Yes, This Blog Is Still Alive

I figure the best way to end my three month writing hiatus is to give y'all an update. Sorry it took so long.

MA English Literature
So I genuinely love my Masters. Yes, it is more difficult than I had imagined; yes, some of the reading material does make me wanna slit my wrists, BUT I couldn't imagine doing anything else right now. I always have been, and shall continue to be, a true geek at heart. I do feel like I should be wearing thick spectacles to complete the look. Alas, my eye sight is perfectly fine.

Me
As ever, I continue the ongoing struggle of trying to figure myself out. I know that I have some deep rooted issues, but for the life of me, I cannot figure out what they are, and how exactly they are affecting me. *sigh* know any decent psychoanalysts?

Things That Have Been Making Me Laugh

1. My Tram Experience - possibly the funniest video I've ever seen, and yet I seem to be the only person whose had this response. So many people have been upset and offended by it, but there are millions of people in the UK who share the same sentiments. It just so happened that one woman was stupid enough to say it aloud, on a tram in multi-racial London, with someone filming her. I find it funny because of her overwhelming ignorance, but I feel so sad for her child.
2. Texts From Bennett - the FUNNIEST thing on Tumblr EVER!!!! There's just no point in me trying to explain it, go check it out yourself - http://textsfrombennett.tumblr.com/
3. X Factor - possibly the shittest year ever? Such a lack in talent. The judges have been very irritating. Louis Walsh is STILL sitting in that seat. Janet Devlin. Frankie Coccoza. Tulisa. All Very Laughable

Things That Have Been Making Me Sad

The fact that I work constantly and am still broke. Stupid tuition fees!

Anyway, I'm going to try and stop being such a deadbeat blogger and write more often. Maybe it'll be my New Years Resolution.... but who really sticks to those anyway?

Amsterdam

A couple snaps from my trip to Amsterdam. Its a truly beautiful city.

Jill Scott

WOMANIFESTO

Clearly I am not a fat ass
I am active brain and lip smacking, peach deep,
sometimes so aggressive in its honesty
and heart sweet
that loves wholly and completely
whom it may choose
whom ever it may choose

I am not gonna lie and passify
I am arms to hold
I am lips to speak
I am a motherfuckin G

Strong legs that stroll off the 33 bus
or out of a money green Phantom confortably
Knees that bend to pray
clean from Ajax washings
hair that is thick and soft
Thigh that betwixt an amazing all expense grand prize

I am eyes that sing
smile that brightens
touch that rings and supply euphoric release
I am a Grand Dame Queen Beast

I am warm
I am peace
From the roads of Botswana to 23rd Street
From the inside third eye
ever watching this wicked wicked system of things
I do see

I am friend to pen
and a lover of strong women
A Diamond to menI am curious and interested like children

I welcome the wise to teach
appreciator of my culture
Thick not just from bone dense and eat

I have a rhythm in my ways
and a practice in my seek
and yes I do crave the rhythm of my space
with a man that rejoyces in God's Grace

with faith I do hear to listen
two hands that fist
when forced pushes to shove
and your ego won't submit

I am gifted
I am all of this
and indeed the Shit
Clearly I am not just an ass

Black Girls

Haile Selassie I

Many discouraging hours will arise before the rainbow of accomplished goals will appear on the horizon

500 Days Of Summer

London's Burning

(Firstly, apologies for the 2 month hiatus. I will be better, promise.)

I've been looking for a way to write about last week's riots since they started, but it is David Starkey who gave me the inspiration I needed.

A week ago, I said to my family, "this is gonna turn racial", and boy, was I right! The riots in Tottenham on Saturday were justifiable, in my opinion. The police executed a man in the street, wouldn't give his family any answers, and the frustration of being ignored turned into violence. I do not condone the violence at all, but I can definitely understand why the situation escalated. What followed over the week was mostly a mixture of opportunism and copycat violence, but it has thrown a light over some of our societies issues, particularly the issue of racism. Photographs and videos from the London riots were dominated by black faces, but the looting did not discriminate. People of every race, religion, background, colour, and social class found their way onto the streets to destroy their own cities. And as the riots moved further away from London, into places like Manchester, where the population is predominately white, it became increasingly evident that these acts of destruction transcended race.

So when idiots like David Starkey realised that it wasn't only black people rioting, he did what he could to exhonerate his white counterparts by saying "the whites have become black". As I watched him express his racist thoughts live on the BBC, I became increasingly frustrated at that cretinous "scholar". But as he sat there and defended his words as "plain speaking", it became clear to me that his view was one likely shared by more people than we would believe. David Starkey is the idiot stupid enough to say out loud what many people were most probably thinking.

So what happens next? My theory is one you might not agree with, but here it is anyway: racist bastards like David Starkey will continue to have their ignorant say on national television, and spark up enough sympathisers to stir up racial tensions. Police will become more discriminate against young black Londoners.  The BNP get more votes than ever. The knock-on effect these riots will have is bigger than we could possibly conceive.

Rihanna - Man Down

It took me a while to actually watch this video that's been getting all too much attention, but I've finally watched it, and if you haven't watch it now so I don't start ruining it for you:




So now you've watched it, lemme share my thoughts.
If you didn't already know, this video has been getting a lot of negative press because the Parents Television Council deemed it as glorifying violence.  Rihanna personally hit back via twitter, and continues to support her choice.
My own feelings about it are incredibly mixed, so I'm just gonna bullet point it all:

• The song is absolutely rubbish! Maybe the Parents Television Council banned the song because it hurt their ears? Her vocals are beyond terrible, the reggae beat is soft, and the fact that she tried to revive her Bajan accent works against her. In terms of lyrical content, I have to question where the inspiration came from, and why she likes saying "rum pum pum" so much The song is rubbish.
• One of the biggest problems I have with Rihanna (aside from her obvious lack of vocal talent) is the fact that she clearly does not understand her target audience. The fact that she's tried to sell S&M to her young teenage target audience is worrying. Rihanna took to twitter to argue that she isn't a role model, but as such a public figure, she undoubtedly has influence over her fans. Inadvertently, she is a role model, and that she tells the story of a woman who shoots a man through "Man Down" sends the wrong message.
• On the flip side, "Man Down" is a song filled with regret. If you listen closely to the lyrics, the character isn't proud of her actions. I think the message she tries to get across is that young women must always be careful and smart in this dangerous world, but that message can easily be confused with one that argues that violence in retaliation of sexual victimisation is acceptable. After all, how many people, when watching a music video, listen closely to all the lyrics? The visual often makes ist impression before the audio. (well so I think, If I'm wrong, tell me)
• The video is rubbish. I wanna know why she filmed it in Jamaica instead of her home country. Is she ashamed of her Bajan roots? (food for thought [lol])

Anyway, that's my opinion on the subject.

Letter To My Father

Dear Dad,

I'm a dreamer. My head is in the clouds most of the time; and because my head's in the clouds, I always find myself looking up at the sky. And for the last few weeks, every time I look up, I think of you.

I never got the chance to know you, and it aches that I wasn't afforded even one memory to claim as my own. I turned 21 last week and you didn't get to see it, just like you won't get to see me graduate, or move out, or get married, or have babies. We both miss out on a lifetime of memories, and though it made me angry for a long time, I've accepted it.

I want you to know that you've left a hole that can never be filled, but I've never felt short of father figures. I have the most amazing uncles, and the ole Stepdad is a truly amazing man. You would thank him from the bottom of your heart for the way he has taken care of this family. And mum, of course, is perfection. She is the definition of strength and beauty, and you would be so proud of her.

I wonder what life would be like if you were still here. I pray that you are truly at peace. I wonder if you are looking down on us all, guiding us through life. But most of all, I wonder if you're proud.of us.

You are forever loved, forever missed, and forever defining who I am. I will keep looking for you among the clouds.

Leighan

This Week....

This week I:

• handed in 3 essays
• did one Shakespeare exam
• FINISHED UNI!!!!!!!!!
• came back home
• celebrated my 21st birthday with lots of alcohol and food
• made some awesome career contacts
• got in touch with old friends!

Lets hope all weeks are this awesome!!! 

So I'm Ugly?? Cool, Thanks For Your Opinion...

Having spent most of my day travelling, Twitter was my first source of information regarding the headline on every one's lips: Black Girls are 'Less Attractive'". I looked the article up when I got home, and basically, a psychologist, Satoshi Kanazawa, published a blog saying he had scientific proof to prove that black women are the ugliest of the bunch.

Load of NONSENSE!

Everyone has their preference. We cannot all be attracted to everybody. For example, I personally find chocalate men VERY appealing. BUT the fact that this psychologist decided he was clever enough to generalise and add insult to injury by claiming he has scientific proof is ridiculous.

Is it racism? Or is it just a man with an opinion and an ego that's spiralling out of control? Personally, I do think there is an element of racism about it, but more than that, it is ignorance of the highest degree. What is crazy about it is the publicity Satoshi's blog received, and some of the very silly responses it has inspired. On twitter, for example, some people are using it as an excuse to get racist, and some people are saying rubbish crap like "All the ugly black girls responding should shut up and leave it to the pretty ones".

The fact is, any racism in any shape or form is trash. Earlier this week, I watched the documentary "Louis Theroux and the Nazis". Naturally, I was disgusted by their views, but mostly I just felt sorry for them. Hatred breeds Hatred, and its vile that they would bring up their children with the same warped views. Everyone is beautiful, and the only race is the human race. But, I digress.

So, in conclusion, this so-called psychologist fool that wants to express his own personal views as facts needs to take a look at my mama and my grandmothers, the three most beautiful women in the world!

And I'm done!
Peace Love and Music

The Final Hurdle

So Close To The End...

...I have only four days left of uni!!! I initiated the countdown at the beginning of May, and now I only have four days left! Its completely insane the way time flies by, and we don't even give it a second thought!

Anyway, the motivation is lacking, hence the standard procrastination-via-blogging you see going on here. I always find that the last hurdle is always the hardest to overcome, but I'm bloody trying! I'm so completely ready to leave education!

Wish me luck!

Beyonce!!! Take Note!!!

So this blog post is inspired by Beyonce, Glee, and TLC. Random combination? Maybe... but it'll all make sense in a minute.

So I was about a week late listening to Beyonce's new song "Run The World (Girls)". When I did finally hear the song, I was actually horrified at how SHIT the song is. Apparently, Beyonce is meant to be one of the best music artists the world has to offer, and she comes out with some stale song, using a 2 year old beat and some lazy lyrics. And its another of her female empowerment songs (change the tune already!), so as a woman, I should probably be impressed by her, but I've never been a Beyonce fan and she can kick rocks as far as I'm concerned.
(Also, the fact that Vybz Kartel and Busy Signal can DUPPY that beat, and Beyonce makes it sound terrible is further proof that she should lose credibility).

Anyway, yesterday I caught up with a couple of the latest Glee episodes. I'm a MASSIVE Glee fan anyway, but they keep raising the standards, and the songs they choose seem to keep getting better and making me fall in love all over again.
In the episode "Born This Way", Rachel and Quinn sing the most beautiful duet, a mash up of TLC's "Unpretty" and West Side Story's "I Feel Pretty", and it genuinely makes me want to cry. Because they strip "Unpretty" down, you really sit back and listen to the lyrics, and That Is What You Call Empowerment!


So naturally, I went back and had a good old listen to TLC's "Unpretty", and I felt inspired.

Enough about ruling the world! Power starts with loving youself.

So, assuming that y'all have heard TLC's version (and if you haven't, don't talk to me anymore), below is the Glee version. Hope you enjoy it.

Cinemagraphs

Welcome to the revolution of photography!

Cinemagraphs are photographs with movement, and they work beautifully in captivating the eye. I love its effect, especially the top picture.

Political Incorrectness

I'm well aware that a lot of people will call this blasphemy and all the rest ...so sue me.
 I saw this banner on the news -  they were protesting against discrimination after two men got banned from a pub for kissing -  and I just had to chuckle.

Trash TV

Jeremy Kyle. Maury. The Only Way is Essex. Jersey Shore. The Hunks. 16 and Pregnant. Teen Mom...

... and the list goes on of all the trash TV I enjoy watching.

My mama cannot understand for the life of her why I watch such shit shows, and I can't even deny that they are all completely trashy. My stepdad asks me constantly "why don't you watch a show you can learn something from?" The answer is this: I spend my days reading Shakespeare and Hemingway, writing essays, and being generally scholarly, so when it comes to TV time, all I wanna do is SWITCH OFF, catch some jokes, and then tweet about it!

Also, the trashy shows are the most entertaining ones! Who's gonna try and tell me that they get as much enjoyment watching Animal Planet as they would watching some good old fashioned "You aint my babydaddy" Maury....... no one??? That's what I thought...

Long Live The Hunks!!

So I just HAD to blog it! I didn't have a choice! It HAD to happen!

I just tuned in to Sky Living's new tv show The Hunks, and I am an OFFICIAL CONVERT! It reminds me of Jersey Shore, just without girls, American Accents and cool guys like Pauly D.

Anyway, the guys say things like "I'm not race-ophobic", have conversations about waxing chests, and hold the belief that females choice of men differs at different stages of the menstrual cycle.

AND shout out to the hunk Samy who tweeted me whilst watching the show! I've never felt so hunky in my entire life!

Show is a must watch, especially if you, like me, enjoy shows like TOWIE and Jersey Shore.

RastaMan Vibrations: Positive

I Want One! Please and Thank You

The man that can give me a kid as cute as this is the man I need in my life ASAP




This is one of my favourite adverts! The kid is just the most adorable specimen of American child EVER!

Malcolm X

There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. 

Help For Haiti?

Who remembers the Haiti earthquake at the beginning of 2010?

Recently, its just struck me that journalism and the news is all a load of bullshit. It will focus on a natural disaster for a couple weeks, and then you won't see any mention of it in the news. Take Japan for example. Its not even been a month since the country was devastated, but I was reading the Daily Mail online, and there wasn't a mention of it. They have whole sections of the website dedicated to Katie Price's newest relationship, and what Lady Gaga was most recently pictured wearing (or not wearing), but there is no mention of the aid Japan is being given, or the ongoing devastation.
You have to pay to access The Times online, and I'm not about to do that, but even so, from what I can see, no mention of Japan.

Anyway, all this got me thinking of Haiti. The world cried at the horrific images and kept their eyes pealed on the news to find out the catastrophic figures. Celebrities donated money and put on charity concerts to help the cause, and for a few months at least, it looked like the world cared.
15 months on, who knows how Haiti is? Who cares how one of the poorest nations in the world is attempting to rebuild? Over 200,000 people died, and 1.5million were left homeless. Everyone was shocked, but did the world give a shit before the earthquake, when 86% of people living in Haiti's capital were living in slum conditions, and 70% of the population lived on $2 a day? And my question is, do they give a shit now? The poor homeless black babies aren't being shown on the news, the crying women aren't welcome on our tv screens, and the concerts are no longer being given, but Haiti is still a complete mess.
Since the earthquake, there has been a cholera outbreak in Haiti which has affected 400,000 people and killed around 4000. And where did I read this? BBCCaribbean.
 I'm not trying to say that the world has turned their backs, because there are still donations and relief workers doing their best to restore Haiti. I just think that the world is so fickle. We turn on the news, we see what's going on in the world, we turn to our family members and say "oh, that's awful", and then we carry on eating our dinner.

The newspapers are always full of bad news, and I hate that they rarely report anything positive, but surely bad news is better than ignorance?
I'm not a political person. Most of the time, I'd prefer to read the latest film reviews or catch up on idle gossip than read an honest to goodness news article. But I'm getting to an age and a maturity level where I'm realising that I can't close my eyes to the world just because I'm afraid of what I'll see.

Ghandi

whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it anyway

Mr Fiasco

Man Candy: March Edition

This man!! THIS MAN!!

Mehcad Brooks

Gas levels are through to roof!! I've always been a fan of True Blood, but when they put this man on my screen last year, I died. And then when they killed him off, I wanted to kill them! Also, I started watching The Game recently, the show is shit and full of cliches about black people (BOO), but they put Mr Brooks in there for a good few episodes, so ratings went up slyly.

Anyway, enjoy! 

Gleek Officially... Still

And the love affair with GLEE continues!

I actually cannot help it. Season 2 has just been awesome. They're still coming with the songs and the jokes and the drama and THE SONGS!... and also the Sue Sylvester, still my favourite character.

Also, the Dalton Academy Warblers should win everything! They make me wanna join an acapella choir ASAP!
(if anyone knows of an acapella choir, holla at a n*gga)

BlackBirds

FULLY GASSED!

So I'm probably very late with this but I DON'T GIVE A f*~K!

Newest obsession: BLUEY ROBINSON!!!!
He is mega cute, mega talented and he has dreads?!?!? Anyone that knows me know very well that dreads are a dealmaker! I am SOLD!



Also, while we're on the subject of people gassin' me right now, I listened to Marsha Ambrosius' new album Late Nights & Early Mornings and I'm also FULLY GASSED! One of the sexiest albums ever, I swear! I also heard that her album is number 2 in the US album charts which is so amazing! She is just one of those artists that deserves all the attention!

It Seems Today That All You See...

So I've been watching a lot of Family Guy recently, because its only 20 minutes long and it fills the study breaks up nicely.

Anywho, Peter pisses me off, Meg should probably just kill herself, but I LOVE Stewie.

Also, I know this is such a girlie thing, but my favouirte moments in Family Guy are moments like these:






I like musicals and Disney way to much.

Pray

In light of  the freak increase of natural disasters, and unexplained happenings all over the world, I find myself in the midst of people asking the same question:

Is the world ending in 2012?

Personally, I find it incredibly hard to believe that the world will end in a year. I have too much to achieve in this lifetime. What I have actually found so incredible and so beautiful is, that in the wake of recent disasters, the most recent being the Japanese tsunami, people still have faith. Twitter, Facebook and BBM have all been blowing up with prayers for the Japanese, and I guess it provides small comfort to know that people still believe in the power of prayer.

On a related note, in one of my uni modules, we've been doing a lot of work on the Rwandan Genocide. The harrowing and upsetting books, films and documentaries we've encountered are only made harder to view or read by the fact that such a disgusting act of evil happened in our lifetime and yet we knew little about it then, nor can we do anything about it now by educating ourselves now. 

Today we were looking at a movie called Shooting Dogs, and I was actually shocked by the majority of the other students' inability to comprehend the religious aspect of the film. They were easier able to understand how the Rwandan murderers stood so firm in their beliefs that mass murder was necessary, but they could not believe that a priest in the midst of all this death could keep his faith.

I know I've struggled with my faith, especially recently. I've turned away from God when it gets too painful, but I'm beginning to understand the importance of faith. In light of tragedy, when we are completely unable to do anything but watch, when the feelings of overwhelming helplessness consume us, it is a comfort, great or small, to know that God has our backs.

FRARDI FRIDAYS!

So me and the girls have ventured into the wonderful world of radio. Catch us catching jokes every Friday 10-12pm at ilovejamradio.co.uk

We had a few technical difficulties on Friday, which meant our premier show didn't air till last night, but we had some good feedback so thanks to all that listened. I think its also a credit to our blackness that we aired a Friday show on a Sunday (always late!)

Also, there is a podcast of the first show if you missed it:

http://frardifridays.podomatic.com/

P.S. I Love You

"We're so arrogant, aren't we? So afraid of age, we do everything we can to prevent it. We don't realize what a privilege it is to grow old with someone. Someone who doesn't drive you to commit murder or doesn't humiliate you beyond repair."



Valentines Day Blues

So at this time in my life, I dread the hype surrounding Valentines Day. And, to be completely truthful, this is only because, when I see the cards and the roses, and all things pink or red, it forces me to evaluate the reasons why I'm spending another Val Day as a single woman. Is it because all the guys at this uni are boy-men, or is it me? For the sake of my ego, I'm gonna say its the fault of the male species, but if I'm gonna be completely honest, it can't entirely be their fault.

When my mama asked me my plans for Val Day, I didn't hesitate to tell her I was spending it with the girls, eating lots of bad food and watching man-hating films (a la Kill Bill). It was only whilst I was eating my tub of Ben & Jerrys that I realised how absolutely sad and pathetic these plans were - not that I was gonna throw my ice cream away and move away from the bed.

I'm not about to become some desperate girl clinging to any man that glances my way, but seriously, Mr Right, if you're out there, could you make yourself known please? I don't even want to be bitter, but when your friend is getting a new Laptop from her boyfriend for Valentines Day, your hands are tied and you start tasting the lemons.

That's my share of crying DONE!

Some Enchanted Evening

After my Grandad died a few months ago, I had a conversation with my Grandmum. She gave me some advice on love and life, and she quoted me a lyric: "Once you have found her, never let her go" from a song called Some Enchanted Evening from a beautiful musical called South Pacific. I recommend that movie to everyone.

Every time I think of that song now, I think of my lovely, sweet Grandad and my beautiful Grandmum, and how much they loved each other.

Today is literally the first time since that conversation that I've been able to listen to that song.

Michael Jackson

"Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone. This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived."

The Notebook

If your a bird, I'm a bird

Man Candy: February Edition

Welcoming to my blog, Willy Monfret. Ridiculously beautiful model that can be found in Nicki Minaj's video for Right Thru Me.

Jessie J

So I hate that Do It Like A Dude song. I heard it once, and life would go very well if I never heard it again. But then I ran into this Youtube video, and I cannot deny, Jessie J can sing!!!! Like, she can really sing!

Recently...

Recently Bought: 


Books:

• The Great Gatsby: F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Accidental: Ali Smith
• To Kill A Mockingbird: Harper Lee
• Never Let Me Go: Kazuo Ishiguro
• Nocturnes: Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Line of Beauty: Alan Hollinghurst

Clothes:

• Jeans
• Converse
• Tops
• Socks

Recently Viewed:

• Blue Valentine
• The whole of Modern Family to date
• The Wire Season 3
• Jeremy Kyle (obviously)

Recently Listened To:

• Adele: 21
• Kano: The Jack Bauer Edition
• Aaliyah: I Care 4 U

Recently Learnt:

• That life is too short to choose the safe option.
• Because of the way I was raised, and the events in my past that defined me, I hang onto my childhood as a way to protect myself. Also, that these events affected me fundamentally, way more than I ever realised
• That my oldest brother is incredibly intuitive
• Boys gossip WAY more than girls do.
• January ends today! How the hell did that happen?!

The Question That Haunts Me...

For about a month, I've been trying to figure out the answer to a certain question, and I've had no luck at all...I change my answer constantly and its very annoying.

The Question Is:

Who's better: Anthony Hamilton or Maxwell?

I cannot choose!!!! On the one hand, there is Maxwell, one of the most beautiful voices ever, written some pretty songs!!! The man can SING! And This Woman's Work.... any man who can sing a song he didn't even write and still make men and women cry on the regular deserves a medal:

And then, there is Anthony Hamilton with them soulful tones and those elegant, simple, perfect songs like Charlene, Lucille etc. I can't fault any of his albums and Coming From Where I'm From is just a compilation of big choons. You just know he means every word he sings:

Both amazing artists, two very distinctive voices, two incredible talents. I just can't decide who I love more...

Day 30: Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?

So, as of a month ago I would have been able to tell you a definitive answer, but true to form as the most indecisive person on the face of the earth, my mind has changed again and I'm reconsidering career choices. So in five years, I will be in either one of two places:

1. Working in an office somewhere, probably in an entry position in publishing or advertising, putting my English degree to some use
2. Having finished studying another three years, in a hospital starting a career in midwifery

Yes, they are completely COMPLETELY different! And I could kick myself for not knowing wagwan with my life STILL at the age of 20. But at this current moment in time, my mind and heart are swaying towards the latter plan. Will my mind change in 3 weeks time? There's a very high possibility. SO SUE ME!

On a separate note, I'm totally sad that this 30 day challenge is over... means I'm gonna have to find interesting things to blog about all by myself

Day 29: A Picture Of You Posing With Someone You Don't Like

LOL.... Guess Who...

Day 28: How Has Your Week Been?

This week has been long and slow, fun and shit, all at the same time.
I genuinely don't understand how it could be Friday/Saturday morning already! I feel like I lost Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.... the days have just amalgamated into one continuous library stretch. I finished one essay this week, and have started the next one, but its just making my life long!
Anywho, regardless of the longness, and the stress, and the boredom, chilling with the girls in the library always brightens my day! We work, then we laugh, watch funny videos and chat nonsense... good times

Day 27: How Did You Spend Your Last Birthday, And What Are Your Plans For The Next One?

Last year, I had an exam the next day, so me and some friends went to the park and revised (or not). Then at the weekend, we had chinese buffet (PENG) and drinks after

This year, I'll probably spend my birthday in the library. Then I guess me and the ole twin will have a party when I get back to London! Gotta celebrate the big 2-1 the only way we know how: BIG

Day 26: What Did You Eat Today?

Honey Nut Shredded Wheat

Tuna Sandwich and Malteasers

Potatoes, Frankfurters and Stir Fry Veg

Copious Amounts of Water (detox)

Day 25: 10 Things That Make You Laugh

1. My Grandma and Mama when they start bitching about people
2. The Hangover - Classic!
3. Funny Youtube videos
4. Leah, Debbie and Liz
5. How I Met Your Mother
6. Jes, Era, and Adelle
7. People who think they can dance... you can't
8. People who think they can sing... you can't
9. Parrots
10. Watching twins fight... I think its nostalgia

Day 24: 10 Things That Annoy You

1. Spiders that stay in the same places for days and days, and then they move and you freak out because you're not prepared to meet them in another situation
2. People that beg friend to emotional levels! Its not cool, its not cute, its not clever
3. People that disagree with what everyone else says just to be "unique" and "individual"... shut up
4. Louis Walsh
5. The word "ting" as a substitute for "girl".... that just grates on my soul
6. People who fart on buses.... EWWWWW.... BLEURGH... WRONG
7. Cher Lloyd.... just... No!
8. People who gossip about people they don't know
9. The character present in every film whose role is solely to state the obvious...
10. Being the only girl in my family occasionally annoys me, because the parents just make me do everything, but its ok because I'm a girl? Not quite

Day 23: Post Your Horoscope

Taurus: 

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, and we are attracted to the unusual, extraordinary, and unconventional. Independence, equality, and freedom are vital to feeling emotionally satisfied with this position of the Moon. The Moon trines Saturn this evening, and new responsibilities may come our way, or there can be a heightened awareness of existing ones. It's relatively easy to discipline ourselves under this influence. Appeals to our emotions won't be as effective as appeals to our common sense, logic, and sense of responsibility.

Personally, this sounds like a whole heap of unadulterated bullshit. I don't really buy into this horoscope nonsense.

Day 22: How Has Your Life Changed Over The Last Year

A very apt challenge considering were but a few days into 2011.

I guess life has changed a lot. I'm in my last year of uni, so I'm really beginning to realise that life education is going to be tough. Also, the more time you spend living independently, the more you learn about yourself, so I've learnt a lot and will continue to learn. I lost two important people which made me realise more the value of family and the importance of living life FULLY.

Live and Learn. Love and Learn

Day 21: Who Are You? When Are You You? When Are You Not You?

I am optimistic, musical, smiley, comfortable, sometimes lazy, sometimes paranoid, passionate, a laugher, a cryer, hard-working, sometimes focused. I am ME

I am me most of the time really

I am not me when I'm in an uncomfortable surrounding, then I'm only a shell of me

Day 20: Write About Your Relationship Status

SINGLE

so... yeah.....

Day 19: Post One Confession/Secret

I suffered from a really really strange form of OCD as a teenager, and still kinda suffer from it now, only I've learned to tone it down I guess. Anyway, the only other person who knows about it is my mama, and it kinda freaked us out for a while. Its only in the last few years that I found out that it was OCD on some level.

So anyway, secret revealed

Day 18: Write About Your Day In Bullet Points

• Woke up at around 12
• Showered
• Had coffee and toast with ham.... yummy
• Chilled with Mum and Grandma
• Went to sainsburys with Mum and G-ma
• Came home and put the shopping away
• Uncles and Cousins show up
• More Uncles and Cousins show up
• Another Uncle shows up
• Feed them all
• Eat dinner myself... was some good food yanuh!
• Listen to my family gossip like old ladies
• Watch some crappy Miss Marple crap with G-ma
• Watch some Criminal Minds (Derek Morgan = delicious)
• Write on my blog and load BBC iplayer so I can watch Eastenders