#30

I'd like to address the topic of exercise in this blog today.

When I was younger I used to have swimming lessons. They were my only real exercise every week.
When we did PE at Infants and Juniors I wasn't very good but I didn't hate it. I rather liked our silly games and attempts at netball or whatever.
At break time you would probably find me skipping or playing games that involved running.

However, when we got to Comp I sort of developed a dislike for sport. It was a chore, it was 2 hours a week that I didn't like doing because it tired me out and I wasn't good at it. I wasn't fat or particularly unable, I think if I'd tried harder and been dedicated to something I might have been alright at something, maybe. Although I am quite un-coordinated.

Worst of all was running though, anything longer than the 100m would give me stitches, make me feel awful and make me feel bad about myself for the rest of the day. I just didn't have the stamina or determination to be better at it. Basically, badminton and hockey were the only sports I really enjoyed doing at school. By the time we got to 6th form and I didn't have to do sport at all I was happy. Finally I didn't have to work up a sweat over something I didn't enjoy. In my spare time I could read and learn and share and enjoy life rather than feel all ikky and exhausted.

I know the adrenaline from exercise is supposed to be good, and I have to be truly honest and admit that sometimes it did feel good to compete and win. I once got a stamp for a gymnastics routine I came up with and I sometimes aced at ping pong if I was in the right mood.

Basically, I do jack - nowt about keeping fit other than not gorging myself silly on junk food.

Last year I developed a very strange ailment that has something to do with exertion and heat reactions. Once time last year I looked down at my thighs and was a bit grossed out so I went for a run.
This run sent my new and strange hive reaction illness into overdrive and after a 10 minute jog I was so itchy my skin would have felt better if I'd clawed it to blood, I was thankfully running with James and he walked with me back to my room as I tried my best not to tear my skin apart. I ended up blacking out just as I got to my room.
I spent the rest of the day in bed feeling horrendous.

This hive reaction isn't just a running caused thing though. Being in a room that is suddenly warm after a cold outside (or the other way round) and make my skin hive up and itchy. Before I got prescribed my daily anti-histamines I would sometimes have a severe reaction from just a very gentle walk in the sun.

I'm telling you this because it worries me, I don't know if I'll ever be able to exercise properly if I ever decide to make that decision. Also, I don't have a bus pass any more (I only got a 2 term one) and I am now walking every time I go to and from campus/town. Today I felt a tiny bit itchy on my walk. I was meandering, not even walking briskly. It was windy and I was a bit warm from movement. This slight clash was enough to make my elbows flare up even though I'd had my anti histamine an hour before. (Bear in mind they last for 14 hours).

I'm hoping this near daily walking won't be bad for me, I'm hoping very much it will help me tone my legs so I can feel better in shorts in the coming months. Less tights, more leg.

There is no argument to this blog, there is very little point at all. It is a record of my thoughts, feelings and actions and today you got an insight into my experience with sports.

I should have done this earlier in the month.
Alas, earwax.

I'll write back soon, I promise.

#29

I'm typing this up quickly at James' because I don't want the day to go by without me making a note of what happened.

Very little out of the ordinary, if I'm honest.

Early to rise I have read, revised and considered. Made a short and not so brilliant video and walked to town.

We were very lazy tonight and went to KFC for tea, we've been meaning to do it as a treat as soon as James was eating meat again.

500 Days of Summer was really lovely to re-watch. Some of the deleted scenes seemed so strange and I can see why they changed it for the final version.

Anyhoo, busy busy day tomorrow with a training day from 10-6!

Tatty-bye!

#28

I spent most of "today" (I'm fully aware that it's the 29th now) alternating between sorting my room out, putting stuff away, running errands and sorting out my presentation that needs to be handed in on Wednesday.

I watched the Masterchef final, which I thought went really well for all of them and the winner deserved their win.

As it reached the evening, James and I had a really late tea, spent ages discussing his story for his blog and ended up starting to watch Zombieland far too late so that I fell asleep during it and was not inclined to wake up and write this blog.

So there you go!

See you tonight, hopefully!

#27

I'm back in Lancaster in my room in Slaidburn.

My kitchen was found today with the fridge hanging open and despite me putting a chair against it early on, when I came back later it was open again.

Tomorrow I am going to complain about it but for now I am tired and would probably phrase it badly.

Mum and Dad drove me back today and because they are lovely and wonderful they took us out for a meal at Bella Italia!

We walked back from town, James and I.

I started editing my video and he fell asleep.
It's only just gone past 9 o'clock!

Glee was fantastic today. I'll have to save the Masterchef final until tomorrow so please don't spoil it!

Toodle pip!

#26

So, hello.

Today I finally stuck a blog up on elizabethcreaghan.com, went for a walk with Mum and Hazel to the bank on the highstreet and was shocked and appalled to see that the Noddy badges had him in a plane and not a car.

What children must watch on tv these days I just don't know.

I went through some of my old seminar notes too which has got me more in a mindset of security for my exam. Now I just need to learn how to use a pen again and write solidly for 3 hours.

That'll be this weekend's task.

#25

I'll write to you as I admire Master Chef again.

I've been to Leeds and back 4 times since I've been home. Today I got to eat a big meal at my Aunt and Uncle's house, see my Great Aunt again and visit Grandad in hospital.

There were some amazing moments today.

• watching Hazel's stop frame on the tv
• hearing Uncle Steven laugh to near tears at Uncle Carl's false teeth (even though he was just remembering)
• The story about the crazy guy on Grandad's ward. "No not your trousers, your cardigan!"
• Tutoring Matt with his English as both Haze and I have studied Death of a Salesman at A Level too.
• and, best of all
• Grandad's face when we showed him the knitted hedgehog. He lit up and was just suddenly so him, so alive and spirited again, it was wonderful.

So I've made my VEDA video for today, Masterchef has ended, I've only got one full day back at home. Just what I'll do is still unknown!

#24

Hazel has made a genuinely fantastic video today with the help of the sweetest knitted hedgehog ever, Mum knitted it.

We're watching a harrowing program about a plane crash in 1958 that involved the Manchester United football team. David Tennant is in it and so is the guy who played Cook in Skins.

I've finally put faces to the names on our exec page on the SSAGO site.

Also, Dad has found me some bingo game cards. Get in.

I'm going to Leeds tomorrow, have Tuesday to revise and pack and do all sorts and then I'm back to Uni on WEDNESDAY!

I'm looking forward to going back but I'm going to miss home too. Miss my family and Durham in general.

But the lure of Lancaster looms too.

I have about 6 weeks left before my exam. Getting a bit intimidating now.

Ta'ra.

#23

Another late typing sessions because I made a video today and on days such as these I find little need to type too.

I made a video about Dr Who (the start of NewS6) today.
I also finished off going through the set texts from this year for quotations.

Tomorrow I hopefully get my hands on some books.

YES!

Night.

#22

It's Dad's Birthday today so we went out for quite a sumptuous meal this lunch time.

Eslington Villa was a beautiful and sedate venue with such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We took Nana along too so it was lovely to all be dressed up and enjoying time together while we ate delicious food.

Afterwards we went to South Shields to a knitting/art exhibition which was very intriguing. My favourite was perhaps the proggy mat fish or the fully knitted Scream pastiche.

We've just watched "The Wedding Singer" which was an Adam Sandler film made in 1998. It was rather great considering the age of it and that it starred Adam Sandler. I think he's just got worse with age.

Time for some topical comedy on Have I Got News For You.

: )

#21

By way of tiredness and lack of time I shall direct you to my video for today.






More shall be typed in the morning I assume.

#20

I'm in a foody mood.

We've had a wonderful carbonara for tea and we're watching Masterchef.

For lunch I had a rather fancy chilli con carne and last night was, well, it needs a paragraph of its own.

Red Hot Buffet. The sign caught out eye as we left the car park in "The Lights" in Leeds. We thought about it as we went on a short walk into the city and decided that a worldly buffet was just what we needed.
As we headed down the stairs in the restaurant we passed fake check in desk and walked through a corridor decked out like an aeroplane's cabin. Taking out seats in the thriving consuming area we marvelled at the decor and aromas.

Taking our first plates around the room of food was an adventure in itself. I piled mine up with various salad, curry, naan bread, noodles, rice, prawn crackers, sausages, buttery veg (and more!). It was delicious. There were even some dishes that you could order to be cooked in front of you on a hot plate! Puddings were various and plentiful too in perfect bite sized portions which made it very easy to eat a bit too much!

Anyhow, I'll stop harping on about food now and get some sleep.

x

#19

We're heading off to Leeds today, I don't know how good the internet is going to be there but I hope I'll be able to get online tomorrow.
Today's blog is stolen straight from Hayley G Hoover.

1. The overall theme for the apocalypse:
January's Child - The Alice Band
I can't remember what this song is about but I doubt it's suitable. Especially as I'm a December child.

2. The song that plays when I kill my first zombie:
Try Your Best - Kaiser Chiefs
Quite right, I wouldn't be an expert.

3. The song that plays while I'm being chased by a horde:
Tonite - Phats and Small
I don't know why I keep these songs from the Hits CDs.

4. When I kill my loved one:
Fake Tales of Sanfranciso - The Arctic Monkeys
:(

5. When I find a group of survivors:
Cuyahoga - REM
It's about building a new world. Pretty good!

6. When I meet my new love interest:
Steppin' Sideways - E-Quest

7. When I make my final stand:
I've Got Nothing - Chartjackers
AHAHAHAH

8. When I think I've survived it all:
Clouds [instrumental] - James and the Giant Peach Sountrack

9. When I discover a bite mark on me:
Rambling Pony - Fleetwood Mac
Totally irrelevant

10. The song during the end credits:
A Brief Repose - The Whomping Willows.


Well that was a bit of a failure, I don't want to do it again to see if it works better.
Toodles.

#18

Not too much to report to day guys.

Lots of reading and revision, a lovely chat with James on Skype.

Over 6 resets of the internet.

Some podcasts.

I am not in the mood to try and type again today, still a little bit sleep deprived and we have to get up early tomorrow as far as I'm aware.

Toodillyo.

#17

So, dear readers of mine.
I'm currently running on under 5 hours sleep right now and my ability to type has deteriorated to a poor level.

Last night has been briefly covered in the latest Hazelizabeth video.

Once I returned home today I caught up on blogs and some videos, started listening to a podcast and fell asleep for only half an hour. Woke up refreshed and ate lunch.

This afternoon Mum and I undertook a cake project.
They are wonderful.







Time for more podcasts and total relaxation.

#16

Today is going to be one of those life experiences.

You might expect that a 20 year old would have, by now, experienced a birthday night out that lasts until 3 in the morning.

I haven't but tonight that is going to change. I'm going to be on sober duty (as per) but also on camera and taxi duty too.

It's Ross' birthday bash in Newcastle; I'm a bit apprehensive.

An adventure it will be I'm sure.

#15

So, this is pretty much a "what I did today diary". However I don't do all that much and today I'm making a video.

Technically it's now past midnight and I've failed...

But also, I've not been to bed yet so I haven't.

I was counting vouchers but now I've given up on them as I'm tired.

Sorry for the lack of intrigue of any type.

x

#14

Our day in York went very well indeed.

Train journeys are lovely most of the time but sharing one with Hazel and introducing her to Sopio just made it even better! (She won!)

The shops in York are gorgeous, the type of shop that makes you rethink being thrifty.

York Uni has a massive man made plastic bottomed lake full of birds. We nearly got attacked by a goose.

I liked our day out even though I had to keep telling people that I wasn't applying and I was there with my sister.

Tonight I've counted more Tesco and Sainsbury's vouchers for Dad's school and listened to more podcasts and also watched some of the HPDH1 special features.

All is well, it is bedtime.

Night x

#13

"Well, I think I might have had some juice..."

To the unaware reader (I assume only James) the above may seem to be a fairly bland phrase.
You might find it difficult to believe that it had Hazel and I bent double, barely able to breathe, in the car this evening.

We drove past the entrance to Hamsterly Forrest.
It reminded me of a trip I'd taken with my friend Steph when we were probably about 6 or 7.
I recalled being offered boiled sweets that I had to refuse because of my eczema.
Hazel and I reminisced about how often we had to do that.

I brought up the fact that I would often blame any after party eczema on juice (as you cannot deny a thirsty child a drink)...

Then the laughter overtook us.


Other than that I've just made a video of Hazel's Clarinetix and I revised a bit today and listened to more Russell and Jon casts from 2006.

All is well, York tomorrow.

#12

Half 10 this morning as I popped my headphones on and locked the door I didn't really know what my trip would entail and how long I'd be out. I wasn't fussed, I knew I'd enjoy my day.

Today's walk was good although it was windy and a little cold. I met up with Ross and we went here and there all over town so he could buy some things for his designing. I had the most delicious paninni for lunch and we went to look if there were any films on. They were all due to start at 4 so instead we just finished up with some Waterstone's browsing and chatter.

I was home by 2, I stuck on a podcast but fell asleep. I don't even know how but I did.

Well, now it's nearly 7pm and I'm going to write out some notes for Art.

x

#11

I'm going to redirect you to this blog:
http://tikken.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/beda-free-michael/
it matters.

Today Mum and I drove to Leeds, picked up Auntie Irene, drove to The House of Lords and, after eating lunch, set off with mu Aunt, Uncle and cousin Matt to a lovely church about 20 mins away.

Auntie Hilda's funeral was a pure celebration of the life of someone who was clearly beloved by all she knew.

We also popped in to see Grandad while we were in the vicinity.
He's still lying down in bed and not his usual upbeat self. :(

Since I returned to Durham I've edited and posted a video and laughed myself silly at my own behaviour, also Hazel's latest squirrel video is well worth a watch for the giggle factor.

I'm exhausted for no real reason and I'm going to town to meet Ross tomorrow.

Until yonder morning breaks.

x

#10

Today I worked through the Dave Gorman live show, drawing in the talking parts and writing notes in the music parts. 

I'm listening to the extras on the podcast now because I can.

I'm sure I had more to write about today.

Probably something about how I haven't ticked any of my other tasks off my long list.

I really need to fill in my health cost claim form thing, and do a lot of SSAGO stuff.

My own website has been neglected too and that needs rectifying. 

However, tomorrow is a day off from work so you'll have to wait to see any significant updates. 

I miss James.

x

#9

Not got long to write this, I nearly forgot!

Hazel had a concert this evening at Bowes Museum with the County Durham Wind Band.
It was really fantastic, they're all so talented.

Before heading to Bowes we watched the Grand National at my Nana's house.
Dad picked the winner, Nana picked the one that came third. Everyone else lost.

Early parts of my day consisted of writing a letter, revising and massive editing on the geddan video that you can see on Hazelizabeth!

Night y'all.

#8

"Too early," I thought as I awoke, "I bet it's not even 7 yet."
I switched on my phone to see 6:57 staring at me.
Typical.

Anyway, after about an hour of just lying around, too lethargic to go downstairs, I eventually decided I couldn't put off a bathroom visit any longer.

Soon I was showering and getting ready to go food shopping with Mum before a haircut at half 10.

My haircut was done and dusted just as it reached 11, the time I'd planned on meeting up with my friends for a picnic.

We spent a good 4 hours around the dun cow sculpture, eating and reminiscing. The sun was totally lovely and there was just enough breeze by the river for it to be comfortable and not clammy.

I got the bus home around 4 because I was not prepared to walk for an hour in the sun to get home.

Since then I was put to work shredding receipts while I indulged in yet more old Jon Richardson podcasts.

Mum is on the phone to Auntie Margaret and it's so funny to hear just her half of this conversation. I'm in the living room because BT infinity is very temperamental!

I have the distinct feeling that after our chicken based tea I'll be counting TESCO and Sainsbury's vouchers all night.

Ta'ra!

#7

I awoke this morning from a very strange dream which involved catching the wrong bus over and over then getting told off by my dad for not owning a waterproof torch and then doing some sort of potato sack race over water.

Once I'd shaken that dream from my head I showered and prepared myself for the day.
Walking into town, listening to music, to meet up with Caitlin.
I ran some errands and had a quick chat with Hannah Howden when I saw her in the market place before Cait arrived.

We pretty much talked non-stop for 4 and a half hours. Only food could stop us and the chicken wrap and Daim bar cake did very well.

One of the most fun parts of our shop browsing was trying to find cups and mugs for my art project in charity shops. Mostly they were in sets that I couldn't separate by buying just one. Some of the tacky items they have for sale are hilarious.

By the time I got home at half 5 my feet and hips were aching. I felt a bit old and creaky but realised I'm just terribly out of practice.

Tomorrow brings with it a possible haircut and a picnic instead of a night out. Plans change and so I'm all up for a picnic in the sun!

Talk to you tomorrow!

#6

Foo Fighters - Best of You

What a wonderful song to hear as I turn my DAB radio onto Kerrang for some inspirational music to get me though what I am deeming "the day of productivity".

As I mentioned yesterday I have plans for every day until Tuesday.
Tomorrow is "Caitlin Day" then I have "Reading and Going out Friday".
Saturday is "Sister Saturday" because I have to make a VEDA video, which might be a joint one and in the evening I'm going to Bowes museum to watch her perform in a Clarinetix.
Sunday might not have proper plans but I have to revise so it's pretty much taken up with that.
Monday is a funeral which will take up most of my day travelling to.

The End - Roadrunner United

I've never heard this one before, it's not the best song ever but it have this sound to it which is just SO Kerrang. Takes me right back to when I first got this radio/cd/tape deck system.

Onto my work now, I'll be back to type to you soon enough I guess.

Lonely Day - System of a Down while I write out Greenberg quotations...

---

So I've got up to week 4 in notes and I've listened to about 5 podcasts today too!
I'm really thinking about reading Witch's Boy again so I might start that tonight even though I know I should finish LOTR first.

Mind you, it's Masterchef in a bit so I think that's going to have to be watched!

#5

Late post today but I've been busy.

I've let down my dad my not doing the washing up properly and I let down myself by loosing my keys within my own coat.

However, I have started writing up quotations from the first few lectures of the year and I have made a video.
Last night's ginger biscuits have been a constant temptation but I survived by only caving and eating one pig and one rabbit.

I got to go see Hazel sing in a massive performance of Carmina Burana. She was part of the Durham County Choir but there was also the Darlington choir, a load of instrumentalists and a small section of younger students form various schools to make up some specific high chorus parts. It was an immersing and engaging experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. All 75 minutes of it.

Yesterday, Dad gifted me some pastel sharpies. They're very interesting and I am sure they will help me in my quest to organise my holiday via lists.

I have something planned pretty much every day until next Tuesday at the moment so that shall be fun to blog about!

Hope you're all well!

:D

#4

The Justin Bieber episode of Glee is on so I'll be watching that thank-you very much.

Today was an odd one. I woke up once everyone had left the house and so couldn't decide whether to stay in bed all day (or at least my pyjamas) or make a move and get dressed properly.

I compromised by staying in bed until 9 and then only putting on my comfy shorts and Dr Who top.

I spent a bit of this morning making a plan for the next four weeks and then a bit of time on my Prezi for art. However I've not sorted out a script for that yet or got the path quite right. I want some spinning bits I think.

We made ginger biscuits this afternoon and because I am a failure at all things "measuring" I SABOTAGED the whole experience by just pouring in some syrup without using a table spoon. The exact science of cooking was not entirely ruined when a bit more was added and the biscuits came out fine and dandy.

You should check out thesquirrelrebellion video by Hazel later on so you can see them.

OH right, yeah. The casting for The Hunger Games was revealed today. Tumblr is upset. I'm not too fussed because to be totally honest I never believed either of the guys were all that handsome in the books. They're very rural.

Going to sit back and watch Sue and Britt make this show awesome.

Ciao.

#3

I couldn't upload my video for so long, I actually tried about 8 times.
It's up now though and within the right time frame so technically we haven't failed VEDA.

Today I went to visit my Grandad in hospital in Leeds.
It was an emotional journey to say the least.
He's 91 and has been such a strong, decisive and independent man for so long.
Being in hospital and having to eat their food and be in bed does not suit him at all.

We also called in on my Great Aunt and Uncle, brought them some broccoli and carrots. They're not in the best shape either.

Mum told me all about her trip to Middleton in Teesdale with her Year 5s. It sounds like an adventure and a half.
During her explanation of the dog owned by the lady in charge of the centre she beautifully worded this description:
"That dog is just a flapjack on legs"

Night night!

#2

Ruddy BEDA I nearly forgot.

I've brought my laptop downstairs while I watch Russell Howard's Good News with the whole family.
I'm back home in Durham, we travelled from Lancaster today and stopped in Kirby-Stephen for lunch on the way back.

The internet here has gone off 4 times this evening which is an arsekettle.

We took a trip to tkmaxx today and I got a good shopping haul for the first time in AGES!
A dress, some shorts, a top and some shoes!

Well, this isn't a quality blog but I have to watch this show.

Night all!

#1

I've had an odd day.
I half made a VEDA video this morning but couldn't think of how to start it properly but then Hazel and I decided to collaborate on VEDA and do it on hazelizabeth.
I feel much better about that because it means we can share the load and it also will not clutter up our personal channels!

I've vacuum'd today, finally! I'm nearly packed to go home. All my left over fresh food is at James' as he is staying at Uni over these holidays.
I'm going to miss him so much.

I've got a horrendous pile of books and papers to take home and revise from.

This is gibberish but I think I'll get back into the writing flow as this moth progresses.

I'm very tired, I got up at 8ish this morning and it's only around 11pm but I could sleep right now if I wasn't writing this.

Alas, I'm heading offline soon so that I can get my 40+ winks and be lively in the morrow.

Toodles.