So life returns to the routine of summer…

I have the Giro d’Italia keeping me occupied for the moment (as of publishing the blog I am behind in watching the stages). The Giro begins the season of all the grand tours and with Contador aiming for a Giro-Tour double I am sure that I will be watching like a hawk.

There’s been an interesting few weeks recently with me being ill and trying to return to my usual. (I can’t seem to get away from the doctors’ currently but I am working on it). In the middle of all this I travelled to Lourdes for a week with HCPT and had a blast as always-reflections to come. Lourdes came at the right time and it was a very emotionally charged week but I came back with a new energy and straight to another little break in Germany with uni friends.

Germany was great. I enjoyed spending more time in the sun and getting more freedom of choice at the itinerary for the day. We visited Munich and I took an abundance of photos to share when we returned.

In the recent week or so the focus has been on exams, not as exciting as jetting off to other countries but they needed to be done in order to finish second year of uni. This realisation scares me as it means I am halfway through my degree and will be qualified to work in my chosen field fairly soon.

Now is the time to catch up with friends and spend more time with family before my summer work begins and I am painted as a “dragon” again.

Well this was a challenge....

Question 1: If you could invite one author and one of their fictional characters to tea, who would you invite and what would you serve them?

 

For me, I'd be most likely to invite Marcus Zusak and Hans Hubermann  from the Book Thief. I'd serve them a variety of food and ask lots of questions.

 

Question 2: What book do you wish the author would write the prequel for?

My answer to this question is kind-of as expected. J.K Rowling and the Harry Potter series with more information about Moody, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs-especially Padfoot! I wouldn’t mind also having a prequel for Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You by Hana Jansen or Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor and Park.

 

Question 3: Which two characters (NOT from the same book) do you think would make a good couple?

 Maybe Margo Roth Spiegelman from Paper Towns and Four (Tobias) from the Divergent Series. Interesting partnership!

 

Question 4: If you ran into your favourite author on the subway and only could say one sentence to them who is it and what would it be?

My favourite author…I adore Marcus Zusak, Khaled Hosseini and J.R.R. Tolkien (I know this is not possible).  If I did meet any of them then I’d thank them for their writing of the books if I could actually get words out of my mouth.

 

Question 5: What book made you a reader and why?

The first book I remember capturing my imagination and making me want to go and visit Norway one day is The Witches by Roald Dahl closely followed by A series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

 

Question 6: Your bookshelf just caught fire! What is the one book you would save?

Aaargh! That’s just mean…I don’t know, one book….probably dependent on the mood I was in would alternate between Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You and The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.

 

Question 7: Which dystopian world would you want to live in and why?

Ooh, what a question since most dystopian worlds seem to destroy themselves pretty quickly, but since I’ve just seen Insurgent then I’d probably say I could live alongside them.

 

Question 8: What is your most Epic Read of all time?

Oooh, em….lots…I think the 1 that impacted most recently was The Book Thief and then The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul.

From Smalltownbookworm

So, I saw this on one of my fellow bloggers pages and decided to also fill it in. It got me thinking about how little I tell people I love them....I really should that more....anyway, have a read and pass it on.

1. What are you wearing? Jeans, penguin socks and my much loved owl jumper that my mum bought me for Christmas J

2. Ever been in love? Not entirely sure about that one.

3. Ever had a terrible break-up? Not really, let’s say halfway.

4. How tall are you? 5’4

5. Any tattoos? Nope.

6. Any piercings? I don’t currently, maybe the ears will be done again one day.

7. OTP? Well…..I’ll opt for the short answer as Smalltownbookworm did-the majority as long as Remus and Sirius aren’t involved!

8. Favourite bands? A variety, though my music taste centres mainly on Folk groups right now.

9. Something you miss? Being able to keep in contact with everyone I want to.

10. Favourite song? Ohhh, this is rather tricky. I have songs that make me happy even if I am in a huge grump (Stars from Les Mis and I’m Yours by Jason Mraz fall in this category) and others that I just enjoy in general…..that’s as much of an answer as you’re going to get


11. How old are you? 19

12. Zodaic sign? Gemini

13. Quality you look for in a partner? Someone who I can laugh with and feel comfortable around.

14. Favourite quote? "Sometimes things have to go very wrong before they can be right." Anon.

15. Favourite actor? Mmm…..I could list several but currently Eddie Redmayne is still there along with Benedict and a few others

16. Favourite colour? Purple

17. Loud music or soft? Soft

18. Where do you go when you’re sad? Into my own world and think? Maybe in the more literal sense-home.

19. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Depends on the day-20 minutes to 1 hour.

20. Ever been in a physical fight? Yep.

21. Turn on? Someone who makes me smile and laugh.

22. Turn off? Arrogance.

23. Reason I made my blog? I’m not sure, a combination of wanting to see what it was like and willingness to share stories that make me smile and reflect on life.

24. Fears? That’s be telling.

25. Last thing that made me cry? Chatting to a friend who is having a hard time right now.

26. Last time you said you loved someone? Is it bad to say Thursday?

27. Meaning behind your blog name? It lives up to what I do on a daily basis J

28. Last book you read? Paper Towns by John Green.

29. The book you’re currently reading? The Lord of the Rings Return of the King- JRR Tolkien.

30. Last show you watched? Panorama.

31. Last person you talked to? My mum.

32. The relationship between you and the last person you text? More than a friend?

33. Favourite food? Tiger Bread and Tablet.

34. Place you want to visit? Everywhere? Mostly all the ones that remain on my list? Norway and Brazil are in there!

35. Last place I was? The living room.

36. Do you have a crush? Possibly!

37. Last time you kissed someone? Not that long ago.

38. Last time you were insulted? Today!

39. Favourite flavour of sweets? Lemon?

40. What instruments do you play? Violin, Guitar (sort of), Mandolin and does Voice count?

41. Favourite piece of jewellery? A  Pendant from Lourdes J

42. Last sport you played? Em…..I can’t recall?

43. Last song you sang? I don’t remember you/Sometimes a day goes by from John Owen Jones’ album…..

44. Favourite chat up line? I don’t have one.

45. Have you ever used it? Nope.

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!