Day 6 - Hidden Talent

I don't think I have any talents, hidden or otherwise. I guess it's because I see talent as something that occurs naturally, or at least with minimum effort.

Everything I have achieved, and still aim to achieve, is down to hard work. I've had to graft to get what I want. Sometimes it has paid off, and others... well I guess you can't have a success story for everything you do.

My career is currently a result of 6 years of part time degree study (whilst working and raising my young daughter), plus a further 2 years of teacher training whilst simultaneously teaching a full timetable. I still have more I want to complete (Advanced Teacher Status, Masters) but I have no talent for it, I have to work hard.

My fitness and motivation definitely does not come naturally. I've had to push myself to get into the routine of early morning workouts and healthy eating. Again, this is not talent, just stubbornness.

Day 5 - Favourite Movie

No after thoughts or second guesses needed for this entry. My favourite film is One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. 

I was about 12 years old when my dad first introduced me to this. He brought it home on video and we sat and watched it together. I was mesmerised, mainly with Jack Nicholson's performance as R.P. Mcmurphy. It was the film that sparked something inside me that led to my passion for the movies, and a growing obsession with Jack (and maybe a bit of a crush).

I'm going to start a film challenge this weekend where the first entry is my favourite movie, so I will go into more detail then. For now, I'll ask, what's your favourite film?

Day 4 - Favourite Song

As I've said previously, I love rock and metal. I'm not adverse to other genres, but I like it loud and heavy 🤘

My favourite song is not one from my favourite band (the hubby was certain I'd be writing about a Skindred track). Instead, my favourite song is 'Born to Raise Hell'.

I don't know if it's the music, the lyrics, or even just the fact that it's in the movie 'Airheads' (which I seriously love) but this song just does something for me. Feeling sad - play the song. Feeling angry - play the song. Feeling romantic - sod it, play the song.

I never got to hear the original version live but was lucky enough to see Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons play it with Whitfield Crane at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.

So what about you? Which song is your ultimate track? Feel free to comment here or on the page where you found this link.

See you tomorrow 🤘

Day 3 - Dream job

No, I don't dream of being a cinema usher (I'd end up being fired for ignoring the customers so I could watch the movies and eat all the popcorn). 

I would love to be a film director. Not 'I wanted to be a film director', I want to be - the dream hasn't died yet. I mean Ridley Scott was 42 when he directed Alien, so maybe there's still hope for me yet.

I'm not completely delusional. I know Oscar success might evade me - I've probably got more chance of winning a Razzie, but that didn't harm Halle Berry's career.

My hubby is still encouraging me to go and make a short film of my own and I'm definitely up for the challenge. If I can stay consistent with my writing, it could well be the next step.

If I fail to become the next Kathryn Bigelow, owning my own cinema would be a good conciliation prize.

Day 2 - Goals for March

1) Finish this challenge

I'm quite fickle and sometimes have grand ideas that I don't always see through. I blame it on having so many ideas that something new always comes along and distracts me. However, I'm making a concerted effort to finish this challenge. We'll see where we are in 30 days.

2) Continue prep for photoshoot

I had booked myself a photoshoot to celebrate turning 40. Obviously due to Covid, it had been pushed back (twice). It is booked for 24th April so fingers crossed, with BoJo's recent lockdown road map, this time is the one. With that in mind, I'm trying my best to stay in shape so my photos look good. For March I just want to be consistent and keep my workouts going. I keep changing my mind about the type of body I want to have, but as long as it's fit and healthy, I'll be happy (and if an ab or two decides to make an appearance, I certainly won't complain).

3) Make plans

I'm cautiously optimistic about the end of lockdown. I know things are not set in stone but I also feel better when I have something to look forward to. I love making a list and planning days out (with appropriate wardrobe ideas). So I have started to put things in motion, although slowly and carefully for now. By the end of this month, I would like to have at least booked a staycation for May, and I might start to buy tickets for some theatre shows, although I'm booking way ahead (October time), just in case. I would also like to get out of my flat and go somewhere other than the shops (my current weekend treat) so I have decided to go blossom hunting. One of the houses along my daily walking route has a blossoming tree in the front garden and it definitely lifts my spirits when I see it. Therefore, before the month is through, I would like to visit at least one London park, and spend some time with the cherry blossoms.

Day 1 - About me

It feels a little silly doing this as pretty much everyone who might read this blog already knows me. But, just in case any newbies do sneak in (or found this by accident) it's only polite to introduce myself.

I'm Kerry, 40 years old, currently a teacher but possibly the world's next best film director or movie critic (it's good to have dreams).

I have one teenage daughter who is like me in some ways, and so much better than me in others.

I've been married to Luke for almost 2 years although we've been together for closer to two decades - we were slow up the aisle (insert your own jokes here).

I love movies. I'm obsessed with films of most types (have to confess to not being a massive fan of horror or rom -coms). I am equally happy watching a serious drama or a fast paced action flick. One day I hope to make my own short film, but until then I'm happy to just watch, talk and write about other people's efforts (part admiration and part jealousy). 

I also love heavy music - rock and metal. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate some Lady Gaga or Jamie Cullum (I loved his Christmas album).

I'm happy to enjoy the great outdoors with long nature walks, but just as happy to chill at home in my PJs with a cuppa and some knitting.

OK, think that'll do for now before this starts to sound like some cheesy Tinder profile. I'm sure I'll end up revealing more about myself as the challenge goes on - the good, the bad and the downright weird.