Uni and Sherlock?

I always mean to post up more than I do, so here goes another "catch-up" phase.


Since I last posted, university life is back in full swing. Second year seems more hectic already but hopefully once I stop procrastinating about this essay that's due soon everything will be fine. I was talking to a friend the other day about our procrastination skills and how every single piece of coursework gets done on time despite our delayed starts and persistent attempts to prevent ourselves from doing it in the first place (we're masters!).


Over the last week or so (well, the weekends anyway), the time has been spent with close friends, watching Sherlock amongst other things. 6 episodes of Sherlock in a day is pretty impressive if I do say so myself!

Today I spent my time in town with two of my course buddies. We went to see a show at the theatre as a birthday surprise to one of them. It was fabulous and I'm now going to have to download some songs from the show....there goes the other plans!

Where in the world?

The idea for this post occurred to me a short while ago when I was doing my usual, gallivanting (wandering around) places in the world and I thought it'd be a good opportunity to share with you all the beautiful places which I have had the joy to visit. See if you can guess where I am before you read the description....

1. AUSTRIA- The beautiful Zell am See. This is one of my all time favourite photos, the scenery here was breath-taking. I spent two weeks here on a family holiday and by the end of it we still hadn't explored enough of the country. If you are ever there then I'd recommend visiting Kitzsteinhorn and if you're a skier or snowboarder take full advantage of the chance to ski on a glacier! If not, go through the tunnel to Gipfelwelt 3000 and the highest altitude in the Salzbourg region.

Another must-see places include:
Sigmund thun klamm gorge
Krimmel Waterfall (the 5th highest in the world)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Orkney-The Italian chapel! This one was on my mum's bucket list. The Italian chapel was built by Italian POWs during the Second World War. They wanted to build a place of worship while they were building bridges between all the small islands that make up Orkney, this was the result a gorgeous chapel which still holds regular services to this day.

 

If you are ever in Orkney don't miss this....or these:

 

The Ring of Brodgar

Skara Brae

A trip into Kirkwall/Stromness

St Magnus' Cathedral, Kirkwall

The Stones of Steness

Scapa Flow

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. France-Lourdes! A pilgrimage sight for millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this building is the Basilica of the Rosary. I just adore the atmosphere and beauty of Lourdes, it is incredible to feel that sense of belonging when you share the same belief as many around you. I can't describe the feeling I get when I visit and I hope everyone who wishes gets a chance to experience this at some point in their lives.

 

Other places:

Take a day trip to Bartes

 

 

 

4. You've guessed it, haven't you?

 

NEW YORK!

 

This photo is of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge looking towards Manhattan. What an experience! It was a glorious day as we sauntered along, not exactly the quietest walk in the world as the cars pass by to the right of you but it was lovely none the less. What else can I say other than....

Look out for:

The Empire State Building (for obvious reasons)
Top of the Rock (for the best view of Central Park)
Wander into Central Park and make the most of the sunshine!
And take a day trip to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island :)



That concludes the first "Where in the world?", I'm sure that there will be more in the future!

55 Quirky Questions for readers! (FINALLY)

This has taken me a while to get round to due to my erratic timetable of life at the minute. I shall keep you posted on what is happening/has been happening after this blog post is done.
One of my fellow bloggers posted this up and while reading her answers I found out more about her reading previous to me knowing her....so here goes



1. Favourite Childhood Book?- The Witches by Roald Dahl and the Secret Seven by Enid Blyton. Funnily enough, The Witches started me on my obsession with visiting Norway one day.


2. What are you reading right now?- Currently...I'm listening to the audiobook of Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult (her books really hit a nerve with me, always), Swimming Pool Summer by Rebecca Farnworth (chill-out book) and Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.


3. What books do you have on request at the library?- None just now, but I need to go fix this tomorrow and request The Trap by Andrew Fukuda (part 3 of The Hunt trilogy).


4. Bad book habit?- I really don't cope well with the spines of books being broken. This means that very few people are allowed to borrow my books.


5. What do you currently have checked out from the library?- From the local library, I have all of the ones I am currently reading plus another 5, and from the library of friends I have at least 5.


6. Do you have an e-reader?- No but I occasionally read Kobo on my tablet.


7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?- I prefer one at a time, however, if there are audiobooks of longer books involved then there tends to be more of a chance of me reading more than one.


8. Have your reading habits changed since you started blogging?- Not really, though the Goodreads website has influenced by book choices quite a lot over the last year.


9. Least favourite book you’ve read this year?- I can't think of one at the minute...it doesn't occur very often.


10. Favourite book you’ve read this year?- By far, this has got to be The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. This book was both heart wrenching yet it gave you undeniable hope...I can't recommend it enough.


11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?- More and more recently, I am known for going into book shops and asking for recommendations from those who work there. This is the best way to discover new authors.


12. What is your reading comfort zone?- YA, mainly fantasy/dystopia and Classics.


13. Can you read on the bus?- Only if the bus is air conditioned!


14. Favourite place to read?- Lying in bed or sitting on a comfy chair.


15. What’s your policy on book lending?- I only lend my books to fellow booklovers because I know they will take care of them (direct from another blogger)


16. Do you dog ear your books?- Nope, I couldn't do it even if you paid me!


17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books?- Only school/uni books so I know what to talk about but I still detest it!


18. Do you break the spines of your books?- Not on my watch, unless it is unpreventable (I've read the book many times before...) then okay.


19. What is your favourite language to read?- I've currently only read a screenplay in Italian but I'd love to try reading more in Italian and French :)


20. What makes you love a book?- When I can't process reality after reading some of/all of the book. When the characters come to life and the emotions they are feeling resonates with the reader (The Book Thief)!!


21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?- When my emotions are in a mess and I know others will appreciate it as much as I did.


22. Favourite Genre?- Young Adult and the odd romance.


23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did)?- I wish I'd branch more into the Crime genre maybe one day...


24. Favourite Biography?-  The Hands of My Father (about a child who grows up with Deaf parents, in other words a CODA) by Myron Uhlberg and Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You by Hanna Jansen (Rwandan Genocide).


25. Have you ever read a self-help book (And, was it actually helpful)?- I don’t think so. Obviously none have made an impact if I have.


26. Favourite Cookbook?- I don't have one currently.


27. Most Inspirational book you’ve read this year?- The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Deborah Rodriguez.


28. Favourite Reading Snack?- I generally don't snack if I'm reading, I'm too engrossed!


29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience?- The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald. The only reason I finished it was because it was a challenge with a friend to see who could finish first.


30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?-  I don't think I pay them any attention.


31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?- Everyone has their own opinion, why ruin their reading experience/build up by slating the book?


32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?- That's a tough one, I'd very much love to read a book in either Hebrew or Arabic.


33. Most intimidating book you’ve read?- All of the books by Khaled Hosseini, but in the end all of them were thought-provoking and incredibly well written. His books highlight difficult themes and situations which have arisen in the Middle East for people who are far removed from those areas. They are very hard hitting books but they will always stay with me.


34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?- George R.R Martin's books....Game of Thrones. I've been told a lot about them.


35. Favourite Poet?- Edwin Morgan.


36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time?- Normally ranges from 0-9.


37. How often do you return books to the library unread?- It depends, if I haven't read them at that specific time then I will go back and read them in the future.


38. Favourite fictional character?- Favourite is a bit mean.....I'm swamped under with characters. One of my favourites has got to be Sam Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings. On countless occasions I have fallen around laughing from the lines he says.


39. Favourite fictional villain?- Is it allowed to do the most obvious? .....Just to be different I'll choose Barty Crouch Jnr....because of his cunning.


40. Books you’re most likely to bring on vacation?- A variation of old and new?


41. The longest time you’ve gone without reading?- I don't remember going without reading but I definitely went off of the library for a while.


42. Name a book you could/would not finish?- This is very rare indeed. I think it might have been The Secret Garden or Anne of the Green Gables (whichever one has the snake in it). The snake caused a problem and prevented me reading any more.


43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?- It depends on the environment and my mood.


44. Favourite film adaption of a novel? Without a shadow of a doubt, the last Harry Potter book (Deathly Hallows) and The Hobbit (first part)


45. Most disappointing film adaption? Probably The Hunger Games....both films and Twilight (only Twilight)


46. Most money you’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time?- I tend not to count, I think it's best kept quiet due to the amount I know I could spend.


47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?- NOOOOOOOO!


48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?- It's not physically possible for this to happen...not yet anyway :P


49. Do you like to keep your books organized?- Yep, all my series are together as are my to-read but mine, library and standalone.


50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read?- Keep them, I am a huge hoarder of books!


51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding?-  Any by Terry Pratchett but I shall try again.


52. Name a book that made you angry?- All of those written by Khaled Hosseini due to the injustices shown, Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You as I can't put into words how much of an impact this has had on me. Read all four of these books and you'll see what I'm on about.


53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?- Currently can't think of one...come back to me


54. A book you expected to like but didn’t?- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (totally and utterly disappointed in this one.


55. Favourite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading?- Romances all the way.

Busy-ness!

So I've had such a fantastic summer working with children who have additional support needs. Many funny moments but also a few occasions where I wanted to tear my hair out-all part of the job I suppose!

Having spent so much time with children who people often write off almost immediately, I saw just how much they have to offer to the world with their range of abilities and talents. I became frustrated countless times when members of the public called children "naughty" or looked at them as if they had 3 heads. This made me realise just how little awareness and acceptance is out there for them and that is sad to see.

I learnt so much from the children about what type of communication works best for each individual child and how they express their needs and frustrations with the outside world. It was an incredible opportunity and I look forward to working with them in the future!

One of the funniest moments of the summer was when I was on a 1:1 with a child and we were bumping down the stairs (which was a favourite activity) when a whole crowd of (mainly) handsome men were watching us looking fairly bemused as they needed up the stairs. The child carried on as normal and did the usual chirpy "hello!" to everyone as they passed us by!


Hopefully these posts will be more regular from now on!

Tour de France!

My favourite time of year has returned, the Tour de France is back!

I've grown up watching the tour with my dad and I adore following what is happening in the rankings, be it for the king of the mountains, the young rider, the spinter or the general classification. I look forward to shouting at my TV and having my nerves in tatters every day of racing waiting for the finish line coming into view.

For the moment, stage 2 is in full swing and one of the best climbers in the field is en route to collect the points on top of holme moss for the king of the mountains classification!

Hopefully all those big names live up to expectations, I'll keep you posted on my thoughts-meanwhile VAMOS, ALLONS , ANDIAMO, GO, GO, GO!! :D

Book lovers in a bookshop.....what happens?

I seem to have neglected this blog for quite a while so here goes the "catching up" phase.


During the past few weeks there have been birthdays, the queen's commonwealth baton and various other interesting days. One of the ones that sticks in my mind was the weekend that has just passed us by, though it is Wednesday now, never mind! Bonus of being off until September....


I was out for the day with one of my closest friends with the sole purpose of going to see The Fault in Our Stars. Epic film! We sat and sobbed, or I sobbed and she sniffed through the majority of the movie. Afterwards we proceeded to argue about who was crying the most and have a giggle about how handsome Ansel was and how strange it was to see him kissing Shailene after Divergent. I think I won the argument (as I always do!) and then we settled in to winding each other up over lunch.

After food, we toddled along to the BOOKSHOP, shock horror!

I think we would both spend our life there if we could, being complete bookaholics! As always we wandered and picked up books and put books down...and then completed the cycle a few times before leaving the shop with 5 books between us-not bad for a days' work if I do say so myself! Let's see what happens next time.....

Dream and hope, dream in hope!

So this blog title follows on from a conversation I was having with a friend last night. Let's just say we can often get carried away into our own worlds with regards to handsome men, otherwise known as obsessions.

We could spend hours and hours talking about meeting these lovely people and what we'd do if they appeared in front of us. My reaction for both John Owen Jones and various others was I'd probably squeal and run away, or stand gawping at them. Neither reaction would be particularly attractive and I know I wouldn't be able to force words out of my mouth.

As for my friend, I can see her in my mind's eye, getting redder and redder, the embarrassment showing through-to be fair she'd probably squeal too! We're bad influences on one another in these circumstances.

When we were talking about being in a picture last night with her favouritist person ever, Richard Madden. She said she dreams about that day....let's just leave this blog there, shall we?

"I've had a good life..."

This blog seems to range from post to post and this post has got to be one of the most heart-wrenching I'm ever going to write.

I visited my Gran as I do most Friday nights. She was very happy and chatting away to mum and me, it is beyond me sometimes where those huge smiles come from when she isn't at her best. I keep telling her that she has the biggest smile in the world and reminding myself how lucky I am to have her as a Gran-I truly am, her influence in my life has been profound and even though she has Alzheimer's I can still see the person she was and still is in those fleeting moments when she tells me to put on my cardigan.

I don't know where we'd be without the Alzheimer's but there's nothing we can do and so we just have to be thankful for every moment that we have.

For the double-whammy, after spending some time with my Gran I went to speak to some of the other residents in the care home. This is something which gives you hope in humanity again. Anyway,  as I went to start my round of saying hello to everyone and was shouted by my mum to say hello to, let's call him ML.

ML is a relatively new resident and though I'd spoken to him briefly before, I decided it would be nice to have a chat. *Cue sitting on the floor and talking until you lose the feeling in your legs* and the thing that struck me out of that conversation was that even though his medical diagnosis of Alzheimer's has meant that his life has been turned upside down, he's still thankful for having a good life. He also convinced me to stop worrying and just take each day as it comes because you can't do anything else. What a sweet, gentle soul.


As you may be able to figure out, this made me take a few steps back and re-evaluate life. If I'm going to think anything about my life when I'm old and grey I want to be able to say "I've had a good life."

Linking the blog so people can follow...

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The link above is crazy but it wasn't my idea :P

Books and Tolkien!

Books are one of the things in life that can bring you instant happiness, I say this as a book geek.

Through my eyes you can never have too many books-even if your room is overflowing with them. I love books and the escapism they can bring, you can travel on many journeys by reading books. For now, I am in Tolkien's land-not quite Mordor but almost...I'd say Isengard is closest to where the majority of characters are and even then that's not specific. Tolkien is a master of writing, his lands are so detailed. Imagine developing the land, from the Shire to Mordor and from Rohan to Isengard on top of producing the languages which are on display throughout the books-as you can probably tell I'm in awe of him!

Authors work so hard and very few manage to be noticed, but I thank all those authors who put in so much effort and give us stories to enjoy! I really don't know what I'd do without books...let's not even think about that...

1st year? No chance!

It's a funny feeling knowing that you've finished your first year of university and in September you will be one of the few people guiding the "newbies" around campus. I can't believe how quickly these past 9 months have passed and how many new people I have met.

During the past 9 months I have learnt more than I thought was physically possible...maybe starting to learn 2 new languages has something to do with that. I have loved the independence that university has given me although I know that at various points I have been close to tearing my hair out-thankfully it didn't come to that!

For the next few months I hope to be spending more time with my family and friends alongside working with children who have disabilities which I am very much looking forward to. I'm hopeful that having some time off uni will allow me to catch up with books, books and more books- I'll let you know what happens with that...I have hope! :)