I Have Returned!

Lack of internet has meant a much longer break than I originally intended but I think it was for the best.  We are settled in our new place, I have a second roller derby bout under my belt and I am fast approaching the end of my second last semester as an Honours student.  2014 has been an interesting year so far, full of change and new things but ultimately good.  Here’s a few things that happened while I was away: 

The littlest Stinker died:  Poor little Rolo had been looking very geriatric since the beginning of the year and his little hamster heart threw in the towel on the 21^st of March.  It’s amazing how such small creatures have such huge personalities.  I miss his special brand of fluffy stupidity.

We moved house:  We moved on the 1^st of April to our shiny new flat.  Because the two flats were only about 2 to 3 kilometres apart, we decided that we would move ourselves.  Never again.  It was the most exhausting 3 days of my life and the next time we move, we are hiring people to do EVERYTHING.  Our new place is pretty amazing though.  We have a lot more space, beautiful parquet floors, tons of natural light and a balcony.  We also have two stunning ring-neck parrots that live in the roof outside our bedroom.  They hang out outside our lounge window all the time.

I got new skates:  These deserve a mention on their own because they are just so cool. 

I skated in my second bout:  In January I officially joined the Miss-Fits and this past weekend I skated in my first bout with them (and my second bout ever).  It was so much fun and I am pleased to report that we won!!  They are such an awesome group of people and I am super proud to call them my teams.

Team picture courtesy of Knot Just Pics

I survived (so far) Critical Theory:  This semester I had to do a course that I had been dreading, Critical Theory.  It’s a pretty complicated course to start with and, to top it off, I realised I had no choice but to do my research project this semester.  Talk about intimidating.  So far I have managed to maintain my marks from last year which I am pleased with.  I still have to hand in the research project though so fingers crossed.

And that's that:) 

Looking Back, Moving Forward

2013 was an interesting year for me.  I decided that suddenly, I needed to do ALL OF THE THINGS.  I don’t know if it was because I was subconsciously stressing about turning 30 or if it was because I suddenly had to opportunity to do these things but I definitely bit off more than I could chew.  That said, it was still a pretty good year and a year where I learnt a lot about what I am capable of and a lot about priorities…even if I mostly got them wrong.  Here’s a little look back at what 2013 bought me:

• I saw Rise Against live in Durban which, considering Durban's track record with bands, was pretty freaking awesome!
• I was maid of honour at my best friend's wedding (first time I've ever been involved in a wedding...thanks chicken).
• I started my Honours in English and managed to finish top of my class both semesters.
• I watched Jason's band, Dirty Royal, play the main stage at Splashy.
• I started roller derby and skated in my first bout.
• I turned 30 and realised I have an amazing husband and family, super cool friends and so much to be grateful for.
• I FINALLY got my French passport (even if I did only pick it up this year).
• I started learning French so that when we go and visit my folks in France we can find our way around.
• And I met some awesome new people, found some really special new friendships and just generally had a lot of fun.

I don't mean to sound self-congratulatory or anything but I am really proud of what I accomplished because so often I was pushing myself way out of my comfort zone *ahem derby, meeting new people*  When you are a naturally shy/awkward person, that's a biggie.  I am not sure what 2014 has in store for us just yet but I have a good feeling about this year.  I don't usually make resolutions or that kind of thing but here are a few things I want to keep in mind:

• Write more.  Not just here on my blog but everywhere and about everything.
• Stop letting other's peoples sub-par behaviour determine my mood or affect the way that I live my life.
• stop procrastinating so much.  Seriously, it took me TWO DAYS to sit down and write this post.  Enough already.

I hope by not calling them goals or resolutions my lazy brain won't try and find a way to avoid them.  Self-deception or something like that:)

Words.

The creativity of Tumblr blogs never ceases to amaze me.  There are so many interesting and unusual blogs out there like Daily Dishonesty or Googly Eye Books or Ordinary Batman.  Or my all time favourite, Fuck Yeah, Literary Quotes.  Courtesy of Facebook (thanks Geri), I came across another cool idea Lyrics to Live By.  As the name suggests, its a collection of super awesome lyrics that also happen to be pretty good advice.  Here are a few of my favourites:

Pretty cool right?

Happy Halloween

I wish that Halloween was a bigger thing in South Africa.  Yes, we have halloween parties in clubs and stuff but I want to trick or treat and decorate and wear costumes to work on October 31st and just generally get into the spirit of things!  One day!!  In the meantime, here are some of my favourite Halloween inspired prints from Society 6:

Halloween by Liransz

source

Mummy Art Print by Jordygraph

source

Halloween by Sky Nash

source

Tonight when I get home from derby practice I'm planning on watching The Simpsons Halloween special and anything else spooky I can get my hands on.

Take Your Hands Off My Lobby Boy!!

So, after all my stressing out last week, after all my wishing for a longer week and wondering why I procrastinate such a lot, my very generous lecturer gave us an extension.  Yay!!  It meant that I could actually enjoy our weekend away with my folks.  We went to such a cute little cabin down the south coast.  I have some pics to share at some stage but in the meantime check out this awesome trailer for the new Wes Anderson movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel:

Really looking forward to this!!

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

Some excellent advice from a Polish proverb!!  I saw this on a friend's Facebook the other day and I just had to share it....

source

This particular print is available from wnbyc on Etsy...definitely going on to my wishlist!

A Little Bit Of Fun...

I'm feeling rather special because Karen over at Tiny Bird Heart (one of my favourite new blogs) has nominated me for a Sunshine Award.  Yay.  Thanks a bunch lady, I love things like this.  Anyhoo, here is how it works:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you

2. Post the award logo on your blog

3. Nominate 5 blogs that you love

4. Share seven facts about yourself

Seven Random Facts:

1. I went to maximum security prison for the day as part of a theatre for change initiative at varsity.

2. When I was small, I thought I would marry either Batman or Indiana Jones.

3. I work as a technical writer but no one seems to know what that is.  

4. I used to hate the colour pink but now I kind of love it.

5. I over think everything ALL OF THE TIME.

6. I smashed my first Honours exam....seriously, it's my highest mark ever!!

7. I never, ever paint my toenails.  I feel like it makes my toes look alien or something.

Alas, I don't know five bloggers well enough to nominate but if Erica from Peppa-Jo Patterns and Mandy from Chocolate and Cream Cake would like to take part then that would be awesome.  No obligation though;)

Thanks again Karen:)  If you don't already read Tiny Bird Heart, I highly recommend checking it out!

A Little Inspiration...

Today is Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday and it might well be the last time we can celebrate his life while he is still alive.  I love this quote and I thought it would be appropriate to share it today:

source

Happy Birthday Madiba, we <3 you.

Some Good Advice..

I saw this quote on Happiness Is...one of my very favourite local blogs.  I am finding that it applies more and more often at the moment so I thought I'd share it here in case any of you need a similar reminder:

source

Hey Little Fighter...

Just in case you need a reminder, we are halfway through the week and things are bound to get brighter:

source

This Is Not A Post About Baking (except it kind of is...)

If you know me in real life, you'll know how hopeless I am in the kitchen.  I am very lucky to have a husband who cooks (thanks Jason, I love you) and thus saves us from awful meals.  Unless it's scrambled egg on toast.  I am good at that.  Anyway, every now and again I get adventurous aka I buy a box mix of something or other and attempt to make it without disaster.  Enter Hello Kitty cupcakes.  They came out SO well (even if I say so myself) that I thought I'd have a little brag on the blog:

Totally edible!!  Friends-who-bake, I hope you're all proud!

Happy (almost) Long Weekend!!

It's the Easter Weekend guys!!!  We are probably somewhere on our way to Splashy Fen right now because Jason's band Dirty Royal has a slot on the main stage tonight at 18:00.  If you are going to be there then you should definitely come and check them out!  In the meantime, I leave you with this super cool animated tribute to Marvel:

The Many Adventures of Domo

Domo is one of my all-time favourite characters.  Sometimes I get bored...very bored.  Here is what happens when you combine the two...

A Little Poetry - John Keats

"John Keats (31 October 1795 – 23 February 1821) was an English Romantic poet. He was one of the main figures of the second generation of romantic poets along with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, despite his work only having been in publication for four years before his death." - Wikipedia

Bright Star 

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art--
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever--or else swoon to death. 

A Trip Down (Paper Toy) Memory Lane

While I was on leave, I made an attempt to spring clean.  I got through all of three small cupboards and got bored, hot and distracted.  It wasn't all a waste though, the SPCA puppies got some nice thrift store donations and I found my old paper toy collection!! 

 

All these awesome character are part of the world of boxpunx created by Jason Harlan.  They require absolutely no glue to build and are super easy to put together.  You can find them all here.

3 Months To Go!!!

Yup, this is ANOTHER post about RAMfest and Rise Against.  Can you tell that I am excited???  Just a little.
Anyway, the great thing about next year's RAMfest is the other bands are pretty amazing too.  Like As I Lay Dying, a metalcore band from San Diego.  They have just released a new album called Awakened which I am really enjoying.  Also, they take their name from a William Faulkner novel which just adds to their appeal if you ask me.  I am a sucker for a literary reference.  If you are curious, here is the official video for the track A Greater Foundation:

Just an added note, I am not getting paid to promote RAMfest or anything like that.  What I am hoping to do though is enter their Youngblood Bloggers competition after the show which could win me VIP tickets to cover the event in 2014.  Fingers crossed:)

One Whole Year!!!

Domo is a year older too!

Today is Bye Bye Blackbird's first birthday!!  One year ago today I was off sick and decided to (finally) put my money where my mouth was and start a blog.  I'd always wanted to get involved in the blogging world but I've never really been good at putting myself out there so it was a big step for me.  Yes I know, I am lame.

Anyway, history aside, I've really enjoyed this year.  I feel as though I have learnt a lot about writing for an audience (other than a product user), writing in a public space and writing in my own personal voice.  And that is just the start!

Thanks so, so much to everyone who has visited, read, followed and commented this year.  I appreciate it more than you know.  Here's to another year!!

Much love,
Monique x

A Very Adventure Time Christmas

Guys!  You can get free Adventure Time Christmas tree decorations!!  Could there be anything cooler?  We don't really have a Christmas tree yet but that didn't stop me from downloading, printing and assembling these little pieces of awesome.  

Like I said, we don't have a tree yet so I hung them on the bonsai just to see what they look like.  They are actually bigger than I thought which means that they'll stand out quite well amongst tinsel and other shinies...it that a word?  Anyway, I just printed them on plain printer paper (not cardboard or anything) and once they are doubled over, they become quite firm:

Also available on the Cartoon Network site?  Adventure Time gift tags.  Its a good thing that appreciation of this show is a family trait otherwise I'd have some very confused family members on my hands come Christmas day!!

I haven't made these ones up yet but I think that I will probably stick them to some card before I attach them to gifts.  Just to make them a little more durable.  Yay for Christmas!

Believe

So, I have kind of been taking a mini break from my blog.  I have lots of post ideas but nothing is really working right now.  I blame end of year rattiness/exhaustion.  I'll be back on Sunday with a list of things I love but in the meantime, here is my favourite part of American Gods:

“I can believe things that are true and things that aren't true and I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not. 

I can believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and the Beatles and Marilyn Monroe and Elvis and Mister Ed. Listen - I believe that people are perfectable, that knowledge is infinite, that the world is run by secret banking cartels and is visited by aliens on a regular basis, nice ones that look like wrinkled lemurs and bad ones who mutilate cattle and want our water and our women. 

I believe that the future sucks and I believe that the future rocks and I believe that one day White Buffalo Woman is going to come back and kick everyone's ass. I believe that all men are just overgrown boys with deep problems communicating and that the decline in good sex in America is coincident with the decline in drive-in movie theaters from state to state.

I believe that all politicians are unprincipled crooks and I still believe that they are better than the alternative. I believe that California is going to sink into the sea when the big one comes, while Florida is going to dissolve into madness and alligators and toxic waste.

I believe that antibacterial soap is destroying our resistance to dirt and disease so that one day we'll all be wiped out by the common cold like martians in War of the Worlds.

I believe that the greatest poets of the last century were Edith Sitwell and Don Marquis, that jade is dried dragon sperm, and that thousands of years ago in a former life I was a one-armed Siberian shaman.

I believe that mankind's destiny lies in the stars. I believe that candy really did taste better when I was a kid, that it's aerodynamically impossible for a bumble bee to fly, that light is a wave and a particle, that there's a cat in a box somewhere who's alive and dead at the same time (although if they don't ever open the box to feed it it'll eventually just be two different kinds of dead), and that there are stars in the universe billions of years older than the universe itself.

I believe in a personal god who cares about me and worries and oversees everything I do. I believe in an impersonal god who set the universe in motion and went off to hang with her girlfriends and doesn't even know that I'm alive. I believe in an empty and godless universe of causal chaos, background noise, and sheer blind luck.

I believe that anyone who says sex is overrated just hasn't done it properly. I believe that anyone who claims to know what's going on will lie about the little things too.

I believe in absolute honesty and sensible social lies. I believe in a woman's right to choose, a baby's right to live, that while all human life is sacred there's nothing wrong with the death penalty if you can trust the legal system implicitly, and that no one but a moron would ever trust the legal system.

I believe that life is a game, that life is a cruel joke, and that life is what happens when you're alive and that you might as well lie back and enjoy it.” 
― Neil Gaiman, American Gods

Four Months & Counting!

I'd just like to take this opportunity to point out that RAMFest (and by association Rise Against) is exactly four months away!!  Four months!!  I can hardly wait!!