A Year To Review

2012 has been a pretty big year for me. It was the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, my 21st birthday, I started my book blog, I joined twitter and thus made a load of new online friends. I had two summer holidays, Pottermore came out and I started my third and final year of university.

So yeah, big year.

I'm not quite sure where to begin! My year started at my boyfriends and is actually going to end at my boyfriends, because I'm staying for another new year party after we watch The Hobbit on Monday. Anyway, I attended lectures, bitched about my tutors a little, felt rubbish for a while after realising I hadn't accomplished much, spent Valentines Day ill with a cold - how romantic - struggled through my two exams in May and finally finished second year. Oh and I wrote quite possibly my favourite blog post from one of the funniest classes I've ever had right here about ultimate classmates.

Over the summer, I watched loads of great new movies, like Ice Age 4 and Ted and Dark Shadows. The Olympic Torch went through my town the morning of my final exam! My family and I spent the day in London getting absolutely drenched to watch the Jubilee Pageant. At the end of July, the family packed up the car and drove down to the Dordogne for a week, which was really fun. Then a month later I went to Cornwall with my boyfriend and his family.

I remember I spent September buying all my new books for university and trying to get a head start on reading - that didn't work as well as planned! The final week of September I sneakily moved around my timetable so that I had classes with my friends. Then it was back to work - thrown right in the deep end with essays and reading and prep work. Not to mention my dissertation - eeep!

Then it was my 21st birthday. We went to see The Lion King, which was epic; went clubbing for the first time which was cool and a little scary; got proper drunk which was hilarious. And got a kindle!

I've also read some really cool books this year, which I summarised rather nicely on my book blog, if you're interested.

So that's where I stand now, about to start the new year worrying about how little work I've done over Christmas and how much I've got to do these next few months. How about you? Had a good year or can you not wait until 2013? Until next time!

King of Lions and Reaching Adulthood

Apologises for, once again, abandoning this blog to live life and breathe air and... hang on, have I stolen that from something?

Anyway, I wanted to do a write up last week because my family and I went to see The Lion King at Bristol Hippodrome - it was awesome! I'm sure most of the English-speaking world has seen that play but if not? Go see it! Right now! It is incredible! The puppets and the songs and the dances - oh wow. Seriously, I have so many great things to say about this show but do not have the time to list them all.

In other news, I have started my third and final year of university - scary or what? As it's only the third week, the work load isn't too bad, just a crap-load of reading and prep to do. Plus my dissertation. Eeeep! So, I'm sure you'll forgive me when I say that this blog is taking a back seat, even more than usual, for the foreseeable future.

And, finally, it is my 21st birthday next week. I'm really excited, even though I'm getting old. Last night, some of my uni friends took me out clubbing, admittedly for the first time, which was really fun. I got just a little drunk, also for the first time - I know, I've led such a sheltered life! - which Sophie in particular found hilarious, apparently. We went dancing, collapsed in bed around 2 with seriously aching feet, and I slept awful, considering how exhausted I was! I have a cold, you see. Mother thinks I 'caught a chill'. I, meanwhile, was not aware that I had been transported back to 1856 without my shawl.

Anyway, I am recovering from my "wild" night out by watching QI on iplayer and eating chocolate fingers in bed. I have a ton of reading to do for next week; even though it's my birthday I still have to work. How unfair is that!

Until next time!

The Angels Take Manhattan

The final episode with the Ponds. I was actually nervous watching this - I wanted it to be spectacular and heart-felt and brilliant. Luckily, it was all that and more. 

First off, the story itself was rather fantastic: New York, the city that never sleeps, has been taken over by the Weeping Angels, moving statues on every street and one very nervous mob-boss (I'm assuming), who employs anyone with information on them. Which would be a good idea, considering he has one locked up behind a curtain.

In comes River, with her time-and-space knowledge and the back-up of knowing the Doctor will be there to save them. I liked River in this episode, she wasn't trying too hard and actually showed some proper emotion that she doesn't very often because she is tough and cannot give away spoilers. 

The Doctor was also just amazing in this one. He doesn't like endings, not even in books, and Matt Smith can really pull off that haunted, hurt look that makes my heart break. On the other hand, he was fantastically vain checking his appearance before going out to see River!

I cannot even begin to explain my love for Amy and Rory. There were so many cute little moments between them that made me realise how perfect they are for each other. My heart broke and I cried for the last ten minutes and I can't decide whether it was a sad happy ending, or a happy sad ending. I could go on and on about their relationship summarised in this episode, just how much it hurt to see Rory try to sacrifice himself for Amy (my heart was in my throat for that bit!) and how Amy gave up her live with the Doctor for Rory.

Right. The Angels Take Manhattan was an amazing episode, bloody scary but also full of love. It couldn't have been a more perfect ending for the Ponds, allowing them to stay and live together, even though it broke the Doctor's hearts that he could not see them again. But, I think it would have been worse if they had died in the line of duty. Even though the Doctor had to leave them, he gets the minimal assurance that they lived a full and happy life. 

Daleks and Dinosaurs

Oh, hey. This is awkward. So! I've been a bit busy. Not that anyone really pays much attention to me. I've been wanting to write about Brave, went to see that a few weeks ago - it was epic! Should also have written about the new series of Doctor Who... actually, I might do that now!

Asylum of the Daleks premièred last week - it was an amazingly fresh Dalek episode. I practically had enough of them after the Power Ranger Dalek episode last year. Know what I'm talking about? I shall find you a picture!

There, see? Wubbish! Anyway, what was I talking about? Oh yeah - I spent a lot of the episode confused as to whether Oswin was the new companion or not. Turns out she is! Spoiler alert, I think the Doctor's going to save her before she crashes. Not much of a spoiler, is it? That's how it's going to have to happen, because he sure as hell ain't travelling with a confused Dalek-girl! I did love her though. 'You guys could fence!'

It was a really good episode, funny and new and sweet and a little sad, but come on. The Doctor was going to fix Amy and Rory. Duh.

Onto Dinosaurs on a Spaceship. This had to be a great episode. I didn't want any messing around, not with Mark Williams and Rupert Graves guest-staring. And luckily, it was! Full of flirting and weird father/son moments and awesome Amy moments. Plus a pet dinosaur and an Egyptian queen! A great filler episode, just a random one-off adventure that we don't see very often anymore.

What else is new? I've read about 20 books this summer, been reviewing quite frequently, pretty proud of myself actually! Even got some books straight from the publisher! Oh yeah.

I'm not going back to university for another few weeks, so am getting pretty bored lately. I've started reading some books for uni - oh! Want to know what I'm studying this year? Of course you do. Right, four modules, entitled: In Search of America, Women's Writing, Gothic Revivals, and Literary London. First three focus on quite modern novels and poetry, so that's good. Literary London looks at 16th/17th century stuff that I can't always understand but I really like the teacher, so I'll manage.

I think I've bored you all enough for the time being. Sorry I'm losing focus on this blog, I'm really getting into my book-blogging and don't really have much to say on my personal one anymore. Or least, nothing that would be appropriate or entertaining. So, I'll just leave it with: until next time!



Holy crap this is my 100th post! I had to come back and edit this in, I hadn't noticed! Don't really know what to say, it's not like I need to write an acceptance speech. Bit of a crappy 100th post though, huh? Ah well. At least I've got this Indiana Jones hat my boyfriend just put on my head.

France and Teddy Bears

Hello there! Yes, I have returned from holiday, not very well tanned and with a cold. Because only I can go holidaying in France and come back with a cold. Typical.

Anyway, it was a lovely holiday - the house we rented was quite pretty, if a little old and covered in spiders. It was atop a hill that overlooked part of the Dordogne valley, which was gorgeous. We hit most of the local highlights: Rocamadour, the town and château clinging to a cliff face (a very long walk to the top, mind!); Sarlat with its awesome market and lovely cathedral; Martel, another market town and it had seven towers. No idea why, just had seven towers dotted around the town; and Beynac, a medieval castle and stronghold with a wicked view of the river and surrounding area.

All in all, a good family holiday. Most likely the last one abroad for a while, as us kids are getting older. But definitely worth the two day drive down there!

I'm afraid I don't have many funny stories to tell, because most of them are sort inside jokes with our family and because I can't remember them! It was a week ago! But let's just say that my parents and little brother are pretty awesome and really funny, if slightly disgusting.

So, the other thing I wanted to talk to you about was Ted. You know, the movie? Yeah, boyfriend and I went to see it last night and it was hilarious! Typical of Seth MacFarlane's writing, it was quite similar to Family Guy, but a little more plot-driven.

The story was basically that this little boy wished to have a best friend, his teddy bear came to life and they're still best friends at 35. Mark Wahlberg isn't moving on in life, his girlfriend Mila Kunis makes him choose between her and Ted, Ted gets bearnapped by this creepy guy and his kid, and all's well that ends well. Yeah, I didn't explain that very well, did I? Well then you will have to go see it to get it! Trust me, it was so funny!

Well, now I have to go order books for my course - why they make us buy the most expensive editions I have no idea! Until next time.

Days Of Summer

Oh hi! Another month, another crappy attempt at keeping you updated with my life. This time it is no university keeping me occupied but books. Lots and lots of books. And TV and writing and just general laziness. Well, that last may not be true (who am I kidding, it totally is!) because it's not that I haven't bothered writing a post, it's that I haven't had anything to write about.

It's been a lazy month. I've been shopping, been to the cinema a few times, met up with friends, did more shopping, ate quite a bit and read a lot. I think this is the most I've ever read in such a short period of time! I'm actually really impressed with myself! Of course it does mean that I have to try really hard to keep up with reviews.

So, the real reason I'm writing today is that I'm going on holiday tomorrow. I'll be gone a week and a bit, not that anyone will really miss me, and wanted to write before it was August. I'm going away with my family, probably for the last time as my brother and I are getting older, and we are staying in a house in the Dordogne, an area in south-west France. We're driving, because me and mum hate to fly, so it's going to take us two days to get down there! Hot really looking forward hours on end in the car, but I'm definitely looking forward to being able to have a bath and my own room!

That probably needs an explanation. If you can remember, or if you've actually read my past entries, we normally go away in a motorcaravan. But this year, we downgraded so our new one only sleeps two: mum and dad. Thus, we are renting a property and I don't have to walk across a campsite to have a shower. That will be a welcome change.

Actually, that's practically the only thing I'm looking forward to on this holiday. Sure, the castles and château's we'll end up going to will be cool, but I'm really going to miss my boyfriend. And don't give me all that 'it's only a week, man up!' crap, I've had all that from my dad. But we've been together over 5 years, I think I'm allowed to miss him while I'm abroad!

This has turned into quite a ramble, hasn't it? I think I'll stop there. I'm sure that I'll have some interesting stories to tell when I get back. Until next time!

Ice Age 4

Last night, my boyfriend and I, plus some of our friends, went to see Ice Age 4, like the mature adults we are. I had high hopes for this film, I wanted it to be really good. And, of course, it was awesome! How do they manage to keep up the great story lines after 4 movies? Incredible!

The basic story of this one is that Scrat causes the continents to shift and Manny gets separated from Ellie and Peaches. On an ice-ship, Manny, Sid and Diego float around on the ocean, find Sid's granny hiding in a tree (don't ask) and encounter a pirate ship. After getting tied up and a nice sing-song to introduce everyone, they escape, majorly pissing off the Monkey Captain in the process because they broke his ship. Thus the main plotline: getting stalked by Monkey Captain, actual name Captain Gutt, who has sworn revenge on Manny and everything he loves. You can see where this is going, can't you?

The pirate crew was awesome: a little violent rabbit, an idiot seal voiced by Nick Frost, a badger that doubles as the pirate flag and a gorgeous white sabre called Shira. She was brilliant and tough and loyal, even though her captain was a... bad word. Of course, Diego was instantly interested. I've been saying since the second one that Diego needs a girl, and they finally listened! But I do have to mention, the siren scene - oh my God, that was hilarious!

Peaches is all grown up now. Voiced by Keke Palmer, which I did not get until the credits, she is a typical teenage girl embarrassed by her over-protective father. Even though she has terrible taste in men, I really liked her.  Quickly, I will mention that the group of mammoths she hangs out with are really annoying and once of the girls is voiced by Nicki Minaj, which is actually pretty funny.

Ok, I don't want to give too much away, because the film kind of wanders off from what the trailer suggests; as in, it is more complicated than that. But, finally, I will say that it is just as good, if not better, than its predecessors', and that I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a film. Embrace your inner child and go see this film!

Books and Atlantis

Oh, hello! Seems like we haven't spoken in a while, but actually it's been, what, a week? Well, it seems like longer than that, but maybe that's just me. Lately my days have been going rather slowly, merging into one another, you know? I haven't been up to much, reading a lot, as book nerds do. I'm also looking after the house while the 'rents have gone to a 24 hour car race in France. Which means I'm in charge of cooking, cleaning and everything with my little brother. I say little, I mean 17 year old who has only just learned how to turn our oven on.

So, what interesting news do I have to tell you about? Been reading After The Snow; the colloquial language makes for some interesting characterisation of the narrator but God, does it make it difficult to read! Or maybe I just have no patience for that kind of thing. Yeah, that's probably it. Either way, I've been reading it for over two weeks, only just hit page 100! I've also been reading Undead by Kirsty McKay - amazing book but tell you what, making me really paranoid of zombie attacks!

Right now I'm watching Atlantis, that pretty old Disney movie. Actually, it's 11 years old. Huh. That doesn't make me feel old at all! Poor Milo, being bullied by the team! But god, do I love Audrey, the teenage engineer! I haven't watched this movie in ages, I'd forgotten how cool it was!

Ok, I've got to the bit near the end where Kida has gone all zombie blue eyes and the crystal wakes up. This is a pretty amazing story. Seriously, go watch this movie! It does remind me of a book though, A Quick Bite. It's a vampire book but Lynsay Sands writes it that vampires actually come from Atlantis and have these bug things that replace cells and cures their hunger and everything. Kind of clever and definitely a unique vampire legend!

Man, this has been another pretty crappy update hasn't it? Apologises for that. And that I haven't really said much of interest. So... until next time.

Catch Up (a.k.a. Sorry Guys!)

I don't really have much to say on this, the end of June. I've had a pretty lazy month since I finished second year at the end of May. I've gone shopping, had a couple of day trips out, been to the cinema a lot, caught up with friends; it's been good!

Speaking of cinema, maybe I should catch you all up on that. So, I've been to see Frankenstein, as per the last post, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, which turned out to be incredible but bloody scary! Snow White and the Huntsman, which I also wrote about before. Actually, Lincoln is the only one I hadn't written about. Oh well! I still want to see Rock of Ages, Ice Age 4, Brave and The Amazing Spiderman. Any other suggestions?

The other main thing I've been doing is reading. I've still got a huge pile of books next to my bed to be read (ha, awkward rhyme) and as I cannot stop buying books, the pile is not exactly lessening. But I'm getting there! For those interested, here is a link to my book review blog, where earlier today I posted about the books I plan to read next. Not everyone's thing, I know, but I'm afraid that's the best I've got today!

Sorry for the short post. Really, it's just because I noticed it's the end of June and I've only written 3 times this month! Hopefully I'll think of something more topical and interesting for next time. Until then!

Frankenstein

You may or not have been aware that Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller were in a production of Frankenstein last year. I was no aware of this so I won't blame you for not knowing. My point is, they filmed a show and played it in cinemas around the country. This is what my friend Sarah and I went to see the other night. 

Because there was an option, we chose to see Benedict Cumberbatch play Victor and Jonny Lee Miller play the Creature. Both were incredible, but I am glad we got to see Mr Cumberbatch with hair! 

Danny Boyle, the director person who wrote this version, decided to follow the creature's point of view, which meant there was a painful first 5 minutes where we watched him try to stand up, all alone. It really was heartbreaking actually, seeing the steampunk workers fear and hit him. And get chased away when he was just hungry.

For those who know, the book is from Victor's point of view, his letters and diary entries. Because the play is from the Creature's, we saw him kidnap William, learn English, get shunned from society which made me at least sympathise with him way more than I did when I read the book. It was especially impressive to see him learning to speak from the blind old man, although daunting that he quoted Paradise Lost when we, English Literature students, barely understand it! 

The ending was horrible, poor Elizabeth getting raped and murdered on her wedding night, Victor being too shaken up and weak to shoot his creation and chasing him all the way to the North Pole. It was an amazing show and I am really glad we saw this version, though I do not doubt Mr Cumberbatch would have been a brilliant Creature. The troubles with cloning, playing God, messing with humanity, what makes us unique were all potent themes in both the book and the production. I'm so glad we went to see it and even though it wasn't live, we did sit in plush sofas in the balcony!

Snow White and the (really hot) Huntsman

So, the other day my friend and I went to the local cinema to watch Snow White and the Huntsman. Yeah. That happened.

I wasn't all that fussed about watching it, partly because the trailer was all action-based and not necessarily my thing, partly because I have a thing against Kristen Stewart. I don't know what it is, it's nothing personal but since Twilight, I get the impression that she can't express ... expressions. I'm not gonna say she can't act because they were moments in the movie - Snow White that is - that she was really good at playing the innocent princess but a lot of the time, she has this seemingly permanent smirk on her face and it annoys me.

Anyway, the movie was still pretty good. Chris Hemsworth was brilliant. I will admit, he is the main reason I watched this film. The evil queen was sufficiently creepy, her brother was just pervy and the seven dwarfs were adorably tough. Did you know that Blackbeard was one of them? That was a pleasant surprise!

Oh, I have to tell you this. At one point near the beginning, Snow White runs away from the evil queen by slipping down the sewer which opens out half way down a cliff into the sea. As she is tying up her skirts and preparing to jump, my friend leaned over and said 'No, don't do it Bella!' Don't know about you, depending on whether you've read or seen New Moon, but I found this hilarious!

In other news, I got some marks back after finishing second year. My core exam was pretty poor but considering I suck at exams, it wasn't that surprising. Still got a 2.1 overall, which I am pleased with. Also got my last essay of the year back: 58. Not too bad, considering I forgot to use secondary sources! Again, still got my 2.1 overall, so I'm happy =D

I believe that is about it. Hopefully, I will be going to see Benedict Cumberbatch play Frankenstein in an encore performance of last year's production on Thursday. It's a film, though, so we can't see him at the stage door or anything, which kind of sucks but still, it's Benedict Cumberbatch! So, with any luck, I will have an amazing review to give you next week. Until next time!

Balls and boats

Ah, the month of June is upon us already which for me, and I'm sure many a university student, means that the summer has begun. Or it would have if English weather hadn't decided to make it rain! And as I have finally finished my second year of university and no longer have essays to deal with, I thought I would regale you with an update of the fun-filled weekend I started the summer off with.

Friday 1st
Haircut, met boyfriend for lunch, the normal stuff that I'm sure you are not all the interested in. It was a full-on day though. The parents drove me into Bath to my friend Sophie's house where I would be spending the night after the Summer Ball. But more on that later. First, we walked into town, had dinner at Wetherspoons and wandered to Waterstones where Cassandra Clare, of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, was giving a talk and signing books.

This was my first book event since I went with my family to see Caroline Lawrence, of The Roman Mysteries, many years ago and I fainted. Not dramatically or anything, but from the heat in the museum. Anyway, I was looking forward to seeing Cassie Clare, even though I hadn't quite finished her first book yet. So although the spoilers for her newest book (City of Lost Souls) were lost on me, I had a really good time. She was entertaining and adorable and I got my book signed without making a fool of myself.

Then, Sophie and I had to rush back to her's because we had to get ready for the Ball! And I do mean Ball, even though it turned out to be a marque in a field. We got dressed up and everything! I got blisters from my heels and trod on my dress and got elbowed so many times but it was really fun! We danced and drank and no one threw up, which is always a plus. And finally, my long day was over, collapsing in bed around 2 in the morning.

Saturday 2nd
As you can imagine, my Saturday was mostly spent sleeping off the effects of Friday night. Good times though, good times.

Sunday 3rd
Ah, yes. The Diamond Jubilee. Mum had made plans for us to go up to London to see the floating pageant thing down the Thames. We were all dubious at first, especially after our train got cancelled and we got separated on the next available, very crowded, train. But we finally made it, had lunch at Paddington station before setting off for Chelsea, our logic being we would be able to see all the boats set off. We soon realised that our logic had failed us. Even though the boats were not set to sail for another hour, it was packed. Like, there were at least 5 rows of people between us and the river. So, once the 1000 boats were floating past us, I was torn between looking behind us at the giant TV and sticking my camera in the air, hoping to get a focused picture of the river. It was fun though. We made friendly conversation with most of the people around us, chatting with them for most of the afternoon as we tried to watch the Queen and the royal family and the Mayor and other important people float past.

Didn't find out until this morning that we missed the boat with John Barrowman on. So disappointed.

Anyway, we walked up to The Mall, the giant road leading to Buckingham Palace, because Mum wanted a picture, when it started raining. Like proper chucking it down. For an hour. So not only did my legs feel like there were about to fall off but now I was soaked through my coat. Then of course, we couldn't find a taxi until we reached Piccadilly. Just go get a map of London to see how far we walked. In the rain. With aching feet.

So yeah, that was my weekend. I am still pretty tired so I'm taking it easy, reading and catching up on YouTube videos. Talk to you when something else interesting happens. Don't hold your breath though.

Vampires and Hell

Hey guys.

So this will be a quick one, just to let you know I'm still alive, if anyone was missing me which they probably weren't.

I have an exam tomorrow. My last of two for this year. Thank God I picked modules without too many exams! My first exam last week went pretty good. It was seen, which means we had the question a week beforehand, but we were not allowed to take any notes in so I had to memorise my essay plan, which surprisingly I managed to do! I am only half confident on tomorrow's exam. Seen again and able to take notes in but I think I will only be able to be properly coherent and argumentative on one of the questions, not both. Want to know what I'm writing about? I thought so.

One question is about vampire fiction's criticism - I am looking at Carmilla ( from In A Glass Darkly) and Dracula, discussing erotic language and vampirism. The second question is about remote regions of the UK being just as fearful as the exotic Orient. Here, I will argue that neither are fearful but both draw on exotic description and horrific elements such as Hell. Pretty good, huh?

In other news, it's boiling hot in England right now. Probably not helping that I am not moving from the bed or the laptop, but meh. Too tired. After tomorrow, I will have the whole summer to relax and read all the books I've being putting off til after university's finished.

Apologises for the ramble. Any exams or final essays to submit before you can enjoy the sun? Until next time.

Dark Shadows

Yes, it is time for another movie review - this time, the new Tim Burton film which has received very mixed reviews. Well, now it's time to add mine to the mix!

I had read some bad reviews before going to see this last night, which was probably a bad idea. I was really looking forward to this film and some critics almost ruined it for me. So, I knew what I was letting myself in for: a man cursed to be a vampire by a scorned lover, wakes up two centuries later to find his descendants living in his run-down house. Sounds great, right? A typical Georgian man, polite and proper, waking up in the 1970's, played by Johnny Depp.

I loved the basic story, the love between Barnabas (Depp) and Josette - although it take me a while to figure out for her name was because no one was saying it properly - going through what I am assuming was her descendant Vicky. And although she was a major psychotic bitch, I really loved the character Angelique, the witch that cursed him, his family, made Josette jump off a cliff, etc. She really made me laugh but seriously, she was insane! It takes some real devotion to hate someone for centuries!

I think the one thing that did annoy me with this film was that there was a lot going on - the seven people living in the house and all their motivations and history got a little confusing, especially with a random revelation with the daughter tacked on the end. Also, the Georgian gentleman in the free-love seventies was funny at the beginning but there is only so many times he can compliment a woman's birthing hips before it gets old.

Oh, Helena Bonham Carter was brilliant. Not the leading lady but still fantastic at the drunk psychiatrist that was stealing Barnabas' blood. I could see the twist ending coming but still good. 

I can't really think of anything else to mention right now. The characters were engaging and funny and interesting to keep the film going good but with so much stuff, bits were skipped over and/or ignored. I would honestly recommend seeing this film, it was good but I think it could have been better. Plus, you do have to understand Tim Burton at least a little.

To tweet or not to tweet?

Hey guys, it's been a while and my internet is buffering '2 Broke Girls' so I thought I'd do an update. By the way, anyone else been watching that? It is hilarious!

Apart from all the drama of trying to finish 2 essays this week - done one, by the way, nearly finished the second - I've been thinking about The Future! Imagine that in the booming voice that normally comes with things like Star Wars and you're good. My well-meaning but occasionally annoying mother wants me to start looking for work, volunteer or otherwise. I know I finish at the end of the month, but right now, I'm just trying to survive these essays and the impending exams!

The other thing I've been thinking about - and my friend Sophie has been nagging me about - is getting Twitter. I honestly don't see the appeal but according to Sophie it's a great way to get the attention of authors and publishers and reviewers, which would be perfect with my less-than-popular book review blog and my aspiration to get into publishing.

So. I looked it up earlier, even starting signing up. But the username I wanted to use (AwfulLofOfReading) is too long apparently. So now I don't know what to call myself. I don't want to officially go by my real name, I want to be known by my blog. So, any suggestions?

What else is new? I finished all lectures last week, which is apparently surprising to most people. Yeah, it is only May and I will have a long summer - that's the great thing about university! I have one more essay to finish, hand in one tomorrow and then next Tuesday. Actually, I have a few things to do up on campus next Tuesday - hand in my last essay, tutorial and pick up my exam. Ahh, the joys of seen exams!

Ok, I think that's about it. A lot shorter than I thought but seriously - twitter name! Until next time.

Fellow book-nerds, please don't hate me!

So, please don't judge me, hear me out, but I've been thinking about saving up for an e-reader or Kindle.

*runs and hides in corner* Please don't hate me! I have a serious reason for this - although, actually, it's just because I'm lazy.

Here's what happened. I had a long day at university yesterday. A two hour class at 9, a two hour class at 4, and a 5 hour gap in between. As I was packing my bag, along with my laptop so I could get some work done (which, by the way, I totally did!) I was considering taking the fictional, non-university book I'm reading at the moment, Good Omens. In the end, I didn't because this one small book apparently made my bag so much heavier! But that got me thinking that it would be easier to have an e-reader, so I could take multiple books with me to campus without weighing down my bag.

So, those of you faithful to the paperbacks will be, right now, not-so-secretly hating me for considering going to the dark side. Trust me, I kind of feel disappointed with myself for thinking it. And yet, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea.

When the e-readers and Kindles first came out, I was simultaneously excited and hurt. Oh, it will make carrying  multiple books so much easier! But how dare they try and get rid of my precious books! It looks so much easier to hold and carry. But I bet I would get a headache from reading off a screen.

Of course, Clarissa would have been so much easier to read on an Kindle! My fellow English students will know what I'm talking about!

So, yeah, e-readers. I'm probably not going to get one because I can't afford it but if I was offered one...? What about you, dear readers? Got one, or want one, even loath them with a passion?

Until next time!

And the Sorting Hat says...

Ah yes, the expected and very repeated Pottermore update. I know Pottermore opened last week but I hadn't had a chance to write until now - well, actually, I kept forgetting but you forgive me, right?

So, yeah, Pottermore. I really did not know what to expect, but I dived right in, although it did take me a few chapters to realise I could double click and zoom in to pick up more stuff.

I flew through the early chapters, loving J.K's notes (because I love her and extra background knowledge) but eager to get my wand and to get sorted. Diagon Alley was amazing - I adore the drawings for each chapter and the shops are brilliant! I picked up my books, wishing I could actually go to Florish and Blotts, bought a black cat, a cauldron and then finally, to Ollivanders. Childishly, I was actually jumping up and down a little on the bed, I was so excited. Average height, blue eyes, even birthday, right to the castle and whatever other questions there were and then... 10 3/4 Laurel with unicorn hair, surprisingly swishy. Cool! I looked up wand cores and woods, because I'm a nerd, and it says that laurel is suited for quests for glory and cannot tolerate laziness and unicorn hair is the most consistent and faithful. While my wand might get fed up with my laziness, I like it!

Then it was off to platform 9 and 3/4, where my increasingly sticky fingers picked up a Prefect's badge and then onto the train to Hogwarts! This is the point where I literally could not stop bouncing with excitement. I was going to get sorted!

Of course, it was a week ago so I can't remember all the questions I answered but I do remember picking wisdom out of power, glory or love and my biggest fear of heights. Then the moment of truth. Would I get put into Slytherin, the one I associate myself with? Or Gryffindor, the one I should be in? But, suddenly - Ravenclaw! YES! I get to be a major book-worm and know-it-all and don't have to put up with bitches and selfless heroes! Whoo-hoo!

I finished the first book in that one day, because even though I had work to do, this was obviously much more important! Most of my friends are on there too - I had to help one through Diagon Alley (she is not the most computer literate) and now she is stuck in Potions!

If you guys want to add me, my username is SwordScarlet26375. But comment me your username, otherwise I won't know who you are!

Until the Chamber of Secrets!

DFTBA Nerds!

As The Boyfriend was buying me my Easter present in the form of Looking For Alaska, the young woman behind the counter said it was a good choice, asked if we had read any of his other works, suggested Will Grayson, Will Grayson - it was her favourite. This, by itself, was awesome mostly because outside my friendship group, I haven't met anyone who knows who John Green is, let alone likes his books. But no. She did us one better. She showed us the bracelet she was wearing that says DFTBA.

This may not seem like much. I mean, apart from making me instantly want one, the bracelet did nothing. Nothing but show that there is still hope for the world, the awesome increased and my faith in humanity was restored! Yeah, pretend to read that last sentence like a Winston Churchill speech and you'll want to smack me on the head like I just did.

Anyway, my point was that it made me really, randomly happy to meet another nerdfighter behind the counter of Waterstones - although now that I think about it, where else are you going to find nerds other than book shops? You know, apart from gamer nerds in Game or in the corner of HMV.

In other news, my book review blog is going ok - I don't know what I expected but I've been stuck on 5 followers for the last few months. I've been devouring books lately, as it's the Easter holidays and I have work to do that I'd rather not so I read instead. I read Divergent in two days! If you are interested, or do me a huge favour and pass the word on, here is a link to it.

In other, reality related news, I have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks. I have a 2000 word essay, 2500 word essay, 3000 word essay and 3 more 600 journal entries to write. That is a lot of words! Oh and my CV and PDP (personal development plan) whose only purpose, as far as I can tell, is to depress us with our horrible prospects of the future after university. Yeah, we have to hand in our CV's to be marked. Weird, right?

I think I will leave you with some book-nerd news in the form of the new Jeaniene Frost book coming out in June:

Isn't it pretty? I want it to be June so much! Also because the next Morganville Vampire book will be out, Black Dawn. Already pre-ordered! Whoo, book nerds!

The Hunger Games

Dear readers and fans of the book,
       This review is likely to contain things that you would recognise from the book and therefore may not be considered spoilers but you have been warned! I will mostly be looking at how the movie compares to the book and their interpretations of the parts I love. It will also come to you mostly in bullet points as I cannot be bothered with full sentences.

- District 12 and the Hob were just as I imagined them - they were perfectly depressing, if you know what I mean!
- The Reaping was somewhat grander than I imagined. It was impressive how they all dressed up and Effie looked incredible - I cried a little at Prim and Katniss' obvious love for each other
- The Capitol was incredible - the costumes and the make-up really highlighted the Capitol's need for fashion and colour. Not to mention the extremeness of some of the Capitol's citizens!
- The tribute's entrance was amazing, so much more than I anticipated. And their costumes were just... wow! I have to admit, I really did not get all the other District's "thing", as it were, from their costumes - but I can't remember most of them anyway!
- Oh, the interviews. Cinna really bought out the confidence in Katniss and their relationship was presented really well, especially her searching for his face in the audience. And Peeta was even better than I thought! I don't know if it was the acting or what, but Josh Hutcherson hit the nail on the head all the way through.
- I loved the occasional interruptions by Casaer and Claudius' commentary of the Games - it reinforced that the Games are for the Capitol's enjoyment and it is just reality TV gone wrong - plus it helped to replace some of Katniss' narrative, like explaining the tracker jackers
- Rue was just incredible. She was lovely and small, and her hiding in training was really funny. Her alliance with Katniss was adorable - you can tell Katniss was reminded on Prim, especially when she curled up asleep next to her. I cried at her death and Katniss' reaction was just perfect, not to mention the flowers.
- The cave by the river scene was brilliant and adorable - and Peeta's camouflage was awesome!
- Haymitch - especially loved the little notes he sent Katniss - 'You call that a kiss?' - and seeing him getting them sponsers showed his dedication to them both, which you didn't really get in the beginning
- Oh, the nightlock. I have no words for how amazing Katniss and Peeta was in that scene

Small nitpicks:
- I have no idea why the Capitol pricked the kids fingers at the reaping
- The mutts didn't have the tributes eyes
- Really wanted Katniss to call out Peeta's name at the rule change but that's just me

Ok, I'm running out of adjectives so I'm gonna leave you with my final opinion: film adaptation of the Hunger Games = incredible!

Were versus Vamp

Yes, this is another "versus" post, and for that I apologise for the bad timing but this story? Completely true and worth it.

Last week, my boyfriend and I were watching Van Helsing, and I was interrupting with comments on its similarities (or not) with the books, and his little brother came in and watched parts of it with us. At some point, little brother asked me whether I'd rather be a werewolf or a vampire. Without even thinking, I answered vampire. He groaned, knowing I have a slight obsession with the mythological creatures of the night and we argued for and against vampires.

I said that, being a woman, I would be the ultimate seductress - I love that about vampires - but The Boyfriend had to ruin it by saying that male vampires are like that too. I am aware of this, but I don't care so much because I want to be the vampire, not just meet and be seduced by one.

I also argued that being a werewolf, you would have to transform painfully into another creature. The Little Brother said that being a girl, I would have two painful experiences a month. I had not thought of this - who would? - but it actually made me cringe and laugh because it is very true and another reason why, given the choice, I would never be a werewolf!

This leads me onto another quick story about vampires. One of my modules this year is on the Gothic genre and we have just started studying Dracula. You can see where this is going can't you? The few of my friends who read my blog can attest to this: my teacher is weird. Like really, genuinely insane. But in a good way. He is slightly obsessed with the Gothic, with vampires and blood, sexuality and innuendos. So our seminars are always good fun! Anyway, it Tuesday morning. 9 o'clock start, I hadn't woken up properly yet, and we were discussing the meaning and symbolism of blood in Dracula. Always a fun topic, especially when we go off on one and argue about the route of the phrase 'blue blood' and bring Trueblood and Harry Potter into this - you know, vampires and pure bloods? Keep up!

We talk about the greatest things with Bill in Gothic but seriously? We discussed Arthur's double meaning of Lucy's blood transfusions - he wanted to be the first one inside her, dammit! - and repeated "That's so" so much it was beginning to sound weird. It was fun and slightly gross but at least it woke me up!

Next time: I'm going to see The Hunger Games on Sunday so hopefully a review of some kind will follow in the next few days.

Slytherin vs Gryffindor

According to Wikipedia, Slytherin's are typically 'ambitious, shrewd, cunning, strong leaders, and achievement-oriented'. They also apparently think before acting. Albus Dumbledore thought that Salazar chose students that showed cleverness, resourcefulness, determination and 'a certain disregard for the rules'.

While I might think I show most of these traits, truth is I am a good and nice person (usually) and have more of a conscience than the typical Slytherin student and therefore could not sell out another student for my own safety. Saying that, I am incredibly selfish and jealous so... does that make up for it?

On the other hand, you have Gryffindor. Gryffindor traits include bravery, chivalry and daring. And even though Gryffindor's are into pointless heroics and Slytherin's actually think with their heads, the two houses are quite similar. They are both passionate in what they believe in, willing to bend the rules, clever and determined. Thus, when Pottermore finally opens to the public, I think I will be sorted into Gryffindor.

I think this is because while I know what the right thing to do is, I will not do it, for whatever reason. Usually this is because I am not stupid enough to sacrifice myself, however heartless that may sound. So while I think of myself as a good person, I am not reckless like certain Gryffindor's. And I am of course drawn to Slytherin, not just to be different, but because when I want something I fight for it, and while I am not career-driven or back-stabbing, I am jealous and bitchy and have a sick sense of humour.

Anyway, I've already a Slytherin tie - I'm not backing out now!

Now that I've said all that, I'm not sure what the point was of this! Until next time, what house are you in on Pottermore and do you think it's right?

Employability, or Depress Us With Adulthood

Yesterday, we had an Employability seminar. We have had a few of these this year and they mainly serve to teach us to plan for the future. Content ranges from CV's to networking. In fact, yesterday was our second lecture on networking.

This never fails to depress me. I am a naturally shy person - I feel better typing than talking, unless I genuinely know the person - so when we are forced to practice our 'Elevator Pitch', I die a little inside. For those of you who do not know, an Elevator Pitch is a hypothetical situation when you have roughly 30 seconds to sell yourself to your ideal employer. And I mean "sell yourself" in the most innocent sense!

Anyway, networking. This means using social or professional contacts to further your career. I want to go into publishing. The best contacts, I've got is my dad who works in roofing and my uncle who's a postman! my current network sucks!

And so, I am not above asking random strangers, anyone got any idea how to get into publishing/ editing? Considering I am a complete newbie?

In other news, I dyed my hair purple over the weekend. My hair is so dark, you can only really tell in direct sunlight!

Wow, this turned out a lot shorter than I thought it would - oh well, I've said all I wanted to. Until next time (when hopefully I'll have a better story to tell)!

Ultimate Classmates

My friend Sarah and I were feeling lonely yesterday in our seminar class. On a table of six, we were the only one's sat there. So, while we were waiting for our tutor to turn up, Sarah turned to me and said 'We don't need people to sit there, we can make some up!' And, pointing to the seat opposite her, she asked 'Who should sit there?' Without a moment's hesitation, I said 'Alan Rickman'. I have no idea what he could contribute to our seminar on 'The Woman in White' but I wanted him to sit with us.

This went on for a few minutes, getting funnier and more pathetic by the second, until we had a full table. Going anti-clockwise, starting with Sarah and then me, we had:
- Mary Shelley - we thought, as we were discussing the Gothic novel, we needed a Gothic author. Plus, we didn't want Horace Walpole, who kind of creeps me out
- Alan Rickman - for no other immediate reason then because I like him. Plus, we believe he would have something intelligent to say (more intelligent than us at least)
- Benedict Cumberbatch - I think he came up because we are currently obsessed with Sherlock and also because he has the most amazing voice. We both fantasised of him reading passages aloud from the novel
- Stephen King had to replace John Barrowman, as we felt John would not get on with Mary Shelley, due to his "extreme" personality. I originally wanted him to join us because with our tutor, we end up talking about sex or grave-diggers or other random topics that he thinks are relevant... anyway, I think John would find our talks hilarious.

And that's it. As the late-comers arrived, we actually found ourselves not wanting anyone to sit with us, as thy would take one of our imaginary guests away. During the hour's class, we did occasionally whisper to each other things like 'Imagine Benedict reading this out loud' or 'I don't think Mary Shelley would agree with that'.

Yeah, that is how sad and pathetic we are. Have any ideas who you would want to sit with you in class?

Anyway, I am spending this extra day of the year at university. I am currently in between classes and trying to write an essay on Joseph Andrews but failing miserably. Maybe that's because it's lunchtime? Hmm. Until next time!

or a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

I'm feeling the urge to write, even though I cannot spell, because I haven't in over a week. But to be honest, nothing that extraordinary has happened in the last week. If you will remember, I mentioned last time that I had a presentation. Well, that happened on Tuesday. It went alright, actually! Even though my hands shook, I didn't speak really fast and whiz through my part like I did in History last year!

Right now, I should probably be working on my essay, or at least reading the novel I need to finish by Monday, but I'm not. I am in fact at The Boyfriend's house. And apparently I am "tempting" him by lying on my stomach on the bed, typing this.

He wants me to add that he thinks I make a nice pillow. As he is currently drifting off on my back. Yes, before you ask, we are a very weird couple.

Yes, Cazz, last week's title was from Samuel Richardson - it's the alternate title to his first novel Pamela. See if anyone knows this one! Gosh, I am so imaginative with title's at the moment, aren't I?

Ok, I think that is enough rambling for now. I haven't written a very good post but I have at least let you guys know that I'm still around. So, until next time!

or Virtue Rewarded

I'm sure I've whined about this before but I am ill. Again. And guess what? It's my reading week, university lingo for half term, which just figures. Why am I always ill in the holidays? It's like my body thinks 'Right, we've lasted how ever many weeks now of stress and work and essay writing. Never mind that you've still go work to do, we're giving up!'

Yeah, thanks a lot.

I've not had the best half term so far. Monday was my friend's funeral. I survived until Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture played during the curtain closing. I completely lost it. One of our friends also read V's speech, from V For Vendetta. It was his favourite film. Then we had the wake in our local Wetherspoon's. It was really nice to see all my old friends again - I haven't seen most of them since we finished sixth form two years ago! It just really sucks that it was because of this tragedy.

Oh and before I forget, thank you for your nice comments on my last post. Means a lot <3

Tuesday was Valentine's Day, of course. I had a really great day planned but my body betrayed me and I woke up with a cold so I spent the afternoon round my boyfriend's watching Hercules and Lilo and Stitch. On the plus side, well depending on how you look at it, I ate probably too much chocolate. Then Wednesday I spent most of the day in bed, watching Finding Nemo and Coraline. Have you seen that one? Incredibly weird. Not Nemo, Coraline! Typical Tim Burton.

Today, my cold has progressed to the point that if I blow my nose too hard, I get a nose bleed. Yeah, bet you wanted to know that, huh? That would be my father's genetics at work. However, I still have to work on my English presentation that my group have to give next Tuesday and guess what? I haven't got very far with my contribution.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have had enough work and am feeling the urge to watch Geordie Shore and eat custard creams. Until next time.

On a side note, if anyone knows the reference to my title, I will be shocked and amazed. There you go, a little challenge!

Who's That Girl?

Evening all. Today's post will be a little be rambling and sad in some places as I have some bad news as part of my update in Twitch-verse.

Since we last spoke, I have had really bad thoughts running through my head about life and my boyfriend and home and everything. Luckily, seeing The Boyfriend after a few days made pretty much all the bad thoughts go away - he's comforting like that. I still worry about the future but it doesn't feel so overwhelming anymore.

It was also The Boyfriend's birthday last week. He turned 20 - now he's old, like me! I got him a few CD's, a shirt, a book and a poster - Assassin's Creed, if you were wondering. Which I am willing to bet you weren't. We had lunch and watched 'Paul', which is just about the funniest and most awesome movie ever!

Then I got the bad news. One of my good friends from secondary school and sixth form - seven years - died last week in his house in Plymouth. I'm still not entirely sure how he died but I really miss him and I cried so much and now I am just trying to distract myself with normal life. It didn't work so well on Monday, when I got a major headache and nearly broke down in the middle of a seminar.

The day I found out, I went out and meet up with all my friends in Wetherspoons, as they were having a sort of meet-up slash memorial for him. I spent an hour or so reminiscing on all the things he did in school, setting fire to things, stealing the science equipment, piercing himself with safety pins. Yeah, he was like that sometimes but what I really loved about him, whether he liked it or not, was that he was a giant teddy bear. It makes me smile remembering him offering me his leather jacket when I was cold, even though we were inside!

Ok, I believe the sad part is over. I apologise for that, but I needed to write it down. Kind of cathartic, you know?

And I think I am just about done in the bog-standard update. Sorry it's kinda boring, but it is my life. Not always full of excitement! I know, it's hard to believe.

Fail of an adult?

The nerds out there reading this will probably be aware of a YouTuber called Charlieissocoollike. Yes? I feel like I need to warn you, or something, that I don't actually know him, I just watch his videos. It would be awesome to know him and Alex but unfortunately, I don't.

So, he has recently moved into a house with Alex Day. They are, what, 22 years old or something? Not entirely sure, but my point is, I am only a year or two younger than them. I still live with my parents and little brother. I have not moved away for university. I have not even moved house at all. The fact that most, if not all, of my friends and people I know my age have moved out in some form or another kind of makes me feel like a fail of an adult.

Yes, I am only 20, which does mean that technically, I've been an adult for two years, one of which I was still in sixth form. So, I'm not sure where this sudden feeling of fail has come from, but hit me it did. Hard.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where I'm going with this post. I don't want sympathy, or pity, or bitchiness over my so-called "sob stories". Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about my life; I don't have to pay rent, I don't have to fuss over the washing machine, half the time I don't even worry about what I'm eating for dinner! Yet, I do get the feeling that I am missing out on this little thing called "independence". I can take care of myself, I can dress myself and everything, but that feels somewhat redundant when you are still living with your parents.

I apologise for this random rambling of a post. Hopefully I will make more sense when I have recovered my brainpower after writing two essays in the last few weeks. Until next time. 

Football Teams and Book Reviews

When you look at someone, do you think you've got a handle on them? You know you shouldn't judge people before you get to know them, but sometimes, jsut their clothes immediately make you think something of them, something that is normally untrue.

This happened to me the other day, in my seminar class. A girl across the classroom was dressed, colour co-ordinated, in white, beige and brown, most likely all from New Look. Based on this, I assumed she was girly, went out every night and would probably look down on me for not going out every night and being a nerd.

And then I heard something I didn't think I would hear: her discussing football. This went against everything she looked like, what I thought she would like and everyhing I had thought about her "type". For some reason, overhearing football discussions reminds me of a time in year 6.

It was the end of the school day. My teacher had us all stood reasonably quietly behind our chairs, holding our bags, ready to go. Then he asked what football team we supported. I did not, and ever have, supported a football team. I don't watch football. Which was awkward at that moment A- because everyone else does, and B- because he let us home depending on what team we supported. Which, now that I think about it, is probably some form of favouritism.

Anyway, there's that little walk down memory lane. This was also an excuse to tell you all about my new blog, to be found here, in which I will review books I read. I plan to start out small, only reviewing books I already own and some I have to read for university. But, once I put something up, check it out, spread the word if you think it's worth it!

Ok, I am going to stop shamelessly advertising my own empty blog and go now - I have a lecture to attend!

The Addams Family

The Addams Family by twitch-the-timegirl featuring suede pumps

Start the New Year on a Good Note

Well, I think first things first: happy new year! Hope everyone has started the new year in the right style, whether it be celebrating, drinking, watching fireworks, or indeed sleeping! I myself only woke up an hour or so ago but I can tell I'm gonna crash later this afternoon because I think I only got about 5 hours sleep last night.

This was the first time since 2000 that I have actually stayed awake to enter the new year. This year is going to be a big year for me - I'm going to make it good! There are lots of significant birthdays and anniversary's this year, not to mention the London Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee!

Anyway, this new year, I spent at my boyfriends house - in fact, I am still here, wearing his dressing gown! It's his Dad's fiftieth birthday today so they had a house party with the family last night that lasted well into the early hours of the morning. (The boyfriend and I gave up and went to bed about one in the morning.) Yep, the whole family was there, aunts and uncles, plenty of cousins, grandparents, not to mention the bloody dog getting under everyone's feet. To put it lightly, the house was packed.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Boyfriend's family. I get on really well with his mum, one of his aunt's and hi mum's brother. But his dad's brothers? Apart from the fact that I believe they have only just learnt my name after nearly five years, they kind of scare me. Which is why I didn't go into the kitchen all night without the Boyfriend. Because that was their lair for the evening - right next to the booze.

Despite all this family drama and whatnot, I had a good time. Around 11, when me and the Boyfriend had only had a few drinks between us, the adults were getting incredibly tipsy and loud. Which means stupidly funny. To be honest, I can't even remember what we had been laughing about! Well, no, I definitely remember it involved a lot of dirty jokes.

Then it was the countdown. We watched Big Ben clockface in the last ten seconds then called out 'happy new year!' Well, you know how it goes. I even got my New Year kiss!

And then, it was officially Andy's birthday. Some of the men tried to light Chinese lanterns out on the drive but it was too windy and wet, so that failed. So we gathered in the living room and watched him open his birthday presents, which involved a lot of confetti. If it didn't go on the floor, then it was on the dog. I'm pretty sure she was trying to eat some of it - daft dog.

As I said, me and the Boyfriend snuck away before anyone had left but it was quieting down and I think they had all gone by about 3 in the morning. At least that's when I finally managed to get to sleep. Now all there is to do this morning is vacuum the whole of downstairs, which is still covering in confetti and wrapping paper. Meh, maybe after a nap.

Hope everyone had a good start to the new year, has got their resolutions sorted - I don't - and aren't too hungover to enjoy the day! Happy new year <3