Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale read more_
No time for a big update today, sorry folks, but I HAD to share with you this short film made by Josh, a friend of mine at my design school. It was just a fun back-yard project, with several other design students involved, and he did such an amazing job. It’s really funny—if you have the time I really recommend you watch it. Who would have thought New Zealand would be a terrorist target? Ha ha ha.
My dears, I am so sorry for the absence. My course has started again, I have moved *twice* (I am in a much prettier flat this time round, I shall post photos eventually) and with so many things happening in my life I haven’t even had time to touch personal projects, let alone projects I’ve promised to do for my friends. In a time where everyone does everything so fast and with the use of technology, it’s a puzzle how we still have no time to do everything.
Anyway, here’s a photo of my new hair cut, and in the next photo are Iona and Stef, two classmates of mine who have an amazing fashion sense. Iona—green hair? Only these two could putt it off I’m sure! They’re identical twins too but clearly they’re different in many ways.
Do you know what I’m obsessed with at the moment? Anne of Green Gables. This summer I discovered the (movie) sequel, and one of my friends down here had a DVD of it, so I’ve been watching it over and over. It’s not true to the books, but I actually like it more. After the first one, the rest weren’t good, and it felt like everything was rushed. There’s a 3rd movie that’s apparently completely unlike the books, but I’m sure it’d be good anyway. The cast are a lot older in that one, yet still amazingly talented. If anything, that Jonathan Crombie guy is much better looking when he’s older.
Anyway, here’s the trailer of the first and second Anne o. G. G. movies! Nostalgia anyone?
Hopefully I’ll be back soon! Just waiting for internet at my flat!
I just saw Invictus with my brother. Oh my word, as a South African this is the greatest movie ever. You won’t believe how much this movie, and the actual ‘95 World Cup victory meant to our country. I loved it! (And don’t listen to the New Zealand fans who reckon the game was rigged and the players poisoned deliberately—they’re just sore losers). Great movie though, much better than that over-hyped-up Avatar! I’m impressed that Hollywood took it on. Maybe America will pick up on this real man’s sport now!
Anyway, to design and fashion!
Here are some items of clothing I’m particularly liking at the moment [click thumbnail for larger image]:
Sweater from Aztec Rose. I got it for NZ$20 (original price NZ$105!). It looks light, but is very warm. Too bad it’s summer and I can only wear it on rare occasions.
This was a fairly cheap item I bought at some random store at a random mall. But I love it!
These pants were worth NZ$129, I got them for NZ$49. Yus! They’re gorgeous little business pants. And like heaven to wear—they have silk lining!
This shirt was a design of my own. I bought a cheap coral-coloured t-shirt, chose some lyrics (”Love me do” by the Beatles) and because I don’t have a sewing machine, I went to an embroidery store and had them attach the letters. Took no time at all and hardly cost me a thing!
I ordered some postcards from Courtney Brims’ website. Really cheap! Here they are:
And I FINALLY got my Smashbox Lipstick in Nude (Charming)!!. So exciting! Getting it online cost me half the price of what I could have paid retail!
And thus ends my shopping spree!
PS: I really, really want this house! Oh, it just soooo “me!”
Seeing Morgan Freeman play South African ex-President, Nelson Mandela. I’m even more excited about Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the South African Rugby Captain of the ‘95 world cup. I was only 6 at the time of the match, but boy, do I remember it. As I am South African, and my family are big SA rugby supporters, you can imagine how excited that time would’ve been (as for the 2007 WC).
Anyway, who would’ve thought Americans would’ve taken on something like this? Especially Rugby. It’s probably the first dramatic American sports movie that doesn’t involve super bowl, ice hockey, baseball etc (American versions of Rugby, field/turf hockey and cricket—and much less enjoyable than the British counterparts). And my brother’s first laughed at the idea of Matt Damon taking on the role. It’s like the idea of Paris Hilton playing Mother Teresa—except not nearly as crazy. Anyway. Here are some pics:
I love rugby. It’s great. I remember how I supported Jonny Wilkinson England in the 2003 WC and he they won, and South Africa (and JW) in the 2007 WC and they won (and England was in the final again.. go JW).
In other news..
My brother Michael met with his publishers (Scholastic) a few weeks ago, and during the full-on discussion of everything and anything, he slipped my name into the conversation about an illustrator (for the book jacket). Now, usually first time authors don’t get to choose who illustrates their book, but they said that I was welcome to show them a few concepts and illustrations—and if they like it, they may just use it!!!!
!!!!
!!!!
I could be an illustrator! My work… on a book!
Ok, I’m quite skeptical about it, I mean, I’m not a brilliant artist, and they most likely won’t choose it—I mean, Michael’s biased about my work probably, but heck, I’m taking it on! It’s a once in a lifetime experience for me, and this way Michael can also have a say in what goes on his cover design. So I have a month to get a few things done. Hoping for the best!!
I know this is now old news, but puh-lease. Susan Boyle is NOT talented. Her performance of “Memory” was god-awful. It was weak and off key, and overall I think Adam Lambert is a better singer.
I mean, I know its good that she was made into an instant-celebrity despite her lack of looks, but I feel she was used to get promotion and attention for the BGT show—like Connie Talbert(?) and Paul Potts. People only got excited about her because she made them feel better about themselves. She hasn’t got what it takes to be a superstar, and it’s crazy that people are making a big deal about her!
I have nothing against the woman, heck, let her enjoy the money and fame she’s getting, but people should stop believing others when they say she’s talented and think that the media are finally allowing ugly, middle aged bums get attention. It’s not going to happen.
In Twilight news..
I finally got round to watching it. Like I promised my obsessed friends.
*cough*
I’m sorry, I only managed an hour and even though that was because I was interrupted, I didn’t get the urge to watch the rest later. I understand how people might find it addictive, it did have something about it that made you want to watch it (although I wasn’t in pain when I couldn’t see the end) but crikey, I struggled to sit through and watch it all. And I thought I’d be the typical romantic type who’d like it. So why didn’t I?
There was no clear character development—I knew nothing about nobody, people seemed to just be there because they had to be, not because they had a purpose. (Especially her school friends? WTF? They had no sole purposes themselves).
There was no clear plot. WTF is happening guys?? Even by an hour in I had no idea where things were heading. That’s not good storylining.
Everything came too easy for Bella. She never had conflicts/tension, everyone was immediately her friend, even though I heard that Edward was supposed to “hate” her, he hated her on and off for about 10 minutes in the film and there was no real point to it. Oh and she figured out Edwards secret far too easily and didn’t even question it…?
Again, Edward and all the boys were in love with her. Why? Is she supposed to be beautiful? WTF is this? A mary sue?
Oh, there WAS tension.. sexual tension. And some hate from the sisters, but that wasn’t brought out well.
There. Was. No. Climax. I hadn’t got to the end but there weren’t even little ones (Edward always came in time way before a climax could even happen).
Mind reading? Super-everything-powers? Pure Beauty? What is this? A center for ants? a fanfiction? It’s just *too* unrealistic, even for a fanfictiontasy film.
Why was Bella randomly walking in the streets on her own after shopping with her friends. How did she get there? Heck all I ask is WHY this. WHY that. I’ve studied plenty of movies in my time but this one is THE worst when it comes to understanding why the film makers/writer made/wrote a particular scene.
As for the acting. Well, I don’t blame the actors, they were fine. They just got a sucky script (ie “I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him”—ooh you can throw away your thesauraus now, Meyer). Again—where was the development in this? She couldn’t be in love with him that fast! We barely even got to hate him at the start.
Yeah, I couldn’t sympathise with Bella at any given time because of the fast pace and rocky flow between periods of time.
And so on.
God, gorge my eyes out if I have to sit through a sequel! How can people like that trash?
I gave the movie a chance because I just heard bad things from my brother, whose a writer, and how Stephen King said she was a shitty writer, and I *thought* the movie might be a bit more bearable, but it wasn’t. It was cringe-worthy and I’m glad I didn’t like it because yes, I did dislike it before I even read/saw it and didn’t want to be a hypocrite.
How did this Meyer woman even get a contract? My brother’s book(s) are ten million times better so I hope that when they’re finally released next September that HE’LL get more sales than her!
I kinda wish I saw Harry Potter from the P.O.V of someone who hadn’t read the books, because I’d probably be lost too. But at least the books were good and had character development and realistic emotions and characters (ie, they have flaws). Le sigh. Maybe I should write a fanfiction and become like Stephenie (wtf is up with the spelling? It must be a family gene that makes them write everything wrong) Meyer….?
Just a quick entry today. I just came back from the doco film Earth, and while I’m not really into documentaries, this is one I fully encourage people to see. It’s filming is spectacular, the shots of all the animals and the planet are fantastic. It really made me think about how humans are selfish and cruel, and lead lives where we don’t pay attention to serious things like the world ending because of us. I mean, we’re on the top of the food chain and have the power to help the creatures we share the planet with, but thanks to Global Warming and this Brown Cloud that is starting to cover the earth, we’re killing every creature on it—including ourselves. I’ve put a link to the side for Love Earth—please go visit the website. And if you can, watch the Earth movie. It’ll make you want to support the cause. I’m definitely going to start supporting Snow Leopards and Cheetahs once I get a debit card. I love cats, and here’s my chance to do something. So can you.
Well, my 19th birthday was yesterday (the 3rd). It was awesome, asides from one: my twin brother was overseas and two: I made him a video but it wouldn’t upload (until I finally found the problem at 11.30pm NZ time). All good though! I don’t know if he’s seen it yet, but I’m emailed him the link. He loved it!
It was a good day though, heaps of texts and messages from friends and fam, A LOT of chocolate, and pressies. I have a RAT now too. Look here. His name is Turk and Lily’s rat is now JD (Turk and JD from Scrubs haha).
We had a BBQ dinner at Rebecca and Ben’s flat—mostly people from class with some from church. I was disappointed that a lot of people never got back to my invitations, or couldn’t make it (especially those who made up excuses not to come or said they were then didn’t) but my closest (wanganui) friends were there, so that’s what counts. I was blown away by everyones kindness though. For my first birthday separated from my twin, it wasn’t too bad!
Anyway, Stef made this amazing cake:
Isn’t it awesome? So cool
And these are some of the gifts I got: From my parents: Amoungst many things, this dress:
They also send me a food supplies package the day before filled with South African Rusks (yum!) biscuits, popcorn, nuts’n'raisens, jaffas and a toblerone:
From Michael: These shoes:
GAH! They’re gorgeous (and very pricey!)
From Lily, Nathan, Stef and Iona:
It’s simply beautiful, I honestly didn’t know what to say. I hope they didn’t spend a fortune on it though. The wrapping was pretty too so I took a picture of it aswell heehee
From Nicole, Rebecca, Ben and Christina: This pack of stuff:
Haha the rascals! Notice the pink fluffy handcuffs? Thanks Christina, I’ve always wanted one of those . Yeah, that ball is for my new rat, Turk (companion to Lily’s!)
Some cards and letters:
(Clockwise from top: Mum and Dad, Lily/Stef/Iona/Nathan, Nathan (again)/Sophia/Laura/Sarah/Rachel (that was the most amazing card I have ever got, I swear) and a letter from Amanda in Zambia!!!)
I also got a box of chocolates from the Konini flat crew (Nathan again, Sophia etc) and nail polish from Evelyn.
And below are some photos from the BBQ. I will post up more once I get some from Christina.
Blowing the Candles ceremoniously
The Cupcakes Nicole and I made
Stef, Me, Christina
A few of the crew at the BBQ (wow, rhyming)
After the BBQ a few of us went to see Step Brothers. It was really funny, I totally recommend it!
Thanks to everyone who helped make my day so special. I love you all lots
Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale 
