Journals - Review

Journals by Kurt Cobain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After years of listening to the best band in the world, i was finally able to see a little bit of what was going on in Kurt Cobain's head. For a fan this is the book to have. Kurt had very strong opinions about politics, the world and music, and it all kind of makes sense. If he did commit suicide, i can see why. A lot of people want to make music for a living because they are artists and it's their passion, but not all of them want to be famous. I think he wanted to put music out there, record it so people could listen to it, but he didn't want Nirvana to become as famous as they did. And they definitely got screwed over by their labels/record companies.
Also, i think the media had a lot to do with his attitude because they would misquote him on many occassions and blow things out of proportion.
I was surprised that there wasn't a lot of writing about Courtney, maybe they left those out of this compilation? But still overall a cool book for fans to check out. I loved it.


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On My Way To the US of A

I live in South Africa and I've always wanted to travel and explore the world, but unless you have lots of money (which i don't), it's pretty much impossible these days. So the next best option is working overseas; that way you earn money while travelling. That's exactly what i decided to do and here's my experience in the pursuit of discovery:

About two or three years ago I heard an ad on the radio for jobs in America. I still remember I was driving home from work and at the next red light, I quickly saved the name of the company (Away2xplore) on my phone. I've wanted to work overseas for quite some time now and a few years ago I almost went Au Pairing overseas through OVC, but decided against it because I'm not really that fond of children. But I really wanted to go; and especially to America. So when I got home, I checked out the website for Away2xplore and I really liked what I saw; it looked legit (very important) and everything I wanted to know, was on there. I checked out the Seasonal Carnival Jobs section where, if you're a guy, you mostly work on the rides and if you're a girl, you either work at the game stands, food stands or ticket booth.

At the time I couldn't apply to go work overseas because, not only did I have a good stable job, I also had debt. Lots of debt. But I was very determined to go work overseas, so I made a plan to pay off my debt. It was hard at times because often things would come up that I didn't budget for and it would set me back a little, but slowly it shrunk and after about two years, I was basically debt free. I still had my car, but by now I was able to sell it at a small profit. So the end of June 2013, I was ready to quit my job and go work overseas.

I filled out the application on Away2xplore's website. It was maybe a little too early since they didn't start recruiting for 2014 yet, but I followed up in September to make sure they still had my application and they did! They told me to wait for a call. The end of September that phone call came through for an interview early October. I organised with my then-current job to leave early and went for the hour and a half interview. I had to answer a wide variety of intensive questions, which was actually quite fun. I also had to do a drug test (of course). Then I filled out a bunch of paperwork and left there feeling confident. I haven't done many interviews in my life, but I do have one tip: never be over-prepared; just be yourself and answer honestly.

So for the next month I waited patiently to be notified whether I've been accepted or not and by the end of October - either in my last week or on my last day of work - I was informed that my application had been approved! It was an amazing feeling; knowing that you are one step closer to achieving a (basically) life-long goal and the prospect of GOING OVERSEAS was beyond exciting. In order to secure my application as well as my visa appointment, I had to pay a part of the Visa fees as soon as possible. And of course I didn't want to let this opportunity slip through my fingers, so I did!

The next step was orientation and contract signing. I made my appointment the end of November and had to take my parents with to sign sureties that if something had to happen and I don't fulfil my contract, they pay the cost of the trip. Which is only fair since it costs Away2xplore R25000 per person they employ. At orientation I got my visa application form that I had to fill out - they do the application for you, but you provide the details and now I just had to wait for my visa interview date.

The work permits came through in the new year and I received my US consulate interview date - which was the 12th of February at 10:30am and I had to be there at 10am. This was an interesting process, since I've never done it before, and I was ridiculously nervous because I was scared that they won't give it to me for some odd reason. But it was completely different than I expected. I thought it would be a legit sit-down interview where you get asked a million questions and then at the end they tell you whether it's been approved or not.
The actual process is signing in with security as you enter, then you go outside (inside the consulate) where another security will point to a door that takes you inside the actual consulate. It actually looks exactly like a bank; there are five counters with glass separating you and the people who work behind them. You wait in line, then go up to one of the counters where they take your fingerprints on a scanner-thingy, then you sit down and wait to be called to another glass window for the interview. They don't tell you anything about the process though, so I kinda had to figure out for myself what was happening.
I probably waited about fifteen minutes before i was called to the interview window and it was one of the weirdest moments in my life. Firstly you talk to the person behind the glass over a phone. Secondly he has an American accent and although it's easy enough to understand, you kind of wonder if you heard him right. He asked me to scan my left index finger, and I was so nervous, that I second guessed which finger was my index finger! He probably thought I couldn't understand English (you'll see why in a bit) which would not help my case.
Anyway, so after the finger-scan, he asked me one or two questions about why I was going, where I was going to work and why I want to work there. He then asked if I had received my booklet about working in America (it basically covers your human rights) and if I understood it. This is what I'm talking about - either it's protocol for them to ask, or he wanted to check if Ii could read and understand English (probably the former), it felt like the latter though. Then he asked me to pay two windows down and bring him the receipt. There were two things to note here: firstly the cashier was literally at the next window (there was a sign above), which wasn't two windows down, right? So at this point I felt like he was definitely testing me. Secondly this meant that my visa was actually approved! But I was so confused with his two-windows-down instruction, that I kept looking at him (even though he wasn't looking at me anymore) to make sure I was at the right window. But after a few seconds of looking around like an idiot, I just decided this must be "two windows down". So I paid my fee and returned to him with the receipt. He signed it and gave me my forms. Then I had to go to the DHL counter and pay a courier fee to send my visa and passport to Away2xplore's head office in Johannesburg and I was done! The fact that I was going over with a recruitment agency, helped a lot with the approval. It felt so good but so weird at the same time because no one officially told me I had my Visa (I checked my papers a million times though) and no one congratulated me. So at the end of the day I realised that it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be. But I was so relieved.

Now I only had to wait for the departure date! I got the call Tuesday the 18th of February to say that I'm leaving the 4th of March (in two weeks!) and all of a sudden reality sunk in. I kind of panicked because there's a lot that you have to organise before going overseas. Luckily I'm a list person, so I've been making lists since I went for orientation last year and I was ready to start packing.
First I got my medical kit, which consists of everything under the sun. My mom is a nurse, so she made me buy everything she could think of in case something went wrong. It cost a fortune (medicine is expensive!) but I'd rather be prepared. I also bought my toiletries.
And I also decided to pack up my room before I go because I have a lot of stuff that I don't want people to necessarily touch or take and also so it won't gather dust.
We're allowed to pack one big suitcase and then have your hand luggage that you take on the plane with you. I didn't have a proper suitcase, so I went and bought a massive 75cm one. Come to think of it, I really hope I won't look like a fool with my gigantic luggage, but I just have so many things to pack! And of course I want to bring stuff back as well. (Edit: the 75cm suitcase is too big! So i'm exchanging mine for a smaller one that can only take up to 20kgs!!). I'm planning on packing my suitcase the weekend before I leave. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it!
I also haven't slept very well lately. That's due to nerves and excitement as well as over thinking - I'm a huge over thinker (unfortunately). And there's just one thing I want before I leave South Africa: Col'Cacchio pizza!! My family and I will do my farewell the Sunday/Monday night before the Tuesday of my departure. Again, lump in my throat!

So my conclusion is that when working overseas, you are able to save a lot of money because you have minimal expenses (unlike where you live because of rent, car, groceries, petrol, etc), but also you will have to give out a bit of money in order to go and save money. Away2xplore offers Travel Insurance which is like a Medical Aid but it also covers your travelling (loss of passport etc). It doesn't cost that much (R1900, R2000 or R2400 respectively for the three options) and you will be covered outside of work hours if anything had to happen. (During work hours, your employee pays for medical emergencies). They also offer and additional ticket option where you pay a small amount (R1980) before you go and if there is a death in your immediate family, you get a return ticket and you get one week unpaid leave to attend the funeral and grieve. So besides those two options, you only have your visa fees to pay which is around R3000 because of the exchange rate.
My medical kit was about R700 because, as I said earlier, I bought everything under the sun. Toiletries were R400 because I'm a girl and we use a lot of stuff. My huge suitcase was R850 at Game (which is actually cheap in comparison to other places - Edit: the smaller suitcase is about R1100). Then you also need to buy some pants and shoes for work (if you don't have), which cost me about R500 (I buy cheap - Mr Price and Pnp Clothing). You also need a battery operated alarm clock and a padlock for your trailer (which you can buy overseas if you want). Your accommodation is included, you only pay your taxes, food and entertainment.
So in the end you do need to put a bit of money on the table, but at least you don't pay for your return ticket and you will make more than enough money to bring back home. So it's so worth it in the end.

I'm looking forward to an experience of a lifetime and did I ever mention I absolutely LOVE carnivals? As a child we used to go to the carnival every year in my hometown and those were the best days of my life! I think I can definitely say that I've come full circle.
Apparently we're starting is Miami, Florida and so that's probably where I'll fly to. I have two thoughts on that; firstly, Dexter!! And secondly, I can't believe I'm going to Miami! It just feels absolutely unreal at this moment.

A Kurt Cobain Journal Entry

"Hi, I played the snare drum in school band from grades five to nine. During this time I didn’t bother learning how to read sheet music, I just waited for the geek in first chair to learn each song, then I simply copied him, I managed to do well without ever having to read music.

It took me 5 years to realize how rhythmically retarded I was as a drummer, so I sold of my fathers guns then used the money to purchase my first six string electric guitar. I learned everything I needed to know from one week of lessons which resulted in the famous Louie Louie chords.

I noticed that I could use the finger positions from the B note anywhere on the guitar, this is known as the power chord. And so after figuring out songs like Louie Louie, Wild Thing and My Best Friends Girl, I decided that in order to become a big famous Rockstar I would need to write my very own songs instead of wasting my time learning other peoples because if you study other peoples music too much it may act as obstruction in developing your very own personal style.

Someone told me that there are guitar institutes of technology all across the world where they teach you how to be a lame unoriginal jukebox hero with stars in your eyes.

Uh, gee I guess what I’m trying to say is: theory is a waste of time. Dorian modes are for technically anal boys with bad values. Make up your own music. Eric Clapton plays second rate dusty blues licks. Too much practice is like too much sugar. Weird Al Yankovic is America’s modern pop-rock genius. If you copy too much you’ll find yourself in late night cocktail lounge cover band limbo.

The guitar has twelve notes. The guitar is based on mathematics. Guitar oriented rock n roll has been around for over 30 years. There are limitations within the structures of a 4/4 rock time signature rhythm. So consider this music book as something just to own like a bottle cap collection or baseball cards or a family photo album or an example of just exactly how not to brighten your musical capabilities.

Happy Motoring

Love Kurt"

Awesome Series That Are No More

Some series are just truly remarkable and deserve to go on for eternity in my opinion. So when said series come to an end or get cancelled, it’s a true calamity. I’ve stumbled upon many a series that have brought me much joy and entertainment and I think that even though they’re not on air anymore, they deserve recognition. Also, they’re available on DVD for eternal entertainment purposes, yay!

So here is a list of series that I think were meant to last forever. (In a world where people didn’t age and no one cared about ratings, of course).

Rated PG13:

Comedy:

That 70's Show - Everyone knows this series and just how awesome it is - truly some of THE BEST characters on TV ever. Eric Forman played by Topher Grace is just such a pleasure to watch; the way that guy delivered his lines was just magical. I also really like Steven Hyde played by Danny Masterson, he is the perfect boyfriend in my opinion; great style, conspiracy theorist, smokes weed, great sense of humour, wears sunglasses indoors and has awesome taste in cars! Michael Kelso played by Ashton Kutcher annoyed me a bit, but he was still funny and I loved the way he shouted: “BUUUURRRRN!!” Donna Pinciotti played by Laura Prepon was another favourite character of mine, she was just so real and the total opposite of Jackie and Kitty Forman played by Debra Jo Rupp was the absolute best character; SO funny and SO good. I can watch this show all day, every day, for the rest of my life. No jokes.

The IT Crowd - There is nothing like this out there at all. It’s a British series and absolutely hilarious. It’s about the IT department in a corporate office situated right at the bottom in the basement of the building. They have to deal with IT related calls from the staff upstairs and how they deal is so funny. And then there’s Jen who is their office manager but she has no IT skills whatsoever, but really needs a job. I just think that if you are able to get a hold of this series, then you should do yourself a favour. I was thoroughly entertained.

Happy Endings - Such an underrated sitcom. A lot of people might think it’s just a copy of Friends or How I Met Your Mother, but it really is something totally different. Best characters and ridiculously funny. It's sad to know that people didn’t pay it the attention it deserved and they cancelled the show. Man, I want more!

Comedy-Drama:

The OC - This series ended in 2007 and there were only four seasons of it. I know very sad right! It's a real shame that this series ended so early since it's one of the best series in the whole world. Fans of The OC will know what I'm talking about. Seth's witty sense of humour, Summer's sassiness, Marissa's alcoholism and Ryan's biceps; not to mention Sandy's bagels. Just a few of the things we miss in our lives. This series was packed with humour and fun and drama and sun. It made me feel warm inside. I miss The OC.

Gilmore Girls – Even though I haven’t seen all the seasons of this very sweet series, I still love it and consider it as one of my favourites. Lorelai Gilmore is the coolest mom in the universe. I adore these two girls and want to make a mission to watch all the seasons. Just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Sci-Fi:
Smallville - Although this series hasn't been on since 2011, it still remains one of my favourite series ever. Besides the fact that I'm a huge Superman fan, I think the series was just fantastic. All the meteor freaks with their weird new mutant powers and Clark Kent saving the day; Chloe's crush on Clark and Clark's crush on Lana. And Clark protecting his secret and...Lex Luthor! Man, it's just too cool for school. Sure towards the end it got a little watered-down, but the first five or six seasons were more than satisfactory. The stories from each episode and the actors made this series well worthwhile. I have all ten seasons on DVD because I love it that much.

Rated 16+:

Thriller:

Dexter - Most people know who Dexter is by now - a serial killer. I'm not sure if people are aware that he only kills bad guys who escape the justice system though. Anyway, I can tell you one thing for certain: I love Dexter. Again, one of the best characters ever written. I mean you're supposed to hate this guy right - a serial killer - but then you end up rooting for him. How crazy good must a writer (and the actor) be to do this? In my opinion it's genius. When I first started watching this series I thought it's so weird with all the Miami Beach vibes and colours and Spanish people. I didn't think it would be something I'd enjoy because it felt so grown-up (with all the grown-up characters). But again, I was wrong. It is such a good series. Michael C. Hall isn't that attractive, but this character definitely makes him more attractive - that's how good he is as Dexter. The show's eighth and final season was last year and again there was debate over how it ended. Personally I didn't mind the ending because it's a story that is out of my control in anyway, so why moan about it and to be honest I didn't give it much thought. Maybe I would've wanted him to die in the end so he could rest in peace, but at the same time him living alone in the middle of no where as a logger is probably as good as any ending could be. Now that I think about it, it's kind of ironic since he used to chop people up and now he's chopping wood. At least in the end, although alone, he's not killing any more people.

Prison Break – This series is definitely almost certainly my most favourite. From beginning to end this series didn’t ever disappoint. It was four seasons of pure bliss in my opinion. Michael Scofield was a brilliant character and Wentworth Miller’s mysterious and dangerous looks definitely helped make his character authentic. He looked like a bad-ass with his tattoos and all, but in actual fact he was a genius and actually quite a softy. I enjoyed this series with all its twists a lot and could’ve watched four more seasons of it! I also think that the end was perfect. The writers did a good job with this one. 

Drama:

Breaking Bad - This one is a recent favourite. So many people told me to watch it and there was all this hype about how good it is. So I finally decided to check it out and I must say I'm not sorry. Walter White chemistry teacher turned Meth Cook with a crazy, junkie Jesse Pinkman as his sidekick. And not to mention their lawyer Saul Goodman - one of the funniest characters ever. It starts off very strange, but then gradually becomes so good that you can't stop watching it. It's like a snowball; with each episode it gets bigger and bigger and the story gets more and more tense. Season 4 was just pure brilliance and genius in my opinion. There was one stage in Season 5 that the main character -Walter White - annoyed me, but towards the end it got better. There's a lot of talk about how the series ended and although I'm not particularly fond of the ending, I don't have a problem with it. I do agree, however, that they could've done more, but whatever. The actors in this series are just awesome to watch and the plot/writing is brilliant.

Southland - Best cop show EVER and the only police drama I like. Unfortunately the series ended after five seasons, but I feel so lucky to have been able to watch a series like this. It's not your typical cop show, it's realistic and gripping and just SO GOOD. I know the people who have watched this show will agree that it's one of the best, most underrated series of all time. 

Comedy-Drama:

Weeds - I watched all eight seasons back to back last year within probably two weeks. Another absolutely spectacular series. It's strange how series are misconceived based on previews or hearsay or whatever because I thought this series would be a drama a lot like Desperate Housewives or something. Boy was I wrong. Nancy Botwin - played by Mary-Louise Parker - is a mother and a weed dealer and one of the best characters ever written on TV in my opinion. This woman is so cray-cray it's ridiculous, but a real pleasure to watch. And it's not just the one character, but all of them that's just fantastic. I can promise you that this series will blow your mind and is so worth watching. It's also really funny...unexpectedly funny. Easily my most favourite.

I probably left something off, but we all know it's hard to keep track of all the series out there.