Encyclopaedia of my Week II

BRAD SUCKS - Certain Death is my favourite song this week.

BUTTER CHICKEN - Can't get enough. Can't beat Tulsi's packet sauce.

ENIGMA - We go to this Courtenay Place cafe (the former location of Espressoholic) pretty frequently purely because of the sheltered outdoor area. But I've recently realised their cabinet and menu food is actually a pretty reasonable price with generous portions, and my Mum will be pleased to know their bowl-size coffees are legit cereal-size bowls.

KATE MIDDLETON'S BOOBS - I know she has ten years on me and probably a buttload of body confidence, but I don't really understand the whole sunbathing topless thing. Particularly when you're the future Queen. I mean, I'm not blaming her as paparazzi seem like little monsters as a whole, but I can't understand why you'd take the risk. Your bloody tan lines would be hidden under skirt suits anyway.

KIMYE - Obviously I've seen Keeping Up With the Kardashians before, but as I haven't lived in a house with Sky TV in four years it's only ever been fragments of episodes. This week I watched up to date of the latest season. And enjoyed it. (I'll also sneak in a mention of The Ridges at this point... it was as stupid as I expected but like The GC I totally enjoyed it.) Back to Kimye, Charlie's been playing the Cruel Summer album and when I tried to dance to it with Wallace he swiped a little skin off my palm. Can't say I blame him, guess it's the cat equivalent of slapping some good taste back in me.

SHIELD, THE - Our bedtime TV fix for the past couple of weeks, we're on season two now. It's pretty enjoyable so far, and I gained a lot of enthusiasm for it when I discovered Glenn Close joins the cast later in the series. One of the more recent episodes we watched had two glaring errors in the form of crew members being in shot (okay, Charlie noticed them) one of them being in a closed interrogation room haha.

SPRING - Growing up I rather liked this season because the Wairarapa's sheep population would have their little lambs running around and daffodils and the like would be blooming. No such joys in the central city, so thus far spring is just a big fat pest with the weather being even more changeable than usual.

VIEW - My first temp work assignment has an awesome view, fin.

Don't forget to leave any questions you have for me in a comment so I can include them in an upcoming Q&A vlog!

Celebrity Crushes

I saw this question/answer "tag" on YouTube and decided to bring it over to the blogosphere. Because personally, I would rather look at photos of babes than a 20-something gushing about said babes. It's pretty much the lamest Q&A post that a supposed adult can do, but I'm not really up to using a lot of brain power, okay? Give me a break, haha. Let me know if you feel like being cheesy as me and fill this out yourself.

1. Who is your oldest celebrity crush?

Giancarlo Esposito, who is 54. Although really, I haven't seen him in anything other than Breaking Bad - haven't got to his Community episode yet, and watched The Usual Suspects several years ago now. So I guess it's all about his character, Gustavo Fring. Do not Google that name if you haven't watched Season 4!

2. Who is your youngest celebrity crush?

These age questions are tricky! I've realised I don't really like many celebrities who are in their 20s, so the only person I can think of off the top of my head is Zac Efron. Cringe, right? I can't say I've really seen any of his work and enjoyed it, but I watched his appearance on Graham Norton today on YouTube and he was pretty charming.

3. Which celebrity is number one on your "meeting list"?

Ryan Gosling, mostly to make people jealous.

4. Which celebrity are you convinced you're in love with?

And here we have the lamest of questions. I'll go with Michael Fassbender, duh.

5. Who would be your "same sex" celebrity crush?

Abbie Cornish.

6. What band do you think is the hottest, in your opinion?

I don't know, The Strokes?

7. Who is your favorite celebrity couple at the moment, or of all time?

I really loved Seal and Heidi. Now, I just don't know! Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were adorable.

8. Who has the nicest body in your opinion?

Fassben... duh.

9. Has anyone ever compared you to a celebrity?

When I was at school I got an Alexis Bledel comparison a couple of times. And yeah I was skinny enough for that, almost, but I still had my trademark squinty eyes, so I don't know what those people were thinking. Also my dressmaker for a school ball went on and on about looking like Katie Holmes - this was around the start of her relationship with Tom - and started calling me Katie by mistake on the second fitting.

10. Which celebrity do you think is very "unique" but still gorgeous?

Lizzy Caplan, when her eyes look crazy round.

Perfect Sense

If you're viewing this in a reader, click over to my blog and let me know what you think of the new look.

A few months ago now, I was intrigued by the film trailer for Perfect Sense on YouTube, mainly because it stars Ewan McGregor and Eva Green. Hello. It's also directed by David Mackenzie who was responsible for one of my all time favourites (and another starring McGregor), Young Adam. Sold, I had to watch it immediately.

The trailer reveals next to nothing about the plot, but it's one of those films where you can't really spoil all that much by telling people about it anyway as shown in this concise tagline from IMDb; a chef and a scientist fall in love as an epidemic begins to rob people of their sensory perceptions. It's sort of a film you see to enjoy the experience, rather than to follow an amazing twisted story - though the story is excellent!

I thought it was brilliant, and if you haven't seen it then I recommend you do so. I hadn't really heard anything about it before stumbling upon the trailer, but I'm not sure whether it wasn't heavily promoted or whether I just had my head in the sand at the time of its release.

Regardless of whether you've seen it yet or not, the idea of completely losing your senses one by one is pretty frightening, and an interesting idea to consider. If it were inevitable that you would soon lose each sense, what would you want to experience before it were gone? I've made my own little list below (have alphabetised them so they may or may not be in the same order as in the film - spoilers are no fun) and would love to know what would make your sensory bucket list.

HEARING

• Voices of all my loved ones. And maybe a recording of my own voice, too, since I don't get to hear what it "really" sounds like all that often. I probably wouldn't mind blocking out Wallace's early morning meows, but I'd definitely want to hear his purring
• I'm fairly sure I would listen to as much Rufus Wainwright as my ears could absorb
• I'm not really a classical music fan or anything but I'd want to attend something with a live orchestra. Ooh, like a concert of a film score? That would be perfect

SIGHT

• Obviously people's faces, as many as possible
• The night sky
• I'd want to see as much art in person as I could - I'd, probably selfishly, want to see more art than I'd want to create my own
• I'd want to see as much of the world as I could, which wouldn't really be possible if sticking to the film plot's time restraints. Thank goodness for my beloved Street View
• If I did have enough time, I'd want to see New York, aurora borealis, and Guanabara Bay

SMELL

• All kinds of foodie smells - bakeries and espresso and... ooh, frying bacon
• Orange and sandalwood essential oil
• Farm smells, beach smells
• Dior Homme Sport

TASTE

• The Marlborough salmon dish I had at Ortega recently - so good!
• All the chocolate
• I think I'd miss the taste of beverages more than the taste of food - so many beers, coffees, and milkshakes!

TOUCH

• Obviously again, hugs and kisses and the like
• Cuddles with Wallace, who is pretty much the softest fluffy cat I've ever met (also known as the most pampered)
• Walking on sand and jumping in shallow waves
• The feeling of taking off in an aeroplane, if that counts

Let me know what you think if you watch the film! And tell me what would make your list below.

Encyclopaedia of my Week

AFGHAN - New Zealand iced chocolate biscuit traditionally topped with a walnut, and now on sale in work's vending machine. I approve. I consume. I dispose of the walnut.

BALLS - Up to interpretation when it comes to my new favourite ad.

BEANIE - Knitted hat. The gorgeous raspberry one I got from Holly Knitlightly has been saving my ears from a great deal of pain in Wellington's cold winds.

BEROCCA - Dissolving multivitamin tablet, and my "energy drink" of choice most days this week. Blue V has been taking too many coins from my purse, so it's time for a break.

BREAD - A baked food. There's a man at the convenience store I stop at before work who regularly gives me almost-expired loaves - free toast is always much appreciated.

CUSHION - Square fabric case with a soft fiber filling. My office chair's new companion and my back's very best friend.

GC, THE - Controversial TV show about New Zealanders living on the Gold Coast of Australia. It's certainly not a show to take seriously (although this blog post is thought-provoking) and most people I know hate it - I guess Jersey Shore trashiness meets The Hills production style could be the best way to describe it to those of you overseas (or you can watch the short promo on YouTube here). At risk of being ostracised by a couple of my friends, I have to admit that I haven't missed an episode. "No you didn't, you didn't come around to the table. You just sat there like a little parrot." "Well. What kind of parrot?" "It's irrelevant. It's irrelevant what type of parrot."

HAIR - Threadlike strands growing from human scalps. I straightened Charlie's last night, don't tell him I told you. He's been growing it for a while now and because it's as curly as mine naturally and he's been tying it back, neither of us realised just how long it has become!

HAM - Cured pig meat. The Childhood Favourites ham and butter sandwiches from Wishbone sure hit the spot today at lunch time.

MANDARIN - Orange fruit. The first thing I've eaten most days this week.

PALMOLIVE - Hygiene brand. I've used many of their body wash and moisturiser products, but only just tried their shampoo and conditioner because it was cheap at New World and Shaaanxo had recommended it on YouTube. I've only used it once, but it definitely made my hair a lot smoother and shinier than the Garnier stuff I'd been using up after an emergency trip to the local dairy.

POKER - Card game. My current favourite gaming app is Zynga Poker, though it irritates me that you can't find players you already know unless you joined through Facebook which I didn't.

PROMOTION - Work advancement. I don't think I told you that Charlie got promoted at his work. It had been a "maybe-hopefully" thing for a while, so we were both really pleased when it was confirmed. Like a baws.

SCANDAL - American TV show. I watched all seven episodes of season one over the weekend and thought it was great and Kerry Washington's character's wardrobe is so sharp. "Take off your clothes." And give them to me!

SLOW COOKER - Cooking appliance. Charlie's mum gave us one a few weeks ago and I've very quickly become a big fan. That thing is the best reward when coming home hungry and sleepy after work.

TAURANGA - New Zealand city. My friend Sarah has booked me flights to go and visit her there at the end of the month, so that is something I'm really looking forward to.

WALLACE - Beloved feline. He's been feeling the cold a bit I think, because he's been extra persistent in pinning us to chairs with cuddles. He's also taken to sleeping on a pillow between our heads during the night - and quickly shuffling over to my pillow if I get up for a drink.

Image source one.

Image source two.

Image source three.

Four Friday

I stole this little list of prompts from Anna Draws, who you should definitely be following. Anna is Swedish, so thank goodness for Chrome's translator. You'll definitely be a fan if you enjoy illustrations and tattoos.

FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE

My first job was during high school, as a Lotto girl at a supermarket. It was terrible, but it sure beat checkout. I worked at various restaurants and cafes as a waitress, and also tried bar tending for a while but just couldn't hack it with my back pain. I did learn how to correctly pour Stella Artois and Guinness though... very valuable. My last two roles were as a receptionist, and now I'm a broadcast monitor.

FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER

The first one that came to mind is Freaky Friday (the remake). When it was first released I idolised Lindsay Lohan's character. When in the company of my little sister, I love watching Good Burger. Have not yet become tired of Atonement, and I still cry every time. I saw both Inglourious Basterds and Cloverfield twice at the cinema and have now watched each many many many times at home.

FOUR CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN

I've only lived in three cities; Masterton, Wellington and Lower Hutt (the worst six months of my life).

FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH

Breaking Bad, Dexter, Coronation Street and... My Kitchen Rules (Australia).

FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION

I've only been on one trip overseas, but my favourite holidays were Queensland, Orewa, Auckland and New Plymouth. Definitely for the company on those last two.

FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY

The only websites I visit every single day are boring social media sites and news sites. Instead, four blogs which I read every new post on are Cameron + Whitney, To Make Love Stay, Rarg and LLYMLRS.

FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS

Chicken breast baked with a marinade I invented by throwing leftovers in a dish, pizza- we eat various forms of pizza so often it's obscene, butter chicken, and Cadbury chocolate.

FOUR SCHOOLS YOU'VE ATTENDED

St Patrick's Primary School, Hiona Intermediate School, Chanel College, Wairarapa College.

FOUR PLACES YOU'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW

Wairarapa, Australia... pretty much anywhere overseas.

Happy birthday to me!

So today is my twenty-second birthday! Over the past couple of weeks I've been putting together a list of twenty-two things I have learned (mostly) in my twenty-second year.

1. I got my first two tattoos within this past year, after many many years wanting them and being too scared. I was terrified process would start, and I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. I finally got the kick I needed from my friends who gave me a tattoo voucher last year, and went for it. I've learned that the pain really is not that bad, and in my opinion the absolute worst part of the whole process is having to keep still for so long!
2. Never date a smoker, unless you want to become one. Technically I learned this a few years ago now, but it's true.
3. This is something a little gross, but a tip that anyone with this problem NEEDS to know! I had a common wart on my knee for several months last year which was so hideous and embarrassing- I'd avoid showing my legs, or cover it with a Band-Aid. Hot. Because I'm lazy and poor, I never made a doctor appointment to get it frozen off, and stupidly spent what was probably even more money buying over-the-counter wart treatments which did absolutely nothing. Then I discovered the most amazing treatment- duct tape! Seriously, stick a square of duct tape on a wart, press down and leave it for a few hours. Do this every day, and it just disappears. Mine was gone after less than a week, and hasn't returned. Ridiculous.
4. It is entirely possible to be in a relationship and be happy 99.9% of the time. I know it's a little sad that it took so much pain to work this out, but hey, it means I don't take what I have now for granted.
5. Spending so many, many hours on a computer during my teenage years (much to my parents' frustration) is turning out to be extremely valuable. At present, being a fast touch typist is an very important part of my life.
6. I don't think I'll bother to vote this year, because politicians are morons, and all policies make someone unhappy. It's far easier to do my job if I don't stand behind any of them!
7. I have finally learned to leave high school behind.
8. I've realised it is just as important to look at 'bad' art as it is to look at 'good' art. It just gets too depressing otherwise! I'm all for learning more and improving my work, but if I only spent time studying amazing artists, I'd never feel worthy of painting again!
9. I am a cat person.
10. Life is good when you wanna be. (An in-joke, but extremely valid).
11. University is not as essential to success as high school teachers had me believe.
12. I can cook! And I even like it.
13. If I'm unhappy with something in my life, I shouldn't wait around for it to get better, but take action and change it! I think I'm getting better at this.
14. I doubt I will ever be a money-saver, and that's okay, I've accepted it. Well, it's okay as long as our country's retirement saving scheme doesn't get messed up. But there you go, politics again. Pah.
15. I can bake decent scones and cookies if I guesstimate most of the measurements. If I put the exact amount of ingredients listed in the recipe in, it gets messed up.
16. I get super giddy around famous people.
17. Getting up at 4am is totally worth it to have afternoons off work. Especially during summer, but it's nice not to be walking home in the dark during winter.
18. I totally love strong Australian accents. Before I went there I found them sooo annoying to listen to... but now I just want to go back, and get an accent of my own. (I guess I also learned I love Australia).
19. I find it very easy to brush off sales people and charity workers in the street... unless it's my birthday, and I'm in a great mood. Today I let some Unicef workers sweet talk me into donating haha. It's gotta be better than Greenpeace...
20. As frustrated as I get by Twitter sometimes, it really is a fantastic tool. Anyone who dismisses it as 'teenagers writing about what they had for lunch' (as I have heard many times) is frankly ignorant.
21. Living in an apartment is far more awesome than I anticipated. It's nice to have a backyard and more space now, but I really do miss our inner city concrete box! I would happily do it again.
22. The final thing I have learned in my 22nd year is more that I have fully come to the realisation that I've gained more valuable information from my parents than any schooling or work experience (or Googling!) could offer. The more distance I've gained from my bratty teenage years, the more I've realised what an amazing Mum and Dad they are. A couple of years ago I crossed paths with a woman from my hometown at a party, and when she worked out who my mother was (through my primary school) she literally grabbed my arm and told me how lucky I was to have her, and how she wished she could be as good a mother to her own kids. Yeah, it was a little bizarre, but she was absolutely right- I am so, so lucky to have them both. They've had a few hurdles especially in this past year or two, and they are so strong. They are my heroes and my idols. I aspire to be like them; to look after people like my Mum, to keep busy and motivated like my Dad, to be honest and loyal and look after your partner like they both do.

Cat image was left on my Facebook page from Laura, so let me know if you know the source!