Yesterday, for Mother’s Day, I got my mum three bunches of flowers; one of which were yellow tulips…and they are lovely, even if I say so myself. There’s something about yellow flowers…they seem so…happy. We had a good day yesterday; in the afternoon, I re-watched My Week with Marilyn, this time with my mum, then we all had roast dinner, before heading out to see The Artist at the cinema. Slow, relaxed and cosy.
Friday night; the boy and I had planned to go into London, but I was tired, and he didn’t mind staying in. Friday night; we got a curry, watched My Week with Marilyn (10/10), and then hung out with his sisters (J&V) and J’s boyfriend. All in all, it was a good Friday night in. This keyring (in the photograph) was from our first summer together, in 2007, and it’s a memento from our first holiday in Norfolk. It was a lovely week, in which we went on day trips to Great Yarmouth, Norwich, cycled to villages, and lazed around at the camp-site…happy, summer days.
1 ♥ Tim Burton’s Staring Girl. A friend is using this poem for a piece she has devised at Uni, and I really love it now. It made me laugh.
2 ♥ More than One Thing. This post by Kelle Hampton made me smile earlier this week. It was a gentle reminder that we don’t have to just do one thing in life, we can do more than that…and be happy. It’s worth a read.
3 ♥ “Change your thinking, change your world” – this is so accurate, and I love it. What I love even more, is that I found it printed on a mug…I want it so bad now!
4 ♥ Notes from friends… Mona left me this note, tucked into my laptop, and I found it last night when I got home…
5 ♥ Cake Pops… They’re basically lollipops, but with cake…
6 ♥ Dirty Dancing…enough said.
7 ♥ Bloc Party…I still love them ever so much, even though they’re still on a hiatus.
8 ♥ Coca Cola bottles…
9 ♥ Hot chocolate. I know I say I love this a lot, but I really do love it…
10 ♥ Snuggling with a hot drink and my laptop…
What have you been loving this week?
Last night, my good friend Lizzie came round…and this is what we did! Pizza, film, chocolate and a little catch-up…those are the ingredients for one of the best nights, and I have a little collection of best night recipes, this is certainly one of them. Saturday night out? Saturday night in. Life is good.
A few bloggers that I follow have made their own bucket lists – lists of things you want to achieve before you die, which, yes, is a bit grim, but the idea behind it is a great one – and they’re inspiring me. I don’t know if I would call it a “Bucket List”, but I’m sure I’ll think up a cool name for it…and maybe I’ll put this list up on here when I’m done. Then, every time I’ve done something, yep, you’ve got it, I get to strike it out. And you know how much I love striking things out! So, here are a few bucket lists from those blogs that I like:
Life List – by The Phoenixplains
My Eternal Bucket List – by On Reflection
Fascinating Book Lists – by Read Heavily (this one is more of a list of other lists, of books you should read…)
My summer bucket list – by {dear friend} (this one is a bucket list of things she wanted to achieve during the summer)
Bucket List :] – by Just another teen blogger
These are just a few, and there are countless bucket lists out there – if you know of any good ones, do post the link in the comments! Some people also do [insert number] before [insert number] (such as 30 before 30) lists, which is also another great idea, as it spurs you on to achieve certain things before your next birthday. Most people normally start these lists on their birthday, and continue it until their next birthday, hopefully crossing things off along the way. Here is a 25 before 25 that I really like: 25 before 25 by Leslie Laughs. Have you ever made a bucket list? Or a however many before whatever age you’re going to be list? How did/are they going? What would you recommend for putting on the list? And if you’re looking for a film to do with bucket lists, look no further…
This is a heart-warming film about two terminally ill men, who form an unlikely friendship and set out to complete things on their bucket lists before they die. Takes the idea of a bucket list to the extreme, and really fulfils the aim of one!
This morning, after waiting to see it since it was in the cinemas – for some reason, I just didn’t see it at the cinema, no one seemed to want to come with me – I’ve finally watched…
500 DAYS OF SUMMER
And let me just tell you, it was just as good as I was expecting! I knew it would be about love, but NOT in the whole romantic LOVE STORY kind of way. Which was like a breath of fresh air in a way, because there’s so many romantic-boy-meets-girl films out there, and whilst I am generally a sucker for a GOOD romantic film (The Notebook and Pearl Harbour spring to mind here), I’ve been getting fed up of all these stupid ROM-COMS…which aren’t even very funny or romantic at the end of the day…it seems as if these films are catering more for “lads”, who have a “funny” view of romance and find it hilarious when they watch rom-coms; I’m thinking of films such as The 40-Year-Old-Virgin…or Knocked-Up…and whilst, yes, they’re alright when you’re in the mood to watch those kind of films, I just really miss all these great films about LOVE…so, even though 500 Days Of Summer isn’t actually a LOVE story, it’s ABOUT LOVE…and I absolutely loved it. It’s a relief to find such a good film that doesn’t confine to the usual rom-com rules…it was a romantic film…but it was also funny at some points, making it a rom-com in it’s own right…but it didn’t feel like a rom-com…
And now…I’m looking forward to finding a subtitled screening of Nowhere Boy and Sex, Drugs and Rock’n'Roll…next stop: CINEMA!
It seems that in recent years, society has become obsessed with weight and appearances – but what’s the point…? These days, people often seem to want to label a person’s weight (haven’t a clue why, unless you’re in the medical world), and various labels seem to get thrown around: OBESE, FAT, THIN, ANNOREXIC, STICK-THIN, FRUMPY, NOT-QUITE-FAT-OR-THIN, ENORMOUS, CURVY, TOP-HEAVY, BOTTOM-HEAVY…I feel like I could go on for a lot longer, and I’m also fully aware that there are a lot more words out there that are probably rather offensive…but, seriously, WHY?! Why do people seem intent on labelling other’s weight? Have the “concerned” medical world forced these words down our throats, or is it more to do with size-0 (or rather, size-2 now…!) models that some women feel inclined to look like, or all these glossy women’s magazines that grace the shelves…? Why, oh why, is society obsessed with beauty, figures and how fat or thin women are? I know that men may often have a similar problem, as the men’s magazines are often full of men flexing their “toned muscles” (unless you’re in the minority of men who go out and buy all those “lad’s mags”…with women covering the pages)…and if men are classed as “obese”, then you may see where I’m coming from here. I just don’t understand how society seemed to have become so narrow-minded and so determined to comply with a universal form of “beauty”, a beauty that is often very difficult to achieve.
The other day, my sister and I were watching Sex And The City (the film), and there’s a part within the film when Samantha (if you’re not familiar with SATC, she’s one of the 4 friends) starts to put on weight, apparently without realising it…and turns up in New York to see her friends, and her weight becomes a talking point. However, whilst some people would either turn a blind eye, or cast one eye over her and turn their noses up, her friends were just surprised that this very sexual lady had failed to notice that (probably for the first time in her life) she had been piling on the pounds and earned herself quite a small bulging tummy. Instead of saying things like “Oh my god…” etc, one of them told her that it’s not that they’re shocked about her weight as such, because they think she would look incredible at any size, but it was just they didn’t understand how she had done it without noticing (the answer was that she’d been avoiding mirrors – going through a bad time of it…). It goes to show, that even in one of the blockbusters, in one of the films where fashion is a very large focal point throughout (Carrie’s love of fashion is probably the cause), SIZE IS NOT AN ISSUE. No, rather, it is much better to feel comfortable within your own skin. I really do love SATC, the series AND the film now. (And am eagerly awaiting the next film…hope it doesn’t turn into one of those crap “second” films though!)
The point I’m trying to make here is that whatever your size, don’t let ANYONE ever tell you that you’re not beautiful. In most cases, beauty comes from WITHIN, and is not ANYTHING to do with the EXTERIOR…I only wish that some people would realise that. What is on the exterior is mainly what your appearance is, but sometimes, the most beautiful of people, are in fact not very nice people. However, some beautiful people are incredibly nice people, it just depends on the person I suppose. I’ve been brought up to accept people and not to judge people too quickly – although I obviously realise that there are some times when you have a gut feeling about someone’s character the minute you meet them, normally it’s a warning that you’ll never get along with the said person…or perhaps it’s the opposite, a sign that you’ll get along like a house on fire – I’ve experienced both gut feelings!
Some people have heavy bones, I know I do, and my sister also, so when we weigh ourselves (if ever!), we need to take that into consideration, BUT isn’t it best to look at how you feel…? Whether you feel healthy or not, whether you’re comfortable with your size (and not whether anyone else likes your size, look deep within and actually let yourself answer this one), whether you’re happy with who you are – both inside and out…? Some people have health issues, such as PCO and PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovaries Syndrome) which makes losing weight a hell of a lot harder; it’s just that we shouldn’t really judge another person’s weight because there may be a whole host of reasons behind their weight, and at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is whether the person is happy themselves, we have no right to tell others that they “should lose weight” or anything like that.
I’m waiting for the day when society accepts that size is not, and never has been, an issue. Beauty is not the be all, end all. All that matters is that you learn to love yourself and your body, whatever shape or size you are. Be happy.
Ready, steady…GO!
Let’s make December a good one. It’s the month when people start smiling at one another in the street…or at least, it does in London, when normally, Londoners avert eye-contact. Having said that, recently, the kindness of human nature has been surprising me…a lot. And I’m glad because it means that when you least expect it, someone will help you out. Today, for instance, le mere was trying to sort out her finances so that she has slightly heavier pockets ready for Christmas shopping…and the man she spoke to on the phone about her credit card payments, was, quite honestly, absolutely lovely with her. He advised her to do this and that and not to worry about the card payment, just to cancel the direct debit and focus instead on the mortgage and other bills. And this was coming from a well respected Bank, which is saying something 
Maybe we overlook the kindness of strangers sometimes because most of us were brought up with a “don’t speak to strangers” attitude, and up until recently, I had been following that rule – but mainly because it’s rather embarrassing when someone asks you for directions and you haven’t a clue what they’re asking for – maybe this is actually a PERK of being deaf though?
Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had in ages. For a while now, I’ve been thinking about the old Uni bunch, and how much I was missing them and wanted to catch up with them – yesterday was this day. About an hour or so before we met up, I was getting slightly scared to be honest, because I hadn’t seen them in so long, at least not altogether, so was worried it’d be a bit overwhelming but it was absolutely lovely in the end. Just as I walked in to the theatre we went to, they all seemed to JUMP on me and cover me with hugs, forward, backward and side-ways! Seeing them, made me miss them even more but I’m not so sure if I miss the course though, despite them all saying that they’re enjoying it a lot more this year – but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal experiences and the simple fact was, that I didn’t like the course itself, not the people though, and I hated being away from the friends and, most importantly, the family I had back home. Going away for University isn’t for everyone. But it’s nothing to be ashamed of! It’s important that you do whatever is best for you. I don’t, however, regret going away last year because I’ve met some amazing people and some of them will be friends for life. So, no, I don’t regret it one bit. I only wish that I had the courage to bite the bullet sooner and decide to leave before the summer term ended, because then I wouldn’t have been worrying throughout the last term about whether to leave or not – I would have just made my mind up and enjoy the last term. But, y’know, life is funny like that!
Today is my big sister’s 25th Birthday – Happy Birthday! Hope you get a lot of chocolate, and enjoy the company of the cats We’ve mainly been drinking tea and playing with the cats…it’s been nice so far…and tonight we’re either getting a Chinese take-away, or opting for a cheaper version from ASDA or Sainsbury’s and settling down to watch Coco Before Chanel, the men are just going to have to watch it – Birthday girl gets the dibs anyway!
And now, I’m feeling awfully hungry, so I think it’s time I went and got a bowl of pasta – what else?!
Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days… – Romeo & Juliet
(the meaning is referring to her Wedding night, but I like to think it’s also to do with finding happy nights and days…but hey, hum, everyone interprets things differently…)
Where have all the sunshine days gone…? Personally, this week hasn’t been a great one. But I’m still not completely sure why. I think the problem with volunteering is obviously, one, it’s not paid work and two, you never really know what you’re going to get out of it until you do it. And this week, I feel like I haven’t got as much out of it as I have previously. And it’s making me feel like I should look more seriously for a paid job instead. But I’m just not sure anymore. I took this job at the theatre because it sounded like an amazing opportunity…and it has been. But it’s getting closer to the Christmas show run now and there’s not really much need for me anymore, so I feel like I’m just standing on the side-lines, watching a life that I used to be part of but not really involved with anymore. I don’t know if anyone else feels like that?
I’m trying so hard to find all the little things right now…a smile, or a hug, or comfort food. Anything really. Maybe it’s because it’s coming to an end of the year, and it feels like it’s gone too fast now, even though a lot has happened this year. At the beginning of the year, I was still away from home at University…and it was in January that things slowly started to go a bit downhill. By the end of the Spring term, I hate the course and the University but I didn’t know what to do. Then by the time the Summer term started, I pretty much wanted to leave every minute I was there. But we all got thrown into the deep end because it was the end of year production. EVERYTHING had to be done by us…the set design, the costumes, the lighting, some directional work, research…everything. And it was made worse by the fact that we were studying a Brecht play – WOW…I actually don’t like this dude. So over the summer, I did a bit of soul searching and decided that enough was enough…and I quit. And I’ve been happier for it.
So I really don’t know what is wrong with me at the moment. I think it’s just one of those days that has turned into one of those weeks. Those days when you feel a bit rubbish and don’t have much to motivate you. It seems to be a pattern now though, because it’s getting closer to the end of November and in 2007, my Uncle died at the end of November…and I still miss him. I still think about him. I try to find ways to keep him in my memory because he was such a lovely Uncle, especially when we were young… Every time we had family gatherings, I’ll always remember how his spiky stubble of a beard would prick my face when I went to kiss his cheek… I’ll remember bouncing on his tummy and legs with my cousin(s)… I’ll remember how one time, he made me soldiers and runny eggs…but I was fussy and didn’t want the runny eggs…so he whipped up something else for me… There’s so many childhood memories that he was part of, I never want to forget them. There are so many people who can make up your life, be a part of you…maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think we should forget the special people. Family, friends, inspirational people in your life…don’t forget them, even if you don’t see them anymore, don’t forget them because they could have helped make you into the person you are today.
I need to find a good book to bury myself into…and a good pile of CDs or Vinyl…and maybe a good film to watch tonight or tomorrow…and possibly make myself a good ol’ “To Do List”. Maybe then, I’ll feel more motivated…? I hope so. And I think I might go and make some pancakes, for breakfast…
Throw some sunshine into your day…
Everybody, Do what you’re doing, Your smile will bring a sunshine day…
I truly believe that we lost one of the greats back in July. The idea that Michael Jackson is no longer on this earth is a very strange thing to believe. In fact, I don’t believe it because his music and the legacy he left behind is amazing that he will never cease to inspire people all over the world for years to come yet. His music had a lasting impact on my older sister (Cats and Chocolate) when she was first introduced to MJ when she was 4 or 5 – she was having a tantrum, so our dad shut her in a room and made her listen to Thriller. Not quite sure what he was trying to achieve there, but she’s loved MJ ever since…and that had obviously rubbed off on me.
However, I got the opportunity to perform to the Jackson 5′s “I want you back” when I was about 9 with the beloved theatre company…there was a group of us little ones who had to dress up in retro, sparkly 70′s clothes…and dance our funky moves on stage – choreographed, of course! It’s a great memory, and after that, I was hooked on MJ. The beloved theatre has also performed “Smooth Criminal”, “Thriller” and “Will You Be There”…every song they cover is always good, in my opinion. At their upcoming Gala this month, they’re covering a few MJ songs I think, along with an Abba melody, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”…and a selection of their original songs. Unfortunately, I won’t be on stage but I’ll be behind the scenes…with the little ones, which is always fun.
This Is It has a lovely impact – whilst it was sad to watch, obviously because he should still be here, it was a very optimistic film as well. Throughout the whole film, there was a strong message of LOVE, largely coming from the man himself but also from the people he was working with. Towards the end, MJ said that they were all a family, it was a huge adventure and that they were going to show the audience something they have never seen before…something that would make them want to make a difference. His death had that impact on me, the realisation that life is too short…and despite only living to the age of 50, he had achieved so much – no one can take that away from him, not even the people who are STILL trying to drag him down, even after his life has ended.
I truly want to make a difference to others, I’m not sure whether that philosophy has something to do with growing up within the beloved theatre, my parents, or my experiences as a deaf person…but I feel it’s a combination of a whole range of different influences, and one of those influences is music. I don’t think it’s a good idea to underestimate the power of music; it can take out a message to many people, it can change some people’s lives. MJ is an example of this, his lyrics, his voice, his dances, his ideas…they touched people’s lives. He inspired people. And yet, despite knowing how many people loved him, he was so humble at the same time. His alter ego was huge, yet behind closed doors, he was a shy person – which a lot of people would probably find hard to understand.
Growing up, I was painfully shy. Being on stage was an escape from reality, I could morph into any one I wanted…and I’m sure it’s the same for many people. But then again, there’s a lot of people who just love the buzz they get from the stage… People have different ideals and motivations; I’m in no way forcing anyone to like MJ, I accept that for some people, he was a bit too surreal. But on the other hand, I wish some people would have the same respect for those who love MJ, if we can accept that others may not like his work or lifestyle, then why won’t they accept that others do? It just makes me so angry when people are still so judgemental of people, especially when they haven’t got a good enough reason to judge.
MJ taught me many things, but one thing will always remain with me – music CAN make the world go round. Music CAN make a difference…in the film, he mentioned that they had four years to beat climate change, which left me slightly confused, but then I started to think about Obama, and the fact that he’ll be in office for 4 years…possibly what MJ was referring to…? Some people can be too nonchalant…accept some changes as a good thing – things will change for the best, but it’s up to us to make the change and make a difference to this world.
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