Getting to know me!

So today I thought I would give you guys a sort of introduction to me as a rower (better late than never) The idea absolutely stolen from Rebecca - hope you don't mind darling :*

1: Favorite thing about rowing?
That feeling you get when you have given absolutely everything you've got knowing you've done your best. Your whole body is a mess and you can barely stand on your feet from exhaustion but still, you've got the most amazing feeling of satisfaction. 

2: Favorite rowing memory?
Training camp with my team in the Easter holidays. So much fun, hard work and bonding time with the team.
3: Favorite seat?
hmm good question actually. I don't quite know. I've mostly been stroke (the person sitting in the front, setting the stroke rate and rhythm) , which I really like but I do get all irritated when I'm not allowed to shout out calls, so I think I might like to be bow (seat one from behind), even though I've never tried it. 

4: Goal for this season?
I dunno, not capsizing at a race or something like that... Or perhaps entering a race where I don't come last... Yeah, my expectations for this season are really high! 

5: Best rowing experience?
Rowing past the finish line at my first race ever. Even though my time was shit I just couldn't stop smiling, I was so happy (and high on endorphines) 

6: What made you decide to row?
My mother, who insisted that I should join the local rowing team. apparently, according to her, because she wanted me to learn how to behave on the water...

7: Do you want to row in college?
I want to row forever. So yes, in college too. 

8: Ever won gold? 
Sadly no - but still hoping it'll come one day

9: Ever capsized in a boat?
Pains me to say it, but yes. Last Thursday... And I choose the worst possible moment to do it. I was all alone and I had just begun to row in a really good single scull made out of carbon fibre, and when it is made out of that, you are not allowed to crawl up in the boat again because it might break it. So basically I was fucked. Luckily my trainer saw me capsize and came and helped me. I swam into very shallow water where I could stand on the sea floor and somehow swing my leg over the boat and get into it again. Sounds difficult but I actually managed without the biggest trouble.  Still, wasn't a very pleasant experience, I got quite a chock! But nothing to do but get into the boat and row, row, row!

10: Worst rowing experience? 
A time when one of my trainers decided to seriously yell at me and my double partner in the middle of a practice on the water. He was seriously pissed, forgetting the tiny fact that we we were brand new at the sport and had no idea what we were supposed to do. I was seriously mad at him, which he apparently couldn't understand. Afterwards I've been told that he admitted he was out of line, telling us off like that but we never got an apology...

Hope you guys can get a better idea of what kind of person I am as a rower. Perhaps I'll make a similar entry on me as a person sometimes - we'll see.

Love as always
Christine 

Summer purchases

Hello readers!
All having a blast enjoying the holidays and warm weather? Well I sure am, at least when it is not raining in Denmark. Nevertheless, I did shop around a bit lately and I found myself some pretty neat things here and there.

My first purchase was a lovely jumpsuit/one piece/pantsuit or whatever you might call it. I was on a trip to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and visited Monki. I love Monki because I think their designs are cool and retro but always in a wearable way nowadays. So I got this piece of clothing (not gonna make me say it again, ha!) in a beautiful pattern in black and white. Kind of abstract, almost tribal pattern. I do really enjoy it because it is light to wear and still you don't feel like showing too much. Definitely worth the cash!

Second, I thought to myself that since I am going on vacation near a swimmingpool, I sure needed some new swimwear! So I searched all Zalandos swimwear through, and agreed at last with myself which one to buy. A Ted Baker bikini called something like "Tropical Parrot". Sadly, they did not have my size in stock, but then I just went to Asos and bought it there. I did not now the brand Ted Baker before, but I realize now that it is an amazing brand! Beautiful dresses and accessories in the most amazing prints and patterns! I a fan!
Besides I think that patterns like the parrot pattern you see on the Ted Baker, has gotten really popular! The tropical colours and watery shapes must be very in right now. Which is understandable, since they are absolutely beautiful!

At last, my most expensive purchase this month was a new phone! I have had the same old Sony Ericsson with buttons and all since 7th grade, and figured that it was time for some change.. So I got myself a smartphone!! I am really happy I bought it, because I just love everything about it! I usually don't spend a lot on money on gadgets and stuff, but this phone I am really happy for! And hopefully it will last for a loong time :)

That's all for this week!
Enjoy your holidays and the sun (hopefully) shining!

Freja

Mockumentaries

'Ello

So, I was looking through my ”Awesome stuff” playlist on YouTube, which consists of a few mockumentaries I watched a year or two ago. In short a mockumentary is a movie, television show or the like in which fictional events are shown and presented as a documentary. It is said to be mostly used for comedic or historic shows, but in the last couple of years they have become very popular in the horror genre.
Which, to me, makes totally sense, since the documentary styled movies which are presenting nothing but pure scary fiction, suddenly seems way more realistic to the point where you might question the fact that it really is nothing but fiction.

Well, as I was saying, I found some mockumentaries and skipped through one of them to check out the cool and scary parts that I remembered was in it, and as perfect as it could be, an annotation was added by the makers of the film, mentioning their other films. Thank god it is summer, because I just had to check out some of the other videos by the same people – and if it was winter, it had been really dark out, and that would only end one way: me shitting bricks! Sorry for the language!

Now it’s probably time to mention the actual name of the film makers. They are called EnterViral on YouTube, and the movies I just watched is called Covet and The Asylum, and was posted on YouTube in 2012.

Up till now, I have watched three of their movies, all of them lasting about 45 minutes, so they are not that long, but it is time enough to give you a few scares! And they are quite enjoyable, so unless you literally die from watching horror movies (yes, I’m thinking of you Becca) then watch these short mockumentaries.

The three movies from EnterViral that I’ve watched so far are:

The Rake (November 2011)

Basically this movie revolves around three guys who as stupid as it sounds (yes, I’m being subjective) decides that it’s an oh so great idea to go camping in some unknown woods, without bringing anything that would make it possible to communicate with the world – on purpose. First of all, woods are scary at night just being, you know, woods, but as the title insinuates, there is something else in the woods which makes life miserable for the three guys. The Rake lives in those woods, and you do not want to meet the Rake. I can assure you of that.

Find it here

Covet (January 2012)

This movie is pretty hard to explain what’s about, but it starts out with the guy John living in his new house, and he knows that somebody has been stealing drinks from his fridge in the garage. After about a week of it going on every night, he sets up at security camera to check out who has been stealing from him. The videos show a man or creature crawling naked inside the garage, stealing and leaving again. John starts to research on the former owners of the house and looks into why the house haven’t been sold for fifteen years, and he has some very interesting discovers.

Find it here

The Asylum (July 2012)

The Asylum is about three so-called historians who are curious about an old and closed off Asylum which has tunnels underneath it which are supposedly not locked off. They explore the tunnels, but they find out that they are not the only ones down there, and are somewhat followed by this person. There’s a minor error in this movie in the end of it which made it very hard for me to take the rest of the movie serious, but hopefully others won’t feel the same way.

Find it here

 

What all of these movies have in common, aside from being mockumentaries, is the fact that they have all ended in the characters either disappearing or dying mysteriously where the cameras have later been found, and it is also the same actors in all three movies. But since they are short, and you don’t really get to see much of the characters (because they are holding the camera filming), it doesn’t make them bad.

 I have watched many other mockumentaries and these are only the few I have seen made by EnterViral, and I may or may not mention them in later posts in the future!

Other horror mockumentaries:

 

The Tunnel (2011) - watch here

Windigo (2011) - watch here

Paranormal Activity Series (2007 - ?)

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

 

 

Oh yeah, and my favorite series in the whole wide world just happens to be presented mockumentary style – what a coincidence! Or MAYBE that was the thing that brought me to like mockumentaries? Who knows? Yes, I’m being sarcastic!

I won’t even mention the name of my favorite series in the whole wide world here, just because it would be disrespectful only to mention it in a tiny passage of the entire post. It needs at least a whole post for itself! You might hear about it someday.

If you should know any awesome horror mockumentaries or if you wish to get more mockumentary recommendations, please leave a comment down below! Love you!

Shia

26 Questions to the Musical Lover

If there's one thing you all should know about me it's the fact that I LOVE (yes, L-O-V-E) reading about people and musicals, so when I found these questions I just had to answer them. You know, sometimes musicals can say a lot about your personality! For example I'm secretly in love with Phantom of the Opera because I myself live in the basement and Phantom sort of does as well and the reason why Wicked has such a special place in my heart is because I'm green (no, it's NOT easy being green)!

Nah, just kidding! Here's my answers and the questions!

1. Do you have a favourite theatre? Which one, and why?
I haven't been to a lot of theatres but Det Ny Teater (the New Theatre) in the middle of Copenhagen is pretty cool and definitely a place I could imagine Phantom living in. It has everything from the chandelier, the grand stairwells to the small corners and lots of doors. I also really like Østre Gasværk mainly because it's a place you wouldn't instantly think about being ideal for theatre. It got this really gritty, raw and medieval look. It's really one of the coolest theatres we have in Denmark, and the two shows I've watched there (HAIR being one of them) was absolutely fantastic. They really know how to work that stage and to take advantage of their building - I love it! Just look at this picture of the scene:

2. At the moment, would you rather watch a comedy or a tragedy?
Really depends on how it's done. I'd rather watch a really well-made tragedy than a bad comedy and vice versa. But right now I think I need a little cheering up to be honest. Something to get really lost in and something to make me laugh.

3. The funniest show or performance you’ve ever seen?
I haven't exactly seen it yet; only half of a crappy bootleg, but I have to say Book of Mormon. That is some funny sh*t - even if you only listen to the soundtrack. God, I love those songs! Hasa diega eebowai! ;)

4. The saddest show or performance you’ve ever seen?
I think it's Spring Awakening - that scene with Melchior in the graveyard (if you've seen the show, you know what I'm talking about) kills me every time. And the fate of a certain character. Beautiful and yet so incredibly tragic.

5. Who is your favorite musical actors/actresses?
Without a doubt Sierra Boggess, Laura Osnes, Idina Menzel, Ramin Karimloo and Jonathan Groff - eff yeah!

6. Your favourite stage door photo or memory?
Sadly I haven't stage-doored yet (if that's even a verb) - but wait and see. After this summer I might have a photo or two to show you! ;)

7. Do you prefer an grand or simple musical - design-wise? Why?
I love Phantom because everything about is so grand - from the set-pieces to the costumes ... even the songs are as well! On the other hand I'm extremely fascinated about how a simple show can convey so many emotions (Spring Awakening and Next To Normal are good examples of this) and tell a story without needing a lot of props. That's magical. In general I just like something that has been put a lot of thought in!

8. The most memorable performance you’ve ever been to?
The Lion King in London's West End. That show gave me some SERIOUS CHILLS throughout the whole thing and it was just beyond magical; the costumes, songs, story and the set-pieces. Wauw. If you ever go to London and don't know what to watch The Lion King is a very, very safe and good choice: You will get blown away. I guarantee you.

9. Is there a movie you’d like to see adapted to a musical?
I'd love to see Pride and Prejudice, actually. I know people has been talking about making one, but it hasn't happened yet (not that I know of, that is). But I don't really know, most of my favorite movies are actually musicals and those who aren't... well, I can't really see them becoming musicals.

10. How about a musical you’d like to see onscreen?
Can they make a remake of the Phantom of the Opera-movie? Pleeeease? I'd also REALLY like seeing Wicked as a movie (and yes, Idina Menzel has to repeat her rose af Elphaba - all your arguments are invalid! SHE IS NOT TOO OLD TO DO IT) and Spring Awakening as well. I think Spring Awakening could be a really powerful movie and something that'd be remembered and watched forever. Next to Normal could be a good choice as well!

11. What is the last stage show you saw? Review it in three sentences.
A bootleg of Cinderella. I loved how they twisted the story. Laura Osnes is the most beautiful and talented human being. Gorgeous, funny, lovely and epic musical with astounding costume changes!

12. A show you’d recommend to everybody?
Next to Normal. I think it's a show everyone will love plus it deals with some very difficult issues and make you just think about life in general.

13. A show you wouldn’t recommend to your worst enemy?
The Danish version of Shrek: The Musical. No... Just no. But! I'm quite sure it had to do with the venue - Forum doesn't do anything good for a musical - because I've seen something from the Broadway version of the show where it looked quite good and more intimate.

14. A show you’re ashamed to admit you like?
Oh God... I don't know. Phantom of the Opera maybe? Not that it's a secret, but I think my love for it is kind of intense and only a few people know how much I actually LOVELOVELOVE it. Also, I enjoy the music of the show A LOT even though it's quite operatic, and sometimes I feel a bit ashamed when blasting it as loud as possible I find myself hoping no one hears that I'm listening to Carlotta screaming her head off in Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh.

15. How important are visuals for you? Can you enjoy a show with good acting but ugly visuals? Or can good visuals save an otherwise bad show in your eyes?
Neither. A good show is always one where everything is thought through. Everything has to go up into a higher unity in order to succeed.

One of my favorite stage designs - from Matilda: The Musical

16. What is the prettiest show you’ve ever seen?
Without a doubt The Lion King and Love Never Dies. Wow. Lion King just embraces that African savannah, whilst everything about Love Never Dies just is so glittery and lavishly. Aaaah!

17. A costume or a prop that you love?
I'm all in for Christine's Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again-dress. If I had to own one of her dresses it would definitely be that one!

18. You can only watch productions of one show for the rest of your life. Which show you choose and why?
Phantom of the Opera because I love the musical and it has so many layers. Everytime I watch it I notice something new (today for example I realized that Raoul actually is proposing to Christine when he sings All I Ask of You - the more you know....)!

19. Do you research the shows you consider seeing, or do you just pick a show to see and hope it’s good?
I listen to the cast recordings and watch some clips - a little research is always good so you don't waste your money. Usually I discover new, good shows because of an actor I'm a fan of is in it. :)

20. Your favourite act 1 ending?
A tie between Wicked's Defying Gravity and Phantoms chandelier crash.

Idina Menzel as the wicked, green witch Elphaba defying gravity

21. The most times you’ve ever seen the same show or production?
Does it have to be live? Because then I'd have to say twice (We Will Rock You and Love Never Dies). I've watched the DVD of Phantom's 25th anniversary more than twice though. FAVORITE THING.

22. A performance by an actor or an actress that has impressed you the most?
I feel like Phantom of the Opera is taking over this post, but I have to say Ramin Karimloo's take on the Phantom. Quite phenomenal! I am in love with his acting choices. I also really enjoy Louise Fribo's Christine in Love Never Dies - she owns the part! And sings like an angel - just watch this video and you'll know what I mean:

If that's not beautiful I don't know what is!

23. Have you ever walked out of a performance? If not, could you consider doing so?
Then it had to be really bad... but no, I don't think I'd do it. I'm one of those people who hates wasting money and hey, it can always surprise you in the end!

24. Do you collect theatre memorabilia? If so, feel free to show off your collection!
Unfortunately not! I always forget to buy the programmes :( Maybe I should start doing that.

25. You have to swap lives for a week with a character from one of your favourite shows. Who do you choose and why?
Though one! Hmm, I think Phantom actually? I think it'd be interesting to see how he sees the world. Maybe Elphaba from Wicked as well, since I'd like to know how it is being green - oh, and Angel from RENT because she knows how to own the life you've been giving! I could use a little of that.

26. A headcanon about your favourite show?
Raoul and Christine gets married and she discovers she is pregnant and when their son is 10 years old they move to New York to sing at Hammerstein's Operahouse only to discover that it's actually the Phantom that has lured them away from France so he can he reunited with his lost lover and write beautiful music again... wait, is that Love Never Dies? Sorry.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my answers and feel free to answer the questions as well! I also really hope you've had a wonderful weekend, will have some fantastic next 6 days and I'll see you next week! :)

Yours fondly,
Rebecca

An awesome rowing related blog!

Okay, so I know i promised last in my last entry that I wouldn't forget next time. Which I totally did, of course. Typical me. Sorry!

The past three weeks I've been really busy studying for my exams so I haven't really had time to do anything apart from reading the Bible and writing notes (one of my exams was in religion - urgh). I mean Jesus is a nice guy and all, but I do enjoy doing things that does not involve an awful lot of thinking. Which is why, after I finished my last exam two days ago, I have been finding different rowing blogs on Tumblr (Rebecca and Laura, I admit it, Tumblr is awesome) and staying up until 2 a.m reading blogs. I haven't actually made an account on Tumblr (I have no fucking clue how it works), I've just been reading the stuff. My personal favorite isa blog called Little Rower Things (link: http://littlerowerthings.tumblr.com/) Where there blogger answers rowing-related questions and posts pictures and little "rowing notes" where she describes all the little things that makes rowing amazing. The blogger is totally spot on and I can relate to all her observations and comments about rowing. Apparently the feeling rowing gives you is universal.

Here's a couple of her notes about being a rower:

Yeah, that's so me. Sad, but no less true.

I'm probably rowing incorrectly myself, but when I see someone worse than me, I get the same feeling. I mean honestly, how hard can it be? 

Oh I live that feeling. Scares the hell out of me, but that's what it's all about. Racing!

That's all I have for today, see you next week.

Love, Christine 

Colours and stories in "The Fall"

If you are having an off day, everything is wrong and you just want to see a great movie, “The Fall” might be the thing! “The Fall” is a really wonderful film about this little girl Alexandria and the man Roy. They meet in the hospital where Roy is laying paralyzed in a hospital bed, and Alexandria has broken her arm and grow a very close relationship in the end. That is because Roy ends up telling Alexandria stories, he makes up himself.

In these stories are some very characteristic figures, and the stories’ actions and characters change as he tells them, affected by his own or Alexandria’s feelings at that very moment. But Roy is in a lot of pain because of “girl problems” and has tried to commit suicide, and when he finds out that Alexandria wants more stories, he makes her get him pills in exchange for them. Of course that leads to no good, but without spoiling too much, it all ends up alright.

The pictures visualize the reality and the dreams very artistically and opposite each other, and the stories’ worlds are worth watching, because even though they all seem very fake (with presents that it is fiction very well) they are also incredibly beautiful! And even better, one of the stories turns out to be a love story! What more is needed?

Both the context and the visual are definitely worth take some time off to watch, since both is absolutely beautiful. I sure recommend it!

Love always,

Freja