Yawny Owl

Today, I have unpacked.

I have just had the best big birthday weekend away, all expenses paid and food included. Plus a tonne load of fun activities including plenty of singing, climbing, sword-fighting, clue-hunting, arrow-shooting, disco-dancing and dropping down from high heights. The weather was wonderful and the children were lovely. 

There's no other way I would have wanted to spend my first weekend as an over-25-year-old than swinging on a giant swing over-25 feet in the air. 

So much fun. So super tired. 

Flitterbox: DJ Casper ~ Cha Cha Slide

Brownie Birthday

Today, I have packed. 

It will be time for me to catch the coach in a couple of hours, to spend an activity weekend with 600+ children under 10. It's not something I've done before, and a year ago I would not have had this opportunity. I couldn't have imagined that my first weekend away as a twenty-six-year-old would be with a bunch of Brownies and Owls. 

It should be fun. 

Flitterbox: Owl City ~ When Can I See You Again?

Hippy Chic

I've become one of those girls.

You know, the kind that packs twice as many dresses as she has nights out planned, then buys a new outfit whilst away and decides to wear that instead. Oh dear. I've become one of those girls that thinks it's appropriate to wear leggings with nothing more than what is effectively a t-shirt, cos if it covers your bum, that's fine, right? Oh dear. I've become one of those girls that thinks that UGG-style boots are appropriate footwear for anything other than house-bound slippers. Oh dear.

Wild Child

Today, I have stayed in.

There are many benefits to being an adult. Independence is one of them. I can go out any night of the week and while people care where I am or if I'll be around for dinner, no-one will expect me to give them a play-by-play or demand that I do what they say. I don't need to consult anyone else to do what I want to do. This ties in with the freedom of being single, which is not to be sniffed at. Yes, it would be nice to cosy up in bed with a boy and a blanket, but there's always time for that.

Last week was a heavy week, socially speaking. I was out four of five evenings, but home before midnight for all but one of them, which is the best way to be, especially when there's a full working day ahead of you. And for your benefit, and for my own personal reminder that I have not gotten too old and boring just yet, I shall lay it out for you...

First was drinks with an old housemate to celebrate her birthday. Not a late one, because we're past the big two-one now and now it's just a flinch with every digit that's added. Eeek, how ancient are we? A good chance to catch-up and find out more about the daily life of someone I used to see every day, but now average around once a month, which is odd but not that odd.

Next up was the band. I'm with the band, haven't you always wanted to be able to say that legitimately? Well, I did. I was on the guest list and I didn't pay for entry and I was that oddball that dances madly and knows the words to this niche folksy indie band that no-one's heard of. It was awesome. The main act wasn't half bad either. And afterwards? We went for drinks with the band; we got bought drinks by THE BAND. On the whole, it was a cheap yet fantastic evening. Though I was one of the youngest ones there, which was also strange to see in a place that's usually filled with people a similar age to me.

In complete contrast, the following night was Disney on Ice, which was filled with people a quarter of my age, as well as those who were at least a decade or two older. I love that I'm at such an age and place in my life that I can appreciate both of these totally different experiences on consecutive nights. The ice-skating was amazing, the princesses beautiful and the princes handsome, as it should be. And it was full of wishes and magic and dancing and singing and all the stories we know and adore. Wonderful.

As the weekend arrived, it was a crazy night out at the neon glow bowling alley. We were the last ones left there and I lost quite spectaculary across two games, even without an ounce of alcohol in my system. But it was ultimate fun and lovely to be able to spend time with people I only tend to see once or twice a season. Even if I did feel like a bit of a seventh part of a six-wheeled car especially when the talk swung 'round to engagement rings. I'm fairly sure I'm going to live the cliché within the next five years or so. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. But there's still time, always time.

So mixed in with the chemistry, the cooking, the lab and the laundry, that was my week. Living with your friends is like having a slumber party every night and yesterday my housemate put Archers in the fruit salad. Today, I made a snowflake out of filter paper and I still get excited about christmas.

I may be an adult, but I'm not all grown-up yet.

On the jukebox: Peter Pan ~ You Can Fly

Felis Catus

Today, I have been picking up on that feline beat

'cause everything else is obsolete

On the jukebox: The Aristocats ~ Everybody Wants To Be A Cat

Collecting Coins

Today, I have £1.88 in my purse.

Back in September or so and such a time, I began to collect the 2008 coat of arms coins. I didn't realise until the start of term that that is what they were, but since I discovered this, the race has been on to find a full set.

Just before the new year, I completed the mission. Score! I know I am weird; I am the kind of person who will pay for a twenty-two pee cup of tea in coppers to avoid 'breaking into' a five pence piece. In my purse, I have the seven english coins that I shall never spend, a canadian dime, an american quarter and a euro cent. A couple of sterling notes too, cos they're always handy, eh?

Here's a bit of lateral thinking for you: what's the maximum amount of coins you could have in your purse and not have exact change for a pound (not including £1 and £2 coins, obviously)? Answers welcome below...

On the jukebox: Meja ~ All About The Money

Winter Daze

Today, I have woken up in the dark.

Out at dawn, in at dusk. A far cry from those summer ni-ights, when it'd be the opposite situation. Bright, breezy and bitterly cold, but no precipitation, which was good.

Fresh air, a litre of water and a warm night's sleep set me up for a successful study stint. It's best not to discuss with my peers exactly how much was achieved, because it's not cool or polite or PC or whatever the reason, we don't like to flaunt how much work we've actually done and instead lament the fact that the day has been spent with Meredith Grey and her anatomy. I guess maybe if we fail we won't feel so bad that way.

I walked home in the twilight; winter sunsets are wonderful. There was post with my name on it. Photographs and poetry make me smile a secret smile and stickers are my favourite.

On the jukebox: Snow Patrol ~ Take Back The City

Colourful Collection

Today, I have attended to my inner child.

As I am entirely unorginal in my thought processes, the only option is to take inspiration from other people. After reading this entry about collecting things, I was reminded of another type of item I used to collect when I was younger - hair accessories. Well, I'd collect them in the same sense that I collect earrings - I used to wear them a lot, so it was fun to have a lot to wear. I was the girl with the crazy hair.

Now I'm just the crazy girl.

On the jukebox: Devon Frieder ~ Part Of Your World

Delicate Digits

Today, I have painted my nails.

It's a means of polishing up on procrastination skills. Purposefully creating a situation whereby I can't possibly involve the use of my fingers for anything for at least a couple of hours or so is an excellent excuse for not achieving any work. Plus, they look pretty in pink and makes me feel all giggly and girly and young and fun.

Also, I won't be splashing my hands in acetone anytime soon, which means they might last longer than a day! I don't paint my nails very often, but I like the feminine appeal it has. Makes me feel dressed up even when I'm wearing man clothes.

Paint your nails,
Paint your face,
Paint around the empty space.

On the jukebox: Curtis Stigers ~ To Be Loved

Seasonal Sunshine

Today, I have felt the sun of spring.

Daffodowndilly

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,

She wore her greenest gown;

She turned to the south wind

And curtsied up and down.

She turned to the sunlight

And shook her yellow head,

And whispered to her neighbour:

"Winter is dead".

A. A. Milne

The Equinox has passed; the clocks have been put forward; the days are getting much lighter; hibernation is over.

It's official. Spring 2008 is here. And so am I.

On the jukebox: The Temptations ~ My Girl

Shoe Shocked

Today, I have new shoes. 

I am not a shoe person. I am not one of those girls who gets all "Like, oh my gosh, he wouldn't buy me this season's Kurt Geigers, even though he knows I've wanted them since like, yesterday..." I don't have that many pairs of shoes, not least because I have bizarrely shaped annoying Big Fat Feet. I hate shoe shopping. I dislike shoe assistants, the way the hover and stare. I rarely, if ever, go out specifically to buy a new pair of shoes and come back fully boughted and sorted. 

However, by some miricle of modern shopping, I have managed to purchase not one, not two, but FOUR pairs of new shoes in ONE day! Alas, it has not made me cool or fashionable, despite actually having more than one pair that actually fit to choose from, I still manage to end up with going for comfort over beauty, child-like and quirky over cosmopolitan and popular. Perhaps I should take some hints from my shoe taste in other aspects of my life...*

  Chic   Casual

Classy

*Life is better with many pairs...? ;o)

You may remember the following style from such scenes as "why I am a seven-year-old" indeed, I already have a pair so similar, it seems silly to have another, 'specially when they are far from sophisticated. But my blue versions of the same type have been so very reliable and so very comfortable, that I just had to get these: 

Child

I fell in love with this final pair, trashy and impractical though they may be, I did manage to stick to my four pairs of sensible shoes, though, and didn't stretch to buying them:

Kooky

Alors, at the end of it, I come away, not a shoe connoisseur by any means, but with my feet a whole lot happier to have found some new houses to travel in. Yay, new shoes! I know you care. 

On the jukebox: Paolo Nutini ~ New Shoes

Stuffed Stomach

Today, I have over-indulged.

2 x Bowls of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes 

1 x Buffet of Thai Cuisine

2 x Bowls of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes 

1 x Bag of Smoky Bacon Crisps

2 x Bowls of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes 

= 1 x Bloated Belly

I'm possibly a bit addited to Crunchy Nut Cornflakes. It's potentially problematic. But so yummy, so yummy. 

On the jukebox: Yo! Gabba Gabba ~ Party In My Tummy - Check this out. Srsly. 

Colour Co-ordination

Today, I have been topically themed.

I like Valentine's Day. It gives me an excuse to dress appropriately for the special occasion...

Appropriately for a seven-year-old, that is, of course.

On the jukebox: Kylie Minogue ~ I Should Be So Lucky

Pretty Patterns

Today, I have played with Komputational Kaleidoscopes.

From Enormous Eye:

To Perfect Petals:

Sunday Evening = Goodbye Respite; Hello Hell.

On the jukebox: The Verve ~ Drugs Don't Work

Carb Craving

Today, I have been Miss Potato Head.

Curb your curiosity, this is what the girl herself looks like:

I'm almost too cool to function.

On the jukebox: Britney Spears ~ Sometimes

Pantomime Time!

Today, I have been to a pantomime.

In keeping with my age and the time of year, I felt it was appropriate. I haven't been to a panto since...well, since my friend's 18th birthday, ha. I enjoyed the one this afternoon, of course, there was the token six-year-old among our party to justify our presence at what is ultimately a children's entertainment show. The clichés, the cheesy jokes, the predictable punch lines, all included as standard. I smiled at the irony of the particular story - Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, who wants to stay young and have fun forever and ever in Neverland.

Naturally, one wouldn't expect RSC level acting, but for what it was worth, it was worth it. I absolutely adore trips to musically-enhanced theatre productions, all the dancing and sing-a-long songs, it's such a fantastic atmosphere. I've often thought I'd like to be part of a panto or musical, it looks like fun. The fact that I can't dance or sing is a slight hitch in my aspirations, but it's also fabulous to watch and be able to appreciate.

It's great, I think, that we can still appreciate pantomimes in this country, truly British as they are. In a world of commercialised entertainment; computer games and electronic toys, it's something that takes away from all of that into a magical world of wonder created by a few costumes, actors and a bit of imagination...

On the jukebox: R Kelly ~ I Believe I Can Fly

Dinitrogen Diflouride

Today, I have made trans-N₂F₂

The short tube is a double bond with a nitrogen atom each end. The long tubes are single bonds each attached to a flourine atom. There is also a lone pair of electrons at each nitrogen atom. Twenty-five percent of my module is based on this species. I know next to nothing about it other than what it looks like. Instead, I have spent my time playing with a molecular model kit and photo-altering software. What a way to play the day away.

On the jukebox: Lostprophets ~ Rooftops

Sticky Stars

Today, I have made a sticker chart.

Well, in reality what that involves is buying a half-price diary (which is still half more than I should have paid for it, given that I don't use a diary generally, so what on earth made me think I need to buy one?) and some sheets of 99p stickers with stars and smiles and butterflies on. Putting them together gives me my sticker reward chart. My psychiatrist said it would help with development of a peaceful and positive inner being.

My psychiatrist likes to treat me like a seven-year-old. And since my psychiatrist is actually an alias for myself so I don't sound so childish (and instead sound schizophrenic and in need of a psychiatrist...), I think I'm okay with being treated that way. After all, where's the fun in being grown-up?

So, I get stickers when I do good-girl or studious-student or happy-happening things. Hopefully, the total thrill of seeing a colourful cheery sticker on my page will be enough to encourage me to have a brighter day! I'm kind of strange.

On the jukebox: Smash Mouth ~ All Star

Positively Grinning

Today, I have watched Blue Peter.

The world's longest-running children's television program will celebrate its 50th birthday this year. Today was the first time I've actually sat through an episode in years. The first thing that struck me was how young some of the presenters seem, suddenly these grown-up adult presenters aren't that old at all. Especially Andy Ankinwolere, the newest presenter, he is not that far off my own age. Well, at least there's good old Konnie Huq, she was 'the new one' all those many years ago, and now, after more than ten years in the game, she's the longest-running female Blue Peter presenter! The second aspect I noticed was how they're all far too happy for my comfortable appreciation, the way everything was so brilliant and amazing and wonderful got on my nerves a little. (Though I guess swimming with dolphins is kinda wow...)

What say? People being positive on a children's show? Damn those optimists, damn them. Go watch the News and depress your overcheery spirits. Having said that, I was going to watch Newsround afterwards, but there's only a limited amount of headline worthy good news in the world, and to be honest, I didn't feel I needed to tune in to hear yet another "and a baby panda was born in this zoo last week..."

It's possible that have too much time on my hands and not enough access to digital television or other examless friends. I've been shopping two times in as many days. I've bought far too much stuff for far above the amount I should really be spending. But at least it makes me happy...
Perhaps I should actually start my coursework at some point.

On the jukebox: REM ~ Shiny Happy People

Dance Dance

Today, I have played music really LOUDLY.

There are no more exams. There is no-one in the house. I have a few fantastic friends. It is better than having lots of mediocre aquaintances.

I don't know what I want to do. I don't know where I'm going. But that's okay. Because I'm free to do anything I can do.

And I can do anything.

On the jukebox: Cyndi Lauper ~ Girls Just Wanna Have Fun