Time flies! Especially when you need to wake up early and when you come back home late. And still there is so many things to do! My RE studies books are lying on my desk and waiting for me impatiently... I think I will have to spend some time with them very soon! Got my first email from my tutor, the students' forum starts any day now, so I cannot stay behind.
But how am I supposed to do this when I see such a beautiful day rising outside? Yes, it's October and autumn welcomed us with a very warm breeze and lots of sunshine...
I feel I will need to divide my time to keep the balance ;)
Leaving you with some music. Nothing new, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie again. "Gypsy" somehow has clung to me since the beginning of this week, so... it's the song of the week, I guess:)
Enjoy lovely Stevie:
Saturday 1 October 2011
Monday 12 September 2011
sea
Another bunch of pics taken with my mobile on my way back home. I can't take my eyes off the amazing views. The sea, the sky, everything is so different every day, changing minute by minute.
Today I was mesmerised by the waves...
Today I was mesmerised by the waves...
Friday 9 September 2011
Tuesday 6 September 2011
rain
Windy, rainy day. I don't feel amazing either, so to say. Headache, sore throat, God knows what next.
I put my feet into a bowl of hot water, had some vitamins and I'm trying to relax, reading through the last pages of "Love in the time of cholera".
Early night tonight...
So glad I have proper wind-proof windows now :)
I put my feet into a bowl of hot water, had some vitamins and I'm trying to relax, reading through the last pages of "Love in the time of cholera".
Early night tonight...
So glad I have proper wind-proof windows now :)
Monday 5 September 2011
happy birthday Freddie
You'd be 65 today!
Amongst so many amazing songs by Queen, sizzling with excitement, my favourite piece is this calm one... So extra-extraordinary to me. Wakes up my imagination immediately. I love singing it in my heart when I walk across snowy fields or I pass them when travelling... And the sun hides behind the trees in the horizon.
It also brings back some old memories, the very first pictures of my childhood saved by memory - just single scenes from the forest in winter, playing with my sister.
The ice-covered lake.
Opening your mouth to catch snowflakes with your tongue.
The smell of cold air when the sky becomes dark blue.
Dogs barking somewhere far away in the darkness.
Coming back home and leaving a big wet snowy puddle on the corridor floor.
"It's a bliss..."
Amongst so many amazing songs by Queen, sizzling with excitement, my favourite piece is this calm one... So extra-extraordinary to me. Wakes up my imagination immediately. I love singing it in my heart when I walk across snowy fields or I pass them when travelling... And the sun hides behind the trees in the horizon.
It also brings back some old memories, the very first pictures of my childhood saved by memory - just single scenes from the forest in winter, playing with my sister.
The ice-covered lake.
Opening your mouth to catch snowflakes with your tongue.
The smell of cold air when the sky becomes dark blue.
Dogs barking somewhere far away in the darkness.
Coming back home and leaving a big wet snowy puddle on the corridor floor.
"It's a bliss..."
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Monday 29 August 2011
carnival time!
Three days' weekend is something you need muchly sometimes. In fact, I would not be bothered having it every month! :) And this time the extra day was urgently required... after moving on Saturday and settling (well - clearing and sorting my stuff) on Sunday, I really needed at least one day of total freedom and relaxation before coming back to work.
And I spent in a very extraordinary way, melting into crowds at Notting Hill Carnival. Lively streets full of colours, music, smiling faces and dancing. We had coconut drinks and some Caribbean food. After a whole day we got some rest in a nearby pub...
Back to reality tomorrow, but some pics coming soon!
If you want to watch a short video from the parade, you'll find it here.
My coconut drink!
And I spent in a very extraordinary way, melting into crowds at Notting Hill Carnival. Lively streets full of colours, music, smiling faces and dancing. We had coconut drinks and some Caribbean food. After a whole day we got some rest in a nearby pub...
Back to reality tomorrow, but some pics coming soon!
If you want to watch a short video from the parade, you'll find it here.
My coconut drink!
Thursday 25 August 2011
another movie experience
Today my movie choice turned out to be much better! I watched "One Day", which just came to the cinemas.
I haven't read the book, so I cannot judge the movie with the heaviness of reader's imagination and expectations... Sadly I guess, because although that would have made me a more demanding viewer and I might have not enjoyed it so much, now that I watched it first, when I reach for the book, I will have the scenes from the movie before my eyes. But on the other hand not reading the book and not hearing about the story ever before let me watch it and absorb it as a separate piece of art... and I liked it a lot!
I understand that British audience is appalled by Anne Hathaway's accent, but come on, that's not the main point of the story, is it? In the end, this what happened between the two, could have taken its place anywhere in the world...
I think the story is lovely, and I want to read the book as soon as I get it. I can then compare both and give my opinion about the movie in relation to the novel. But for now, I think that the movie itself is worthwhile - by taking us through the journey of growing up and through different life experiences, it shows how people can change, what transforms within them and what remains the same, how powerful are love, friendship, fear, loss.
And Jim Sturgess' look... oh it can kill sometimes! :)
I haven't read the book, so I cannot judge the movie with the heaviness of reader's imagination and expectations... Sadly I guess, because although that would have made me a more demanding viewer and I might have not enjoyed it so much, now that I watched it first, when I reach for the book, I will have the scenes from the movie before my eyes. But on the other hand not reading the book and not hearing about the story ever before let me watch it and absorb it as a separate piece of art... and I liked it a lot!
I understand that British audience is appalled by Anne Hathaway's accent, but come on, that's not the main point of the story, is it? In the end, this what happened between the two, could have taken its place anywhere in the world...
I think the story is lovely, and I want to read the book as soon as I get it. I can then compare both and give my opinion about the movie in relation to the novel. But for now, I think that the movie itself is worthwhile - by taking us through the journey of growing up and through different life experiences, it shows how people can change, what transforms within them and what remains the same, how powerful are love, friendship, fear, loss.
And Jim Sturgess' look... oh it can kill sometimes! :)
Wednesday 24 August 2011
pretty...
Yesterday - please don't laugh - I watched "Pretty Woman" for the first time. When it was out first, in 1990, I was a little kid and my parents had strict rules about what I could watch and what not (no violence, swearing, drugs, nudity or sex). The years passed by and I... simply forgot about this classical romantic comedy, modern Cinderella story.
So I watched it. Um, well. It is truly a classic I guess. Young, beautiful actors, Hollywood first league representatives in their very important roles. Sweet story, classic line of events to come - falling in love against the plan, some troubles on the way and finally the happy ending. Definitely a point of reference for any romantic comedy makers.
But on the second look, "Pretty Woman" seems to be very very sweet and... cheesy a bit. Not because the film is old (well, in 2011, it is old! and so I am kind of... can't believe this!:)). It's because, I think, it is all so not real and so naive. I can bet that Edward's life has not changed much since he decided to be with Vivian. He still was a very busy businessman, and it doesn't matter if once he made an ethically right decision about buying/selling a company. There were probably many other deals, when he did not try to be so righteous. And Vivian, could she really influence him so much? Yes, indeed, we see him walking on the grass with bare feet, but so what? Would he really limit his work and spend more time with the new girlfriend? Maybe actually she would be happy enough to be finally rich and be able to spend his money, so he would let him work all the time? To me this relationship seems like one that can remain for a few months only...
And one more thing. And this is only from the perspective of contemporary twenty-something year old woman, who I am. Looking at Vivian's decision in the end of the film, I thought - you could have done so much good to yourself, and you lost it all because of that guy... She wanted to go to San Francisco, find herself a proper job, finish school. She had the money to start a new life. She let it all go, because she was lonely, she was in love, and her fairytale seemed to have come true. Her prince arrived and climbed the stairs despite the fear of heights. And what next? I don't think she would bother herself with any further education, personal development, fulfilling work. She became a rich, happy woman of a rich guy. Pretty Woman. And that's all...
So I watched it. Um, well. It is truly a classic I guess. Young, beautiful actors, Hollywood first league representatives in their very important roles. Sweet story, classic line of events to come - falling in love against the plan, some troubles on the way and finally the happy ending. Definitely a point of reference for any romantic comedy makers.
But on the second look, "Pretty Woman" seems to be very very sweet and... cheesy a bit. Not because the film is old (well, in 2011, it is old! and so I am kind of... can't believe this!:)). It's because, I think, it is all so not real and so naive. I can bet that Edward's life has not changed much since he decided to be with Vivian. He still was a very busy businessman, and it doesn't matter if once he made an ethically right decision about buying/selling a company. There were probably many other deals, when he did not try to be so righteous. And Vivian, could she really influence him so much? Yes, indeed, we see him walking on the grass with bare feet, but so what? Would he really limit his work and spend more time with the new girlfriend? Maybe actually she would be happy enough to be finally rich and be able to spend his money, so he would let him work all the time? To me this relationship seems like one that can remain for a few months only...
And one more thing. And this is only from the perspective of contemporary twenty-something year old woman, who I am. Looking at Vivian's decision in the end of the film, I thought - you could have done so much good to yourself, and you lost it all because of that guy... She wanted to go to San Francisco, find herself a proper job, finish school. She had the money to start a new life. She let it all go, because she was lonely, she was in love, and her fairytale seemed to have come true. Her prince arrived and climbed the stairs despite the fear of heights. And what next? I don't think she would bother herself with any further education, personal development, fulfilling work. She became a rich, happy woman of a rich guy. Pretty Woman. And that's all...
Saturday 20 August 2011
in the meantime
No I didn't die.
Yes I'm still here.
I'm just... packing.
Slowly, bit after bit, piece after piece, everyday for some two weeks now. And I have one more to go.
I wish I could say I am going traveling, or at least flying away to see and stay with my friend M. in Thailand for a while, but that's none of those things. I'm just moving.
This weekend, since most of the stuff is in boxes already, I take two days "off". Today the weather was gracious and covered the piece of land where I am now with lots of sunshine... One of my best friends came over to visit. We wandered around, had delicious lunch, visited flea market, and ended up sunbathing on the pier... A really good relaxing day, something we both needed a lot!
And tomorrow I am seeing my workmate, who wants to show me around the place I will live nearby very soon. Fingers crossed for another sunny day and lots of positive vibes!
Yes I'm still here.
I'm just... packing.
Slowly, bit after bit, piece after piece, everyday for some two weeks now. And I have one more to go.
I wish I could say I am going traveling, or at least flying away to see and stay with my friend M. in Thailand for a while, but that's none of those things. I'm just moving.
This weekend, since most of the stuff is in boxes already, I take two days "off". Today the weather was gracious and covered the piece of land where I am now with lots of sunshine... One of my best friends came over to visit. We wandered around, had delicious lunch, visited flea market, and ended up sunbathing on the pier... A really good relaxing day, something we both needed a lot!
And tomorrow I am seeing my workmate, who wants to show me around the place I will live nearby very soon. Fingers crossed for another sunny day and lots of positive vibes!
Tuesday 2 August 2011
decision
I made it partly unconsciously, when - on the surface of my thoughts still considering my options (or rather the lack of it, and just the possibility with yes/no answer) - I bought the books required for the first course...
However, even after that it was not all straight forward. It turned out that my application needs to be considered and accepted. I had to send a copy of my MA diploma along with its translation, and obviously while registering send the payment to the university...
And today I got an email with confirmation. I have been accepted. So... here I go again. 2,5 years full-time job and studying in the evenings, writing essays during lunchtimes and dragging books on the buses.
Excited? YES.
A staircase to my dream-job reopens now.
However, even after that it was not all straight forward. It turned out that my application needs to be considered and accepted. I had to send a copy of my MA diploma along with its translation, and obviously while registering send the payment to the university...
And today I got an email with confirmation. I have been accepted. So... here I go again. 2,5 years full-time job and studying in the evenings, writing essays during lunchtimes and dragging books on the buses.
Excited? YES.
A staircase to my dream-job reopens now.
Saturday 30 July 2011
indescribable
The skydive was the most terrifying, exciting, amazing experience ever! It's just like nothing else in the world... It's beyond your imagination.
Before getting on the plane we spent about 8 hours waiting on the airfield, in a very sunny weather, so in the end we were quite exhausted emotionally and... tanned! :)
I decided to spend my last money on the account and order a video and pictures from my jump. And I don't regret it - it was spent in the best way!
The moment of hanging out of a plane was the most thrilling few seconds in my life - and right after that I was in the air, feet over head. It's barely describable. I felt like I am pushed into nothingness, there was nothing but air around me and I was freefalling...
The time when the parachute opened and I could actually stand straight, look at the amazing views with a big smile on my face and even steer the parachute, was the best reward for all the fear, hesitation and the courage to make this decision. I was staring at the beautiful world around me, being beyond the world at the same time... The landing was good too, I didn't hurt myself at all :)
We got our certificates and poured two bottles of champagne in the car park (no alcohol on the airfield!). What a day! Will this happen again ever? I think I would do this again if I could afford it. Maybe next year we could raise funds for charity again?
Before getting on the plane we spent about 8 hours waiting on the airfield, in a very sunny weather, so in the end we were quite exhausted emotionally and... tanned! :)
I decided to spend my last money on the account and order a video and pictures from my jump. And I don't regret it - it was spent in the best way!
The moment of hanging out of a plane was the most thrilling few seconds in my life - and right after that I was in the air, feet over head. It's barely describable. I felt like I am pushed into nothingness, there was nothing but air around me and I was freefalling...
The time when the parachute opened and I could actually stand straight, look at the amazing views with a big smile on my face and even steer the parachute, was the best reward for all the fear, hesitation and the courage to make this decision. I was staring at the beautiful world around me, being beyond the world at the same time... The landing was good too, I didn't hurt myself at all :)
We got our certificates and poured two bottles of champagne in the car park (no alcohol on the airfield!). What a day! Will this happen again ever? I think I would do this again if I could afford it. Maybe next year we could raise funds for charity again?
Thursday 28 July 2011
skydive soon!
The day after tomorrow.
Everything's ready.
We know what we need to take with us and what time we are leaving to the airfield.
I got my doctor's certificate saying that I can jump out of a plane...
No excuses now!
Everything's ready.
We know what we need to take with us and what time we are leaving to the airfield.
I got my doctor's certificate saying that I can jump out of a plane...
No excuses now!
Monday 25 July 2011
one advantage
...of living close to a seaside is the possibility (when the weather allows) of having warm dinner on the beach :)
So today after work we had barbecue in the sunshine and prepared some lovely home-made hot-dogs ;)
Saturday 23 July 2011
surprise!
My best high school friend and one the few friends I have joined me as an immigrant - she received an offer at work to relocate... which she eagerly accepted and I am not surprised! A. loves travelling and getting to know new places and new people, and this change is just another great opportunity for her, not mentioning all the other benefits.
I am very happy for her, also because there is something in it for me - now we can see each other more often than when I come to visit my family... Since she is moving houses we were supposed to meet next weekend maybe... But in the end we spend a day together today! Having a lovely time, walking up and down the cliffs...
I'm looking forward to more meetings like this, spending time at the seaside at mine, or hanging around in the capital where she lives and works now.
The lovely pictures were taken by my friend A.
You can see more of her great works HERE.
I am very happy for her, also because there is something in it for me - now we can see each other more often than when I come to visit my family... Since she is moving houses we were supposed to meet next weekend maybe... But in the end we spend a day together today! Having a lovely time, walking up and down the cliffs...
I'm looking forward to more meetings like this, spending time at the seaside at mine, or hanging around in the capital where she lives and works now.
The lovely pictures were taken by my friend A.
You can see more of her great works HERE.
Thursday 21 July 2011
memories
And today I woke up again in the country of wet pavements, cold winds and grey heavy clouds covering sad sky... and I had to go to work!
The summer holidays are gone for me... And it seems like the summer in general as well, for me and for everyone around...
Oh well, now I have lots of lovely memories left and lots of pictures as well.
Just a few slides from the last days of my summertime.
:)
The summer holidays are gone for me... And it seems like the summer in general as well, for me and for everyone around...
Oh well, now I have lots of lovely memories left and lots of pictures as well.
Just a few slides from the last days of my summertime.
Melancholia and lots of treats
Last Monday was a lovely day... and it began terribly, with a thunderstorm!
But in the end the afternoon was lovingly sunny... I walked with my Mum through the narrow streets of the Old Town, jumping around puddles. We had delicious coffee in our favourite cafe and went to see "Melancholia" in our favourite old cinema.
A few words about the movie... which became famous in an unfortunate way, because of the controversial behaviour of its creator during Cannes festival! Well, that I think is... Firstly, if my Mum, who has a great (and demanding!) taste in movies, said it was really good, then it means it was good indeed. Secondly, I don't need anyone to tell me if it was good or not, I know it! I have seen a masterpiece expressing human emotions, suffering, the inner battle with the demons of the mind and spirit. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg are amazing, I think the award in Cannes should be given to both of them.
I don't want to write too much about the story itself, it is so worth seeing that I won't spoil this experience. I can only add, as a hint for those who are not sure if they want to see Lars von Trier's last picture, that there are a lot symbols and symbolic scenes, the music keeps the tension growing, and the camera is, as usual, used without the stand, which makes the pictures shaky, wobbly and blurred sometimes (as in all Dogma movies), and which to me makes the presented story even closer and more realistic... although it is so metaphorical at the same time!
Trailer?
And that was not all for the day!
In the evening, when the sun was still shining, we continued our walk together with my Dad and discussed the movie, ending up in the same favourite cafe to pamper ourselves with mouthwatering desserts and delicious tea...
But in the end the afternoon was lovingly sunny... I walked with my Mum through the narrow streets of the Old Town, jumping around puddles. We had delicious coffee in our favourite cafe and went to see "Melancholia" in our favourite old cinema.
A few words about the movie... which became famous in an unfortunate way, because of the controversial behaviour of its creator during Cannes festival! Well, that I think is... Firstly, if my Mum, who has a great (and demanding!) taste in movies, said it was really good, then it means it was good indeed. Secondly, I don't need anyone to tell me if it was good or not, I know it! I have seen a masterpiece expressing human emotions, suffering, the inner battle with the demons of the mind and spirit. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg are amazing, I think the award in Cannes should be given to both of them.
I don't want to write too much about the story itself, it is so worth seeing that I won't spoil this experience. I can only add, as a hint for those who are not sure if they want to see Lars von Trier's last picture, that there are a lot symbols and symbolic scenes, the music keeps the tension growing, and the camera is, as usual, used without the stand, which makes the pictures shaky, wobbly and blurred sometimes (as in all Dogma movies), and which to me makes the presented story even closer and more realistic... although it is so metaphorical at the same time!
Trailer?
And that was not all for the day!
In the evening, when the sun was still shining, we continued our walk together with my Dad and discussed the movie, ending up in the same favourite cafe to pamper ourselves with mouthwatering desserts and delicious tea...
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