I've written two 'Putting myself in to someone elses shoes' posts lately and they're both still in draft form, floating around in my dashboard.
For some reason I can't bring myself to press the 'Publish Post' button. The thing about having a blog as that whatever you write about you're revealing some part of yourself, you're letting people in. Even some features, if not true are somewhat revealing.
To be quite frank I don't mind strangers reading it so much, more the fact that people I know will stumble onto my blog and discover the truth about me. You see I doubt many people in my year know I exist, and even my best friends don't know everything about me. They take everything I tell them with a pinch of salt and change the subject to something about them. They couldn't pick out a decent present that suited my needs if they tried.
Of course that's not all my friends, a few, one of them more than the others, are completely there for me, they know me very well, but even them, still don't know the real me. Most know about 60% of me, my best friend knows about 90%.
My family know me much better, going on about 97%. Even my soulmate, when I find him, will only know about 99.5% - it's not true love unless they know everything. Right?
So, I'm sorry, I can't bring myself to press that button yet. I'm still not completely sure why.
Monday 9 August 2010
Saturday 7 August 2010
Electricity!
Everyone is so concerned about energy nowadays. What's your carbon footprint? Emissions, electricity. All the energy companies are giving us tips on how to save energy, something my mum has been doing for years. She always nags us about not leaving the TV on standby, turning the lights off, not leaving the fridge door open.
We take electricity for granted and I'll never worry about how much I use until I'm the one paying the bill. Mum doesn't care about the planet either to be honest, she too, only cares about the cost.
Don't get me wrong guys, I care about the environment. I walk pretty much everywhere and take the bus often - actually that's probably because I can't drive but it still sort of counts - I only ever use one major appliance at a time and only boil the kettle when I need to, only using the amount of water I need.
The reason I'm talking about energy is not because I'm advertising 'use less emissions', I'm no tree hugger. The reason is we got a meter reader, which tells us how much we're using in the house and how much it's costing us in a day.
Right now it's about 50% more than usual as we're home and off school and work and using more things, the telly is on all the time. But it really surprised me how conscious I am of the fact we're using energy, even though I'm not paying for it, I'm kinda surprised, which is what the companies want. Well they don't want that because they get less money, but the government wants that and the ozone layer does too.
One thing that I do find hilarious is how crap the companies are at giving these things out. We just switched, and our old company never gave us the meter reader we ordered about six months ago, both meter readers from both companies arrived within days of each other, even though we've switched.
My Grandad is now enjoying nagging my Nan even more about the kettle being on too much - we gave them our spare.
We take electricity for granted and I'll never worry about how much I use until I'm the one paying the bill. Mum doesn't care about the planet either to be honest, she too, only cares about the cost.
Don't get me wrong guys, I care about the environment. I walk pretty much everywhere and take the bus often - actually that's probably because I can't drive but it still sort of counts - I only ever use one major appliance at a time and only boil the kettle when I need to, only using the amount of water I need.
The reason I'm talking about energy is not because I'm advertising 'use less emissions', I'm no tree hugger. The reason is we got a meter reader, which tells us how much we're using in the house and how much it's costing us in a day.
Right now it's about 50% more than usual as we're home and off school and work and using more things, the telly is on all the time. But it really surprised me how conscious I am of the fact we're using energy, even though I'm not paying for it, I'm kinda surprised, which is what the companies want. Well they don't want that because they get less money, but the government wants that and the ozone layer does too.
One thing that I do find hilarious is how crap the companies are at giving these things out. We just switched, and our old company never gave us the meter reader we ordered about six months ago, both meter readers from both companies arrived within days of each other, even though we've switched.
My Grandad is now enjoying nagging my Nan even more about the kettle being on too much - we gave them our spare.
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Birthday over, back to business
I've slacked a bit over the past few days, but who can blame me with my birthday? All I can say is I'm very happy with all my presents, especially my Accessorize range; literally I have a whole outfit of Accessorize buys and I love them to pieces.
Another great present was a book I've had my eye on for sometime; I wanted to read a forbidden romance book that wasn't about vampires, Fallen by Lauren Kate is pretty amazing, I haven't finished it yet, but I highly recommend it to Twilight fans. The sequel, Torment, is due out soon I think.
I'm going to buy my Clarins Beauty Flash Balm as soon as possible. I'll be starting work after my camping holiday, so I may aswell buy the stuff now so I don't look awful during my holiday; besides, I won't get paid for ages after that either, so I can save my income and spend my birthday money; I've already spent a lot, on a handbag and two albums. I exercise thing isn't really happening either, nor is my diet, nor is my recipe book and I've done little to my Art and Literature studying. Basically I'm just being lazy.
Vampires v. Angels??? Hands down vampires win (and by that I mean Edward), sorry Daniel.
Another great present was a book I've had my eye on for sometime; I wanted to read a forbidden romance book that wasn't about vampires, Fallen by Lauren Kate is pretty amazing, I haven't finished it yet, but I highly recommend it to Twilight fans. The sequel, Torment, is due out soon I think.
I'm going to buy my Clarins Beauty Flash Balm as soon as possible. I'll be starting work after my camping holiday, so I may aswell buy the stuff now so I don't look awful during my holiday; besides, I won't get paid for ages after that either, so I can save my income and spend my birthday money; I've already spent a lot, on a handbag and two albums. I had a great birthday, I saw Toy Story 3 with my family which I loved, then went to Bella Italia and had Lasagna (My favourite meal in the whole world) and amazingly left enough room for The Godfather a huge Ice Cream dessert topped with cream with chocolate brownies buried inside. I went shopping also and got a gorgeous handbag from Accessorize that I love; I plan to go shopping properly later.
I have my Movie Night Party on Thursday with all my mates so that should be fun too. I'll write a review of Fallen later when I've finished it. Vampires v. Angels??? Hands down vampires win (and by that I mean Edward), sorry Daniel.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Exercise - eeeek! Project Updates; Exercise balls
So, one of my 'projects' for this summer was to exercise more and lose weight. I've been out jogging twice, and gone on the treadmill once. That's it. I really need to do something else, other than cutting out snacks in my diet.
I need a routine, something I'm not so keen on and something that doesn't suit my creative side. I thought about joining a class, like a dance club or something, but then I hate those sort of things.
I'm constantly reminded of those fitness videos when I think of the word 'workout' you know those ones from the nineties where everyone is wearing leg warmers, spandex and lycra?
I think I need to do something like that, but with one of those exercise balls to tone your thighs and bum, you know where you lay on them and use weights and stuff.
Maybe I'll spend my new income on fitness stuff too. So I google exercise balls and this is the typical picture I get;
Lots of people doing impossible positions on one of these balls, how the hell am I going to do that? Wouldn't the ball just run out from underneath me? I'm predicting bruises. The image was from here, so I have a look at the website to see if it has prices or anymore useful tips.
I need a routine, something I'm not so keen on and something that doesn't suit my creative side. I thought about joining a class, like a dance club or something, but then I hate those sort of things.
I'm constantly reminded of those fitness videos when I think of the word 'workout' you know those ones from the nineties where everyone is wearing leg warmers, spandex and lycra?
I think I need to do something like that, but with one of those exercise balls to tone your thighs and bum, you know where you lay on them and use weights and stuff.
Maybe I'll spend my new income on fitness stuff too. So I google exercise balls and this is the typical picture I get;
Lots of people doing impossible positions on one of these balls, how the hell am I going to do that? Wouldn't the ball just run out from underneath me? I'm predicting bruises. The image was from here, so I have a look at the website to see if it has prices or anymore useful tips. Not really much luck but after some extra surfing I find a video that proves you don't have to be super flexible and strong to be able to use these to get fit and toned, and you can get an exercise ball from pretty much anywhere, so I'll be out on the hunt for one soon.
When I buy one, I'll take some pictures or something to prove that I'm using it. They will probably look hilarious but I hope it's worth it.
Putting Myself Into Someone Else's Shoes - I lost my job
-I'll think of some drama, then put myself in someones shoes, build up a story behind it, then write about what could have happened and what I'd do if it had been me...
I lost my job
Cuts. I blame it on the cuts. Stupid government, can't they see that they're just ruining people's lives? There's never any use asking why, there's nothing I can do to change this, I'll just have to look for another job.
I've been trawling through the Internet looking at vacancies in every company cafeteria, school, bakery, cafe, restaurant and god knows where else for about a month now.
The TV has been off to compensate for the constant buzz of my laptop, I've been eating at my parents house for the past two weeks as I have no money to buy food and my only pair of designer shoes - Christian Louboutins - have been sold on eBay to pay my rent. I really am at the end of my tether.
Everything has just happened at the wrong time, my emergency savings went on my cars MOT, then my debit card was stolen and someone drew out £500 over two days - I only realised when the rent bounced - then suddenly I'm losing my job, company phone - a gorgeous Blackberry Curve - and this is just before I'm due to get the bonus that will save me.
I turn to the pile of newspapers that Mum saved for me and begin to circle anything vaguely appropriate, I also begin to understand that any job will have to do - I need the money.
I ring up a couple of waitressing vacancies and post off another twenty CV's then drive down to Mum's for dinner.
My family have been very supportive over the last month, but to be honest I think Mum is enjoying having me back home so she can control my life. I'm being fed. I must not moan, but every time over any meal it's 'So, what have you done today to get a job? They won't just appear on their own you know darling.' and then you have to talk her through every google search, every ringed vacancy, addressed envelope and phone call. By the end of the meal you're getting it in the neck for not doing enough, even though I'm only ever breaking from my strenuous job search to eat, sleep and wash.
What more can I do? My ambition has all dried up. Five years ago I left university with the dream of working as a chef for a Michelin starred restaurant, what do I get? A job working as cook at a Council office cafeteria. I told myself it was just for experience, just to get me started, to get my feet wet, and gradually I'd work my way up.
I got tired of coming home every night after dealing with moody cooks and customer complaints and searching through restaurant chef vacancies. I got an interview once, but I lost it to someone who won 'Masterchef', and they didn't seem impressed with my mediocre sandwiching skills.
As I reluctantly turned down my parents road I considered turning back and going home, I wanted to avoid the critics. But the grumble of my stomach reminded me how hungry I was and I carried on. One plus from not having enough money to buy food? I've lost about seven pounds.
Turning off the engine I noticed that the fuel gauge was in the red, which just put me in an even worse mood.
Dinner was the same as always, 'No Mum.' 'Yes Mum' 'No Mum, I do not want to train as a mechanic so I can work with Dad.'
Jenny, my tweenage, much younger sister wrapped me up a cupcake sprinkled with stars. She's only ten, bless her.
"I heard your tummy rumbling." She giggled. "I made it myself, from that cookbook you made for me for my birthday!" I thanked her, then begged Dad for twenty quid for fuel when Mum was out of earshot.
It was raining when I finally left, I'd done some mental calculations in my head and I figured if I moved out of the apartment, sold most of my stuff and moved back in with Mum and Dad, I'd be hell of a lot more comfortable. But the idea of having to admit I needed my parents at 26 scared the crap out of me. That would really be admitting defeat.
I pulled into the petrol station and filled up the car to the value of £15, that extra £5 would be the only good thing in my life, I looked over at a guy filling up a BMW, which looked comical next to my Astra.
He was about my age I guessed, well off, obviously, his black messy hair was everywhere and was long enough to cover most of his ears, he was tall, about 6ft, and you could see from his thin shirt that he worked out.
He caught me staring, and I flushed red and looked away quickly. I tried to focus on the car show room across the road, on a sign that read 'Strapped for cash? Don't really need your car? We value and guarantee to buy your car, you'll have the money paid into your account in three days! All paperwork sorted!' My eyes widened and I turned to look at my car, it was small, and pathetic and only a run around. All it was doing was carting me to and from Mum and Dads. I lived right near the shops. I could walk places. I could use the bus.
Suddenly everything pieced itself together, I saw the cupcake Jenny made, simplistic, beautiful, it had cheered me up. I saw the car, the money, my old cooking equipment in the loft left over from University. It was do-able.
I'd make and sell my own cakes! I set up my own Magnolia Bakery in Plymouth! Everyone would come into my shop grumpy and rain soaked, and they'd buy my cheap, but amazing cakes and feel better, people would come in and ask for personalized ones, they would have had forgotten about their friends birthday and my cakes would make everything better.
I smiled, I could take a job as a waitress and work evenings, and run my business by day. It could work. It will work, I looked over at the fit BMW guy and grinned, he grinned back, confused, but happy to.
I skipped over to the shop and paid for the petrol. As I stood in the queue I saw my reflection in the mirror behind the counter, my hair was tied up in a tight ponytail as I didn't use my straighteners anymore - saving electricity - I only wore minimal make-up and I looked awful, but it was my expression that amazed me, I was glowing and I realized everything might be fixed, I had a chance.
I lost my job
Cuts. I blame it on the cuts. Stupid government, can't they see that they're just ruining people's lives? There's never any use asking why, there's nothing I can do to change this, I'll just have to look for another job.
I've been trawling through the Internet looking at vacancies in every company cafeteria, school, bakery, cafe, restaurant and god knows where else for about a month now.
The TV has been off to compensate for the constant buzz of my laptop, I've been eating at my parents house for the past two weeks as I have no money to buy food and my only pair of designer shoes - Christian Louboutins - have been sold on eBay to pay my rent. I really am at the end of my tether.
Everything has just happened at the wrong time, my emergency savings went on my cars MOT, then my debit card was stolen and someone drew out £500 over two days - I only realised when the rent bounced - then suddenly I'm losing my job, company phone - a gorgeous Blackberry Curve - and this is just before I'm due to get the bonus that will save me.
I turn to the pile of newspapers that Mum saved for me and begin to circle anything vaguely appropriate, I also begin to understand that any job will have to do - I need the money.
I ring up a couple of waitressing vacancies and post off another twenty CV's then drive down to Mum's for dinner.
My family have been very supportive over the last month, but to be honest I think Mum is enjoying having me back home so she can control my life. I'm being fed. I must not moan, but every time over any meal it's 'So, what have you done today to get a job? They won't just appear on their own you know darling.' and then you have to talk her through every google search, every ringed vacancy, addressed envelope and phone call. By the end of the meal you're getting it in the neck for not doing enough, even though I'm only ever breaking from my strenuous job search to eat, sleep and wash.
What more can I do? My ambition has all dried up. Five years ago I left university with the dream of working as a chef for a Michelin starred restaurant, what do I get? A job working as cook at a Council office cafeteria. I told myself it was just for experience, just to get me started, to get my feet wet, and gradually I'd work my way up.
I got tired of coming home every night after dealing with moody cooks and customer complaints and searching through restaurant chef vacancies. I got an interview once, but I lost it to someone who won 'Masterchef', and they didn't seem impressed with my mediocre sandwiching skills.
As I reluctantly turned down my parents road I considered turning back and going home, I wanted to avoid the critics. But the grumble of my stomach reminded me how hungry I was and I carried on. One plus from not having enough money to buy food? I've lost about seven pounds.
Turning off the engine I noticed that the fuel gauge was in the red, which just put me in an even worse mood.
Dinner was the same as always, 'No Mum.' 'Yes Mum' 'No Mum, I do not want to train as a mechanic so I can work with Dad.'
Jenny, my tweenage, much younger sister wrapped me up a cupcake sprinkled with stars. She's only ten, bless her.
"I heard your tummy rumbling." She giggled. "I made it myself, from that cookbook you made for me for my birthday!" I thanked her, then begged Dad for twenty quid for fuel when Mum was out of earshot.
It was raining when I finally left, I'd done some mental calculations in my head and I figured if I moved out of the apartment, sold most of my stuff and moved back in with Mum and Dad, I'd be hell of a lot more comfortable. But the idea of having to admit I needed my parents at 26 scared the crap out of me. That would really be admitting defeat.
I pulled into the petrol station and filled up the car to the value of £15, that extra £5 would be the only good thing in my life, I looked over at a guy filling up a BMW, which looked comical next to my Astra.
He was about my age I guessed, well off, obviously, his black messy hair was everywhere and was long enough to cover most of his ears, he was tall, about 6ft, and you could see from his thin shirt that he worked out.
He caught me staring, and I flushed red and looked away quickly. I tried to focus on the car show room across the road, on a sign that read 'Strapped for cash? Don't really need your car? We value and guarantee to buy your car, you'll have the money paid into your account in three days! All paperwork sorted!' My eyes widened and I turned to look at my car, it was small, and pathetic and only a run around. All it was doing was carting me to and from Mum and Dads. I lived right near the shops. I could walk places. I could use the bus.
Suddenly everything pieced itself together, I saw the cupcake Jenny made, simplistic, beautiful, it had cheered me up. I saw the car, the money, my old cooking equipment in the loft left over from University. It was do-able.
I'd make and sell my own cakes! I set up my own Magnolia Bakery in Plymouth! Everyone would come into my shop grumpy and rain soaked, and they'd buy my cheap, but amazing cakes and feel better, people would come in and ask for personalized ones, they would have had forgotten about their friends birthday and my cakes would make everything better.
I smiled, I could take a job as a waitress and work evenings, and run my business by day. It could work. It will work, I looked over at the fit BMW guy and grinned, he grinned back, confused, but happy to.
I skipped over to the shop and paid for the petrol. As I stood in the queue I saw my reflection in the mirror behind the counter, my hair was tied up in a tight ponytail as I didn't use my straighteners anymore - saving electricity - I only wore minimal make-up and I looked awful, but it was my expression that amazed me, I was glowing and I realized everything might be fixed, I had a chance.
Friday 30 July 2010
NYC What is it that makes it the greatest city on earth?
The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. The cultural centre of the world. New York city is arguably one of the most famous cities in history, but what is the draw? Why do writers, artists, bankers and the very rich go to live there?
Facts; Rom-coms (Devil Wears Prada, Picture Perfect, 27 dresses) books (I heart New york, Fairy Tale of New York) TV series (Friends, HIMYM, Gossip girl) Artists (Andy Warhol)
NYC is the most populous city in the US with over eight million in the actual city (New York is actually a state, but this is often overlooked) Wallstreet is the financial capital of US
Source; Wikipedia
Some of the most popular films, books and TV series have been set in New York, typically romantic comedies are set there because women go to the city to find love, or do people think this because of the films? Is it true? Do you really find love in NYC? Or do you think that because of the film? Either way people choose the city.
Dating is always a major part of any TV series set in New York, but I doubt this is because it's the romance capital of the world (that's Paris), it's more that people think they'll find love there and the city is crammed full of singles, so dating is pretty up there on a New Yorkers list of things to do.
Fill a place with buildings and people are going to live there, but lets face it, certain parts of NYC aren't the cleanest, like any city. There are rats, dirty sidewalks, muggings, drugs. Space is very limited, decent sized apartments with security, in a decent area are hard to find at a decent price.
You're constantly reminded that it's the city that never sleeps; you think it will get quieter at night? Think again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to drag the city's name through the mud, I'm just saying like every city it has it's problems, which seem only to be escalated by its fame, drawing the cultured in, but not exactly making it the safest place in the world.
The media industry has lead us to believe that New York is a place full of opportunities, but what it really is, is a huge beacon of the 'american dream', the city lifestyle; having the perfect career, a romance and an almost unlimited selection of upmarket stores.
Its drawn people who have ambition; and therefore culture and talent. This draws more talent in because people think they can 'make it' here, like the city has the power to do that. It has a powerful effect and influence on the media, art, cultural and finance worlds.
Its true, NYC does have the power to change lives, it has resources, it has brains and it has fame that just keeps on growing.
My advice; go there, don't hold back, love it or hate it, you need to experience it.
Facts; Rom-coms (Devil Wears Prada, Picture Perfect, 27 dresses) books (I heart New york, Fairy Tale of New York) TV series (Friends, HIMYM, Gossip girl) Artists (Andy Warhol)
NYC is the most populous city in the US with over eight million in the actual city (New York is actually a state, but this is often overlooked) Wallstreet is the financial capital of US
Source; Wikipedia
Some of the most popular films, books and TV series have been set in New York, typically romantic comedies are set there because women go to the city to find love, or do people think this because of the films? Is it true? Do you really find love in NYC? Or do you think that because of the film? Either way people choose the city.
Dating is always a major part of any TV series set in New York, but I doubt this is because it's the romance capital of the world (that's Paris), it's more that people think they'll find love there and the city is crammed full of singles, so dating is pretty up there on a New Yorkers list of things to do.
Fill a place with buildings and people are going to live there, but lets face it, certain parts of NYC aren't the cleanest, like any city. There are rats, dirty sidewalks, muggings, drugs. Space is very limited, decent sized apartments with security, in a decent area are hard to find at a decent price.
You're constantly reminded that it's the city that never sleeps; you think it will get quieter at night? Think again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to drag the city's name through the mud, I'm just saying like every city it has it's problems, which seem only to be escalated by its fame, drawing the cultured in, but not exactly making it the safest place in the world.
The media industry has lead us to believe that New York is a place full of opportunities, but what it really is, is a huge beacon of the 'american dream', the city lifestyle; having the perfect career, a romance and an almost unlimited selection of upmarket stores.
Its drawn people who have ambition; and therefore culture and talent. This draws more talent in because people think they can 'make it' here, like the city has the power to do that. It has a powerful effect and influence on the media, art, cultural and finance worlds.
Its true, NYC does have the power to change lives, it has resources, it has brains and it has fame that just keeps on growing.
My advice; go there, don't hold back, love it or hate it, you need to experience it.
I have a job!
I am in a very good mood today; after a milk crisis - don't ask - I received the news that a job I thought I'd lost is now mine! I couldn't be happier! I'm not sure how to celebrate, I've told all my family and friends and I start in about three weeks.
At first I thought money! Shopping! But spending money I don't have yet is highly inadvisable. I'm being sensible. I have plans to save a lot of what I earn, but I really want to spend the first lot I get, as a celebration of my first pay cheque, so I'm planning what to buy, excuse me while I go and dream about beauty products I can't afford, oh, no, wait, now I can!
So first I trawl through my favourite beauty blog, 'Beauty Mecca' and find an old post about Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which just made me want to buy it, for those days when I get out of bed, look in the mirror and think, yuck! And travelling too, seeing as it is summertime.
That pretty much convinced me to buy it, and I'm thinking of going to Boots to buy, which may not be the cheapest, but I can get some advantage points, something in which my card is seriously lacking.
At first I thought money! Shopping! But spending money I don't have yet is highly inadvisable. I'm being sensible. I have plans to save a lot of what I earn, but I really want to spend the first lot I get, as a celebration of my first pay cheque, so I'm planning what to buy, excuse me while I go and dream about beauty products I can't afford, oh, no, wait, now I can!
So first I trawl through my favourite beauty blog, 'Beauty Mecca' and find an old post about Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which just made me want to buy it, for those days when I get out of bed, look in the mirror and think, yuck! And travelling too, seeing as it is summertime.
Even though I will be loaded soon with my new job, this is still quite a lot of money for a 50ml tube (Come on, my monthly allowance is £30 and I almost never get it, blame my Mum) so, I do my research on YouTube and try to find some before and after videos as extra concrete evidence for this products amazingness. I like to make sure I'm getting my moneys worth. Not really much luck on YouTube so I Google a before and after image instead. I found this other review, which basically confirmed everything I needed to know.
That pretty much convinced me to buy it, and I'm thinking of going to Boots to buy, which may not be the cheapest, but I can get some advantage points, something in which my card is seriously lacking. So, what to buy next? I'm thinking I'll need to re-stock on some essentials like No7 Radiance Revealed Exfoliator and Olay Refreshing Face Wash, perfume definitely, although my birthday is in two days and I'll probably get some Impulse Body Spray, I really want some decent stuff; like Eternity by Calvin Klein, or Euphoria Blossom. I think I'll stick to Monsoon Perfume for the time being.
I think I'll leave it at that for now and maybe buy some stuff that I wanted and didn't get for my birthday.
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