Day Five: Current relationship.

Well, I am not currently in a relationship.

To be honest, that's for the best. 

I'm still a romantic at heart, but lately I've been slightly bitter towards relationships. Which I don't actually enjoy. I'd much rather be happy and optimistic about love and such, so I need to be in a better mind-set before I even think about dating. 

I also need to be more comfortable with myself and have better confidence, because I've always been a firm believer that you have to like yourself before getting into a relationship. 

But I would totally be okay if I met Rupert Grint in the street and he professed his love for me. ;)

Day Four: Five things you want to change.

1. I would like to change the distance between me and my friends and family. If only for a day. And they would have to join me in merry ol' England. :)

2. The exchange rate between the British pound and the US dollar.

3. For Mountain Dew to be sold in the UK. Seriously, you crazy Brits don't know what you're missing.

4. The world economy.

5. The stereotypes people hold of ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.

Day Three: What are your thoughts about body image issues?

Tina Fey sums it up pretty well with this quote from her fantastic book Bossy Pants,

"Every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall butt, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, and the arms of Michelle Obama. The only person close to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes. Everyone else is struggling." 

In my psychology of women class last semester we watched a movie about the media and how it portrays women. They discussed body image and such and the pressure women feel to live up to the impossible image the media portrays. One of the things that really struck me from that video was the fact that, as women, we are constantly being told a double standard.
We are told we have to be sexy, yet innocent.
We are told to show off our bodies, but not to be proud or happy with how we look.

How messed up is that?

If we're too sexy, we're called sluts. If we're too innocent, we're called prudes. If we wear make-up, people assume we're trying too hard. If we wear no make-up, people assume we're lazy or sick. It sometimes feels like a game we can never win.

Now, since I'm not a man I don't know first-hand the issues they deal with about body image. But I know they do. The media and society is actually greatly increasing their stereotyping and criticizing of men as well. The percentage is still much greater for women, but I'm not going to deny that men don't face a lot of pressure as well.

Honestly, I just wish I could take away all of the body hatred that seems to flood our media. I hate the idea that little girls and boys (and even big girls and boys) are learning to hate themselves and that they need to look a certain way in order to be anything. I want to hug them and tell them how beautiful they are and that no one should tell them otherwise.

Day Two: A letter to someone who inspires you.

Dear friends,

I had a difficult time deciding who to write this letter to, because I've already talked about most of the people who inspire me in previous blogs... so I thought "Who inspires me to be a better Tonya?"

And then I realized... it's you.
My friends.
The people I can stay up talking to until 3 AM, who I cause mayhem with, that have my back no matter what, and accept me for all that I am. Without your support, love, advice, and craziness I wouldn't be the person I am today. You inspire me every day to be a better person and a better friend.

I am so incredibly blessed to know you all and I wish I could give each of you a hug right now. Because I love hugs and I think people should hug more often.

With all my love,

Tonya
Tonga
Tonks
Big T
Won Ton
Tonja
Teaspoon

Day One: What was the last movie you saw in the cinema?

Perks of Being a Wallflower was the last movie I saw in the cinemas.

I promise not to give away the plot for my friends that haven't seen it yet.

But holy shit it was one of the best movies I've seen this year.
I read the book back in high school and was an instant fan. It was quirky, moving, thoughtful, and just really good. When I read it was being made into a movie, I was excited. Then I heard Logan Lerman and Emma Watson were going to be in it and I literally couldn't wait to see it.

I read a review that called Perks a modern classic, and I completely agree. To cover so many difficult topics in a book is one thing. To do it on screen is something totally different. I LOVE that the author, Stephen Chbosky, wrote the screenplay, produced and directed the film, because that's what made the movie such a success. I left the cinema almost in tears. The characters pulled on my heartstrings and the story moved me just as much as it did the first time I read it. The young cast was able to do such a phenomenal job, especially Ezra Miller as Patrick and Logan as Charlie.

Also, the soundtrack is great too. I've been thinking about buying it...


Seriously, please go see it. I know you will love it.

25 days of writing

Blog challenge

1.     What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
2.     A letter to someone who inspires you.
3.     What are your thoughts about body image?
4.     Five things you want to change.
5.     Current relationship.
6.     Top five pet peeves.
7.     A letter to someone who isn’t in the same country as you.
8.     15 facts about yourself.
9.     What is your biggest regret?
10. Highs and lows of the past year.
11. Who do you love?
12. Top five favorite song lyrics.
13. Talk about your hometown.
14. What makes you happy?
15. Who is your favorite musician?
16. Write about your childhood.
17. Which Disney princess do you identify with the most?
18. Favorite memories.
19. What makes you unique?
20. What is your opinion on gay marriage?
21. Must read books.
22. A letter to your parents.
23. Must see movies.
24. Are you a feminist?
25. Write about confidence and how people can achieve confidence.

i need your help.

I've been writing a lot on my other blog, Tales from London but I've been neglecting this one!
So, I want to do another 30 Day Blog Challenge but all of the ones I found online sucked. Instead, I'd like you, my wonderful and beautiful friends, to give me ideas! I have a hard time believing I'll get 30 people to respond to this, so I'll take as many as I can get and then add a few of my own!

I'd like to say I will take any questions/topics... but I know how crazy some of you are. So, just keep the ideas somewhat realistic. Please and thank you!