2015 in review

At the start of this year, I made a rather vague set of new year's resolutions. As we've only got one day left of 2015, I thought it was about time to revisit them!

Books

The first thing I really wanted to achieve was my Goodreads challenge of reading 50 books. I actually exceeded my goal and extended my challenge to 60 books. Some people might say I'm a bit of a cheater since I study English at university, but I love reading so much that most of the books I read this year were for pleasure.
Here are some of my favourite reads of 2015, along with a tantalising one word review...

• The Outsiders by S.E Hinton - stunning.
• The Green Mile by Stephen King - heart-breaking.
• Fingersmith by Sarah Waters - surprising.
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman - ridiculous.
• The Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling - ...duh.

hate to be that guy but if you've only seen the film, PLEASE read the book too

Music

One of the major events in my summer holidays was my first ever festival, T in the Park. I had such a great time; some of my standouts were Kasabian, The Proclaimers and Jamie T. The constant mud, overpriced food and portaloos (which should probably be renamed death traps), I could have lived without...but it was all part of the experience. 

However, my favourite gig of the year was without a doubt Muse at the Barrowlands. They've been my favourite band for about 9 years and I'd seen them before already, but had resigned myself to the fact that I'd probably never see them in a small venue. I was wrong!!! I also had the opportunity to meet the band, which was so surreal and incredible. To top it all off, I ended up getting barrier! Probably one of the best days of my life, let alone of the year.

~ enjoy my shitty gig photography ~

Television

For my 17th birthday, I received the Buffy the Vampire Slayer boxset - the show rapidly became my favourite thing in the universe and I got so excited before watching new episodes, especially around season 5. SO GOOD. But that's not to say I let it stop me from getting addicted to multiple new TV shows - some more things I watched this year include Buffy's spin-off, Angel, Parks and Recreation, How To Get Away With Murder, Daredevil, The Mighty Boosh and Master of None. Right now I'm really into Reign and Gilmore Girls. 

♥♥♥

Life

Okay, so my life has changed a lot in a year. I moved away from home, started university at Edinburgh Napier, made new friends, and got my first job. Most of it has been a huge learning curve for me; I'm more independent and confident now than ever, which I'm really glad about. However I've became so comfortable in my own company I think it's made me a bit antisocial, so I'll need to work on that. 

Lastly, I did keep my diary all year! I didn't write every day, but every month of 2015 is down in writing and I'm pretty proud of that. 

I hope 2015 has been a good year for you, and if it hasn't, don't worry! 2016 will be better.

movies with kirsty: the force awakens

First of all, breathe. If you've been worrying whether Episode VII will live up to the hype or not, set your mind at ease. For the first time in over 30 years, I think we can finally agree - Star Wars is back.

The traditional opening credits and music give you an immediate sense of familiarity that stays with you throughout the film. It's not just the reintroduction of the characters you know from the original trilogy; The Force Awakens induces a unique kind of déjà vu through plot points, in-jokes in the dialogue and even camera angles. Some people might argue that JJ Abrams is pandering to his audience with the sheer amount of fan service, but there's no denying that warm fuzzy feeling that the references give you.

Of course, it was unbelievably emotional seeing beloved characters like Han, Leia and Chewie on screen and back together again. But the new introductions did a remarkable job of slotting in to the formidable franchise and interacting with both each other and the veterans. John Boyega is a particular standout as Finn/FN-2187, revealing his uncertainty - and slight dorkiness - even in his initial introduction whilst wearing a Stormtrooper uniform. Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron is instantly charming, although his motivations remain unclear along with complexities of character - by the end of the movie, he still appears to be just a damn swell guy and a great Resistance fighter pilot. Similarly, we are left with several questions about Rey, although Daisy Ridley's performance is sensitive and authentic.

Rey, Finn and of course the adorable BB8

Unless you've really done your research or are incredibly skilled at voice recognition, you'll be hard pushed to recognise big name actors such as Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis and Lupita Nyong'o, although I suppose they add more appeal - if that's even possible for perhaps the most publicised movie ever. I was also left slightly disappointed by the role of Captain Phasma, played by the delightful Gwendoline Christie. Her character's appearance on the poster is slightly misleading, as she has limited screen time and doesn't play a very active role as an antagonist. I suppose there's only so much you can fit in one movie!

Thankfully the Dark Side is well represented in the sneering General Hux, enigmatic Supreme Leader Snoke, and of course, our major villain Kylo Ren. Played by Adam Driver, he provides a multi-dimensional and complex villain for the Star Wars franchise - a refreshing change from the all-conquering 'I'm so evil' vibe of Vader (yeah so the prequels humanised him, whatever). I'm intrigued to see how the events of The Force Awakens take their toll on him in episode VIII.

every story needs a good old-fashioned villain with a cool black helmet and a cape

My favourite thing about this film was definitely how really, truly funny it was. Han Solo has always provided some witty and dry remarks, but he seems to have taken on more of his actor Harrison Ford's personality, becoming a hilariously grumpy old cynic. His interactions with new recruits Finn and Rey make for some great entertainment.

Admittedly, minute details are kind of glossed over in this film; the intentions and rulings of 'First Order' who are now in control remain out of focus, other than that they're obviously oppressive. However, it's true that jokes, fast action scenes and lightsaber battles are a lot more entertaining than talk about politics and dictatorships. Overall, JJ Abrams did a terrific job of reintroducing Star Wars to the world in a way that honoured the originals but created a fresh and exciting new film. I can't wait to see what will happen next - after all, this is only the beginning.

it's not just about you

Becoming an intersectional feminist / ally

As widespread as feminism seems to be, out there in the real world a lot of people just don't seem to get it. On the occasion that I go off one one of my rants, whoever I'm with will (usually) agree with me, but when I ask if they're a feminist, they'll get all cagey and evasive, 'Well, I don't know if I'd go that far...' Let's put it simply. Feminism = Equality. Once you get that round your head (take as long as you want) you're well on your way to joining the movement.

I've always been a feminist at heart, but only really discovered there was a word for it once I spent a while on the internet. I don't think there's any shame in admitting that tumblr taught me a lot - I just advise not to take everything you read about feminism on there as gospel. Tumblr is a place to indulge your obsessions - some people will gush about how much they love Game of Thrones, others will scream abuse towards all white men in the name of feminism.

Look! You can be a white cis man AND a feminist! Crazy, I know.

But this leads me on to my next point. I am a white, cis female. This meant that after being swept away in quoting Jane Eyre and crying over Emma Watson's UN Speech, I had to check my privilege. So far I had only been annoyed about the imbalance between men and women. My concerns were over slut-shaming, victim blaming and Hollywood's lack of leading female roles. Thanks to people like Malala Yousafzai, Amandla Stenberg and Laverne Cox, I began to realise that the way I (or people in my bracket) experienced sexism was different to how a woman of colour, or a trans woman would experience it.

A lot of people have a hard time getting their head round this - even I slip up sometimes. If you question why a fat woman is wearing a particular item of clothing, it doesn't make you a bad person - as long as you realise and correct yourself. Recognise that our standards of beauty are being perpetually manipulated by the beauty/diet industry. White skin, blonde hair and an hourglass waist aren't the only measures of beauty! 

If you're confused as to why someone has a feminine name when they appear masculine to you or vice versa, realise that it's not really any of your business. Recognise that just because someone doesn't meet your preconceived idea or image of a 'woman' doesn't mean they aren't one. (This also goes the other way. Saying 'omg i would never believe you're transgender, you're so pretty!' could be taken as a compliment, but is also pretty offensive.) If you're friends with, or meet someone who is genderqueer, all you need to do is ask them how they prefer to be addressed. If they don't disclose their pronouns, just refer to them by the neutral 'they/them' - it's really not that difficult. 

Sometimes realising your privilege is really important because you can use your voice to help marginalised groups. However the most important part of being an intersectional feminist and ally is making sure you don't speak over people or drown their voices out. (eg. If you're white, you don't get to choose if something's racist or not.) 

Basically it's just about being a considerate human being. Good luck!

netflix tv shows you should be watching

PSA - In this day and age, I just assume that everyone has Netflix (or has someone they're close enough to that they can borrow their password and fill their suggestions up with things they don't care about). If you don't..sorry. (Who am I kidding, you can watch literally everything online nowadays.)

Sense8

I cannot recommend this show enough! To attempt to put it simply, it's about eight people from different places around the world who become psychically connected, and begin to experience each others' lives. Sounds really complicated, right? Well, it is, but once you get past the impossibility of the situation, what's really special about this show is the characters; their individual struggles; their emotions; their lives. The range is incredibly diverse, from an Indian woman studying medicine who is unsure about her upcoming marriage, a famous Mexican actor trying to hide his sexuality, to a Korean businesswoman who ends up falsely imprisoned. They've also got a trans actor playing a trans character! Seriously, if you're tired with the lack of LGBT/multi-racial representation on TV, sense8 will restore your faith in humanity. And without giving too much away, there's not many shows that could make me sympathise (and fall a little bit in love) with a character who's intent on destroying his own family. Here's my favourite scene from the show to give you a taster of what's so great about it.

Orange is the New Black

If you've not watched this show, where have you been??? I feel like there's practically no point in mentioning it. You've seen it already. This is like, Netflix's not-so-secret favourite child. The first season mainly focuses on spoilt and conventional Piper Chapman having to deal with the many trials and tribulations of prison life. But over the course of all the episodes, you gradually get to know everyone else inside Litchfield. Discovering all the characters' backstories and childhoods is so interesting. OITNB does an incredible job of humanising female prison inmates and encouraging you to empathise with those you would likely condemn or turn your nose up at if you read about them in the newspaper. And again, an amazing and diverse representation of women - you go Netflix. When so many popular films don't even pass the Bechdel test, Orange is the New Black is a breath of fresh air. 

Daredevil

incentive enough for ya?

If you have seen the 2003 movie with Ben Affleck, please don't judge this show by it. If you've not seen the movie...just don't. This TV show does the character justice far better - and yes maybe that was a play on words. The protagonist Matt Murdock is blind but has trained his other four senses to go into overdrive so he can practise law during the day and fight crime at night. It sounds cheesy, but this show is dark and gritty yet simultaneously smart and witty (I made that rhyme completely by accident I swear.) And Charlie Cox proves himself to be an actor of great range and promise - you may know him from Stardust or The Theory of Everything, but he's practically unrecognisable in the title role. This show has so much potential and I can't wait for the next season!

I thought I would stick to ongoing shows, but if you're sure you can go through the emotional turmoil of getting obsessed with a show you already know has been cancelled or completed, here's some more of my favourites on Netflix:

• Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Firefly
• Gossip Girl
• Skins
• The Mighty Boosh
• Community (continued on Yahoo screen but with only half the original cast)

One final word of advice - even if you originally intend it to be ironic, on no accounts should you start watching 90210. You will laugh at how bad it is, keep watching to see how ridiculous the storylines and plot twists get, then you will get sucked in and never escape. You have been warned.

confidence relativity and the #dontjudgechallenge

This post has been brewing for a few weeks but I wanted to make sure I was in a relaxed state of mind, just so this didn't turn into a crazy rant. It all started when I started seeing these videos on facebook and twitter, which soon began to accompany the hashtag #DontJudgeChallenge. For anyone who has been absent online the past month (firstly lucky you) here is a delightful video montage.

The videos all begin in a similar manner - we are introduced to a teenager with a drawn on monobrow, some artfully placed acne spots, or even cotton buds sticking out the ears in some of the more 'outgoing' clips. BUT WAIT! Then they pretend to dab some lotion on their faces, cover the camera to reveal - THEY WERE BEAUTIFUL ALL ALONG!!!

Is my sarcasm obvious?

I can't even begin to explain how messed up I find this craze. Why shouldn't I judge you? If someone who happened to have naturally thick eyebrows or suffered from acne posted a selfie showing their bare face, I would respect them. I would equally respect any of these people who decided to pluck their eyebrows, or someone who loves to experiment with makeup. Really, it makes me happy when practically anyone posts a picture of themselves online. Go do you - I am so glad you're feeling confident today!! But if you made one of these videos, I am sure as hell going to judge you. Who made you President and said you could decide what was attractive and what wasn't? 

From before our calendar existed, monobrows have been depicted in art, often as a sign of beauty. The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo famously emphasised her own in her prolific self-portraits, which have become iconic and influential in the art of self-expression. In fact, it is only Western society who has frowned upon and scoffed at connected brows - and of course this opinion is the one that has prevailed. 

frida rocking the single brow

As for acne, any sane person should know that YOU CAN'T HELP HAVING IT. Although those who are uncomfortable with their copious eyebrow hairs can simply pluck them out, unfortunately the same cannot be said for misbehaving skin. Sometimes no matter how much you wash your face or how many different products you try, you're always going to get spots. Many are uncomfortable or ashamed of their acne and decide to wear makeup, which leads to the other side of the issue.

The problem I have here is that once all these traditionally beautiful kids rub off their fake spots for their 'Dont Judge Challenge' they will be swooned over, even if for their 'After' shot they've spent an hour so they can look their best. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, but it's the fact that if someone has bad skin and they decide to wear makeup, they will get called fake for doing so. This is something I will never understand as nobody looks the same without makeup on - so why should there be rules governing who should be allowed to wear it without being accused of 'tricking people'? A youtuber I watch made a really emotional and thought-provoking video about this topic which you can watch here.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that confidence and beauty shouldn't be relative. There is no one true definition. As cliché as it sounds, it is ultimately true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. First and foremost, the eyes you should care about are your own. Decide what makes you feel comfortable and confident - do you want to contour your face? Cut your hair short? Grow a beard? Wear nothing but black? If it makes you feel good, do it. But if you notice someone that does not fit your idea of beautiful, don't scorn or mock them because of that. Don't judge them. Being comfortable with yourself is one of the most important parts of growing up, but if the only way you can do that is by putting other people beneath you, you're not learning to love yourself the right way. 

oscars 2015

Awards season is always a total buzz for me, and I always intend to watch as many of the nominated films as possible before the trophies are handed out. However, it looks like I might be boycotting some of this year's Oscar nominees - currently being nicknamed 'The White Oscars', and for good reason. I thought I was hallucinating when I realised the entirety of the finalists - Leading and Supporting - were all white. David Oyelowo's inspiring performance of Martin Luther King in Selma, released at such a poignant time with the riots in America, was somehow overlooked for Leading Actor.
And what does it say about society that Oyelowo was ignored, and American Sniper picked up multiple nominations including best actor for Bradley Cooper, a film that is arguably enforcing the perpetual villainising of Islam? I thought blatant racial bias could be contained to mainstream media, but Clint Eastwood has aided in its trickling through into the highest critically acclaimed films of the year. Jimmy Fallon puts it perfectly: 'An Oscar nominee is like a snowflake: each one is different, and they’re all white.' We need to stop kidding ourselves about diversity in film. Last year was a refreshing change thanks to films like 12 Years A Slave, but it really looks like we've regressed.

Along with American Sniper, also up for Best Picture are The Imitation Game and The Theory Of Everything, proving that the Academy is mad for true story dramas - as long as they're about misunderstood white men. Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne are both at loggerheads to claim the title of Sensitive British Genius with their respective performances of Alan Turing and Stephen Hawking. As proud as I am of Eddie for his constantly rising credibility as an actor after Les Mis, I can't help feeling that the Oscars are too focused on their beloved realism, resulting in some incredible films have been left out, such as the tense and dramatic Interstellar. And it goes without saying how disappointed I am that none of the female led movies are up for best picture. Reese Witherspoon has proved her worth as an independent and capable actress in Wild; likewise the phenomenal Julianne Moore promises to move and inspire the audience, starring in Still Alice. I'm upset but unsurprised at these snubs for Best Picture.

Moore has already picked up a Golden Globe for her performance as Alice Howland

And I can't end this without saying how outraged I am that Billy Boyd's The Last Goodbye wasn't included for Best Original Song. I cried all the way through the credits because of how beautiful it was, such a wonderful send off to the Hobbit trilogy and to the Lord of the Rings franchise in general. They've picked up a nomination for Sound, but as with the other categories, I've been left feeling bit empty.


PS. I've finally connected to bloglovin - go follow me !!!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2015 to-do list

Better late than never, right? Having my birthday right at the start of the year always gets me thinking about how many other things could change in the space of twelve months, and 2015 is going to be a big one for me! I've just turned 17 and it seems like this is going to be the year that I'm expected to start acting like a semi-adult, and making some lists is always a good way to de-stress. Here's some things I want to do this year!!!

Books

Reading has always been a big part of my life, so this year I've decided to set myself a Goodreads challenge of 50 books. (here's my profile) Right now I'm really into feminist literature and classics, so if you have any recommendations I'd love them!

A few I'm already planning to read:

• A Song Of Ice And Fire by George R R Martin (nearly 4 down already!!)
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
• The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garea Marquez

Music

This year I already have three gigs lined up: The Kooks, The Black Keys and The Wombats. I've wanted to see all of these bands for a long time so I'm so excited for all of them. I'm also going to my first festival T in the Park this summer and I'm still waiting impatiently for at least some of the lineup to be announced. I'm not exactly the biggest on camping but I'm hoping it'll be worth it! On the music side of things, I'm also hoping to keep up my hobby of violin - when I was younger it used to be a real chore, but after over 8 years of playing I genuinely enjoy it now, and I really hope leaving high school and my obligations of orchestras and ensembles won't change that.

Life

This is the scary part!!! I'm still waiting on a reply from one university until I can finally make a decision, but no matter what it looks like I'll be packing my bags and leaving my hometown in September. I feel way too young to be genuinely contemplating this kind of thing, but it's pretty exciting and I think some change is needed in my life. Some of the things I want to achieve:

• Learn how to cook some meals - I became a vegetarian in 2014 and it's been a really rewarding decision so far, but I really want that to continue when I move away even if I'm a disgustingly poor student. So I need to learn how to make more out of less, and that doesn't mean just pasta bake and omelettes.
• Approach new people myself. I'm in a really good place with all of my current friends, and I'm determined to maintain contact with everyone that's important to me. Saying that, I also can't wait to meet new friends, and that means being confident enough to initiate conversation first - something I desperately need to improve on.
• Keep a diary. A romantic at heart, I've always loved the idea of having some sort of life chronicle to look back on when I'm feeling nostalgic - this undoubtedly came from my pre-teen obsession with The Princess Diaries/Confessions of Georgia Nicolson books series. However I've always failed at maintaining a diary for more than a few months, because I never kept a proper structure. But I've been writing every day this year and I'm going to continue that for as long as possible. My life isn't half as dramatic as Mia's or Georgia's but I still feel accomplished.

So there you have it, along with watching the entirety of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there's some of the most important things I'm planning to do this year. I hope your new year has got off to a great start, and if it hasn't, don't lose faith - January is never the most exciting month. It's for breaking your unrealistic resolutions in the first week and spending the rest contemplating what you really want from the year.