Lush Interview and Aftermath

So, anyone who has been bought here from my youtube channel will know, or have seen my video about me going to a LUSH interview.
I apologise right now, but this is most likely going to be a LONG blog. I advise anyone who is thinking about going for a job at LUSH to read this, it may help you!!!

So back story....
A new lush store was opening near my hometown. Its the first in this close area, and about 15 miles away from me. As it opened in November, they were advertising for christmas jobs. These adverts were quite hard to find, it was only by chance that I stumbled upon one on gumtree.com.
I am not a mad LUSH fan. I have knowledge of a few of the products, especially their christmas ones, of which I have bought and used quite a few. I still decided to go for it as I needed a christmas job.
I submit my cv and a quick couple of sentences as a "cover letter".

Hear nothing for a couple of days..........

Get an email, inviting me to an interview in 2 days time!!! RIGHT!
I brush up a bit of my product knowledge, check out the internet for possible things that could happen at the interview, sort my cv out and write a cover letter.

INTERVIEW DAY!
I try to make myself look presentable. Smart casual. Turn up with plenty of time to breathe.
As i sit, a young "couple" near me also attending the interview. Boy clearly gay (NOTHING against gay people!!!!) and the girl "typical young student dress code". They have HAND WRITTEN their cover letters and drawn silly little pictures and stars on it. Staring down at my professional looking letter, I PANIC. Im desperate for this job, and i know how "qwerky" lush are as a company.....maybe I'm being too "posh"?? I grab a pen, and quickly doodle some pictures of lush products on my letter. I feel like shit defacing it, but remember people, I'm DESPERATE to work for the company and i feel i need to do anything!!! The interviewers were managers from shops in and near London, NOT EVEN from our store!!!
The "interview" is more of a group based activity, team building morning thing. Lots of silly tasks to do, to get you working as a team. 
NOTHING was done in order to highlight our knowledge of the company! To me, this was a bit stupid. I know that teamwork is important, but surely product knowledge is of equal importance?
There were only 2 boys in the group. The rest was generally young girls....a couple of older ladies too. Some chatty, some quiet. 
We had to make models that represented us out of the FUN product. Create a new product and just general stuff like that.
At the end they asked us for our cover letters and to write what days we can work. I wrote ALL DAYS ALL HOURS!!! <- to me this was going to put me in a good light!
They said if we hadn't heard in 5 days time, we were unsuccessful and that they would ring those who were successful. We were allowed to email her if unsuccessful to ask for some feedback......

2 Days later......
I'd been pacing up and down ALOT.
The phone went, it was on silent and i missed it. But i got a voicemail. Lady from lush asking me to ring back. I was SOOOOOO excited, I knew i'd got it. I got a pen and paper ready to write everything down.......
"Cut to the chase you have been unsuccessful".........G.U.T.T.E.D :( She said I had "the wrong dynamics for the shop, but was good on the day". I put the phone down....and burst into floods of tears. I was devastated.

*and breathe*

So where had I gone wrong???? I quickly emailed the lady anyway to ask for some (more) feedback.......that was 4 days ago (at time of writing) and she hasn't got back to me. Im not impressed.
Up until yesterday, i was at a total loss as to where i had gone wrong, but then.....


5 days after interview day......
I log onto the new shops Facebook page, and see to my HORROR that they have re-advertised for PART TIME christmas staff. At first I'm confused. But i apply!!!!! I send a cv and a NEW cover letter DIRECT to the store.

1 day later.....
Heard nothing about the re-application. Remembering the name of someone at the interview (one of the boys) i check his Facebook. He got a job.....BUT he found out 2 DAYS AFTER I WAS TOLD. (mum said generally successful applicants are told FIRST)

NOW, it all makes sense.
LUSH clearly hire a certain type of person. If you don't fit that type, your out.
I didn't fit it. 
Nothing to do with my education, outgoingness, personality, or skills. I just didn't "LOOK RIGHT" At the interview she said they encourage you to be an individual, so if you have tattoos its ok, if you have piercings its ok etc etc. Thats fine with me, but what ISNT fine is to NOT hire people just because they DON'T have tattoos. 

Of course, naturally the interviewers couldn't say "you don't look right" as this is technically prejudice. But its clear.
I was phoned so early, because i didn't stand a chance. Because i was too clean cut.
NEVER MIND my damn knowledge of the company!

I AM DEVASTATED.
LUSH is a company i really really wanted to work for. I wanted to build a career there!!!
Im upset that there is possibility of discrimination. Surely it shouldn't matter what you look like, as long as you are approachable, reliable and knowledgable???
*sigh*

I feel there is so much more to this story. And i've been totally cheated out of "the perfect job". 
At the next interview i shall backcomb my hair, wear red lipstick and say nothing......that way i might bloody get in!

It's a quiet evening, you have nothing that needs doing, its dark outside, you stick on a song.........stare out the window, and contemplate. 

I do this a lot. Especially those evenings where I have nothing on, and maybe I'm in bed by 8:30. Up comes iTunes, and straight to my sad/thought provoking song list. 

Contemplation can be a blessing, for those who are busy and never seem to get any ME time. Its a chance for you to unwind, clear your mind and contemplate life. 

Or it can be an awful opportunity for bad experiences to momentarily re-surface. Life's regrets to come and hit you in the face. Or perhaps to wish for something to be done differently. 

Just a thought.......

Where have i been???

HI EVERYBODY!!!!

Wow, so it has officially been ages since I wrote anything properly on here!! Sorry to have abandoned you all :(

BUT WHAT A SUMMER I HAVE HAD!

The Olympic Opening ceremony was officially amazing. One of the most special things I have ever done. I even managed to see myself on the television which was a bonus.

Then working in London over the Olympics was hard HARD work. Long hours, and on your feet all day, selling programmes in Excel Center. The pay was very rewarding though, even if the general public at that venue where a bit of a nightmare!!

Then to be invited back to do the Paralympic Opening Ceremony was just the icing on the cake. This routine was totally different from the Olympics, and on the whole felt more relaxed. I really only had about 10 rehearsals for this segment. Once again we were onstage for a long time, and yes did catch myself on tv :)

I am a bit sad that I saw so little sport over the summer. Working meant that I missed out on many of Britains sporting highlights, however I did manage to watch AND CHEER Usain Bolt in the 100m finals. EPIC. I did get tickets to a couple of events. I saw Water Polo in the Olynpics, and Para Equestrian and Para Swimming. The paralympic athletes really were an inspiration and it was quite emotional watching them. Talking of athletes, on Monday I went to watch the Athletes parade in London. I was given a special "ceremonies volunteer ticket" along the mall. It was incredible. I have never cheered and clapped so much in my life, and I stood wonderfully close to all of Britains great athletes. 

SO BLIMEY! What a summer!!!!

So what happens to me now??? 
Im back to normality with a massive crash. lol
Currently applying to jobs around the country, just so I can move out and start earning money. I had set my hopes on getting a Beauty Therapy job at Center Parcs, and unfortunately didn't get it. :( BUT never mind, job applications are still rolling.

LATEST NEWS: teehee, mind you many people are going to KILL me for saying this, seeing as I have been so against university in the past.....
- I have decided to try and study for a degree. But being me, I'm not going to take the usual path....
- I have signed up to a degree from the OPEN UNIVERSITY doing Natural Science (BSc), this is going to be a mega challenge for me as although I consider myself to be quite good at Biology and Geography, I'm not so hot at Maths or Physics. 

So where does this take me?
Well I will keep my options open with it. Im not ruling out University for 2013. At least with OU, i have a choice whether to continue studying with them or to convert the course to another University.

I shall keep you posted!!!
ANYWAYS, that was my quick catch up for you all. Will be checking in again soon!
xx

LONDON 2012 is here!!!

This is a blog for all those people who perhaps haven't quite grasped the whole concept of the games!

Its here! London 2012 kicked off last night with an outstanding opening ceremony. it was a thrill to be part of it and an experience that no one can take away from me. The cast was primarily made up of volunteers who had not been paid at all for their contribution.

Our rehearsals called for us to give up father's day, jubilee celebrations, family events and seeing the flame in our local counties. New skills were learnt and many lifelong friendships have been created. 

The games makers are a 10,000+ strong team of volunteers. Without them the games would not be able to run. Again they are volunteers, no money paid, all they gain is the pride in taking part and representing their country.

The games have created over 6,000 new permanent jobs across the U.K, boosting the employment rates in Britain. The games is also all about "inspiring a generation". Last night at the ceremony the cauldron was lit by a team of young olympic hopefuls. Their achievements and aspirations are an inspiration to other young people across the world. 

As for the buildings of the olympic parks, many will be kept beyond the games, and will provide sporting facilities for a wide area of London. Stratford has been completely transformed thanks to the presence of these beautiful buildings (anyone remember the wasteland it used to be???)

And for the athletes. Competing in the Olympic games is a goal that many may dream of, yet few achieve. The very best athletes from around the world have descended upon London to compete in the biggest sporting event in their lives. Proud mums, dad and coaches have all followed them here and stood by them. And really, this is what the Olympics is all about, the athletes. 

SO, to anyone that wants to rant and rage, please don't. Its so hard for us volunteers to be met with such abuse from people. We are merely volunteers, wanting to be a part of this amazing experience.

Look at the bigger picture.

Look at what we gained.

Be proud to be British!

Any ranting is a fast track to a Facebook friend removal. Because we don't need it. Britain on the whole is proud, and excited. YOUR the minority and the people with the problem. Trust me, don't bother voicing it cos we ain't gonna listen! Don't ruin this opportunity for all involved.

15 days to go!!!!

OH MY GOLLYGOSH!

15 DAYS TO GO UNTIL LONDON 2012 KICKS OFF!!

We are in the Stadium rehearsing now. Trust me it's quite a sight, however it's definitely bigger on the outside (in my opinion anyway!)

The choreography is learnt, its now just a case of blocking, entrants, exists and cues.

The atmosphere is electric in there, once the music starts blasting and the lights start strobing........AAAAAAAAAAH.

I hope you will all be watching! Beijing is a tough act to follow, but believe me, we will leave you all amazed, enlightened and empowered! 

I've recently had a local radio interview which was so much fun, but i've just had to turn down a television appearance.....sad, but the journalists have a job to do and I can't AND WON'T reveal anything!!

Another piece of excitement......I'M IN THE PARALYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY!

wooohooo. Joined quite late so having to pick up the routines very quickly! I hopefully will do a separate blog on this!

Moving up to London on Monday for a month. Renting a flat. WOOP

God its all happening!

THANKS again for reading! REALLY hope you all support London 2012. Support us and SUPPORT your team!! Whatever country your from!!

WoW 3000+ views!

Thanks for reading! :o)

Haven't posted on here much lately.

Times are a changin' and things keep moving forward.

I'm sure many of you have read the "leaking" of information about the Olympic Opening Ceremony.I for one was quite surprised upon hearing this information, nothing Danny Boyle said in the interviews was news to me, us volunteers had been told all this information before and we get to see it all happening at rehearsals.I was just surprised that information has been "leaked". We were under such scrutiny to keep everything a secret!!!Mind you, Danny has only revealed a TINY fraction of the ceremony plans. PLEASE don't look at his plans and say "oh how boring, not gonna watch that!". The ceremony will be a celebration of all things British. There will be something in it for everyone and I know you will love it! It is such an honor being a part of it all, and the realisation of the scale of what I am part of is slowly dawning on me!


I can always create a flip side here.

I still have the ongoing battle against university goers. People STILL looking down their noses at me, mind you not much about my life has changed (I did pass my driving test a couple of weeks ago with 2 minors! SO HA BEAT THAT!) 


I'm sure "friends" rather acquaintances will calm down in the next year or two. Most people my age have just completed their uni studies (I defy you to walk into a job in September)
And by next summer the vast majority of people I was around at school will have finished.


SOME DAYS I can get away with saying to myself "I don't need to prove anything to anyone" yet others I think "Oh god i really am a waster".


No I will not be earning a six figure salary, no I may not accept promotions nor even be offered them. No I won't live in a mansion, but hey what is exactly wrong with a council house? And if I change my career every 5 years, there is NOTHING wrong with that. 


Some people need to be careful. I have already turned my back on people that once cared about me, because they couldn't accept my choices, believe me I WILL do it again. < - Man is that UBER bitch or what?! Another UBER bitchy thing I do is to somethings coax things out of people.....let me explain.....
- If someone starts down the old "university is it" road, I will try and coax out their real feelings, usually by pretending that what they are saying either 
a) Doesn't hurt me
b) I pretend to agree with what they are saying, acting as if I have had a "change of heart"


Based on their comments during this conversation I either EMBRACE or DITCH. Be warned people.


But seriously, do NOT let others judge you. Turn your back on people who cannot accept you for who you really are, it's they who have the problem not you!

EUROVISION 2012

That title was a warning!!!

If you have NOT watched Eurovision 2012 yet then please do not read any further!!!

So ladies and gentlemen what a night! What a Show!
Azerbaijan hosted the competition in Baku.
Great Britain started the ball rolling with Englebert Humperdink. Oh dear, and where did we finish? Second to last, poor old Norway at the bottom (although I thought there's was pretty good!)


Who were my favourites?
Russia - Singing grannies, and i'm so so pleased they came second, well deserved!
Iceland - Never Forget - Possibly the best song of the night, deserved to do so much better than they did!
Norway - Just failed
Jedward - Well done boys a valliant effort. Not as good as last year, the novelty has worn off!!


My shock/ memorable moments?
ALBANIA - Just wtf????? Its a singing competition isn't it? NOT shouting! Jesus christ woman!
Israel - quite catchy, enjoyed the song
Moldova - The woman dancing in the pink tutu......too much red bull? 
I liked the Greek entry, typical eurovision pop!


And LORDI doing the votes from Finland! An added bonus!


Also well done to Graham Norton on his flawless commentary, always makes us chuckle!


And we have our winner!
Euphoria - Sweden. When I first heard it in the semi-finals I knew it had to do well and I believed it would win. A worthy winner. That sort of sound is very in (even if the dance moves aren't!)

Rehearsal number.....can't remember!

Yup
Another Sunday, another rehearsal.
This was our first time in the new venue, it's outdoors. I won't reveal on here where exactly it is, but apparently people do know.


Quite alot of blocking happening today. They created an area the exact size of the stadium, and believe me you feel like an ant inside it! They spent time blocking us, so we knew were exactly we would need to be, what direction to travel etc.


We went through the routines. Painfully they keep adding new pieces on (my brain couldn't take too much today). I think it was easier to dance outside, but I swear there is less room. Without revealing too much we dancers need alot of space to work in, and somehow we just don't have it.


Also spent time "funneling" (watch on the 27th July and all will be revealed.) We worked out where trap doors will be, YES I FINALLY GET TO USE A TRAP DOOR!


Also did a little partner work. Standing close by our dance partner in a SPOONING fashion. Always rather odd to be spooning someone you only met a few minutes ago! Although he was a rather nice boy! The choreography for this number in particular is very challenging on the brain, think quickly! Did hit one or two close dancers on various parts of their bodies! 


All in all a good rehearsal. We have been told make-up ideas and costume changes. I haven't yet resolved my costume drama, but watch this space.....


Trust me, it is BLOODY HARD to not reveal just little snippets of information. After today I do feel more excited, as the scale of what we are part of slowly becomes real.

Strange Noises

Really should be asleep by now, got to be up at 6am tomorrow for another rehearsal!


MEH LOL
Sleep pattern is totally up the wall at the moment, i'm sure I will be awake until about 2am (as I usually am!)


Can I just say thank you to those who have written to me regarding posts on here. I appreciate the love! lol


Seriously just lying in bed now, all I can hear is eeirie banging noises coming from outside.....
Thats one thing I HATE about being on my own. When it comes to nightime, any noises are multiplied and amplified.
Listening......they sound like fireworks. (i hope)


11pm and FIREWORKS?!? REALLY? Isn't that illegal?


Anyway, yes another rehearsal tomorrow. First time in the new secret venue. And it's outdoors. The team want to get us used to performing outside and it will be the first time that all 1400 of us dancers will be performing together.


SCARY STUFF!


Okay that noise is still going on.
Freaking me out......am going to just lie here very still........can i just say that it is scary because it sounds like someone banging on my front door. :S help

Confessions of someone who has completely lost their way

My cat heard me crying and came running. Bless her. She doesn't usually, more likely she wants her dinner!
Okay, So I will hold my hands up and admit that I have never been one to control my emotions. I occasionally (like most people) need a bit of a cry.


I'm still stuck in this horrible pit of comparing myself to others. I always have done it, but recently it was all triggered off again by my meal out with old friends about a month ago. Unfortunately it knocked my confidence ALOT, and since then all I ever seem to do is spend my days.....almost longing for my life back again.


So to recap:
Left school at 16 with 9 GCSE's A*-B
Went onto 6th form - 3 AS levels B's and 2 aLevels C,D


I feel that anything I have achieved since then is just bollocks. Every extra qualification i've got, every bit of charity work i've done and every day of work experience I completed has led to nothing, and is appreciated by noone. 


I have a goal for September that I keep on telling people, but it seems good enough for nobody. I doubt myself because of what others say to me. Believe me, being torn between 2 posts is the worst feeling in the world. I walk towards something that I think I want, and that I think is good. But then suddenly i'm pulled in the other direction.
What pulls me that way?
People's comments. It could be anybody. To be honest, the worst people are those who are my own age. People I went to school with. I can think of 1 person in the whole of my 6th form who didn't go to uni (bar myself) and even they haven't exactly made a massive success of themselves, but they seem happy!

 I for one am not happy. 
People say they need the degree for jobs. Money is everything. Pushy Parents. Employers don't look at people with no degrees apparently.....does that mean me?


I'm sick and tired of it. People don't seem to realise how much their comments affect me. They are pushing me backwards when I was trying to move forwards. I gave up so much for my "friends" thinking that I possibly was as important in their lives as they in mine, for about 99.5% of the time I have been proved wrong. And as stated in previous posts, my friend count is now minimal. I have literally got nobody to turn to. 
My head is about to explode under the pressure that I feel i'm under. I even got so worked up earlier that I smashed my frame containing my Beauty Therapy Diploma.......


I have lost my way, and am unbelievably off course. Only 21, yet have so many regrets in life, mainly about my education. AND EDUCATION WAS NEVER THAT IMPORTANT TO ME! See what my bloody 6th form did to me (which by the way, is one of my biggest regrets)


Sometimes I can just pick myself up, but unfortunately the last month, I haven't been able to do that........the world is pushing me back into a hole that I have only just struggled out of

Looking at Others....

Teaches you a lot about yourself!


Having to sit through the final of BGT, and so this is perfect Facebook trawling time. 
Im also slightly drunk, so it's taking me extra long to write this.....having to think harder. And im not making any sense


Looking at dickheads from my 6th form, who were formerly my friends.
Pictures of them, all hanging out. 
And i'm sitting here thinking how much I hate going out and socializing. I used to be "one of them" when I was at 6th form, but I don't believe that was the real me. I wouldn't choose to go out, I would hate things like pub crawls.....
What is annoying is people around me who were once apparently "ANTI-SOCIAL" all I ever fucking see is the opposite. People are damn lying to me! That's all anyone EVER does to me. Seriously wish I could LIST PEOPLE BY NAME....infact
***** ********
*** ******
*** ******
**** *******
*** **********
***** *******
***** ****
****
**** *****
YES THESE ARE NAMES.......grrrrrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! People need to put their boobs away, put the bottle away, close their legs, shut their mouths, smoking isn't cool, piercings aren't cool. 


So NO I am not a social person. I won't go out of my way to be social. Don't get me wrong, I have confidence in order to talk to people.....i'm not a social hermit. I just hate parties, clubbing, meals out, pubs etc
I'd much rather sit on my own. One reason I didn't go to uni was because I knew I wouldn't be able to hack the social life.


Call me a loser if you want. I don't care.


Seriously might actually go all the way and say that I hate people all together.
I'm mega tired right now too. Have been so tired lately, been doing too much during the day. :( 
Im tired :'( but hey, what does it matter what I am

Some things are just beyond saving.

That's when you have to let go.......

Breakfast Order - 1 Double Chocolate Muffin

Morning All!
Notice the absence of the word "good" here....


I see on the internet all the time, all these pictures claiming "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES". There are quite a few around our country at the moment, what with our rather unpredictable British May Weather! But seriously, what a difference a week makes......


I've had a morning of it already, and its only 8:45. A disturbed nights sleep, only because I knew my alarm was set for 7:00am! Had to walk a mile to catch a 8:30 train, which was cancelled, with a slower BUS REPLACEMENT service in place. Seeing as I had a quick turn around anyway at the next station, I thought "sod it", nothing is that important, and so I turned on my heels and walked briskly home, picking up a double chocolate muffin on the way.


Weighing up things in life. Sometimes they are just not worth the effort that you put in.
A job is not worth the money you get. A relationship is not worth the heartache you suffer. A project is not worth the effort you put it.


So many moments in life when one just has enough of something, and just says "SOD IT". Noone else can say it for you, only yourself. 


And boo, i've finished my muffin. At least I have another one! :) 

Seriously......

Just when you think you find something special....

It turns out to be another pile of crap!

WHY IS IT ALWAYS LIKE THAT?

I'm obviously like a magpie, but the opposite. Magpies are attracted to shiny things....i'm obviously attracted to.....absolute crap. (I could use harsher words!)

Ah well, the rain is going to fall....again! And I shall now go and kill myself on the road no doubt while trying to deliver a rabbit hutch that is too big for my car. Must remember to open the windows as driving with the boot open allows all the carbon monoxide in.......wooo (!)

And one of these days, I will take the brave route and delete my facebook account!

Waiting Game.......

Monopoly is one of those games that people hate playing, they get bored. It lasts for too long, sometimes a single game can last many sessions of playing!

Life is a game

For some the game can be over quickly, for others the game continues for many years.

In life there are winners and losers

Like Monopoly, we move forward, around the board and back to where we started. Life is a continuous circle, doing the same things each day to keep us ticking along.

Occasionally along the path we will encounter problems, bills, jail (for some!), luck, chance, helping friends etc

We buy and sell properties, making money to pay off bills and rent, more often than not mortgages!

So that was the end of my MONOPOLY, life comparison! lol

But basically life is a game, sometimes a waiting game. People wait for fortune or misfortune to come their way. People wait for others, or wait for something to fall into their lap.

I often think about my life as a waiting game. I'm 21. Some people have already got a business at that age, or are just leaving university, some even have kids.

A 3 year relationship. That's what i'm in. Some people are married after just a year with their partner, others have had multiple partners in 3 years, some are engaged, or some have children. You do sometimes feel like you are in the minority.

 My relationship has been unbelievably hard work! On both parts! Long distances, and completely different family values all contribute to the rocky times. My partner is a school year younger than me, and unfortunately has only just started uni (sep 2011). He is in one of the top universities in this country for his chosen course, and the pressure is on. He is a top achiever however for most of his life "intelligence" has come naturally. Uni work appears to be a massive shock to the system!

So he's one end of the country, and I'm the other. Out of 3 years together.....I have spent.....3 years waiting for him! Yet everytime I believe we will be together, something crops up. A new opportunity. A change of heart. A change of plan. Family.

The feeling of being in love is so amazing, and to be loved is the best feeling in the world and I wouldn't want to lose that for anything! Yet, everytime we are parted, its like a thousand knives being slowly pushed into every part of your body. And any hopes of being "together" are dashed once more.

And so the wait goes on.....the uni course is at least 3 more years. (the equivalent to the amount of time we have already been together)

There are no solutions. There is no answer. I can't give up my life and be with him, and he cannot give up his to be with me. Its the worst place to be stuck in, with no obvious way out.

Tip: For all people out looking for love. Be careful who you fall in love with. Find out as much as you can about them before doing so! Otherwise it'ts just heartache waiting to happen.I didn't find out enough.......and look what a mess i'm in. 

Facebook

FACEBOOK P****S me OFF!!!

Have just spent the best part of 45 minutes deleting so called "friends", or basically people I seriously don't want watching my life!

Deleting myself from groups

And deleting photos of myself or people again I don't want in my life

GrrrrrrRRRRRRR

Rant over

Self-Confidence, can you ever be happy with yourself?

How many times I have used the excuse on people

"I have low self-confidence"

Its so true though! I have always lacked self-confidence. Something that many people around me appear to have in excess!

I believe there is a difference between:

a) Being low in self-confidence

b) Just generally fishing for compliments, knowing that you were good

Those who have crossed my path in life in many different forms have commented on my lack of self-confidence, everything from my P.E teacher saying "She can hit the ball, she needs to believe that she can", to my art teacher "She is talented, she needs to believe it", to my housemistress "You are good at things, your an all rounder, you need to believe in yourself", to my driving instructor "You CAN do it! Stop doubting yourself".

Words that ring in my ears constantly, but never seem to hit me.

WHY?

Well, for every 9 people that tell me I am good at something, there will always be 1 who disagrees. Its the comment from that ONE person that I hear, and I lose the compliments from others.

There was a student at my 6th form, who was an amazing, top class actor, yet he never believed it. However looking back, I really do believe he was fishing for compliments! He knew he was good, he just wanted to hear others say it too!

I have had performances when I have felt that I have been total rubbish. Pieces of artwork that look terrible. Cookery dishes that taste skank.

If one person tells me that I can't do something, or I got it wrong, or I didn't achieve my potential.....it destroys my self-confidence. 

I don't lack CONFIDENCE mind. I will happily stand infront of a crowd of people and give a talk, or talk to strangers, or perform onstage. That doesn't faze me.

Its just the belief that I can actually do these things to a high standard.

I hate not living up to someone's expectations. To think that there are people out there looking down their nose at me, or believing what they are doing is right.

More and more I am realising how different I am to the majority of people from my education life. How to some people, NOTHING is as good as university, or NOTHING is as good as a job at 16, or NOTHING is as good as the 6 figure a year salary.

Its THOSE people that put me down. They upset me, sometimes reducing me to tears and making me doubt my decisions. And why should I let them? Why do I let them?

Someone once said to me "The reason you have no friends is because you push everyone away"

I push them away, because they don't accept me for who I am.

Comfort Food!

Goodbye's are always hard, if they are for longer than a few days.

Or maybe i'm just a sensitive person!

My boyfriend has just gone back to uni after an amazing weekend here. We are pretty used to spending time apart, but goodbye's never get any easier! I always shed a little tear or two....

But thank you lord for food! I've already come home and made myself a chocolate fudge cake, it's massive and i'm the only one who is eating it!

I also have ingredients for pancakes! :) So going to have nice thick, fluffy pancakes and maple syrup and blueberries for pudding tonight! And my main meal.....carbohydrates....so cold tuna pasta! :) Lovely

Still wish someone was here to share it with me

Awesome Dude! Ride the Waves!

Hi everyone!


WoW! It's been a while since I made a blog post!
Whats been happening since I last spoke to you guys?


I had another rehearsal! My final one at the specific location in London, and then we move onto a new, outdoor location in Essex.
The choreography is now pretty much down. Most of the routines have been taught to us, I imagine that the next few weeks is going to involve some serious polishing of movements. Many of the dances involve precise movement and timing by everyone. The dance "munchkins" mingle among us, putting right every leg that's out of line or every hand that isn't in the right position.

It's hard work. This last weekend, people were visibly tired by the end of it. It's still an amazing opportunity that I appreciate that I won't ever get again. It's also great being in on the BIG SECRET! I have revealed little if not nothing to most people! The surprise is half of the spectacle! 


I had a disaster with my outfit choice last week. Due to my rather curvy size 14/16 figure, the costume team felt I was too fat for the costumes that most girls were put in.....they instead put me in a boys costume!!! This completely threw me, and destroyed all confidence and concentration. I have since been in touch with someone via email about my concerns, so far not heard anything, but I am well aware of the backlog of emails they must currently have! Fingers crossed though!


I've had my boyfriend staying with me over the weekend, which has been amazing. Just chillin', eating good food and a few (just a few) bottles! Pulled BBQ pork tonight! Damn! He goes back to Uni tomorrow though, boo :(. All on my own again until my family return from America in just over 2 weeks time.


Been chatting to them a bit on SKYPE! Skype is amazing! Seriously! I love being able to see people while I talk, they can show me around the room at least!! I'll get back to Disney World one day!!! In the meantime, I am eyeing up the brochures for Disneyland Paris! :)


Need to get a bit of dosh in my back pocket first!

Don't judge a person by the books they read!

That was meant to flow like
"Don't judge a book by it's cover" although i'm not sure it did!


So, like I have mentioned before, I have been very privileged in where I have been educated my whole life. My first school was chosen by my parents, and then my second (6th form) was selected by me.


I really don't believe that where you where educated makes the blindest bit of difference to someone. More often that not, kids in state schools are coming out with much better GCSE results than those at private school.
My education history shows that up until my A-levels I have achieved nothing lower than a B.  I made sure that the GCSE's I chose were varied and at AS level I had a Science, Humanity and a Creative Arts. I was pushed at GCSE to achieve at least 6 C's in order to secure a place at my chosen 6th form.  


At 6th form, I was just there to get "LIFE EXPERIENCE". That was my goal all along. I wasn't there to get straight A's or to get into university, however this made me seriously in the minority. During careers talks, the school lost interest in me. It was clear to them that I wasn't going to get them onto any league tables, I wasn't going to achieve anything to benefit them. All my friends got valuable careers advice, interview skills and c.v. writing practice. I instead took up a couple of Open University modules in Marine Biology and Fossils/ Evolution. (This did give the school something to shout about, and to this day I am still mentioned and used as an example when the Headmaster talks about this opportunity)


So my 6th form life ended, and all my friends strolled off to university. Many falling flat on their faces only to return a short time later, with me laughing in the background. Over the next 2 years, I went on the achieve 2 Diplomas in Chemistry and Feline Biology both with Merit. I also did work experience at Sealife, as well as continuing my charity shop work.
I tried attending a college to study Animal Management - Level 3, however realised the place wasn't for me, so dropped out after 2 months, BUT continued the course and achieved it 6 months later. 
Since September I have been completing a course in Beauty Therapy, and have recently passed with distinction at level 3, with 2 training days which all adds to my CPD points. I have also joined as a Consultant with the Body Shop at Home, and in 6 months generated sales exceeding £3000. 


Now,
I may not be the "typical" (factory built) university student. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying university on the whole is bad, it's just not right for some people! (me included) It's a predictable path. I never wanted to be on the same road as other people. So far, I have a darn sight more life skills than most of my friends. They are sitting safe within the hold of the university for the next 3 odd years. Some just stacking shelves in Tescos, or others with no job at all. Their qualifications will not always guarantee a job.


People think that because I have no degree, PHD or whatever, that my c.v. is weak. How very very wrong they are! I have skills and evidence to back up those skills. I can claim to be an all rounder and with endless evidence to prove it. I have personality traits that are evident in the work that I have already done.


Education is not THE goal, it is merely a way to help you achieve the goals that YOU want to achieve in life. Don't follow the crowd, stand out! 
Be who you want to be, and not what everyone expects you to be. 

Cocktails

Still glowing in the warmth of the alcohol laced cocktails from the weekend....

Here is a list of a few of my favourite cocktails:

Pina Colada - A mixture of pineapple juice, coconut and rum. Sometimes actually tasting better WITHOUT the rum!

Strawberry Daiquiri - Fresh strawberries blended with strawberry liquer and white rum. 

Long Island Iced tea - Basically just coke with every type of spirit available!

Sex on the beach - Vodka, Orange Juice, Peach Schnapps and Cranberry.

Notice how I lean towards the rum based drinks.

I don't like gin, and I don't really like tequila. If i can't ever choose from a given menu I will usually just tell a waiter that I would like "something fruity". 

Cocktails are a mixture of many ingredients, one must be a spirit. They disappeared from the "cool wall" in the 60's and 70's, yet have hit our bars again since late 90's.

What do you like? Mojito? Alabama Slammer? Punch? Martini?

TGI Friday! Boo its Sunday!

Had a new experience this weekend!


My boyfriend and I visited TGI Friday in Westfield shopping center Stratford.
I have never been to one before, however it soon became apparent that he had.


It looked very like our sort of place. We both love typical American food, BBQ etc.

I have to admit, once I knew we were going there, I was glazing over the menu pretty much every day leading up to our visit. 


We decided to share a starter of buffalo wings. They were amazing! Slightly spicy and with an amazing blue cheese dip and celery. Such a simple dish, yet it tasted SO GOOD!
For mains we both opted for the half rack BBQ ribs (a full rack looked far too big!) with the shrimp combo. Again, AMAZING. The ribs were so tender, they literally fell off the bone. The chips were amazing too. They served the ribs with a pot of BBQ glaze. Have to say my fingers were rather sticky by the end of it!


I would highly recommend TGI Friday for food, but the other side of it is the bar.  We sat in the bar for a bit while waiting for a table. The bartenders bizzyly creating endless concoctions from a multitude of spirits and liquers.

I've heard that in the menu, there are over 500 different types of cocktails to choose from......
I did a quick calculation:
If you averaged at 4 visits per year, having 2 cocktails on each visit....
It would take you 62 years to work your way through the entire menu!


I'd be 83 by the time i'm finished!


So what did we have? 
We both went for large, served in a MASSIVE glass, resembling a goldfish bowl. I started with "Purple Rain", a deliciously naughty blend of rum, vodka, blue curaco, chambord and grenadine. While my boy had Barbados iced tea, a tropical take of the traditional Iced tea with vodka, triple sec, barcadi, malibu and pineapple juice.


We finished those ones too quickly though. So, what a shame, had to order another with the meal! :)
This time my boyfriend had the Purple Rain, and I had a Beverly Hills Iced tea, created entirely from alcohol! Rum, Vodka, Triple Sec, Gin and Champagne!


So looking forward to going back again! I hope it is soon!
I've signed my boyfriend up to the birthday club! (it's his 20th in July!) with a voucher for free cocktails!!! :) He doesn't know this yet.........well.....he does now!

And now.....UNDER the weather!!

*sniff sniff* *cough cough*


I have had a cold for the last 3 days!!
I always feel that if one is ill for more than 3 days then it gets VERY annoying. 3 days is the cut off point!


I always think cold and illnesses are worse  when you are not quite ill enough for bed, but your also not well enough to get on with things. It leaves you in a state of uselessness and longing to get over whatever you have and get on with life again.


I've been at the vicks! GOOD STUFF. Been shoving it into a hot sink and leaning over it and scrubbing it liberally all over my chest, inhaling manically. Off to get some "menthol crystals" later, no idea what they are but sounds good! I'm just struggling with congestion today, can't shift it. Not sure which is worse, sitting down or moving around.
I always think it's amazing how you never get the same cold twice. We call them "colds" everytime we get them.....but they are all different!


I am determined not to be ill this weekend.
I'm off to London again for Olympic rehearsal number 3! And so don't really want to be going into it feeling run down. Going down on Saturday to spend the afternoon and night with my boyfriend. And seriously want to be well enough for good food and alcohol!




And seriously can I just say HELLO to everyone around the world!! :) I'm branching out!

Crap Weather = Spring Clean

Gosh not written an entry in a few days!
Hi everyone! :) I'm still alive!


Wild and wet weather out there. Typical Britain. Doesn't know what it wants to do, rain.....snow.....hail....sun.....wind....tornado!


Crappy weather keeps the majority of us stuck indoors. Which for me, means spring cleaning!
Getting rid of old clothes, toys etc

Looking to the very back of my cosmetic draw, finding eyeshadows I never knew I had, or neon lipsticks that I only ever used/ needed once! From my experience in a charity shop, make-up is pretty useless once it's been opened, shame. They need to invent some make-up recycling scheme. 


I feel like every one of my possessions throughout the house is being labelled.
KEEP
SELL
CHARITY
DUMP


Keep moving or you'll be labelled!
I only have a few days left before my family leave for 3 weeks. That is my time to SERIOUSLY sort everything out. Get on top of all my stuff and get organised. I'm going to be ruthless. 


Right now I can lie in bed and mentally label everything.......

Good Olde Pub Grub!

I can lie in bed now with my digestive biscuits and a honey, lemon and Whisky.
Oh woe is me! LOL


I'm actually quite hungry. (I always am hungry)
So let's talk about and drool over traditional English pub grub!


Everything from traditional beer battered fish and chips, to a steak and kidney pie. I love pub grub!
Pub grub is traditionally quite greasy and massive portions. Maybe this is linked to the location and the owners feel they can get away with cheap/ greasy food as most of the people eating there will maybe be slightly intoxicated.


Nowadays, many pubs are moving in a more gourmet/ gastropub direction. 
The usual very limited menus are now being replaced with a wide variety of continental dishes. One can walk into most pubs and order pizza, pasta, tapas, calamari and curry.

What do I like eating at the pub? 
I would much rather eat a starter and a main, than a dessert. 
Calamari, brie, bread and olives and starter platters are amongmy favourite starters.
For mains (this list could be long):
scampi, pie, burgers, bbq chicken, pork belly (damn im actually drooling right now!) I would avoid a pub on a Sunday though. I have yet to find a PERFECT pub sunday lunch!


I'm also a massive sauce fan! I'm a bit saucy! I like to have sauce on everything.
Mayonaise, Ketchup, Tartare, Salad Cream, Vinegar, Salt....I pile on the sauce!


Okay, craving chips and gravy right now!

Cupcake Recipe

Thought I would give you all one of my favourite recipes.
I've been on 2 cupcake courses in the last year. 


Cupcakes have pretty much taken over bakery's around the world.


Here is my recipe for a simple vanilla cupcake, these come out perfect each time as long as you follow the simple steps :)


(makes 12)
- 110g butter
- 110g caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 110g self-raising flour
- 1-2 tbs whole milk


1. Oven at 170-180 degrees. Gas mark 4
2. Line 12 muffin tin with cupcake cases
3. Cream together butter and sugar, beat in the eggs (a little at a time) and stir in extract
4. Fold in the flour using a metal spoon
5. Spoon mixture into cases until they are 1/2 full
6. Bake for 15 minutes


Then go mad with the icing! My favourite part
Buttercream, fondant, whatever takes your fancy! :)
Et Voila!