New Beginnings.

Topic 16 of the Blogger Challenge was to write about new beginnings. As I'm moving to University in 13 days (eek!) and I started my first job yesterday, it's a perfect topic!

I've been wanting a job pretty much since I started A levels 2 years ago but could never find anywhere to hire me as I had no experience and wasn't 18. During A2 exam time, I applied for a few jobs for over the summer and heard back from Marks and Spencer and Waitrose. The Marks and Spencer job didn't work out (luckily as it wasn't particularly nice in that one!) but I got an interview and job offer from Waitrose which I was really surprised about! I did my first shift there yesterday and really enjoyed it, I love getting to talk to the friendlier customers! My co-workers are also really friendly so I know I'm going to love it there!

I've started talking to a few people from my course and everyone is so lovely - it's making me really excited to start at Reading! I was a bit hesitant originally as it's so close to home but the more I think of the pros vs cons, the only con is the distance so it's an overall winner really! The course is fantastic, the campus is gorgeous, the people are amazing and the lecturers are enthusiastic about their subjects so I can live with not moving away from somewhere I know.

I'll keep you guys updated with my Uni stuff as it happens - not long now!
Jess xx

Why I blog.

When I was younger, I always used to attempt to keep a diary but always ended up getting too paranoid that people would see it, start feeling silly for writing it in the first place or forget about it and then give it up. This blog is the longest I've kept a continuous stream of writing going for and I'm quite proud of it if I'm perfectly honest! I never in my wildest imagination believed that I would get anywhere with this blog, that I would give up after a week like my diaries, or just sit here and have no one read it. I've been writing for a year and a half and have over 10, 500 views and 55 followers so it's come so much further than I was expecting it to!

I can't really put my finger on why I love blogging or why I even blog in the first place, but these are some things I think probably help! 

I love writing.

The obvious one. I know several friends who tried blogging after my constant raving about it, wrote a couple of posts and then gave up. I understand that writing isn't for everyone but it did confuse me how they could start something and not want to continue it. 

I've always been quite creative, mainly taking arts and humanities subjects rather than science subjects at school and college and I've always loved writing, a poem of mine that I wrote as an extra piece of work for a year 9 English class was kept by my head of year and I was asked if I had copied it from Roger McGough! Over the years, the amount of creative writing I've been able to do in my classes has decreased to none which is quite disappointing, but that is why I love this blog so much, because it lets me write about whatever I want, in whatever style I want, when I want. It is still writing and it improves my individual style but without having to write pages of essays instead. 

If my current ideal job of working in Archaeology or History doesn't work out, then I want to become a journalist because I think my writing style suits the chatty but slightly formal tone of that line of work. 

The freedom.

Kind of leading on from the last point, I love thinking of this blog as having an online diary, and even though I know people I know read it (hi guys!), it feels nicer to just write and then send it off into the world wide web. A blog gives so much more freedom about what to write than a diary does because of that very fact. Other people read it and just talking about every day life can get rather boring, which is probably why I eventually gave up writing diaries in the first place! Blogging gives you that freedom unknown to other forms of writing as you have no barriers or restrictions unless you put them on yourself. One day, I could be talking about a book I've just read, a tv show I watched or a film I went to see, and the next, I could be doing a post like this, reviewing a make up product or having a little rant! There's no way of knowing because I just write what comes to mind that day. I thought this post up on the train home from college, there isn't really any planning that goes into these things, most posts are pretty much spontaneous! 

Some bloggers label themselves which I find limits what you can talk about. If I had to, mine would be considered a lifestyle blog as I will write about everything and anything!

The people you meet.

I've told you before that I met Kate from blogging and since then, I've spoken to lots of other lovely bloggers who are all amazing and super friendly! The blogging community is amazing and being involved in the 2014 Blogger challenge has made me become more involved in it which I'm really happy with, the girls that are participating are great! I get quite a few comments on my posts nowadays and each and every one makes me smile, I love replying and starting up a conversation with them, you never know what you could have in common!

Long story short, I'm so happy that I started blogging and I know that I'm going to continue for as long as I can, it's definitely become a part of me now! 

Jess xx

Monday Musings.

I can't believe how good this weekend has been. Since getting my offer on Friday, everything has been going amazingly well! 

A few things going through my mind currently:

- I am never moving out from under this duvet, it's far too warm.

- I'm super excited for Uni now, only have to wait until September!!

- I need to clean my room.

- I need extra hours in the day TO clean my room!

- The temptation to buy this make-up set is almost killing me...I have until Thursday to crack.

- My English coursework plan is due in a couple of weeks...help.

- People that you can talk to for hours or days on end and still not get bored are the best kind.

- DOCTOR WHO 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON SATURDAY. I CAN"T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT.

- Finally feeling close with my college friends is the nicest realisation.

- It's so close to Christmas!!!!!!!!!!...I still need to buy my friends presents.

- I have never been more grateful for fluffy snow boots in my life - even without snow they're the best for cold days. 

- I need to find a pretty Christmassy nail polish for next month, but which to get?

- I need to re-watch the Aristocats again sometime, I miss this song.

- This is my 250th post!

That's pretty much what has been going through my head the last few days, mainly the song though...It's my favourite! 

Hope you guys had as great a weekend as I did! 

Jess xx

Fears and communication.

I had a blood test done this morning...it didn't go well. I'm diabetic but I have a massive fear of needles. Ironic, I know. I get quite stressed out about having my blood taken but today my blood sugar went too low half way through and it ended up that I was shaking so much that the nurse had to stop half way through doing it because she physically couldn't get any more blood out...fun. I almost fainted and felt really sick so in the end she let me go with only half of it done. 

It stressed me out loads and I've not been feeling right the whole day. I feel so drained and tired and also quite sick so I've been curled up in my favourite comfy lounge trousers since I returned from college, looking for more blogs to follow. I've found some really gorgeous blogs and some really lovely people who have kindly followed me back and commented on posts which had cheered me up a lot.

I love finding new blogs and new people to talk to, you never know who you will meet with just a few lines on a post of theirs and a click of the 'publish' button! Talking to new people is one of my favourite things to do because 99% of the time, bloggers are the loveliest people you will meet and real life people are pretty nice most of the time too as long as you make the effort. 

I always make sure I talk to people that comment on my posts because I don't want to give the impression of being distant! The amount of bloggers that I see ignoring their commenters and followers confuse me, I don't understand why people wouldn't want to reply to someone that obviously decided to bridge the distance and attempt to communicate with them! Every time I've spoken to a blogger, it's always been great and I actually now have a great real-life friend from blogging so it works out well quite a lot of the time! 

Jess xx

Arguments

Just now, I saw one of those generic Facebook statuses, asking for an argument to happen. Within the last 5 minutes, there have already been 15+ comments, including a lot from people not involved in the argument. What I don't understand is why; if people have a problem with someone, why not inbox them or talk face to face so it's at least private instead of being displayed for all to see? Also, why do others feel the need to join in on arguments that have nothing to do with them? It's vaguely acceptable if they're your best friend and you're sticking up for them, but if you aren't particularly good friends with one of the people and are just joining in just to insult someone you don't like, what good does it do really?
I'll admit, I used to get in Facebook fights with people quite a bit about 2 years ago, but I luckily left behind the people and consequently the drama caused by this, and now I'm always happy and rarely argue with any of my friends! I definitely don't do it over a Facebook status. It's petty and pathetic that the person posting the status feels the need to post it, it's like they're looking for back up as they can't talk to the person civilly on their own.
We are grown up enough now to sort out any disputes we have with people away from the sight of others, without the stupid, bitchy comments that have nothing to do with the original point.
I'm less than 5 years away from entering the real world where everything is grown up and you have to deal with rubbish things people say every day! If people my age and older can't deal with their own problems in a way that is mature and not like a 13 year old girl, how are they anywhere near being let loose on the world and with a job?! It's just amazing to think that it's inevitable, and frankly, I'm worried.
Jess xx

The people may be gone, but memories are forever.

I decided to go through my old facebook conversations today, and I was amazed at how many people I'd lost contact with!
It's funny how you look back through and you can see different stages of your life because of the people you spoke to and the conversations you had with them, I'm also amazed that I was friends with some of the people I used to talk to! If you see them and me now, you'd also wonder, trust me...
But yeah, even though I was quite sad remembering some of the memories that came back when I saw the people's names (and quite glad that some aren't in my life anymore frankly), I still appreciate the people who were in my life before, because they've ultimately shaped me to be who I am today!
Sure, some memories are good, others are bad. Others make you question your mental state at the time! But everything you do shapes and influences you, and that includes people, so appreciate friends while you  can, learn from mistakes and don't be scared to let go, because in the end, all of these things will help you to become a better you. Try not to look back on memories with sadness that they've passed, but with fondness that they happened. Things only happen once so enjoy them while they last! And take lots of pictures while you're at it so you'll be able to look back on everything later on!
Just make sure you appreciate everyone around you and tell them because they won't be there forever, and you'll regret it once they're gone.
Live, Laugh, Love people!
Jess xx

Train of thought.

I use the train quite a lot, it's relatively cheap and most of the time, quicker than the car. Sure, it can get pretty expensive if you go to somewhere half way across the country or in London, and sometimes they're delayed by stupid amounts but most of the time it's good!
I like saving all of my train tickets like I save my cinema tickets, they give me little reminders of what happened and what happened that day!
I can roughly place who I was most likely with using the date, and half the time, if the destination isn't somewhere I usually go, I'll be able to remember that day quite easily! It's a nice way of having a memento of a day out without having something proper that I spent money on specifically. It's quite lucky that I have a good memory for dates and places really!
I have my train tickets all in a little bundle by my computer where it's easy to find, so next time I go somewhere by train, I can add the ticket to my pile! It's a stack of memories really!
I know it seems a bit weird, but I love being able to remember little things, because they're usually the good memories you cherish when they're in the past and the people are gone. You don't remember the big things so much as their little quirks and habits and things especially unique to them. It's the same with places and names. I associate some places with people, and in turn I remember the times I've had there with people!



My stack of train tickets!

I hope that I have a pile that's huge eventually, and hopefully I'll be able to remember what happened yeas in the future!
Jess xx

Fruit Pastilles

It snowed again today which is annoying because I liked being back at college again and seeing all of my friends! I have to do a performance of a section of 'Agamemnon' in classics on Thursday though which could be interesting!

On another note, I really hate it when people only talk to you when they want something or feel down. It's like they only think you're good for sorting out problems or doing them favours and it really annoys me how people think that's okay. Why would someone want to help you if you aren't good friends and don't talk to them when you're in a good mood? It makes me for one not want to help as much because seeming to only be in a bad mood when talking to me makes me feel like the person only finds them interesting or helpful if there's something to help with, not someone who they can talk to and just have a good conversation with. I don't really have to say much about people that only talk when they want something; that's just rude and selfish. For both, it's taking advantage of the person's kindness and friendship. Anyway, rant over!

I'm sorting out my driving license application as well which is exciting and scary too! I have to get it sorted out by the doctors though which will take ages so mine provisional probably won't be sorted for few months yet.

We were learning about amino acids in biology today and my teacher who was absent last week got us to make amino acids in groups from cocktail sticks and fruit pastilles! It was so good because our group did it well and then we got to eat the fruit pastilles afterwards! A whole big bag between 3 of us!! It was a great start back to college!


The awesome fruit pastille amino acid!

Sorry my posts have been a bit random and jumpy recently, I haven't had much to say! Hopefully it'll improve soon!
Jess xx


Moving on

This year I'm trying to, and have to, move on in lots of aspects in life.
One thing is that I'm having to start looking at universities and open days and courses which is so exciting but scary at the same time! I've also been trying to get on to summer schools and taster days for ancient history/classics so they look good on applications and to see if it's truly something I want to continue with at Uni. It's quite scary because the summer schools and taster days need what is essentially a personal statement which I shouldn't really have to write until next year so that's quite hard! Moving on in my school life is difficult and scary but it's also really fun! Moving from GCSE at secondary school to A levels at college was a big move but it was so worth it, hopefully moving on from college to Uni will be just as good!

On an awesome note, I'm improving my confidence with talking to people! I've been talking more to the people around me that either hang around with the friendship group I'm sometimes with, or people I don't usually talk to in classes and it's really good because I've met some really nice people!

Sorry my posts have been so short recently, I don't have much time and I don't have many ideas which is a bit annoying! Any ideas would be appreciated! :P
Jess xx

8 reasons why YOU should start blogging!

At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to start writing a blog; I wasn't sure if I was interesting enough, funny enough, smart enough etc. but I found that it's great fun, you meet awesome people and once you start it's really difficult to stop!
I encourage anyone that's thinking of blogging to start, and if you're not, try it anyway! If it isn't for you, you don't have to carry on anyway!

So here are a few reasons why I think you should start blogging no matter who you are or where you're from!

Why you should start blogging and how to just have fun doing it!

1. It's completely personal - It's your blog. This means you can write about what you want. Guaranteed, if you find something interesting, there will be at least one other person on the internet that shares your interest and will enjoy reading your blog!
2. It's a good way to vent  - Sometimes it's nice to just sit down after a difficult day and just write about it. Who knows? Maybe you'll get someone nice giving you an encouraging comment or some advice?
3. It's your blog, work around you! - you control your blog, so you control when you upload a post. If you don't have any ideas, that's perfectly fine! If you have a million ideas, also fine! Do what you want when you want; that's the great thing about the internet, you can do and say what you like because the blog is completely yours and yours alone. No one tells you what to write or when, blog around your schedule and work load.
4. It improves your writing skills - I'm being serious. I had to write a piece of journalistic writing for my English coursework last week so I wrote it in the style I usually do; my teachers both love it and my style!
5. You meet people you wouldn't have otherwise! - I've actually made a good friend through blogging which I find amazing; our lives are actually pretty linked which we found really creepy when we first started talking, but you have the opportunity to meet and talk to people from around the world which is amazing!
6. It shows dedication - being able to keep a blog running and updating it regularly will show people that you can keep at something over a long period of time which is always a good thing! Not that you'd want to show your blog to anyone... :P
7. It gives you a chance to be creative - I love being creative but I lack the time and motivation to do anything properly arty. A blog is great for satisfying my creative side because I can do and say what I like without thinking much about what others think of it.
8. It's FUN! - I found blogging quite hard to begin with, but once you get in to the swing of things, it's really great! It's a great way to be productive but take a break from work at the same time, and you're doing something interesting!

Obviously blogging isn't for everyone, but I do recommend trying it, it's great once you start! If you don't like it you can always stop anyway, nothing is stopping you!
Jess xx

2013

I know this is super late 2 weeks in to 2013 now but I've actually come up with some goals for this year! I'm not going to call them resolutions because these really are general things I just think will be good for me to work constantly. I don't want to say I need to do this within the year because I need to carry some of them on. But I suppose some could be counted as the usual type of resolution...
So here goes; My goals for 2013 and beyond.

Revise work from the beginning
I'm pretty horrible at revising. I end up leaving the bulk of it until about a week until the exam and then having a mental breakdown at the amount of work I have, resulting in me becoming a complete social recluse who only comes out of their room for food. I've decided that the stress isn't worth it so this term I'm going to try and revise what I learned in the lesson that night. Hopefully this way the information will start to sink in and I won't have to work as hard to remember everything!

Read more
Obviously because of the subjects I take, I have to read a lot of books that are on the syllabus. However, I get very little time to just read a book because I want to read it. This year I'm going to try and read more purely for the sake of reading instead of for a subject. It will be a nice way of taking a break for working while still doing something valuable and productive.

Take more photos
Not all memories stay in your mind so photos are the best ways to preserve memories of days, people, places or times. I don't take many photos of (or with) people I know so I'm going to try and change that.

Don't get distracted as easily
I know, easier said than done, but I really have to stop getting so distracted because it doesn't help with my work. Yes, breaks are good, but I need to know when to stop and know when to get back to my work.

Be confident in myself
I need to be more confident with what I look like and myself in general. I need to just accept who I am, because no matter what, I'm stuck like this for life, happy with it or not, and there's no point being awkward/miserable about what I can't change.

Talk to people more
If I know them, I can talk to someone for days. Annoyingly, if I don't, I'm as awkward as anything.  want to try and be more confident when meeting new people because you can meet some lovely people if you just talk to them!

Make an effort with friends
I feel like I neglect my friends due to my work load which I feel really guilty about. I'm worried that if I carry on just solely focussing on work then I'll lose my friends which I really don't want to do. I love them all loads but my work always take priority over everything which is good if I want a good education and good results at the end, but I don't want to become a social recluse that only works and doesn't ever meet up with people. Hopefully I can change that this year and see everyone more!

Blog more!
Even though I had over 100 posts last year, I feel like I've neglected the blog quite badly this year and I feel bad! I lovelovelove blogging but sometimes it's so hard to think of something new to write about. However, I also feel bad if I just leave it for ages until  come up with something! I'm compiling a list of ideas that I can write about if I ever get stuck though so fear not! I'm going to aim for a post every other day at the least, but I really want to try posting at least once every day; it's a nice break from proper work and I can just write for ages about whatever I like instead of a book or source I've been set!

So hopefully I'll be able to actually stick to these goals, it will be fun and exciting to try new things and do more of things I love!
Jess xx

2,000!

Also just a quick note, I've reached 2,000 views on my blog!!
Thank you to the people who actually read my blog frequently, this couldn't have happened without you! I'm so happy and this is like an amazing Christmas present from you guys!
Hopefully this will continue to be awesome in the future and hopefully you guys will continue to enjoy reading all of my little rambles, rants and thoughts!
This is also incidentally my 100th post which is awesome, I can't believe that it's come around so quickly!!
Much love, Jess xxx

Inspiration

I've been wondering recently, What actually inspires me to blog?
I've thought about it, and the simple answer is everything!
Every day, I see new things that inspire me and give me new idea about what I want to blog about. Sometimes the ideas can't wait and I have to write the post there and then! (What my phone blogging is for!) Other days, I have absolutely no inspiration at all and I end up doing a rubbishy blog about my day! Boooooooring! :P (I never have anything exciting in my life that I can blog about!)
A few of the main things that inspire me when I'm out and about though are:

People

If people actually stopped and looked around at the others surrounding them, they'd be surprised at how different everyone is. I urge you, on a day that you aren't busy, to go to a coffee shop and just sit in the corner. Watch the people that come in and see what they do, just look around and see how different everybody acts. Chances are that the only thing they all share in common is that they all share the same love of that particular coffee shop. Even then, they're all going to like different drinks! 

I like imagining what they're doing there, what they're like, where they're going, things like that! Makes a boring day so much more interesting. 

Nature

It's so pretty, isn't it? I always find that sitting outside, alone, surrounded by nature is where I get my inspiration. It's so peaceful and calm, it really gives you a perfect opportunity to have a think about everything and anything. I love it when the only sounds you can hear are purely natural, instead of the usual noisy pollution from cars and people. If you just stop concentrating on your busy life and look around, you realise that the world is really beautiful and needs a little more attention from people! 

And of course, if you're a photography enthusiast, you can always snap a few pictures when you're out! Always a bonus!

Books

I love love love to read. I don't have the opportunity to read as much as I'd like to anymore because of my AS levels, but I try and read whenever I have the chance. I nearly always carry around my kindle or a book that I don't have to read as a prescribed text so I have something completely different instead of what I have to analyse syllable by syllable. 

I love how reading can transport you to a completely different country, time, or even world, and introduce you to new people and places that you've never been to before. It takes you away from reality and puts you somewhere new, discovering new stories and connecting you with new emotions every time! And every time you open an already read book, it's like you're welcoming back an old friend, or old memories.

Reading inspires me as I can write about the book, or what it makes me think about! Reading actually inspired me to start a blog in the first place! (I will probably end up making a whole post on reading some time in the near future...look out for that!)

Daydreaming

This picture just about sums me up; especially the Iron man one ;D how cool would it be to be an Avenger?!

^ This just proves this point, daydreaming and going off on tangents brings on random thoughts and inspirations. Sometimes, the thoughts are good enough to expand and blog about! Obviously daydreaming when you're meant to be working is bad, so be like the guy on the right! But if you're not doing anything that requires concentration (travelling by public transport, again, in a coffee shop) or just lying in bed one night, just let your mind wander, it might lead to something good! 

Just think, JK Rowling came up with Harry Potter on a journey one day, think about where that's got her!

Music

(I just found this picture on google, and I LOVE it, so pretty and cute!)

Music. Need I say more? 

There are so many genres, so many styles. There is something for everyone! 

Music is amazing for inspiration. Some songs lyrics are so touching and moving, you can't help but think about what they mean. Others just capture you, or relate to your mood or emotion. It can change your bad mood in to a good one! There's even songs for different types of weather! It can be applied to practically all life situations and if you don't listen to music a lot, I highly recommend you do, some of my blogs have been inspired by music, as my usual readers would know! (Lots of jazz in Starbucks is apparently good for blogging!) 

It basically just gets you to think, which leads to blogging (for me, anyway!)

Friends

True friends are always there for you no matter what. They are there in every day life and if they aren't, when you see them, you make memories which is even more special! Funny moments happen with friends - blog material! Embarrassing moments - blog material! Everyday life - blog material! 

You get my drift...

Either way, friends play a big part in your life even though you may not realise it, memories are mainly based around what other people have said and done. Friends make you happy because you know you aren't alone, and when you feel alone they're there with tissues, chocolate and hugs to make you feel better. Always value your friends and tell them how much you care! (If you're reading this and I know you in real life, I LOVE YOU) Value your friendships because chances are that they won't last forever, but you can be sure as hell to try and make them last as long as possible! I know that I'm still close with some of my friends from my old school and I haven't seen them in about a month! But don't take them for granted! Friends are fantastic! 

Other blogs!

I'm doing Hamlet in English Lit at the moment...sorry, I couldn't resist...I love being a nerd sometimes! *giggles to myself*

Reading other blogs give me ideas for types of posts to do, what sort of things to write about and how to style my posts. It's been really handy for my writing style as well! My favourite and most looked at blogs are definitely: 

http://smilingismyfavourite.blogspot.co.uk/ (Kate, my only friend on blogger!), http://www.thecollegeprepster.com/ (Carly does some fantastic posts and her blog is quite old now, about 3/4 years I think!) and one of my new favourites that I found this morning: 

http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com/ (Sarah has THE most amazing fashion sense, I spend about an hour just looking through her pictures and her outfits, I wish I had the money to be able to afford the clothes she wears! That's exactly the style I love!)

So there you go! My main inspirations for blogging! If you blog, I hope this has helped you to think of ways YOU can get inspiration next time you're out; as you can see, you don't have to be anywhere in particular and sometimes, an idea just hits you completely out of the blue! 

If you don't blog, then welcome to my mind and why aren't you blogging yet?! Seriously, it's one of the best things I've done, it's fun and interesting and I looove it! 

Anyway, sorry this post has been so long, and if you read through all of my rambles then I salute you! 

Jess xx
P.S. Sorry about the pictures not working yesterday! They should be running fine now, and if anything is a bit out of place, sorry because the writing kept moving when I was changing the pictures around!

Sick Day

I've got such a bad cold :( It's not one of those little ones that just give you a case of the sniffles; its one of those monsters that likes playing the drums in your head, is ultra sensitive to light and sound, likes shoving glass down your throat and rubbing sandpaper in your nose.
My cold is making me sound like a croaky old man! I feel complete rubbish :(
Luckily, I'm talking to some awesome people, blogging, drinking peach ribena, eating Orange chewy toffi-chocs from Thorntons and cuddled in my duvet. Bliss. Oh, I'm also doing some work for my extended project! Finally found a decent link that helps me to research for my project!! It's getting done and I couldn't be happier! Success!
I only got 1 hour of sleep last night. No idea why, I haven't had coffee or any form of caffeine like that for over a week and I felt tired before I got in to bed! Then I got there and my brain just wouldn't shut off! I've not actually been feeling very tired today which is scaring me a little. What happens if I can't fall asleep again tonight?! I can't deal with 2 hours sleep over 2 days, that would kill me and just make my illness feel even worse. :( Luckily, I get a little lie in tomorrow, I don't have to be in until 10.30!! I love college :')
I don't get how I can still be cheerful when this is the worst I've felt in quite a while, must be a gift! ;D

I'm going to post another song by Ingrid Michaelson; I just can't get enough of her recently! She's just fantastic and I've been listening to this one practically all day!
Ingrid Michaelson - Giving Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_27y74pw1g
Isn't she pretty?! I love how she still wears her glasses, it's great that she doesn't care what people think :) I lovelovelove her hair as well, I wish mine was that length and colour :3

Anyway, better be off to do some more work, bye guys!
Jess xx