Assignment Knockout

Essay completed. Curry made. Celebratory tea, Hevva Bun and Archer. That's all for today folks!

Gale Force Winds with a Chance of Burritos

Good Saturday evening world...or should I say a very early good morning to Sunday? I think my luck might be starting to turn (I could just jinx it though...) but I've enjoyed myself once again. 

Watermelon Bubblegum (which I am hopeless at blowing)

Pulled another 500 or so words out of the hat for my creative writing essay today, both before and after a short trip out to show Alicia the Barbican and Hoe. The weather was disagreeable (chilly gales that stop you in your tracks, spitting rain, the standard coastal British weather for this time of year) but that never stopped an adventurer! That is until hunger strikes. I quickly ferreted out the Mexican Bar Burritos which was a beautifully authentic little restaurant, and we were soon chatting music and sushi over our chicken burritos and nachos. Did we end our day there? Not yet. Not when the prospect of chocolate presents itself. Returning to the high street, we sought out Tescos to get advent calendars (2 for £3 on Maltesers calendar!) and the retro sweet shop Fizzy Lips for honeycomb, birthday cake M&Ms, and various 10p candies.

Something I discovered in trying these M&Ms, though, is how they don't taste all that different from regular M&Ms except for the hint of extra creamy sugaryness like cake frosting (which seemed to put some many people off whenever I saw them eaten on these Taste Test Youtube videos). So in the spirit of said videos: 9/10.
But like every good day out, it has to end, and Alicia and I had to return to our respective homes (with the promise to get sushi next time) and continue work on our essays. By 7pm, I was done for the day, and ready to cook up a snack before the Live Social event (linked here). I won't explain anything more, just read. And have a good night xx

3 is indeed the Magic Number

Success! I've finally found a day which largely agreed with me from start to end *pops open small bottle of Echo Falls Fruit Fusion Rosé Wine* 
My first win came with the midday creative writing workshop which yielded positive feedback from all who read and heard my poetry (apologies again to my dear friend Hannah for 'ripping your work apart' - it appears I know how to give rather than take criticism at the moment - but you have real talent nonetheless ^^). 
Found out my prize from Caroline Carver was two books of her poetry (which I think I should read at some point now they're in my possession).
Second win came after sorting out the tenancy agreement for my second year accommodation. Spent the afternoon having dinner (home-cooked chicken and bean curry) and chatting with my future flatmate Tamsyn. We haven't spent as much time together as either of us would've liked so today was much needed, and with another day out to Royal William Yard on the horizon, more good times are sure to come!
Third win - I suppose you could call it that - is the completion of approximately 1/3 of my Creative Writing Contextual Essay (333 of 1000 words) hence the very real celebratory bottle of wine (pictured - with my laptop which is displaying said 333 words).
Tomorrow, I attempt to conquer maybe 1/3 more around a tour of Plymouth's beautiful (though most likely cold, windy and rainy judging by the weather) Barbican, with my third (and newest) friend, Alicia. 
I would like to proclaim as a fitting end to today;s entry that the three friends mentioned in this post are my nearest and dearest at the moment and I love you all to bits! You've made my university life here in Plymouth so much less lonely ♥♥♥
Until we meet again!

Patronising or Condescending?

Here [almost] ends another day in the life of me. I'd had high hopes of enjoying my day, but it's only now I'm on my way back from the performance of The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead at the Exeter Northcott Theatre that I can acknowledge my happiness.
Contrary to my hopes of doing a spot of library work to start the day, I had to address several important emails and issues relating to tenancy agreements, unpaid tax, etc. (such adult issues I wish I didn't have to answer the door to just yet). Needless to say, I decided to sort out my poetry drafts after that and attend to university matters before using the last of my fish fingers (bought in the week I landed in this fair institution) to stave off hunger while I'm away at the theatre. 
Fast forward a few hours and I'm sitting in the second row of the theatre, faced with this:

It looked like a giant moon but revealed itself to be a stage entrance. 
To summarise the play: a modern take on The Odyssey, featuring well-known actor Simon Dutton (offering the largest quota of comedy). A unique performance of the classic Homer play, with ingenious use of lighting (including lights set in the stage), sound (this being especially haunting), staging (in the construction of a boat) and occasional sea shanties. Some characters were perhaps a little weak, and I only really felt drawn in when the lights went down and true tension was inspired. The final seconds when the stage was bathed in red light, there was an almighty wave crashing and Odysseus/Smith cries out Penelope's name were the most dramatic and made me wish more of the play had felt that way. 
I hope this entry gives you some idea of what it was like and my honest [enough] opinion. I'm feeling a little nauseous from reading this while travelling so I'd best stop now. 
But FYI patronising and condescending are synonyms, and the three lovely ladies to my left are just the most insanely sweet company :)

Crimson Peak and the Hiddles

So it's the end of yet another day and I'm going to say it's turned out better than I'd planned. Two hour seminar was a breeze - more colonial views on Shakespeare's The Tempest (which is still my favourite Shakespeare play so far). Managed to pull together a few ideas for my final Alice in Wonderland poetry installment (with the aid of some schizophrenic Korn songs - such as this - and the inspiration of Allen Ginsberg) before a late lunch. Mmm ham sammich and crisps 
Found out a short poetry exercise set by our first visiting speaker - poet Caroline Carver - was won by me (happy days!) so that set my pride racing to try for a second steal with a creative non-fiction piece about an animal tattoo (which I sadly do not have - yet)
Went down to the Plymouth Arts Centre for a showing of Crimson Peak - highly anticipated by me and I wasn't disappointed. Quick opinion: I'm not usually a fan of horror but it wasn't all jump scares throughout, there was a bit of romance (especially appealing where Tom Hiddleston is concerned) and the plot twists were truly devious. I shan't ruin it for anyone who might be interested! If you're not too good with violence and/or gore...it has its moments (which made me cover my eyes) but what's a horror without blood?
Finished drafting my final poem (written from the perspective of the Hatter's hat) with some of Crimson Peak's dark influences feeding into it. And to top the night off - tea, Stroopwaffel, and Vampire Knight (yummy)
Tomorrow is the English department visit to Exeter's Northcott Theatre to see Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead by Simon Armitage 

An Inspirational Latte

So yet again, I am aware that I skipped a day of blogging, but with good reason. Yesterday was a terrible day to try and be a writer - I got such a bad mental block, covering 3 A4 pages in failed poetry that even a 2 hour stint at the library (with free tea and chocolate biscuits), and making dinner could not make right. Today, however, after another inspirational speaker - Hedgehog enthusiast Hugh Warwick (who advised splitting logs to cure writer's block) - I stationed myself in a second floor cafe on campus fuelled with gingerbread latte and managed to write one poem in about an hour *mental fiat pump* What's more, I got a 2:1 for my first module assessment so that made me even happier. One thing I regret not doing is saving a picture of my homemade stuffed mushrooms (next time then) 
Had a sweet evening in after German tonight, in the form of chocolate poptarts, tea, and Drop Dead Fred (RIP Rik Mayall, you crazy genius)
Tomorrow I hope to nail my final poem *fingers crossed*

Weekend Woes and Wins

I must apologise for missing yesterday's entry. Got Skyping [problematically] with the wonderful boyfriend Jackson last night and it slipped my mind. 

But yesterday was pretty busy what with volunteering at the Plymouth Proprietary Library for two hours (and there's still nothing that can compare to the smell of old books; it made me nostalgic for work which is something I never thought I'd feel). Hauled back my weekly Aldi shop afterward (including frozen broccoli somehow!), and some other essentials from the town (this including half-price Hevva Buns - 69p because they were broken). 

On a similar food-related note, home-made chicken nuggets are delicious and so simple to make, especially if you have a small blender for making breadcrumbs. Enjoyed them for dinner both days (yum)

Tidying up my class notes was tiresome, but had to be done, and by the end I felt I'd put my day to good use. 

Today, however (due to the lateness of the hour at which I finally chose to sleep last night), I woke up at half 10 - unintentionally. One bowl of 'brunch' porridge later, I was ready to face the possibility that I might not get my laundry done given the popularity of laundry on a Sunday, but I was in luck. Alice in Wonderland occupied my waiting time (and a few more hours after) yet let's just say, I think today has been a bit of a waste...

I must also apologise for the fact that it was an important person's birthday today, namingly he of the gifted voice, Ville Valo, but I did not have the time to celebrate it in any small way so here: One Last Time - I am unable to stop playing this song today. It has a lullaby feel to it :3 Happy 38th, Ville xx

I can only hope tomorrow works out more in my favour than today has

The Nostalgia!

Let me start with the brownie I promised yesterday:
Ferrero Roche *drool* and the moment I bit into the whole Ferrero Roche in the middle, it reminded me of Christmas (which is only 34 days away!)
So yes, today has been ALOT less of a struggle than yesterday, despite a three hour Creative Writing Seminar and Workshop. Having read Strands (Jean Sprackland) in preparation, I could immerse myself a little more in the class. Provided an interesting metaphor for Creative Non-Fiction. Try this out if you will: Non-fiction (e.g. dictionary, encyclopaedia) = Empty colouring book ; Creative Non-Fiction (e.g. travel writing, biography) = Completed colouring book
Clever, huh? 
Got all nostalgic when writing a passage about an old poetry book of mine (which I'm kind of gutted I left at home, to be honest).
And I got some good feedback from my peers and tutor so I'm well on the way to getting a good bit of coursework together for the end of the month (just got to get 2-3 more poems composed - along with critical commentary - by then). Had a laugh with Alicia and Emma (new friend :D) before getting back to my room and spending the rest of the afternoon and early evening finishing Strands. Got hungry for more.....TUNA PASTA! 
My evening wound down after that with a few online farming games. 
Sorry for such a short entry but it's been slow - but Saturday looks to be busy, let's see just how busy, hmm?

'Up-hill struggle/Blood, sweat and tears...'

Linkin Park fans will recognise the title. As a Linkin Park fan, I couldn't remember (Google let me know these lyrics came from Nobody's Listening), but they came to mind all the same because today has been a bit of an 'up-hill struggle'. 
After a second [shorter] enlightening talk from Gerard Donovan this morning, I attended a research session (Enact) which tested my negotiation skills through a simulation game. Short summary: 5 scenarios which all involve you in an argument with a friend/sibling/significant other over various trivial matters like CDs and TV shows, and you have to negotiate the argument. Not entirely realistic in my opinion, probably because I'm no good in those kind of situations. I'm either too stubborn, or I just relent. But I got a free chocolate broiche and the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers, so I'm not mad.
Visited the uni's Campus Market, securing new earrings and two small slabs of chocolate brownie (super munch!).
Still enjoyed myself reading parts of a book called Strands: A Year of Discoveries on the Beach by Jean Sprackland (part of my set reading) which is a beautiful book (one I shall probably hang onto after my first year). Made food then, even if reading was preventing me despite the protests from my stomach.
Tuna Pasta!!! And a brownie (these things were huge - maybe I'll remember to take a picture of the other one tomorrow) - and so to struggle No.1 - So Much Food! HAHA
Followed by Struggle No. 2 when I tried (and failed) to edit a passage of creative non-fiction I'd written in last week's creative writing seminar. By which point, I decided to go swimming at the Plymouth Life Centre. Would've been a half hour walk, but not with the buses (which I'm still learning). Free Student Entry! And a lot of effort trying to keep swimming in the lanes without getting in people's way - tough when you haven't done any serious exercise in about 3-4 months = Struggle No. 3.
I thought I was safe once I got back to my room, but oh no, No. 4 was writing a third poetry installment to my eventual Creative Writing Coursework submission. Hard not to force it when you know you have to do it, huh?
But tomorrow's another day - maybe it'll be less struggle and more simple.

The Notes of Doom

I've decided to write earlier today to take my mind off of the several sheets of class notes I have yet to type up *cries* and also to tell you how good my day has felt.
Went out in a rain mac with an umbrella for my 10am seminar (this is important because it comes back to haunt me later). Class went slow to start but again I think my ample notes got me through and helped to realise I'm still trying my hardest and probably succeeding. Had a laugh about homemade Warburtons Sandwich Thins mini pizzas with dear friend Hannah as I returned to my room and waited out the minutes until half 1 (when I forgot it might be raining and tried to leave in a leather jacket without my umbrella - oops), but the wait was rewarded by the best Litarary Guest Speaker yet: Gerard Donovan - Novelist, Poet, and Lecturer at this very university! He gave us all a very in-depth and absorbing view on what it is to write and why and how. His analogies on how writing is like a dog, living in the now, how adjectives are superfluous, your mind inventing descriptions for you, and how there are no true beginnings and ends -

'You don't have to begin; you just jump in...You don't have to end; you just stop...'

- were truly inspirational. 

I would've been able to sit and have a coffee with him for short while (instead of stumbling for words like a starstruck fan...which I kind of was) but I had a flat viewing with a friend to go to - and what a flat it was. Big open Victorian-style rooms, a cosy kitchen, and a garden with an apple tree. I may just have to pinch myself! But then I got hungry (as students do) so after getting home again (and then popping out to secure myself a Rock Society Varsity jacket) I rustled up some of the previously mentioned pizzas (using ketchup as a sauce and some leftover guacamole to garnish - yummy). 
Once full, it was just a case of cracking on with organising my notes. From half 5 til 8pm.....*cries* Was supposed to be going to a poetry open mic night too...this notes will not defeat me...maybe this weekend I'll vanquish them.
NB: I have just spent about half hour figuring out what needs to be done in the next few days and it is ALOT, but it makes me feel good, as a naturally organised person, to have done that :D

Chocolate Keys and Fly Swats

OK first things first, hello. Before you ask, no, I'm not 100% sure why I chose today, this specific day, to start writing a blog about my life. It may have something to do with the fact that I'm at university (have been since almost the 3rd week of September); it may have something to do with a seminar on the reason why writers write (of which I am - a writer that is, I'm doing an English and Creative Writing degree) one of the reasons being - to quote an essay by Bret Lott - 

'a desire to not let slip altogether away our lives as we have known them..' 

So yeah, this is a fulfillment of that desire you could say. Plus I want to get into blogging properly (check out my poetry/fiction and music review blogs for more stuff - the former being one I intend to reboot soon).
So today (or rather yesterday seeing as I'm posting this after midnight) marks the end of my first full day back in Plymouth after a weekend at home in sunnier Orpington, Kent to celebrate my 23rd birthday (I don't feel old yet). The weekend consisted of chocolate (ever eaten an artisan German chocolate key?), improvised wrapping paper, a trip to Bluewater (huge shopping centre) which yielded a tweed-style jacket and a very cut-price wheelie suitcase, many episodes of the animated comedy Archer, too much tasty Japanese food, and lots of reading on the train (there and back!) Still had some reading to go this morning but it all paid off as my 2 hour workshop proved I knew my stuff! 
But the forecast storm [Barney] sure did hit hard, blowing us all to and from classes like parachutes (if we felt so inclined to spread our coat-wings wide) and whistling through any less than air-tight window or door - as was the case with my evening German class (Today: how to ask for directions, and how the simplest numbers just fail you when you're holding a fly swat - the aim of the game being to slap the corresponding number with the swat when it is called).
And it being such a busy day, I've barely had time to restock my fridge, but at least my love for avocados can continue to be sated thanks to my post-German shopping session at the local Co-op <3 
Tomorrow looks to be a mixed bag - I do hope it all tastes good (haha, oh dear)
Oh and the content of this blog will change as I get better so watch this space for all kinds of stuff - photography, music links, quotes, etc.