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?

Currently...The Almost 30 Edition

Three more sleeps until I am thirty!!  What better time to do a currently post so one day when I am old and grey I can look back at what I was thinking/doing at the end of my twenties.  Or not.  I am feeling a bit over-dramatic this evening.  Anyway, here's what I am reading, watching and thinking about, plus some photos from the past year...

Reading:  Fables, Fables and more Fables.  I have mentioned before how much I love the Fables series and my awesome friend Clare hooked me up with a huge big pile to catch up on.  I never could've expected a series filled with story book characters to be so compelling and human.  This series has had me in tears, in suspense and laughing out loud.  I've also just read two South African novels for varsity: And They Didn't Die which is set right here in KZN and A Man Who Is Not A Man.  Both are such good reads and if you don't mind slightly uncomfortable subject matter then they are highly recommended!

Listening to:  The National.  A lot.  The other day I sat down and made a playlist of all my favourite songs and I have had it one repeat since then.  So often this band fits my mood perfectly.  Sometimes it even seems to fit the weather perfectly.  Most of my playlist is made up of songs from High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me which is weird because I very ambivalent towards Trouble not too long ago...

Thinking about:  Where I am right now and how lucky I am.  Sometimes I am tempted to compare where I am in my life with where other people are.  Especially people who are the same age as me and drive a better car, go on fancy holidays or just generally appear to be living it up.  Appearances can be deceiving though and I am making a real effort to stop that whole thing.  I am really lucky to be where I am right now.  I have a good job, an amazing husband, friends and family who love and support me and hobbies that make me happy.  What more could I ask for?  Except for a pug of course;)

Enjoying:  Roller Derby!!  I think this has been my staple answer for this part of the Currently posts for the last few months.  It still amazes me that I am finding so much joy in a contact, team sport!!  I even bought a mouth guard the other day...who would've thought?!? One unexpected bonus of roller derby has been meeting so many awesome new people.  Honestly, the girls that I train with are so much fun, so friendly and so welcoming.  Durban's first bout is taking place on the 16th of November and I am so super proud to announce to you guys that I will be skating!!!  Eeek!!  More details as they become available...

Watching:  The Walking Dead/Deadliest Catch.  Honestly, between derby, studying and French lessons I am not watching too much TV.  That said, I ALWAYS have time for these two shows.  Every time I think that The Walking Dead can't upset me more, it does.  So often when the credit's roll I have tears brimming or my jaw is dropped.  The season 4 premier is on Monday in this part of the world and I cannot wait.  Deadliest Catch is so ridiculously good this season...so much drama on so many of the boats and from the previews, so much more to come!!

Loving:  Orange flavoured Aeros, the fact that tomorrow is technically my Friday, birthday present anticipation (I am like a small child about birthday presents), quirky new jewelry, Ghostbusters, the Stinker's cage antics, warmer days and just generally feeling a little more comfortable with myself.

This post is inspired by the ones over at Sometimes Sweet.  You can check out the latest one here.

The Hurry and The Harm....New Music #5

I can't get over how much good new music there is lately.  Here's is whats new on my horizons:

Alkaline Trio - My Shame is True

My Shame is True is Alkaline Trio's eight studio album and was released in April already.  I was very slow to get a copy of it though because, well, life and stuff.  Anyway, Alkaline Trio are one of those bands I just keep going back to.  Even when I think I might have outgrown them.  I was lucky enough to see them in Durban in 2011 and got a signed shirt for my troubles...yay me!  Anyhoo, I'm a big fan of the single from this album I Wanna Be A Warhol but the song I really like is I, Pessimist.  It features Tim McIlrath from Rise Against so it's basically AWESOME. Take a listen:

The National - Trouble Will Find Me

I think that the two things I like the most about The National are the lyrics (they are strange) and Matt Berninger's vocals.  Trouble Will Find Me is not my favourite album but I do think that I need to listen to it a few more times before I make a final pronunciations.  So far the jury is still out on which song is my favourite but in the meantime, here is the single, Demons:

City and Colour - The Hurry and The Harm

Oh Dallas Green, how do you do it??  The Hurry and The Harm (I LOVE this name) is Dallas Green's new album from his solo venture City and Colour.  I suppose that since Alexisonfire is no more, calling City and Colour his solo venture may be a bit misleading because it's his only venture?  I don't know.  Anyway, while City and Colour is wildly different from Alexisonfire, it is still the same amazing voice just with a much more mellow, stripped down kind of sound.  My favourite track on the album is undoubtly The Hurry and The Harm both for the music and the sentiment



Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork

Words cannot describe how cool the album is!!  ...Like Clockwork is Queens of the Stone Age's sixth studio album and my favourite since Songs for the Deaf.  The imagery surrounding this album is very cool...almost post-apocalyptic and there is a rumour that the animation might be turned into a full-length movie.  My favourite track on the album is If I Had A Tail.  I also like Fairweather Friend which features Elton John who apparently volunteered as an "actual queen."  Fabulous!!  Anyway, the clip below is basically a taster of the whole album and includes the above-mentioned animations:



If you listen to or have listened to any of the albums let me know what you think:)

Scatter What Remains...New Music #4

It's been a little while since I last shared what I've been listening to.  Between the Rise Against concert and the break-up of MCR, my iPod was kind of monopolized.  Now that I've moved on, here's what I'm listening to at the moment:

Bring Me The Horizon – Sempiternal

So, if you followed any of my RAMfest posts, you’d know that I have been pretty ambivalent about Bring Me The Horizon.  It wasn’t until I saw them live that I realised they are pretty much everything I am looking for in a heavy band right now.  I kept playing Sleepwalking in my head after the show, even though I didn’t know half the words!  I decided to give Sempiternal a try and I can honestly say that it’s owned my iPod since!  I know they are considered light-weight metal and trend jumpers but neither of those criticisms make me like the album less.  Their songs are catchy, melodic and I like Oli Sykes' scream.   My favourite tracks are Shadow Moses and Sleepwalking.  Also you can’t beat Antivist for straight-up angriness.

Metric – Synthetica

Metric are an indie band from Canada which we found in the FIFA 13 soundtrack.  They are really easy to listen to though and unusual enough not to be boring.  The first track I heard was Speed the Collapse which kind of reminded me of Muse but with female vocals and less drama…so actually not like Muse at all!  Bad comparison Monique!!  Anyway, it’s still my favourite track followed closely by Youth Without Youth.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs – Mosquito

This album has had to grow on me and I suspect it might still have some work to do.  Unlike Show Your Bones, I didn’t love on my first listen, or even my third.  Now, as I write this and listen again, I am definitely starting to love it.  Maybe it’s a mood thing?  Anyway, while I decided on my favourite track, I will leave you with Sacrilege which I rather like.

Also on my iPod:

All my old-school emo!  Think Thursday, Thrice, Taking Back Sunday and The Juliana Theory.  I think the break up of so many of my old favourites (including MCR) has made me a bit nostalgic.  Also, listening to BMTH has meant a revival for Every Time I Die, Underoath and Norma Jean.  Nothing like heavy music to improve a bad day. 

What are you guys listening to?

Things I Love #30

Wow, I have been a terrible blogger this week.  After we got home from Splashy last weekend, I spent so much time fussing and procrastinating over my essay that I totally forgot to blog!!  Anyway, I am back, my essay is almost finished and I have the 30th edition of things I love ready for your consumption.  Enjoy:)

Does Pop Culture Have a Responsibility to Educate?  An interesting read from xojane.  What do you think?

Here is a much better Rise Against Interview from MK Ondergrond:

Check out this amazing paper art by industrial designer Irving Harper.  I like the owl the best.

So, as you know, My Chemical Romance have broken up:(  Gerard Way and Frank Iero have both released letters with their take on things. You can find Gerard's here and Frank's here.

I love this Afro Lion series by Japanese artist Mountstar.  Some of them look so distinguished!

In a delayed celebration of Easter, here are 10 creepy pop culture bunnies.  Some of them are very disturbing!!

On a related note, how creepy are these real life Easter bunny photos?  I shudder...

Here's an interesting Salon article about naming your novel.  Or rather what happens when you have to change the name of your novel.

And, on the subject of book names, here's a list of rejected titles for classic novels.  I am so glad F. Scott Fitzgerald came to his senses and went with The Great Gatsby!!

This collection of awful library books makes me wonder.  How did these guys get a publisher??

The Dog Booth app lets you have your very own puppy face.  Cute!

Oh my gosh!  There is such a thing as chocolate wine!!  I can't think of anything more perfect.

I just love these pop culture mice sculptures by Quernus Crafts.  The little Harry Potter ones are adorable!!

Look at these magical floating faucet fountains.  I think this is an awesome idea.

And lastly, here is the video for the new Alkaline Trio single I Wanna Be A Warhol:

Found anything you love this week?  Let me know in the comments.

How We Survive is What Makes Us Who We Are

From the official Rise Against Instagram

That is a line from one of my favourite Rise Against songs.  One of the songs that I was lucky enough to see live last week Friday night at RAMfest.   Can I just jump the gun here and say what a totally awesome show it was?  All the bands were outstanding, the turnout was great and the vibe was awesome.  RAMfest, you HAVE to come back to Durban next year.  And please bring someone equally awesome!

Anyway, moving along.  We missed most of Lowprofile's set because we got there just a little bit late.  They were still playing when we arrived but between standing in the queue, greeting friends and getting drinks, they kind of got lost in the noise.  Speaking of friends, Collette and her new husband made Durban RAMfest the end of their honeymoon which made the whole evening even more awesome.  I don't get to go to many concerts with Colli anymore because she lives so far away so it was super cool to have them both there.

Pestroy was the next band up and even though I don't know them that well, they were incredibly good.  Apparently they have been around for 15 years now and their experience and confidence showed. The performance was tight and you could see they were feeding off the enthusiasm of the crowd.  I forgot my proper camera at home but here is a blurry iPhone photo of Pestroy in action:

Next up was Bring Me The Horizon.  Again, I was sure what to expect from these guys but they are so, so good!  I had been listening to them on SoundCloud occasionally to try and acquaint myself with there stuff before the show but it didn't prepare my for how they sound live.  They are very heavy and honestly, I think they sound better live.  Oli Sykes also has some AMAZING tattoos.  Seriously.  Alas I was too far away to get a proper look at them.  Random aside about BMTH?  They are named after the last line in Pirates of the Caribbean where Captain Jack Sparrow says "Now, bring me that horizon."

The Bring Me The Horizon set list was:

Shadow Moses
Chelsea Smile
Alligator Blood
Fuck
It Never Ends
The Sadness Will Never End
Diamonds Aren't Forever
Blessed with a Curse
Antivist

There was about an hours wait between BMTH and Rise Against and we used that time to try and get as close to the stage as possible.  One of the hazards of being short is that no matter how close you manage to get to the stage, there is still someone taller in front of you!  I was determined to at least stay in the front for one song to experience the atmosphere which was growing by the minute.  When Rise Against eventually came on, I had a perfect view of Tim McIlrath from between two shoulders.  Here is photographic proof:

The crowd went off for that first song and the mosh pit was absolutely insane.  I had to move further back after the first song because it was just too much and I wasn't wearing the right shoes to tangle with the bigger guys.  Note to self:  never, ever wear flats to a punk show ever again...what were you thinking???  Anyway, once we moved further back, I had an excellent view of the stage and could enjoy the show without fear of mangled feet.

I don't have an exact set list for Rise Against but here is what I think I remember hearing:

Chamber the Cartridge
Life Less Frightening 
Collapse (Post-Amerika)
Re-Education (Through Labor)
The Dirt Whispered
Help Is on the Way
The Good Left Undone
Long Forgotten Sons
Prayer of the Refugee
Survive
Satellite

Ready to Fall 

Acoustic:
Hero of War 
Swing Life Away

Encore:
Make It Stop (September’s Children)
Give It All
Savior

There are so may of my favourite songs in this setlist it's unbelievable!!  I couldn't have asked for better!  I spent the whole night, shouting their lyrics back at them, jumping around like a mad person and just generally loving life.  I also managed to get an awesome video of Swing Life away which I unfortunately couldn't upload here.   

For more photos, you can check out the Durban RAMfest event page on Facebook.  There are some really great pictures.  Where any of you there or at any of the other shows?  Let me know what you thought.

It's Here! It's Rise Against Day!!

I can't even begin to describe my level of excitement right now.  Rise Against is one of those bands that  I never, NEVER imagined I'd be able to see in Durban.  They defined my life at one point and to see them live is pretty freakin' awesome!  Anyway, Rolling Stone South Africa managed to get an interview with Tim McIlrath at RAMfest Cape Town last weekend and I thought I'd share it here:

As you can see, the guy conducting the interview got removed from the video.  Apparently he was drunk/unprofessional or something along those lines.  

Are any of you guys going tonight?  I'll be the one practically peeing myself with excitement:)

Only 14 More Sleeps

Happy March everyone!! We are officially in Ramfest month which means only 14 more sleeps until Rise Against.  I am resisting the urge to jump around and squeal uncontrollably.  Also in March?  One of my bestest bests Collette is getting married in 8 sleeps...Hooray!  And Jason's band Dirty Royal play Splashy Fen on the 28th of March.  So much to look forward to:)

Hope you all have a super cool weekend!

Currently...

Currently...loving collars, reading a ton, packing up

Watching:  Sound City.  This is Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters directorial debut which tells the story of the Sound City recording studio in Los Angeles.  If you love music, I highly recommend this.  Watch the blog in the next week or two because I am planning a longer post about this one!

Thinking About:  The passage of time and moving on.  My mom and dad are moving out of my childhood home in the next three weeks.  Yesterday I spent the afternoon there going through a few boxes I left behind when I moved.  I never expected to get so emotional about all this but looking through all those old toys and old memories and realizing that this time it's for real was a little hard.  I am excited that they are moving into a new time in their lives but I am really, really going to miss that house.

Reading:  Too many things.  This week I have had to get used to the idea of reading academic texts again.  What a mission!  I had totally forgot how complex and time-consuming they can be.  I'm hoping I will be back into the swing of things soon because I still have the set books to tackle.  Send help!

Looking forward to:  My friend Collette's wedding, Rise Against (as per usual), Jason's band Dirty Royal making their Splashy debut and going back to gym this week!  I never thought I would say this but I have missed gym the last two and a half weeks.

Making me happy:  Having some willpower and seeing results!  I have been on a diet the last little while to try and undo the damage from too much partying in December/January.  Also making me happy?  The fact that my mind is already being challenged at varsity, my Woe Anchor shirt in the post, surprise dinners with Jason, good friends who make me laugh, Rolo's daily quest for toast and the fact that my Dad gave me his framed Normadie picture.  Thanks Dad!

These Currently posts are inspired by the ones over at Sometimes Sweet.  You can check out the most recent one here.

1 Month (-1 day) To Go!!!!

So yesterday it was officially one month to go until Ramfest.  I can start counting down in days now instead of in months or weeks.  Awesome!

I mentioned in my last post that As I Lay Dying had to pull out because they had double booked themselves.  At that time the Ramfest organisers were looking for a replacement international band.  Sadly it was announced the other day that there would be no replacement for As I Lay Dying.  I must admit that I was a little put out about that but when I look at the ticket prices and what we are still getting for our money, I can't really complain.  One of the annoyances of living in South Africa, and especially in Durban, is the lack of good and reasonably priced international acts.  To give you some idea, if we had wanted to see the Red Hot Chilli Peppers two weeks ago, we'd have to have laid out upwards of R 2000 for travel and tickets.  Sucks right?  Most big acts bypass Durban because we have a reputation for not supporting shows so I am truly grateful that Ramfest are still bringing good music to Durban despite that.  The Facebook event for the show has around a thousand RSVPs so I'm feeling rather hopeful too.

Now, on to more exciting things, there is finally a line-up for the Durban show:

22h00 - RISE AGAINST (USA)

20h30 - BRING ME THE HORIZON (UK)

19h00 - PESTROY (JHB)

18h00- LOWPROFILE (DBN)

I was hoping for different SA Bands (aka Fokofpolisiekar or Beast maybe) but in the end I don't really mind who is playing as long as the end result is Rise Against.  Here's a taster or the local bands:

Lowprofile

Lowprofile is a melodic punk rock band from Durban formed in 2003.  No gimmicks, no eyeliner, just heartfelt and honest, full-blast melodic punk rock (from the band's website).

Pestroy

Pestroy have been spreading the word and fighting the good fight for Fifteen years now, and remain one of the main pillars in the South African alternative music scene and “Kings of the Underground” (from the band's myspace)

You can check out the official Ramfest website here and buy tickets for the Durban show here.

Things To Look Forward To In 2013

There is a whole lot happening this year that I am really, really excited about so I thought I would let you in on a few:

Studying:  In October last year I applied to do my Honours in English part-time.  There has been a bit of a bugger up with my application so I am really hoping this is still an option for me this year.  Please keep your fingers crossed!

New Biffy Clyro:  If you haven't heard Biffy Clyro yet, you need to go and listen to them immediately!  I recommend starting with The Captain off of Only Revolutions.  They have a new album called Opposites due out this month and I am really looking forward to hearing it!  Here's the first single, Black Chandelier:

Colli's Wedding:  One of my bestest bests is getting married in March to an awesome guy and I get to be her Maid of Honour.  I am so excited to be able to share in their happiness and to catch up with old friends.

Rise Against and RAMfest:  You guys must be so tired of hearing me go on about this but I couldn't be more excited about the fact that Rise Against are actually playing in my city and we already have tickets for it!  Just thinking about it makes me want to play every album I own and jump around our flat!!

Adventure Time Funko Pop Vinyl:  I have mentioned these before but I am still desperately awaiting a release date or an option to pre-order the awesome Funko Pop Adventure Time figurines.  I neeeeeeed Marceline in my life.

source

The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys:  My Chemical Romance is my favourite band of all time.  Really, all the rest are a distant second to these guys.  Anyway, in 2010 they released an album called Danger Days:  The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.  The comic book tie-in for this album is a collaboration between Gerard Way, Shaun Simon and Becky Cloonan and it's finally being released in June this year!  Seriously, if anyone can get me a copy of the preview that will be released on Free Comic Book day, I would be the happiest person ever!  Check out this interview with Gerard Way to get a sneak peak at the artwork.  Also awesome?  The fact that he is currently writing the third Umbrella Academy installment.  Happy days!!

Turning 30:  This is a weird one because I always thought I would have major issues with turing 30 but as it stands right now, I am kind of looking forward to it.  Time will tell whether it becomes an issue closer to the time but I really hope it doesn't.  Everyone says that when you turn 30 you care less about the little stuff, you become more comfortable with yourself etcetera, etcetera.  While I don't assume these things just happen magically over night, anything that makes me less anxious about everything is a good thing!

What are you looking forward to this year?

New Things...

So one thing I can say about 2012  is that it's been a year full of new things - some of them good, some of them not so good.  I thought I'd share a few of those new things here:

1) I blogged.  For a whole year.  This is a pretty big thing for me because, as I have mentioned before, I've always been very nervous about writing for any kind of audience.  I took part in 30 Days of Lists, I was Geek of the Week on Chocolate & Cream Cake, I started my own feature and I even managed to finish the 5 Books I set for myself.  I am full of ideas for 2013 and I am going to use my mini break to really plot them out.  Stay tuned!

2) I joined a gym!!  This is another huge one for me.  I never played team sports and, aside from swimming, have a well documented disdain for public exercise.  However, after failing at early morning yoga and breaking my stepper, I was left with no choice but to join Curves!  I can honestly say that it was a great experience.  The branch I go to are super friendly and there is zero pressure to look great at gym.  It's basically perfect for me.

3) I crashed the car...

4) And we bought a new one.  Yup, that was my first accident in almost 8 years of driving.  As bummed as I was to part with the old car, it was just the motivation we needed to upgrade to a bigger, more powerful car.  It's also pretty much the best colour ever!

5) I studied.  For the first time since varsity, I applied my mind and learnt a new skill namely Conceptual Writing for Brands.  I learnt a lot, met some cool people and got great feedback on my writing abilities.

6) I got a hamster!!  After years of mice, I switched to a different variety of rodent and I can honestly say that Rolo is an awesome dog substitute.  He is so small but has so much character even though he can be a little savage!!

7) I made a Totoro plushie.  Using a pattern I found online, I managed to make a passable version of Totoro!!  He turned out quite well, even if I do say so myself.  I hadn't sewed for years and I forgot how cool it is too make something from scratch like that.  I am planning a Domo and a Pikachu in the very near future.

8) I visited a new province.  In July my mom, dad and I took a roadtrip to Mpumalanga, place of poorly marked roads, tons of sugar cane  and cute pups.  It was great fun travelling with my folks, visiting with my cousins and seeing a new part of South Africa.

8) I discovered Wakaberry.  Oh how I love frozen yoghurt!!  That is all.

9) I finally went up the stadium.  If you ask me, Moses Mabidha stadium is on of the coolest things to come from the 2010 Soccer World Cup.  I love it so much.  In February, my friend Sam and I took the Sky Car trip to the top.  Highly recommended!

And that's just a small sample of what I got up too.  In 2013 I am going to be a Maid of Honour for the first time, I have another tattoo lined up, Rise Against are coming, I'll have a junior technical writer assisting me at work and I am hoping to work up the nerve to try Roller Derby.  Plus I'll be 30!!  On paper it's looking like a good year already!

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:)

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!!

Currently...

I've said it before but I will say it again, I am a huge fan of the Currently posts over on Sometimes Sweet.  It's such a fun way to record where you are at a particular point in time.  So, currently I am:

Watching:  Arrow.  I have been totally sucked into this series and for once, we are only a week or two behind the rest of the world…that’s pretty much a miracle!  Anyway, I only really got introduced to the Green Arrow last year sometime and grew surprising fond of him.  I am curious to see where this series goes…

Listening to:  The new Deftones album Koi No Yokan is being streamed online and it’s so, so good.  Deftones are one of my perennial favourites so it’s always good to hear new stuff from them.  I have also had the first two Conventional Weapons (MCR) tracks on repeat and every single Rise Against album I own.  Excited much?

Planning:  A girly excursion to eat cake and watch Breaking Dawn 2.  Twilight is like my guilty pleasure.  I never planned on getting so sucked into the series but once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.   Anyway, it’s always nice to catch these things with like-minded friends rather than drag the husband out to see a movie that makes him roll his eyes at me:)

Thinking about:  I have been thinking a lot about my little blog and where I’d like it to go in the new year.  I have plenty of ideas I just hope I will be able to put them into practice.  I can’t believe that in just over a month, I will have been blogging for a year!  Maybe it sounds odd but it took me a while to work up the nerve to start a blog in the first place and I am so glad that I did!

Looking forward to:  December leave.  It may not even be the middle of November yet but I am already counting down the days to my December leave.  I have one month and seven days to go in case you were wondering!  I am also looking forward to Wakaberry releasing their Red Velvet and Peanut Butter flavours this week and of course Rise Against but that is many months away still...

Reading:  1Q84.  I love Murakami and even though this book hasn’t gotten the best of reviews, I am really enjoying it.  Yes there are some slow spots but overall the story is intriguing and weird enough to keep you reading.  Right now its getting stranger by the minute and I can’t even begin to guess how it might end!

Making me happy:  Half-price jewellery sales, pretty new dresses (even though I am absolutely NOT a dress person), letting of go of silliness, Rise Against tickets sitting safely in my inbox, a sunny weekend in Durban at long last and all the pretty spring flowers.

P.S. If any of you out there celebrate Diwali, I wish you all a happy, happy:)

Currently...

Loving:  The fact that my birthday is just over a month away.  I unashamedly love my birthday and this year will be my last twenty-something birthday.  I plan to make the most of it!

Reading:  The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.  I’ve wanted to read The Bell Jar for the longest time but just haven’t got around to it.  Earlier this year, I added it to my Five Books list and now I am almost finished it!   

Watching:  Finding Big Foot.  Discovery really has the craziest shows!  Usually my reality TV show of choice is Deadliest Catch but, until the new season starts, Finding Big Foot has plenty to keep me entertained.  The first episode I watched had this clip that was so creepy and honestly couldn't be explained.   

Thinking about:  This crazy rain that is still falling.  Seriously, there is flooding all over Durban and the roads are a big, fat mess.  I can't help wondering if I am going to be able to get to work tomorrow morning...

Surprised by:  The possibility of starting my Honours degree next year.  I have always wanted to do my Honours in English Literature and suddenly, out of nowhere, the opportunity has presented itself!!  There are still some questions to be answered and things to decide but it’s looking pretty positive.  Yay!

Making me sad:  I think what’s really getting me down right now is how self-centred and selfish people can be.  It's like the epidemic of our times.  You see it in the way people drive, the way they interact with others and the worst part is seeing how hurtful it can be in people who should know better!  That said, the irony that I am commenting on self-centredness on my blog, which is all about the things I like, is not lost on me.

Making me happy:  The fact that tomorrow is Friday, Rise Against have confirmed a Durban show for the 15 of March 2013, my new moustache ring, I am warm and dry on a truly miserable evening and Sweet and Sour Chicken with rice.

**This post was inspired by the ones over at Sometimes Sweet.

Best. News. Ever.

Rise Against is going to be in South Africa in March next year!!!  This is most awesome news for me.  Out of all the bands I would LOVE to see live, my top three look something like this:

• My Chemical Romance
• Rise Against
• Biffy Clyro

When I saw the announcement on Facebook last night I just about wet myself!  Now I have to wait patiently to see if they will play in Durban or not.  You see, while Jo'burg and Cape Town get bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2 and Coldplay, Durban gets Michael Bolton and Engelbert Humperdink bleh.  Anyway, it really doesn't matter where they play because I will cross the country for them!  

In case you don't know who I am talking about, here is the video for Make It Stop (September's Children) - one of my favourite songs with a really great message: