#101: () () () Happy Easter! () () ()

Hello! Happy Easter! My eggs have consisted of a Hello Kitty one from my mum, a Munchies mug one from my brother, and a Creme Egg mug one from Shinny.

So, Easter? What does it mean? What does it symbolise? Certainly not the resurrection of Christ, that's for sure!

Good Friday celebrates the four quarters of the moon. This is where the cross comes from.

And today, Easter Sunday? Celebrating fertility, sex, and life. This is where the symbol of the egg comes from. And the bunny? The pagan goddess would transform into a hare at Easter time. Sure, this doesn't sound any more plausible than a man being brought back from the dead, however the pagan goddess, like the green man, is just the force of good...

It is the wind against us,
That spreads the seeds,
The grass that grows beneath us,
And warms the trees,
It's in the seasons that change us,
And brings us our years.
It gives us life, and death,
That we should never fear.

So, if she wants to see the world in which she has helped to grow, through the eyes of a hare, once a year, why the hell not?

Here's what I'll be wearing in the name of Easter :)

#100: ! Happy 100th Day !

This is my 100th blog post! Hooray! I did it! :D Definitely worth celebrating when you get to 3 digits! :) And as it's Easter, that's also worth celebrating. So, I decided to treat myself to a takeaway curry, and a beer. I got to Sean's and tucked in, then played drinking games, with him and Squelch. I saw some great people out, and had drinks with Carla, Alex, and Ben.

Happy Easter everyone! :)

#99: Good Friday Poem

Walker's Sensations, of chilli and cheese.
Lemon french fancies, for afterwards please.
Hot cross buns, and a cup of tea,
And Takeshii's Castle on the T.V.
Arguments occur from both families,
They all go away when I sing with Shinny.
Work tomorrow is a misery,
But Sunday's roast is awaiting me!


Hope everyone's had a Good Friday! Ha... Ha... Get it?!

#98: Hair Bear

So, today's been pretty awesome! I woke up, got dressed, paid my mum back some money I owed her, went to the salon, and had my hair done, painted my nails, bought a scarf and a top, found out I had been paid, had drinks and snacks at The Crown, bought Cosmo, then spent the evening with my beautiful boyfriend, drinking hot chocolate. It doesn't come much better than that!

I decided to do a "before and after shot", of my hair, but it doesn't do the example any justice, in the slightest...

I wanted my hair the usual brown, and golden brown colour, with blonde highlights, and shaping around the jaw line, and cheekbones, which is exactly what I got, and I'm very pleased with it. But you can not see that in the photos. My before shot was in the morning, with the sun shining through the windows, making my hair look blinder, and the after was taken at nights, so you can only really see the low lights... Oh well! Nevermind!

#97: Words Of Wisdom

Gazing out of the window in my office, into a cold view, grazed with specs of snow, I started thinking about what I had just read.

My brother in law had shared a picture on Facebook, of an article in a newspaper, quoting a judge, who deals with troublesome teenagers regularly. And wise words, he spoke...

After I got home, had fish and chips, and watched Wayne's world, Cassandra reminded me if what I aspire to be. And this is when I thought about those words again...

Here's a few words of wisdom, for a little bit of inspiration, for anyone who needs it, including myself...

#96: () Easter Shopping! ()

As a tradition, every Easter, I like to have a get together with family and friends, to celebrate the holiday of life!

I tend to go a little holiday crazy when it comes to both Easter and Halloween, as one celebrates life, and the other, death. Two subjects that I feel are far more worth appreciating and celebrating, than something such as Christmas. Although I'm not one to say no to a roast dinner, and a pile of presents!

At Easter, I like to decorate the front room with novelty ornaments, and snack on Hot Cross Buns, lemon zesty cakes, and chocolate. So today, I went Easter shopping! I bought treats for Colin, Sean, Carla, Squelch, and Andy, and some pear cider for Saturday night. I also have a bottle of vodka left over from last weekend, to celebrate with.

3 days to go! :)

#95: Ankh & Ark

For the first time in a very long time, I had enough money to go shopping! I can't remember the last time I walked into New Look with some money to spend. Sure. I probably shouldn't have really spent it, but I'm happy that I did. I've earner it!

I bought a long, grey dress, for £14.99, with a Noah's Arc inspired gold, animal bracelet, for £3.99, and a gold, ankh cross ring, for £3.50. I also bought some pink feather, gold earrings, from Superdrug, for £1.99.

So, that's my Easter outfit sorted! :)

#94: Counting My Days

Words flowed naturally from the waters of poetry...

Today, is set in stone. It was the day that me and Sean wrote our first ever song together. It's called "Counting My Days". It's been something we've planning on doing for a while, but never found the right time. But today, inspiration came knocking at Sheldon Drive. Excellence!

#93: Bill's 25th

I've been at work, and am shattered! An hour before close, I came down with a visual migraine. I had to sit upstairs and chill out. But as soon as I did, I was fine. And I needed to be! Tonight was the night of Bill's (one of Sean's best mate's) birthday party! And what a reception! There was a lovely selection on snacks including olives, cheeses, bread, grapes and crackers.

It's been a great night! Reminded me very much of a wedding after party! But I'm ready for bed now.

Hope everyone's had a smashing weekend! Next weekend will be Easter times, and also my 100th blog post! Celebrate good times! Come one!

#92: Half Moon. Full Moon

At work, I had a little geekasm... Whilst tidying up the glasses, I found a pair of half moon silver spectacles, exactly like the pair Albus Dumbledore wears! I was very excited. And is if that wasn't enough, I then spotted Harry's exact pair! (Minus the Cellotape, after "Oculous Repairo!") I tried to take a little sneaky picture of both pairs, but my boss ten appeared around the corner, so I didn't get the chance. I'll make sure to capture both the pairs another time!

#91: The Scales and The Hour Glass

I'm beginning to find it really difficult to come up with interesting things to blog about, as I now seem to spend most of my days in a work environment. As sad as it sounds, the highlight of my day was finding a cable for the printer, that plugged into the laptop. But I won't bore you with that story... So what to blog about?

By the title of my blog post, you'd think I'm about to rant on about dieting, like a lot of women. Fear not! These scales are for balance, and this hourglass symbolises time.

I figured, discussing how to balance work life and leisure time equally would be a good thing to discuss.

I currently work 30 hours a week over 4 days. I find that having 3 days a week to myself is only just enough. So, how do you balance a social/love/leisurely/healthy/family/work orientated life out evenly?

For me, I like to spend my evenings alone. Gaming for an hour, then catching up with a couple of episodes of the program I'm watching. Or watching a film, then reading a book. I also like spending my evenings with Sean and my family, so as long as I can balance that out nicely, I usually don't have a problem.

I see friends at the weekends, but not as much as I'd like.

I couldn't find the money, and now I can't find the time to do a lot of exercise, like I used to be able to. However, I tend to walk everywhere I go, as I don't own a car. This has turned out to be very beneficial.

On my days off, I like to watch films, see friends, go for walks, and just generally relax. I'm coping well with it at the moment, but I wouldn't like to see how well I'd cope with that one extra day of work added to my schedule... I admire you full timers! Hang in there!

How do you balance your time out on the scales?

#90: Money! It's A Gas...

It's always quite a bit of a challenge trying to think of something worthwhile to blog about, when it's this late, and you're this tired... But here goes...!

Today, I received a tax rebate. I am now finally able to pay off my phone bill, that I have been trying to pay off, bit by bit, since November! By tomorrow lunchtime, it should all be taken care of! Finally!

After this has been sorted, from the help of my new job, I will finally be able to pay my brother back the money he leant me towards a holiday, 2 years ago. And eventually, I'll be buying my ticket for this year's Download festival. Awesome!

#89: Spot The Difference

Playing the guitar, and writing down lyrics and chords started things out off on a good note, but something happened later on, that made things go quite downhill.

I took a trip to the hospital, for an x-ray, from an injury that had occurred just over a week ago, and they found I'd broken my finger. I've had to have a cast put on, and will be in it for 3 weeks or more...

Although this really sucks, as I still have to go to work, and will be feeling very helpless, I'm looking on the bright side of things. Although I can't go on the computer, or write, or play PS3, I can still play guitar and catch up on my reading, which are two things I've needed to start doing again, for a while.

Shinny's got the flu, and with my plaster arm, a couple of episodes of the new series of Derek were on the menu. It's made me want to work in a home for the elderly, quite a bit. :)

#88: Clouds Of Candyfloss

This evening, a sunset worthy of an audition for The Lion King's opening sunrise, lit the roof tops, roads, and grass, of my city. Shadows painted pictures of silhouettes against a tangerine sky. Movements of birds soaring above the clouds, flying back to their nests, brought my perfectly painted picture to life.

On the opposite side of the sky, a pink, fluffy cloud bounced back at me. It reminded me of when I was little. I used to have trouble dropping off to sleep, so my mum used to tell me to picture myself sat in a pink fluffy cloud, feeling my most happiest, and content. After that scene had set itself inside my mind, I would imagine it slowly floating away, with me on it, until we became a tiny pink spec in the distance... Then we would disappear...

Talking with my mum this evening, we were discussing our best childhood ages and memories. We came to the conclusion that around 10-12 was great. You'd still have the innocence of a child, but the sense of freedom and independence of becoming more grown up. It would be the age where you could still play with Barbies, yet wear a little make up and go on girly sleepovers, with friends. It was magical!

What was your favourite thing about being a child? This pink piece of fluffy candy had me wondering...

#87: The Ghost Of St. Paddy's

We went out for drinks and chips, and had a £1.25 half pint of Guiness each, to celebrate St. Paddy's day.

On my way home, I had realised I hadn't taken a picture for my blog, so Sean took one of me walking home...

I look terrifying! My eyes have reflected like a cats, and turned white! So, as there's nothing else I can think of to blog about, here is a blog about me looking scary... I was sure to wear green though! :) "Raaaaaar!" And another of me and Shinny... To ease the tension the last photo caused.

#86: Life Or Death?

When I was in college, part of an assignment I had to do, was to write a comparison between two scenes in two different films. I chose the scene in Pulp Fiction, where Jules and Vincent are shot at, but escape death, as the bullets seem to miraculously avoid the pair. The other scene I chose was the scene in Leon, where Mathilda escapes death by knocking on Leon's door.

We watched Leon this evening, and it reminded me that this scene is one of my favourite iconic scenes of all time. The tension in the scene is built up brilliantly. You are on edge and in total suspense when watching. This is one of those scenes in films where the film can go in two completely different directions, depending on what decision a character chooses to take... Much like being at the crossroads of life itself.

I used to have this picture framed in my room, as Leon used to be one of my favourite films of all time. It still is, but is probably more likely to be in my Top 20, rather than my Top 10. This photo went missing, and I have yet to find it, or but another copy, but this picture definitely deserves a place on my wall.

#85: Unwind Me!

Oh! Unwind me! Like the tightly woven bundle of cables that I have become!

Cut away the fabric, the metal, and the tension of your duties, and responsibilities that you so willingly lay upon my aching shoulders.

I slave, and I have become the body that carries your boulder burdens to the bed where I finally rest. And breath.

I have become a slave to your business, to your manner, to the nature of your ways, and everything that has created you... for another dollar a day.

And I have been left with my body and mind, once so free, both now prisoners of what is expected of me...


So yeh! Overall! Work is great! But I'm knackered! However I'm really enjoying it! :) So, now to relax with some Gossip Girl, and forget about the rest of the world!

xoxo!

#84: "I'm Late! I'm Late! For A Very Important Date!"

By seconds, I missed the bus that was due to take me to a slightly different outcome of my life now...

I decided to go for a wonder, and let my feet lead the way. They followed orders from big, blue eyes, that noticed pretty sign posts on the way into town. Sign posts that were usually ignored, due to my eyes being too busy to pay proper attention to anything other than the focused destination, at that point in time...

They were drawn to the sign of a tea pot, which lead me to a dinky, pink cafe. This cafe stood opposite a wall imitating the entrance to an enchanted garden, drawing my attention to the secret alleyway, where flamingos guarded the entrance to a beautiful vintage inspired shop. No one was inside. It was just me, and the culture! I had a little look around, then decided to head back, before turning another corner...

A quirky shop caught my eye, selling retro themed, and novelty items, such as Scrabble jewellery, and seasonal gifts. It was in this very shop that I came across an Alice In Wonderland charm bracelet... For just under £20, and with such beautiful attention detail, it had me at "Hello". I now just have to play the waiting game, of waiting for my pay check, but I'd rather a game of Scrabble instead, any day of the week!

#83: Another First Day

Today, was the first day at my other new job. My other job is an admin assistant at a building site, in Cheddar.

I was completely in my element! All day, I got to reorganise the entire office, whilst listening to my favourite songs, and eating party rings!

I wish it was permanent, but is only unfortunately until June.

It was a beautiful day. The air was sweet, and the sun was shinning brightly, and I had a lovely view of it all from my office. Excellent!

#82: Isambard, Franky, & Ralph

So, we headed to Bristol for food and cinema. On our way, we drove passed Clifton Suspension Bridge, built by *Isambard* Brunel.

We then had a 3 course meal at *Frankie* & Benny's, for only roughly £12.

Then, we watched Wreck It *Ralph*... Which was awesome. They NEED to make a Sugar Rush racing game! It's perfect for geeky boys, and girly girls. I love it!

#81: Fight The Feeling

Do you ever wake up feeling like you can't be bothered to do anything at all? Is it the case of that all you want to do is stay in bed all day, as you feel that you're too tired to actually get out, get dressed, or even get up?! There probably isn't much point in trying to do anything productive anyway...? If you are someone that feels like that most days, welcome to depression.

Luckily, I am no longer someone who suffers from depression, although I was once. I had depression for over 3 years, and did not realise it. But once I did, I got through it, with a little help from two old friends... Perseverance, and motivation. Going to the gym, getting a job, and seeing friends were the things that helped me though it, and now I'm OK. But that does not mean to say that when something bad happens, I don't sometimes get that way.

Today was a day of feeling demotivated, and down, but it's about breaking out of that frame of mind that's so important Never look at your main goal of the day, as it seems far too difficult to achieve hen you're in that frame of mind. For example, if your are in a depressive state, going into town, to meet a friend for a coffee seems like an impossible task. So never focus on that final goal. Focus on the first steps you need to take. For me, it was always 1) Get up. 2) Put on some good music. 3) Get washed. 4) Get dressed. 5) Get out! If you carry out these steps, you're already almost meeting your final goal. You just need to encourage yourself.

Today, I knew I had to get out and go to Sean's, and I did that. All by just taking those single steps I needed to take. When we got in, we had a Thai red curry, and a chocolate melt sponge cake, with ice cream. Now I'm happier than I have been all day.

Note To Self: Fight The Feeling!

#80: Seasons with Mum

Flowers of yellow, and cards of pink and white decorated the window sill, but snow flakes crept into the scene, and once again, their was a Christmasy feeling in the air.

It had started snowing outside, a roast dinner warmed my lap, and we watched the Christmas special of Extras.

Today's been emotional, but thanks to Sean and family, I got through it. Thanks to family, and thanks to my mum, who is always there. We may not always get on, but I'm very pleased to have her in my life, as some people aren't as lucky...

Happiness to all the Mothers on this thankful day.

#79: Friendship

To anyone who has ever made a judgement of me, before really getting to know who I am...

I may not be an angel,
As I've made a few mistakes,
But I am only human, after all,
An admitted, not a fake.

I have brought happiness to people's lives. I have also broken hearts. I have made mistakes that have cost people their trust, or respect for me. But I have also earned a great deal of it, just by being myself. I could give you a list of the things that I have done that I am not proud of, but I would have to unravel my tightly bound scroll... Instead, I'll give you an example of something I am proud of...

I may not be the best girlfriend in the world, but if you take away the girl part, I am an excellent friend. I am loyal to my friends, and whenever they need me, I will be there.

I love Sean very much. I may not be the best girlfriend I could have been to him, but I have been, and always will be his best friend. He is my best friend, as well as my partner. I will always stick up for him, despite the consequences, and be there, if he needed me. And that goes for all my friends who sticks by me, and continue to.

To Sean,
I love you. You are my best friend, and I will always be there for you. Despite what may happen in the future, I will be there, for as long as we are friends, as I know you will be.
This will live forever.

#78: My First Day :)

At 06:00, the sound of a harp played it's way through to my subconsciousness, and had awoken me from a deep sleep. I was dreaming that I was in work, and that I had just done a full days work, and that I was finishing my day. Before this morning, I was feeling a little apprehensive. After this dream, I felt fine, as mentally, I had already done it.

I suited and doled myself up, then headed for work.

I had a great day. There's a lot to learn, and it should be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it all. The company has great values, and a worthwhile purpose, my colleagues are all lovely, and it's a lovely atmosphere to work in.

I am now shattered. So rather than blab on about my new job any further, I think I'm going to head to bed. Another 06:00 start tomorrow. G'night!

#77: Time To Unwind...

So, today is technically my last day of freedom. I start my new job tomorrow, and I've been feeling apprehensive for days. But rather than worry about it any further, I decided that it would be a better idea to spend my day doing anything and everything I wanted.

Me and Sean woke up around 09:30, but as I wasn't feeling 100%, we stayed in bed, and continued our "Disney Films In Order" saga, by watching Oliver & Company, until midday.

After a trip to the shops, I came back and made myself a breakfast, for lunch. I had a boiled egg with soldiers, and a sugar and lemon pancake, along with a couple of glasses of orange juice, and a cup of green tea, with vanilla.

Later, I put on a face pack, and had a bath for well over 2 hours, whilst watching Ben Howard live, on YouTube. The perfect way to unwind!

Another one of my favourite ways to unwind is by watching a comedy movie, whilst snuggled up on the sofa, in comfies, with my cats.

What's your favourite way to unwind?

#76: Happy 75th Birthday, Grammy!

My earliest memory of my Grandma, is being about 3 years old, and wanting to help out around the house. I used to help with the dusting, but on one occasion, I came to the conclusion that the house needed a little touch of Sim added to it. I decided that it would be a good idea to move her very heavy couch, that was neatly tucked away, in front of the window. I moved it into the middle of the front room, and after my Grandma had returned from the kitchen, she thought my 15 year old brother had done it. It was from that day onwards that I was known as the gladiator in the Lloyd family, and that I would grow up to become an athlete, working with the lights of Hunter, Jet, and Wolf! How times have changed...

Some of my fondest memories with my Grandma, are at her bungalow. Sitting in her rocking chair, after a bath, singing in the kitchen, whilst drying up plates, playing the grand piano, in her bedroom, and taking trips to The Disney Store, to spend my pocket money. Another favourite memory of mine was sitting around the front room, with her, my mum, my brother, and my uncle Mark, exchanging ghost stories. I used to love being spooked! It was far too much fun!

Here is a picture of me and my Grandma, in the Summer of 2010, in Bath. This was before she became unwell, having to have a multiple operations. As far as I am aware, she is mostly back to her old self, and I can't wait to celebrate her 75 years with her, on Easter Sunday!

Happy 75 years, Grandma!
I love you! x x x

#75: Wine Bath

Sunshine through my window, spreading its smiles across the land, for all to enjoy, and take advantage of... A day out in the sun was desperately needed!

Me, my Mum, Colin, Sean, and Clara went to Bath for a celebratory lunch today, in the name of my new job. I didn't even have to wear a coat for parts of the day. It's made me really look forward to when Spring finally skips its way over!

It wasn't planned, but me and Clara, with a small help from my mum, ended up drinking multiple bottles of wine from midday. We had a great day out, and giggles when we got in.

I think one of the first things I plan to do this Spring is go blossom picking, and have a pic-nic in the woods. What are your plans?

#74: Bright Lights, Bigger City

I think the nerves are finally kicking in. I start my job in 3 and half days, and I feel quite unprepared. My hair needs cutting, my nails are a mess, and I'm not even 100% sure on what I supposed to wear! I have no money to sort any of it out, and I feel very messy! But this is typical of me. Doubting myself even before I get a foot in the door. I just need to have a little more faith, and I know I'll be OK.

I find a walk always helps me clear my head, and what better sight to look upon at night, than the lights of your city.

This Cathedral, in all it's greatness often gets ignored by the locals. They see it every day, and it becomes part of the background. But many travel from miles to see this architecture, and are blown away. I like to take the time to appreciate it, despite seeing it nearly every day for the past 13 and a half years. However, I'll always remember that as great as this cathedral is, there are far more magnificent things in this world.

After all, sometimes, something so small can seem so big at the time...

#73: A Classic Sunday

It's becoming a bit of a tradition to wake up with a hangover at Sean's, then walk it off, with a trip to mine. We'll then have a roast, ice cream with biscuits in for afters, and finish off with a couple of episodes of Extras.

Usually after this, me and Sean will either watch a film, listen to music, or I'll play some PS3.

Today, I re-started and played L.A Noire, properly. So far, it seems very similar to the detective parts in Heavy Rain, but not better than Heavy Rain on a whole, as a game. Although, I've played about half an hour of it, and haven't even gotten to the best of it yet, so I know I have a lot to look forward to.

My Sundays are precious to me. They fill me up with gratitude, happiness, and gravy. There's literally nothing I'd rather do on a Sunday, than spend it how I always do. It's like the Christmas day of a week, and it all starts in the morning. Drinking a glass of tropical juice, whilst snuggling up under the duvet!

#72: Just Another Saturday Night...

Another drunken evening to add to the collection! But this evening was a classic!

Singing No Doubt, and dancing around like a cockney fish munger with Squelch, chasing Shinny around as usual, seeing Andy, and drinking champagne in The King's Head, and throwing shapes on the dance floor, with an old school friend, Jo! I also had an in depth discussion about tattoos, with a guy called Jamie, that I went sledging with.

Here's to drinks with friends, and laughing at yourself!

#71: Claudia

I've been at the computer for most of the day, downloading songs I've been meaning to, for a while. Rediscovering sounds, long forgotten. This put me in a great mood, naturally!

However, there is something that has got me down. My 15, nearly 16 year old cat has recently become very reluctant to eat her food. She acts as if she is in pain when chewing, and doesn't like to be touched or fussed as much as she used to. She has her moments where she is happier than ever, but always result back to not acting herself.

She has had these same symptoms before, so we took her to the vets. She had to have a few teeth taken out, and the vet said that this could be a reoccurring thing.

Our family are contemplating whether it would be OK for her to have her teeth out, and to just excessively mash up her food, so she is able to eat properly, or whether it would be kinder to put her down.

Claudia is my healer. Whenever I feel upset, down, or unwell, she will always sense there is something wrong, come over and sit on my lap, and soothe me. It always cheers me up.

I knew I would always have someone there to comfort me, regardless of the situation, who wouldn't judge, and always knew how to make me feel better. Now, I wish I could take all my energy and heal her, to say thank you for all the times she made me feel better... But I can't.

I hope this isn't on it's way to becoming the end. I hope that this girl has a few more years left ahead of her. Although, I do have to face up to the possibility that she may not, and soon, it might be.

Hold on, Claudia. We love you <3