Gone Girl Review...kind of...not really.

So I was late to the party and only have just read 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. I generally have exam books to read but this book, I couldn't put it down. Took it and read it everywhere with me. EVERYWHERE - tube, lunch and toilet breaks.

The book was a surprise. A shocker. I guess that's why it was on the Top Ten list for ages. 

I'll try and not spoil the ending for those who haven't read it. 

The basis of story is Woman meets Man, Women goes missing, Man is accused. The chapters are split between the diary of the Women(Amy), and from the view of the Man(Nick). 

Now both characters are obnoxious, delusional, arrogant and perhaps, unlikeable. Or so say my friends. I on the other hand, quite like them. Written in first narrative, really gives us an insight into their thoughts and reasons behind their actions.

It's different from the usual plots and normally, you will have a preference; Team Nick or Team Amy. First half of the book, majority will favour Team Amy. However, upon discovering she is a MASSIVE crazy, your flag will turn to Team Nick.

I was on no team until I found out how manipulative she was and was Team Amy from then on. 

The amount of time and focus she possessed. Cant' really say much more but honestly, I wish I had quarter of that determination - I would get so much done!

She had this ( as many therapists will say) 'God Complex'. A puppeteer and she could win over anyone by assuming certain personalities traits. She thought she could predict people's next steps, that she was always one ahead. (Must be so tiring.)

Nick also mentions how there was a period where he felt dead; nothing was real and that people acted in a certain way due to watching TV, movies, books etc. 

That made me think. Who is truly themselves? Do we react to situations because we know how and is it really how we feel? 

Everyone presumingly fits into a box, whether it be 'the cool girl/guy', 'the geek', 'the goth', 'the sport fanatic'. I myself, hate labels. Such a quick lazy generalisation to describe someone...

The ending was hmmm...people that I have spoken to thought it was unsatisfying and 'no justice for XXX'. Personally, I agree. It was lukewarm. I felt Nick was a wet wipe and should grow larger balls. I did say I was Team Amy.

I hear they are making a film from this and Ben Affleck is cast as Nick. I'm just looking forward to seeing how they translate Diary Amy from the real one.

I would definitely recommend for some light reading or if like me, reading on the toilet seat.

( Apologies. I did warn you that it wasn't a review as such, more just me writing...)

Playing with Ice

Ice sculpting event in Canary Wharf, London.

This one of the dog is my favourite as initially I had no idea what it was - my friend has to point it out!

Sad thing is, these will melt away. 
Was almost tempted to chip away part of its ear with something sharp - my drink was getting too warm...

They had chainsaws! ( Yes, I live a sheltered life.)

Cupid? Can't say. Looks good though whatever it may be.














Below: something inspiring about this tree. Last tree standing covered with dead leaves . It's only a tree. GAH.

If this was a competition (I think it was), this should have won. Hands down. Not sure what the hands are doing but its a minor detail.

Look at the attention to detail on the face, dress. I couldn't knit that pattern:/ 




NOW that would look cute in my drink.

Current Fashion Trends that Annoy Me

As most people living in England will know it is bloody hot right now. Travelling the tube to work is unavoidable disgusting. I sweat, drip, curse, melt and add some hay fever and you have me being in a foul mood. However, I was inspired one morning during the rush hour. Looking around the carriages and at the commuters not able to get on to the tube, I realised there are some current fashion trends that simply annoy me. I know it is a trend and thus will pass but ... annoyances are irrational behaviours/thoughts so I'll continue ranting...

(By the way, I am far beyond someone you would call 'stylish', I simply like to point out wearing something similar to your favourite celebrity, will not mean you will look like them!)

1) Shorts on guys. 
Where did this come from?! Most men have skinny legs and to wear shorts just emphasises how slim your legs are. It emasculates them. I don't believe anyone finds it attractive especially if you have a round stomach and cocktail legs. Not a good look.

2) Leggings trousers. 
Why oh why have they become replacements for trousers? Material on leggings are thin so we can see everything! EVERTHING. *Ahem camel toe* 
I can see your bottom move as you walk, I can see your underwear (or lack of), I can see bottom sweat stains, and I can clearly see that your legs and thighs are not toned like athletes. 
This trend is quite old and doesn't look to be disappearing anytime soon. Leggings at gym? Yes. Leggings with your work T-shirt? No. 
Please just end?

3) One button done up on a shirt/ drawstrings on hoodies are tied just at the top.
Idiots. Is that their cape?

4) Wearing no bra.
Now, I personally don't like to see any boob movement. You know when you see someone walk towards you and you notice watermelons bouncing at each step? It is distracting and perhaps means, everything is going to head south a lot sooner. Surely those well-endowed females should know a good fitted bra is vital advice alongside always carrying an umbrella with them.
I am quickly going to move to those females who have chests like an ironing board. I am fine with that. However, if you have large dark obvious nipples - please don't wear white. I counted two females today who rocked this trend. Attention for all the wrong reasons.

5) Crop tops.
Yes, all the shops are selling them and yes, it is hot but stomach exposure? No. It looks okay on some people but on the majority of the female population; it makes you look fat. The rolls that are created when one even sits! Plus, there is an air of arrogance with those that wear crop tops. 

6) Girls that hold their bags on their arm. This freaking annoys me. Celebrities do it. We should all burn OK magazines and the like for encouraging this trend. It looks unnatural to carry with one arm up. It looks painful and you guys take up too much room! 
Surely it must be like, doing weights for an continual period? In a couple years time, we'll see that the general population of females have larger biceps than the left!

7) Thick black rimmed glasses. Yawn. 

8) Flips flops. This is a more personal gripe of mine. I just don't like seeing feet. Those piggy toes. Never been a fan and in this hot weather, everyone has wore them. I apologise in advance, if I accidentally step on them. :)

Strawberries and Creams at Wimbledon

So Wimbledon tennis has arrived again. Means another year has passed since we saw Murray cry. The  final in 2012, between Federer and our only chance, Murray. That match or rather since that match, my personal view of Murray has changed. I only saw him as this moody teen, who constantly looked like he was having an argument with himself. But that intense final (admittedly, I didn't mind who won. It was a good match regardless), when Murray cried when he didn't win that £1million-odd prize, I almost cry. Almost. First time, I felt his pain. I also began to like him.

Being under that huge amount of pressure from the UK public must be terrible. Every year, we have this huge expectation and hope, 'this is Murray's year' and when he fails us, we are such shit losers and supporters; we completely denounce him. The minority will argue that Murray was born in the wrong generation, being up against the best right now and to be even in the final is a huge achievement. Blah blah. The majority want him to give us that win.

This year may be different. He has won the US Open, so any doubt of us thinking he wasn't capable of winning a Grand Slam has gone. So why do I feel he must now win Wimbledon? My hope of him winning is greater then before. Hmm. Just win Murray? Then the UK public will forever be happy. This could be your last win in your career but you will be seen as a legend (most likely eventually knighted). You can see how the honours system works - quite predictable. Also, quite typical; one last win and we will hold that win for the next 50 years. We should strive for continual success but most don't; most hold onto that past happiness which defines them until they die. (Opps, enough about my loser of a housemate!)

What I am a bit confused about is, Wimbledon holds one of the four Grand Slams; it offers the highest prize pot; has all the traditions yet we don't 'produce' enough numbers of good tennis players?? We pin so much hope on a few and yet, I don't hear much on investment into the future players. When Henman retired, I thought that would be it. No more UK representatives. Then Murray came. Yay. Henman and his bad teeth was quickly forgotten and Hill became Murray Mount. But that was 5/6 years ago. We need more. I know I am forgetting becoming a tennis player starts at a ridiculously young age but all we need is more than handful of hopefuls. ( You can clearly see I am a tennis watcher than a player!)

I am watching Robson play right now and I can see the pressure we have piled onto her shoulders. She has already reached her personal best this year so any progress, is an achievement. However, many friends and media have pinned her to win this year. ha ha. My money is on Serena. Even though, I don't particular like her dress sense but she is a beast on the court!

I tried to watch Wimbledon this year by attempting to get some ground admission passes. I queued for 3 hours and I hardly moved. In the end, we decided we would only catch the last hour of play, so skipped to the pub instead. That was a good choice as we managed to see the Federer match. Ugh - the pub was tense as Feds lost. I was clearly Team Federer.

Another question I have for the LTA, why are your staff (those in the green polos) all pretty hot and look like they came from the A&F factory? They have the looks, yet completely lack any personality. I queried to an Liam Hemsworth lookalike, why they didn't give live updates on their website about 'The Queue'. He started blankly at me. Rude. Or either they didn't program him correctly.

One last thing, Wimbledon Tennis (once inside the grounds) need to sell whipped cream. Strawberries and dripped cream isn't good!! How can one eat the cream? By licking the bowl? Classy.

Let me know if any of you manage to watch Wimbledon live at the grounds and do tell me if you see that Liam Helmsworth lookalike. Slap him for me?