Swanage Saturday

My day consisted of waking up later than normal, a great hour and a half after my normal wake up call, which felt amazing. It sounds silly to everyone else but when you get up at 5:30 every morning, being able to wake up at 7 just makes everything better!

We went to Corfe Castle to walk around and see the sights. It's one of those things that you only really go to if you enjoy history/adventures or if you're on a field trip/school trip. It was a lovely time although I can only imagine how much rain there was given the weather forecast that I look at on Thursday. (rain, rain and more rain) I'm not sure what the actual point of this little trip was, whether it was for a school purpose (teaching children about castles and history) or whether it was just something to do to fill in the time of the field trip but I shall let you know when I come back on Sunday/Monday.

Then we went to Durlston Country Park to look at art sculptures and collect materials for our own sculptures. We then went to a football field to sit down and create our art sculptures in order to teach us about art and how we can plan activities for our children. After lunch, we then had to share our sculptures with everyone before we had dinner, a lecture and then let out for free time.

The worst thing about pre-writing blogs on things like field trips and holidays is that I don't actually know what I'm doing on what exact day. I've only just told you the short itinerary that I was given but unexpected things happen that make the field trip exciting. I'm hoping to be back tomorrow (Friday) at about 5PM to write the blog actually up to date where I can tell you anything fun that happened and if not, it will be a moaning blog.

I apologise profusely for this blog and hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing or exciting weekend!

Love you all

xxx

Swanage Field Trip

Last night, my friend's and I went out for dinner at Nandos for a birthday celebration and a goodbye. It was Alice's birthday on Thursday last week and we were all here, there and everywhere so we had to wait for people to come back from holiday for us to all go out and celebrate. Also, it was the last time we were going to see Tom until Christmas. He got a fully paid master's course in Europe and is now moving abroad. We are all going to miss him so much but know that we are going to keep in contact and wait eagerly for him to come back for us to all get back together. I wish him the very best of luck because I am going to be away when he actually leaves on Saturday! You know you'll always be in our circle of friends even if you aren't here!!

Today, I am going to Swanage, Dorset for a bonding field trip for my course. On Monday, I found out that even though we are paying £90 for this mandatory trip, we had to make our own way down to Swanage. Unfortunately, for us non-driving folk, this is easier said than done. So, instead of just having the fear of making friends with complete strangers, we also had to try and arrange a way down there by car sharing with people we only just met. It was such a palava but thankfully, Anneke and I made friends with this guy who was willing to drive us down there. It was such a relief.

We are spending the whole weekend at Swanage with us waking up at 8:30 on Saturday and Sunday, with lots of different things to do during the day including walking across the coast, and visiting the castle there. But also, during the evening at around 8PM after dinner; we are having a lecture on God know's what. After then, we have free time to do whatever we want, which will probably be us all descending on the local pub!

I am looking forward to the weekend because it will be a great chance to hang out with my uni friends without lectures. But I am not looking forward to it because I am knackered and want rest but I doubt this weekend will be anything but hectic. It also means that I don't have time to catch up with sleeping and also some readings that I didn't get time to do during the week!

Never mind, life is about doing lots of things so you don't feel like you are missing out. I definitely don't want to miss out!

I hope you don't mind the next two pre-written blogs. I try my hardest to write my blogs on the day but there are sometimes when I can't help it.

xxx

The National Curriculum

Part of my course is extremely boring. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying every minute of my new uni experience especially meeting new people but with every course, there are some real dull moments. One of these is the National Curriculum. It's one of those things that is governed by people in suits thinking they know best when in truth, they don't know anything about education and teaching. It's the government that sets what needs to be taught in schools but they have no experience in actually teaching in schools yet they're deemed to be the expert? There are many times during our lectures about the National Curriculum that the lecturers have told us which parts of the old National Curriculum worked and what didn't. 

For my observational week, I had to endure two inset days talking about the National Curriculum and now that I'm at uni, I have more time talking about the National Curriculum. And no matter how you dress it up, it is still boring as hell. 

As always, I'm way off subject but I wanted to tell you all about my course, not that you really care all that much but hey ho! I am thoroughly enjoying it, the introductions of the modules are slightly dry because they are just that- just skimming the surface of them and not really getting to the exciting part. On Tuesday, we had a woman reading us books and I thought that was great. I love listening to good storytellers and she was brilliant; definitely a wonderful teacher from practice. 

I also have made lots of friends and have a little group that I hang out with. This one girl in particular is amazing and I really like her. She's like my uni best friend at the moment because she is down to earth, chatty and makes me more chatty. Her name is Anneke and I call her Anakin- this was purely a mistake but I like it so much that I told her it was her new nickname whether she liked it or not! I like the fact that 4 days in, I have already settled in. 

The travelling is still a pain in my backside but it has to be done and I'm getting a bit more used to it now that I've been doing it for a couple of days. The getting up at 5:30 is an absolute killer. Thankfully, I only have 10 weeks or so total at Kingston and the rest of time is at placements; so as long as I get a good distance for my placement, I won't need to wake up as early!

This is me at the end of the day!

I'll see how everything goes and how much I like it after I get more into the course and realise that I have assignments to complete, and things to do but for now, I'm a happy chappy. 

xxx

About Time Review

This film has been talked about since the trailers came out simply because Richard Curtis; the writer of Notting Hill, Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral. I had high hopes because I love Rachel McAdams as an actress. I think she is one of the most natural actresses out there that makes acting look effortless yet brilliant. I imagine her to be one of the only down to earth actresses but whether that is reality, I'll never know!

Okay, so back to the film. It is based on the idea of being able to travel back in time and rectify any mistakes you made. Obviously any changes you make in the past affects the future- I thought this concept was very much like The Time Traveller's Wife but it had a difference to it, which I was glad about. It followed an unlucky in love male that searches for love in London. Although this film has a predictable storyline, there are some unpredictable moments throughout that leave you emotionally reeling.

It's a simple film, where the storyline does not hold any real need for cognitive thinking; but it's hidden within that simplicity that the real beauty of the film comes alive. We have all loved and lost people in our lives as well as having lots of difficult situations to navigate and it is that which helps us all relate to this film. It is beautifully stunning with an easy ability to feel an emotional connection to the characters giving you an investment in their well being.

It is only really at the end that you get choked up, perhaps with a tear in your eye. We have all wanted to go back in time to fix something that we did that we now wish we hadn't or to say things to people that we never got the chance to say. It is from those wishings that we envy the main characters because we want to be able to have their abilities.

It is a definite watch because it is a great film filled with all your lovely romance film stereotypes but it peels back the layer to have a deeper meaning by the end and you're left with a sense of longing. It was a brilliant night out and even though I was dead tired today, I'm definitely glad that I saw it.

And in the words of my friend Tom:

Go see it if you love any film that may potentially move you more than the getting angry at work!

xxx

Travel Woes

This week is going to be a trial of which route to Kingston University is 1) easiest and 2) fastest. Unfortunately for me, yesterday's journey was disastrous. I got to the station early, which was fine, I managed to get on the two trains I needed to on time. But then when I got to Wimbledon Tramlink, it was a nightmare. It was around 7:30 on Monday morning where kids were going to school and people were going to work. I missed the first tram by a minute and then the second tram was too jam packed that I couldn't squeeze myself into it. Thankfully, already behind on my tight schedule, I pushed my way onto the tram only to get squished like sardines by all the people pushing their way on an already packed tram. The rest of the journey was not bad and I managed to get to the Uni with a minute to spare.

As first days go, it was a fairly successful one if I forget about the travel woes I had. I sat next to a lovely girl that I got talking to and made a couple of friends. I also spoke to a couple of people that I had met on my interview day and the qualification check day. Thankfully, they remembered me too and so it wasn't just me trying to get their attention and them not having no clue who I am. The day wasn't as long as I thought it would be despite the fact it was a 9AM to 4PM day. I also went for tea after we had finished with a couple of my new friends for a good old fashioned chat!

I am looking forward to the coming weeks, learning. I'm not too excited about all the journey time but it is only for a year and I'll be working towards achieving my dream so hopefully it won't be too bad. I'm scared as hell for the day that I actually get into a classroom and teach but that will wait for another day. I'm sure I'll learn everything that will equip me with being able to teach.

Are you facing a new challenge? A scary opportunity?

Let me know what you're getting up to at the moment and how you're feeling about it.

I'm off to the cinema tonight with Tom after I get in, so make sure you check out the review I shall be writing on it tomorrow!

xxx

Motivational Monday #20

Today, I embark on the new chapter of my life. In life, you have new experiences and challenges put towards you. When you're young, the majority of your chapters are filled with the milestones of learning from the individual challenges of walking to conquering primary/high school. But then there are the challenges that you choose for yourself even though you have the fear that you might fail. I closed the chapter of my first degree in July and now I am peering down the unwritten chapter of my PGCE. It's not one of those easy, lay back, passive degrees; it involves a huge element of dedication, passion and hard work. 

I am ready to take the bull by the horns and face this challenge head on and that is the message that I want to send to you all this Motivational Monday. The greatest thing about this message is that regardless if your chapter or challenge is school related, we all have challenges in our everyday life and we all get scared of them. We all worry about failure and not being good enough but only the brave are willing to put themselves on the line to achieve greatness. Be part of the brave and don't let fear stop you from facing challenges. It gives you some of the lowest moments in your life but it always gives you the greatest!

For you to qualify as having done something amazing, you need to take the plunge in life to get there. Don't be weak and let others govern how your life is going to be. Don't let the fear of the unknown decide your fate; don't let it be the barrier that stops you from reaching the stars. 

In the words of one of Tom's favourite quotes: Making a big life change is scary. But do you know what's even scarier? Regrets.

We are all smart people and we all know what we want from life. The hardest thing is buckling down and actually doing something to achieve those things. We all want things to be simple and come to us with a click of our fingers but that isn't how life works. Work hard, achieve greatness and feel amazing.

Gotta love a fitting film quote (A Cinderella Story)

Fear is an emotion that we can conquer as well as a mountain; we just have to have the right mindset to want to climb the mountain despite the harsh winter.

I hope you all have a wonderful day, if you're starting school/college/uni or facing a new job, enjoy the times when something matters so much that it can make you physically ill. It's that fear that guides you in knowing that you're striving for everything you deserve.

Be yourself, work hard and smile!

Love you lots xxx
For more Motivational Mondays:
Motivational Monday #1
Motivational Monday #2
Motivational Monday #3
Motivational Monday #4
Motivational Monday #5
Motivational Monday #6
Motivational Monday #7
Motivational Monday #8
Motivational Monday #9
Motivational Monday #10
Motivational Monday #11
Motivational Monday #12
Motivational Monday #13
Motivational Monday #14
Motivational Monday #15
Motivational Monday #16
Motivational Monday #17
Motivational Monday #18
Motivational Monday #19

Back To Reality

Tomorrow, I am starting uni and as I sit here and work out my journey of travel, I realise that this is going to be a bitch of a year. Travelling to Kingston uni isn't too bad if you can drive and don't have to go on public transport but because I don't, I am going to be leaving my house at 6:45AM everyday just to get to uni for 9AM. On top of this, my day is from 9AM-4PM everyday (sometimes 5PM), which means by the time I get home it will be around 6PM or later depending on the time I manage to get on trains etc.

Just the thought of it makes me want to cry. I'm not looking forward to it in the slightest especially given the fact I am not feeling well at all at the moment. This is definitely going to be one of those courses that will stretch me to the limit.

I am sitting here wanting to be back in Cyprus doing nothing! Anyone fancy being my chauffeur?

xxx

I'm Wanted!!

As some of you may know, on and off, I have been volunteering at my old primary school to get some experience for my PGCE course starting next week. I have just finished an observation week there as part of a mandatory aspect of my course. During my course, I have to go to a number of placements that are working at a school for a block of around 7 weeks each school. My first placement will be in November-December. Normally, the university decides which schools I will be doing my placement at and then it's just a matter of time until they tell me and I go to them.

However, yesterday I found out that my old primary school headteacher has emailed Kingston university requesting me for the first block placement to work there with a Year 1 teacher. Not once did I talk about needing a placement or even that I will be doing any but she went ahead and emailed them anyway wanting me for their school. I feel incredibly humble that she took it upon herself to think that I am good enough to work at her school and so so happy that I am in essence wanted and daresay a little valid. I worry constantly that I won't be good enough to be a teacher and people will look at me and just see that I'm going to fail. But this little snippet of information that she has specifically requested me means that I feel a little more confident that I won't be completely useless and might actually make it as a successful teacher.

I hope that the uni hasn't already given out placements so that they can't accept her request because I really like the thought of working at my old school that is conveniently just around the corner and with people that I already know. I want the uni to say that I can do my placement there but the headteacher said that she should get an email back next week so fingers crossed!

I wanted to share with you this great news because although it might seem like a "so what?" moment to most of you, it is such a massive compliment to me and I can't believe that someone actually requested me. I'm not the most secure/confident person and it never occurred to me that I might be good enough for someone to want.

I'm wanted!

Anyway, I'm going to go before I get all emotional over this fact like a little loser! I love you all, have a wonderful weekend.

OH, and welcome home Hollie Wollie. I have missed you oh so much! 

xxxx

I'm Relocating

Morning guys, it's a tiddle tad bit early today but I woke up with every intention to ignore my pathetic body and go to work at the school but I feel like shit. Unfortunately, my body has other ideas and I can't physically move to get to work. :(

Yesterday, I was complaining (to anyone who would listen to me) of not feeling well and having a headache whilst also feeling very dizzy and not well in general. But I just told myself to suck it up and just get on with it. I made it through the day ignoring it but when I got home, all hell broke loose. I fell asleep on the sofa without meaning to, I woke up feeling like crap but that wasn't even the worst of it.

I planned to go to sleep at around 10PM because I wanted to get a good night's sleep and get rid of the sick feeling overnight although my blasted body had other ideas. Now, without being too graphic, I was in and out of the toilet 8 times in under an hour. I did not enjoy any moment where I finally thought I was okay to go to bed but then having to rush back into the toilet...

I, therefore, decided that if my body likes being in the toilet so much, that I will relocate myself to the toilet. I could set up a lovely kitchen with a portable fridge and oven to make myself food. Stick in a TV on the wall and sleep on the floor. Done, a lovely one bed flat where my body longs to be...

I hope your Friday is better than mine and you're all feeling top of the morning!

 I haven't had a moany blog for a while so please pardon this one and send me healthy vibes. I seriously need to invest in a new immune system because my current one sucks balls!

IT'S ALMOST THE WEEKEND, WHOOOOOOPEEEEE!

Love you all xxxxx

Throwback Thursday #14

Well, now that I'm back, I'm going back to old routines now and going to give you a little more of my past. I haven't done this in weeks and so I hope that it is no longer boring to you guys to see me when I was little. Enjoy my beauties! :D

For those that are old enough to remember what the o2 arena was before it became the o2 arena, this was the Millenium Dome. It was the big, and main event for when the Millenium was coming in, the big 2000. This was one of the positive things for the new millenium, other than the big millenium bug that everyone thought was going to crash the whole computer system. It was a big event that had loads of exhibitions as well as a big cirque de soleil type performance with people from trapeze and from what I can remember, it was great. The place only stayed open for about a year and ended up being a great big flop... But this photo of a huge boy has stuck in my mind as one of my memories of the past.

This is one of those random pictures that I found on my old picture. I think I was about 15 years old here in my old bedroom. Here is also my long long hair that hadn't been cut short once. Unlike now, I can't imagine having hair that long but sometimes, I look at these pictures and my long hair and I want it back. But when I end up having longer hair, I want short hair again. It's one of those things. I thought this was a nice interlude by having so many really young pictures to one that was a couple of years ago.

This is a beautiful picture of my Nan back in 2006 when she wasn't ill and was still loving life. Many of my memories of her are when she was getting sick and was no longer the Nan that I had always known. It's these pictures that break my heart because I can't believe she's gone even after 2 years. It's crazy and I'd give anything to have her smile back in my life.

This was one of the times that I went to Disneyland, which I absolutely loved. When we were younger, my Nan wanted to take my Aunt to Disneyland Florida but she had told my parents and was adamant that she wouldn't go if we weren't going (me and all my siblings). It meant that my parents felt so pressured to have to go even though they had no money that they saved like hell going without many things, including eating sometimes, just so they could have enough money to take us with them. They were also too proud to ever accept money from my Nan and so they saved and saved until they had just the amount to go away. It was a holiday of the lifetime and now I know that story, it means even more to me. I had a wonderful time and agree that it really is a magical place!

So, so, so attractive ;) 2009 holiday! 17 years old

Hope you enjoyed this all over the place Throwback Thursday!
xxx

For more editions of Throwback Thursday, click here and take a browse:

Throwback Thursday #1

Throwback Thursday #2

Throwback Thursday #3

Throwback Thursday #4

Throwback Thursday #5

Throwback Thursday #6

Throwback Thursday #7

Throwback Thursday #8

Throwback Thursday #9

Throwback Thursday #10
Throwback Thursday #11
Throwback Thursday #12
Throwback Thursday #13