I feel, of late, I have had a severe case of bad luck - or FML syndrome as it is now quite commonly dubbed. It is such an unpleasant affliction; it makes you angry and upset; it takes things from you, breaks things, confuses proceedings; bad luck is something you wish you could avoid, but is unavoidable. It strikes you when you least expect it, and when you least want it to.
FML syndrome has struck hard so I thought I should give you a run down of the evidence leading to my diagnosis, as during tough times like this, I feel it best to share...
1. My couriered belongings got lost en route to me
2. My student loan did not arrive
3. I missed an audition (à la Joey in Friends)
4. A water bottle opened inside my bag and flooded it
5. Because of no. 4 my new expensive leather purse has water damage
6. Because of no. 4 my blackberry stopped functioning, started again, stopped, now wont function properly
7. After an audition I didn't miss, I was not chosen for the cast
8. A banana was thrown in a crowded bar and struck me square on the forehead*
So to conclude, FML.
I already feel better for telling you all about this horrible set of circumstances, and as I start the day with a cup of steaming coffee in my hand and a new blog post to deliver to you I don't feel like this is the end of the world.
I am sure that this streak of bad luck will run out some time soon (reassurance, please?) and until then I just have to ride it out with a positive attitude. On that note, I'll leave you with a few wise words from some inspirational greats...
'Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats' - Voltaire
'Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference' - Winston Churchill
'A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition' - William Arthur Ward
Bad luck - Be gone!
*This actually happened. Last night.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Thursday, 23 September 2010
...'in the money': Part II
I am furious. I am literally the most angriest person in the whole world. Reason? I found out why my student loan has not arrived. For some reason, when I applied - MONTHS AGO - my application was never processed.
THANKS FOR TELLING ME!!!!!!
All of this time, I have been waiting, patiently, to see my overdraft disappear in one fell swoop at the arrival of my first loan installment, whilst someone, somewhere, in an office looked at my application and decided it wasn't fit to be processed. Fine - maybe there was an error or a mistake on my form. What isn't fine is that this person did NOTHING about it. Surely there is some system for unsuccessful applications? Would it really be so hard for the student loan company to arrange for a letter, or even an email, to be sent alerting you to the fact that in two months time, when university begins, you will not be getting any money and that you need to do something about that now, or else live in poverty for the rest of time? Come on, people!!!!
I just could not believe what I was hearing. This is basically how the conversation with the student loan company went...
Me: My loan hasn't come.
Them: Right, let me check that out for you...here it is...yep, your original application was not accepted.
Me: WHAT?!
Them: your original loan was never acc...
Me: I heard you the first time. So what do I do now?
Them: You have to reapply and then wait for your new application to be accepted before you get any money.
Me: How long will that take?
Them: I couldn't say, possibly a few weeks.
Me: Why was I never told?!
Them: I couldn't say.
Me: I have no money, what do I do until my loan comes in?
Them: I cou...
Me: let me guess, 'you couldn't say'
Them: Well...yes.
Absolutely the most useless person I have ever been subjected to.
I really have no idea how I am going to manage. I have two months rent to pay, with October just around the corner, and I am at the end of my overdraft. My mum has lent me a bit of money so far, and can help me out a bit with money for food etc. but my rent and bills are totaling over a grand. She doesn't just have that kind of money hanging around to throw at me at a moments notice. If she did I probably wouldn't be in financial ruin at the young age of 21.
It is just the worse luck. Last year when I had savings and a job, my loan was right on time, and the year before, my loan was practically early. Yet when I am a penniless pauper, after spending months 'in the red', my loan doesn't come. It was not even late, like I originally thought, it actually wasn't even coming.
I wanted to cry when I found out. I still want to cry. I feel like I'm at a complete loss and there is nothing I can do. So far I have managed to numb the pain by using up my last thirty quid on alcohol and late nights, but now what am I to do?
I feel like I should get some sort of compensation for the ineptness of the student loan company, or at the very least for that ridiculous phone call I was put through. If anyone out there, reading this, works for the student loan company, beware - you have a very, VERY, poor and angry girl after you.
Looks like I will be living rough after all. No jokes this time.
THANKS FOR TELLING ME!!!!!!
All of this time, I have been waiting, patiently, to see my overdraft disappear in one fell swoop at the arrival of my first loan installment, whilst someone, somewhere, in an office looked at my application and decided it wasn't fit to be processed. Fine - maybe there was an error or a mistake on my form. What isn't fine is that this person did NOTHING about it. Surely there is some system for unsuccessful applications? Would it really be so hard for the student loan company to arrange for a letter, or even an email, to be sent alerting you to the fact that in two months time, when university begins, you will not be getting any money and that you need to do something about that now, or else live in poverty for the rest of time? Come on, people!!!!
I just could not believe what I was hearing. This is basically how the conversation with the student loan company went...
Me: My loan hasn't come.
Them: Right, let me check that out for you...here it is...yep, your original application was not accepted.
Me: WHAT?!
Them: your original loan was never acc...
Me: I heard you the first time. So what do I do now?
Them: You have to reapply and then wait for your new application to be accepted before you get any money.
Me: How long will that take?
Them: I couldn't say, possibly a few weeks.
Me: Why was I never told?!
Them: I couldn't say.
Me: I have no money, what do I do until my loan comes in?
Them: I cou...
Me: let me guess, 'you couldn't say'
Them: Well...yes.
Absolutely the most useless person I have ever been subjected to.
I really have no idea how I am going to manage. I have two months rent to pay, with October just around the corner, and I am at the end of my overdraft. My mum has lent me a bit of money so far, and can help me out a bit with money for food etc. but my rent and bills are totaling over a grand. She doesn't just have that kind of money hanging around to throw at me at a moments notice. If she did I probably wouldn't be in financial ruin at the young age of 21.
It is just the worse luck. Last year when I had savings and a job, my loan was right on time, and the year before, my loan was practically early. Yet when I am a penniless pauper, after spending months 'in the red', my loan doesn't come. It was not even late, like I originally thought, it actually wasn't even coming.
I wanted to cry when I found out. I still want to cry. I feel like I'm at a complete loss and there is nothing I can do. So far I have managed to numb the pain by using up my last thirty quid on alcohol and late nights, but now what am I to do?
I feel like I should get some sort of compensation for the ineptness of the student loan company, or at the very least for that ridiculous phone call I was put through. If anyone out there, reading this, works for the student loan company, beware - you have a very, VERY, poor and angry girl after you.
Looks like I will be living rough after all. No jokes this time.
...'in the money'
University has begun, the freshers have arrived, the returners have reappeared but my student loan is no where to be seen.
I am in dire straits. I have 30 pounds left to my name. On any normal week that would be an issue. On freshers week, at one of the most expensive university's in the country, that is what you call a disaster. There is food to be bought, tickets to be purchased and alcohol to be drunk; yet at this rate, by the time my loan shows its sorry little face, I will have wasted away, the tickets will be sold out and I will no longer remember what alcohol is. Tragic.
I can't even drown my sorrows in a pint glass, as I can't afford a pint of anything. I could probably just afford a shot of something, but that wouldn't be sufficient enough to drown all of my sorrows - I am VERY sorrowful.
This summer has generally been a bad one, money wise. I don't know how I got into such a financial mess but it's been awful. I've had to sell myself on street corners and allow my body to be used for medical experiments just to earn a bit of cash....well, almost. I did sell a few belongings on eBay. I was constantly 'in the red' and no matter what money I put into my account, it just got eaten up by my huge overdraft.
I had a job for a while but every pay check went straight back out for my rent. When I got home from uni, I tried to get a job but no where wanted me on such a short term basis. It was then my birthday, and I was counting on getting a hefty sum of money from relatives and the like (it was my 21st after all) but that plan fell through too - I ended up with a measly 100 pounds (yes I am ungrateful and bitter but I'm allowed to be, I'm poor).
When you have no money everything feels that little bit harder. I know they say love makes the world go round but money definitely makes it all run a little smoother. I felt guilty buying a coffee in town and worried whether it was a bit of an extravagance to do so; I had to debate whether it was worth spending a fiver on a return bus fare to town, or out for drinks, if it wasn't for something really important; I had to sit and watch others eating food, or buying drinks when we were out, as I couldn't afford to do the same. It was tough.
I can hear you all out there, telling me to stop moaning, and haven't I heard about the starving childen in Africa?! And yes, of course I know there are people worse off than me in the world, but when you can't pay your rent and you fear you might end up living rough with only a stray dog for company, it is REALLY hard to think about anything other than your shitty bank balance.
So, as you can imagine, I was really looking forward to my student loan landing in my bank account and making everything easier again. But no, apparently that is not what the big man in the sky wants for me. I am destined to find my meals in dustbins and sleep in doorways for the foreseeable future. I will let you know when I surface above the poverty line again, if that ever happens, and until then you will be able to find me and my stray dog in any local rubbish dump/shop doorway.
I am in dire straits. I have 30 pounds left to my name. On any normal week that would be an issue. On freshers week, at one of the most expensive university's in the country, that is what you call a disaster. There is food to be bought, tickets to be purchased and alcohol to be drunk; yet at this rate, by the time my loan shows its sorry little face, I will have wasted away, the tickets will be sold out and I will no longer remember what alcohol is. Tragic.
I can't even drown my sorrows in a pint glass, as I can't afford a pint of anything. I could probably just afford a shot of something, but that wouldn't be sufficient enough to drown all of my sorrows - I am VERY sorrowful.
This summer has generally been a bad one, money wise. I don't know how I got into such a financial mess but it's been awful. I've had to sell myself on street corners and allow my body to be used for medical experiments just to earn a bit of cash....well, almost. I did sell a few belongings on eBay. I was constantly 'in the red' and no matter what money I put into my account, it just got eaten up by my huge overdraft.
I had a job for a while but every pay check went straight back out for my rent. When I got home from uni, I tried to get a job but no where wanted me on such a short term basis. It was then my birthday, and I was counting on getting a hefty sum of money from relatives and the like (it was my 21st after all) but that plan fell through too - I ended up with a measly 100 pounds (yes I am ungrateful and bitter but I'm allowed to be, I'm poor).
When you have no money everything feels that little bit harder. I know they say love makes the world go round but money definitely makes it all run a little smoother. I felt guilty buying a coffee in town and worried whether it was a bit of an extravagance to do so; I had to debate whether it was worth spending a fiver on a return bus fare to town, or out for drinks, if it wasn't for something really important; I had to sit and watch others eating food, or buying drinks when we were out, as I couldn't afford to do the same. It was tough.
I can hear you all out there, telling me to stop moaning, and haven't I heard about the starving childen in Africa?! And yes, of course I know there are people worse off than me in the world, but when you can't pay your rent and you fear you might end up living rough with only a stray dog for company, it is REALLY hard to think about anything other than your shitty bank balance.
So, as you can imagine, I was really looking forward to my student loan landing in my bank account and making everything easier again. But no, apparently that is not what the big man in the sky wants for me. I am destined to find my meals in dustbins and sleep in doorways for the foreseeable future. I will let you know when I surface above the poverty line again, if that ever happens, and until then you will be able to find me and my stray dog in any local rubbish dump/shop doorway.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
...something bigger and better
It's funny how you imagine your life will pan out when you're young. When I was 9 or 10 I remember watching a documentary on Britney Spears; She was a 17 year old girl, who was massively famous with a no. 1 already under her belt. That will be me, I thought. I was 10, so I worked out I had 7 years to get to where she was (maths was a strong point of mine). Plenty of time!
At 13, I was still a regular girl from Newcastle, with that dream of being famous at 17. I hadn't given up hope at this point though - I still had 4 years yet!! No need to worry.
I'm now 21, and you might not have guessed, but I am not famous. I am not known the world over for my singing ability, or my acting skill. I do not have millions of fans screaming my name, and aspiring to be like me. Thing is, when I hit 17, and realised that my life hadn't gone the way I thought it might, it was a bit of a blow, but I knew I was still young; I didn't give up that dream of becoming successful because by then it had manifested itself into something more. I was now at the point where it was an ambition to be an actor - gone were the days when I just wanted to have the Britney Spears lifestyle, this was serious now.
The fact I was still a nobody though was also serious. And at 21, it is even more so than ever.
I have three close friends who all graduated at the start of the summer, and only one has got a job and is working now. I have other friends who, like me, have another year of study left, but ultimately are at a bit of a loss as to what will happen when this year is up. Then, I have friends who seem to have it sorted. These are the people I hate. The people who stress me out without knowingly doing so. The ones who when you ask what their plan is going to be, can succinctly tell you what they will be doing this time next year. More often than not, these people don't actually know for sure that their plan will run it's course, however they have done so much leg work already, its seems almost inevitable that it will.
At 21, my aspirations have altered slightly. My dream now is not simply to become a successful actor; I am very interested in television and radio, and the presenting side of things. Even writing has much more of an appeal than I ever thought it would. Yet, I know there are so many other people out there with similar aspirations, and I know one of these people.
This person, lets call them Jo, wants to go down a similar path to me. Jo also falls into the category of one of those people who unknowingly worries me. Jo has already got masses of experience. There's the amateur radio show, the impressive following of media professionals and music industry buffs on twitter, the blog, the work experience with big media companies - the list goes on. How can I compete with someone like this? Why did I not start years ago, and build up this back catalogue of resources and experience?
It has gotten to the time in our lives where we need to be pro-active, for our own sakes. For me, for my friends who have graduated, and for those who have no idea which way they are going in life, this is make or break time. It pains me to say it, but it's true.
All we want to do really is rely on our parents, have fun, have money, and have things sorted out by the magic elf who comes to all adults and turns their lives into something resembling a respectable job and lifestyle (there is no magic elf, but who told us? nobody, that's who). This is the time in our life when things change, and it is no longer possible to go from day to day knowing your parents will take care of things, or to think its ok to meet your mates in town every other day for a Starbucks and a quick shop around Topshop for a new outfit for the following night out.
We have to be responsible, pro-active, productive, have energy and drive, and start to make things happen. Otherwise we will never be bigger and better. I should have started all this a while ago and I am sorry I didn't.
Jo, I hate you yet simultaneously, you are my role model (sorry Britney, times have changed). Its time to stop messing around and go for whatever it is I, and you, want to do. Don't panic, don't be scared, just take it one step at a time, and make sure you know your direction.
Things can happen, but, frustratingly, only we can make them happen. Ain't life a bitch?!
At 13, I was still a regular girl from Newcastle, with that dream of being famous at 17. I hadn't given up hope at this point though - I still had 4 years yet!! No need to worry.
I'm now 21, and you might not have guessed, but I am not famous. I am not known the world over for my singing ability, or my acting skill. I do not have millions of fans screaming my name, and aspiring to be like me. Thing is, when I hit 17, and realised that my life hadn't gone the way I thought it might, it was a bit of a blow, but I knew I was still young; I didn't give up that dream of becoming successful because by then it had manifested itself into something more. I was now at the point where it was an ambition to be an actor - gone were the days when I just wanted to have the Britney Spears lifestyle, this was serious now.
The fact I was still a nobody though was also serious. And at 21, it is even more so than ever.
I have three close friends who all graduated at the start of the summer, and only one has got a job and is working now. I have other friends who, like me, have another year of study left, but ultimately are at a bit of a loss as to what will happen when this year is up. Then, I have friends who seem to have it sorted. These are the people I hate. The people who stress me out without knowingly doing so. The ones who when you ask what their plan is going to be, can succinctly tell you what they will be doing this time next year. More often than not, these people don't actually know for sure that their plan will run it's course, however they have done so much leg work already, its seems almost inevitable that it will.
At 21, my aspirations have altered slightly. My dream now is not simply to become a successful actor; I am very interested in television and radio, and the presenting side of things. Even writing has much more of an appeal than I ever thought it would. Yet, I know there are so many other people out there with similar aspirations, and I know one of these people.
This person, lets call them Jo, wants to go down a similar path to me. Jo also falls into the category of one of those people who unknowingly worries me. Jo has already got masses of experience. There's the amateur radio show, the impressive following of media professionals and music industry buffs on twitter, the blog, the work experience with big media companies - the list goes on. How can I compete with someone like this? Why did I not start years ago, and build up this back catalogue of resources and experience?
It has gotten to the time in our lives where we need to be pro-active, for our own sakes. For me, for my friends who have graduated, and for those who have no idea which way they are going in life, this is make or break time. It pains me to say it, but it's true.
All we want to do really is rely on our parents, have fun, have money, and have things sorted out by the magic elf who comes to all adults and turns their lives into something resembling a respectable job and lifestyle (there is no magic elf, but who told us? nobody, that's who). This is the time in our life when things change, and it is no longer possible to go from day to day knowing your parents will take care of things, or to think its ok to meet your mates in town every other day for a Starbucks and a quick shop around Topshop for a new outfit for the following night out.
We have to be responsible, pro-active, productive, have energy and drive, and start to make things happen. Otherwise we will never be bigger and better. I should have started all this a while ago and I am sorry I didn't.
Jo, I hate you yet simultaneously, you are my role model (sorry Britney, times have changed). Its time to stop messing around and go for whatever it is I, and you, want to do. Don't panic, don't be scared, just take it one step at a time, and make sure you know your direction.
Things can happen, but, frustratingly, only we can make them happen. Ain't life a bitch?!
...taken with a pinch of salt (re video blog)
Since uploading my vid-blogs, I have felt out of sorts; I've been in a state of turmoil I suppose. Tonight though I have put my finger on the crux of it all. I have been very worried about your opinions of me, and the videos. All I can think of is you out there watching my vid-blogs and either cringing with embarrassment, laughing at the fool that is moi, or stopping them after 10 seconds. All of these reactions are not ideal in helping with ones self esteem.
So, I want to say this. Take me, take the videos, with a pinch of salt.
Not literally. I don't want to have the health standards agency on to me about my part in the sudden increase of high blood pressure across the nation.
I mean, I have really had an excellent time putting these videos together; I got to talk about something I am interested in; it wasn't a great review of the film, yet that wasn't the point.
I wanted to put myself out there in a different way, a way that excites me and interests me. I needed something to talk about so that I had something to record and play with, but essentially the fact that I was reviewing a big film is neither here nor there.
I bet for the majority of the time you watched the videos, you were focusing on me - my face, my gestures - and not on what I was actually saying, and THAT is what the point of it was. I said this a few posts ago - promise, I did - but I think I just forgot. I have been scrutinizing the videos for bits that could ruin my street cred (I think I may have just ruined it myself by actually uttering the words 'street cred'...how embarrasing!) and panicking about how people will take the review. But, you know what? From here on, I am worrying no more.
I put myself out there and its funny, if nothing else. I would like to think the videos aren't a complete flop but it is not the end of the world if they are. They serve a purpose much greater than just entertainment for me (see post '...a video blogger' for further explanation).
So to sum up: video blog, pinch of salt, done.
Please leave some comments about the place to let me know how you think this is all coming on, that would be delightful. Over and out.
So, I want to say this. Take me, take the videos, with a pinch of salt.
Not literally. I don't want to have the health standards agency on to me about my part in the sudden increase of high blood pressure across the nation.
I mean, I have really had an excellent time putting these videos together; I got to talk about something I am interested in; it wasn't a great review of the film, yet that wasn't the point.
I wanted to put myself out there in a different way, a way that excites me and interests me. I needed something to talk about so that I had something to record and play with, but essentially the fact that I was reviewing a big film is neither here nor there.
I bet for the majority of the time you watched the videos, you were focusing on me - my face, my gestures - and not on what I was actually saying, and THAT is what the point of it was. I said this a few posts ago - promise, I did - but I think I just forgot. I have been scrutinizing the videos for bits that could ruin my street cred (I think I may have just ruined it myself by actually uttering the words 'street cred'...how embarrasing!) and panicking about how people will take the review. But, you know what? From here on, I am worrying no more.
I put myself out there and its funny, if nothing else. I would like to think the videos aren't a complete flop but it is not the end of the world if they are. They serve a purpose much greater than just entertainment for me (see post '...a video blogger' for further explanation).
So to sum up: video blog, pinch of salt, done.
Please leave some comments about the place to let me know how you think this is all coming on, that would be delightful. Over and out.
...a video blogger: part II The full review
Better lighting, teamed with a little experience and what d'ya know? It's pretty much the same. Apologies.
One of these days I will be a video bogging pro.
Anyway, the rest of my review on Notes On a Scandal. Enjoy.
One of these days I will be a video bogging pro.
Anyway, the rest of my review on Notes On a Scandal. Enjoy.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
...a video blogger
Here it is!!!! Well...sort of...
IMPORTANT - I need to make a few things clear; first of all this is only part one (not sure after you have watched it whether you will be happy about this fact or not), I have much more to say on the matter in discussion but was allowing myself a chance to give the whole vid-blog a go. Secondly, I am a rookie in the editing department so apologies if the transitions don't run so smoothly.
Oh and I would apologise about the ugly mug in the vid, but there's not much I can do about that.
Here's hoping.....
IMPORTANT - I need to make a few things clear; first of all this is only part one (not sure after you have watched it whether you will be happy about this fact or not), I have much more to say on the matter in discussion but was allowing myself a chance to give the whole vid-blog a go. Secondly, I am a rookie in the editing department so apologies if the transitions don't run so smoothly.
Oh and I would apologise about the ugly mug in the vid, but there's not much I can do about that.
Here's hoping.....
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
...a size 10/12: part III: The Dwarf and the Mountaineer
Earlier today I made my return to the world of exercise, and finally went back to the gym! Hoorah! I am currently feeling very good about myself. I even cycled there and back. I know, I know, what a star I am. I got to the gym, and had some previous thoughts of mine confirmed by the sight of a dwarf, a man in a suit and the doppelganger of Dennis the Menace, wandering in before me.
These previous thoughts were essentially along the lines of, 'wow, you do get some odd balls in the gym, don't you'*.
So, in I went, and straight onto what I like to call, the giant stepper. It is basically a bigger cross-trainer, but simulates an action more similar to climbing a hill than running (crazy, eh?). I decided to listen to the dialogue from the t.v. shows that were on in front of me, instead of my usual 'pumped-up playlist' on my iPod (I'm making WILD decisions left, right and centre today) and stumbled upon Loose Women.
Today their guest was lead singer of The Script, Danny O'Donoghue. He was, in fact, the deciding factor in the decision I took to not switch over to another channel. I do love a good sing-a-long to a Script song, and think Danny is quite pleasing on the eye so listened a while longer as my legs worked the giant stepper. At the ad break I switched to the next channel where Taio Cruz's music video for his new single, Dynamite, was on. Why didn't I switch sooner, I thought, as I began to climb in-time with the music and felt massively energized. This feels GOOD, I thought! Yes! I am back in the gym and loving it! Burn those calories, bitch! Yeah! ... Then the song ended and I plumeted back down, deciding I had had enough of the exhausting giant stepper, and it was time for a change.
It was while sitting on the rowing machine next, that I saw another odd ball appear. The man, who I have now given the title, the Mountaineer, jumped on the giant stepper that I had just vacated with all the energy of a small child after consuming too many coloured sweets. He then began to step so furiously, I decided he must be training to climb Everest with a goal time of about ten minutes. Seriously, the Mountaineer was going for it.
Not for long though, it turned out. At three minutes, the Mountaineer's face was puce with exhaustion and he could have filled a dried-out well with the amount of sweat pouring off him. He had obviously gone too hard too soon (no innuendo intended) and had to demount the giant stepper for fear of ruining his Everest mission due to physical exhaustion.
I, meanwhile, was feeling great. I moved onto the treadmill, with the dwarf by my side. Not literally - I mean he wasn't there supporting me through my work out - but he was a couple of treadmills down, going at an easy pace. Ahead of me, I spied man-in-a-suit. Turned out he was actually quite a young guy, and quite good-looking. I, of course, kept a (subtle) eye on him, although not for long as he began to make me seriously worry for his health. Yes he was good looking but he was certainly not buff - his arms were like stick insects - yet, he was lifting a pair of ginormous weights (I like to think it was to impress me, teehee). I genuinely thought he might break an arm and had to look elsewhere as my squeamish side took over. What a shame, time passed much quicker when I had a hotty to stalk.
As I was leaving the gym, I got caught in the turnstiles and felt a little embarrassed - I blame the post-workout thrill I was feeling at the time - but guess who was on hand to help me out? Dennis the Menace himself.
*No genuine offense was meant to dwarfs, men in suits, or in fact Dennis the Menace lookalikes.
These previous thoughts were essentially along the lines of, 'wow, you do get some odd balls in the gym, don't you'*.
So, in I went, and straight onto what I like to call, the giant stepper. It is basically a bigger cross-trainer, but simulates an action more similar to climbing a hill than running (crazy, eh?). I decided to listen to the dialogue from the t.v. shows that were on in front of me, instead of my usual 'pumped-up playlist' on my iPod (I'm making WILD decisions left, right and centre today) and stumbled upon Loose Women.
Today their guest was lead singer of The Script, Danny O'Donoghue. He was, in fact, the deciding factor in the decision I took to not switch over to another channel. I do love a good sing-a-long to a Script song, and think Danny is quite pleasing on the eye so listened a while longer as my legs worked the giant stepper. At the ad break I switched to the next channel where Taio Cruz's music video for his new single, Dynamite, was on. Why didn't I switch sooner, I thought, as I began to climb in-time with the music and felt massively energized. This feels GOOD, I thought! Yes! I am back in the gym and loving it! Burn those calories, bitch! Yeah! ... Then the song ended and I plumeted back down, deciding I had had enough of the exhausting giant stepper, and it was time for a change.
It was while sitting on the rowing machine next, that I saw another odd ball appear. The man, who I have now given the title, the Mountaineer, jumped on the giant stepper that I had just vacated with all the energy of a small child after consuming too many coloured sweets. He then began to step so furiously, I decided he must be training to climb Everest with a goal time of about ten minutes. Seriously, the Mountaineer was going for it.
Not for long though, it turned out. At three minutes, the Mountaineer's face was puce with exhaustion and he could have filled a dried-out well with the amount of sweat pouring off him. He had obviously gone too hard too soon (no innuendo intended) and had to demount the giant stepper for fear of ruining his Everest mission due to physical exhaustion.
I, meanwhile, was feeling great. I moved onto the treadmill, with the dwarf by my side. Not literally - I mean he wasn't there supporting me through my work out - but he was a couple of treadmills down, going at an easy pace. Ahead of me, I spied man-in-a-suit. Turned out he was actually quite a young guy, and quite good-looking. I, of course, kept a (subtle) eye on him, although not for long as he began to make me seriously worry for his health. Yes he was good looking but he was certainly not buff - his arms were like stick insects - yet, he was lifting a pair of ginormous weights (I like to think it was to impress me, teehee). I genuinely thought he might break an arm and had to look elsewhere as my squeamish side took over. What a shame, time passed much quicker when I had a hotty to stalk.
As I was leaving the gym, I got caught in the turnstiles and felt a little embarrassed - I blame the post-workout thrill I was feeling at the time - but guess who was on hand to help me out? Dennis the Menace himself.
*No genuine offense was meant to dwarfs, men in suits, or in fact Dennis the Menace lookalikes.
...a blogger: part III
Hello out there, I have got some news for you.
As you can see my blog is coming along ok so far, I am starting to enjoy the experience - as opposed to dreading the moment I press the 'submit post' button for fear that millions of people all over the world would begin to LOL, literally, at my writing.
So I have decided to take a profound and controversial step forward on my blogging journey, and will soon be submitting a video post!!!!!! Yes, you assumed correctly, I will be sharing my thoughts on a certain matter via the technological medium of video, rather than writing it out.
This is a terrifying prospect.
So, why, I hear you ask, put yourself through it, dear Georgia?
Well, for those of you who have not read my mini-bio attached to this blog, you will be unaware that I am a budding actor. In fact I am a budding actor, entertainer, presenter, broadcaster, writer of funny blogs (!!) and so on and so forth. Therefore, I feel it necessary to start to express myself through mediums more in-line with the media/performance spheres.
If I want to be a successful t.v. or radio personality, I need to be aware of how I speak when I am being filmed; I need to be aware of how I act and move, what my habits are, what needs to go and what needs to stay in terms of gestures and the like. That being the case, it is time to start filming myself, and getting some feedback on it, so where better to start but here, with you?!
You can see why this is pretty terrifying though, can't you? Not only judging myself, but having whoever you are out there judging me too, is a tad overwhelming. Yet there is no getting round it, its for my own good, for my own future....
I'm still shitting it though.
The video post will be with you soon.
As you can see my blog is coming along ok so far, I am starting to enjoy the experience - as opposed to dreading the moment I press the 'submit post' button for fear that millions of people all over the world would begin to LOL, literally, at my writing.
So I have decided to take a profound and controversial step forward on my blogging journey, and will soon be submitting a video post!!!!!! Yes, you assumed correctly, I will be sharing my thoughts on a certain matter via the technological medium of video, rather than writing it out.
This is a terrifying prospect.
So, why, I hear you ask, put yourself through it, dear Georgia?
Well, for those of you who have not read my mini-bio attached to this blog, you will be unaware that I am a budding actor. In fact I am a budding actor, entertainer, presenter, broadcaster, writer of funny blogs (!!) and so on and so forth. Therefore, I feel it necessary to start to express myself through mediums more in-line with the media/performance spheres.
If I want to be a successful t.v. or radio personality, I need to be aware of how I speak when I am being filmed; I need to be aware of how I act and move, what my habits are, what needs to go and what needs to stay in terms of gestures and the like. That being the case, it is time to start filming myself, and getting some feedback on it, so where better to start but here, with you?!
You can see why this is pretty terrifying though, can't you? Not only judging myself, but having whoever you are out there judging me too, is a tad overwhelming. Yet there is no getting round it, its for my own good, for my own future....
I'm still shitting it though.
The video post will be with you soon.
Monday, 6 September 2010
...a size 10/12: part II
This aspiration of mine has taken a backseat in recent days - in fact I haven't been to the gym for a week and in that time, I have consumed a birthday cake three layers high, a box of Ferrero Roche, numerous cup cakes, my weight (times four) in alcohol, half a packet of cookies and one jelly snake.
It's been an unhealthy week to say the least. Vanessa Feltz et al. would be proud.
It has been my birthday week (hence the three layered birthday cake - this isn't a regular snack of choice) and so I gave myself a bit of a break from the gym. To be honest I didn't even have time to go if I had wanted to. Or maybe I did.
That's quite an over-used excuse, isn't it? 'I didn't have time...' Really, I could have gotten up an hour earlier on some days and been to the gym then, or I could have chosen not to sit and watch Jeremy Kyle talk, for the millionth time, about why we should put something on the end of it. But I didn't. And now I am sitting here feeling guilty.
In just under two weeks, I have to return to uni and will immediately be thrown back into the rigors of hockey training. We were sent pre-season training programs which entailed 3 sessions a week of cardio exercise, core strengthening and stick and ball work. I substituted the exercise plan laid out in the program, for 3-4 sessions a week in the gym mainly doing the same thing as was laid out. However, I did fail to bring my hockey stick and ball back home with me so I will turn up to our first training session with all the skill of Adam Rickett on The Games.
If you have only ever seen Adam Rickett looking svelte in his sweaty, smoke-filled music vids, or going down t' pub on Corrie, then this is a must-see. The 100 metre sprint is a particular favourite of mine.
Anyway, a week ago I was fully into this training program but now can't quite find the impetus to get back on it, and after reading an article in this months Glamour magazine entitled, '8 Reasons why I miss being Fat', I'm worried I never will. The article, written by now-18-stone-but-was-36-stone Alice, explains the reasons why 'sometimes, she misses some aspects of being fat'. Well! In that case, I shall cancel my gym membership immediately! Orrrrr not. However, I read on, not wanting to judge a book by its still rather large cover.
As I read, I realised that this was just another formerly-fat-now-slightly-slimmer girl trying to get column inches out of her weight loss. All credit to her, as Glamour certainly thought her story was worth it (although the article is situated on page 298 out of a possible 320 pages) but honestly, she doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Here's just one example of her reasons for missing being morbidly obese - not having people sit next to her on public transport. Yes, she actually wishes she were back to her old 36 stone self, with a heart-attack fast approaching just so she can get a bit of personal space again on the bus. Fascinating. Just, fascinating.
So, looks like I wont be canceling that gym membership after all. Actually, whilst reading the article I have felt more inclined to get back on the treadmill as looking at the accompanying picture of Alice's "slimmer" 18 stone figure, has surprisingly (note the sarcasm) not made me miss my heavier self.
It's been an unhealthy week to say the least. Vanessa Feltz et al. would be proud.
It has been my birthday week (hence the three layered birthday cake - this isn't a regular snack of choice) and so I gave myself a bit of a break from the gym. To be honest I didn't even have time to go if I had wanted to. Or maybe I did.
That's quite an over-used excuse, isn't it? 'I didn't have time...' Really, I could have gotten up an hour earlier on some days and been to the gym then, or I could have chosen not to sit and watch Jeremy Kyle talk, for the millionth time, about why we should put something on the end of it. But I didn't. And now I am sitting here feeling guilty.
In just under two weeks, I have to return to uni and will immediately be thrown back into the rigors of hockey training. We were sent pre-season training programs which entailed 3 sessions a week of cardio exercise, core strengthening and stick and ball work. I substituted the exercise plan laid out in the program, for 3-4 sessions a week in the gym mainly doing the same thing as was laid out. However, I did fail to bring my hockey stick and ball back home with me so I will turn up to our first training session with all the skill of Adam Rickett on The Games.
If you have only ever seen Adam Rickett looking svelte in his sweaty, smoke-filled music vids, or going down t' pub on Corrie, then this is a must-see. The 100 metre sprint is a particular favourite of mine.
Anyway, a week ago I was fully into this training program but now can't quite find the impetus to get back on it, and after reading an article in this months Glamour magazine entitled, '8 Reasons why I miss being Fat', I'm worried I never will. The article, written by now-18-stone-but-was-36-stone Alice, explains the reasons why 'sometimes, she misses some aspects of being fat'. Well! In that case, I shall cancel my gym membership immediately! Orrrrr not. However, I read on, not wanting to judge a book by its still rather large cover.
As I read, I realised that this was just another formerly-fat-now-slightly-slimmer girl trying to get column inches out of her weight loss. All credit to her, as Glamour certainly thought her story was worth it (although the article is situated on page 298 out of a possible 320 pages) but honestly, she doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Here's just one example of her reasons for missing being morbidly obese - not having people sit next to her on public transport. Yes, she actually wishes she were back to her old 36 stone self, with a heart-attack fast approaching just so she can get a bit of personal space again on the bus. Fascinating. Just, fascinating.
So, looks like I wont be canceling that gym membership after all. Actually, whilst reading the article I have felt more inclined to get back on the treadmill as looking at the accompanying picture of Alice's "slimmer" 18 stone figure, has surprisingly (note the sarcasm) not made me miss my heavier self.
Friday, 3 September 2010
...a guardian angel
I have something that is worrying me. Something, someone. I need to be a guardian angel and have the omnipresence that that would bring, but I can't be.
I was going to say that I've realised worrying is an exhausting activity, but it's not that I have only just realised this but rather that I have remembered this fact. I have worried like this before and felt, and seen, the effects of that. It sort of takes over your head; even when you're not thinking about it...you somehow are. It dilutes hunger, saps energy and dulls the highs.
I want to have answers and aid; I want to have a wand to wave over it all and Bernard's watch to turn back the time. I want to be able to reassure and mend. I don't know how though.
This isn't a cry for help, but more a temporary relief of sorts. A sigh. A release, for a moment, of the tension that is keeping me tense. A way of letting it out.
It's a shout of frustration, in words.
I was going to say that I've realised worrying is an exhausting activity, but it's not that I have only just realised this but rather that I have remembered this fact. I have worried like this before and felt, and seen, the effects of that. It sort of takes over your head; even when you're not thinking about it...you somehow are. It dilutes hunger, saps energy and dulls the highs.
I want to have answers and aid; I want to have a wand to wave over it all and Bernard's watch to turn back the time. I want to be able to reassure and mend. I don't know how though.
This isn't a cry for help, but more a temporary relief of sorts. A sigh. A release, for a moment, of the tension that is keeping me tense. A way of letting it out.
It's a shout of frustration, in words.
...a party planner: part II
So the big day has been and gone and it turns out the worrying was all in vain! As I sit here, munching on a piece of birthday cake (how many calories is that??) and looking back over my birthday week, I can't help but crack a smile.
I wanted an Alice in Wonderland themed party that would let imaginations run wild; I wanted my garden turned into wonderland, with a mad hatter's tea party at the centre of it all; I wanted fantastic, flickering fairy lights and bulbs glowing with bright colours, alongside candles and teapots. And guess what? That is what I got, along with a whole lot more...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=647469&id=1611480057&ref=fbx_album#!/video/video.php?v=421277431781
Photos couldn't convey the atmosphere, nor could the video above really, but it was magical! Self appreciation isn't always attractive but on this occasion I can't help myself - my party planning is officially excellent. I can now call myself a successful party planner as I had hoped I would be able to.
Of course I had tons of help, and massive thanks go to all the donators of teapots and teacups; to the painters of wood; to the makers of cakes and to the sponsors of the event (cheers ma and pa). I love you all. The pic below is my beautiful birthday cake, hand crafted by two of my bessies, Harriet and Emily (emilysargent@wordpress.com) - I think you will all agree, it is a master piece.
Get your orders in now for birthdays and weddings!!!!
Looking back on the night however, I can quite easily say the ingredient that really made all the difference to the success of my party was the effort my guests put in. AND THEY PUT ALL THE EFFORT IN THEY HAD!! My friends are truly the greatest and they turned up suited and booted with enthusiasm to match that of Jedward...on coke. We had a white rabbit, a caterpillar, a giant playing card, a flamingo, queens of hearts, cheshire cats and even a leprechaun (she didn't get the memo).
What a carnival it was.
I aspired to be a party planner, stressed my arse off over it all, and then revelled in the delight of what turned out to be the most wonderful 21st ever. Challenge 'party planner' gets a nice big tick!
Until next year.........
I wanted an Alice in Wonderland themed party that would let imaginations run wild; I wanted my garden turned into wonderland, with a mad hatter's tea party at the centre of it all; I wanted fantastic, flickering fairy lights and bulbs glowing with bright colours, alongside candles and teapots. And guess what? That is what I got, along with a whole lot more...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=647469&id=1611480057&ref=fbx_album#!/video/video.php?v=421277431781
Photos couldn't convey the atmosphere, nor could the video above really, but it was magical! Self appreciation isn't always attractive but on this occasion I can't help myself - my party planning is officially excellent. I can now call myself a successful party planner as I had hoped I would be able to.
Of course I had tons of help, and massive thanks go to all the donators of teapots and teacups; to the painters of wood; to the makers of cakes and to the sponsors of the event (cheers ma and pa). I love you all. The pic below is my beautiful birthday cake, hand crafted by two of my bessies, Harriet and Emily (emilysargent@wordpress.com) - I think you will all agree, it is a master piece.
Looking back on the night however, I can quite easily say the ingredient that really made all the difference to the success of my party was the effort my guests put in. AND THEY PUT ALL THE EFFORT IN THEY HAD!! My friends are truly the greatest and they turned up suited and booted with enthusiasm to match that of Jedward...on coke. We had a white rabbit, a caterpillar, a giant playing card, a flamingo, queens of hearts, cheshire cats and even a leprechaun (she didn't get the memo).
What a carnival it was.
I aspired to be a party planner, stressed my arse off over it all, and then revelled in the delight of what turned out to be the most wonderful 21st ever. Challenge 'party planner' gets a nice big tick!
Until next year.........
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