biology.

I had both my biology 1002 and biology 2041 exams today, hooray! Biology 1002 was my biggest fear of life, since it was absolutely my lowest mark going in, and I had over 40 diagrams to learn. And the kidneys were giving me hell. But life is gorgeous sometimes, and there were no kidneys! I knew every single diagram without even having to think about it! And all the fill in the blanks! The only sketchy part was probably the multiple choice, but what can you do. She always make hard multiple choice, but other than that it was my ideal biology final. There's no way I got less than a 70. 2041 was a different story; I didn't study for it much, but it was 70% multiple choice that I remembered from past tests/quizzes and the rest were common sense questions like "What advice would you give to Canadians that think we need to expend more power because we have a colder climate and larger land mass?" Easy peasy.

And because this made me giggle hysterically and my facial muscles go through a maelstrom of emotions, my favorite quote of the day:

"I was walking through the path and I saw so many birds and little critters, I felt just like Snow White." -Dave.

Something along those lines, at least. Either way, I almost punched him out. Too fucking cute.

Time for some more 30 day movie challenge, I suppose.

DAY 15: A MOVIE THAT IS A GUILTY PLEASURE

"Clueless", 1995.

But seriously, how can you not love Clueless? Alicia Silverstone is so charming and funny, the script is hysterical, and Paul Rudd back in the '90s was like, seriously dreamy. Or as they would say in the movie, "a total Baldwin". Its also a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma", which is what prompted me to read the novel. Just funny, funny great times. Hate it if you want, its definitely one of the greatest chick flicks of all time. Dies. Also, I used to have the soundtrack, and it was one of my favorite albums to rock out to when I was a kid. Gotta love "Kids in America" and "Fake Plastic Trees". And I wanted and still sorta do still want 10,000 plaid skirts with matching blazers.




DAY 16: A MOVIE YOU HATE

"Contact", 1997.

I might be being a bit harsh on this movie. In its defense, I did fall asleep and miss a chunk of it, but hey, if it wasn't good enough to keep me awake. Dave made me watch this once, and I was pretty disappointed. The idea is sort of cool; they get an alien transmission from space and its a whole science versus faith sort of thing, but it was really cheesily executed. Plus, I can't stand Matthew McConaughey, or Jodie Foster (except in Silence of the Lambs, she totally suited that role). So having to look at their both of their faces for over an hour, on screen at the same time, and ESPECIALLY having to endure Matthew trying to act... I can't even. Haha. No.






DAY 17: A MOVIE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE

"Wristcutters: A Love Story", 2006.

Man, I've wanted to see this movie since I first heard it was coming out. Its about an afterlife just for people who have committed suicide where everything is just the slightest bit shittiest than it was in real life. I love Patrick Fugit, and Tom Waits is in it! Yummy, yummy Tom Waits. Its supposed to be really funny, and have an awesome soundtrack. Hopefully someday my dreams of seeing it will come true!











XO

suerte

No big surprise that today finds me oh-so-sleepy and tired again. I spent 3/4 of yesterday on my couch studying biology, and the other 1/4 at Allan's watching Battlestar Galactica with him. Nerdy, yes, but you should watch this show, its one of the most brilliant I've ever seen as far as storylines, acting, and making a fictional world come alive. If you like sci-fi at all, its definitely a treat.

I just finished writing my last English exam, possibly ever, which makes met terribly sad. Two essay questions, now my wrists shall ache for eternity. My prof gave me my research paper back too since I slept through his office hours yesterday, which I got an 85% on! Yay! He said a lot of really nice things about my writing too which put a smile on my face. If I didn't fear poverty and laughter, I'd probably do an English major so I could write all day. Maybe if I ever become a nurse I'll write some epic sweeping tale of my career and all the scary shit I've seen when I retire or something. I love how much English motivates me to write, its the only thing I've ever been good at really.

Now its onto day 12, 13, and 14 of the 30 day movie challenge. These questions were a bit of a struggle.

DAY 12: FAVORITE DIRECTOR

This one is probably one of the more challenging ones, as there are too many beautiful directors in life for me to pick just one. So, I am forcing myself to do so, and that director is... Darren Aronofsky! For his gorgeous, original movies that make me laugh and cry and my jaw hang open in wonderment and sometimes horror. Come on, he directed "Requiem for a Dream", "Black Swan", "The Fountain", and "The Wrestler". Can you get anymore diverse? Not to mention his black and white math thriller, "Pi", which is probably one of the best movies ever made on such a low budget. I find he's one of those directors that really enables you get inside a character's head and feel exactly what they feel, and see what they see. His movies are as beautiful as any poem or painting. Plus he's married to Rachel Weisz, what a hottie.

Honorable mentions, because this was so hard: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Danny Boyle, Wes Anderson.

DAY 13: FAVORITE ANIMATED CHARACTER FROM A MOVIE

Ariel, from "The Little Mermaid", 1989.

I die for the Little Mermaid. Its definitely in my top 5 animated favs of all time, and after watching it on acid my life is just that much more delightful (I'm sure you've all heard that story 10,000 times, its my favorite). If I had to pick a favorite animated character, it would probably be her. She's fun, cute, loves to sing, and I love her collection of human objects, I think its beautiful. I'd probably do the same if I lived under the sea. Also, the Little Mermaid is probably my favorite Hans Christian Anderson story ever. If you've never read it, I say do so. Its far more depressing and tragic than the Disney movie, for sure.

 



DAY 14: FAVORITE BLACK & WHITE MOVIE

"All About Eve ", 1950.

Oh man, this movie. Another of the amazing classics the big sister turned me onto, and man is it ever good. It follows the story of a woman named Eve, as she worms herself into the inner circle of a famous Broadway actress named Margo Channing (the hotness that is Bette Davis) and more or less attempts to usurp her life & career. The movie is told entirely in flashback, as at the beginning Eve is seen receiving an award for her acting as a room full of very angry people stare at her, and the movie begins to explain everyone's apparent hatred for this woman. Its pretty brilliant, I must say. You have to love the classics.


 



Thats all for today! I am off for grocery shopping and cleaning with the boyfriend. Vegetarian chili and honey cake with friends tonight? Yes, please. Have a good one, y'all!


XO

your brains versus my tractorbeam

Today I am tired and sleepy. I had those weird sort of dreams that kind of ruin your entire day before you even open your eyes, so right from the get-go this day has not been fun. I had a plentiful breakfast and pretty much flew like a garbage bag to MUN. Its extremely windy out, and I am petite, what can I say? I arrived at the library windswept and contrary, as wind always makes me, only to realize that I forgot my cigarettes at home. No, today is not a very good day. Luckily, I have Psychology and English first up on the exam schedule, which are two of my easiest courses. Psychology requires minimal study, and English requires almost none except a quick review of notes and remembering the names of characters in novels. If wind and lack of smokes and easy exams are the worst things I have to complain about today, then I have a lucky girl indeed, really.

Today is another double feature on the 30 day movie challenge, but these two go together rather well, so no harm done.

DAY 10: YOUR FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER IN A MOVIE

Rhett Butler, "Gone With the Wind", 1939.

 
Come on, you know you love Gone with the Wind! Its one of the greatest, most epic movies of all time! And Clark Gable as Rhett in the movie especially warms my heart. His character is so laid back compared to the melodramatic southern belles and patriotic southern boys in the movie, he's probably the biggest relief the movie has to offer, as well as one of the only characters in the movie that really sees what's happening in a clear light, and sees the characters for what they truly are. When emotions are high, Rhett is the character that'll say,  straight up, exactly what's going through people's heads and exactly what needs to be done, whether people want to hear it or not. He's the only person that sees through Scarlett, and despite the fact that she's a raging selfish bitch, he loves her. He loves her because she's a raging selfish bitch. Its beautiful. Considering how old school this movie is, they're still one of the most realistic couples to ever grace the silver screen. I love them both. So yeah, Rhett Butler for the win!



DAY 11: YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER IN A MOVIE

Enid, "Ghost World", 2001.


Mmmm, Ghost World. This is still one the funniest movies I've ever seen, and the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes its based upon is golden. I love the attention to detail in the movie. Theres one movie where the two main character and walking down the street and one says to the other, in a bored tone, "Oh look, its the pants". The kinds of things you'd notice and say in real life. Its greatness. The movies main character Enid is especially great. She has to do summer school because she failed art, and is dealing with growing up and living on her own for the first time. She pretty much hates everyone, is self-conscious, and constantly changes her look. She's more or less the typical just out of high school girl, and I used to look up to her with beaming eyes when I was just such a girl. One of the most brilliant movie characters ever.


Now its back to the grind for me. I have my first exam tomorrow at 9am, and I have an unholy fear of sleeping in. Cross your fingers for me, and wish me luck!

XO

fish like little silver knives

Last night I finally had the pleasure of being inside my own house for more than 4 hours at a time, and oh boy was it nice. Dave and I spent the whole night studying and watching "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and woke up this morning to more sunshine and more studying. I like being home, I never really appreciate it as much as I should until I get home after being off doing whatever it is I do. I love my blue carpets, my excessive amount of posters and silly knick-knacks, my books, and of course my hat wearing ukelele playing dreamboat. What a sweetie.

Since I am behind again, it is time for some more 30 day movie challenge! Hooray!

DAY 7: A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

"Breakfast at Tiffany's", 1961.

Okay, you all knew I'd have to loss some Audrey Hepburn in here eventually. She's the prettiest lady ever, and this movie always puts the biggest smile on my face ever. Between Audrey being endlessly charming, her nameless cat, and her relationship with George Peppard, I can't help but die over this movie. My favorite part is when they decide to spend the whole day doing things they've never done before, I've always wanted to try it myself. There are definitely some sad parts to the movie, but overall its the kind of movie that just makes you feel awesome. Loves it.







DAY 8: THE MOST DISAPPOINTING MOVIE 

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", 2009.

Man, did I ever get myself in a hype over this movie. Beautiful special effects, Heath Ledger's last movie, AND TOM WAITS IS IN IT? How could it possibly be bad, right? Wrong. It definitely had the potential to be a cool movie, its a sort of sold your soul to the devil struggle between good and evil kind of movie. I can't even really explain what its about, it was that confusing. The worst part was in the Imaginarium scenes they kept switching Heath Ledger's character between actors, as he died before the film was completed, so suddenly he'll be... Colin Farrell! Or... Johnny Depp! They should have just revamped his character, had him disappear early in movie for some unknown reason. I definitely liked some parts of it, like the lovely visuals and Tom Waits, but other than that my brain just hurt after I saw it.


DAY 9: THE WEIRDEST MOVIE YOU'VE EVER SEEN 

"Nowhere", 1997.

Seriously, what other movie even deserves this mention? "Nowhere" is quite possibly the weirdest, trippiest, funniest movie I've ever seen. Its so over the top cheesy that its awesome, that sort of movie. The costumes and sets are atrocious, the acting is even worse, and its quite literally everybody's first movie. Mena Suvari, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Rose McGowan, Shannon Doherty, John Ritter... there are so many random people in this movie! Seriously! I could name a dozen more! Its plot is that of a typical '90s movie, really. Its about a bunch of teenagers all trying to get to a party and the madness that ensues along the way. There's a candy dress, dinosaur like aliens walking around that shoot people with lasers and make them disappear, subliminal suicide messages in Religious informercials, a guy getting his face beat in with a can of Campbell's tomato soup, and did I mention the ending? Two boys are lying in bed together when suddenly one explodes into a giant beetle, says "I'm out of here", and crawls out the window. What the fuck, right? Right.

Thats it for today, methinks! I am off to study some more of well, everything. And tonight methinks perhaps my lovely damsel Amkiram has something planned, I am not sure. Needs to figure it all out. I am sleepy. I bought a copy of "Utopia" by Thomas More as a post-exam treat for myself, gotta love those 1500's philosophers. Love you all, weee.

XO

putting the damage on

Hey everyone,

Sorry I've been so utterly absent from life the last few days, its been a hectic week. Political rallies, plays, book launches and - tonight - fake proms. Its been a lovely one to wrap up a hectic semester, for sure. I've relaxed and done absolutely nothing, including even be in my own house, all week. Its been nice, I feel like I'm in high school again or something. Of course, it shall be shortlived - this weekend, aside from inevitable bouts of fun (clay cafe plz) - I plan to devote myself to some hardcore studying, if my brain can possibly handle it while pickled in so much alcohol. Wish me luck, I guess.

Since I find myself three days behind on the 30 day movie challenge, today's post shall be a fun little triple threat! Enjoy <3

DAY 4: A MOVIE FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD

"The Last Unicorn", 1982.

Man, this movie. Such gorgeous, old school storybook animation, killer voice acting by Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, and Christopher Lee (to name a few), cheesy songs, and one of the saddest tales ever told. This was the very first movie I can remember my mom buying for me, and I still remember sitting on our '70s style sofa watching it with my face covered in ketchup. Its the story of a unicorn who realizes that shes the last of her kind, the other unicorns being driven into the sea by a fiery beast called the red bull, who was collecting them for a lonely king who lived in a gloomy castle. The unicorns are the only thing that really makes the king feel anything. Its a beautiful movie. Its based on a novel I've yet to read, but its definitely on my list.




DAY 5: FAVORITE MUSICAL

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show", 1975.

Obviously Rocky Horror! This movie doesn't even require explanation, I feel. Its weird, its sassy, its hilarious, and I know the lyrics to every single song. I even spent several horrific months of my life being forced to dance the Time Warp over and over and over again. I die for the costumes, sets, and the hilarious '70s special effects. Probably the most fun movie ever. Its hard choosing a favorite musical, really, because there are so many awesome ones (Evita? Chicago? Hedwig?), but Rocky definitely takes the cake for me.








DAY 6: A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU SAD

"City of God", 2002.

Man, this movie RUINS me emotionally, in a way that no movie has since probably Requiem for a Dream. Its a Brazilian movie directed by the same guy that did "The Constant Gardener", and its about a violent slum in Brazil called the City of God, ironically. Its absolutely brutal. The movie depicts gang warfare to the extreme. Theres one particularly scarring scene where this guy forces a kid whose no more than say 9 to shoot his friend, while both of them are hysterically weeping. The movie has a fairly happy ending, though.The main character is a photographer and achieves fame due to his up close and personal photos of the slum's gangs. The thing that makes me saddest is that this place actually exists, and most of the movie's events were actually based on real happenings. Just goes to show you have fucked up human beings can be, really. Its an incredible movie.


Thats all for today! I hope I see all of you soon. After tonight, I shall probably have many more exotic adventure tales to tell. Hope everyone is having a great week without school and obligations and such, and I love you all, my heart overflows. <3

XO
 

here we are again all by ourselves

Its time for day 3 of the 30 day movie challenge! w00t! Today's topic is a bit more straightforward than the first two, but equally awesome nonetheless.

DAY 3: LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THEATRES

"True Grit", 2010.

This is also the first movie I've chosen thats come out in the last two decades, I've noticed. One cold Sunday night me and my boys, Joey and Dave, were sitting around in my cozy blue apartment bored as snails, when I decided to hound them with the idea of seeing a movie. Hounding wasn't needed. Dave and I had wanted to see this for awhile, and Joey was totally down. Fortunately, all three of us adored it. How could we not? The Coen Brothers are among the best directors, well, ever in my opinion. They have such a diverse catalogue of films ("Fargo", "The Big Lebowski", "Burn after Reading"). They have something for everybody. True Grit was no exception to their genius. Its based on a novel, and is the story of a young girl back in the day who vows revenge on the man who murdered her father. Its a western, lots of horses and gunfights. The acting is brilliant; Jeff Bridges is an absolute god, and the little girl who played Mattie was amazing - she was actually 14 when she starred in the movie, the same age as her character. I was really sad she didn't get the best supporting actress oscar. Its an epic movie with lots of great acting, action, and the story is oh so wonderfully told.

And now, continuing on.

Today I am planning on spending my whole day in the library studying biology. I am there now, munching on McBreakfast, and thought I'd treat myself to some leisurely blogging love firsthand. I am terrified for finals! Argh! I just want to skip them. Between that and my financial worries I pretty much want to bury my head in the ground like an ostrich. But as always, good times will come - just gotta keep a positive attitude. It makes all the difference.

I painted a picture last night, inspired by Sarah and Lenore's GROW prompt for the month of April. Their first prompt was to grow a picture from a quarter-sized circle in the centre of the page. My circle was a bit off centre, but I painted a watercolor picture of an orange cross-section. I was pretty impressed with it. So lucky I have so many artistic, inspiring friends. Yay.


Now its off to nerdland, to fill my brain up to the brim with confusing Latin words and fishparts.

XO

the way we get by.

Hello, friends. This weekend has been more hectic than expected. Despite my reservations about having a social weekend, I ended up being on the ball and spent less than 24 hours in my house since Friday morning. Quel surprise. It wasn't a waste, at least I got lots of Joeylove in, and lots of time in general with my sweet Mullock honeys. I love how no matter what they always want me around, and they make me feel like such a vital presence. They certainly are. I absolutely adore you guys.

Tonight Sarah came up for a coffee, chatsy singalong and I loved every moment of it. I hate that its so late in the semester and everyone is busy and I can't spend more times with my favorites. Sarah, darling, I ache for you everyday. You're like an instant gift certoficate to fun and happy times. I cannot wait to clay cafe with you soon and beach with you like everyday this summer. You inspire me so. I wish you happy paperings.

Now its time for day 2 of the 30 day movie challege! yay!

DAY 2: FAVORITE ANIMATED FILM

"The Secret of NIMH", 1982.

This question is equally difficult as the first. There are so many tremendous animated films in the world, its so hard to pick just one. I picked The Secret of NIMH because it was my favorite movie as a child; I even named my first pet, a little mouse, after the momma mouse in the movie, Mrs. Brisby. If I could watch this movie everyday, I probably would. It makes me feel such joy. Its pretty intelligent and sad for a children's movie, as well, and the animation is fantastic, particularly the super scary intense scenes where they're experimenting on the laboratory rats. Essentially, its about a field mouse who has to move her dying son safely before "moving day" (when the farmer plows the field all the little critters live in), and to do this she gets the help of the "rats of NIMH", who live in a rosebush near the farmhouse. They are all escaped laboratory rats, who have human levels of intelligence because of the experiments done on them. It has so many sad and hilarious moments. Definitely the animated movie I hold dearest to my heart.

Thats all for today. Lenore - you are in my thoughts, and I love you madly, and miss you like crazy <3 Stay strong, honeybee.

Goodnight, friends and darlings.


XO

30 days of film.

I decided to do something fun with my blog! A bunch of people on facebook have been doing something called the "30 day movie challenge", which looked incredibly fun, so I decided to do it here in blog form! Its similar to the 30 days of lists challenge everyone has been doing around blogland. Basically, you get a category of sort's each day and you have to pick your favorite, or sometimes least favorite, from said category. I adore movies, always have. Theres nothing like an amazing movie to take you out of the world and put you in somebody else's place for awhile, whether it be for good or bad. I love movies that make me imagine. I love movies that make me cry (which is very hard to do, you'd laugh at some of the movies I've cried at, though). So here I begin! With day 1!


DAY 1: FAVORITE MOVIE

"American Beauty", 1999.

I really wish this question was last, just because this is the hardest one to answer I feel. Its so hard for me to narrow down a movie I'd consider my "favorite". But the one that always springs to mind immediately when asked this question is probably American Beauty. I've seen it too many times to count. The acting is superb, particularly Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning. Their hilarious chemistry as Lester and Carolyn is perfect. I love all the different questions the movie brings up about the nature of beauty and appearances, sexuality, and suburban life. Also, the script was written by Alan Ball, the mastermind behind "Six Feet Under" and "True Blood". Its perfect in almost every way. And every time Elliott Smith's cover of "Because" by the Beatles starts playing as the credits role my heart breaks a little bit. If you've never seen this movie, please do. I beg of you.


Thats all for today honeys! Now I'm off to fiercely stick my pretty nose into some hardcore biological study, hooooorray~


XO