Is Television Too Romanticised?

What is it with everything being all perfect and lovey-dovey in everything I watch these days? 

No matter what the guy did (even if he's messed everything up, they still end up together after some romantic act of sacrifice or whatever).

I know when I was studying film, we learnt that it was because we - as humans - need a satisfying ending, something to give us hope, but isn't it all a little superficial now?

I get it, I do, but media make out a first kiss to be the most magical thing in the world - fireworks and a peak in some upbeat music. 

But what does a first kiss actually entail?

Jitters and guesswork was mine. 

Heartbeat racing so fast I couldn't concentrate. 

That's right, I had to concentrate on a kiss. 

I don't know what it was like for Adeel, but come on, kissing is so much better when you've been together for a while - you both know what you're doing and what the other one likes. 

The same goes for sex too. It's really not all that romantic for the first time like it's made out to be.

Am I just not that into this whole romantic crap? Or is it all just overly exaggerated on TV to make our hearts swoon? 

It's not exactly fair on us.

No wonder girls expect all of this rubbish. 

Guys don't really have a chance in hell of competing with the likes of Johnny Castle, Jack Dawson and Noah Calhoun now, do they?

We need to make our own expectations and stop trying to live up to the lives of fantasy couples that aren't all that realistic in the first place.

To live in the moment and not in our heads!

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The Scorch Trials

By James Dashner

[Solving the Maze was supposed

to be the end. No more puzzles.

And no more running. Thomas

was sure that escaping meant

he would get his life back. But

no one knew what sort of life

they were going back to ...

Burned and baked, the earth is

a wasteland, its people driven

mad by an infection known as

the Flare.

Instead of freedom, Thomas must

face another trial. He must cross

the Scorch to once again save

himself and his friends ...]

Woahh, this series is amazing. I seriously cannot wait to find out what happens in the final instalment.

It was just as tense as The Maze Runner, if not more. The main characters are still in it and going strong. Although, there were a few moments when it was unknown if the odd one of these characters were still alive or not under the circumstances.

But I absolutely loved all of the different creature-y things and adverse conditions that were included - they're all so different and fresh, it's part of what makes it such a great read.

I liked the addition of Brenda. I think, amongst all of the abnormal challenges Thomas has to face, it's nice to see him have to face something so normal - his guilt for being attracted to Brenda when he's not entirely sure of his feelings for Teresa.

I think Minho has become my new favourite character; he's funny and brave and his and Thomas's friendship is great. I was a little disappointed with Thomas and Teresa's relationship development, but there's still room for it to happen in the next one.

The ending was brilliant, so action packed and as mysterious as ever. We still don't know what the truth is or what isn't, just like Thomas, so I hope all is revealed in the final one!

And have I said how much I love that Thomas isn't afraid to show his emotions, all of his emotions? It's so refreshing to see a male character, and the hero at that, crying like a proper human being, like any sixteen year old would if they were put through all of those horrific trials!

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Man Crush: Sam Claflin

I can't remember which film I first saw Sam Claflin in, I think it might have been Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, but I didn't really take notice of him until The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and I didn't realise it was some sort of a crush until The Riot Club.

It's not that he's the typical good-looking actor, it's more that there's just something about him that intrigues me, that pulls me in to watching a film, even if he is the only reason why I watch said film.

Thinking back to Pirates of the Caribbean, I didn't particularly like his character. I thought he was a goody two shoes Christian that relied too heavily on his faith to get him out of a bad situation and once the film was over I never gave a second thought to William - his character (obviously Mr Johnny Depp overshadows anyone else).

Then I realised he was playing Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, I thought somebody else, somebody more attractive could have played him - considering the description given to him in the novels. Although Claflin definitely portrayed the cheekiness and charm well, I wasn't completely sold the first time I watched it - although I am now.

After that, I think the events themselves within The Riot Club overshadowed any of the protagonists possible strengths because they were just so horrific, but I don't really remember him being any sort of character you would pine over or admire due to the stuff he got caught up in. Same with Douglas Booth.

It was in Love, Rosie that I really warmed to him. He played the best friend/love interest character so well that, even though the film wasn't particularly groundbreaking, I still often catch myself wanting to re-watch it.

Considering this and the loveable character he plays in at least two of the films I have seen him in, I am hugely looking forward to seeing the upcoming film Me Before You where he plays a recently-paralysed man being taken care of by a beautiful young woman - none other than the stunning Emilia Clarke. Due to release in June, I cannot wait to see it this summer - even if it is a classic chick flit that I'm not usually a fan of!

p.s. I don't remember him at all in Snow White and the Huntsmen as I thought it was a particularly poor film but The Huntsmen: Winter's War does look particularly good so I may have to have a little looky out for him in that!

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The Maze Runner

By James Dashner.

[When the lift cranks open, the
only thing Thomas remembers
is his first name. But he's
not alone - an army of boys
welcomes him to the Glade,
an encampment at the centre
of a terrible maze. The Gladers
have no idea why they're there,
or what's happened to the world
outside. And following the arrival
of a girl with a message,
they must find a way out -
or die.]

Wowwwwwww. I enjoyed the film version but this was on another level. Absolutely brilliant beginning to a series. Fast paced, action packed, loveable characters (minus the obvious few) and a whole abundance of mystery.

It was nice to feel like we, as a reader, were in the same boat as Thomas - we find out about the maze and what little they know of the outside world and the people that put them there when he does, learning as we go which was incredibly infuriating but was done to great effect of keeping us in the dark until the right moment.

It was a shame that I couldn't build up my own picture of each character having previously seen the film beforehand, but I couldn't remember the grievers so I had my imagination to thank for that one! They were creepy and unique and disgusting all rolled into one, it was great. I loved the added drama of Teresa's arrival and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her and Thomas's relationship grow in the next one.

The ending was heartbreaking and dramatic and so many twists were thrown at the reader it was hard to keep up. My head was spinning with the tension. But I loved it. And although the Gladers appear to trust the newcomers, I know I sure as hell don't.

Can't wait to see how the next one unfolds!

Judgement

Earlier this month I pretty much saw somebody I know lose almost everything he had. We look at other people's relationships like they're better than ours, never actually knowing what goes on behind closed doors and over the past few months I got a glimpse into the imperfect side, of the breaking down of a relationship and of its complete and utter crumbling apart. 

It made me think, how well do we really know someone?

I lived with this couple, they shared a room just next to mine in this house share of ours. But I went around - since the time they moved in almost 2 years ago I think?! - passing judgement, thinking I knew exactly what was going on, when all in all, I think I was completely wrong.

I watched as she seemingly did all of the so called "chores" us women sometimes get lumbered with. She cleaned her room thoroughly once a week, she did all of the laundry many times a week, she cooked, she did the grocery shopping. All I ever saw of him was smoking in the garden or chatting amiably on the iPad to somebody back in Spain. Yes, I envied them at times with what I thought was their easy going nature and seemingly non-complicated lifestyle - but did I have it all wrong?

She left him earlier this month, emptying the contents of their lives into the bin - or taking it with her - leaving him with bare essentials, an empty room to continue renting and feelings of hatred, anger and hurt seeping through every word he said to me.

I think it's common that when someone leaves a relationship both parties resent the opposite sex, they blame the whole gender for that one persons behaviour, that one person they shared their lives with, even for a segment of it. But it brought me to the realisation that we all say things in the heat of the moment not knowing how much we are going to regret later on.

My relationship had every chance of turning out like theirs did, but it didn't and maybe I shouldn't take that for granted. I should try to keep my anger, mood swings, whatever, in check from now on. I don't want to end up hating him or making him hate me because I take my emotions out on him.

I feel so bad for the guy in my house share - obviously I don't know the full story, and I never will, but it really does make you think what a person is capable of or how they really feel. I thought the girl was selfish in this relationship, but only after he'd told me what went down. From his description she sounded controlling and my first words after he'd told me what she'd done was that she was crazy, but I still have no right to pass that judgement not knowing what has truly happened.

He's gone now too and every trace of them will be gone from this house when somebody else moves in, but what I'll remember of them will always stay with me - good and bad. I wish him all the best, and her too. I hope they find it in themselves to forgive one another for whatever it is that broke them apart. I hope they find love they can enjoy again. And I hope they don't regret a thing.

It's time to stop holding on to it all, maybe for me too. Why is it so hard to do the easy thing of simply letting all that built up anger and resentment go?



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Tough Love

Relationships are hard. Like really hard. And comparing your own to other, seemingly flawless couples out there can be a killer.

I'm not an expert at relationships, hell I'm not even an intermediate. But I still have a habit of comparing my own relationship to everyone else's that I come across - be it strangers on the tube entwining their fingers together or a loved up picture on Instagram.

No one ever really knows your relationship like you do. It doesn't matter how many copious details you spill to your bestie, they will never know what really goes on behind closed doors.

And, anyways, what works for one couple might not necessarily work for another. We're all unique and handle situations differently. We work through things how we see fit and not the other way around. Yes, we may try something someone has advised or suggested us to do, but in the end, it's whatever makes you both comfortable at the end of the day as to how you get through your issues.

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So, why do we still compare our relationships to theirs? Are we defined by the places we've been, the things we've done? Or by our Instagram photos, our Facebook updates?

There is no right way to do a relationship. They just unfold before us. 

It's a matter of perspective and learning and a relentless amount of compromise that sees us through.

Each to their own.

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The Soundtrack To My Life

I've been thinking a lot about music lately, about what specific songs mean to each individual, to each generation or to each nation. Music is so powerful, a simple lyric can bring back so many memories and I wanted to share with you today some of the songs that mean something to me, more than the normal love for a song.

To start, here are a few that uplift me, the ones that can always make me happy:

✴ Pharrell Williams - Happy
(This is probably a really obvious one, right? That scene in Despicable Me 2? Love it. This song always makes me happy because it's so upbeat!)
✴ David Bowie - Changes
(I don't even know how to describe my love for this song, except for recently making me feel a tad sad with the loss of this legend, the song still makes me feel incredibly uplifted)
✴ Rascal Flatts - Life Is A Highway
(Every time this comes on on my iPod when I'm on the tube, I have to contain myself really hard to not start blurting out all of the lyrics very loudly)

♫

Some that make me sad and most probably cry bucketfuls:

✴ Miley Cyrus - When I Look At You
(I heard this song for the first time when I watched The Last Song and it has moved me ever since. Seriously, I cry pretty much every time I listen to it)
✴ Michelle Branch - Goodbye To You
(Now, I've only listened to this song and the one below in the past year or so, but I discovered it when watching an episode of Buffy (God, I love that show) and, well, it was at the time when my relationship was in tatters and I was hurting, so this song really stuck in my mind)
✴ Nicole Scherzinger - Run
(The same as above, I somehow came across this song when I was hurting and it is so so powerful. Her voice is spectacular and even now when these two songs come on, all of those feelings come rushing back - but they are so good that I can't not listen to them. This song could also be in the category below - sends shivers down my spine every time)
✴ Charlie Puth - See You Again
(For obvious reasons this song makes me sad. Paul Walker? End of Fast and Furious 7? Cried like a baby in the cinema. Twice)

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The ones that make me shiver because the lyrics or the vocals are so amazing:

✴ Kate Voegele - Hallelujah
(I seem to discover all of my favourites on TV shows, this one was on an episode of One Tree Hill and I have to say, I think this is the best version of Hallelujah, it is absolutley stunning but I still don't really get what the song lyrics are about!)
✴ Gabrielle Aplin - The Power Of Love
(I used to associate this song with Christmas as the Frankie Goes To Hollywood version is on a Christmas album my family has, but since hearing this cover version, I love it more than ever. I think there's something about acoustic versions of songs that just make me appreciate the lyrics and vocals even more)
✴ Christina Perri - A Thousand Years
(This one is another of those that can fall into a different category, most likely the one where it gets me to appreciate or feel more in love. I know it's in Twilight, but it's beautiful)

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These ones make me feel empowered, strong. I can listen to them on full blast without a care in the world:

✴ Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang
(I don't know what it is about this song, but I think it's something to do with strong women and it's a song that just makes me feel good when I listen to it)
✴ Cheryl - I Don't Care
(This is another one that's similar to above and just makes me want to jump around my bedroom singing along to it, it makes me forget all my worries and problems for a couple of minutes!)
✴ David Bowie - Heroes
(I loveeeeeeeee this bloody song! It's just amazing and I love David Bowie's voice and I love that it was included in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, that scene is beautiful and I JUST LOVE THIS SONG)
✴ David Bowie - Rebel Rebel
(Another of Mr. Bowie's. Basically this category are the feelgood ones that go beyond normal happiness)
✴ Take That - Hold Up A Light
(I'm sorry, I had to include a Take That one, okay? It's either this one, or Never Forget or Rule The World. But there is just something about this one that I love the most)
✴ Bon Jovi - I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
(Says it all in the name of the song really. Gets me through some of those moments where I'm so tired and want to give up on everything)

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The songs that make me appreciate love even more:

✴ Miley Cyrus - Dream
(I'm not even slightly ashamed to say this is in the Hannah Montana Movie because this song is brilliant, in fact, Miley Cyrus is brilliant even in her crazy ass state, she's still a wonderful singer)
✴ Ellie Goulding - Army
(I've only heard this recently but there was a specific lyric in it that called out to me "we both know what they say about us, but they don't stand a chance because, when I'm with you, I'm standing with an army")
✴ Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
(Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack is the best thing about the film and this song is the best of the bunch. I don't care if the film was rubbish in itself, this song just makes me feel all loved up)
✴ Paramore - Still Into You
(Ah, Paramore. This one is just a sweet reminder that romance does last)
✴ Carly Rae Jepson - I Really Like You
(I just love this video, especially that Tom Hanks is in it, and the song just makes me want to bounce around and smile all day)
✴ Eric Carmen - Hungry Eyes
(Out of all of the songs in this category, this one is my favourite at the moment. Seriously, I. Can't. Stop. Listening. To. It. It's even better than Dirty Dancing's signature tune. LOVE IT)

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And finally, and notably the list that gets listened to the most, the one I listen to when I'm angry, that I also listen to on full blast, glaring at everyone in my path:

✴ Aerosmith - Dude Looks Like A Lady
(Seriously, most of these songs have links to one film or another! Mrs Doubtfire. Every time I hear it I think of that scene, Robin Williams dressed as an old woman cleaning the house! It is just amazing to listen to when I'm angry though - you won't hear a thing from anything else around you if you do listen to this one full blast!)
✴ Gavin DeGraw - I Don't Want To Be
(One Tree Hill theme song and another brilliant masterpiece. One I listen to when I feel people are trying to change who I am)
✴ Bon Jovi - Blame It On The Love Of Rock And Roll
(Ugh, man, Bon Jovi is a God. I don't know why I listen to this one when I'm angry but it's probably because of the insance guitar riffs and rock vibe)
✴ OneRepublic - Secrets
(Another one from a film, this time The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Listen to this one when you're just done with hiding how you really feel. "I'm gonna give all my secrets away")
✴ Robbie Williams - Let Me Entertain You
(Had to end it on the one I always, always listen to when I'm angry. It's fast, Robbie's voice is all gravelly and it's just so so good to listen to at top volume!)

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So there you have it, a little peek into my iPod playlists according to my mood! Obviously these aren't all of the songs, but they are definitely the ones I listen to most often and that I never, ever, get sick of!



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