Moving stuff.

On Wednesday, me and dad went down to Dartmouth to pick up our new toy. It happens to be an Airstream caravan which belongs or used to belong to a friend of ours who lives in Dartmouth and was keeping this thing in the field where his office is. We’ve just bought it off him and have a field to put it in in Saltash in Cornwall. However, this thing is 8ft wide and 27 ft long. It also (being American) has a difference size towball so cannot easily be towed by a large car.

We managed to find a flatbed truck that had trucks more than 8ft wide so booked one of those. Getting it on the truck proved to be quite simple in the end. The truck had loads of high tech parts that came out and we put it on the back and drove it to Cornwall. The hard bit was getting it to the field was it was down a long narrow lane with not many turning spaces. We decided to abandon that idea and take it off the recovery truck at the top of the road on a large junction. From there, we attached it to the back of Dad’s car (Nissan Navara big truck thing) which was ok to go about a mile down the road. We managed to get it a bit stuck on some large stone gateposts not far before the field, which meant we had to unattach it, and swing it round manually and then connect it to the car again. Eventually with the help of Nick the previous owner and his pick up truck, we got it down the lane and into a space next to the field where it’s going to go eventually which is currently headheight with grass and nettles.

After that, we had to drive to a nearby boatyard to pick up a trailer for dad’s workmate.  We were making the most of this trailer to pick up a boatmast from further down in Cornwall. and take it back to Bristol. It was a bit bad in that we didn’t arrive at this place until gone 8.00 in the evening. I think we did a pretty good job adding randon parts of wood and rope to this trailer so the 11ft mast could go along it and not stick up miles above the car. It was a bit difficult so we compromised a bit by having it sticking out quite far at the back. At least it was low down there. As it was quite late, the roads through Cornwall and going up the M5, it was nearly empty and we got back to Bristol without any problems about 1am. Well – everything sorted.

Went out last night with friends. Bit of a school reunion cus Dawn was back in Bristol just for that day so loads of us were meeting up for drinks. Me and Vikkie had to be elsewhere at 8.00 but we had a good catch up and a drink with the old lot and then went to the Assembly. The usual quiz was on. We weren’t up to our usual standards of winning by miles but I don’t think it was our fault. The questions are definitely getting hard lately and the quiz has become quite popular especially with slightly older people. There were 9 teams there last night. We managed to come 3rd which wasn’t too bad but there were a few questions we should have got right. It was fun anyway but I am very competitive so humbug to the lot of them. Maybe we’ll have another go next week.

Bla de bla

So… what have I been up to since the last blog?

Looking for jobs, lazing about moaning about the fact that I don’t have a life. Well, I suppose I have a bit of one, but I’m trying to get used to living with my parents and not my friends and I don’t want to do things with them all the time. Some of the usual lot did the Assembly pub quiz on thursday. We won it – no surprise as the three of us that were there have got most of the general knowledge type questions covered. It would have been nicer with all of us tho.

A bunch of people – well most of whom are my parents age, went out to breakfast the other morning as we’re all back from uni, some people are about to go off again for the summer so we met and had a fry up. Good food.

I forgot it was Father’s day yesterday until the afternoon but then reminded the sister and she had the idea of cooking dad – and mum if she wanted, dinner. We did smoked haddock, with halved boiled eggs, boiled potatoes and cheese and spinach sauce. trawberries and Toblerone for pudding. It was rather yummy if I say so myself and both the parentals loved it. I quite enjoy cooking. I don’t do it very often, not proper cooking anyway. Most dinner/evening meals tend to be something heated up, stuck in the oven or the microwave and then it’s done. Sometimes when I make something that does require cooking and someone likes it, it’s definitely an achievement.

I’ve just signed up for Jobseekers allowance. I hate the sound of it. It sounds too much like the dole and that I’m some drunk that isn’t allowed to work or something but that’s just my stereotype I supppose. It was recommended to me from a friend who is also looking for a job but left Uni a year ago and went travelling so if it works for him. There are so many different reasons for getting it like if you’re on strike over pay, or just had a baby, blind, deaf, etc. I’m just ungraduated but perfectly able to work. Well – I’m off to look for a job now then. Got a few places that may do wildlifey photography stuff. I’m tempted to look for a part time course thing in it if that will guarantee my a job. My lack of experience lets me down especially as I’m trying to avoid things that would probably fit my degree.

Boyzone – Back again.

So I saw Boyzone last night. Grew up a huge fan with posters adorning my walls and their cd’s constantly in my stereo.
Bought tickets for this tour having no-one to go with and ended up getting rid of the other ticket for no money but sod it. It was worth it.
So – SPOILERS ALERT here for anyone who hasn’t been yet and is going to.

The end.. or the beginning?

So. That’s it. I’ve finished Uni. I’m moving out of my house tomorrow and back to Bristol with the old parentals.
It’s been an eventful last term. Well – mainly revision and getting stressed out and sick to death of exams and never-ending notes but nice bits in between. It’s sods law, or murphy’s law or something that there was a lot of lovely weather, baking hot sunny days during the exam period. Longing for barbecues or lounging around in the park became a constant urge but the fear of not doing enough work was scarier and the last push for the finish line carried on throughout. However, after we were all done with exams, chilling out and ready to spend lpng hours doing nothing, it’s been rainy, colder, and cloudy. Thats british weather for you.
So.. for the last week it’s been getting emptier in our house. Rich has left as he’s going away for the summer, Anna has gone on holiday as well and me and my best girlies have been spending some quality last time with each other. We all went to the Uni end of year ball on wednesday. I even bought a proper dress and nice girly shoes. Most people I knew expressed disbelief at that thought. I am not the most girly of people and I rarely wear low cup tops or anything remotely pretty but yes I did wear a dress and actually felt comfortable in it. Go me!
We had a lazy day thursday. The 3 of us girls and luke spent most of the day watching dvd’s whilst eating chocolate coated rice krispies and curry. Was definitely needed.
Today – been packing up my room. I have chucked quite a lot of stuff and am still wondering how I seem to have accumulated so much stuff in my room. Since my room at home is much smaller than my nice big student room, I have nowhere to put any of it so I’ll be living out of boxes for a bit at home until I can sort it all.
I feel quite sad to be leaving Plymouth. The nice bits anyway. I walked down to the Hoe earlier on and took some photos. It was quite quiet and calm around the harbour and across the water. I was thinking how as much as I sometimes dispise some bits of the city, or the people, or the main roads and lack of cycle routes, there are some lovely places to go and walk. Especially as it’s by the sea.
Bristol may be a port and a coastal city but it doesn’t have sea in it. Just some nice muddy docks.Just as I was walking back down towards the Barbican and boat float, it started to piss it down with rain. I’m not really complaining because it wasn’t cold, but nice wet summery rain. It also meant that anyone walking about suddenly rushed for cover which left the pavements quite empty. I was a little disappointed because I had wanted to sit and look at the water a bit longer and take lots of pictures but I took some of some raincovered swans and then walked home.
Jess and Luke have gone this evening so we said bye to them. Esther’s parents are staying over till tomorrow when she’s leaving, as am I. I’m looking forward to getting home now.
I can’t wait to be in a kitchen which is not constantly covered in grease or crumbs. I’m looking forward to sitting in my bedroom and not being able to hear buses outside the window. I’m looking forward to sitting watching the tv and my cat coming to sit on me and claw me. I’m looking forward to having a garden again.
I’m not looking forward to the cut-off-ness in Bristol, that I live a bit further away from the main shops and pubs that I often go to, nowhere really close to go for a nice walk around and the whole feeling of everything being right there.
I’m not looking forward to my sister’s noisy music, constant social life inside the house and having to put up with sharing things with other people.
I’m not looking forward to the lack of social life, random studenty things like sitting up watching dvd’s, making weird food, bitching about other people in the house, watching tv in the kitchen, playing piggy in the middle up the stairs, txting each other from our bedrooms, rendezvous-ing in the kitchen for tea/toast/cake.
Oh well – I’m not classed as a student anymore. I’m no longer at uni, back home for the holidays. I’m just living there and now going to find a job.
That was a bit of a long post there – I wonder if anyone reads this random bloggeration. If you do – thank you, you’re very kind and must be either mad or both.
I bid you goodnight and very sweet dreams.

Are you Fat?

Apparently it’s all your fault

And if that has depressed you, here’s a way to get fitter. Or just laugh it off watching this video

Done… tick

Well I have officially finished my degree! All exams, work – done.

Don’t actually graduate till September so I’m still an undergraduate but no longer a student.

Hmm… what shall I do now?

5 Guilty Pleasures.

1. Playing music loud enough that the whole house vibrates. Sometimes It’s just satisfying to get back at the neighbours or housemates by making a point. My music goes louder than yours.

2. Cheesy pop music. Listening to music now and again that you used to listen to when you were 11, or early teens. How wonderful to be back in the innocent days of the Spice Girls, Boyzone and S Club 7. Yes I am a child of the 1990’s.

3. Swearing. I hate those people who say it’s a sign of a narrow vocabulary or unnecessary to swear. Well no it isn’t unnecessary! Sometimes it is very necessary. When you really need to express yourself having just stubbed your toe on the corner of the table, or burnt the toast, the words ‘bollocks’ ‘wank’ ‘arse’ and ’shite’ are sometimes the things that come to mind.

4. Morning television. Especially Homes under the Hammer. If anyone does not have a regular 9-5 job, e.g. student, retired or otherwise, may have come across this show. It’s the King of property programs watching over the minions that are A Place in the Sun, To Buy or not To buy, or even Location, Location, Location, Location (rpt to fade). Firstly it’s very satisfying looking at other people’s houses. Secondly it’s quite weird to find yourself lazing still in bed on a weekday talking to your tv saying “I would never buy that house and rent it out” or “I would love a bedroom with that view but maybe I’d make that the study instead”.

5. Youtubing at 3 am. Why is the internet so much more interesting in the middle of the night, especially when you’ve got some kind of work due in soon. That feeling of being still up when everyone else isn’t, is quite satisfying. Playing around typing random words into youtube search and then following links from there can keep you busy for hours.

Weird weather

Ok lets just get this straight.

It snowed here in Plymouth on April 4th.

Around a month later – we’re having sweltering hot weather. Hot sunny days for the last week or so. It has been so humid outside. 21 degrees ish today.

I am now sitting in a hot bedroom at 10.00 at night with the windows wide open to cool it down. I hope it lasts all summer tho. Don’t want all that rain and grey rubbish we had last July.

Which type of student are you?

I went to my third uni exam this morning. They don’t hold the exams in the Uni cus there’s nowhere big enough so we have to walk down to Plymouth Pavilions – sort of big entertainment centre with an arena in the middle because it has more room.

Walking down there I was surrounded by other students. Watching them, I decided on 3 categories.

There are the one’s who are totally cool about it, “yeh exams, who cares really, I only revised a bit, let’s go smoke a spliff”. This category tends to be mostly guys.

Then there are the ones who are still reading their notes while walking into the exam hall, cramming in, wondering if they read enough shelves of the library, and who get really annoyed when you say the word ‘fail’, ‘work’, ‘essay’ or ‘who cares’.

Then there are the people like me. I’m in the middle of these. I like to call it rational. They know that they need to work. They tend to have an ambition, or a grade in mind that they want to work to, but they don’t over work, and try and memorise absolutely everything. They will rationalise the workload and be slightly risk taking but the stuff that needs to be learnt will be learnt properly.

I like being that category. I like to think I’m clever and quite good at exams but I’ve never been a swot and never will be. Saying that I’m not really a rebel either. I am reasonably good academically. I want the grade enough, and know I have to work for it. I don’t go all out try and learn that much and do loads of extra reading – I feel it’s a waste of my time and it won’t be worth the effort. No-one cares that much whether you get a 1st degree or a 2:1 especially if the degree is unrelated to the job you’re applying for anyway. I just like knowing things. Learning things and impressing people. That’s what I strive on.

Satire and Snooker

I have been a huge fan of Have I Got News For You (or HIGNFY) for years now so I thought I’d pay hommage to the great programme with a blog.

I probably started watching it regularly on a Friday night with my parents when I was around 11 or 12. Too young to understand some of the jokes and I didn’t really know who most of the politicians or public figures were that they were referring to, but I just found the program funny. I think it’s mainly the chemistry between Paul and Ian and then Angus as well, that is an indispensable part of the show. I found the show – know as the scandal episode – after Angus was caught with a prostitute so funny with all the one-liners they threw at him. He had nowhere to hide. The few after that before he was sacked were a bit awkward I remember, because Paul and Ian were obviously now supposed to mention it but couldn’t stop themselves because otherwise the show wasn’t funny.

Since the guest presenters started, I think the show hasn’t lost its hilarity. Sometimes you really don’t know what is going to happen when you tune in on a Friday night. Especially when Boris Johnson turns up. This week’s episode for example, had the totally unique Brian Blessed. I have never seen a show so anarchic and mental. I loved the fact that Paul and Ian and also the other guests, Marcus Brigstocke and Alan Duncan were in hysterics but almost laughing with unease at the mayhem caused by this big man in the middle.

I know there are many people who always preferred Angus at host and despise the show since he was sacked but I think I have to agree with Paul in this video that it wasn’t funny and the shear amount of news stories they could cover and what they could say about them would have not worked or just bounced back on Angus so he had to go. Maybe it’s a hint at the fact that he was irreplaceable that they haven’t found another host yet and probably will never do. I like it, where there is a different host each week and that it brings a completely different aspect to the news stories about the government, to the stories about penguins in wetsuits. Some people are obviously better than others but it’s nice to experiment and then know who never to invite back on (Ann Widdecombe IMO)

Another thing on my mind at the moment is the Snooker World Championships. I usually tend to follow anything Ronnie O’Sullivan is doing and adore watching him play over anyone else. The man is incrediable but sometimes he just reminds us he is human and the pressure gets to him and he isnt on form which makes watching him more interesting because he is excellent without being completely reliable.

I watched most of the very close semi-final match between Ali Carter and Joe Perry. I seem to have a small crush on the former of those. I was glad that he won, because he seems a much more interesting player than Perry. I wouldn’t mind seeing him win the tournament because he’s a very talented player when on form. However, I’m wondering how he will outplay the Rocket as he’s on top form at the moment and unbeatable (even by Stephen Hendry). I’m looking forward to watching the final between these two players and may the best player win.