Hello Again!

Thursday 12th February '15

Well Hey!

Gosh I don't know where to start - It's been a while let's just say that! 

It's now 2015 an I haven't made a blogpost since the end of November 2014! So, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year, for me it was a pretty different one...

Unfortunately on December 5th 2014 my Gramps passed away. This is a pretty old photo of us but one of my favourites!

He was the most wonderful man. I look up to him in so many ways, he game me my love of birds, he taught me to whistle, he's just him. I miss him so much. He was only 70 years old I won't go into all the details but he went way too soon. I think I got my crazy sense of humour from him. My Gramps has always been quite spiritual, mostly towards the end and I won't share a lot of what he has told us, as they are very close and personal to my family, but the one thing that he would say over and over again is that he is "going to ride the winds". Damn, the days after he passed away it was windy as hell and, I dunno, maybe he's showing us he's really there. Either way, it has made me open up my mind a lot more, I have always been interested in spirituality but now I am so much more involved and intrigued by it. 

A couple of weeks ago I got a new tattoo in his memory, like I said he gave me my love of birds and my Gramps was just obsessed with them, he used to keep canaries and budgies, all sorts! But, yeah, I got this cute little blue tit and "Gramps" written beside it, you can just see the last couple of letters in the photo! His funeral was a week before Christmas Day and the Crematorium where it was held wasn't big enough to hold everyone who turned up to say goodbye, it was so overwhelming to see how many people shared such a wonderful non-religious service with us. 

I love you so much Gramps, I'm going to make you so proud.

So today isn't the longest post but, slowly but surely I'll be getting back into the swing of things. Sorry that isn't the most interesting of posts either but I'm sure you can understand!

Today we went to the beach at Whitstable and took our Penny Boards and had a lovely day!

It's our year and a half anniversary tomorrow too, then valentines day the day after that! Safe to say I'm ver excited! I can't wait to give Freya her gifts! Here's to many more happy years together! She really is the light of my life... I don't know how I would have got through these past couple of months without her, she's been my rock and I really am so appreciative of her. I love you, Munchkin! Here are a couple of cute little shots from today, I love days like these, to just drive away and take in all of the fresh air!

Thanks for sticking around if you've read this far folks!

Bird of the Day today is going the be the Snipe!

Snipe are medium sized, skulking wading birds with short legs and long straight bills. Both sexes are mottled brown above, with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale under parts. They are widespread as a breeding species in the UK, with particularly high densities on northern uplands but lower numbers in southern lowlands (especially south west England). In winter, birds from northern Europe join resident birds. The UK population of snipe has undergone moderate declines overall in the past twenty-five years, with particularly steep declines in lowland wet grassland, making it an Amber List species.

So anyways, have a next couple of days and I'm sure I'll catch you soon!

It's That Time Again...

Sunday 30th November '14

Evening Lovelies! It's been a couple of days since my last post but to be honest now a great deal has happened!

So today is Sunday and we spent the day at the library whilst Freya finished off her essay for university and I applied for some jobs, we're at home now all snuggled up and going to get some dinner in a bit. Let's see, yesterday was Saturday and we had a pretty lazy morning before Freya's choir concert last night! She was wonderful, it was a lovely evening out and I love watching her sing! On Friday we had a pretty busy day to be honest, we had an early start and did a bit of food shopping, then went to the cinema to see the new film "Horrible Bosses 2" we went on the opening day but because we went at like 11:30am it was dead, there were about 2 other people in the cinema! It was so lovely and quiet!

We then had a wander around Westwood Cross, which is like a little shopping place just outside Canterbury where the huge Vue Cinema is! Finished off a bit of Christmas shopping whilst we we're there and then headed home for a shower and relax just before Freya's friends from her Stepps group arrived.
We hosted a little game night with them, it was lovely! It was the first time that I had properly met them! You mostly likely know about Freay's blog about her Stepps Support Group for BPD but if not here is a like to her blog, it is wonderful, informative, funny, serious and just so helpful so check it out! Whether you aren't sure about what's what, are a sufferer yourself or someone who is wanting to help others, it's worth a visit! - http://somewheresouthofcrazy.blogspot.co.uk


Not too much has happened really. But hey, it's December tomorrow which means it's nearly Christmas and that's cool. I like winter, I love being bundled up in so many layers, or sweaters, hats and scarves and coming home and snuggling up in bed with a hot water bottle and loads of teddies it's just wonderful. But I do especially love beanies, I mean I do wear them constantly but it's just that bit more justified when it's chillier! It does make it harder to do things, the weather I mean, not the hats. Like, in winter part of me wants to go out and explore and wrap up and drink hot chocolate outdoors and yeah, but the other half just wants to stay indoors and curl up with Netflix an yummy food. I'm finding the balance, just after I finish watching Family Guy.

I mean and another thing too it's hard being a grown up. I know I'm 19 and whatnot but this photo I found really does show how my mind works. I'm guessing that I'm not the only one! But hey ho, I'm still young right!

I'm sorry that todays post has been pretty all over the place and stuff, but I guess that's how my mind is feeling at the moment, just a bit messy and blurgh, feeling a bit sick and headachey too, so let's hope this goes soon!

Not too much planned for this coming week, need to get writing out Christmas cards and job hunting, but I'm sure I'll let you know how it all goes, not that anyone proabaly reads this to care that much but yeah (I seriously need to stop saying 'but yeah').

Sorry again, but I'll speak to you soon, right after Bird of the Day! Oh and Imma make braised steak for dinner!




Todays choice is...
The Long Tailed Tit! Look at this cutie!
The long-tailed tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. Gregarious and noisy residents, long-tailed tits are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds. Like most tits, they rove the woods and hedgerows, but are also seen on heaths and commons with suitable bushes. They like to eat insects and occasionally seeds in autumn and winter and they have 340,000 breeding territories in the UK, you can spot them here all year round!

Alright Kiddos, 

Speak soon!

:) x

Poorly Sick Day

Thursday 27th November '14

Hey Lovelies!
Hope you're all okay today. I've had a bit of a sick day, been throwing up and just pretty unwell, but Freya has been taking good care of me! We've stocked up on lucozade and chocolate and had a lovely roast dinner for tea. So pretty much today has been a lazy one, we wandered into town for a bit of fresh air and grocery shopping, then came home and I had a little nap, played some video games and then this evening we re-dyed our hair with a top up and painted our nails. It's these little lazy days and evening in that I like the most! I mean, I get to curl up and be looked after by my little munchkin, yeah feeling poorly is crappy, but it's nice to have a little rest I guess :)


I'm feeling kinda soppy today, probably being ill isn't helping, but I'm so happy. Yes, I don't have a job at the moment and some other things could be better, but hey, so many things are incredible. I have a wonderful fiancee by my side, I have an amazing family who support me no matter what, I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and clothes on my back I just feel comfortable. I mean, I live with Freya, spend pretty much every hour with her and we ne
ver run out of things to talk about or get bored of each other and I know that sounds silly, but I'm just so happy. We can sit in silence for hours and feel as comfortable and content as we would if we we're speaking for hours. But yeah, I'll stop rambling but I'm happy, as I may have mentioned...

Due to the soppiness here's a little something that I wrote...

Eye sight’s a funny thing isn’t it. 

It can change so much and control it too.

But until I met you, my sight was merely for seeing. 

Not for feeling. 

It was for seeing oncoming cars, street lamps flickering. 

It was for identifying the time, words, all things that come naturally. 

But now, now it is so much more. 

My sight allows me to feel secure. 

When I look at you and see you gazing back, that’s safety, that’s love. 

When I turn to see the small of your back, I feel warmth. 

When my eyes trace over every curve and scar upon you, I feel forever. 

My sight has never been so important to me.

Anyways...

Back to the fact that I don't have a job at the moment, no I'm not a dole dosser, I'm actively looking and searching for work. I hate not working. But, for anyone out there who is in the same position I came across this whilst job hunting and thought it was A). Cute B). Very helpful and C). Does actually work. Follow the little steps on there and I'm such you'll make a wonderful impression and hopefully have a very successful interview! Good Luck! :) 

Oh and for anyone who is searching, some of the best sites I've found to look for jobs are:

Reed Jobs

Indeed Jobs

Monster Jobs

Job Search

JobSite 

Fish 4 Jobs

Total Jobs

There are many more but there are a few for you incase you need help getting started! It is also very important to keep your CV unto date and have a Cover Letter that you can adapt to any job you apply for.  You're around 85% more likely to be considered for a job and get an interview if you attach, even a small, cover letter. It allows the employer to realise that you have taken the effort to read actually acknowledge the job you are applying for rather than just sending your CV out to any job going. Even if you do apply for any and every job, make sure you make slight changes to make it apt for the job. Such as if it is in a busy office/ customer environment, saying something like "I have the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. I possess excellent critical thinking, reading, writing and verbal skills and I am able to listen to employees and staff to maintain good communication, using excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with any customers to help and make them feel welcome by providing a friendly environment." Even just something short and snappy to get there attention rather than having to go all the way through your CV to find something interesting or important to them. Having a snappy like in there makes them more interested. 

Fun Fact! 

Something great to put on your CV is that you were voted 'Person of the Year' '06 - It's true!

In 2006 Time Magazine, for their "Person of the Year" Award voted for 'you' meaning everyone worldwide! So big yourself up a bit!

Bird of the Day

Todays bird of the day is the Screech Owl! Twenty-one living species are known at present, but new ones are frequently recognized and unknown ones are still being discovered on a regular basis, especially in the Andes. Similar to other owls, the screech owl females are larger than the males of their species. The northern screech owls are found in eastern states, such as New Jersey and New York. The screech owls are named for their piercing calls! 

This is an Eastern Screech Owl --->

These supremely camouflaged birds hide out in nooks and tree crannies through the day, so train your ears and listen for them at night.

But anyways, still feeling poorly sick so going to head to bed for an early night and hopefully shake this off! Might be going to the cinema tomorrow, and try not to get caught up in the Black Friday Sales! Oh and if you're in America or celebrating it today - Happy Thanksgiving!

Stay safe and speak soon folks!

(See I promised I'd try and get back into this) :) x

It's Been a While... Take 2 (for real this time)

Wednesday 26th November '14

Welloo There - That's how it sounded in my head, I was supposed to say 'Well Hello There'. Anyhow, it's been a while and I really do apologise, things have been all over the place and a but everywhere recently. This is going to be a bit of a catch up post letting you know whats been going on and really just me getting back into everything, I am still going to aim to write a post every day, even if it's just a short one but if not please bear with me, I will get there!

First things first I guess, thank you so much if you are reading this, I know I haven't kept it up as much as I first intended but like I said, let's try this again, properly this time. Hope you're having a wonderful day, now let's get started...

So since the last time I posted (November 5th) quite a few things have happened, I celebrated my 19th Birthday on November 8th, Freya and I travelled back up north to spend my birthday with my whole family and it was lovely! I haven't seen them for a while and visiting them all was so wonderful! I also got spoilt for my birthday and I really can't wait until christmas to see them all again! 

Oh and you may have noticed that my hair is now purple! Plus the whole 'only liking the left side of my face' thing, is still a thing. So I'm now 19, hair is purple, hmmm what else.

Oh, for Valentines Day, yes 9 months ago, Freya got me the wonderful gift of an Owl Experience, where you can fly and handle all of the owls. It was booked for up north but every time we've been up previously we haven't been able to fit in going to do the day trip! But finally, and timing it with my birthday, we managed to get there and it was such a wonderful day! I did something similar when I was 10 with birds of prey, including owls, but it was so lovely to have a day full of owls, they're my favourite! 

I got to hold all kinds, from Eagle Owls to Boobook Owls and it was amazing! The guy who runs the centre was lovely, kinda looks like a cuddly Wolverine! He owned all of the owls and was so passionate about them and answered so many questions. Overall it was such a brilliant experience, then we have some lunch in a cute little cafe before heading off to Freya's other Mum, who lives in Worcester near Birmingham!

When visiting we had an early Christmas lunch as we won't be seeing that side of Freya's family until after Christmas. They have guinea pigs so the we so much fun to cuddle! It was such a nice and calm day and we then headed back down to Canterbury. The rest of the time has just consisted of getting back into the swing of things and relaxing, spending lots of tie at the library to help Freya get her Uni work done and looking into work opportunities for me. It's going pretty well :)

But anyways, I know this one isn't as interesting or fun as some of the blogposts I've done before but I'm just getting back into the swing of things!

Bird of the day time and them I'm off folks! Remember...

In light of my Owl Experience and you probably not knowing what a Boobook Owl is, take a look!

<-- Look at this cutie!

Generally nocturnal, roosts by day in thick foliage. When threatened, they sit bolt upright, with feathers pressed tight against the body, and turn side-on to the source of the threat, appearing long and slender. Generally feeds on small mammals, especially the House Mouse Mus musculus, and birds up to the size of a House Sparrow.

Hope you have a wonderful evening and stay safe kiddos! :) Speak soon*

*promise!

It's been a while..

Wednesday 5th November '14 - Bonfire/ Guy Fawkes/ Fireworks Night!

Hey lovelies, so so sorry for my absence recently! I know I haven't kept up my daily blog and I've really only just started - I am disappointed in myself but it hasn't been without reason. I won't got into too much detail (but saying that I probably will...) I hope you can forgive me and for the people who do keep coming back to read my ramblings - welcome back and hello, I hope you've been good!

<---Look! Starbucks have now got the Christmas cups back!

But anyways I'm back and hopefully *fingers crossed* staying back!

To be honest I haven't had the energy or the want to write really, things at work have been crappy and I've been let go, they are making cuts wherever they can and so yeah, no more work for me. Well not there anyway, towards the end they started to pick faults with anything and everything and if I'm being brutally honest I am kinda glad that I'm out of there! I mean it is good timing in a way as it is my birthday in 3 days time (November 8th!) and christmas soon so I needn't worry about having to try and fight to book time off etc, but on the other hand - no money, I'm for a few weeks I will still be being paid and getting my bonus through, but I need to be extremely sensible!

Happy Bonfire Night Folks! Make sure you stay safe, yeah?

Remember, remember the fifth of November ... today is known as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night and Firework Night.

It is an annual celebration observed on November 5th for more than 400 years following the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when 13 conspirators planned to blow up Parliament and kill King James I.

Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords.

People in London lit bonfires to celebrate the failure of the plot, and an act of Parliament was passed to appoint the date as a day of thanksgiving for the "joyful deliverance of James I". This act remained in force for 254 years, until 1859.

To mark the occasion, here are some facts about Guy Fawkes, gunpowder and fireworks:

• Political protesters sometimes wear Guy Fawkes masks to protect their identity. You might recognise these masks if you’ve seen the film V for Vendetta, which is very loosely based on the story of Guy Fawkes.
• The only place in the UK that does not celebrate Guy Fawkes Night is St. Peter’s School in York. Guy Fawkes went there as a boy and they refuse to burn his image in respect for their former pupil.
• Guy Fawkes wasn’t the main conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot, but he had one of the most important roles. He guarded the gunpowder underneath the Houses of Parliament, and had he not been caught, he would have been charged with lighting it.
• Physicists from the Institute of Physics have calculated that the 2,500kg of gunpowder Fawkes hid would have wreaked damage almost 500 metres from the centre of the explosion.
• Fireworks were invented when a Chinese cook accidentally discovered how to make explosive black powder - the early origin of gunpowder - during the 10th century. The cook accidentally mixed three common kitchen ingredients - potassium nitrate or saltpetre (a salt substitute used in the curing of meat), sulphur and charcoal and set light to the concoction. The result was colourful flames. The cook also noticed that if the mixture was burned when enclosed in the hollow of a bamboo shoot, there was a tremendous explosion.
• Fireworks arrived in Europe in the 14th century and were first produced by the Italians. The first recorded display was in Florence. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486.
• Dummies have been burned on bonfires since as long ago as the 13th century, initially to drive away evil spirits. Following the gunpowder plot of 1605, the focus of the sacrifices switched to Guy Fawkes' treason.
• It is said that the word ‘guy’ actually comes from the name Guy Fawkes. It originally meant “an ugly, repulsive person” but, throughout the years, simply became a synonym for “man”.
• One suggested origin for the word ‘bonfire’ is that derives from 'bone-fire', and comes from a time when the bodies of witches, heretics and other misfits were burned instead of being buried in holy ground.
• The Houses of Parliament are still searched by the Yeomen of the Guard before the state opening which has been held in November since 1928. The idea is to ensure no modern-day Guy Fawkes is concealed in the cellars.

How do you celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? We are off to watch the Fireworks tonight in Canterbury!

Oh and if you like associating songs with specific events then listen to Bonfire Heart by James Blunt - very apt for today! And lovelies, enjoy yourself but most of all make sure you take care and be safe!

So.. What've you missed other than the whole work situation? Not a whole lot to be honest! I had a bed day yesterday and spent the majority of the time with a curled up Seren on my tummy and we we're both enjoying the warmth and watching Netflix! 

Look at the snuggly baby boy! When we first moved in he appeared at our backdoor - us and our housemates let him in when it's chilly and dark and really just whenever he's hungry, we all feed him and sometimes multiple dinners if we haven't realised he's already eaten! He eats, snuggles and then goes back outside exploring! He was a stray so it's not fair to keep him indoors but especially now the weathers turning we need to make sire he stays warm and fed! I'm sure he appreciates it in his own special way! He's got a bit of a runny nose at the mo though, so extra cuddles need to be given!

I know that I have written this post pretty early today but I've been sat in Starbucks for a while now, Freya is busy today with her Uni work and also a field trip to a prison today! So I'm making the most of having a free day - guess there are going to be more of those now that I'm jobless - wahoo, at least it's through no fault of my own eh! Going to head home soon to possibly have a nap and a cuddle up with either the cat or our teddies, it's so chilly outside today! I'm so excited to get wrapped up so warm in huge jumpers and scarves and hats tonight to go and watch the fireworks! Have a wonderful evening!

I am also ridiculously looking forward to tomorrow as we are taking the 4 and a half hour drive back up North to see all of my family and get away for a while for my birthday! I miss them all so much and so does Freya. So it's going to be wonderful to see them all again! Not long now until we are going to be up there permanently! Neither of us can wait!

But make sure to pop back tomorrow as I'm sure they'll be photos of last night and the drive up tomorrow etc.. to show you!

Bird of today is going to be - The Snowy Owl - or Hedwig to some of you Harry Potter fans out there! The snowy owl is also known as the Arctic Owl or the Great White Owl. The oldest Snowy Owl living in the wild was recorded to be 9 years and 5 months. A captive Snowy Owl lived for at least 28 years. Snowy owls are mostly white with narrow, sparse brown bars and spots. Their golden colored eyes are rather small for an owl and their toes and claws are thickly covered with feathers. They are among the largest North American owl species. They live mainly in the North of America and Canada also Alaska!

That's all for today Kiddos! Have a wonderful Bonfire Night/ Fireworks Night/ Guy Fawkes Night and make sure you stay safe!

See you tomorrow!

Don't bother.

Monday 27th October '14Urgh Monday. Feeling crappy and unhappy. Today has consisted of work and the gym! Maybe tomorrow folks! 

Pre-Mondays

Sunday 25th October '14

Wassup! Today is going to be a quick one, and I mean quick! We had a lovely lie in this morning and went for another wander around the Laines in Brighton before grabbing some bubble tea and driving back to Canterbury in the afternoon! So since getting back I've spent the day cleaning and tidying and making dinner so it's late now and especially since it feels an hour later than it is, due to the clocks going back by an hour! I'm in work at 8am tomorrow until 5pm - as much as getting up early is a pain at least I'm finished with enough time to actually so something in the evening! But in the morning we're going to get up nice and super early to go to the gym to start off our day - so that means a 6am rise tomorrow morning, again, hence the short blogpost today! 

Hopefully work will be kind to me tomorrow and not too many difficult customers! Fingers crossed eh! 

Side note- I wish we had a Peals Bubble Tea here in Canterbury, it's out go-to place whenever we're in Brighton!

Anyways Lovelies! I hope that your Sunday has been okay, if you've been exploring, to church, shopping, seeing family, or even just stayed in bed and had a netflix marathon, I hope that you are okay and you have had a lovely day! 

I'm nervous to head back to the gym tomorrow but I'm so keen to get back in shape and tone up again, I used to got kickboxing 3 times a week but since moving to Canterbury haven't been exercising as much, but nows the time to get back into the routine of building it into my day.

Plus with working for a big company I get employee discount at the gym to makes going a bit more of an incentive, and less expensive. 

My head is a bit busy tonight, lots of thoughts and worries and planing going on for things that I don't really need to be thinking about constantly but hey ho, that happens sometimes!

Have some pretty photos and stuff... Words aren't happening that easily tonight!

 Randomness is good sometimes, and I do apologise for the mismatched post!

Todays bird of the day is going to beeee... The Buzzard!

Now the commonest and most widespread UK bird of prey. It is quite large with broad, rounded wings, and a short neck and tail. When gliding and soaring it will often hold its wings in a shallow 'V' and the tail is fanned. Birds are variable in colour from all dark brown to much paler variations, all have dark wingtips and a finely barred tail. Their plaintive mewing call could be mistaken for a cat.

So stay safe, have a good nights sleep, or a good day, whichever is applicable to you! 

Please come back again soon, I promise to be more interesting one day!

Night Night - Sleep Tight! :)