I Am So Proud Of Hannah

I was not planning on blogging today but I watch Girls from HBO and no one else I know in my daily life watches it so I had no one to share my thoughts with all of you! (BTW Thanks for showing up so I have someone to share my random thoughts with).

I just watched the season finale and I won't really go into the the spoilers but often I watch this show and think Hannah is a lot like some real life girls I know, she continuously makes excuses for her life because it's not what it was supposed to be. In this season she definitely matured as a person BUT that's not why I am proud of her. 

I am proud of her for pushing through a really difficult relationship hurdle where Hannah, played by Lena Dunham, looked exactly the way a girl would look in that situation. Honest. In Love. In Pain. Conflicted. Then she makes a decision and sticks to it. 

While I'm sure things will change next season, I think just that one scene identifies a lot of moments in a girl's love life where you have to put your big girl panties on deal. 

Perfect ending to the season. 

That is all. 

Do you watch this show,?

32 Years

Despite the fact that my internet is still not working at home and I'm doing this from my phone again (Sorry for the terrible set up) and even though I planned a totally different post for today I'm once again struck by my parents marriage. 

Yesterday was their 32nd wedding anniversary and it got me thinking about all the things it takes to make a good marriage... It doesn't just take love and commitment which albeit are essential but it takes having the same moral compass. Visualizing the same future and sometimes showing your partner a future they could never have imagined! 

It occurred to me yesterday after very long mid morning conversations with my parents that not only did their marriage mean so much because they are still so in love with one another but also  because they are incredible parents each in their own right. 

Now of course no one is perfect but I realized yesterday that I am lucky to have my parents around to talk to about serious stuff and sometimes just to listen. This got me thinking if I got married this year I would be 60 years old when I celebrate my 32nd wedding anniversary and that's scary... But you know what's more scary? Marrying someone knowing that I would dread every year with them.

Therefore my life my not have gone to plan and I may still be unmarried at 28 but I'm secure in the fact that I'm holding out for a great love, just like my parents! 

What do you think makes a good marriage?  

x Nats 

"I'd Rather Die Out There Than Stay In Here Forever"

My intention was for this to be a movie review post, the movie of course for those who haven't watched it or read it is The Maze Runner I had planned it while I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching the movie and then the title's quote came up "I'd Rather Die Out There Than Stay In Here Forever" and it got me thinking... what would I really do?

Now I won't give the story line away because I know some of you may want to watch the movie at some stage but there's a point in the film which got me thinking... would I choose to live a life of contentment and mediocrity or would I be willing to die looking for adventure and passion.

I actually already know the answer to this one. You see, I have this person in my life whom I love dearly and I could easily decide to pursue a relationship with him and our lives would be so good and content but I also know myself. I know I would never be happy in the long run. Maybe I'm asking too much in life to be looking for a passionate relationship which excites me and challenges me but I guess that's my question to ask because it's my answer to live with.

I wish I could tell all of you that I want to just find someone and settle down but the truth is I want someone who is going to want to challenge my every choice in life, a love which consumes me which is also a little dangerous... (sound familiar?)

Either way, this wasn't supposed to be a post about love more about a post about whether you're an individual who would choose to stay in comfort or be willing to die looking for something more.

Oh so I watched the movie as I mentioned earlier and it had a similar feel to Divergent/Hunger Games. I didn't realise it was based on a book because if I had, I would have read it before watching the movie. Also ladies, Dylan O'Brien is worth checking out. He's like a cute nerd... and who doesn't like cute nerds?

What's the latest film you've watched?

Also, I'm linking up with Helene for my current favourite song of the week and it's easy and I hope you enjoy it!

What are you listening to this week?

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my readers!!!

~Credit~

Hope you have a wonderful day with your family, whether you are close to your mom or not, remember you wouldn't be here without her!

I am privileged to say that I still have both my grandmothers and my mom and Godmothers - so I am truly blessed.

Me with my mom 

Today I get to spend the day with my mom - so whether you see or speak to your mom today ( I know of a few sad cases) just send a prayer or thought of love her way!

Also, these songs are cliche but perfect for all the mothers in my life...

How are you spending the day?

H is for Hate (A to Z Challenge)

Hate - Intense dislike

- Oxford Online Dictionary

"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference." 

How often do you hear people (or so you say) "I hate that/this/that person"  and I remember as a child, adults would always say don't use the word "hate" because it is so strong but the truth is I think there are a few things I can definitely admit I hate (sorry mom)

~ racism - I hope this is not a real tweet but really someone thought it was up

~ Credit ~

~ sexism - It's 2014 not 1914 - woman do have rights and are equal and if you're treating or teaching the woman in your life differently, shame on you!

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~ adultery - I've always been very black and white when it comes to cheating, I'm just not interested in rekindling a relationship after you've been with someone else.

~ Credit ~ 

~ Homophobia - if your biggest problem is two people of the same sex loving each other, I have news for you, that's NOT really your biggest problem.

~ Credit ~ 

~ People who hurt animals - let's skin your natural tan and walk around in it?

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~ People who hurt my family - seriously, there are no rules when it comes to protecting my family

~ Credit ~ 

While I'm sure there are at least one or two things I also hate, I won't continue, question is... is there anything you intensely dislike that you could hate it?

Champagne and Roses

Marriage is not easy.

It's not all about champagne and roses. It's not what the movies make it to be but it is special - when it's right. 

As many of you may know, I am not married but I have had the pleasure/honour/joy/pride to watch one of the best marriages I know my entire life. Today my parents are celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary (read what I said about their 30th)  and while there are many couples surrounding them who are crumbling they are staying strong. 

I spend a lot of time with my parents, I've always been a homebody but I think it has allowed me the opportunity to see the makings of a marriage. 

My parents were 20 and 21 when they got married and while there were many doubters (as you can imagine) I can proudly say that now most people I know refer to my parents' marriage as the one they want to have. 

It's not because they drink champagne or that my dad sends my mom flowers every now and then but rather it's the fact that my mom can only drink my dad's tea. My dad's favourite meals can all be made by my mom. My mom has the ability to listen to the same stories my dad enjoys retelling without necessarily advising him that she already knows how it ends and my dad who would drive up and down within hours if my mom needed or even wanted something (big or small).

My parents are the High School Sweethearts we all hoped to be (when we're in High School) and the thing about them is they still walk around holding hands not to display PDA but rather to just be near one another. Their's is a marriage I hope for. I don't need the champagne and roses if I one day get what they get. 

Anyway, have an awesome day and I wish my parents the happiest wedding anniversary yet, I look forward to watching the next 31 years!

Movie Review : Mandela, Long Walk To Freedom

Yesterday I did something I love to do, but loads of people judge me for, I went to the movies by myself. It doesn't matter how much alone time I have had there's something gratifying about being in the movie house by yourself. I think it may be because I am a crier and at lease if I watch a movie by myself, I can cry without any judgment.

In saying that, I am definitely glad I watched this movie alone because I cried. I cried a LOT. I found the movie to be painful to watch because, it's my country's history and because it's true. It reminded me how lucky I was to be born when I was and to be able to live the life that I do.

I heard rumours that a few of the older generation refused to watch the movie just because it would make them more angry and feel more hurt. I thought that was ridiculous because surely we have moved forward and can watch a movie without leaving there with no hard feelings. However, I left the cinema feeling a lot of things. Although I did not leave angry, I left sad, hurt and I hate to admit, filled with a lot of pity.

I haven't read Nelson Mandela's book and when I wanted too, my dad's copy had gone missing and then I thought it would be better to move forward and not hold onto the past because I knew that reading about the past struggles would stir up pain.

The movie managed to do that. I don't know if the movie is an accurate depiction of the book or if the book is an accurate depiction of the struggle of Madiba's long walk to freedom but I know it was difficult to watch. Difficult to not feel sorry for Winnie Mandela. Difficult not to feel for all those people who gave their lives for the good of the nation and the generations to come.

While there are obviously more people that were involved in the struggle, it is humbling to see that Madiba was a) not perfect and b) a born leader and c) he truly loved Winnie (click here to see the letters he wrote to her).

It's no wonder people in South Africa and the world were concerned what would happen when Madiba dies because he was a man who forgave his perpetrators despite the abuse, violence and unjust which was done onto him, his wife, family and fellow comrades.

Movie Still: When Madiba is sentenced to life imprisonment 

The movie was long but not long enough to illustrate the intricate details of the struggle. When I walked out the movie (after many tears) I just felt an immense sadness for the love between Madiba and Winnie and how Winnie was so warm glowed before she was immersed in the struggle that it changed the very core of who she was.

Real Life : Mandela after his release with Winnie

Movie Still : Madiba after the release

Have you watched the film? How did you feel after watching it? Do you feel inspired to make your freedom more worthwhile (because I do)?

Movie Review - About Time

I went out with one of my girlfriends for dinner and a movie. We wanted to watch this movie but it turned out not to be what I expected and my friend summed it up perfectly - It's two love stories.

This movie is about a guy who can travel back in time in his own life due to some sort of magicness (I know that is not a real word) and he it really comes in handy for him because - simply put - he is a bit of a dork in that endearing way. However, if he didn't have the ability to go back in time he would not be able to make the right kind of first impression to meet the people that he does.

The movie is cute and sweet and like I said, the element of the second love story is the surprising and enjoyable.

Rachel McAdams is once again adorable in the role of leading lady in a RomCom.

I think the important things you can walk away from this movie with are these:

1. If someone does not love you, it doesn't matter what the situation is that you meet them or how you phrase your feelings - they will never love you the way you deserve.

 

2. If someone does love you, it doesn't matter how you meet them - if it is meant to be, it will be.

 

3. If you are lucky enough to have your family especially your parents around, you need to maximise your time with them because none of us are guaranteed any time.

While I don't agree with Nadine's view that it rivals The Notebook, it was unexpected in the best kind of way.

Have you watched it? If so, what's your favourite part of it? And if you could relive any one moment... what would it be?

Wedding outfits which push your out of your comfort zone

WHAT? A second post in one day?!Another update on the wedding I attended, it was seriously fun to dress up.

On Thursday, to the Hurdee, which is an indian ritual where certain ladies rub tumeric on the bride as an act of clensing her, I wore this purple, black and grey sari and when I say I "wore"the sari I am exaggerating. The tying of the sari was so complicated and was just NOT working for me. I promise this trial run was a horrible experience BUT it actually looked ok in the pics...

On Friday I decided to add some colour to my hair.. can you see it?

Also it was my first time in full indian ware. This is the finised product, not bad, I might add?!

Then on Saturday, after some drama at the Hairsalon, we managed to finally get to the reception and it was a really gooooooood party. I wish I would have taken more pics of the food and the decor but the truth is I was enjoying myself so much that the thougt of having to stop and take in the details was too much effort.

After the reception, we didn't want the party to stop so we went a club and I must be honest it's been a while for me.. either way, we eventually left the club after 4am and after a mid night/ early morning snack we got to bed around 05h20 Sunday morning.

The ride home was slightly rough but oh so worth it!

It was a good weeked and I wish the Bridal couple all the best for the future. More pictures from my beautiful country will be coming up soon!

What's your favourite thing about weddings?