But if you close your eyes...

Venice.

...does it almost feel like nothing's changed at all?

Honestly, Australian politics are doing my head in. There's no sense of stability, not when you have two politicians like Gillard and Rudd fighting over the head job like they are. I think I should just move to England and be done with it, just leave now in time for the cinematic collapse. We're not educated enough day-to-day to know where we should put our votes. Now that Rudd's PM again, after Gillard got the job off him three years ago, I feel like I'm a kid growing with instability again.

Ice skating went well. Now that's a stability that will be catching on for me. To try something new overseas and bring it back with me, that's something I can say I'm very happy with. The rink I went to offered a free 15 minute basic skating lesson; we learned some basic things like getting up after falling, stopping and turning. We were then let loose with the rest of the skaters. I fell over a few times, but that was the fun. Special thanks to my friend Jewels for accompanying me and taking pictures.

I've loved that it's something so seemingly obscure around here, and I never would have thought of it unless I'd tried it abroad. I'm so thankful for something new to accompany this new part of myself. I'll always remember that the first time I tried ice skating was at a lake - nothing to hold on to - in Örebro, Sweden.

I miss the Örebro gang terribly. I've been back for nearly two weeks and there's little things I miss. It's like graduating high school in a way; all these people I would see day to day, I won't be able to see gathered in the one place again. We shared something special and unique. I loved being known as the little crazy Australian girl.

Meanwhile, I'm broke. Still, I'm working towards something new - the US Study Tour in November. It'll be a close one, but I work better with a goal to work towards. I've found my spark again and I'm not going to let it flicker out. Not on my watch. I'm too determined not to let that happen. Hopefully budgeting works out.

Work's been fine so far. Apparently I've gotten a raise due to my previous experience - not much, but still a raise! Tuesdays are Steak Night and I've enjoyed serving people who love steak, as I do as well. I've had some generous souls when it comes to tipping; it's reminded me that I'll have to be much more generous myself in the States. It's expected more over there, whereas here, spare change is considered generous.

Though if I could pay for my trip with compliments, I'd be a freaking millionaire by now.

Something I've remembered? My idea of mundane isn't necessarily as mundane as I think sometimes. Perspective, perspective, perspective. Serve the food, reset the table, move on.

I saw World War Z last Monday. Let me just say now that I knew nothing about the plot, only that Muse had contributed to the film's score. Brilliant, I thought, and then I was blown away by the inclusion of the track 'Isolated System' in the opening and throughout the rest of the film. I hear that the band were inspired by the book while composing their just released album, so it comes to full circle by contributing to the film.

By not having read the book, I was fairly pleased just by watching the film. Besides, an adaptation is never accurate. Of course, if you'd talked to me about Harry Potter five years ago I would have felt differently on the topic. There was also a moment of the film where they showed different parts of the world swarmed with zombies, and I recognised St Mark's Square in Venice without any help. I'm curious about other parts of the world now, such as Israel and China.

Worth seeing.

Seasonal snapshots.

Christmas at Chadstone.

There's something about this time of year. 

Maybe it's the constant consumerism being shovelled down my throat.

Maybe it's the gingerbread frappuccino.

Maybe it's the fact that things are changing, and it's all very exciting and scary.

Christmas at Starbucks City Square.

Work is keeping me busy as Christmas draws nearer. I'm starting to look forward to Christmas traditions; watching I'll Be Home For Christmas with my younger sister (it's such a terrible film but it somehow became our tradition), my stepdad's mashed potato, the obvious lamb roast inclusion for Christmas lunch,  leftovers for Christmas dinner, and cats pouncing on wrapping paper/hiding in bags and boxes.

I'm starting to pack up my apartment here in Melbourne. So much accumulates over the year, and hey, it's time to move again. I'm a things and stuff kind of person. I guess I'm a teenage gypsy. Hey, maybe I should just have a caravan to put my things and stuff in. Of course, a car would be helpful to move around.

I've been looking around at clothes and equipment I'll need for Swedish living. Gulp.

I've delved into Elbow's lengthy discography a little more, and I'm pacing myself slowly. Cast of Thousands has a renewed optimism that somehow works with their already seemingly melancholic style. I'm incredulous about the fact that this time last year I was carefully delving through Muse's lengthy discography sequentially; they've ended up being one of my staple bands. Time seems to just fly.

Elbow's Asleep in the Back seems to have become a staple album for me at the moment. Songs like 'Powder Blue' tell of a yearning that I feel like I've felt recently. That piano, that guitar...I'm especially obsessed with that glass smash in the last few seconds of that track. Despite my lack of knowledge of the technicalities and how it works, music has always evoked powerful emotional responses for me, both of joy and melancholy. It's calmed me down and roused me. It's motivating and discouraging.

I hope you're not being trampled by Christmas/consumerism enthusiasts. I forget that there's a distinction between them nowadays so it's just easier not to try remembering it.

...have I mentioned how cynic I've become?

I'm from the future, go to China.

I was officially accepted today. This, of course, sets a bunch of things in motion; flight bookings, residency permit applications, new passport photos etc. Thank goodness I already have a passport or I would have just given up.

I'm still reeling from the course of events that motivated me to apply to go in the first place. And I did so under the impression that being accepted was unlikely. But here we are. Somebody over there thinks I'm brilliant and want me over there.

My long distance walking is going well. A highlight was stopping at McDonald's for a bite during my walk (in my exercise clothes, I might add), acknowledging to the girl serving me that "[it] is just funny" and prompting a giggle out of her.

I saw Looper with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed it. You know a film is good if you personally enjoyed it - and the critics agree. It played fantastically with the rules of time travel, and let's just say Joseph Gordon-Levitt got me excited to see it beforehand.

 

And I will love you, until you learn, to love yourself...

Guess what guys? I've finished uni for the year.
So you'll probably hear more from me.

I've also started Bleach (the anime). I'm not usually one for anime, but it's something different. Plus there's only so many television shows I can watch before I start picking at the clichés; seductive teacher, bug person, dead person, witch person, etc etc etc.

Once I got over the whole YES THIS IS AN ANIME vibe it threw in my face, it had that weird charm of being charming. Like Doctor Who did. I'm going to have to keep watching Bleach, aren't I?

I've also watched RENT and I like it a lot! It reminds me of year 12 Lit, especially this number.

I'll definitely be Buffy/Angel this summer as well, I only just today bought the Angel boxed set.

I also have this song in my head. While it has the most appalling ulterior motive ever (girls willing to start ripping off their clothes for him) I'm learning to love myself. (Well I'm not like this: *annoying fangirl teenager* Like OMG that song was, like, soooooooo written for me, like yeah). So I don't really care. It's a feel good. 

 

GIRLLEMMELUVU.

The weather, while being very temperamental lately, is getting a little warmer. I rugged up real good today, and I realised I wouldn't mind doing it on a regular basis.

I might have some news in the next couple of days, I might not. No idea.

Lauren Kate's Rapture review, spoiler free.

It was released here in Australia early due to the long weekend (Queen's Birthday on the 11th), and so I've written this review sans spoilers. There's a few people I know of here that haven't read it yet, so spoiler free is for their benefit as well, if they happen to come across this.

Rapture. The name for the concluding volume of the Fallen series just screams apocalyptic. Lauren Kate certainly did her homework when it comes to religious context, and she's made the story work.

Fear not. There were a few moments, as I was sitting in bed reading this marvellously weaved story, which made me audibly gasp and absorb the story's events and revelations. While the whole Fallen series could be criticised as being vague; this is not the case with Rapture.

Rapture is the book of answers. We find out who the important angel is that tips the scales. We discover Lucifer's motivations. We discover why Luce was treated like a porcelain doll and not expected to know better. I have to admit that I suspected Lucifer's motivations a little while through (there were hints) but it was all the more exciting for them to be known definitively within the story.

Rapture is a wonderful reward for those who have stuck with the story, and I recommend you try this series if you want something a little fun to read. Having been with the story for about three years, this was a suspenseful series to read as it was released.

Recommends!

So in about three weeks, I'll be done with this trimester of uni. I have an exam (boo, hiss) and a couple of big assignments to go. Trying my best. That's all I can really do.

Other than that; I just read John Green's The Fault In Our Stars, and I can see why people why are enamoured with it - because I am too. It was another one of those books I couldn't put down; the characters were very down to earth and I can't imagine losing somebody really close to me to cancer. It's a very touching book that I would recommend to anybody.

Also just saw Napoleon Dynamite for the first time, and it was a film I quite liked without logic; things happened as the characters were developed; not like the traditional character development/things happen/character re-evaluates themselves/character is restored/happy ending linear format. Plus that dance and its aftermath was quite remarkable.

I'm eagerly awaiting Chad Sugg's new EP Modern Sway; the release has been delayed, but he's put up the EP for a free preview. Shake Shake and 25 are stand out tracks. I myself, I'm still reeling from Wizards. This guy doesn't get enough credit; compared to 'top chart' people like Paris Hilton who get attention for doing nothing.

Julie Benz is coming to the Melbourne leg of Oz Comic Con; the wonderful actress from shows like Buffy, Angel, Dexter, Supernatural; the list goes on. Oz Comic Con is shaping up to be a wonderful choice of mine!

And Once Upon A Time has started airing here in Australia (I think the US just got the Season 1 finale, double boo). From the first couple of episodes I've seen (it's mainly a lot of setting up, which is fairly necessary for any series, I mean look at how Buffy started out!) I quite like it so far.

Mildura weekend...

After the earthquake and the possibility of a tsunami in Thailand, I needed a weekend with my family up north. The weekend involved a couple of flights, and I chose to surprise a few people with my visit. Being able to make somebody's day like that was something that I think was necessary as I know people had been worried about me overseas.

But I'm fine. And alive. Still got legs.

I managed to hand in some uni assignments before I flew up, so it wasn't like I just dropped things, and this to me is such a relief.

While Easter was not something hugely celebrated in Thailand like it is Australia and other parts of the world, my share of chocolate was saved by my family. I have enough to ward off the dementors of my life for a couple of weeks, at the very least. In moderation.

And there's a possibility of escorting my sister to Ed Sheeran's tour later this year.
As well as going to COLDPLAY. It's something that my friend Mel and I have talked about for four years now (since high school) and they'll be in Australia sometime later this year. YES.

I've also realised that I seem to have a slight obsession with perfumes lately. I managed to obtain a couple overseas, and I've also taken a bit more interest in certain perfumes. Chanel Chance is always going to be a favourite, and a close second is Dolce and Gabbana's The One. I think Britney Spears' are the ones to surprise me; I've just purchased the Greatest Hits set. Taylor Swift's new fragrance Wonderstruck is something I've also been surprised with, it's a balanced, modest fragrance that screams with the inner beauty that one associates with the vocalist.

I think I can smell the tacos...

I hope it's gonna make you notice... someone like me...

This might be how I feel right now. And somehow combine it with this.
And I also heart this.
I'll remember not to post on Monday mornings, you don't need to read that.

A quick snack/lunch? Sauteed mushrooms with fresh cucumber and capsicum in a little bowl. Yum. One of those good, unexpected surprise results from crazy whims of mine.

...what is this feeling? Could it be... insanity?!

Sleepy Hollow stood out to me in the student film presentations, so I went away and watched it. It's greater than a 'meh', but doesn't quite reach that 'stupendous' rating from me. In short, watch if you like Johnny Depp/Tim Burton directing/Colleen Atwood costumes.

I also watched Little Miss Sunshine for class. Sunshine gets a 'stupendous' from me. If there's ever a film about family dysfunction, it's this one. WATCH IT.

You gave me a life I never chose.

So I FINISHED MY PLAY.
 ...I mean, essay.
A week, three blocks of chocolate a few hot chocolates and one messy room later.

I also just saw Red Riding Hood. And you kind of realise it's the director of the first Twilight film when you've been stuck with all the romance sap with a couple of action scenes here and there. There's definitely more for both genders, as opposed to the one sided Twilight ones. I give it a 'meh'.

It's getting wonderfully cold! I've started wearing my beanie and I'm looking forward to the day when gloves will be necessary. I've always loved winters in Melbourne and this one's looking to be a good one.

Shiver/Linger review

I've chosen to review these on different days.

Wednesday, 8th of December:

At this point I've only read Shiver with Linger just bought and on my bedside table.

Shiver? AMAZING. Five out of five. Stiefvater builds the characters into investments that the reader can benefit from. I actually cared about the characters, more so than I normally would have. The suspense is built beautifully between Grace and Sam, so you could actually feel the intensity of this storyline. The storyline is packed to almost breaking point, but it doesn't feel that way while reading it; you actually crave for more when you put the book down. The narrative shifts from Grace and Sam's perspectives, including the temperature of the scene, a wonderfully unique touch (in Celsius, thank goodness, converting them to Fahrenheit the entire time would have driven me crazy!). I recommend you read this immediately.

Thursday, 16th of December

I'd reread Shiver before starting on Linger.

Linger? Admittedly, not as amazing. Not as grabbing as Shiver. Graces's parents just seem an annoyance in the plot, as their emotional absence from Grace was established in Shiver and they get the entirely wrong idea after they finds them together in her room. It just escalates and illustrates their control issues, really. After you read the prologue and see the cover, the reader gets the general gist of the story and it's ruined the element of the surprise ending; which is what makes Shiver so powerful. There are new perspectives in the story; Isabel and a new wolf Cole. The temperatures are gone, but this is understandable as the suspense of Sam shifting ends with in Shiver and rendering the temperatures useless.

One thing that grabbed me about both books were - well, the covers, yes - but also sometimes the stream of consciousness between characters. Grace's perspective was straightforward and logical, and Sam's consisted of some song lyrics of his creation entwined with the happenings of the story.

"You're like a song I heard when I was a little kid but forgot I knew until I heard it again."

Forever will be released July 2011.

"See through the disguise. See me."

6x10. Um... spoilers. I'll make them highlightable to you if you want to see them.

Let's just say that I'm not alone in my disappointment.

Season 6 of Supernatural is flushing the last five years down the toilet, in my opinion. BAMF Castiel was a definite highlight, as were quotes such as (Sam threatening to kill Cas and Cas remaining BAMF in saying "And how will you do that, boy?"), (Cas trying to understand porn; "If the pizza man truly loves this babysitter, why dies he keep slapping her rear? Perhaps she's done something wrong.") and this one quote from a demon that I think sums up Dean's behaviour the entire season.


"I'm sorry, I know you're speaking, I see your lips moving, but I can't understand what you're saying cause I don't speak LITTLE BITCH."


SLAAAAAAM.

But these was the only highlights.

It was physically painful to watch. As I may have said, it's like bad fan fiction. BAMF Castiel is the only thing I'll be watching this show for now.

I MISS ERIC KRIPKE'S AWESOMENESS.

All We Know Is Falling/Riot! review

 

And I can't pretend that I don't see this...

I put my faith in you, so much faith...

And you do your best to show real love, but you don't know what love is...

This is how we'll dance when, when they try to take us down...

We'll always know that you shine brighter than anyone else...

So here's a delayed review of All We Know Is Falling and Riot!. Putting them side by side like this allows to be seen how different - and yet still totally awesome - they are.

All We Know Is Falling's generally more known as the darker album, but it's not to say that Riot! doesn't have the dark undertones that establish a clear continuity within Paramore's work. The tracks "Emergency" and "Misery Business", while from two different albums and succeed in creating two contrasting tones, both reflect an almost awe-inspiring honesty that we could all learn from.

The thing about Paramore's music is that it's emotionally grounded and relatable. You feel it rather than process it normally. You can understand seeing somebody and thinking how extraordinary they are, and feeling like you're the only other person who'll ever see them like that ("Brighter"), or furious because you were let down by somebody you had so much faith in ("For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic"). Or seeing somebody who "deserves to be alive" completely give up on themselves and throw in the towel while you stand by, completely helpless, but "[you] can't pretend that [you] can't see this" ("Emergency").

And the music itself is amazing. The band succeeds in creating melodies that can stay in your head for days or weeks at a time. I know I've gone around for weeks with that guitar riff from "That's What You Get" and pretty much all of "Brighter" in my head at the same time.

So I recommend. Highly.