Best Friends!!!

Hello once more, it has been quite the blustery day here in Plymouth. But despite that, I have not kept myself cooped up. In need of company, I arranged to meet my dear best friend Alicia for a short trip down to Royal William Dockyard. We were, at times, in danger of being swept away by the wind-tunnel effect that the buildings had, along with my ever-present wind-induced earache, but when hunger struck, we returned to town for some lunch/dinner in Wetherspoons (Union Rooms) and had a sweet little get-to-know-you chat for 2 1/2 hrs. Now, however, I am Skyping the dear Jackson whilst ever-so mildly drunk on Shiraz - because I value a good red wine highly. 
My last Music Challenge entry was courtesy of Lacuna Coil with their song, Humane. However, I must now direct you to my other blog for further music links. 
And that is all from me for tonight. My next module starts in the morning so I have fingers crossed that things go well for me. Until next time!

Don't Stop Me Now!

Just a quick blog entry tonight because I've got to be up early tomorrow - assisting in the Proprietary Library at the moment is such a fun task! I didn't want to leave today!
Went to my last Explore your Future talk on how to confidently deliver a presentation - was informative enough....But I really just wanted to get back so I could start on Castle of Otranto. It's a weird Gothic novel, and incredibly short too. Should have it finished by tomorrow. 
Lastly, social event at Roundabout with the INK team, pretty nice. Had a drink, had a chat and a laugh. Cool people. Roll on submissions workshop! 
Now I present Carb Substitute No. 2: Zucchini noodles. Granted I didn't cut them properly but if u peel strips of a zucchini/courgette, then fry them for a little bit, they are a decent enough sub for the real thing (if u don't mind it being similar in texture to the rest of ur stir-fry).
And to finish: The Smashing Pumpkins: Annie-Dog  - because it's a calming tune from one of my favourite bands. Hope you all sleep well

Ready to Receive

So....I have been quite the accomplished little busy bee. Having cleared up all the notes and handouts from my last two modules, I now have a folder ready to receive the next lot of paperwork. I have also knocked out book 1 of 3: Robinson Crusoe. Next up: Castle of Otranto, which apparently is a Gothic mild-horror novel.... 
As to my music choice for today, we have a track from a band of the aptly named New Grave genre: The Acid Ballet - (I Heard) The Bride (Was Crying)
Something for fans of the more caustic side of rock. 
Also finally got better acquainted with the new flatmate, by the name of Marelle (not sure of the exact spelling yet). But she seems very agreeable so I'm happy!
Tomorrow I am busy once more, lending my extremely organised talent to the library, attending my final Arts and Humanities talk, and to top it off, a get together of the committee of the student magazine INK. Sweet!

This Game is Taking Over My Life!

Haha what else did you expect of me? It's a late good evening to you all. I've been up playing the lesbian storyline of Candy-Crush-style dating sim Huniepop (I'm addicted - help!) As to the rest of my day, though, it's been two Arts and Humanities talks and enduring the wrath of what has been named Storm Jonas to spend time with the lovely Hannah. Ended up buying a smoothie and coffee respectively, and standing outside Waterstones (indoors, of course) to chat about guys (as you do haha). Robinson Crusoe is over half-done now so yay for that - and I made a kick ass tuna and red pesto bake for dinner (yum). 
Also was introduced to the final addition to my flat family. I haven't remembered her name but hopefully we'll get along well. Plus I have finally broken into Season 5 of Vampire Diaries (already missing Klaus' presence)
As I haven't attempted any carb substitutes today, I'll skip that and go onto my music choice of the day which is Jason Reeves - Only With You, such a sweet and romantic song for those couples suffering the distance.
And with the hour of 1am now past, I think I ought to leave it there. Goodnight!

A Cauliflower Revelation

Good evening once more, rockers! I've had a full day so let me recount some of it.
This week is Explore Your Future in Arts and Humanities Week, and so having booked myself onto a few of the talks for this, I attended sessions on what to do with my degree, what experience I can gain in the arts sector, and what sort of work experience I should look for. I think I took a fair bit away from today, especially that, being the little worry-wart that I am, I'm not doing the wrong things - in fact I'm doing all the RIGHT things!
Besides that I've been reading Robinson Crusoe (poor man), buying groceries, and have learnt a few useful carb substitutes for someone such as myself who wants to cut back on starchy stuff like potatoes, bread and pasta. Perhaps I'll make that a thing for awhile. So today's carb substitute: Blitz up cauliflower in place of mashed potato or rice! (season it with cumin or coriander and it'll taste ALOT less bland)
Oh I'd also like to try and keep up song recommendations so here is today's Song of the Day (shared with today's Music Challenge song which I'll be posting on Facebook for the next week): Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Red Eyes and Tears
And with that, I believe, I am done. Tomorrow sees another two talks on Humanities and Arts Degrees, plus a day out with the lovely Hannah <3 
PS. Found this on the Facebook page of the extremely weird, Sunflower Dead. Something for the Korn fans too.

Reap the Rewards

Bristol Harbour

Ashton Court Estate

I know this is a belated celebration for my essays all being completed, submitted, and out of the way, but it feels like such a relief to have them over with. Had a drink or two out with my friend Tad as a personal celebration of that. Followed by Friday's session in the library hunting out books from the donated collection of a late member (and quite a fun task for someone as organised and literary-minded as me) before setting off on a 3 hr coach ride to Bristol to visit my sister. Now here was three days reasonably well spent. Halloumi burgers and Attack on Titan for my arrival (buying ingredients for breakfast including an avocado haha), then a 5 hr walking tour of the area, and a night of drink, snacks, Wii gaming, and Mad Max with her friends on Saturday. The area of Bristol itself is

very multicultural, reminding me of London in places, Amsterdam in others, Plymouth by the harbour, and the Devonshire moors in the country. So many churches too, but St Mary Redcliffe tops them all with it Gothic grandeur (although it does house a rather peculiar and frustrating water pendulum o.o).  The drinks and games with my sister's friends, however, were much needed after all the walking, and very unique people they were too. Today was a lazy one, which I could tell my sister didn't really want to start on, but after some late breakfast and a few episodes of Archer, it was time to let me head off back to MY uni rooms. So here I am, up later than I had wanted to be to provide my blog with a few more words on a few more days in the life of ME ^^ and next week is sure to be interesting and freeeeee haha 

Also look, interior of St Mary Redcliffe

Two Days in Hell

Well, I can't say I didn't see something like coming. My friend's birthday party/pub crawl was fun, to say the least. However, it was marred by the slow descent into drunkenness which on the one hand saw me amateurly pole-dancing in a bar, and on the other, disappearing back to my room to force myself to throw up. Subsequently, I was fighting a mild hangover the next morning, on top of [very much unwelcome] lady pains....what's worse, I needed to start another essay that day. So all in all, Sunday was a disaster, topped off by the fact that I was virtually unable to sleep that night. 
Monday could've been better (and eventually was) if not for the stress-induced stomach cramps I was treated to all day long which robbed me of my appetite, while the stress itself crippled my confidence. What I needed was an ego-boost and, despite a heavy dose of constructive criticism on what little I had managed to write the previous day, I learnt a few things from my lovely tutor to keep my motor running. That night I put away about 900 words on my essay and that was more than I could've hoped.
Today? Well, once I got started on editing my first essay at 2pm, I am proud to say that 8hrs later (2 hrs of dinner aside), I had submitted my first assignment! So it's looking up for me!
Anyway, catch-up over, it's time for sleep zZzZzZz 

Turn to page three hundred and ninety...I'm done :(

Apologies for my tardiness, it's been a busy (and frankly sad) couple of days. Having only just bid farewell to one legend in the name of cancer, the world was treated to a double-whammy in the shape of our silk-tongued professor, Alan Rickman - also 69. Something tells me this isn't over; I can only hope this doesn't get anymore personal than it already has (I've been down that road already). 

I would, however, like to pledge a short remembrance. Aside from his role as Severus Snape in Harry Potter, I have yet to bear witness to many of Rickman's other star performances on screen (aside from his portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham in one version of Robin Hood - 'Locksley, I'll cut your heart out with a spoon!' - and his blood-spurting role as the Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd), but I know there are some real gems out there, just waiting to be found. 

With that done, I can now report that my essay is nearing completion, having hit the lower word limit of 1800 (without the conclusion which I have yet to compose). Today would have been my day to do just that if not for the many hours I found myself sinking into extensively editing my short story (Working Title: Fear Is a Place to Live). I am unsure if these improvements will sit so well with me in the morning, but that is something I'll just have to wait and see on. 

I had hoped I would get to go to a music event tonight, but alas duty called, and when it was done, so was I. Therefore I have spent the last 4 hours of tonight occupying my time with Vampire Diaries (ALMOST at Season 5 yay!)

Hope to be celebrating a friend's birthday tomorrow night too so double yay!

But bye for now :)

ps. Listen to Rickman reading Shakespeare on YouTube and prepare to have your underwear fly across the room!

This Mountain Will Be Conquered

Hello and welcome (urgh who cares!) - essay on Tudor slavery is half drafted and I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. In 3 two-hr sessions, no less. Only grievance? I've got to do the whole thing again tomorrow to get it completed. Wish me luck, world!

Goodnight Ziggy

No one likes to receive bad news, especially first thing in the morning. Given that I had not slept until 4.45am last night (or should I say this morning) because I has refused to go to bed until I finished Huniepop (look it up if you dare!), I wasn't exactly prepared to be woken by my signature laser gun notification tone. My sister is inherently dramatic but in this case it was justified. Her message told me simply that David Bowie had died. I was speechless and had to rocket over to Facebook just to see if it was true. It was, and of cancer no less. Ironic that Facebook reminded me of a post I had made on January 11, 2012 to a similar tune:

This is my life - and I shouldn't have to face a loss like this - at the same time I'm thankful I can't feel :'( it'd destroy me if I did....Cancer is a horrible thing. Please save urselves ppl cos i love you all and don't wanna lose you too <3

I wrote this because at this point in my life, I knew someone I loved dearly was going to die of terminal cancer, and there wasn't a thing on earth I could do to stop it. And now she is joined by the likes of Mr Bowie and Lemmy, both victims to that same disease.
I recently fell in love with David's latest release, Lazarus, so it seemed fitting to listen to it alot today while I struggled with my own mind which didn't seem to know what to do. I think my return to the learning environment is allowing my drought at home to catch up with me. I should be okay soon though. Once I've started work on my essay. Haha that damn essay.
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Talk about beating you while you're down

Well a very early morning/late night to you. I am back in Plymouth once again - unsure how I feel about that at the moment.....I'm a little homesick again. Maybe some hard work for my assignments will knock me into shape.
But I haven't exactly had the best journey back here either. First falling through the gate in Paddington when my suitcase got stuck, then finding out my train had been cancelled....and after all that, having to drag my several pounds of luggage through the rain for about 10-15 minutes....but yes, I'm here now. Not wanting to go to sleep for some reason. 
I'll find my head again tomorrow hopefully.

The only solution....is MORE WORK!

Well hello, another day into the new year over and it has been a turbulent one in terms of weather and mood for me. I woke up this morning after Jackson's action-packed birthday feeling very low for some reason. Motivation to get dressed and start my day was not with me and I could not figure out why, but with Tiger's Eye bracelet equipped, I sat down to finish my essay plan and lo-and-behold, the cloud lifted. I sped through the remainder of my plan in an hour and felt so much better for it. If I can defeat my actual essay with that kind of speed and enthusiasm, well.....I can dream, haha
During this sprint to the finish line, it rained rather torrentially (my spellchecker insists that is not a word, but as a writer, I say otherwise!) leading me to feel reluctance at going out to see my best friend (who I hadn't seen in months) but a quick check of BBC Weather told me 1pm the rain looked set to clear (which held true - though the wind remained just as fierce).
Another pleasant change was my dear Eloise was very punctual (contrary to past experiences) but no less chatty, cute, or receptive to sex talk. We talked on the bus to Bromley, in Starbucks, around the local park, around the shops, and stayed out until nearly 7pm. But I missed her the moment I got on the bus home. So it's true: you do have those best friends you never miss a beat with, even after a year ^^
Now it's just the home stretch until I return to uni on Sunday afternoon.
Packing, laundry, ironing, and last minute homework checks to do, but that aside, I may just be looking forward to my return after all.

Pounding Peach for your Birthday

It's getting so much closer to going back to uni now and if I'm honest, right now, I am so reluctant to make that journey which will mean at least another 5 weeks before I can come back again. Plus the looming deadline for an essay I have barely started....oh boy.
Today, celebrating Jackson's birthday, though, has been a small piece of distraction, watching comedy, eating snacks, and playing video games with his friends and family. How I wish I hadn't had to go home...
It may have been a nightmare getting there (missing buses, getting hungry, left stranded etc) but I sure as hell did not want to leave that amiable and ridiculous atmosphere once I'd got settled - Mario Party on the Wii made everything so much more hilarious....amongst other things. Until Saturday then, I suppose.. 
And until tomorrow too, when I should be seeing another friend :D

Off with its Head!

Good evening, you join me once again on a more productive note. The Christmas tree and its accompanying decorations are now packed back into their respective hibernation chambers until the next festive season. I have also managed to look over my short story assignment draft and have a few choice words spring to mind (or conversely identify where some parts need their heads lopped off - unsure which felt better). This was prompted by another friend, Joanne, asking if anyone would consider reading her short story - which is pretty damn good!
But on the more relaxed side, I was treated to not only a breakfast at a local teahouse (Mystic Brew), but lunch at my favourite Greek/Turkish Meze Bar (Hisar). 
I am also set present-wise for Jackson's birthday tomorrow - it all looks so beautiful wrapped and bagged up. I really hope he likes it all. 
Oh and I finally have the chance to see my long-lost best friend Eloise on Thursday. Much love to the girl. If survived uni, she'll survive anything - and so can I! Hahaha (that wasn't an evil laugh by the way) 
So with that, it's goodnight from me! (and to any Two Ronnies fans, "And it's goodnight from him".)

"I am not a number, I am a pair of boobs"

As I didn't make 'Keep up blogging' a New Year's Resolution, I don't feel bad for having forgotten to write since Friday. My true resolution however is to cut back carbs and go to the gym (or at least get more exercise). Should be able to join the gym when I return to uni this Sunday so it'll be back to how I remember it maybe a year and a half ago [when I failed to keep motivated with a gym membership].
These last few days starting the new year, however, have meant the start of focusing on my slavery essay plan (which is going to be a bugger to say the least - but I have moral support) and my sister's return to her uni yesterday, so things have quieted down considerably. 
Enough so to go shopping in Bromley alone today, though that wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped. I attempted to get a bra fitting in Debenhams and was perplexed by the incompetency of their staff. I will proclaim (haha) that I am a 34C (or so I thought) but this one lady measured me at a 30 which I clearly was not. A cup size lower, yes, but a whole 4 inches narrower in the chest, I think not...
To add to that, the present of Super Smash Bros on 3DS is a tough game to find secondhand (evidently). But I shall keep what I really bought my dear boyfriend for his birthday a secret - for now.
Tomorrow I am being treated by my dad to breakfast and lunch out while he tends to necessary errands, and just maybe I'll get that plan knocked out too. *fingers crossed*

A Sleepy Start

First post of the new year. How do I feel? No different from yesterday/last year. Following my post last night, Jackson and I drank the night away (before and after a failed visit to a less than lively nightclub - odd for the night in question). However we both kept our heads, or so I thought. The details of things between then and the next morning were patchy sadly though no less enjoyable. Having stayed the night at Jackson's house, I was treated to a late breakfast and the chance to lounge around all morning (a much needed lie-in for us both as we bore the mildest of hangovers). A Nandos for lunch set us right before reluctantly parting ways once again. The day passed slowly once home, livened up by the anticipated new episode of Sherlock on BBC1 at 9pm. But now it is my time to enjoy my night and eventually get some sleep. 
Ps. The weather looks set to remain on par with the mildness and misery of Autumn....