The fact that I thought it was spam when I was tagged for the Liebster Award (an award passed on by bloggers to other new blogs with less than 200 followers) just goes to show how removed my blog is from the world of blogging. While I enjoy recording my thoughts, opinions and ponderings on the internet as much as any blogger, things like page views, comments and likes have never been at the forefront of my mind when I publish a post, so the fact that someone actually paid enough notice of my blog to nominate me, is a real honour. So thank you Ponderings of a Cinephile, if you’re ever in Melbourne, I’d like to buy you a coffee!
11 Random Facts about myself
I have never watched nor do I even have the tiniest sliver of interest in watching the Star Wars movies.
I cringe to think about how much money I have spent at pop culture events and exhibitions. That being said, I’ve met Misha Collins, Jim Beaver, James & Oliver Phelps, Zach Roerig, Steven McQueen, Malese Jow, David Anders, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dean O’Gorman, Stan Lee, Jason Momoa and Kat Graham.
I love smooth and whipped peanut butter. And mum’s meatloaf. Would gladly eat either of those two foods every day for the rest of my life.
I love Christmastime and I really enjoy wrapping presents. Choosing which wrapping paper to buy every year is a big deal to me.
Unlike most people, both my brother and myself have never had chicken pox.
I love running, but only on a treadmill. Rarely do I go running outdoors.
I am a master of bargain shopping. I can’t remember the last time I paid full-price for anything.
I’m a big foodie and when I travelled around Europe last year, I made it a priority to taste the most popular dishes of every country I visited. With 100 per cent certainty, I can say that haggis is overrated and frog legs look discouraging but are darn tasty.
Delicious Cuisses Grenouilles (frog legs) from L’entracte Opera restaurant in Paris.
I cannot stand the idea of wearing matching pyjama sets.
I have always wanted to spend some time working abroad in London. Not only am I highly fond of British culture, the Monarchy and tea, the Tube is the most efficient transport system I’ve ever used.
I HATE coriander. So much.
11 Questions from the Nominator
Why did you start your blog?
First year of Uni, I completed an Online Journalism unit that required us to have an online portfolio. I continued with it throughout my degree mainly for the convenience of prospective employers, to have all my published work in one place. Since finishing my degree and starting a full time job, I now use this blog to publish reviews and ponderings, which I’ve come to realise, I enjoy much more than strict news reporting.
If you could have dinner with one fictional character who would it be and what would you talk about?
Recent events in my life have put me in quite a negative, cynical mindset so for some refreshment, I’d dine with Peter Pan to try and regain that sense of fun and carefree nature that comes with being young. And we would discuss the Pirates, Mermaids and Indians that live in Neverland of course!
If you could have dinner with one historical figure who would it be and what would you talk about?
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who spoke out against the Taliban and fought for girls to have the right to education. Hers is the only autobiography I have enjoyed reading and I would love to discuss her thoughts on how gender inequality is still prevalent, even in Western society and what she thinks of her newfound international stature.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in life?
Travel to every single location on my bucket list so when I’m old, I can look back with fond memories, incredible photos and no regrets.
What accomplishment are you proudest of so far?
I’m 22 and have completed my Degree, travelled to Europe and landed a full time job in an industry that I was repeatedly told, would only be freelance work until I got more experience. And I think that’s a testament to my determination, which makes me feel quite proud.
What’s a work of fiction that has changed your life and how?
This is a really tough one. I read a lot of young adult fantasy novels and I think this genre as a whole has a lot of fantastic female role models that haven’t necessarily changed my life, but have probably – consciously and subconsciously – impacted the type of person I’ve become. Characters like Hermione Granger, Tris Prior, Katniss Everdeen, they’re not stereotypical Mary Sue characters and I love the fact that so many young girls have these types of women to look up to nowadays.
What’s a movie from your childhood that you still enjoy as much as you used to?
Heart & Souls (1992) is a heartwarming movie about a man who helps his imaginary friends – the ghosts of four people who died in a bus accident – complete their unfinished business. I wanted to rent this movie all the time from the video store and I remember being so completely overjoyed when I found it on DVD years later.
If you had a superpower what would it be?
Teleportation, without a doubt. Ever since I read Jumper by Steven Gould, I have spent countless hours wishing I had the ability to (1) teleport to work without driving in peak-hour traffic and (2) holiday anywhere in the world without an expensive and long flight.
If the world was going to end in 3 weeks, how would you spend those last 21 days?
I’d try to organise a big Farewell dinner, invite everyone important in my life and just spent time together. It wouldn’t even be doing anything in particular but just having everyone together in the one place. And binge eat anything and everything.
If you had to pick now, what song would you listen to on your death bed?
Be Still – The Fray.
If you could go back and talk to your 12 year old self, what advice would you give?
Don’t get so caught up in trying to fit in because surrounding yourself with the wrong people isn’t better than being alone. Become healthier sooner. Stand up for yourself when people treat you like crap and go to the Doctor sooner rather than later.
11 Nominations
The Pin Up Curl http://thepinupcurl.com
Hungry Cookie http://hungrycookie.net
The Girl in the Little Black Dress http://natalieslovelyblog.wordpress.com
My Humble Reflections http://myhumblereflections.wordpress.com
What Killed the Dinosaurs? http://whatkilledthedinosaurs.wordpress.com
Dear Kitty. Some blog http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com
Empty Screens http://emptyscreens.com
Godspeed to a Mighty Balloon http://mightyballoon.wordpress.com
Road Essays http://roadessays.wordpress.com
Todd Pack’s Messy Desk http://toddpack.com
Delistrary http://delistraty.com
11 Questions for Nominees:
1. In a fruit salad, what piece of fruit do you always choose first?
2. When you travel, do you prefer planning every detail or just seeing where the road takes you?
3. Fill in the blanks. If I can accomplish _____ by the time I’m ____, I’ll die happy.
4. If you could go back in time and change one event in history, what would it be?
5. What’s the worst experience you’ve ever had at a restaurant?
6. If you had to pick one outfit to wear for the rest of your life, what would it be?
7. What’s your favourite episode from your favourite TV show and why?
8. Describe the best concert you’ve ever been to.
9. What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
10. If you were to face a boggart from Harry Potter, what form would it take?
11. If the Queen of England was invited to dine at your house, what three courses would you cook?
Recipients of the Liebster Award must:
- List 11 Random facts about yourself
- Answer the questions that were of you by the blogger that nominated you
- Nominate 11 other blogs for the Liebster Blog Award and link to their blogs
- Notify the bloggers of their award
- Give the award winners 11 question to answer once they accept the award
