Vita Brevis Breviter In Brevi Finietu

Vita Brevis Breviter In Brevi Finietu

Monday 31 December 2012

Photo Every Day #366

So today is the last PED of 2012. It's been a busy and eventful year with some big changes. Tonight I'm going to be eating takeaway and watching films with friends, which is by far the best way to spend an evening.

New Year:
New Year

Song Of The Day: Swedish House Mafia vs Knife Party - Antidote
Reason: Tune!

Highlight Of The Day: Looking forward to two whole days in a row off!!

Photo Every Day #365

Today has been another long day, it also looks like I may only have my one day off this week! But I'll be helping a friend out so it's ok. Tomorrow is also my last post of PED for this year!! I'm really happy that I've managed to stick to it and it's a second nature to do my blog now. Hopefully I'll start another regular feature for the new year, I just need to think what!!

Song Of The Day: Example - Don't Sit Down I Moved Your Chair
Reason: A cover of the Arctic Monkeys song that I heard for the first time today, pretty good.

Highlight Of The Day: Having a good think about my future

Saturday 29 December 2012

Photo Every Day #364

Today I've been exhausted! I think the rush of xmas has finally caught up with me as I've been asleep since 7pm and still want to be alseep now! I've been having lots of kitty snuggles, first with Draco on the sofa then with Asami in bed. I'm really looking forward to my couple of days off after new year so I can have a proper break!

Snuggles:
Snuggles

Song Of The Day: The Pretty Reckless - Just Tonight (Acoustic)
Reason: I love this version, it's so raw and full of emotion.

Highlight Of The Day: Getting in bed!

Friday 28 December 2012

Photo Every Day #363

This evening has consisted of random drives, colonel food, popcorn, Audition and lounging about. My Dad also came round to put up our curtain pole so we finally have a bit of privacy!

Song Of The Day: Slipknot - Vermillion
Reason: Amazing song by my favourite band.

Highlight Of The Day: Realising that Asami is the name of the lead character in Audition! Knew I liked it for a reason!


Photo Every Day #362

The last couple of days have been chocolate-fests! I think I've eaten nearly every kind of popular xmas chocolate sold! I'm surprised I can still move!

Chocolates Galore:
Chocolates Galore


Song Of The Day: Alanis Morissette - Not As We
Reason: Beautiful song, would really love to go and see her live.

Highlight Of The Day: Going to my Aunty's house for our traditional day-after-boxing-day buffet. Best pie ever!



Wednesday 26 December 2012

Photo Every Day #361

Today we made some more furniture purchases! We've chosen our fitted bedroom, bought some curtains for the front room and also bought a long cabinet for the bathroom. I think once our sofas, dining table and fitted wardrobes all turn up it will feel more like our home as at the moment it still feels as though we're in the flat; our stuff is here but our mark isn't on it. We bought a butcher's table for the kitchen a couple of days ago, which I've wanted for ages! It gives us extra space too which is great as in this kitchen it's all about making the most of the space! It does look a lot bigger now I've cleared most of the boxes though.

Butcher's Table:
Butchers Table

Song Of The Day: Metallica - One
Reason: One of my favourite videos of all time.


Highlight Of The Day: Furniture shopping with the boy!

Tuesday 25 December 2012

Photo Every Day #360

Today was xmas day and it has been a very tiring one! We got some really nice presents, mostly money and bits for the house and we ate far, far too much. It's an early night for us as we're off furniture shopping in the sales first thing in the morning. The kitties also seem exhausted by the evening visitors (the boy's family) so we have a nice quiet house for a change.

Xmas Kitties:
Xmas Kitties

Song Of The Day: All traditional xmas songs
Reason: Not a fan of xmas songs, but if I do listen to any I prefer the classics.

Highlight Of The Day: The day in general, but it was nice to see people like what we had bought them.

Photo Every Day #359

So it's Xmas eve and our first Xmas in the house. We have the front room sorted for now, minus curtains, so were ready to go! We had the annual Xmas eve drinks at Cape which always symbolises the start of Xmas.

Song Of The Day: The Snowman - We're Walking In The Air
Reason: I know it's sing by someone called Aled something but I only think its a great song when accompanied by the film visuals.

Highlight Of The Day: Xmas eve drinks



Sunday 23 December 2012

Photo Every Day #358

We're getting very close to Xmas now! I'm looking forward to just having the day off more than anything! I've been unpacking tonight so slowly things are starting to take shape! At least until we buy more furniture.

Song Of The Day: Swedish House Mafia vs Knife Party - Antidote
Reason: Amazing song!

Highlight Of The Day: Getting stuff unpacked



Photo Every Day #357

Today we finally decorated our Xmas tree. It's a really nice tree and it was a mere £20 from ikea with a free £20 voucher to spend there in the new year! Bargain! The colour scheme is white, silver and turquoise. I thought we didn't really have many decorations but its filled the tree really well. We also covered it in snow spray which makes it look amazing! I still can't believe it's Xmas in a matter of days though!

Song Of The Day: Bo Selecta - Proper Crimbo
Reason: Still the best Xmas song!

Highlight Of The Day: Putting the Xmas tree up with our friends

Friday 21 December 2012

Photo Every Day #356

Today we fully moved into our new house! It's really nice and it's starting to sink in that its really ours. Kitties are having a good explore and seem to like it. They've found their tower and mastered the stairs so they're happy enough.

Song Of The Day: Marina & The Diamonds - Bubblegum Bitch
Reason: This album is still on my 'to listened to properly' album list.

Highlight Of The Day: A successful moving in day

Photo Every Day #355

Today's PED is Asami completely conked out after all that packing.

Thursday 20 December 2012

Photo Every Day #354

Today we got the keys to our new house!! It's strange to think that tomorrow we'll be starting to move all our stuff in there. We're officially moving in on Friday, as that will be our first night there as all the main furniture will be in and the pets will all have moved in too. Photos of the house to come on Friday when I have chance to take photos in the day light.

Home Box:
Home Box

Song Of The Day: Nicki Minaj - Starships
Reason: Really love the video for this and really love her outfits!

Highlight Of The Day: Getting the keys and having a proper look round.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Photo Every Day #353

Today has been about working and packing mainly. We also managed to blag our way into our new house! The builders were rather confused but we had a quick look around which has made it seem more real. Only 2 sleeps to go before we get the keys!

Boxes Everywhere:
Boxes Everywhere

Song Of The Day: Avril Lavigne - Slipped Away
Reason: My favourite song at the moment, so sad and heartfelt.

Highlight Of The Day: Getting a sneak peek into our new house

Monday 17 December 2012

Photo Every Day #352

Last night was awesome!! The Hilton was so nice, especially since it had all of its xmas decorations up. First of all we had drinks in the Sky 23 bar. The views are amazing and it was nice to see all of the lights too. We then had food at The Living Room. The food was really nice but the portions were so small! The white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake was the best cheesecake I've ever eaten though, it was just perfect! After that, our boss had booked a Karaoke pod at Tiger Tiger. I'm really not one for ever singing in public (traumatic childhood memories of having to sing scales whilst learning the clarinet in the lunch corridor), but it was really fun. I didn't have a proper sing but did a bit of group singing and singing along which I think is an achievement for me! We then went to the hotel to have a drink at the bar there, but sadly it was closing for maintenance for the night, so we headed to a nearby casino since that was the only place open that late on a Sunday evening/Monday morning and then finally got back around 3-3.30am for bedtime! The room was lovely, very nicely decorated and super comfy beds! It was like sinking into a little cloud and it had two pillows which always goes down a treat with me since I can't stand just having one pillow. Overall, it was really nice to spend time with my colleagues, as I've not been there very long I don't know people so well, but feel I've started to fit in a little bit more now.

Also, I read this question and answer page from the NASA website, Beyond 2012: Why The World Won't End, which was a really interesting read.

Dear Guest:
Untitled

Study Time:
Untitled

Bed Time:
Untitled

View To The Right:
Untitled

View To The Left:
Untitled

Don't Look Down:
Untitled

Song Of The Day: The Wombats - Let's Dance To Joy Division
Reason: Reminds me of last night!

Highlight Of The Day: Waking up in a super comfy bed after a fab night out.


Sunday 16 December 2012

Photo Every Day #351

Tonight is our work xmas do for Venture. We're staying at the Hilton in Manchester and going out for a meal!! Really looking forward to it and hoping our room has an awesome view! Today's PED is of a ghost shaped gingerbread man, not sure why it's a ghost rather than something more xmassy, but it was still tasty nonetheless. 

Ghost:
Ghost

Song Of The Day: Fukkk Off - Rave Is King (Le Castle Vania Remix)
Reason: Such a party tune

Highlight Of The Day: Will defiantly be this evenings festivities.

Photo Every Day #350

Today has consisted of more packing! We're slowly starting to look like we live in a box fort. Whilst packing the boy came across a hepatitis b biohazard package, with nothing it in thankfully, belonging to the previous tenants. Really random and kind of too much information. Tomorrow is the works night out which I'm looking forward to. I think I have my outfit planned but there's still time for a last minute change of heart!

Biohazard:
Biohazard Of Previous Tenants

Song Of The Day: Alexandra Burke - Elephant
Reason: Really like this song, quite catchy

Highlight Of The Day: Looking round Ikea for furniture

Saturday 15 December 2012

Photo Every Day #349

Just a quick one as I want a decent sleep in preparation for the big Xmas do on Sunday night. I've not done anymore packing as I went to Nandos with some of the girls from work instead, then had to call and get my dresses from my Mum's house. We cleaned Asami's ear this evening as they were starting to look a little mucky again. Unfortunately, the boy insisted on picking her up whilst I squirted the liquid into her ears with no top on. He then got rather scratched whilst she tried to make a bid for freedom. Needless to say, I told him so.

Battle Wound From Kitty Ear Cleaning:
Battle Wounds From Kitty Ear Cleaning

Song Of the Day: Lana Del Rey - Ride
Reason: Love this video, she should turn her albums into films.

Highlight Of The Day: Nandos with some of my favourite work girls.

Friday 14 December 2012

Photo Every Day #348

I'm blogging from my phone today as my laptop charger cable has broken. Very annoying. I've been looking at old photos at my dads today and randomly found this photo of me and my friends from a trip to Alton Towers when we were about 13.

Old School:
Old School

Song Of The Day: Paramore -crushcrushcrush
Reason: I actually quite like a bit of Paramore for when I'm reliving that teenage angst

Highlight Of The Day: Looking at old photos with my dad

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Photo Every Day #347

Today I found out the film shoot on Thursday has had to be rescheduled due to the weather. I'm gutted! But it will be shot in January instead so all is not lost. So tomorrow I intend on making a good start on packing up ready for the move! Only 8 days to go!

Fridge Raider:
Fridge Raider


Song Of The Day: Will.I.Am Featuring J.Lo and Mick Jagger - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
Reason: Such a good song! Came on in work today and had to stop myself from dancing.

Highlight Of The Day: Ordering our xmas cards!

Film Review: Mogambo (1953)


Mogambo

Mogambo tells the story of Victor and the love triangle that occurs at his ranch is South Africa. Victor (Clarke Gable) runs a company that traps native African animals in order to sell them to zoos and circuses. He returns one day to find Eloise Kelly (Ava Gardener) has arrived, expecting to visit the maharaja, the company's formal owner who has invited her a stay. Eloise finds she has missed him and cannot leave for India until the next boat arrives a week later. During this week, Victor and Eloise have a casual fling, with Eloise falling in love with him. She decides to leave regardless when the boat turns up with a couple there to research gorillas. Eloise leaves, but later returns as her boat is shipwrecked and will take weeks to repair. She is eventually allowed along on the trip under the condition that she gets a boat from a neighboring village. Once they arrive at the village, they find it has been taken over by the natives and Eloise has to accompany them on the full trip. Linda Nordley (Grace Kelly) is scared and does not take to jungle life as well as her anthropologist husband, Donald (Donald Sinden). Victor is attracted to Linda and wants to protect her, much to the disdain of Eloise. Here ensues a love triangle building up to an unavoidable climax. 

I really enjoyed this, the story is such a classic love triangle and has emotion in all the right places. I find films like this to have that real sense of escapism where is it easy to fall into their affair-ridden lives. The characters are great, especially Ava Gardener as Eloise. She's smart and sassy; she seems to be a more 'modern' woman than the sheltered Linda.

I really felt that this film had a good dose of African culture in it, I love the footage of the animals in their native land and the inclusion of a range of tribes. I really feel that this adds to the mis-en-scene of the piece and really emphasises the tag line 'Shot on safari in Africa!'. It gives a very authentic feel.

 The only thing I felt let down by was the ending. It seemed to go against Eloise's strong nature which left me feeling a bit cheated and that Victor, the male, could have his own way as and when he chose. 

I probably wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again but I think it was very enjoyable.

Rating: 7/10

Photo Every Day #346

Just a quick one as I want to try and sleep as much as possible for Thursday's shoot! I'll write about it afterwards so that I'll hopefully have some photos too! It's the staff night out at Venture this weekend, I want to wear a dress but so far my bruise is limiting my choice! I think I may go with my Vivienne Westwood dress as it seems like a good opportunity to wear it to something nice.

Still Bruised:
Still Bruised

Song Of The Day: KMFDM - Megalomaniac
Reason: One of my favourite KMFDM songs and makes me want to dance the instant I hear it.

Highlight Of The Day: Getting 3 bookings at work.

Monday 10 December 2012

Photo Every Day #345

I sometimes wonder whether I have 2 cats or 2 children. Draco's latest fascination is with Tom & Jerry cartoons on the tv! I'm a massive fan of 'proper' cartoons ie the ones that were hand drawn, so I've been recording a lot of old cartoons. Draco loves watching the characters run around on the screen. He reminds me of the scene in 101 Dalmations where the puppies are all watching tv.

Watching Cartoons:
Watching Cartoons

Song Of The Day: Marina & The Diamonds - Bubblegum Bitch
Reason: Really love her, she's so different to the norm, really want to go and see her live!

Highlight Of The Day: Being offered a step up in roles on the film set I'll be working on on Thursday.

Sunday 9 December 2012

Photo Every Day #344

For some reason I'm way more tired that I usually am after work on a Sunday. I only have a short shift tomorrow though, then it's off to Nandos! I also took the photos for our traditional crappy xmas card, it was a nightmare to get the cats to sit still! The rats didn't like the idea that much that we just gave up on having a shot with them in! Even the geckos kept wriggling about. I'll post some outtakes once I've made the card.

Hazelnut & Chocolate Loaf:
Hazelnut & Chocolate Loaf

Song Of The Day: James Arthur - Impossible
Reason: Glad someone different won X Factor. He  and Jahmene Douglas really seem to deserve to do well.

Highlight Of The Day: Being in the warmth when it's so cold outside.

Photo Every Day #343

Tonight was the Debenhams xmas do at the Cotton Mill. We did the same for our spring (belated xmas) party earlier in the year and it was a good night again. Wish I'd not been so tired so I could have stayed longer, but it was still nice to see everyone for a short time. Nest week it's the Venture xmas do so I'll be all partied out!

Xmas Party Outfit:
Xmas Party

Song Of The Day: Psy - Gangnam Style
Reason: So funny to watch a room full of people recreate the dance moves!

Highlight Of The Day: Seeing friends at the party.

Friday 7 December 2012

Photo Every Day #342

Today has been a super long day for no apparent reason. One of the girls from work also left today which is gutting. I'm happy that she's got a new job but sad that we're losing a valuable member of our team. We have our first (and only) xmas decoration up too!

Wreath:
Wreath

Song Of The Day: Limp Bizkit - My Generation
Reason: Old school classic

Highlight Of The Day: Cuddles with kitties, who will now sit together! Can't wait to sit on my new cuddle chair with them in the new house!

Thursday 6 December 2012

Photo Every Day #341

Yesterday I walked into a stack of boxes whilst trying to shut the kitties out whilst my dad came round. He's severely allergic to cats so they're not allowed in the same room as him when he's here. I've ended up with a massive and really sore bruise sadly. We've also officially swapped the contracts for the house and we've officially got our completion date! Starting to get exciting, but not looking forward to packing everything up.

Battered & Bruised:
Battered & Bruised

Song Of The Day: Machine Head - Elegy
Reason: Beautifully haunting yet heavy

Highlight Of The Day: A nice lie in

Photo Every Day #340

Today I had a much needed day off. I met up with a friend from work to buy a gift for another of our friends and we had coffee, then I went to the pet shop in Stockton Heath. I ended up buying treats for the boys and a woven nest for them and also an xmas pig toy for kitty stockings. I then spent my afternoon wrapping presents, watching a film and chilling out with my kitties.

Afternoon Nap:
Afternoon Nap

Song Of The Day: Kyuss - Demon Cleaner
Reason: Nice and relaxing

Highlight Of The Day: A nice day off that sadly went far too quickly.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Film Review: The Woman (2011)

The Woman

I first heard of The Woman when I saw it was doing the rounds on the film festival circuit. I had read some rave reviews and it generally seemed to be making a splash, so I decided to rent it via LoveFilm. Directed by Lucky McKee, the film is one of the best horror films o come out of America in recent years.

The film tells the story of the Cleek family who are attempting to 'civilise' a feral woman that the father, Chris, (Sean Bridgers) has captured whilst on a hunting trip. Although the women in the family are clearly shocked, appalled and against the idea, his sinister teenage son Brian, relishes the thought. After the women are forced to participate in the civilisation tasks set by Chris, they soon discover that it is much harder than they initially thought, especially as the woman is uncooperative.
However, all hell breaks out when she is finally free from her restraints.

I like how this film explores the idea of civilisation vs uncivilisation. The audience is left wondering who exactly is the uncivilised party after the captured woman and the wife and eldest daughter of the Cleek family are abused and subject to violence. It also gets us thinking about what could be going on behind the closed doors of our friends and neighbours unknown to the rest of the world. It also makes us consider if being civilised really is the best way to be. The woman is clearly happy surviving in the natural world; why force changes on those deemed feral just so that those who are civilised don't have to understand worlds other than their own. It is fear of the unknown that forces civilisation on the uncivilised. To me, it is this thought that is far more scary than that of being attacked by an angry feral female.

One of the main things I liked about the film is that I feel like I hadn't seen it before. Usually it is the wild, cannibalistic people chasing and terrorising the ordinary family, so I felt this was a bit different. It also brought out that feeling where you want to yell at the tv screen whilst you're watching it. One key example of this is a scene where the woman's restraints are beginning to come lose. The woman makes continuous eye contact with Belle, the mother (Angela Bettis) and they seem to have a connection. As a viewer, you have all of your fingers crossed that she won't say anything and gives the woman an opportunity to escape, but instead she points out the loose restraints to her husband. It's almost as if she can't free the captured woman because she can't even free herself from her husband's violence.

My favourite part of the film are the performances of Pollyanna McIntosh and Alexa Marcigliano who play the woman and 'Socket' respectively. Alexa plays a feral, dog-like girl and her performance is just out of this world! I've never been so convinced that a person was genuinely raised by dog! She is by far the most underrated character and I would have loved her to have featured more heavily throughout the film. Alexa reminds me of Doug Jones who plays the Faun/Pale Man in Pan's Labyrinth (2006). Pollyanna's performance also makes the film. If the title character hadn't been played just right it would have destroyed the dynamic of the entire film. She is brilliant and still manages to look amazing with dirty covered skin and matted hair. The two older children played by Lauren Ashley Carter and Zach Rand also give excellent performances.

As a horror film I think it manages to balance the build up of the plot with the gore and violence of the conclusion really well. I was drawn in finding out about the Cleek family, and was kept intrigued by the fast paced nature of the ending. I can see why people were shocked, at the end of the day the Cleek men do some pretty awful things. I don't however feel that it is a feminist film. I think it is a film that deals more with nature vs civilised society rather than a females' triumph over a male.

I would highly recommend this film and will be buying it asap for my dvd collection!

Rating: 10/10

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Photo Every Day #339

Today my Mum ordered us our new dining table! We're slowly starting to have most of the stuff we want and need for the house, which is good. Most of it's being delivered straight to the house too so that's useful. I really hope our sofas don't quite take the full 8 weeks though. Only 16 days until we get the keys!!!

Come Dine With Me:
New Dining Table

Song Of The Day: Corey Taylor - Wicked Game
Reason: Possibly the most beautiful song in the world, this is my favourite rendition.

Highlight Of The Day: Coming back to a relatively tidy flat!

Monday 3 December 2012

Photo Every Day #338

Today we bought a washer-dryer from Comet and our sofas from DFS! We chose a model up from the washer-dryer that we have in the flat (which isn't ours) and saved £150! For our sofas, we chose a 4 seater Nikkita and the matching cuddle sofa. The cuddle sofa is just a huge chair basically and I can't wait to get it! We chose a nice charcoal grey colour and it has chrome legs, so it's comfy yet doesn't take up too much space. Today is also the first time we've caught the kittens sleeping so close together too!

Sleeping Siblings:
Sleeping Siblings

Song Of The Day: The entire Songs For The Deaf album by Queens Of The Stone Age
Reason: I love this album as a whole. The songs are in perfect order and I love the radio style filler.

Highlight Of The Day: Buying house things!

Sunday 2 December 2012

Photo Every Day #337

Today I don't feel ill anymore! Yay! I am still extremely tired though. I'm only doing a short shift tomorrow and don't start until 1pm so hopefully I'll have some time to relax in the morning and have a bit of a lie in. We've finally got a completion date on the buying of the house, so this week we're signing more documents and finally handing over the remainder of the money to make it officially ours! We're also going to go scrounging for bargains at Comet since it's fallen on bad times and is closing down. For now though, I'm just having Draco cuddles.

Watching Tv With My Buddy:
Watching Tv With My Buddy

Song Of The Day: Olly Murs - Trouble Maker
Reason: Get in my bed, mmmm!

Highlight Of The Day: Being awake the entire day! Albeit not entirely with it....

Saturday 1 December 2012

Photo Every Day #336

Today I am feeling even worse that yesterday purely for the fact that I feel even more tired and exhausted than before. I really need a break from working so much and being under such pressure in work, with buying a new house and with general everyday stresses and strains.

One Tired Eye:
One Tired Eye


Photo Every Day #335

Into the last month of the year for my PED feature. Sadly I'm still not well so just a quick one again today. Normal blogging will resume ASAP hopefully. Today's PED is of Jacques sharing my sandwich.