Home blog!

I shall apologise only briefly for my absence. Until this moment, right now, at 9am on Tuesday, I haven't felt the blogging urge. After years of blogging I am aware that the forced ones are less readable.

I'm back home in Durham, wouldn't you know. Now, you could have guessed this fact (due to it being close to Christmas) or know me enough to have read it on facebook, or most likely, you're Mum and you were in the car when you picked me up.
We were scared the snow would prevent me from travelling but thankfully it stayed clear, just cold instead.

Once I returned to our home I prepared myself for a meal/night out with the Durham friend circle. We went to Nandos, had a wonderful catch-up chat in Lloyd's and headed home about half 10 as we're all tired and/or ill.

Sunday night heralded a comedy adventure to Darlington where 4 comedians performed for us and each of the three main ones were totally awesome. I can't explain how much I laughed.

Saturday, so that's yesterday, I spend the day chilling and watching stuff, most notable Easy A, again, but this time with Haze. Also, we got to go to a church carol service in town where Hazel sang, we all sang, and Hazel (along with others) played handbells! So talented and totally enjoyable.

So now I don't really have a plan for the day, some sort of chill/sort day.



---

And now for what I have neglected!
FILMS!

Get Him to the Greek

I wasn't that bothered about this film, it definitely wasn't anywhere as good as people made it out to be! It made me laugh though, Tom Felton and the furry walls. But the jokes were stilted, old fashioned, awkward and a bit racist. Overall, I wouldn't watch it again but it was worth seeing once.

Predators

I quite enjoyed this one, not so much the plot but the world it was set in, the characters and the ideas. It made me think I might like the original film, but not enough for me to actively search it out. Compared to some films I've had to sit through... well.

The Killer Inside Me

Urgh, I didn't like this. For people who like creepy slow-paced realistic violence with drawling accents and Jessica Alba being beaten to death in the face and and STILL saying she loves him as he is doing it. Saying sorry isn't enough you douche. I thought it would be something exciting and mysterious but he just blatantly killed people and happily carried on lying and living.

She's Out of My League

After the last film this seemed pretty awesome, although it is only a mediocre film, the comedy characters (especially Stainer) make it worthwhile and it's a light-hearted laugh.

Easy A

Tumblr made me do it. I watched it and loved it and watched it again! Quote, screencap, quote.

The characters are lovely and realistic, the idea is similar to experience school but blown of proportion as any film must do. Truthfully it represents teenagerdom with the validity and speed of lies and rumours and the emotional distress this can cause. Yet it is tied together with some great filming, editing ideas and most of all comedy. Olive is witty, her family awesome, and her peers relatable. WATCH THIS FILM.

Light snow, it's going UPWARDS.

While I watch a program about Foods that Make Millions I shall inform you of my recent adventures.

Story No. 1. Key Loss

On Tuesday morning, when preparing to leave James' room in town, I patted my coat pockets only to reveal that there were NO KEYS within. I frantically ransacked my rucksack and they were not located. I spent the rest of Tuesday worrying and being annoyed by the lack of original keys. I had been able to borrow a spare from the Porter. On Wednesday morning I rang the bus company, described my keys and went to pick them up. The feeling of relief cannot be described. 

Story No. 2. Layers and Snow

Recently I have been wearing, at the least, 3 layers of tops. Yesterday it was 3 t-shirts 2 hoodies and my coat. It's ruddy cold. Yet there isn't much snow at all. Back home my sister Hazel is living through knee high snow. We still don't have enough to cover the grass properly. I sort of want it to snow properly to make the cold weather worth it.

Story No. 3. Films

Sunday was time for "The Expendables" a film written, directed, and starred in, by Sylvester Stallone.

I didn't much like it. It was in the same genre as "The Losers" and it was about 1/8th as good. James thought it was good but the mindless violence (pretty much for the sake of it) and lack of appealing characters just failed to engage me.

On Monday we saw "The Girl Who Played With Fire" which was the second film in a series I knew nothing about. It was actually pretty good, you could tell it was based on a book because of all the twists and the quantity of characters. It was subtitled in a yellowy white text that sometimes couldn't be read for over a minute due to some scenes being very pale. I'm not really compelled enough by it to read the book series or to watch the other films.

Story No. 4. Art

So I've been painting small again. I'm not fully happy with what I've done but I've uploaded them on facebook for people to see. I think they look better in real life than a photo can show. The scale impact is RUINED on a computer screen. I need to paint a whole load more and buy some coloured wool so I can connect them up in a big web on the wall. Oh and masking tape. I ran out and Bill isn't running the shop today and I have a lecture in the morning. *le sigh* Going to get on with my work this afternoon.

Story No. 5. Showtunes.

My mood has been lifted 100 fold recently by my showtunes playlist that I finally made. 

I feel it is lacking though, it needs Rocky Horror on it and Joseph and Starlight Express (just because) I crave more showtunes. I would also like the entire Beatles back catalogue. 

I think what I'd like is an iTunes gift card so that I feel that all the new music I want would be a present. 

Well, this program about cereal has been rather interesting. I think I might go to the library and see if there are any books about Photorealism as it interests me and I can't do it myself. 

Delay = Length

Thursday 
Greg Davies was hilarious. SO worth £12.50, worth more because Edd (the warm up act) was just as rip-roaringly funny.
Friday
Shrek Forever After
So much better than the 3rd one. I truly enjoyed this film, seeing these amazing characters and animation.
Saturday
Liverpool art galleries and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Really enjoyed this film. They're getting the hang of it now. I had issues with some bits (like Wormtail) but otherwise it was good.
Sunday
Eclipse
AHAHA My thoughts on this haven't changed much since the first time I watched it.
Monday
Salt with Angelina Jolie. I though it was alright but not amazing. Russian/American spy thingy.
Tuesday 
‎Gerry said, "Luvle, has been a bit wanky recently" and we all giggled.
SSAGO three legged bar crawl turned into a 10 legged bar crawl
Wednesday
After a terrible video about European student riots in 1968 I had Tourguide Training for THREE HOURS.
Thursday 
Art day learning about paper and egg tempera and dammar varnish and Gerry making more ridiculous jokes. Scott Pilgrim, 3rd viewing, still awesome. I adore this film to geekery heights.
Friday
The food concoction we had for tea was surprisingly tasty. Egg mayo, pasta, bacon and fresh peppers.
We went for a walk where I got thoroughly disoriented.
Misfits and QI were viewed.
Saturday
We had a "day off" and went shopping and were lazy and watched Scenes of a Sexual Nature on BBCiPlayer.
It was pants, it was so trite and the characters seemed so unrealistic, all except for that nice old couple. Even then they sang of CLICHÉ!

It's Sunday. I've made some more rice krispie slice. I've done most of my Art History.
Hazelizabeth was Hazel's turn this week. I hope you like it!

London trip! (long post but full of detail)

What a bland title for such a complex experience...


Monday morning, it hits half 7 and my phone starts buzzing and I know I have to get out of the warm haven that is bed and shower. The shower at James' can be quite unpredictable but thankfully it was warm and woke me up enough to feel confident that the day would go well.
By 8 we were both ready, I'd eaten an apple and James had decided to surface and walk with me to the train station even though he didn't need to be up so early, which was very lovely of him.
My train was delayed so we had to sit on the rather cold station chairs and wait. I got on the train, listened to music and made my way to London.
Met Alex at Leicester Square tube station and we headed off to see an exhibition by Noel Fielding which was in a cafe. Strange one that was but still worth a look. 
It's wonderful spending time with Alex, he has so many ideas that he just wants to share, knows so many things an has had and has still some amazing opportunities. 
We headed over to Green Park where there are a load of smaller galleries that have work for sale. Some of these are works by prolific people like Richard Hamilton that are going for about £65,000, others about £500 by the less well known but often (in my opinion) more aesthetically pleasing, artists.
I saw some genuinely inspiring work, and some totally pants stuff too; it's good to see the range though, and that terrible stuff can sell for £16,000. 
We headed to Subway for lunch, just because it was near and we were very hungry. Laughing at the fact they bother to sell side dishes. Who would want them? We chatted about music, as you do.
After visiting some more galleries I'd covered all those on my list for the day by about half 4 so we just headed back to his flat.
Due to it being "Email Monday" I just chilled out and listened to the snippets of information and ideas he was sharing. Charlie turned up after a meeting he'd had and we all just hung out as I learnt various things. These included the Chromaroma thing that Alex had signed up to. It's an online multiplayer game played through Oyster Cards. Also found out that Sugar wanted a photo of Charlie for a poster which he refused. Listened to some sneak previews of songs. (New Chameleon Circuit demos!) Also, a load of other things I cannot share because even though no-one really reads this, I don't want to spread all over the internet because they're things that you tell friends and not everyone.
Anyway, we were all starving and there was no food in the flat so we headed off to the Tesco nearby.
A very odd shopping experience as I've never shopped with anyone who doesn't go for the bargains and only buys one carton of juice even when they're on offer. (Not BOGOF just 2 for £3 and one costs £1.80 sort-of-thing!)
While Charlie cooked us tea, Alex and I played Buzz. I failed miserably as I'm just not quick enough and make silly mistakes. Pasta, red pesto, and peas was a delicious tea as we watched a documentary I think was called 'Evangelical Right'. It was a mix of extremely interesting, disturbing, educational and funny. In some aspects downright scary and in others exasperating.
Followed up with some Wii time where I failed at Wii sports and gradually got better at Super Smash Bros Brawl until I even reached the point where it was just me against Charlie (Alex and the CPU were out) and it was 1:1 lives. Unfortunately, as I fail at computer games, and Charlie actually knew what he was doing, I lost.
The inflatable mattress I slept on was way comfortable.

I forgot to film properly in the NeriCoolikeLocation... which is a fail on my part.
I read Pick Me Up in the morning and we set out to see some more Art about 11.
We hit up the bigger galleries on Tuesday by starting at the TATE Modern. I got to see some Francis Bacon, the Sunflower Seeds and some other great things. We headed to a competition gallery that we'd been flyer'd for and on the Millennium Bridge we saw Ben Wilson (the guy who paints on chewing gum) working. I managed to film him chatting to another guy about his work and that'll probably show up in a video of mine and perhaps Alex's as I sent him the footage too. We headed to the Oxford Street area and found this genuinely lovely cafe in which I had a fantastic chicken, bacon, avocado and cranberry "french burger" and was asked by the waiter why I don't like cheese.
We went to the V&A to see the 'Shadow Catchers' exhibition which is photography by 5 artists, done without a camera, just a range of different treated papers and exposure techniques. What you see is the original and only photo. Just awe inspiring.
Saatchi rounded off out gallery visits and because we had about 2 hours spare we headed to Harrods.
A genuinely wonderful London experience that shop is. Alex spent ages looking at shoes (because he's been wearing slippers recently) and ended up (after lots of thought and advice) buying some Ugg shoe/slippers that are black and some GUCCI velcro shoes which were just because he doesn't have anything remotely waterproof otherwise! On the way out we met some American students who, headed by a girl called Crystal, had been looking for Alex and/or Charlie for 3 months. We chatted to them for ages and they were so lovely!
To the station, food and another delayed train home got me to Preston just after the time my 'Last-Train-to-Lancaster' should have left. It was late and Rach from SSAGO was there and then I was in Lancaster and James was there and I was so tired and we walked home and he had a sausage sandwich and we fell asleep.

Normality resumed on Wednesday when we had a lie in, went shopping, lazed around and ate and watched a film. We watched Drop Dead Gorgeous on iPlayer and it was cheesy and hilarious and pretty good actually even though some of the characters were a bit obnoxious.


Today, I'm back on the internet for the first time since Sunday. I've watched GLEE and adored the Singing in the Rain bit with Mike and Mr Shue.

Going to catch up with youtube for a bit, after lunch work hard, check my post and work some more, maybe watch SJA. Afterwards it'll be tea time and then GREG DAVIES doing comedy in town.

Looking forward to it.

Hope you liked hearing my adventure... stay tuned for more random Liz.

Spontaneity

On Friday, James and I went out for tea at Bella Itallia. Mmmm. Good job we have TESCO vouchers though!

On Thursday we saw the film "The Losers". It was one based on a DC cartoon and it was really very good.

On Saturday we saw "Prince of Persia" which was so Disney it hurt. Jake Gyllenhaal was good but the accents for everyone were just bizarre!

Tomorrow I'm going to London very early in the morning.

Today I'm writing my essay.

That's all.

:)

These strange things they call Wednesday

I'm well aware that this isn't posted on Wednesday. I ended up not having time to complete it.

Some Wednesdays I have the full day off, yesterday was one of these days.

We awoke at James', for once without an alarm so we procrastinated on getting the day started until 12.
We went shopping for little things like peanut butter and biscuits before I headed back to campus to get on with my essay.
Here I shall go into how amazing this laptop is. Without wireless on the battery lasts for 7.5 hours. Anyway, I worked from 1:40pm to 5:15 and I've nearly reached the lower word limit of 3000 words. I think it starts fairly well but it gets all difty and a bit terrible after the third topic. I really need to read through what I have and that will get me over 3000. Then I have referencing to sort too. So far everything that is a reference, or needs sorting, is highlighted in red.
Anyway, when I was yawning more often than typing I called it a day so I could return to my room and watch GLEE. OHGOODNESSITISAMAZING.
For tea we had beef and rice and peas. For pudding we had caramel and butterscotch Frappe which had been gifted to us by James' parents.
We started to watch Blade Runner, which I will review when we've seen the end.

Now it's Thursday and I have to read some Art History for tomorrow and then go print some stuff in the library before lunch then Art tutorials this afternoon.

:)

The clouds are really beautiful today

Sorry, I've been pretty lax with my blogging.
What is there to know?
I really need to do my washing soon, I'm almost out of knickers.
I should be reading for my art history right now because at 5 I'm heading over to James'.
Tonight we're going to see Isy Sutti do stand-up.
Mr Kipling Fiendish Fancies are delicious. They're all natural colours and flavourings but one TINY cake is 5% of my daily callories and 18% of my sugar. If I eat half the box (and a box is only 50p in Spar) that's 72%. Good job I've only done that twice this week. (Once watching Amilie and the other at the Fireworks).
OH YEAH, last night we went to see the fireworks. They're free in Lancaster and there were 4 viewing areas because they weren't letting people up by the castle where they were being done from. It was a wonderful show and they were so HUGE! Even from a distance it was spectacular. We missed seeing the A Team for them and I think it was worth it.
My essay is 1/3 done with 2 full weeks and 2 days to go. -2 days when I go to London at the beginning of week 6. I'm positive I'll get it done.

Film reviews!


Amelie.
I really enjoyed this film, it was immensely interesting and well thought out, quirky and emotional and fabulous.
Reading the text was difficult at times because some aspects of it go so quickly that if you want to look at facial expressions too then you miss a sentence or two.
I'd watch this again.

Robin Hood.
As a prequel, that I didn't know was going to be a prequel until I watched it, and didn't massively enjoy it. I mean, it was well made but it wasn't my cup of tea. As James said, he didn't really use his bow and arrow enough. I'll not watch this again unless it is the only thing on tv at the time, and even then I think I'd put a dvd on instead.

Thanks, now I'm going to do my AH reading.
:)

Blog title freedom!

So, now that it is no longer November my alphabet cycle has finished!

Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
This was fantastic, my favourite of anything Monty Python I've watched so far. It was quirky and witty and included shrubberies.
Well worth watching.

Heartbreaker.
This is a french film that we watched with subtitles. It was totally fantastic. It is about a guy who gets paid to break couples up, only if they are unsatisfied so that he never really breaks hearts, just sets people free. He works with his sister and her husband and they wear all sorts of crazy disguises and use technologies to manipulate the situation. Pretty awesome and well worth watching despite having to read subtitles throughout.

As for myself I'm pretty good, fairly happy with everything and pretty confident that my work is going to turn out ok in the end. I've been trying to work out what I want to do, haphazardly trying different avenues and techniques, collecting ideas and trying to figure out where to go. I'm getting put off track by having to concentrate on my essay so much which is due in in 2 and a bit weeks. So, at the moment I'm spending a lot of time reading about Francis Bacon as I have to write an essay on him. Well, I chose him from a list because I thought he would be interesting, he is but he also doesn't fit into many stereotypes which makes him difficult to write about, but also quite good to give many opinions and write critically about. Or he will once I get to the writing part!

SSAGO went bowling last night and I came 2nd twice! Pretty good. 102 points in the first game 119 in the second. It was great fun to get to know people better while we chatted in between goes. I've learned more names now! Also, I turned on the camera to record for my video, just thought, I'll record one and no matter what I get I'll use it. FIRST STRIKE OF THE NIGHT.

So, that's my life, I'm not NaNoing, just living my life as normal.

Will write back in here soon I hope!

xx

Zneet Znadder Zneet

Remember My Hero? The episode where they were all hypnotised to do silly things when certain numbers were heard? Well, blog title is a reference to it.

The Meaning of Life - Monty Python
This was a pretty bizarre film to be perfectly honest. I quite enjoyed it, it was laughable, but it was also very awkward and just not as good as the Life of Brian.

That is honestly the only film I've seen since the last post... which is actually crazy but it's just because the Uni cinema has been a bit of a let down this week. Lebanon and Sex in the City 2 were not on the "films to see" list of either James or I.

I'm bad at blogging really. I'm not fruity enough with my language. Good job that this is just a diary then.
That's what it set out to be and what it has remained.

Zirak-zigil

     D; one of the three peaks that towered over the mines of Moria (RELEVANT, YES)


Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring.
Technically I've seen it before but I didn't really concentrate on it, years ago. For a first proper viewing it was awesome. I adore it, as a series, already. Though I still don't think I'd be able to make it through the books. I did try, honestly, but at 12 or 13 I go SO TIRED of it. The film is a wonderment of acting, filming, editing, scenery, ideas and everything. Wow. Top notch. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

Iron Man 2.
Fairly good film, enjoyed all the action, the technical mumbo jumbo, the fact that they were a bit like super heroes but it was all man-made tech. I haven't seen the first one but some of the people at SSAGO were telling me it's much better. James said it's comparably good so I'm still pretty happy to search out a cheap dvd of it at some point. It was all go, action, the characters were good but you don't get to know them. As with many action films it felt very much about the BATTLES.

Cemetery Junction.
Ruddy good film this for characterisation, for lovely ideas, realistic people and situations. Observational. I nearly cried so many times just because of the emotion being portrayed. The actors were good, fitted the parts and you got to KNOW them, unlike Iron Man, because the lack of MASSIVE PLOT and just life, let you. Also, Tom Hughes who played Bruce, looks like KickThePJ at odd moments. The advert made it look a bit terrible due to poorly picked clips. In reality it's gripping and the comedy is just right, not forced like in Funny People. (Which btw I saw last year and it was one of the worst.)

Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers.
We've watched this is 4 sittings because we start watching right as we're just reaching top tired levels. We had to stop and sleep. It's so good. I love the Ents and Gandalf and Smeagle. I think he's so sweet despite being a very creepy creature. Darn it I hate that ring. I know the whole story is about it but it's such a bloody arse about putting people in danger! I had a massive laughing fit when it got to the "What's taters ehy?" "POH-TAY-TOES" "Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew", bit.

Inception
I saw this with Caitlin over the summer but this was James' first viewing. The cinema was full, I'm pretty sure they turned a whole host of people away too. Even though we were so far back in the queue, and James was protesting that it would be ruined if we got a bad seat and that we should just go on Friday instead, we held out and still managed to sit in the middleish area. It was once again a wonderful feat of filming and action and effects and ideas. It still baffles me and still excites me. I jumped so many times at the loud or shocking things that I should have anticipated. Enjoyable, but I wont want to watch it again now for a good few years.

Lord of the Rings - Return of the King (extended version)
It's so good. I love the LotR world, fantastic. A wonderful film.
Just finished it now and have got a lot of work to do... Going to do that now.

Zamarra

So my blog titles don't match their contents? Only for the rest of this month.

I know tweeting about what you're eating constitutes as both typical and terrible so I'm going to refrain. Instead I shall blog it.

Have you ever had garlic and coriander Naan bread? With butter on? It's luscious. I'm having it now. With chicken and green pesto and tomatoes. Considering the price of all the components and the quantities of each I would say that it would cost only a little more than a pound for this tasty plateful!

I'm going to save my film reviews until my next blog although I do have 2 more already! :D

Cracking on with my list of things to do!

Toodles.

Zinc

Back to film reviews I think it shall be.


The Thief Lord. I bought this about 2 months ago in Durham when I got 3 DVDs for a fiver. The main reason I chose this film is that I'd read the book years and years ago and remembered enjoying it. The other reason is I thought Haze might enjoy it as Aaron Johnson plays Prosper.
It was a strange film and fairly poorly made. I'd forgotten how insane the plot is and how exaggerated the characters are too. It was enjoyable although I don't think I'll watch it again. I'll let Hazel take it back next Saturday and she can decide if she wants to keep it. If not it should be passed on to someone else.


Bad Lieutenant. Uni Cinema, we've bought a term pass again. £20 for access to 26 films. Bargain. I'm so glad I do that though because paying £2 for this film would have annoyed me. It was good, I'll admit, filmed well, edited well and acted in well. It was strange though, not particularly gripping. I found myself not particularly warming to any of the characters, feeling awkward when certain events took place and not honestly caring what happened next, just letting it wash over me! The coke hallucinations were pretty hilarious but crazy! I wouldn't watch this one again.










About me: 
My Art History has a whole bunch of things to be printed off this year and an essay due in week 7. I've printed them all off but haven't decided who I'm going to write about. Our lecturer is lovely. 
My artwork this term was initially going to be about books, quotations, imagining and creating images from descriptions provided in a text, manipulating the pages. I'm already going off the idea. It's a great one but I really don't think I'll enjoy doing it all that much. I have a much greater desire now to work with pixels or mosaics or a bit of both, fractal art in block colours. More Chuck Close (who's my favourite) than Idris Kahn. I'm still looking to use quotations as inspiration. From John Green and JK Rowling and many more.
I just don't think ripping or cutting up books and painting on them or sculpting with them is my thing. 
I got my One and Other book today, I'm barely in it but at least I'm recognised there as no. 396. 
I need to get stuck into being in the studios again, I will do I'm sure as next week starts, making pack lunches to save time!
Oh and I dropped that lovely hanger that I bought in New York and it snapped, the METAL tree branch coat hook, that one, it SNAPPED. *rolls eyes*
Kay, going to pack up some things to go to James', eat, watch LotR (properly for the first time) sleep and then go out for a meal with his parents and possibly Mike's family too (this is unconfirmed) tomorrow.


DFTBA!

Zippity doo dah!

So I made this video. I'm quite proud of the project (if not so much the video itself).

I'm sharing it with the world.

Thank-you for reading!

Zany

I'm going to try and review each of the films that I see this term in this blog, seeing as I bought a term pass and all. 

I'm a behind already though because I've already seen 4.

Kickass was on at the Uni cinema during Week 0. This was the third time I've seen it and it was still very enjoyable. The music; still a good choice. I'm still creep'd out by the way Big Daddy says "child" to Mindy and I still get shocked when certain things happen suddenly. I'd recommend this one.

Sliding Doors. I have a version of this on a dvd Mum burned for me because she recorded it from the tv last year. It was really good. Considering it was made a good while ago the style of clothing/hair didn't seem to be too odd... I only mention this because sometimes a good film with a great plot can be ruined for me because of the way it looks. This one is pretty timeless except for the size of mobile phones/computers. Anyway, I really admired the casting for the two main male roles, they weren't conventionally attractive, not the sort of "perfect" man that can be so often cast as an unrealistic love interest. Was a moving film. James said it wasn't quite as sci-fi as it could have been with the way the split time/realities were handled but I still say it was brilliant. Watch it!

The Life of Brian. I don't know how I got to being a few months away from 20 without seeing any Monty Python in full. I've only ever seen clips here there and everywhere on tv. This film made me laugh a hundred or so times throughout. It was wonderful, the pants effects only added to it's charm. I will definitely watch this again some day but I've got the other 4 Python films to watch too so not until I've seen them.

Four Lions. I was a bit worried about this film as the advert had made me laugh so much but I knew it was about terrorist suicide bombers. It was a grand film, so well made and completely filled with laugh out loud moments. Contradictory opinions, eating sim-cards, squat jogging, mini babybels, analogies of the Lion King to try and explain his actions to his child and water pistol fights. It was shocking and scarily real and these people were so misguided but you could see why they were acting the way they did (I don't know how real it is, I doubt real suicide bombers are so thick or funny or communicate on Puffin Party.). Highly recommended for anyone. 

So that's what I've been up to. Today I went over to the art rooms for a 9:30am talk that was actually for third years but had been announced in our LUVLE area. So annoyed about that but then I took my stuff over and put it in my big locker. It's SO STRANGE but I'm in exactly the same space as last year! I'm actually looking forward to our 3 hour session this afternoon.

:D

Zilly Liz, it's too early for Christmas...

All of the above images have been previously reposted by me here: http://itiselizabeth.tumblr.com/

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58435943/fleurs-snitch-necklace?ref=cat1_gallery_4

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58426170/steampunk-usb-flash-drive-with-glowing?ref=cat1_gallery_34 

I got a bit side-tracked by etsy. James and Chris are still playing Halo...

ZARK

I failed. I posted a blog this month without realising I should have swapped to Z!
James has been telling me for ages I should give up on the letter thing, mainly because I ended up resorting to some pretty pathetic ones every now and then. However, I've come this far, in over two years of blogging I've made a lot of friends and learned a lot of things.

Today I helped out at the Activities Showcase and handed out over 100 leaflets advertising SSAGO.

I'm so hopeful we will get a whole host of new members!

Also, right now I'm waiting for James to make his way onto campus so we can have tea, I have mince I need to cook up so we might have home-made burgers.

I can see a bus coming around the round-about!

OH! How is this for bad planning? There is a girl on our floor (E so 5th!) in a wheelchair. She's called Emily and from the few moments I've spoken to her she seems great, but really! I know we have a lift but I also know it breaks down, fairly often.

Just to let you know (you being Mum probably) they accepted so many freshers this year that some of them are living in hotels. HOTELS. Poor confused people they must be!

Anyway, I'm going to finish up with this and wish you all many good tidings as tomorrow I am going to be helping out at the Fresher's Fair all afternoon. Sure hope our spot between Kickboxing and the Nuffield Theatre tables does us well!

Tally-ho! :)

Yikes!

I clearly stopped blogging.

I've nearly finished my currency project which is good. But now I have a malfunctioning keyboard because I spilled water on it the other day.

My biggest problem is the letter D.

 I'm now coming at you from a brand new super machine. It's full size keyboard is taking some getting used to though!

It's magnificent.

I'm moving to University again today so I haven't remotely had enough time to adapt to this topofthelap.
I have far too many things to attempt to fit in the car, I do not understand how people only have two bags or whatever, or how international students cope at all. I've spoken of this before. I have a box, two bags and a folder with notebooks and paper in for art work, two huge boxes of paints/pencils etc. Two bags of clothes and a box of underwear, kitchen stuff, bathroom stuff, bedding, hangers. Printer, laptops, cables, hairdryer. Tripod etc etc.

Oh well, we'll attempt to fit it in and see.

I'm looking forward very much to being back at Uni, however much I love home, it's been 3 months now.

Thanks for reading. :)

You'd like to know what the public really thinks?

I've just read this blog by Alex Day. Last night I had a discussion with my friend Ash about popular music and how I had to close down a Pussy Cat Dolls song after only 30 seconds as I was, to be honest, repulsed.

I know I'm not the mainstream at all in my tastes but as I have been in the past a great lover of music by Pink, McFly and S Club 7, I feel I can say I'm not adverse to listening and enjoying music classed as "popular".

That is until recently where I have stopped listening to the radio often due to a major dislike for what is classed as "popular" these days.

Anyway I could rant for a day and a half about that, what this blog is going to be is an experiment. I'm going to listen to Radio 1 for an hour and share my thoughts.

18:50
"this is why they play my song on so many different dials" - Well I hadn't heard it before this second.
It's rapping but I'm not enjoying it (though only Eminem has ever really allowed me to enjoy rap, oh and Hank Green.)

Now he's (Scott Mills) just listing people, guests, I didn't hear earlier in the day to encourage me to check it out online.

Next song, electro-y unclear lyrics, cannot tell a word of it, not too catchy but sounds sort of classic. Might kick in soon. The drum sounds SO FAKE just remixed samples. WHERE IS THE TALENT? I haven't heard a genuine clear un-auto tuned voice yet. I still haven't heard a distinct word yet. "Aeroplane Superstar" NO LIES. Is that considered good? Really?

Ooooh a voice, slow and a bit raw. "Now I see you lying there like a lilo loosing air, air". Best of the tracks so far. The chords in the background are appealing. Oh no it's becoming very very repetitive "I'm the theory in your head, I'm the theory in your bed, I'm the ghost in the back of your head" about 4 times and now just electronic Snow Patrolish rhythms but all warped. I wonder who this is, it's quite relaxing. I could grow to like this track actually; back to those lines though, repeating again.

Oh now it's a new presenter at exactly 19:00, talking about their producer who's last show it is.

More electronic music. I'm not on board (so I guess the presenter is Zane? that's his thing? he hasn't actually said.) I think, I might be right in thinking this is supposed to be the "In New Music We Trust" show. We shall see, they'll no doubt not play a single artist from youtube. None of my beloved Milsom on the radio tonight?
 Of course not. Instead I'm listening to a HIDEOUS mix of bloops and beeps and "drum" that is just going over and over and over and sometimes adding a new layer or sound. Oh it reduced a bit and he's talking over the track.

"It's going to be a really fun night tonight!" Zane just said. The song before is still on bloody hell he's just talking over it because it is that INSANELY REPETITIVE. Who does this appeal to? It's too fast to dance to, no lyrics to sing to, it sounds like everything I might have ever heard like this. OH RIGHT he's talking over it AGAIN, it's still going 5 minutes later. It's horrible. It just cut off while he said "muck spreading".

Kings of Leon, finally a band I have heard of and have heard the Mighty Boosh take the mick out of. Oh his horrible voice. Not a fan. Oh I tuned out and started reading tumblr, it's ok background music, it doesn't intrude but I have no compulsion to hear it again. 5 albums? REALLY? Radioactive? There was nothing radioactive about that song. Give that title back to McFly.

Right transitioning to another dance track, already not enjoying it. CRAPPY SAMPLED DRUMS. Where are my bands that can play live? This guy's voice is so old fashioned. OMG it was getting good until "heaven, heaven" etc etc. It almost felt like a Depeche Mode song, a tiny bit. No, ruined by the chorus and the backing track. ERGH.

Adverty things, but not real adverts because it's the BBC.

Interpol, Barricade. Guitar repeating and what sounds like actual drums! A voice that isn't auto tuned. He sounds like he cannot really be bothered to be singing though, drawling. The guitar is SO MUCH like Driftless Pony Club that it is making me very upset that I cannot hear Craig singing Legends of Archery. No, I've decided I don't like this song anymore. The lyrics do not appeal and it's just washing over me. No catch, no enjoyment.

Stopped listening to talk to mum but there was no song on. Now there's one where they sing "ooeeoo" for sirens. It's quirky. "Better" is not behha though. PRONOUNCE IT. Disliked. "Like Blur meets the Cribs"? really? "A breath of fresh air"?

Ooh this one is very wordy, as in, you can hear them and his voice isn't so bad and it's not going through autotune. The drums and guitar are suiting it and supporting it. "Tell me how my money's spent" "All I need's a great big congratulations." Not the best lyrics, it's like a list of ideas... no narrative. Give me Erase This with it's story arch any day. Dude. I'm not enjoying this. Only 20 mins left though.

Now they're going to play another REMIX. Nooooooooooooooooo.
Dubstep? I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about this. Power chords. Ergh I'm just going to browse the internet until this song is over. Not fond.

NO WAY. They're playing it again. NOT EVEN FAIR. Only 12 minutes of listening left now! Then I can switch it off and watch some YouTube videos thank-you-please.

He just said "this is ridiculous" I agree. Pure and simple. Ridiculous. It's the bad sort though, not like Zane meant. TWICE I had to hear that. "Helen McGuire was the vocalist" she could sing but the song was not appealing. "Laid back but tough" no. Apparently there wasn't even one negative text. WHAT? NO WAY they're freaking playing it again. *CRIES*

He doesn't know where to go now. A NEW SONG PLEASE. "We need to move forward people".

OOH! Architects, day in day out. Screaming. Shake it up a bit indeed. My blood is pumping and I'm honestly happy to hear someone scream down the mic. A real band, a beautiful piece of passion. Not even my type of music but it's the best thing I've heard all night with only 3 minutes to my cut off point.



That was an experience and a half and not an enjoyable one. Maybe I picked the wrong time to do this with the new music show but I still think it's valid to say I'll be switching back to 6Music or Absolute if I'm going to radio listen at all.

Yearn

Forgive me.

Today I bought 3 new nail varnishes because they were on offer and I needed a new navy blue anyway.

They are Barry M and they are 292 Navy, 299 Racing Green and 302 Fuchsia.
This set me considering the names of my other nail varnishes.

I'm feeling indulgent and while videos load and I wait for people to post on tumblr I'm going to look through my collection.

Black - Max Factor - 87 - Ebony

Pink/Orange (It's iridescent and both.) - Stay Perfect - 90 - Taffeta

Purple - Rimmel London (Wear Maxx) - 405 - Fantasy

Green - Hot Look - 9 - Catwalk

Purple - Virgin Vie - 2231 - Russian Velvet

Gold - Rimmel London (Lycra Pro) - 431 - Gold Infusion

Clear - Rimmel London - Nail Rescue (Not worth including)

Orange - Bourjois - 92 - Orange Etincelle

Red - Virgin Vie - 3759 - Glitzy Glam

Yellow - Go Cosmetics (this one stains, I got it on the market) - Go Shade 04

Red - Miss Sporty (Lasting Colour) - n/a

Pink - Miss Sporty (Quick Dry) - n/a

Sparkles - No7 - 03 - Sparkling Silver

Blue - Rimmel (Lasting Finish) - 262 - Fuel

Burgundy - Natural Collection - name and no. have rubbed off the label

Red - Bourjois Paris (1sec per nail) - 8 - no name

Clear - Virgin Vie - Glossy Top Coat

Peach - Virgin Vie - Protective Base Coat

Green - Glo Baby Glo! - Limelight

Silver - Icing - 0302

That was just for me wasn't it. 

:D

Yaxley

After finishing off the few tissues in the boxes in James' house I have since used a whole loo roll to catch my sneezes.

Refreshing to be ill isn't it? NOT!

On Thursday, James' Birthday, we went to Liverpool for a Cafe Rouge lunch and Scott Pilgrim. I failed to find any jeans that fitted in the shops we looked in too. (The situation on jeans is dire. All of my pairs now have holes in them.)

We've spent the last few days mainly inside the house because the weather has been pretty dire and we didn't want to spend much money.

I had inspiration for next term's art project (finally!).

This is a bad and quick blog post because my ability to string together words is hampered.

Meh.

Yatter

I haven't yet told you about our day trip to Chester. On Monday we hopped on the train from Garswood with a "saveaway" for only £4.50 and rode the 40 minutes into Liverpool.
We then hopped onto the train to Chester but stopped and got off at Bebington so we could walk through Port Sunlight to the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
I must say it was an odd experience. There were too many vases and plates and everything was a bit overwhelming. However, it was still a worthwhile experience.
On the walk to and from the train station we could smell apple pie. It was such a good smell.
Anyhoo, we waited around for the train that would take us to Chester.

There are still rhinos in Chester by the way. We saw an extra 4 that we hadn't seen last time even though we weren't even actively looking!

I digressed! Once we got to Chester we headed into town to procure food, this being about 1 o'clock.
However, as I mentioned in my last blog, we had decided that the next Primark we saw we'd get James the converse-like-shoes in turquoise. That we did, and some navy ones too! Bargain.

Wilkinsons did not have sandwiches.

We went in search of a Greggs but could not locate one for far too long. It was well after 2:30 by the time food was consumed. If you were wondering, although you probably aren't, I had a very tasty chicken and sweetcorn baguette.

James was craving some sort of pudding but as we had moved on from Greggs by then and were not particularly craving a slightly overpriced cake from a tea shop we headed to what I recalled might be an area that could possibly have had a Tesco.

"By the Shakespearian Rhino!" I stated as I tried to help James remember where we were heading.

It was a Tesco. We bought some mini donuts for £1 and I bought "The Boat That Rocked" on dvd. I took great pride in fishing out my little clubcard thing that I never get to use because there is no Tesco in Lancaster.

We walked around the walls fully during our day and visited a few other shops just because we could. Heading back to James' house for about half 6 or 7. (I'm not sure.)

On Tuesday we stayed in, watched The Boat That Rocked, which is fantastic and read and cuddled the cats and other such things. It rained a fair amount so we were very content to be inside.

Today we also stayed in. We decided yesterday the 2hr train ride to get to Southport wasn't worth it to not actually do much when we were there. Instead we watched The Big Lebowski. What a strange film. We only recorded it because of that advert that we saw at the Uni cinema 3 times a week! Live more like the dude?
"That rug really tied the room together, did it not?"

PLUS it had Seymour in it. I will always call him that even though his name is Steve Buscemi.

We've whiled the rest of the day away in a typical summer fashion, eaten pineapple and biscuits and chicken wrap sandwiches and stirfry.

Maybe tomorrow will be more adventurous? James is 20 tomorrow, that's a bit scary!

Talk soon, adios!

Yesterday

Saturday 4th September consisted of me waking up at James' very very warm. His room is small and it's got the cupboard with the boiler in and I was extremely and thoroughly warm.

We were lucky enough to be able to cadge a lift from his parents to Newton-le-Willows so that we could get the train to Manchester. (This way it cost WAY less in both time and money.)

Due to my ineptitude to read signs and James' willingness to follow me, we walked all the way to Manchester Museum instead of Art Gallery. However this was not a bad move as we marvelled over Egyptian carvings/items, were a bit grossed out by the mummy of this strange lady, and stumbled into a CURRENCY EXHIBITION.

I haven't blogged enough about my currency project and that is because I've been woefully slow and getting started on it. I've got all these ideas and plans but I need to get into motion. When I get home on the 12th it'll be late but on the 13th, the Monday, I will KNUCKLE DOWN. (It needs caps, it just does.)

After that jaunt we continued onward to the Whitworth where there was an exhibition about sexual wallpaper and some landscapes/seascapes/skyscapes. Oh, and a wooden sculpture-like wall piece which was rather intriguing. There was also a video piece of some children clambering all over a neglected piece of sculpture in Peterlee.

Wandering back towards the station, in the direction of the Art Gallery, we stopped for food. I say we, James was sure we were going to find a Wilkinsons so only I got a sandwich at the first Greggs. We wandered around the more central shopping area of Manchester passing many a Greggs, some live music, an Apple store and, wait for it, a shop that was being fitted to be a Wilkinsons. Instead we went to the Tesco Express and James had a meal deal from there.

Primark was our next stop, just to have a look. Mainly we were on a mission to find some new canvas shoes for James as his actual converse got holes in them after less than a year. The standout pair were some deep turquoise ones which James pondered over and couldn't quite decide if he could "get away with them". In the end we decided that when we go to Liverpool within the next few days he might get them there instead. Other than that hightops were the only black/white option. To which James notably said, "I don't think I'm at that stage in my life."

Manchester Art Gallery had a sweet children's interpretation/interactive quality with information about Greek mythology so that made our experience there fairly enjoyable. Although the exhibitions that I thought we'd be able to see seemed to be closed for "fitting".

Back on the train it was to return to Chez Schorah.

On the flipside (am I allowed to say that?) today was a lovely relaxed and lazy day. Although this afternoon we did go on an hour (and 10 mins!) walk out to James' old school area and back, on the routes he used to walk.

I feel I've written a lot. James is currently playing Golden Sun. Mum is on skype. All is well.

Xiffle (September will be better for blog titles)

Seeing Scott Pilgrim yesterday, going out for an amazing meal with my family and being interviewed for the local radio at a kitting exhibition put me back on track. Dragged me out of the funk that was caused by Mockingjay.

(The above was written on Saturday morning.)

It is now late Sunday and I've since read a fair amount of Art History, been "out on the town" with Jen, Ross and Laura (GOSH MUSIC IN BARS/CLUBS IS SO BAD!) and been out to Belsay Hall to look at the art that is there. All of it was/is based on scale and it was very refreshing.

I'm very tired, you're not going to get much sense from me. I'm in the sort of mood that only cats on youtube can quash.

Instead I watched Wu-How on iPlayer with Haze, talked to James and listened to DoftheG.

xpectations

I know the blog title is a fail.
I don't know how to respond.
I've read a book that I think is very very good. Disturbing, heartbreaking, thought provoking.
It seemed real, I was wrapped up in the world it projected.
I didn't enjoy reading it.
I was on edge.
It was 1984 and Lord of the Flies and like those books and films and ergh.
My brain cannot function yet.
I want to do something else and I can hear Hazel playing her uke and it's so happy.
I could play Portal but the way GLaDOS controls Chell is too close to comfort right now.
I could watch South Park but the cheery colours and their unrelentingly bad taste plots would grate on me, make me cringe and it would all seem so trivial.
I could go downstairs and try to lose myself in some old Glee episodes like I did at lunch and tea (my only breaks from reading) but that would also seem nonsensical.
I could watch a film. I could work on my currency. I could catch up on daily drawings I have been too lazy or tired or busy to do (there are only 2 old ones missing from Edinburgh, promise). I could listen to music so loud that I drift into the past. (This morning I sang so loud to Transvestite by the Shooter Whores - a band that were integral to my life from 13-16).
There is a small niggle inside me that means every time James' internet crashes I feel just a little bit like it's a conspiracy. I don't think I'll feel entirely right until I've let James read the book. Until I've read some other fiction.
I don't know.

Going to tumblr to look at pretty, nerdy pictures. Going to sit in silence except for Haze's uke, going to wait  until it sinks in, until my stomach settles. Going to sleep it off and wake up in the morning and get on with life.

from Liz.

XING

I received a Harry Moon t-shirt today as my DFTBA Records mystery t-shirt. I gave it to Hazel.
I completed my assigned reading for today, and have read and watched a lot of internet things.

I've watched an old episode of Skins, the one where Chris gets and loses his job as an estate agent . It was so sad to watch. I miss the old cast.

Mum has made biscuits and they are amazing.

I had a big sad period of time when I found out that Esther died in the early hours of the morning.

D: She will be in my prayers.

I painted a version of a Nerdfighteria Island for my currency.

I don't have much to blog about to be honest.

It's still too long for my liking until I see James again. *sigh*

Xanthic

Xander (is an x word...)

It's raining, somehow it's the afternoon already, and I'm listening to Dave Days for the first time fully.
There are only maybe 3 songs I've genuinely enjoyed. Although there have been amusing youtube and youth culture references in the other stuff it seems TOO produced and too pop-like, too tween. I don't know how to put it... not quirky or garage-bandy enough. Obviously just not my type of music!

Erase This is next on my list, I'm working through my music shelf with the actual physical CD's. (Yesterday was Awkward Ballads for the Easily Pleased - Tom Milsom which is still my favourite internet musician CD to date; Parrot Stories - Alex Day; Chameleon Circuit; 117% Complete and The Darkness - Permission to Land which had somehow crept into my "youtube" shelf...)

My next task is to get my room in a presentable state to record a video in, a room tour for TSM.

Tidied to Erase This and felt motivated and happy and sang along to my heart's content!

Hank's I'm So Bad At This Live is on now, it's going to very long. I'm not going to edit my video until after lunch, it's ticket book time now.

I just spend too long on that site that is another blogging platform but has rules against me talking about it over here.

I printed a page of photos for my Ticket Book. It's coming along very nicely. ALSO, I have asked Dad to find me some photos for the days I didn't take any. Should be SMASHING by the time it's finished. I might make it a page on my website when I'm done.

Time to edit the video.
Tea interrupted and I'm just about to save it...
Listening to Sarah's Spotify playlist.
Went for a walk. Working on getting this video to work again.

Got that uploaded but it's not processed... :(

Epic skype convo is epic.

Xylophone

• I'm watching the final of Masterchef.
• I own AMAZING bright pink Doc Martens.
• I love James Schorah.
• I drank a mug of red grape juice today.
• Playmobil can get surprisingly dusty when ignored for 3(ish) years.
• Yesterday I went to York with Caitlin (who I've known since I was 4 btw) and Caitlin's Irish boyfriend Alex who pronounced Thirsk as TUSK.
• My sister went zorbing today.
• Today the rain came through my window which meant it must have travelled horizontally.
• I'm scared for all these contestants on Masterchef, even though it was filmed AGES ago.
• Mum's going to a wedding tomorrow, she bought the most gorgeous handbag I have seen in a long time. I'm not THAT into bags, I do like them but I know that while I'm still young it's not even a valid issue. If it's serviceable and has a pocket or two it'll do me. BUT one day I will have an amazing one.
• BLOG TITLE.
• I want to keep blogging until I know who has won.
• Going over to tumblr to have a gander.
• I just read one of the best things: Tom and Tom are recording a new Nowhere Near News RIGHT NOW.
• Emotive music in the background of this is insane, I'm so tense. 
• Oh good on her! :D

Xenoglossia

N - ability to use and understand a language one has never learnt.

I sure wish I had that, that's well cool.

I do realise I'm barely even scraping through this month in a BEWIA way.

Over the weekend we (that's Mum, Dad. Hazel and I) went to Edinburgh Guam.
Whilst we were there we had a very busy time seeing Fitzrovia Radio Hour, Josie Long, Barbershopera, a visit to Jupiter Artland, FREAKING JOHN GREEN and Gutted: the Musical.

I have to say that because there was such variety it is hard to pick my favourite moment. John, Josie and Barbershopera were top really.

I managed to bash myself in the face with a door at the hotel at one moment. I'm going to claim it was because I was tired and disorientated by the warmth of the hotel.

You know what, BB3 is genius. It's just finished showing "Underage and Pregant" and now has moved onto a PAGENT show. I find these people repulsive and very very hard to understand and that's what intrigues me so. OH this is quality, this girl is from freakin' COUNTY DURHAM. OH FFS she was a nerd a wonderful hardworking person and her bloody Mum said it was "too much". :(

I'm becoming incoherent and I'd like to watch this drivel. So I shall take my leave.

Oh, p.s. Hazel and I are starting to collect stuff for a package for you M and you Ash... :D (Don't expect them till nearly Christmas though).

Xerg (the noise I feel like making)

I feel dusty. I have helped Hazel to tidy her room all day. We've filled at least 3 bin bags of rubbish. A LOT of recycling of paper and card. Got rid of some bags, toys, hats and things. Piled and sorted and vacuum'd and cleaned.

I didn't get anything done from my own personal "to-do" list, except for putting the last weekend's photos onto facebook, tagging them and also texting Cait. Although Caitlin hasn't replied so as of now I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow.

I am going to give a quick run down of last week because otherwise I never will.

Wednesday: Last day with James in Durham, he went home on the night and I was sad. I packed for London.
Thursday: Early train to London, Saatchi gallery, Spaghetti House tea, War Horse (which is AWESOME).
Friday: Trafalgar Square, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, Jubilee Gardens gathering. Saw Jen and Rach, met Anders and Tyler. Best part was talking to Dale and John Cox. Bella Italia for tea. Haze and I crashed out at the hotel while Ma and Pa went to see Billy Elliot.
Saturday: V&A, shop browsing, M&S lunch, Hyde Park gathering, spoke to Ali a lot, met lots of great people, rained just after circle formed for Duck, Duck, Goose. Jazza counted 274 people. Stood under tree and sang Happy Birthday to someone who was having a BD picnic we interrupted. Left early to get to gig side of town so we could eat. Took ages as on replacement bus and it took a wrong turn. Ran to Nando's in a deluge of rain. Gig was the best part ever. Dave (BlueSkies), Greg Holden and "Sons of Admirals" (just Tom, Alex and Edd) who rocked the ruddy room. I loved every second despite the burning in my feet and knees. On the bus home (to Victoria anyway) Hazel and I witnessed one of the best conversations ever. A guy behind us was complaining down the phone about not being let into a rave wearing his £120 Prada shiny trainer shoe things. Even though we were tired as sin we giggled 'til we reached the Radisson.
Sunday: Relaxed start with another smashing breakfast, Hazel spotting some Canadian guides, a jaunt to the East End where the Olympic buildings and village are being built. We went on a two hour tour, it was interesting but tiring and the woman hosting it was bizarre. Met up with "the gang" in Regent's Park, sat in shade away from main gathering and then took a jaunt to the Science Museum. Strada for tea.
Monday: Breakfast, shopping, adoration of Urban Outfitters, tubes, M&S, picnic on a train and HOME.

I'm tired now, Hazel's just hurt her head so I have to go see what's going on and have some milk.

Night.

Xenophon

After 9 hours of sleep I have woken up exhausted. I want to know that if I'd only allowed myself 6, I would be feeling more awake now.
I'm listening to podcasts now, the Nowhere Near News one made me laugh so much and Dave's in on now, good so far.

I have to be up and ready to meet my friends in town at 11. It's now quarter past 9 and I really really need to force myself to go have a shower and eat breakfast. The last few days have been a mix of amazing awesome, exhaustion, confusion and fun. My ideal day today would be watching youtube videos, doodling ideas for my currency project (that is lacking hugely in input) and having frequent naps so that I can regain normality.

However, as I haven't seen my friends in a few weeks and I only get to see them in the holidays I know I should and will go into town today to see them.

I will write a blog post, probably tonight, with details from the weekend past. I felt I should write this though as a slight motivation to get my day started.

Talk to you later dearest readers.

x

X

This month is "x", and I always knew I was going to have a problem with it.
I wanted to to BEDA, I really did. However, there are a few variables in my life that would make this a foolish errand to begin.

Firstly, and most importantly, I missed my chance to start yesterday. "Why is that?" I hear you cry (except for that I don't). I was in the house a fair amount yesterday, with internet access but the times I could have blogged I didn't want to and then I fell asleep.
Secondly, there will be more than one day this month I know right now that I wouldn't be able to blog on. I will try and increase posts once again but I cannot promise daily.

Thirdly, do you know any good X-words that would fill a whole month of blogs? No? I thought so. Urban Dictionary (and the real one) can only get you so far.

Since I last posted (scarily that was on the 21st July!) I have been for a meal out with my parents as it was their end of teaching term, recorded my Life in the Day video (which wouldn't save so it cannot be uploaded and submitted) whilst travelling to Leeds to see my Grandad and cousins and go to Opera in the Park. We picked Hazel up from Darlington train station at the end of her Canada trip. I've been to see Mark Watson, Alun Cochrane, Chris Ramsey and Richard Herring all do some standup. James came on the 30th. I've got rid of the huge armchair from my bedroom, I've seen my Great Aunt have her 103rd Birthday. Last night Mum, Dad, Hazel, Nana, James and I went out for a meal.

All has been mainly wonderful apart from a small emotional breakdown I had around lunchtime on Friday, but that is past now.

I'm up early today because I have to be at the doctors in about half an hour to get some more cream so that I can go to London on Thursday with enough. Today we are also planning to go and see Toy Story 3. Very excited about that.

Thanks for reading this if you have, I appreciate it.

Wild Liz appears!

I'm anything but wild. Also, I'm aware I've not been blogging much and I'm fairly miffed about that.

Yesterday I went to see Toy Story 3 along with some of my best friends, Jen, Maddy, Ross and Laura.
It has to be one of the best films I've seen in a while and I've seen some corkers in the last year. Marissa and Marina are aware of this due to the large list I gave them on Skype this morning. Anyway, Toy Story, I would review it but I know people read this who haven't seen it. I'll just leave it with a 5/5 rating. :D

I'm listening to Skyway Flyer on Spotify. It's so strange to hear Jason's voice not in MoM. I'm used to hearing Luke do things that aren't Wrock after ALL CAPS (both CD's are awesome) and Erase This. I might download this album, but then again I could just Spotify it over and over and just not have it portable. I cannot decide.

A musician called Todd Kuffner has just released his first album, I've followed him on youtube for over a year now and he is damn fantastic. It's a double disk CD with over 40 songs in all. He's charging £20 for the physical (inc. shipping) and so I will wait 'til Haze is home to see if she will share the cost with me.

Today I intended to do a lot of tidying so I could find my camera battery. Instead I did other things and now I'm a bit annoyed at myself.

I've now watched Seasons 12, 13 and 14 of South Park and am very nearly finished with Season 11. Though I think I will take a break from it tonight because I have a wonderful new book to read and I'm excited. Bring on the Artemis Fowl!

Sometimes I wish I was the sort of person who had rules with clothing, like if I had a wardrobe of colours that were just within the red/purple/pink range with a bit of black. It would be so good, everything would go with everything. But then BLUE I would miss blue so much, and green and those random yellow or orange or brown things. I'm so terrible at clothes. Although today, because I have my newest awesome favourite shorts on and a purple top, it goes and looks ok.

Rambles happen when I don't blog daily, I feel out of touch with the world of typing. I really need to get more accurate at it so I have to his backspace fewer times.

I bet you don't know that on my windowsill is a small jug in the shape of a cat holding a fish. The liquid would come through the mouth of the fish and the whole cat's head comes off to fill it up.
That was unnecessary wasn't it.

Last Squirrel Rebellion video for a while tomorrow. Proms in the park in Leeds on Saturday. Hazel comes home on Sunday and I'm so ruddy happy about that. Next Thursday is Alan Cochrane. James is coming up next Friday. Richard Herring on Saturday. James is here 'til the 4th then we go to London on the 5th. See War Horse. Then it's ruddy SUMMER IN THE CITY 2010!

I'm very happy.

Well, that's one thing to tick off the list

Only one week passed since I gathered the footage, I'm fairly proud.

Jessi Slaughter is one of the daftest but funniest things of the last few days and Hazel has missed the whole thing.

Last night we went to see John Hegley and it was one of the funniest and witty nights of the summer. Dad won a book by writing a joke. Also for wearing glasses.

Actually I ticked a few things off my list today including vacuuming the stairs!

Water from the sky

I have almost written this blog a few times, with that title. It's the heavy heavy rain that is interrupting our sunshine that causes my desire to type it. I love the rain.

The other day (Saturday) James and I went out. We took a train to Chester and went looking for painted rhinos. (I think I will make a video about this over the weekend). The weather we just warm, not sunny, overcast but comfortable. On the way back we stopped off in Liverpool. The rain there was terrific. I got soaked through. We also called into the TESCO at St. Helen's. Good value for a £4.50 saveaway train ticket!

Since that day I've come home and whilst at home have watched the film Eagle Eye and The Shawshank Redemption. (At James' we watched Angels and Demons and also The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen).
EE was alright, a good film to iron to, which is what I did. It had LABEOUF in it. Which I assume is why we own it Hazel being such a big fan o'him and all.
TSR was intense and amazing and probably now up on my favourite films of all time. (As I'm typing this the videos for today's tsr video are uploading, confusing!)
AaD was a bit pants but good enough to keep me watching until the end. Same with TLoEG actually. It wasn't as good as I expected but it was quite awesome to have all those fictional characters in one film. Yey for Dorian Grey.

I've picked a heck of a lot of raspberries from our garden this morning. Are you aware of the chocolates that are named "Celebrations"? You know that they come in tubs sometimes. Often plastic ones these days, big enough to store a standard cake in? Well one of those FILLED with raspberries this morning.

I am very proud of my Uncle Steven who is featured in this article. His business (part of it) is an art gallery/store and it's hosting an exhibition at the moment that sounds fantastic.
I remember last summer (I think) when we (Hazel, Mum, Dad and I) all chipped in to help them move and display their entire stock whilst their building was renovated.

It's my Mum's Birthday today. I made her a card with origami on it. It was Hazel's Birthday on the 13th also (which because I didn't blog then I feel needs a mention).

Sorry for the abundance of brackets in this blog - I felt them necessary.

Toodle-pip. I'm off to edit a video.

Wigan

I'm staying sort of near there. At James' house in Garswood.
Yesterday I found out my results from my first year of Uni. Art said 75 and PinE was 62. I'm actually very happy about this.

I'm also extremely proud of James' results especially the one where he got 100% on one of the exams. :D

We've watched the rest of FlashForward now and that was pretty good, although the ending was fairly disappointingly abstract. Also, I finished Mostly Harmless and have started reading And Another Thing. It's very froody so far.

Either today or tomorrow we're going to go on a trip to Chester. Weather dependant and also if James ever gets out of bed. :)

S'all I have to report. Thank you for reading.

Wind

It really is blustery in Durham today. There is a tile on the roof ratting around audibly and my curtains keep being wafted around.

Not much to say about today other than I was rather lazy. Did some reading. Watched "Yes Man" which isn't really a good film but Reece Darby is in it which makes it much better. Zooey is too young for Jim Carey.

On a very exciting and happy note. I spent a fair wodge on money on train tickets to James' house and back today. I'm going on Wednesday, back on Monday. Very excited about this.

Lots of bits of faffing to do before that though.

Until tomorrow (or a later time).

x

What do I talk about first?

I'm currently in a conversation with Hazel, M'Dawg and two wonderful new people I hadn't met until tonight called Evie and Annie. It's wonderful.

Today I went to the cinema with Jen, we saw a preview of Eclipse. The fight training/scenes were good. The charm and the ring Edward gave Bella were foul. The charm Jake gave her was lovely.

Meeting with Rebecca last Wednesday was lovely.

I've been writing a proper blog/diary so I keep forgetting to update this.

Too long 'til I see James again. Too long.

*Yawns* I think it's bed time soon.

Verklempt

Yesterday marked 9 months of a wonderful relationship between James and I. Unfortunately he is in Lancaster still and I am in Durham.
Instead of a day with him I had a day thinking about currency and watching DVDs.

Since yesterday I have got through (including special features on most) 8.

Rhod Gilbert and the Award Winning Mince Pie
Jimmy Carr Live
Spike Milligan I Told You I Was Ill... A Live Tribute
Mark Thomas Live Serious Organised Criminal
Peter Kay Stand Up UKay
Eddie Izzard Circle
Russell Howard Live Dingledoodies
Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure.

Most of them, FANTASTIC. Spike, Russell and Dave at the top, Mark, Rhod, Jimmy and Peter next. Eddie Izzard's show failed a bit. A bit too 2000, stilted. Dave's 2003 show made me chuckle like nobody's business and Spike's material is ancient (compared to the rest) and was brilliant. So I've come to the conclusion Izzard's comedy isn't to my taste.

Dunno quite what to go onto next. On the pile I don't have many comedy ones I've not seen and there is a lot of stuff I would have to pay full attention to. Proper films and that. ANYWAY.

I get to see my very good friend Rebecca tomorrow who I so very rarely see. It's going to be great, I can tell!

xx

Vanished?

I'm had a rather good week at home, although the lack of James has been noticed and he has been missed greatly.

Sunday was Father's day, I cut the hedge with shears and made my wrist hurt. I was introduced to Glee.
On Monday I tried to sort through some of my bags of *things* that I'd brought back from Uni and watched Glee. Made a video, drew some and listened to the Dave Gorman podcast.
Tuesday was picnic day. Met Jen, Laura, Ross and Maddy in Durham, sat by the river. GOOD times. Dentist in the afternoon. All is well. Art show at school, some very good work, especially my friend David's which will be in Hazelizabeth when I get 'round to it.
Wednesday, I finished watching Glee. Listened to the football on the radio. Went shopping for food with Mum.
Thursday (yesterday) I went to town to meet up with Caitlin, we talked nearly non-stop. We stopped when we went to look at an exhibition in the Cathedral which was photos and life stories from female prisoners.
Friday was slob day. I barely did anything but sit in bed and read/watch. I did sort some washing out though.

I need to write up the SSAGO things on the website and sort my scrapbook for today.

OH, I also found out my summer art project which is to produce a realistic currency. For whoever/wherever I want. Idea will come soon I hope.

Kay, bye.


xxx

Variations

Long time, no blog.

Yesterday I spent a few hours making this:

All in chain stitch is a rendition of my lovely turtle Duck, I've made it for James because he threatened to take Duck home with him over summer, I couldn't allow that so I made this.

I've also started a scrapbook for my summer. I hope it works and turns out to be a treasured item.

I edited a video, I'm not massively happy with it but I needed to put it up and the last 30 seconds make me giggle at my own failure to play the game. 

James finished his exams in under 2 hours. I will finally get to watch Dr. Who tonight, listen to Dave Gorman and we might even have a celebratory meal.

I've been planning to fully clean my bathroom for days. I might even get round to that before I leave!

:)

The sun is shining and yesterday I got to talk to ALL my sexymacaroni's on Skype. I'm making a squirrelrebellion video tomorrow and yeah, I hope to start blogging again. More.

Value

Today you're getting one of those round-up blogs that has a little bit of everything in it.

On Monday morning I was getting ready for my exam, about 8:45 I got a phone call telling me that the banner that I ordered for SSAGO as at Bowland and there was no porter. So I nipped down uber fast to pick it up, got back to my room, dropped it off and then set off to the Minor Hall. When I got there I had a quick natter to Paige and Hannah and soon enough 9:30 rolled around and we filed in. I was going to be sat in seat number 13, I'm not superstitious and yet when MY number 13 was in Comic Sans and every other number I walked past was in a more "old fashioned" looking font, well. My table also had someone's blue biro scribble about wanting to kill the girl they were sat next to... -_-

Well, after that exams was over (and the questions were fairly good!) I made some chocolate brownie, not as good as the stuff my Mum made (I SO need that recipe) but ok. I whiled away my day online just watching random things and reading blogs.

Tuesday morning started with me going to do my clothes washing and sitting reading Alex Rider, Crocodile Tears, twas good. By the end of the day I'd finished it.

We had a SSAGO Leaver's Meal out last night and it was TASTY!
The bread and butter to start was immense followed by a lamb RUMP with new potatoes and veg. I chose to eat broccoli even though I don't like it massively. The carrots were lovely too, especially with the gravy!
Pudding was just amazing, the chocolate mousse had been taken off the menu I went for the peanut and white chocolate parfait. SO SO SO good.

I headed back to campus afterwards rather than going on to the White Cross Pub Quiz.

Today I wrote some book reviews for my other blog and read some of Charlie Higson's The Enemy.

Going to watch some more Come Dine With Me now, because I can.

:D

Vincent Van Gough

I was looking forward to this episode massively. Lets hope it lives up to expectations. It'll be the first episode I am to watch entirely by myself.

Here are my random thoughts from while I watched it.

The doctor's incredulous looks when Vincent and Amy were flirting

HAT

ARGH COFFEE POT ON PAINTING

"I can hear the colours" synathesia win

His big mirror device for recognising the chicken monster, so cool. So reminds me of HP and basilisk

"This content doesn't seem to be working. Try again later" WTF

alone, characters that are alone. Vincent Dr Amy without Rory

his sad curled up depression is what this actor is perfect with, that Dave Gorman, despite his awesomeness couldn't have played without me giggling a bit

"Why are you crying"   HOW DOES HE SEE SO MUCH

"Is this how time normally passes?"

I loved the camera wobble as the dr walked too

Armed with a chair!

Him accidentally said Rory. :(

Focus of camera

the triangle

oh dear me wow the doctor looking so upset that it's near the end if his life

god I wish he was a companion, shame that would change history

ohhhh they're journeying


I've BEEN THERE! It's such a lovely building.

BUT what if the pressure of knowing what he would become but he seems so happy

I feel like crying

ohhhh "im not really the marrying kind"  EEEERRRFF

Nighy is so amazing

"for Amy"
"the ultimate ginger"

TEARS MATE TEARS

Viacom

They ruined Neopets years ago and now look set to ruin YouTube too.

Alan has written a blog about it which covers the topic much more eloquently than I could.

I had a smashing day today.
Parents and Hazel turned up, went to see and feed the ducks. Went for lunch (us and James). Had to wait ages for our food but it was tasty. Dropped James off so he could revise and went shopping for food. Caused a minor problem when my shelf was being used in the fridge and I moved everything. Sorry Adam! Put a lot of things in the car to go home with my parents, mainly art materials I won't need until next year. Waved them off. Going to read my emails then do a minor bit of revision before going over to James' for tea me thinks.

Sweet sweet warm sunshine today too.

:D

Vulpix

Kirsty and I had a lovely little chat about Pokémon as we walked back up from our SSAGO BBQ tonight, I'm going to miss her next year as she is a third year and leaving, along with both Chris and Matt. Goodness me I hope next year's freshers are a good lot!

Things I'm Thankful For

1. I have a wonderful sister, Mum and Dad.
2. I have an amazing boyfriend (8 months!)
3. I’m a Girl Guide (YEY)
4. I don’t drink
5. I don’t smoke
6. I I have a roof over my head
7. I regard other people’s feelings
8. I don’t do drugs
9. I listen to, and have access to, music that isn't the churned out processed rubbish, I enjoy it
10. I don't have to, so don't ever, wear high heals
11. I’m not obsessed with any reality tv or "celebrity gossip"
12. I’m healthy enough
13. I’m happy 
14. I have great friends back home and at Uni
15. I know right from wrong
16. I don’t follow the crowds
17. I have an education and am still continuing it
18. I can appreciate culture and be critical and appreciative of art and other art forms
19. I have all five of my senses
20. I have the capacity and willingness of an open heart.

I properly stole this from Hazel and changed some bits.

<3