coast and London, parties, stalkers and numerous other dramas scattered between their friends all in one year. I will still pick up a book in this series if I spot it in a shop. It is so much fun to read!

Well, there you have my list. I’m sure it is not even nearly complete, though I did my best! Drop a comment and let me know which books were your favorites as kids!

March 27, 2015March 24, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Books, Five Things FridayTags: Books, Enid Blyton, Five Things Friday, Francine Pascal, Friday, Goosebumps, JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, RL Stine, Sweet Valley High 11 Comments

Five Things Friday: A collection of thoughts

Well done! You’ve fought bravely all week to reach Friday! No small feat! To celebrate today, I’m putting up a collection of things that appealed/shocked/intrigued me over the last few weeks. Enjoy, and let me know what you thought of all of them!

Two things that made me question society:

#DressGate

 

I woke up Friday morning to see a Facebook feed full of one not-so-particularly-outstandingly-gorgeous dress, and mad questions of people desperately looking for an answer on the color. Random people in the street asked me, colleagues, ex-colleagues, friends, families, faint acquaintances, everyone asked me.

The internet is such a phenomenon these days. I get that it’s been quiet news wise lately, but the internet explodes over the weirdest things (Kim K’s ass, as an example). It’s hilarious and very weird and gives you an understanding of the outrageous control social media has over us.

As for me? Well, it’s quite obvious that it’s black and purple 😉

The success of Fifty Shades and everyone’s need to see it

Wow. I can’t even believe this movie is so popular. It is the greatest tragedy of our movie-year, and yet everyone is compelled to go see it. I gave it some thought, and while it might be worth being able to discuss it with everyone who keeps asking, I’m not comfortable with the moral dilemma of knowing that I was one of the ticket buyers who sent it over the billion dollar mark. Rather not.

Two things I’m very excited about:

Richard Madden as Prince Charming. We lost Robb Stark and we don’t like George Martin anymore (unless he reads this, ever, then just don’t kill Tyrion, I’m SORRY, George!) but Richard Madden can still be his kingly self and charm us senseless in the Cinderella movie that has been sent to us by the kind rulers of Disney. I’m definitely seeing this one in cinema, there’s not even a possibility that I won’t!

Something I need by Ben Haenow

This song. It makes me so happy. It’s the happiest song ever. Did I mention that it makes me happy?

This hilarity:

If you don’t want to hear, you must feel… right? For reasons that escapes me, there was a girl who  wanted lips like Kylie Jenner’s and ended up looking like this because she just brought something from an odd internet site (because that worked out well for the majority of people who tried that route previously)

Well, happy weekend! Let me know what amused you endlessly this week!

March 6, 2015March 1, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Five Things Friday, General, MoviesTags: Dress Gate, Five Things Friday, Friday, Kylie Jenner, Richard Madden, Something I need, Thoughts 11 Comments

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Best funny moments

Hello! I’ve been reading Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince (yes, again). I can’t really classify this as my favorite Harry Potter book, because they each and every Potter book is a favourite of mine, but I really love this one exceptionally much because it is so funny. Harry and his friends are growing up, and they are dealing with their hormones while still having to think of the murderous Voldemort who wants Harry dead. Here are some of the funny moments in the book that just makes me giggle every time.

Cornelius Fudge telling the British Prime Minister about the existence of the Magical World

“Not to worry”, he said, “it’s odds on you’ll never see me again. I’ll only bother you if there’s something really serious on our end, something that’s likely to affect the Muggles – the non-magical population, I should say. Otherwise it’s live and let live. And I must say, you’re taking it a lot better than your predecessor. He tried to throw me out of the window, thought I was a hoax planned by the opposition”

At this, the Prime Minister had found his voice at last.

“You’re – you’re not a hoax, then?”

It had been his last, desperate hope.

“No”, said Fudge gently. “No, I’m afraid not. Look”

And he had turned the Prime Minister’s teacup into a gerbil.

“Bur”, said the Prime Minister breathlessly, watching his teacup chewin on the corner of his next speech, “but why – has no body told me – ?”

“The Minister for Magic only reveals him or herself to the Muggle Prime Minster of the day”, said Fudge, poking his want back inside his jacket. “We find the best way to maintain secrecy”

“But then”, bleated the Prime Minister, “why hasn’t a former Prime Minister warned me-“?

At this, Fudge had actually laughed

“My dear Prime Minister, are you ever going to tell anybody?”

Funny factor: At least a 7/10. Although this is by far not the funniest part of the book, I always have a good chuckle imagining any Prime Minister discovering a secret world just after his elections. I would certainly question my own sanity, I would definitely suspect a hoax, and I would certainly be most loathsome of the thought that there is another PM running a part of my country after all the hard work I’ve put in to win elections!

Dumbledore giving Vernon Dursley some sass

“I don’t mean to be rude – “he began, in a tone threatening rudeness in every syllable.

“-yet, sadly, accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often”, Dumbledore finished the sentence gravely. “Best to say nothing at all, my dear man. Ah, and this must be Petunia”

Funny factor: 8/10. The Dursleys have mistreated Harry since day one, and they are always a thorn in his side. I love that every time the Dursleys meat someone of the magical world, something goes askew, whether it is planned or not. Dumbledore sneaking in some well deserved attitude towards them is hilarious and well deserved.

Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

Why Are You Worrying About You-Know-Who?

You SHOULD Be Worrying About

U-NO-POO –

The Constipation Sensation That’s Gripping The Nation!

Funny Factor: 10/10Fred and George are always hilarious, and the bring the funny yet again by dealing with a crisis with humour.

Harry giving Snape some sass

“Do you remember me telling you we are practising non-verbal spells, Potter?”

“Yes,” said Harry stiffly.

“Yes, sir”

“There’s no need to call me “sir”, Professor”

Rating: 9/10 Ah, Harry and Snape. By now we all know that Snape ultimately redeemed his mean behaviour, but these two were always at odds at Hogwarts. This is just one of the occasions where Harry shows once again he is a funny guy and that he can deal with unfair discrimination with humour.

Harry’s “Tattoo”

“You’d think people had better things to gossip about,” said Ginny, as she sat on the common-room floor, leaning against Harry’s legs and reading the Daily Prophet. “Three Dementor attacks in a week, and all Romilda Vane does ask me if it’s true you’ve got a Hippogriff tattooed across your chest”

Ron and Hermione both roared with laughter. Harry ignored them.

“What did you tell her?”

“I told her it’s a Hungarian Horntails” said Ginny, turning a page of the newspaper idly. “Much more macho”

“Thanks”, said Harry, grinning. “And what did you tell her Ron’s got?”

“A Pygmy Puff, but I didn’t say where”

Rating: 8.5/10 Apart from the fact that Harry finally woke up and discovered Ginny Weasley is the girl for him, this scene always makes me laugh. It is a happy one, showing Harry and Ginny’s fun side and how cute their relationship is.

Any additions/comments? Let me know!

September 25, 2014September 25, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Books, Harry Potter, ThoughtsTags: Albus Dumbledore, Books, cornelius fudge, Dementors, Fred Weasley, Friday, George Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Hermione Granger, Hippogriff, JK Rowling, Reading, Ron Weasley, Severus Snape, Tattoo, Vernon Dursely 5 Comments

Five things Friday: Five completely random thoughts

Happy Friday!

Some completely random thoughts, all by me!

Source

1. Something hipsters need to stop doing: Sitting in the window seat of the aeroplane.

Everyone does it, so why are you following the mainstream?

2. To the atrocious girl at my work who told the new girl she is fat: YOU ARE HORRIBLE. And go take a look at yourself before you start giving opinions of others.

3. I fell on my left thumb as a child and it was bent for about two years before I had it surgically fixed. Now, with the repetitive motion of unscrewing things it is starting to throb like hell. Wondering what I should do about this?

4. The Pilanesberg National Park in South-Africa is so beautiful. I spent my last weekend there and saw the most beautiful scenery I have yet come across (and if you have been blessed like I have to watch the waves crash the shore at Jeffreysbay, South-Africa, you have seen some astounding beauty). I was lucky enough to see a black and a white rhino (poor, peaceful beauties that broke my heart), elephants, baby leopards playing, and tons of other animals. Thoroughly recommended.

5. I am going to watch Guardians of the Galaxy tomorrow night. Really excited, but more so because I am going to see it in IMAX – #newExperiences

August 1, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Five Things Friday, Movies, UncategorizedTags: Friday, Guardians of the Galaxy, hipsters, marvel, Pilanesberg National Park 5 Comments

Quote for the week

Happy Friday!

A quote for the week  – next week I am done with exams so then I will be posting some reviews again 🙂

Happy weekend!

May 30, 2014 by Natasha Categories: QuotesTags: Exams, Friday, Quotes 3 Comments

5 things Friday – 5 things

This week went by fast – I only started working again on Wednesday, so it wasn’t much of a week. For a quick one it has been quite eventful. Here are Five things that either happened to me or in the world this week.

Independence

While my sister is on her honeymoon, I am taking care of their flat. It is unbelievable how free it makes me feel to be completely on my own. The independence is staggering and very educational. It isn’t so easy to take care of yourself, is it? Funnily enough, I miss my parents. It is natural to want to live alone after a certain age, and I can’t wait to be out on my own, but I still miss them when I don’t see them after a certain period of time.

Friendships

I mentioned last week that I recently got contacted by a person who I banished from my life a few years ago. The banishment was justified, and in the last while I haven’t given it much thought – it is natural for people to go on with their lives. It was all well until the contact happened. I am supposed to see said person tomorrow. I think I will only be certain tomorrow if I will do it.

Then there is another person who is extremely close to getting an earful from me. She has been my friend since we were seven years old, and I really thought we would be friends forever. I am in no way saying that people should put their relationships before friendships, but there has to be a balance. We had arrangements this week to meet up, and once again, she cancelled. Not only did she cancel on me, she cancelled after she told me at the wedding she would certainly be there – I suspect that she knew then she wouldn’t come. There is no way to say this nicely, but her new boyfriend is an ass. He is most definitely behind this as I know he dislikes me. So for once (apart from a slightly childish Facebook post from my side) I walked away. I discussed my feelings with someone I trust, and just left it there. I am not sure what I am doing right now about our friendship, but I have mastered the ability to keep my mouth shut – no small feat.

A quote from my diary at work – very apt.

“Wisdom is divided into two parts: (a) having a great deal to say, and (b) not saying it” – unknown

So, the idea of friends and what it means have been bugging me. My friendship group is big and complicated, full of fights and drama, but also of love and laughter. These two people above are not part of my intimate group of friends, for which I am grateful, but shutting them out permanently will break my heart. I really have no idea what to do with them.

South-Africa blushes – again

SA is known for many things – braaing, beautiful scenery, crime, and corruption, a president without basic education, Oscar Pistorius, crime, corruption, and crime.

After the terrorist attack in Kenya at the Westgate mall, where more than 70 people were killed, it is rumoured that a woman nicknamed the White Widow was one of the masterminds. There is now a red alert issued from Interpol to find her. What does this have to do with South-Africa, you ask? It would seem that this woman lived in SA with an illegal South-African passport for three years, while she was still being searched for by the United Kingdom for suspected terrorist involvement there.

Let’s all just hang our heads in shame, SA. Our country is not only a hotbed of criminal activity, but apparently also a convenient hideout for terrorists.

*I really love South-Africa. This just seems like a bit much.

Branding

Last week Friday my blog broke its record for most views in one day – thank you! It was amazing to see when I logged back on after the weekend. I am so excited about my blog – it is constantly growing. I finally have an outlet for all the opinions I have.

I have been playing with the idea of a second blog, focusing on fashion and beauty. I love both, and would be incredibly happy to start a blog for it. I am still planning and organizing my thoughts, as it would probably triple the amount of work and writing I am currently doing.

Personal branding is very important, especially on the internet today. I want to find a name for my work that will be instantly recognisable – I don’t think my blog’s title is very memorable right now. That said; I am worried if I change the title again, it will confuse my current users. Any comments or suggestions?

Love for RPattz.

I am watching all the Twilight movies again, and I have been reminded how much I liked Robert Pattison. For some reason, I forgot how looky he is. I have been reminded. Thank you, Twilight.

Have a good one!

September 27, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Breaking Dawn, Five Things Friday, WeekendsTags: crime, Family, Friday, friends, Independance, Kenya, Life, Parents, Robert Pattinson, South-Africa, Terrorism, The White Widow, Twilight 1 Comment

The very extended weekend

I’m back! It has been a really long time since I have been at work. It feels very strange, I have to say.

The weekend was largely dedicated to my sister’s wedding. I was on leave from Wednesday, and I went and brought their wedding present. I got a DVD player – they didn’t have one until now, and I thought it would be something they can really use. Thurday we did our nails – it took AGES. We were four people who went at once, so it wasn’t unexpected.

Friday was such a crazed day. My sister, the bride, woke up with the terrible stomach bug that had been terrorising the entire Johannesburg last week. We rushed her to the doctor, and he gave her an injection. We tucked her into bed immediately and hoped for the best. Then I, my family and our soon to be extended family went and set up the reception hall. That evening, my best friend in the entire world arrived in Joburg. I am so touched that they made such effort to be here. Truly, their week had been terrible, and they still came – that is true friendship. Thanks, Zoë.

Wedding day

We started wedding day with getting our hair done. At that point, hair was the only stress factor I still had. During the week my sister went and checked that we were booked, and our names wasn’t even in the diary! Even after that was fixed, I was still worried. Luckily (and really luckily, as I would have blasted them on every single social platform I had access to if something had gone wrong) our hair was done as quick as possible. I won’t mention the salon’s name, as I wasn’t impressed with their attitudes at all, and at the end of the day, I could have easily done my hair like that myself. I can however say that I won’t be returning to them anytime soon.

Afterwards we went to the Lido hotel in the South of Joburg to get ready. In the last few years they made a lot of effort to fix and upgrade the hotel to a modern environment. It looked really great there!

Our wedding car driver (a dear friend) forgot the flowers at the church and raced to and from in ten minutes (quite a feat, I can assure you), and then we drove to the church. I was so stressed out by the busy road that I was five minutes from church when I realised that my sister was actually getting married. I arrived at church completely stressed out.

It was the most beautiful ceremony. I was close to tears a number of times, as you are supposed to be at weddings. Everything was so beautiful and happy and sweet. It was so right.

On Monday we waved off the newlyweds to Mauritius. Enjoy, Mr. and Mrs. Van Vuren!

I was on leave on Monday (to recover from an insane week) and slept so nice. It was wonderful. I am taking care of my sisters apartment when she is away, and I can guarantee that I will be sad when I have to move back home. I certainly see the advantages of getting my own place.

Tuesday, the 24^th of September, was Heritage day in South-Africa. We are an incredibly culture rich society – we have eleven official languages. On Heritage Day we celebrate our diversity as people and our unity as a nation. It is also Braai Day now – where South-Africans do what they do best – braai. Going to a braai is the equivalent of going to a barbeque. Just don’t call it a barbeque. Foreigner.

My book challenge had a revival this weekend. Despite having a million things to do, I read five books this past week and a half. Four of them were easy – it is the Bridal Quartet books written by Nora Roberts. Appropriate. I am now busy with the Three Sisters Trilogy, by the same author. I have always loved both series. I am now at 52 books. It will be a miracle if I manage to read another 48 books by February (that is when I started my book challenge). I need to get through my two exams with Unisa before I can fully relax and just read. I wish I had known my year would be so insane, and then I would have made my challenge 52 books in a year. LOL.

That is what I have for you on this Thursday, which feels like a Monday.

PS: This post was for yesterday, but my internet chose to not work on the day I returned. Nice, I know.

 

September 26, 2013 by Natasha Categories: Books, Reviews, Unisa, WeekendsTags: 100 books, Book, Books, entertainment, Friday, literature, Reading, wedding, Weekend 1 Comment