A chance to really unwind.

Well this half term means I've got the chance to blog properly, so expect great things in the following paragraphs!

Firstly, if anyone can tell me where this sudden burst of epic motivation that has accosted me came from? I am doing 2 A4 revision posters per day, and they weren't set as homework, so I'm doing all the set homework on top of it. Yes, that's right folks, I'm doing work for the sheer fun of it, well it isn't really fun, but I'm motivated to get the results I want and I figured extra work would help. Now this comes from the girl who last year would tell little white lies to her teachers when she just couldn't be bothered to do the work, and who didn't really revise properly for her exams. It certainly begs the question: "Who am I? And what have I done with the real me?"

The Tim Minchin obsession continues on, with the excitement building as December approaches, and as many of you have already seen, I even entered a trailer competition, and those who haven't, can view my appalling efforts in the little section to the right of this blog. Another obsession of sorts has also taken hold this half term, due to a best friend's mother allowing me to borrow their DVD collection of Smallville, which now adds the superhero/comic notch to my nerdy bedpost.

Now, for those who worry about my sanity, the endless Smallville episodes and revision posters were interjected with an equally geeky activity, but with other people this Tuesday. Ghost meringues and It's-not-Easter-but-who-gives-a-damn? Chocolate bran flake nests, were the delectable delights on offer when I went round a friends for a bit of baking. While I never saw the results of our meringues (who knew whipped egg whites took 2 hours to cook?!) I can verify that the blasphemous bran flake nest were delicious.

xxxx

A beautiful and amazing world of circumstance and chance.

You are very lucky. I am very lucky. We've all effectively won the lottery several times over. Our existence in this world was pure chance. Not in an informing-you-your-parents-think-you-were-an-accident way, but the very chance that the chromosomes in the two gametes split with our sequence of genes in them is infinitesimal. Then the chance that those particular two gametes will meet is even smaller than that. We are pure marvels of chance.

I'm going to let you think about that for this week, because some people don't think that they're special, but they really are. Them being here is proof of that.

xxxx

A obsessive and tiring week and some fun.

So another week, another blog, more homework and less sleep. College is truly beginning to take it's toll, and the looming half term will offer a deserved respite for us all I think.

This week has also seen me gradually evolve into a Minchin Maniac, with me signing up to the fan site and signing up for more tickets. We all have our vices don't we, and I think Twilight is a fabulous example of how normal I really am in comparison.

Not much else has happened this week, but tomorrow I have the day off, apart from a 15 minute tutor meeting, which means yippee for me, I have a lie in the morning. This weekend is also the weekend myself and my best friend are catering at a wedding, which should be very interesting, though I am particularly worried that I shall drop the plates all over the place.

Another of my good friends has also made up a spoof of my blog, which I was secretly very flattered about! It sounded just how Stephen Fry should narrate my life. Read it here: http://thelifeandtimesofafailingafrogrower.blogspot.com/2010/10/serendipitous-enlightenment-and-ounce.html

Sorry, I've not much to offer intellectually, I think college has sucked it all out of me. Here's hoping I'll improve by next week.

xxxx

A braggart and an annoucement to underwhelm you all.

However first things first, thanks for everyone who voted in the poll this past week, it was much appreciated, even though I know some of you didn't put what I was hoping to hear, it's kept me very much with my feet on the ground, it's going to be a hard task and it is most definitely not set in stone at all. And just in case you were worried I was getting carried away, I do have a plan B, and its a plan B that I'm totally into too, so I shan't be disappointed.

On with what the title suggests, I have some bragging to do, because my best friend and I, in December, are going to see... Tim Minchin!!! Now for those who don't know Tim is a ginger Australian comedic musical genius, check him out on 8 out of 10 cats tomorrow night on channel 4 or watch some of these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujUQn0HhGEk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6raVzrbqrM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frNpdG4F9mw

This leads nicely into my big announcement, as it was the recent resurgence of Minchin in my life that has brought this about.

I am an atheist.

Yes, a lot of you probably knew this before I did myself, but I've always been agnostic and a religious apologist, always feeling slightly less deep or intelligent for not being able to find a higher meaning. But no longer, Tim's songs about religion or his lack of it have really shown me myself, while I shan't be trying to convert others to my way of thinking, I think it'll just be purely ridiculous of me to try to pretend I feel any differently.

So this week's poll is just a general poll really based on this post: what are your religious views? It's a personal thing I know, but just to reassure you, even I honestly don't know who votes for what so, it's all totally anonymous.

xxxx

A thousand apologies, and the clutches of a cosy chair.

Yes I have not blogged in an age, so big sorries to everyone who logged on regularly to be disappointed. But then I guess this is college life, without exaggerating, I'm so tired nowadays after college I just flop onto some comfy surface at the end of the day and gaze blankly at the wall. It certainly doesn't help I've caught freshers flu either, well freshers cold, though that's nearing its end now.

Anyways, thanks to the grand total of 4 readers who voted in my poll, the majority of which voted for a weekly blog, which I'll now endeavour to keep up, I hoping it'll maybe fill the gaping lonely hole in my life, as college means I barely see anyone for longer than half an hour, and now people find my hugs awkward because I hold on too long purely for the human contact.

Remember ages ago I had the crazy idea of applying to Cambridge, well now I'm at college, the pressure to do well now is mounting, because after saying it, even though it isn't a final decision, people remember, and if you don't get the grades, then frankly you look like you've fallen short and I'd hate that. So, that is this weeks poll topic, what is your opinion on the whole Cambridge idea?

xxxx

A sad and unfortunate news-filled post today.

I have come to the terrible conclusion that I simply, no longer have the time to do daily blog posts, as I'm doing the equivalent of 5 subjects, which is 25 hours a week, as well as the regular homework I get on top of that. But, I'd hate to do anything without consulting my small but lovely group of readers, so I've come up with a few options for everyone to choose from and vote for in the next poll:

1. Once Weekly posts; meaning you'll get one big dose at least once a week.

2. Whenever is possible; this is a little less predictable, but you'll get more of my obvious wit and charm and in smaller chunks.

3. Whenever I have a point to make; quite frankly if you've grown bored of incessant rambling about what shade of brown my toast was and you'd rather I saved myself up for moments of importance.

4. Your own personal option, leave me a comment on my post about what you think I should do.

Please with sugar lumps on top, vote, because, I'd actually like to know your opinions on my blog, even if you think I'm an awful blogger.

xxxx

A happy and content little girl.

I am very content with my life at the present time. Seriously, despite the days at college actually being much longer than they ever were at school, they are a lot more satisfying and I feel like I'm settling in now. I hope you are all enjoying your college years so far, but I'll keep it extremely short today, because if there's one thing I know is annoying, it is a smug mug blabbing about how perfect their life is. By the by, add your humourous college experiences in the comment and there are also only two days left in the poll to the right.

xxxx

A second strong opinion in a week.

Yes it's almost a national disaster, two strong opinions in a week, although they both stem from the America vs Islam debate. Yesterday commemorated 9 years since 9/11 and I can still remember exactly how I found out about it, however the memorial this year was marred by the protests for and against the proposed mosque in the World Trade Centre memorial.

I can see where those who are against the building are coming from, out of all proposed ideas for building usage, why was a mosque selected? The protesters have nothing against mosques really, but the idea of having a constant reminder of reason these extremists took so many lives is unbearable and others believe that allowing the mosque to be built shows weakness against Al-Qaeda.

However, I am again on the side of tolerance, maybe this wouldn't be the case if I was a New Yorker, or if I had been there that day, but the way I see it thousands of people die of cancer each year but I doubt a single relative of a victim would protest against a new cancer care unit of a lab to work towards new treatments, and while the circumstances aren't exactly the same, I think the mosque should be viewed as a healing patch, where both sides can learn tolerance of each other, and work together in harmony finally for once.

xxxx

A hard worked girl.

The second half of this week has been shattering, I'm not quite sure why, it's probably an adjustment thing, but it's a shock to the system certainly. On top of this, I've got homework assignments from pretty much all my subjects, but fingers crossed, I shall stay organised these following months.

However, taking inspiration from the catchphrase, work hard, play hard, tomorrow is my unofficial day off and I shall be heading to a youth festival set up by the local council with all my lovely friends, and I'm really looking forward to it, because I've never been before. If you're going, you'll have to find me somewhere in the crowd!

xxxx

A uneventful yet exciting first day.

Today was the first proper day at college, and despite an obscene amount of maths lessons and the sudden loss of any decent break in my timetable, it wasn't too bad, particularly the chemistry lesson I had earlier, where I found an old primary school friend and a new friend too.

The homework slog has begun too, and though I promise myself to keep on top of it, I wonder how much longer it'll last before I get lazy again! Keeping it short today, because I'm struggling to keep the eyelids open after 3 and a half hours of maths.

xxxx

A world full of hateful people.

I woke up today to an awful news story. It wasn't breaking news, and it wasn't a humanitarian disaster. No instead a small Christian church in Florida have decided that the best way to commemorate 9/11 is to have an organised Koran burning. Yes indeed, these "Christian" people have decided that to protest against the Islamic extremists they need to desecrate the texts of an entire religion. Reading further into the article, I am saddened further in that earlier this year an opinion poll found that over half of Americans view Islam unfavourably. Just take a moment to consider that, half the population of one of the largest and most influential nations, has a bias against a religion that shares many values with all the other religions of the world.

It just baffles me that anyone could possibly think this is the right thing to do, or that Islam is evil. People seem to just associate the atrocities that a few extremists have committed with millions of innocent and good willed Muslims across the world. Do they not understand that this is effectively extremist Christianity and they are adding more reasons for the extremists everywhere to attack again?

I'm just wondering now, if I am naive in thinking that this probably wouldn't happen in England? Yes we have our own extremists here in Britain, for example the BNP or UKIP, but do you remember the reception Nick Griffin got on Newsnight? Can you remember the very low numbers they got in the general election? I don't know know what you think, but the British people seem to generally like sticking two fingers up to ridiculous people like that, don't they?

Tell you what, interactive poll time, tell me if you think Britain is generally more accepting than America on the form to the right.

xxxx

A lovely day out with my friends.

To celebrate our last day of freedom (well for most of us!) I invited a selection of friends round to just spend some time together, and we had a fabulous afternoon just talking with each other really. It was really nice to see friends that don't necessarily spend a lot of time together get on as if they did. We didn't do much, but it was a nice way to end the summer, just sitting and appreciating each other. I love them all and I'm not quite sure what I'd do without them.

xxxx

A worst enemy to nobody but myself.

I seem to be bent on making myself unhappy and unsatisfied, by watching a different Pride and Prejudice version but nonetheless Pride and Prejudice. So once again I torture myself by flaunting the perfect fairytale under my nose, despite the knowledge that such a love is impossible in my lifetime. What a foolish girl I am.

xxxx

A very apologetic blog.

First things first, my apologies to all of those who were worried about the blog this weekend, I arrived home late from my Nan's yesterday and technology failed me on the Friday.

Anyways, I had a rather happily disappointing first day, as I had predicted before, I didn't make vast quantities of new friends, mainly because everytime a conversation started between new friends, out tutor would set us onto a new activity, however everyone I caught a few words with were all lovely, so hopefully nobody hates me just yet.

I made up for it afterwards however by socialising with the tried and tested friends who can always be relied on, and together we went for a coffee and then spent the rest of our afternoon on a large basket swing picking out shapes in the clouds, because you know what? We're not adults yet.

xxxx

A delightful mixture of emotions.

Tomorrow shall be my first day at college, ever. Despite knowing that everyone else shall be in the same position as myself, I can't help but think that they all look a lot more confident than I do and my God, I'm nervous. I don't know whether to turn up a little early or not and I distinctly remember my interviewer all those months ago, saying that the staff had celebrated that year because 20% of timetables were right, which means I've 80% of being caught up in some humiliating timetable mix up. But at the same time I'm excited, I've an opportunity to meet new friends and connections, a lot more freedom than we ever had at school, and if I'm lucky, like some of my Cirencester counterparts have been, I'll get a really nice timetable, it's what most of us have been waiting for since Christmas.

Good luck, to those whose induction college days are tomorrow,

xxxx

A change in weather and a change in heart.

I've been looking forward to going to college for a while, I felt I needed a change from the monotonous laze that has been my holidays. Then today, the weather was nice, and it is now one of those evenings that you never want to end, where the sun shines right until the very end of the day. Now, despite me having done nothing amazing with my summer, I don't want it to end. Maybe the fear of something new has kicked in or maybe I just don't want to work again, but I have to and I'm sure college will be just as wondrous as we thought it would be. At least that's what I hope...

xxxx

A few days left until term begins.

College has really come upon me today, I've spent most of my afternoon and evening elaborately decorating my folder for college and then weather proofing it with sticky-back plastic, so that finally the hours I spent covering books during my work experience came in handy, and I've now a creation any Blue Peter presenter should be happy with.

I'm also sat here like the creature from the deep, courtesy of the blue-ish face mask I'm wearing as part of the beauty detox regime in preparation for looking as fresh faced as I should on the first day of college. Tomorrow shall bring them same, in addition to a light trim from the hairdressers at an obscenely early time in the morning. Finally, Thursday brings another face mask and a pin curling session in the morning all before the next day. However, everyone knows that the more effort you put in, the more likely it is to go wrong, so for those who venture to New College on Friday, my look shall be very brown with thin black features. Or a paper bag with a marker pen smiley face emblazened upon it, over my head.

xxxx

A first time for everything.

Those of you with a good memory shall remember the cynicism I hold when watching childrens movies. Today, however, I thoroughly enjoyed a film specifically aimed at the younger generations: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. This film just made me smile, from the funny quirks of the main character, Mr T playing a frankly awesome police officer, to the amount of bowler hats the film makers think us British actually wear. This shall be the first childrens film I have and will enjoy in a very long time.

Now today's post will be short (and hopefully sweet) because in seven minutes is a brand new Marple episode, and those who know me will understand how important watching it will be to me.

xxxx

A soppy post about life in general.

You may believe I'm about to reel off some of the cliched beauties of life, but in fact this shall be more of an admiration of what nature has concocted. Starting off with nature itself, I struggle to wrap my head around how perfect life is really, in the scientific sense. For example, we have evolved from a few cells here and there into a cornucopia of species that have mastered land, sea and air. Then us complex animals, which in turn are made up of trillions of cells, each of those has a destined purpose, from the ordinary to the bizarre.

Arguably the most complex of all animals, ourselves the humans, have then go on to create a vast array of cultures, each with its own style of theatre, cooking, social rules, style of dress, music, a huge variety of languages, religion. The idea that nature has created something really so awe-inspiring in itself and then that awe-inspiring thing has in turn created its own legacy is really mind blowing.

Then there is the strong possibility that there is similar circumstances elsewhere in the universe. That such wondrous things are not merely coincidence and one off really is astonishing, in fact if you told someone, were the evidence for it not constantly surrounding us, they wouldn't believe it.

To think I thought of all this whilst brushing my teeth.

xxxx

A contemplative look at college.

Ask any sixteen year old what is occupying their thoughts, and the majority would answer with college. It'll be our first new learning establishment in five very long years, and we shall no longer be the innocent creatures we were either. Instead we shall be filled with preconceptions and stereotypes and despite my head currently being filled with the idyllic image of making new friends no matter who they are, I shall shy away from the stereotypes I think of as threats. That is why I shall have to make a conscious effort to talk to everyone on my induction day coming up in a week.

College also brings the sudden importance of keeping up appearances, due to the lack of uniform, which means you have to fight for your own style and identity in a sea of similarly aged people. Although I personally feel that myself and my friends shall be alright in this area, but in fact I think it might be the people who follow the trends that will get lost, there is only so many black leggings with gladiator sandals and a long top combos you can see before they all look the same. In my case I try my hardest to keep up with a 40s vibe style look, though inevitably I slip into jeans and a t-shirt every now and then, particularly when all my tights are in the wash!

xxxx

A tiring day out yet much was accomplished.

Today was my little jolly to college to finalise my courses for next Friday, and everything was fine and dandy, except I'm now doing express A level Maths, which means cramming two years into one year and I already have three exams this Christmas. It does however mean I can boost my grades and I'm still keeping to my original plan of finishing Maths in one year.

In the afternoon, I went into town to do some shopping and for once in my life I began to dread it, because for once in my life, I was struggling to find any clothes I wanted. I eventually picked up some gems and all the stationery I needed (which wasn't all that much anyway) which tomorrow I begin the effort to decorate.

xxxx

I apologise for this horrendously mundane blog, but this was my excitement for the day, says a lot about me doesn't it?

A late night edition.

Well today's blog is a little later than usual, due to a family night out at the cinema and a mexican restaurant. Therefore the offering today shall be like a filling but light meal, so you won't feel stuffed after reading it.

Melon Starter- Over this past holiday I have put on a small elephant in weight and therefore have resolved to start swimming for healthiness, and to join a yoga group when I get back to college in an attempt to shift any excess Rachel.

Summer Chicken Salad- I am very excited for my enrolment trip to college and then the following college shopping trip, I have even planned which paper I'm having! College is creeping up fast and it won't be long until we'll be on a half term either, and even though it'll be a lot of hard work, I've a feeling that this first term will be pretty fabulous.

After Dinner Mint- I just saw a pair of earrings I own being worn on Ugly Betty, which just goes to show what a fashionista I am.

xxxx

A quiet sigh of relief.

So my results were pretty good, I was by no means the worst, nor was I the best, but I got what I had been predicted. And now, for your enjoyment I shall list my results here:

A*- GCSE Mathematics, Geography, BCS, Chemistry, Physics
A- GCSE English, English Literature, German, Drama, Biology
C- GCSE Applied Science

AS Maths- Core 1, B; Core 2, C; Statistics, C

Admittedly, I was a little disappointed with the C's (not the applied science, however, that was forced upon us with 6 weeks or so to complete a heap of coursework and revise, just so we would satisfy our science teacher) as it now means I shall have to retake the Statstics module to up my grade. However the others by far make up for it, and I am very content with my haul. I am also very content with the £100 spending money it has earned from my parents!

Now I'm off to go numb some of those brain cells with the Big Brother final- yes, I know I'm an awful person for watching it, but in the meantime why not list your own results in the comments, you clever, clever people?

xxxx

A relaxed apprehension.

Tomorrow brings the results of my GCSE examinations and I am strangely relaxed, so much in fact that I'm worried about my state of mind. Currently I have come up with three reasons for my lack of nerves:

1. My mind is being kind to me and keeping me calm until I need to panic, like tomorrow morning, or when I open a failure certificate.
2. My mind has realised that I already have the results I need for my courses in college and therefore theres no risk of me losing a place.
3. My subconcious is being a silly muggins, and being overly confident and thinking I'll have done fine.

Safe to say, I hope it's not number three, because we all know pride comes before a fall. Well all will be revealed tomorrow, come what may.

In other news, I came home from my holiday on Saturday to a letter, which told me I had been successful in my application for an £150 "High Flyer" scholarship, which means I now won't have to dig into my saving to buy all the books, calculators and lab coats I'll need this coming year. Yippee!

xxxx

A wonderfully super extra full bumper holiday edition.

Yes, I am back from my holiday in the nether regions of England, which was very amiable, has left you all feeling lost and bereft I'm sure, without a daily dose of my blog. Therefore to satisfy you, I shall describe to you my week in Plymouth, in hopefully the least tiresome way possible. Brace yourselves for a tale of firsts, turtles, bees, and plants.

We set off early Saturday morning only to become caught up in a horrendous traffic jam, caused by a caravan overturning, more proof that caravans are sometimes a little silly. We eventually trundled our way to the guest house, and spent the rest of the evening exploring the area, and playing tennis. Take a moment to just imagine my family and I playing tennis badly. Just thought I'd add a little humour into this story!

On Sunday, we visited the aquarium, which was pretty decent, despite some horrific acting from characters on the interactive videos. My favourite attraction had to be Myrtle the Turtle, although that wasn't her original name, I thought Myrtle was better, who had eyesight problems and kept crashing into the reef. We then spent the afternoon on a historic tour bus which gave us some nice views of the city sights, in spite the slightly less horrific acting of our video historic tour guide and the painful dialogue between said video and the real life tour guide.

Monday was a trip to the beach where my use of sun cream that was meant to help with my tanning ability brought about a tan line of underwhelming proportions, although the sunburn line on my back was very apparent.

Tuesday brought about the event I had been dreading, swimming. Now keep in mind, I had not been swimming since early in year eight, I was petrified of finally unleashing my freshly white legs on the general public. But, sticking to my resolved plan of keeping my legs below the water's surface, I even managed to break in to a sprightly, if a tad rusty, breaststroke.

Mid week we visited the county of Cornwall, for a trip to their famous attraction, the Eden Project. The plants were all really beautiful, and some of them smelt amazing, unfortunately I couldn't enjoy one of the main attractions for the most English of reasons: it was too hot, I sped through the Rainforest biome, like Voldemort was chasing me. The Eden Project did supply me with a new family member however, in the form of a pot Sensitive Plant (mimosa pudica) by the name of Jeffrey.

We spent Thursday perusing the small museums of Plymouth, made in real Elizabethan houses, with some pretty awesome items, like a penny farthing cycle, and real Victorian medicines. This obviously says something about me that this is my idea of awesome. We then went to Buckland Abbey which was the previous home of Sir Francis Drake and was really interesting, and the cherry pie I had in the cafe was delicious too. I also was really interested in my honey smoothie from innocent which came with some flower seeds and a leaflet on how to build a bee home, in their plight to save the bee, giving me a new project to do before summer ends.

Friday was Tonya's birthday, so the morning was spent opening presents and perusing some more small museums. In the afternoon, we went to a matinee performance of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Plymouth theatre. I must admit, it had never been on my list of musicals to see, but I was truly surprised by how funny and entertaining it was, Lloyd Webber really is the genius they say he is. Unfortunately, after the performance a girl in the row behind us, stood on an unfinished ice cream pot, sending ice cream splodges over my mum and I! After a calming count to ten, which lasted to twenty-eight, I soon saw the funny side and we even reworded some of the songs to suit our dairy tragedy.

Finally on Saturday before coming home we went to Plymouth's big museum, and had a good look around the exhibits before starting our long car journey home.

A few extra points to make, first of all I have finally found my cup of tea! Surprise, surprise, it's Earl Grey, as if my parents needed another reason to tease me for being posh, but it was the nicest I've tried so far. And secondly: Applaud yourselves, youths of Swindon, for you are not as stupid as youths of Plymouth. There are probably lovely Plymouth teens too, but I saw none of them, from snapping off plastic leaflet holders, to terrorising tourists, to drag racing, and tombstoning (yes that sport where you dive off a high rock into shallower coastal waters, and then appear on the news either paralysed or dead from hitting a rock under the surface), Plymouth's teens were ghastly.

Tired from all the reading? Take a break.

xxxx

A full suitcase and a sweet farewell.

Well tomorrow I shall be up far earlier that most folk, in preparation for the long journey to the exotic Plymouth. The contents of my suitcase is currently spread across my bed, as I await to hear how much room I have to squeeze my garments in, as I am sharing a large suitcase with my younger sister. I am a big fan, as many a friend of mine will tell you, of packing for every eventuality and being full prepared for anything. So for those who are interested the tally currently is:

4 dresses; 4 pairs of shoes; 3 cardigans; 5 tops; 2 pairs of tights; 1 skirt and a playsuit. Needless to say the list doesn't end there but if I am honest typing everything else from sun cream to the various pairs of earrings would bore even myself!

Our looming departure meant my dearest Mitzy went on her own holiday, to the cattery. It'll be her first experience of staying away from home, and I am unashamed to say I teared up a little at the thought of her possibly being unhappy.

This will also be a farewell to your good selves, as I have calculated that the credit on my phone will not stretch to the obscene mobile internet charges and therefore there will be no blog until the 22nd. I do however have enough money to text everyone, so if you'd like to stay in contact, feel free to drop me a line.

xxxx

A brief good evening and a little redemption.

I am well and truly stuck into this second book in my trio of treasures from the library, so much so, that I do believe I'll finish it tonight, despite only starting it the night before. Admittedly, it's a little predictable, I could pick out who's husband would die and then who would be falling in love with who, but this time round I actually like the the characters; its simple plot makes it all the more refreshing after the dragging week induced from the last book.

I have also just watched for the first time in a good while, Pimp My Ride (no, I never thought the word "pimp" would feature in this blog either!). It is unashamedly scripted, but the awful puns make it all the funnier, plus the reaction from the lucky car-owner, is either horrendously over-the-top or awkwardly underplayed, making for interesting viewing.

As indicated in the title, today's offering is a little measly, and I'm afraid it'll only be worse this next week as I'm away on holiday, with only my phone for internet access.

xxxx

A disappointing book or no taste?

Today I finished A Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, and if I'm honest I felt a little let down by it. It's blurb spoke of unspeakable scandals, and while I knew that 19th century scandals are timid compared to today's fare, I knew of Oscar Wilde's reputation and thought I'd be in for a treat. But instead of a fast paced account of a wild soul-less man, parts of the story were slow, the characters weren't at all lovable, and the ending was a bit of an anti-climax. It's mere twenty chapters took me over a week to read, purely because I would read a page and then my attention would be drawn elsewhere. The book definitely improves as it goes along in my opinion, but its redeeming quality is ruined the poor end Gray comes to, which leaves the story almost unfinished.

However, this book is regarded as one of the classics, so a large number of people must've enjoyed it thoroughly, perhaps it wasn't in my taste, I do prefer crime or romance novels, and I do like a book to thoroughly describe what its characters do, rather than skimming over half a decade in an obscure way.

So, today I'm asking for a bit of interaction, if you've read the book yourself, what did you think of it? Even if you haven't, have you ever disliked a book that everyone else thought was marvellous?

xxxx

A talentless world and a foolish window cleaner.

Yes world is an exaggeration of myself, though I might argue that my world is talentless. I have no particular finesse for music, singing, art, literature or any other of the finer hobbies. I have many an art I wish to master, the piano, watercolour painting, but I am very unlikely to do so. By no means am I starved of talent, of the eight friends I hold dearest, three are fine actors, three can sing beautifully, five are talented artists and four have a way with words. All adding up to number of talents greater than the eight of them, and therefore somewhere there is an overlap of talent, making my friends very talented indeed.

In other news, today I was bequested with the responsibility of paying the window cleaners, which involved getting up at unearthly hours, and dressing suitably for public viewing. Except after finishing the job instead of ringing the doorbell as planned to collect the pre-written cheque, they posted a bill through the letterbox for to send them said cheque. This of course will delay their receival of the money.

xxxx

A trip down memory lane.

Not necessarily my personal memory lane, but the memory lane of my relatives, because today I come fresh from viewing Who Do You Think You Are? and I always watch it wondering where my bloodline falls in the tapestry of history. I could hardly say I've come from a prosperous background, but neither would I class my family as working class, which by process of elimination, supposedly puts my family in middle class. Middle class, however, is a very loose term these days, I often hear it used to describe families and situations that I would say were upper class. So I guess that leaves my family in limbo, but this uncertainty of where we fit now, makes where we used fit even more important in my eyes, to see whether my family has gradually worked it's way up in society or whether my ancestry lies in Kings and Queens. It's a shame those genealogy sites cost so bloody much.

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A few puzzles here and there.

Well today has offered many an exercise for my mind, after conversing with Keira about Professor Layton, I decided to truly finish it off and complete the entire set of puzzles, which I did this afternoon. Then, because I adore the games so much, I looked up the release date of the next one, which is in October, conveniently near to my birthday! It was during my search for the date that I found that the designers had based the games on the concept of Sherlock Holmes. Now whilst playing the game earlier I had commented to myself how like Sherlock Professor Layton is, but it hadn't occurred to me how strong the influence was, which deepened the disappointment in myself for being so blind, especially in the likeness of the supporting characters.

This leads me onto my next puzzling encounter of sorts, the final Sherlock episode, which was utterly amazing, I was a little disappointed last week because I couldn't spot any reference to the books, so I'd begun to wonder if the production team were just picking and choosing certain stories, but this week? References galore! I could go through all of them, but then that wouldn't make a very interesting blog now would it? It is, however, relatively safe to say that a good third of the programme was spent bouncing slightly in an excited manner because I recognised a little throwback to the stories. Plus the ending, which was left on a cliffhanger, just reinforced my hopes all strongly in favour of another series, which if the BBC don't take up, then they severely misjudge what the viewing public wants.

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A bumper edition: now with pictures.

Now, the more observant of you will have noticed yesterday I didn't blog, which was a tad out of the ordinary for me but I was saving all my friday information, for an extraordinary double blog today, because I went on a jolly to London town with my dear friend, Keira. (http://thisiswayboring.blogspot.com/)

Well for the very few of you who care, Friday involved a nice trip to the library where I finally replaced my three books from the first blog post for another three; Emma, by Jane Austen; As Time Goes By, by Annie Groves; The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde. I've not begun them yet so their review will be in couple of weeks time.

Today also brings another new item to my blog: the use of photographs! Admittedly, they were taken on my phone, because horrifically, it actually photographs better than the camera I do have. Now, myself and Keira started the day being far too excitable in Baker Street Station because of the Sherlock Holmes tiles.

We then continued our journey to Madame Tussauds where we mixed with the stars, especially the now-named King of Swindon, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, David Cameron and Sherlock Holmes, well Robert Downey Jr.

We then lunched, in Regent's Park, al fresco where we were harassed by Barry the Squirrel who was extremely tame, and jumped onto our bench next to us in the hope of receiving some Salt and Vinegar sticks. Plus I was pretty amazed by the large number of heron in the city park, especially that I have only seen one or two in our supposed country town.


But, obviously, being the large Holmes fans we are, we couldn't leave before visiting 221B Baker Street, home of the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Shop, cue The Miss Greenhill lecture on all things Sherlock, and several gasps of wonder at all the possible souvenirs. Plus of course a photograph with the real (almost) Sherlock Holmes himself!

We finished the day off with some delectable cakes, from a delightful little corner shop and a visit to Keira's house to view her chickens and Sir Arthur the bunny, and to indulge in a professional game of Jenga!

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PostScript: I am anticipating tomorrow's final Sherlock episode far too much I may just request the entire Living Room to myself to truly immerse myself in the programme. It's nice to know I'm keeping my slight obsession in check.

A little longing and a set of pin curls.

This morning I put my hair in a set of pin curls in preparation for a trip to London with my lovely friend, and as the name suggests pins are required, yet they are either disappearing one by one, or I am growing more and more hair. When I first tried pincurls, I had enough pins, but each time I redo them, I have to dig out more pins from my sister's room or my bottom drawer, however diligently I put them back after use. Today, I even broke off the jewel on one pin, cutting my thumb in the process. I hope all those pins are happy in pin heaven, or wherever they do disappear to.

I also watched Pride and Prejudice today, having recently read the novel, and I am now even more forlorn in my lack of a Mr Darcy. Maybe that is the reason I do not watch films as often as others; they often have ridiculous and unrealistic happy endings. Now, I am by no means a miser, but for example, two parents on the brink of divorce, are brought back together by a runaway child, whilst the boy's siblings all spout loving words about how they'd never be the same without him; thank you very much "Cheaper by the Dozen" for sickening me just a little. Perhaps I am just a cynic.

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A tad more baking and some window shopping.

The pinny was whipped out again to aid me in the creation of some lovely chocolate biscuits today, and they taste like miniature chocolate cakes, which I'm very proud of as I really don't cook as often as I should!

On another note, the first days of term are looming upon us all, and that means, for those of us going to college, a different outfit everyday. Therefore today I have been browsing through digital racks of clothes and raiding computerised bargain bins. However, my job is made all the more difficult by my wish to slowly incorporate vintage styles into my wardrobe, hence I have resolved to browse the charity shops first. Everyone recommends it for a cheap and easy way to get vintage styles but no-one I know actually does, but this time I will, I have no qualms about wearing someones old clothing.

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A regular housewife and her incompetance with technology.

Today has really been a game of two halves. On one hand I've been the picture of domestic bliss, rushing to get the washing in from the rain; cleaning my room (both rare occurances as my mum will tell you!); and making cinnamon snap biscuits in an ever so fetching pinny- if I do say so myself.

However, throughout all this my laptop refused to log off and is currently in its fourth hour of logging itself off as I type. In addition to this, todays post has been typed out a second time- thanks to a unresponsive phone and as a result is sponsored by the (not so) joys of mobile internet and the stereotypical image of women being technology illiterate.

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A hot day in both senses of the word.

Well I'm fortunate enough to be blogging this evening, due to my mother burning some oil in a wok, and smoking us all to within an inch of our lives, and receiving mild smoke inhalation and streaming eyes. It was, however, an event to liven up my usual monotonous routine of university research, facebook loitering and watching and reading Sherlock Holmes.

Which brings me to my new animalistic want for Benedict Cumberbatch, a unusually old style name that a girl like myself can only dream of, plus a voice that takes me by suprise everytime he opens his mouth, and can only be likened to the rich smoothness of coffee. Believe me, if beverages from Starbucks could speak, my God, they'd all sound like him.

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A whimsical and uncertain decision.

After a few conversations on the subject and a little research courtesy of the internet, I have come to the decision that I'd like to attempt to get a place at Cambridge University. I think I shall leave today's blog at this, and instead ask you to add your thoughts to this, via the comments, all ideas, both bad and good, will be much appreciated.

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A very English custom.

Queuing is a custom us English are renowned for, but today I did something very unusual for the average English person. I left a queue, twice. However, let me first explain the circumstances:

Today, my friend and I went to the the Swindon Mela, which was lovely, but twice I got into a queue for a henna design. The first time, we were summoned to go home before I had been patterned upon, and on the return we stood for a while before I decided it wasn't a productive use of my time or money, and instead I sampled some delightful samosas.

Maybe I'll redeem my English qualities with the complaint that the queues weren't very organised, on neither occasion could I tell where the end of the queue was, or where it was going.

English queuing aside, I had a splendid time, and both food and music were amazing, and my friends mother and I had a lovely chat about the beautiful housing in Old Town.

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A mirage of the future.

Today, I have been dreaming about the future, as I presume the vast majority of humanity also does. I, however, been more specifically looking at the frivolous items I wish to own, and not even covetable objects either. For example, one item I was particularly enjoying looking at was tableware and tea services, and selecting the lovely designs I'd like. Yes, I spent today looking at plates and teapots. No, it's not on an average teenagers wishlist. Yet, this teenager was also looking at pastel coloured sewing machines and retro-look biscuit tins, that make a home look oh-so-cosy.

What type of house will these objects reside in? A large, Georgian or Victorian house, on the outskirts of a village. A village where I'll organise street parties, and we shall all share and share alike, allowing neighbours to borrow teabags when they've run out. I shall always be decked out immaculately in my thirties and forties style outfits.

Oh and of course by this time flying pigs will actually be both biologically and physically possible, perhaps even possible because of my scientific research. Unless I marry an Earl, or Duke this future of mine seems most unlikely, no matter how hard I work to get a degree with honours. This is trouble when a realist attempts to dream, they cut the string of their own metaphorical kite.

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A one woman army in the making.

Last night and today, I've found myself alive with ideas. For those who don't know, during term time, I help out once a week at a local Brownie Pack, but this September the original Brown Owl is leaving, and so there will be oppotunity for some changes, as despite being a really nice lady, the girls would never do activities and instead wasted away a lot of time talking. So, yesterday evening, I was watching a programme on the 100 years of Girlguiding- admittedly for the second time, and it really struck me what an oppotunity our Brownies had been missing, they very rarely do badges, and even then it was all arranged for them and done as a pack. At the risk of sounding much older than my years, even in my day us Brownies were expected to do badges on our own; I have a hand decorated plastic lunchbox which contains several pieces of badge adorned cardboard as proof of my collectors badge, and I famously dropped a mug whilst practising making tea and coffee for my hostess badge. Yes times have changed, but if anything the capacity for girls to independantly doing badges has increased, not diminished. As such my mind is racing with ways to encourage the brownies to take iniative, as well as planning so many more activities than the repetitive group games they've played the last term.

In addition to my new found energy in guiding, this morning I discovered that pretty soon, the London 2012 Olympic Games will be appealing for 70,000 volunteers to help run the games, in all manner of activities. No, you don't get free access to watch the events, no, they won't pay for your travel and accommodation costs, and yes, you will probably have to work non-stop for your 10 days of service. All you take away with you is the memories, a story to tell the grandchildren and they graciously allow you to keep your uniform as a souvenir. So, as you can expect as soon as they open application, I'll be signing on the dotted line. How often do the you get the chance to go watch the Olympic events in person, let alone how often do you get take part in the Games? Even then how often is the Olympics in your own back garden, making it all possible? I personally cannot wait until the moment I tell my children and then their children what their mummy did before heading off to university, and I can show off my uniform with all the over-exaggerated pride my elderly mind can muster.

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P.S if anyone else is interested in applying to volunteer in the Olympics check out the volunteering website

A week of Austen, Christie and Conan Doyle.

Last week, I paid a visit to the local library, which I hadn't been to for a good half a decade. In the end I chose from, what was in my opinion, a very inadequate collection of Agatha Chiristie novels, An Appointment with Death- one of the few titles my mum does not own; The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Pride and Prejudice.

The last two I picked up on a mere whim, but a whim I am now extremely glad I acted on. Sherlock Holmes is as equally marvellous to my beloved Poirot, and my opinion of him improved only further with the new BBC drama Sherlock, which was so bloody brilliant, I'd recommend it to my cat, if only she understood, and the fact that the actor who plays him is extremely handsome is a point that as a teenage girl I obviously care very little for.

Pride and Prejudice is miles away from my usual choice of crime novels, and I was hesitant as I had before tried to read Wuthering Heights but had confused myself by the first page, and I worried the same might apply to this book. However I found myself quickly submerged, and took just over two days to complete. As you can tell, I have a social life which is rich and fruitful, and keeps me nothing but busy.

While this first post is anything but spectacular, it is a first post, and for the sake of all our sanity, I shall endeavor to improve.

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