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!

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.

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!

Friday Feelin'

Wow over 700 blog views!
Thank you so much everyone for reading! Hope you are passing it on to all your friends! :)
One big push, it's the weekend tomorrow!


So its mid-April. 
Good luck to all those running the London Marathon this weekend!!! I would be watching, but I will be caught up in the middle of it all as I am in London for another Olympic rehearsal.

For the past 18 months I have kept, and been breeding mini lop rabbits. I have loved doing this. I started with 4 adults, and my numbers slowly rose, with babies! I've rescued many adult rabbits and sent them on to new loving homes. I've had to deal with deaths (thankfully only in the babies but even that is bad enough) but I have loved every second of it. However, the next couple of weeks marks the end of this venture. My last litter are all about 4 weeks old now, and will be going to new homes in a months time. I'm also selling some of my adults, leaving me with my 3 favourites in the hope that I can take them with me when I move out! :)




As I said i'm off to London again this weekend, rehearsal number 2. Still nervous, I can't remember the routine, and my biggest problem is just keeping up with the professionals and retired professionals. Our "olympic wall chart" is beginning to take shape. With so many rehearsals, volunteer shifts and work shifts we are losing track of everything, so as a family we have made a MASSIVE wall chart so we can visually see everything that's going on!!!


I'm also eagerly awaiting my latest and LAST assignment to be returned for my course. After that it's just my final examination. Hopefully by next month I will be a fully qualified Beauty Therapist. Still keeping it a secret as much as I can. Not quite got 110% backing from everyone I know.......


I will do another blog tonight i'm sure! Just thought I would keep those who are interested in the loop!


Thanks again for the support!
I appologise for any random "depressed" outbursts on here (like last night). Im still not 100% confident standing on my own two feet yet......people out there are still determined to knock me off course.

Big Dance 2012

A couple of days ago I went up to London for an audition/ welcome event for Big Dance 2012.

Big dance is a bi-annual event that was started by the Mayor in 2006. 


This year they are tieing their celebration in with the Olympics. The main festival will take place during 7-15 July with many events happening across the U.K. Its a big celebration of dance, with many events taking place at Museums, Theaters, Shopping Malls and other public places.


I am hoping to not only be a dancer within some of the events, but also to be a volunteer for others. At the event on Thursday they outlined some of the volunteer roles that need to be filled. I'm hoping for crowd control/ ushers, only because I need something with very little rehearsal time. I live a good 1 1/2 away from London by train, and commuting could soon cost a lot, plus my olympic rehearsals are scattered here and there. I also volunteered to be on the social media and reporting team. This would involve twitter, facebook and also being out in the action armed with film equipment, filming the event and also filming the reactions of the general public.


One of the most famous things that Big Dance organise during this event is Flash Mobs. For anyone that doesn't know what those are I shall explain....
Basically a Flash Mob involves a group of people (planned) gathering in a public place, and perform an unusual and spontaneous act for a short period of time and then disperse. The effect is really incredible. Generally the groups are made up of many dance schools and groups who have had the time to rehearse and then come together to perform. This is something i've always wanted to be part of, so fingers crossed. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ie_xbrDx0
Watch this flash mob, be blown away!


I came away from my trip on Thursday with my head spinning with all this information. And a FREE BIG DANCE t-shirt.


London 2012 is offering so many once in a lifetime opportunities. While I still have my life, before embarking on a career and living alone in September, I am going to make the most of every opportunity. 
I'm so lucky to be involved in the Olympics in so many ways. And to possibly be involved with Big Dance is just icing on the cake. I'm not a professional dancer, I only have 6 years dance experience from when I was little. I never got the opportunity to showcase any skills at my 6th form, and even if I did get the chance I would have been too scared to say yes, fearing that I could have been a repeat of "Susan Boyle". The only time, recently, that I have danced in front of an audience was back in 2006, at my Senior School during our Christmas show. The surprised comments from staff and pupils gave me a real buzz, but not enough courage to get me back onstage again. Until now!

World's Super-hero, Qatar

Whenever I talk about Qatar, people always say "Where is that!?"

On a map, it may only be the size of your little finger nail, but this country is now one of the richest in the world. Capital, Doha

Not many people realise how much of Britain Qatar actually own. Harrods, Shard and even the Olympic village are all owned by the power masters. Even Sainsburys is heavily invested by the country. 


Qatar owns 20% of our stock market and 20% of Camden market. They supply us with 95% of our liquid natural gas imports. 


One always assumes that because Qatar borders Saudi Arabia it should be a desert. Mental images of dust clouds, sand storms and tumbleweeds are soon destroyed by images of powerful skylines, extravagant shopping malls and flash cars. They are one of the only countries in the world that can do business with almost any country, and their friends list includes, U.S.A, Iran, Taliban and thankfully U.K.

Only 300,000 people within the country are actually Qatari, the rest is made up of fortune seekers, and can you really blame them?


All eyes will be upon this tiny country in 2022 when they play host to the World Cup.
Still not sure it would be on my "to do" list of countries...