Tag: questions

What are you doing

What are you doing?!

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Over the last week or so you might have seen the question: what are you doing? The whole thing kicked off after Forbes named Kylie Jenner the next self-made billionaire which was controversial at best. Then the New York Daily News but you this tweet.

What are you doing? Kylie Jenner

Yep, anyone else feel a little gut punch when they first read that? I did. Even if you don’t think about the enormous privilege that Kylie has there’s something not quite right with this. I take my hat off to her for making a business and being successful from that but it was just damn ridiculous to ask what we were doing with our lives. It adds to this idea that we should all be at the same level, that there is an ultimate goal and if you’re not there, then you’re a failure.

I used to have a plan for my life. I was going to graduate with a 1st, I was going to get married in my early 20s, have 2 children by the time I was 30 and a career I enjoyed. I had everything mapped out until I didn’t. Hell, as I write this I’ve got no idea what I’m doing. I’m not married, I don’t feel ready to have a baby any time soon, I don’t have the best selling novel or a big job. Does that mean I’m a failure? To people who changed their minds or had a life change, are they failures? In short, no.

In the age of social media, it’s easy to forget that we’re seeing people’s highlight reels. We might see these super successful 20-year-olds or our friends with a ‘perfect’ life. We don’t see the sacrifice, the late nights, the tears. We don’t see the days where you look and feel like shit, where you want to pack it all in. I know for a fact these successful, beautiful or brilliant people have days like that. They are human, as are we.

There is so much pressure on us to look perfect, to follow a certain path. What struck me about it is the stress I personally feel about timelines. I can bet most of you reading have felt this too! Each of us are doing something with our lives. For some of us, that means getting out of bed in the morning, for others it might be being creative, raising kids or working a job. We’re all living our lives in different ways and that’s what important.

I’d love to hear what you are up to, however big or small. Live your life, and screw what anyone else thinks.

 

 

 

Vogue’s 73 Questions Tag

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1. What’s your favourite movie?Love Actually, so many great people in it. 

Love Actually, so many great people in it.
2. Favorite movie in the past five years?

That’s so hard! Star Wars, The Force Awakens

3. Favorite Hitchcock film?

Haven’t watched enough to have a favourite
4. A book you plan on reading?

What happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton
5. A book that you read in school that positively shaped you?

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee, made me think about race issues.
6. Favorite TV show that’s currently on?

None, Game of Thrones is over.
7. On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now?

About a 7, could be more exciting!
8. iPhone or Android?

iPhone, always.
9. Twitter or Instagram?

Twitter.
10. Who should EVERYONE be following right now?

Me 😛
11. What’s your favourite food?

Pasta, all the pasta.
12. Least favourite food?

Watermelon. Gross beyond gross.
13. What do you love on your pizza?

Meat, lots of meat! Or different cheeses.
14. Favorite drink?

Coke
15. Favorite dessert?

Chocolate Sundae with warm Brownie chunks!
16. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate on its own, Dark chocolate if there’s flavourings in it.
17. Coffee or tea?

Tea, always.
18. What’s the hardest part about being a mum?

I’m not a Mum! Well only to a Hamster.
19. What’s your favourite band?

Paramore.
20. Favorite solo artist?

Ohh that’s tough right now it’s Ed Sheeran
21. Favorite song?

Changes week to week!
22. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?

Either Hayley Williams or Lady Gaga
23. If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

Guitar
24. If you had a tattoo, where would it be?

I have two but I think my third will be on my shoulder.
25. To be or not to be?

To be
26. Dogs or cats?

Dogs
27. Bird-watching or whale-watching?

Bird-watching
28. Best gift you’ve ever received?

Handmade Harry Potter gifts
29. Best gift you’ve ever given?

Tickets to shows.
30. Last gift you gave a friend?

Chocolate 🙂
31. What’s your favourite board game?

Monopoly
32. What’s your favourite country to visit?

Hmm probably Greece.
33. What’s the last country you visited?

Majorca
34. What country do you wish to visit?

I want to go back to Italy!
35. What’s your favourite colour?

Baby Blue
36. Least favourite colour?

There’s very few I don’t like.
37. Diamonds or pearls?

Diamonds are a girls best friend
38. Heels or flats?

Flats.
39. Pilates or yoga?

Yoga?
40. Jogging or swimming?

Swimming every time.
41. Best way to de-stress?

A long, Lush bath.
42. If you had one superpower, what would it be?

Mind Reading
43. What’s the weirdest word in the English language?

I have no idea.
44. What’s your favourite flower?

Roses
45. When was the last time you cried?

A few days ago, Chronic Pain sucks
46. Do you like your handwriting?

When I have time to write nicely
47. Do you bake?

I do indeed!
48. What is your least favourite thing about yourself?

The amount I over think
49. What is your most favourite thing about yourself?

My perseverance.
50. Who do you miss most?

Ali.
51. What are you listening to right now?

Netflix, The People vs OJ Simpson
52. Favorite smell?

Chocolate
53. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

My Mum
54. Who was the last person you sent a text to?

Ali
55. A sport you wish you could play?

Football.
56. Hair color?

Redhead
57. Eye colour?

Blue
58. Scary film or happy endings?

Happy Endings
59. Favorite season?

Autumn 🙂
60. Three people alive or dead that you would like to have dinner with?

Sylvia Plath

Ellen Degeneres

J.K Rowling
61. Hugs or kisses?

Hugs
62. Rolling Stones or the Beatles?

The Beatles
63. Where were you born?

Basingstoke
64. What is the farthest you have been from home?

America
65. Sweet or savoury?

Sweet
66. Lipstick or lip gloss?

Lipstick
67. What book have you read again and again?

Nineteen Minutes – Jodi Picoult
68. Favorite bedtime story?

None!
69. What would be the title of your autobiography?

Just Keep Going
70. Favorite sound?

Happy Hamster Noises
71. Favorite animal?

Dwarf Hamster
72. Who is your girl crush?

I have many
73. Last photograph you took?

Stuff I’m selling online

My Blogging Journey in 10 questions

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I get asked a lot about blogging once people find out about my website, so I thought I’d share my journey in 10 questions for my lovely readers. So, here we go.

Why did you start blogging?

My very first blog was to review my bookcase, as a reason to keep all my books. For this blog, I wanted to document my uni experience and it’s become so much more!

How has blogging changed for you?

My confidence, people read what I write. It’s made me realise I can write and it’s good enough for people to read.

What’s the BEST part of blogging?

Being able to connect with people, exchanging stories!

What’s the worst part of blogging?

Comparing yourself to others. It’s so easy to look and go why aren’t I at their level? It’s often a case of right place, right time added to hard work.

How do you schedule?

I used to be SO good at scheduling. Now if I can I try and schedule a week in advance but it doesn’t always go to plan…

Do you keep track of stats?

I have a spreadsheet (because I’m a total spreadsheet geek) to keep an eye on how I’m doing, what’s working and what’s not.

What makes you keep blogging?

Every now and again, I’ll get a message for a comment from someone about how my blog has been positive for them or helped in some way. It makes me feel good. That and I enjoy it!

What are your blogging goals?

  • To raise awareness of Mental Health
  • To work with some brands to promote something I love
  • To reach 5K Twitter followers
  • To use my blogging experience to write my own book

What do you want your blog to achieve if anything?

To raise awareness of Mental Health first and foremost.

What’s your top tip for new bloggers?

Keep going! Talk to other bloggers and push on through any writer’s block!

 

If you’d like to use these questions too then make sure to let me know! Leave links in the comments below 🙂

25 Get to know me questions

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My friend AshaOnline posted this a little while ago, I liked her answers so I thought I’d give it a go myself. Make sure you also pop over to Asha’s blog she’s just starting and has some really cool stuff!

Are you named after anyone?
First name, no, middle name yes after my aunt.

When was the last time you cried?

It’s a regular occurrence, I’m an emotional person

Do you have kids?
No, but I have a hamster who I love as much as a kid.

If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?
I think so, I’m a good friend.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?
Noooooooo. Does that give you an answer?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?
Their personality

What is your eye colour?
Blue

Scary movie or happy endings?
Happy Endings

Favourite smells?
Chocolate, fresh washing, outside post rain

What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?
US of A

Do you have any special talents?
I can sing?

Where were you born?
Basingstoke

What are your hobbies?
Reading, Writing, Funko Pop collecting

Do you have any pets?
Just one, a hamster named Wickett

Do you have any siblings?One sister, she’s my fave.

One sister, she’s my fave.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Happy! That’s all that matters!

Who was your first best friend?

Kara
How tall are you?

5ft1. No, I’m serious.

Funniest moment throughout School?

Honestly, can’t think of one, school sucked

How many countries have you visited?

I want to say 6?

What was your favorite/worst subject in High School?

Favourite I was Drama, worst was PE and/or Maths

What is your Favorite drink? Animal? Perfume?

Tea, Hamster, Fantasy
What would you (or have you) name your children?

I have a few ideas but I’m not sharing them!
What Sports do you play/Have you played?

I’m not really a sports person, I used to ride but wasn’t on a team.
Who are some of your favourite YouTubers?

Carrie Hope Fletcher, Hannah Witton, Emma Blackberry, Cherry Wallis, Giovanna Fletcher, Cece from ProblemsofaBookNerd
How many Girlfriends/Boyfriends have you had?

Serious, 1.
Favourite memory from childhood?

Disney world!
How would you describe your fashion sense?

Comfortable but conscious of looking good.
What phone do you have? (iOS v Android?)

iPhone, always iPhone.

Tell us one of your bad habits!

Rushing.

Got any more questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Why do I blog? Two years on and what started it all.

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For the last few days I’ve been spending my time with some great students. These guys are around 16/17, just finished their first year of college or sixth form and are thinking about going to university and we got to show them around, take them to taster lectures and answer any questions that they had. So I loved working with these guys and they asked some great questions, one of which really got me thinking. Why do I blog?

Ah! Why do I blog? I really had to think so I just kind of went through the last few years and realised that it might be an idea to share it with you guys. SO first blog, my first blog was about books surprise, surprise.Basically my Mum was always nagging me to get rid of some books every time I bought new ones, so as a reason to keep them I set out to review as many as possible and fell in love with it. I done that weekly for about two years until I realised that I wanted to write about my experiences of uni.

I wanted to create a second blog for a while and played around with ideas and themes while I was 18 until I realised what I wanted to read. I wanted to read about people like me. People who had no idea about uni, started completely clueless and to tell the truth about what it was really like. Around the same time I finally got a mental health diagnoses and I was passionate about including that too. So this blog was born on the 1st September 2013 (although it’s changed names several times before I realised my own name was pretty awesome).

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The beautiful picture of a very fresh faced looking me the week I got into university, aww. 

I knew what I wasn’t your typical student, at the time I didn’t really go out drinking, I was in a long term relationship and I had terrible Anxiety and Depression related issues. BUT! I knew I wanted to write almost every day about my experiences and my life so that others could find it and have a reference point and someone to ask questions too.

My reasons have evolved over the years such as: 

– I love to write every day, it keeps me constantly thinking and in practice

– Mental health is important and needs as much help as possible to beat the stigma 

– You don’t get a manual on how to be a student…so you might as well have some true experiences 

– I love talking to people! I have some great friends online now, like Caitlin, Alwyn Ash and so many more! 

– I had no idea what uni was about and was fed up of generic guides which were all positive! 

– I absolutely love it 

So why do I blog? For so many different reasons but mostly because I genuinely enjoy it. I’ve had people be SO impressed with the fact that I write nearly every day, but I just see that as normal. It’s not a diary (there would be a lot of swearing if it was) but it’s just me being able to reflect and share that with you all.

So I’m nearly two year in now and I love it. I plan to carry on this blog for as long as I possibly can really. I also want it to get better! I have already started my weekly book reviews, a few opinion pieces and I will be starting more top 10 and uni advice blogs! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and if you’re even slightly considering creating your own blog, go and do it! Why not! Drop me a comment with your blogs below and I will try to follow as many as possible.

Thanks for reading guys and check back in tomorrow for a new book review! Also can I please say thank you SO much to everyone who has followed me, I now have 600 followers! I want to get to 1000 by Christmas and who knows I might do some kind of prize…ohhhhhhh!

99 beautifully useless questions.

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It’s time again, I thought, for a silly post. Something fun and light with a few laughs, something I need right now. So here are 99 questions that I found on Macup101, I hope you enjoy.

1: Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
When I was a kid I had to check it then close it. Now I’m older (and sleep in the same room as someone else) I’m generally not bothered.

2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Not really, I haven’t been to any hotels where they were that posh.
3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
They always end up out, messy and wrapped around me.

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
…do people do that? As in that’s actually a thing?

5:Do you like to use post-it notes?
Obsessed. Reminders everywhere.

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I don’t cut them out but if I get them I use about half and the other half end up in the bottom of my bag somewhere.

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
At least a bear would be quick…I’d hope.

8:Do you have freckles?
All over my face, I’ve always been fond of them.

9:Do you always smile for pictures?
Not always, I stick my tongue out quite a lot.

10:What is your biggest pet peeve?
When people file their nails near me, no, no ,no.

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Not really, if I wanted to I’d get a little counter.

12:Have you ever peed in the woods?
Nope

13:What about pooped in the woods?
No, what if a squirrel was watching or something bit my butt?

14:Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?
Yes! Especially if something goes well or I do something right.

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Yup, not as much as I used to but it’s definitely there.

number 16 was skipped out, so I’ll make my own

What is something you cherish from childhood?

My teddy bear, if I go somewhere for more than one night most of the time he comes too. Yes I’m 20, no I don’t care.

17:What size is your bed?
Double

18:What is your Song of the week?
Hmmm I’ve had It’s a Hard Knock Life stuck in my head for the past few days…yes the one from Annie. This ORIGINAL.

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Of course, colours don’t have gender!

20:Do you still watch cartoons?
Of course

21:What’s your least favorite movie?
least favourite? why would I remember that?

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
That’s for me to know 😉

23:What do you drink with dinner?
Some kind of soft drink, or water.

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Ketchup or BBQ sauce ofc

25:What is your favorite food?
Chocolate or if you mean ‘proper’ food, pasta 🙂

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Desparately Seeking Susan

The Devil Wears Prada

Most of the Disney collection

The Fault in Our Stars

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?
My boyfriend 🙂

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
I was a Brownie (UK for girl scout)

29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Yes, I have absolutely no problem with posing nude as long as it’s done tastefully.

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I don’t know about letters but I’ve written a lot of thank you notes in the last few months.

31:Can you change the oil on a car?
Of course I can, I’m a driver!

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Nope

33:Ever ran out of gas?
Nope

34:Favorite kind of sandwich?
Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) Turkey sandwiches

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?
I don’t have it often but a chocolate pastry

36:What is your usual bedtime?
Around midnight

37:Are you lazy?
I can be, apart from when I’m a work I am definitely a workaholic.

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
A witch mostly or a vampire.

39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Dog.

40:How many languages can you speak?
English, I wish I could learn more but they just don’t seem to stick in my head.

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Not any more.

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
I don’t know what lincoln logs are but there’s not much that’s better than Lego.

43:Are you stubborn?
Yes. Hell yes.

44:Who is better…Leno or Letterman?
Ellen…that answer was already here and I totally agree

45:Ever watch soap operas?
Yup, catch up on EastEnders every now and again.

46:Are you afraid of heights?

I’m not petrified, but I don’t like them.

47:Do you sing in the car?
In a traffic jam I might as well be considered entertainment.

48:Do you sing in the shower?
That or make important decisions, depends on my mood.

49:Do you dance in the car?
Yes, of course. Who doesn’t?

50:Ever used a gun?
Only a BB Gun. I’d like to shoot a real one at some point just to know how in case I ever needed it (i.e someone was going to try and really hurt me).

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
Back in March, Awards Ceremony.

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?
They can be but if you have a good enough story and a good enough piece they can be incredible.

53:Is Christmas stressful?

It’s not too bad for me. I mean of course it’s a bit stressful but I’m not at the point of having to book for anyone or anything like that yet.

54:Ever eat a pierogi?
A what now?

55:Favorite type of fruit pie?
None, I only eat savoury pies.

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Page 3 model, Singer, Actress.

57:Do you believe in ghosts?
I don’t believe in ghosts, but I believe in something.

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes!

59:Take a vitamin daily?
Nope, super strength twice a week though, gotta love that vitamin D (y).

60:Wear slippers?
Only slipper socks, my feet get way too warm in slippers.

61:Wear a bath robe?
If a dressing gown is the same thing yes.

62:What do you wear to bed?
A pair of ridiculously cute PJs from my collection of them.

63:First concert?
Spice Girls 1999

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
I’ve only ever been in Wal-mart and it was huge so I’ll go with that.

65:Nike or Adidas?
Nike

66:Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos, but NOT the skinny type.

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds, yummy yum yum.

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
Nope

69:Ever take dance lessons?
Yep Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Street.

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Sound Engineer…because he is one

71:Can you curl your tongue?
Uh huh

72:Ever won a spelling bee?
Nope, don’t have them in the UK, plus my Dyslexic brain would need some SERIOUS training.

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes and I love that feeling.

74:Own any record albums?
No 😦 I don’t have a record player.

75:Own a record player?
See above

76:Regularly burn incense?
Noooo I used to but I lost a load when I moved to uni.

77:Ever been in love?
Yes and I still am :3

78:Who would you like to see in concert?
Foo Fighters, please come back soon ❤

79:What was the last concert you saw?
Postmodern Jukebox

80:Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot obviously, who the hell drinks cold tea?

81:Tea or coffee?
Tea, always.

82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Sugar…I don’t know what a snickerdoodle is.

83:Can you swim well?
Fairly

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yup.

85:Are you patient?
Nope I wish I was.

86:DJ or band, at a wedding?
Both! Band until about 10.30, then a DJ till 1am 🙂

87:Ever won a contest?
A few here and there.

88:Ever have plastic surgery?
Right now no, but I’ll never say never if I was really unhappy with myself.

89:Which are better black or green olives?
Neither, vom.

90:Can you knit or crochet?
No, I kind of wish I knew how though.

91:Best room for a fireplace?
Living room.

92:Do you want to get married?
Yes!

93:If married, how long have you been married?
I’m not 😦

94:Who was your HS crush?
Ali, and I got to keep him 🙂

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
Not in a brat way. I’ll cry and get mad if I really care about something.

96:Do you have kids?
Nope

97:Do you want kids?
Yes!!!!

98:Whats your favorite color?
Aqua blue

99:Do you miss anyone right now?

A little I suppose,

A quarter life crisis (five years early) – growing up, meltdowns and questions.

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Sometimes I am sure that I’m actually still a sixteen year old trapped in a twenty year olds body. It’s my annual crisis, you know the one I mean don’t you? The whole, what am I doing with my life, am I behind? Look at what my friends are doing while I’m stuck at home. Yup all that came today. I’ve said it once I’ll say it again, the pictures of people’s kids, engagement rings and weddings make me break out into a cold sweat, I don’t feel ready for this stuff!

I get so worried about what I should be doing that I freak out. Never mind the fact that I’m not keen on having a small person around right now, would probably burst out laughing if I got proposed to and am too broke/ addicted to expensive things to get married. Yup, that pile of books get in my amazon cart, a sale on handbags well it would be rude not to look and as for Topshop? Well I’m like a bloody magpie.

So I sat this afternoon, like many hormonal girls before me, in my PJs, my hair atrocious with chocolate in one hand and a coming of age book in the other (book of choice this time Caitlin Moran’s How to be a Woman) sobbing my little heart out. I had a bit of a fit at Ali, locked myself in the bedroom and let it all out. I cried because I don’t feel like a grown up, I have no idea whatsoever about grown up things like marriage and mortgages and I don’t have a life plan. Yup, yup, yup feeling sorry for myself and a little bit of self indulgence.

I get told that it’s perfectly normal to have days where you completely lose your shit and feel like a child again. There are days when I want to crawl up into my Mum’s lap and let her tell me it’s going to be ok. Well, nowadays I have to settle with cuddling up to Ali while he does the same thing and assures me that doing badly on that one assignment will not balls up my entire life or a phone call to my Mum about what job I’m going to go into.

You can probably guess that I’ve calmed down now, had some good old comfort food and vented to my Mum. I guess I’m writing because it should be something we can talk to each other about, all us 20 somethings who really feel like everyone else has their shit together and you’re clutching at straws. So I’m allowed to feel a little lost and scared that two of my best friends are moving across the world and another is getting a real proper job with proper (not student loan) money. I’m allowed to get a little freaked out that it’s my last year of undergrad and the next few years are going to be grown up and scary because, well, that’s what you’re 20s are for right?

So I’m sorry to everyone who’s waiting for any big announcements from me, I’m still in Little Mermaid Pjs (thank you Primark) and working out how to be a woman in the first place. Basically, I’m just being a 20 year old student who doesn’t have a clue.

100 questions – get to know me!

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I became aware of this from Lazarus and Lithium. I’ve realised how many new people there are to this blog, welcome! I’m so pleased that each and every one of you have chosen to follow my blog, nearly 250 of you now and over 400 on Twitter 🙂 So I’ve decided to let you all get to know me a little better with 100 questions. Have any more after? Leave it in the comments.

1. How are you, really?
I’m in between a lot of emotions right now, part of me is happy and proud of what I’ve achieved, another feels a little lost and misses my old confidence and part of me is a bit sad and in pain in my back.
2. How do you feel right now? What are you thinking about?
I feel ok, I’m thinking about the pain my back (as usual), hamsters and a new video game that’s going to come out.
3.What’s your favorite color?
Baby Blue
4. What’s your favorite food?
Italian is the best
5. What’s your favorite dessert?
Chocolate brownie with ice cream but it has to be made right
6. How old are you?
20
7. What have you learned today?
My band can always make me smile
8. What was your favorite subject in school?
English
9. What do you do?
I’m a student, Social Media Coordinator, Freelance Writer, Musician and Student/ International Ambassador
10. What are some of your favorite books?
Nineteen Minutes – Jodi Picoult, The Storyteller – Jodi Picoult, The Colour Purple -Alice Walker, The Fault in Our Stars – John Green, The Art of being Normal Lisa Williamson, All of the Harry Potter Series, I could go on…
11. What are some of your favorite movies?
The Fault in Our Stars, The Devil Wears Prada, Love Actually, The Breakfast Club, Desperately Seeking Susan, Harry Potter. I watch more sitcoms than movies to be fair.
12. What kind of music are you into?
SO MUCH! I’m mainly into Rock/Alt Rock/ Pop Punk but I love a good deal of Pop music, 90s Club music, 80s pop. Also love a bit of 1950s Rock n Roll, 1960s too, The Kinks, The Beatles. Also can’t go wrong with some good acoustic tunes to chill out to. Ah love, love, love music, I’ll give anything a listen.
13. If you were going to write a book, what would you call it and what would it be about?

I’m working on a book at the moment, it doesn’t have a name. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s how a couple handles terminal illness along with their teenage daughter.

14. What’s one of the scariest things you’ve ever done?

Go to uni, I was terrified.
15. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

So hard! Umm Right now doing well at uni and the accomplishments within that.

16. Are you married?

Nope, I am happily cohabiting for now 🙂

17. How did you meet your spouse / girlfriend / boyfriend?

We met at school 🙂

18. Do you think it’s better to get married when you’re young or better to wait a while?

It think it really depends on the person.Marriage is more to show the rest of the world, you can have the deepest commitment and have a good time without being married. At the same time if I had the money for a good wedding now I’d get married.

19. Do you have any kids?

Nope

20. Have you ever thought of adopting?

Yes, it’s something I’m interested in.

21. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Pop Star.
22. How did you get into health care?
I’m not in health care! But I do raise awareness for mental health!
23. Would you recommend healthcare for other people? Why / Why not?
I think if you can stand things like blood and needles (I can’t) and like caring for people then it can be the best job :).
24. What do you do for fun?
I hang out with my friends/band, I read a lot, I write and I blog.
25. Do you like traveling?
Yes! I like seeing other places but I am a home bird!
26. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?
Hmmm Australia!
27. Who are some people you’d like to meet someday?
Emma Blackerry and Cherry Wallis, J.K Rowling, Alice Walker, Dave Grohl, all of Paramore… there are so many more.
28. If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say?

Do what you want to do, not just what you’re told to do.

29. What’s one of your favorite habits you have?

Blogging, if that’s a habit?

30. What are some things that make you really happy?

My boyfriend, my hamsters, family and friends, performing and writing oh and academics, because I’m a geek
31. What are some things that make you really sad?
Suffering, low days, pain, when people are treated badly.
32. What are some things that scare you?
How close I’ve been to losing the ability to walk, dead fish (I know, I’m weird), losing the people I love.
33. Do you like to plan things out in detail or be spontaneous?
I’m a planner! I can be spontaneous though!
34. Are you a religious person?
Nope, Atheist.
35. If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?
Sylvia Plath.
36. Would you rather live in the country or in the city?
When I’m writing, the country, when I’m working, the city.
37. What was your life like growing up?
It was full of people who loved me at home and people who despised me at school.
38. What were you like in high school?
I lost myself for a little while, Ali kept me steady but the age of 15 plus was where I was at my most poorly unfortunately. I always tried and worked hard but I wasn’t the most popular kid.
39. Do you have any brothers or sisters? How many?

1 sister, she’s pretty cool.

40. What’s your favorite part about today so far?
Laughing, smiling, catching up with people I’ve missed.
41. Who in your life has influenced you the most? How did they do it?

Honestly, I think Ali. A year into being with me I got sick and lost a lot of hope, he turned me around showed me why uni would be a good idea and just unlocked this confidence.
42. What’s your favorite joke?
I don’t think I have a favourite…
43. Have you ever tried sushi? (Did you like it?)

No, no, no,no! Raw Fish? Never.

44. Do you like spicy food?

Nope, give me my Nandos plainish please!

45. How do you like your steak cooked?

Well done
46. Do you have a favorite number? Any particular reason why you like that number?

18 – my birthday 🙂
47. If you were a type of animal, what would you be and why?

I’d be a horse, strong, powerful, intelligent.

48. What’s one of the strangest things you’ve ever done?

Been able to shock the nurse by telling him exactly where to take blood from and been right…not that wild.
49. What kind of vacations do you like?

Ones where I can relax or go out and find something interesting to do, where I have the option.

50. What are some of your major goals in life?

To write a book and get my PhD

51. What are some of your smaller goals in life?

Be a good person, try and smile at least once every day.

52. What do you like least about yourself?

That I let other people’s opinions get to me too much

53. What embarrasses you?

When my dyslexia makes me either misspell or completely miss words.
54. If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?

Voice Actress

55. What’s your earliest memory?

My aunt taking me to her college library, I was 2.

56. What’s the best decision you ever made?

Going to university, definitely.

57. Who’s your best / closest friend?

My sister.

58. What do you think people think of you?

Haha who knows? In Kingston most people think I’m a nice person, back in Basingstoke not so much.

59. What were your grades like in school?

Good! I left with a Distinction star, a few As, few Bs and a few Cs.

60. If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn?

Calligraphy.

61. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I really don’t know. On a low day I’m an introvert but if I’m happy I can be an extrovert

62. Have you ever taken a personality test? (How did the results turn out?)

Yes and it was really accurate!

63. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

The way they act around others

64. Do you think people can control their own destiny?.

Yes, definitely

65. Do you think all people are equally valuable, or do you think some people in certain situations might be more valuable than others?

Yes in certain situations some people are more important. Like if it was saving children or adults from a fire, I’d save the children so they could experience life.

66. Do you think people are basically bad or basically good?

I think people are basically good, it’s what happens to them that can make them bad. Not an excuse but environment has a lot of influence.

67. Do you think morals are universal or relative to the beliefs, traditions, and practices of individuals or groups?

Very dependent on the environment and culture you’re in.

68. Do you think God exists?

No.

69. Do you think any kind of afterlife exists?

Sometimes, I’d like to think so but I think it’s mostly human wishing.

70. Do you vote? Why / Why not? If you do vote, how do you usually vote?

I do vote because I’d like to try and make a difference and as many people told me before the last election if you don’t vote you can’t complain.

71. Do you think gay people choose to be gay? Do you think straight people choose to be straight?

No, I think it’s in us from birth. It’s just the way we are.
72. Is torture ever a good option? If no, why not? If yes, when?

My gut instinct says no.

73. Would you kill an innocent person if you thought it might mean saving a dozen other people?

I’d be interested to know what situation this was in but if everyone else was innocent too, I’d rather just the one die…I really don’t want to kill anyone!

74. What’s the most money you’ve ever given away?

I haven’t given money away, I’ve lent a fair bit though to people I trust.

75. What’s the biggest personal change you’ve ever made?

Letting myself be happy and be a little selfish when I need it

76. What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?

Listen to my bullies rather than the people who loved me

77. What do you think would be one of the best steps we could take toward ending poverty around the world?

We can stop throwing away food and give it to people in need!

78. What do you think we could do to best improve the education system?

Later starting, more freedom from a younger age and projects as a way of testing. In the real world after school how many tests do we need to take to achieve? Experience is everything, not ticking boxes!!

79. In general, what do you think about art?

It’s expression and something we need in life.

80. What are some of your favorite websites?

All social media sites so Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram. WordPress, obviously. Amazon, Boohoo, Waterstones.

81. What’s the biggest turnoff in a man/woman?

Bad smell *gags*
82. What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?

That I was ok, when I really needed someone around.
83. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

When I was a kid I told everyone I wanted a Tots TV tattoo (its a kids show, google it). My Dad had just gotten one, I blame him for my love of tattoos.

84. What’s something you wish everyone knew about you?

I don’t bite and love to talk!!!

85. What are some of the first things you do in the morning?

Check notifications on my phone, kiss Ali while he’s asleep, check my hamster and make a cup of tea.

86. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?

…I don’t know about the worst ever, probably the lowest my depression was at.

87. Do you cry easily?

*sigh* Yes.

88. How do you feel about public speaking?

I actually really like doing it

89. Do you like to talk on the phone?

I talk to my family on the phone all the time when I’m walking places
.
90. How many emails do you get each week, roughly?

Anything up to 500 a week

91. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would play you?

Emma Stone

92. What’s one of your favorite questions to ask new friends or to get a conversation going?

What books/music do you like?

93. Would you ever sky dive or bungee jump?

I like the idea, don’t know if I’m brave enough!
94. Have you ever been in a fist fight?

Yes, a few at school.

95. What’s the best prank you’ve ever pulled?

I’m not really a prankster!

96. What did you do on your 16th birthday?

Had a big 16th birthday fancy dress party!
97. What do you think is one of the most undervalued professions right now?

Mental health workers

98. How would you explain your basic life philosophy?

Try to smile, but don’t be afraid to cry.

99. Would you rather be hated or forgotten?

Hated, I don’t want to be forgotten,

100. If you knew you would die tomorrow, would you feel cheated today?

Yes I would, I’ve got so much more to do yet.

There we go! Have you got any more questions for me? Let me know in the comments

Living with a ‘disability’

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As far as I was concerned when I applied to university I wasn’t disabled, I’d never been disabled and I just had to get on with my life in the best way possible.Little did I know I’d suffered with at least one disability my entire life. Now I’ve written before about being Dyslexic but I haven’t really gone into detail about how it can impact on my life at uni or otherwise. The majority of people here and at home that are friends with Ali and I are shocked and sometimes don’t believe me when I say I’m registered with the Dyslexia and Disability department, they ask me why and sometimes still make their own assumptions about if I’m ‘really’ disabled.

It’s a funny word that I never really use about myself. When most people hear the word disability they think of something physical, a wheelchair, a walking aide, a white stick are all a lot easier to understand. Depression and Anxiety isn’t visible and I have gone for years with some people not having a clue. As with the Dyslexia, I went nearly 15 years in the education system without it being picked up that I was not only Dyslexic but severely Dyslexic and not just stupid as I had thought. Both of my ‘disabilities’ are mental, I explain a lot that it’s not uncommon for someone with a mental health condition to wish it was physical, people understand that.

So I wanted to use today’s blog to talk about some of the common misconceptions about disability as a student and how my life is impacted by BOTH of them.

1. People with Dyslexia only have problems reading or writing

This is a HUGE misconception that simply needs a little bit more education. Whilst I was at school it was thought I couldn’t be Dyslexic as I was in the top class for English. Although my CAT scores were lower and I constantly struggled with little things like paragraphing, punctuation and spelling it wasn’t really looked in to. Even at uni some of my seminar leaders admit they know nothing about Dyslexia and if I ‘try a bit harder’ I might pick up these things. Dyslexia has a massive spectrum for me my weaknesses are processing information, spelling (I will change a whole sentence if I can’t spell a word sometimes), grammar, basic skills and the speed in which I do things.  

2. Depressed people don’t have fun, they’re constantly unhappy

This just isn’t true for the majority of depressed people. There are flickers of light even in your darkest days but because of the way you’re thinking it’s just harder to see them. I’m out of the darkest part but on a low I find it hard to think positively. With gentle encouragement and time there can be good days for someone with Depression. We can be fun too!! 

3. You’d know if you were dyslexic

I found out I was dyslexic at 19 years old studying for a degree in English Literature. I knew I struggled a lot but it was my tutor who suggested getting a test. A lot of things make sense now as to WHY I struggled. 

4. You don’t need a fancy new laptop from the government for uni

There is a lot of jealousy over disabled students because we get DSA (Disabled Student Allowance). I have been insulted many times saying that I don’t need help. I do get help in the form of a dyslexia tutor and a mental health mentor. I got a laptop, programming, a printer and a voice recorder to help me with my studies because sometimes I struggle. There are people who play the system to get what they want but it’s not all of us!! I hate being accused of being a ‘scrounger’ by people who spend all their student loan on booze. I’m really grateful that I got the help I did because it makes life SO much easier!

5. Anxiety is just a part of life

I was actually told this after my diagnosis by a member of staff who I believe thought I was lying. Yes anxiety is a part of life but living with it is different. The most minor things will make you fret and worry constantly, losing concentration, sleep and generally making you quite poorly. That is anxiety, trust me.

6. It’s all attention seeking

No. Just no.

7. You can’t have a learning difficulty, you’re smart

8. Why do you get money? It’s not really fair is it?

Going back to number 4, I don’t get direct payments but some people do to help them cover costs. I have an amount for extra books, ink, etc. Just think if you became disabled wouldn’t you find that help a relief? I certainly do, it means I don’t put unnecessary worry or strain on myself or those around me and can get the help I need.

9. How do your disabilities affect your day to day life

More than you may think! In terms of dyslexia, it effects my reading, writing, spelling, memory, processing things quickly (which makes exams horrible), the time it takes for me to do things, my driving (I’m on my 4th test now) which really bugs me. I’m learning to adapt to it. My Depression/Anxiety makes me a worrier, can put me on a low where I’m really unmotivated, can make me irritable, tired an honestly can mean I’m not a great person to be around. Occasionally I’ll have to miss a day of class because I’m feeling that crappy. I’m lucky that I have a good group of people who understand around me.

10. Is it hard?

Yes. It can be but I wouldn’t change it…well most of the time anyway. I find ways to get around things, to smile and carry on to the best I can. Now I understand why I struggle with certain things and for me that’s great! I can learn how to fix them 🙂

So there it is, hopefully some questions have been answered. If you have any more PLEASE! comment below or tweet me!

Getting to know me

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When I was younger I had an obsession with long personality questionnaires, I wasn’t alone we all went a bit mad. I found one online today which isn’t basic but I think will give you all a little bit more of an idea about me. I’m hoping to do some more of these later on and maybe some student ones! If you have any ideas post them in the comments section below.

Who do you work with that you really respect? 

I have a friend at uni called Sonia, she’s totally honest and works hard. She gets a lot of stick from other people but refuses to change herself to make people like her. I really respect that about her.

Who is there that makes you want to be a better person? 

My boyfriend, definitely. He tells me when I’m right and he tells me when I’m wrong. He’s absolutely brilliant with me especially when he knows that I can do better. I want to be the best person I can be for him because of everything he does for m.
Who is the most dependable person in your life? 

Umm again I think it would be my boyfriend.
If you had a year off with pay, what would you do?

I’d spend half of it travelling across the world, hopefully with my band and the other half in internships for jobs I really want so when I came back I could have a better shot at a job I really wanted apart from being a musician.

Where is the funniest place you have ever fallen asleep.
On the floor of my boyfriends bathroom…twice.

Who is the best living guitar player?
That’s a really tricky one! I love so many…too tough!

On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you with your life right now?
I’d say about a 6/7 really want it to go up though.

What makes you laugh?

My friends ‘Amy moments’ are the highlight of my week.

What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? 

How long I have until I really have to get up

How old where you when you realized you are lucky?

I wouldn’t say there was an age, I think I started to appreciate things and people more around the time I moves to uni so around 18/19

If you had your own TV network what would you put on it?

Lots of comedy, bands and some great life documentary’s NO SPORT. Pretty much BBC3 minus the football.

What motivates you to exercise?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

What Olympic sport would you like to try?

Ice Skating! My boyfriend and his sister done it for sport when they were young and I would love to just be able to stay off my bum!

What is the largest crowd you have ever been in?

Definitely at a gig.

When was the last time you said “I am glad I do not have that job”?

Uni bus drivers when they get a load of attitude when people are running late.

If you could have lunch with anyone living who would it be?

Hayley Williams, J.K Rowling, Jodi Picoult, Jenna McDougall, Tay Jardine..can I have more people!!

What is your idea of heaven?

A nice big family house which has a library, swimming pool and recording studio.

If you could spend five minutes with the president what would you talk about? 

Something fun and silly, let him have five minutes off!

What small town would you like to live in?

I don’t know if I would…I would go mad.

What is your favorite thing about your dad?

I have a note on my wall from my last day or secondary school that I had to go to. It pretty much said to keep my head up, it meant a lot to me.

Who was your best friend growing up?

I had a friend called Kara and a friend called Jordan who now lives in Australia!

If you could ask one person one question and get a completely honest answer who would it be and what would you ask? 

All I’m going to say is I’d ask someone why so that I knew for sure and could move on.

When in your life have you had a “now or never” moment?

Umm I’m not sure off the top of my head.

What was the first professional sporting event you went to?

Golf. I paid no attention but met Gary Linaker