#223: "A Chilled One"

Tonight's title was to have "A Chilled One". Most nights have been about partying, so tonight, we were chilling for a change.

Me, Dan, and Jake all decided to chip in a bit for a couple of curries, chill out and listen to some music.

On the way to the take away, me and Jake both spotted a gorgeous sunset, that we both snapped a shot of...

#222: A Third Of The Way To Hell

We'd been preparing for this all week. More so mentally, than physically, but tonight was the night of the last open mic, and we had a killer set list, includinh Daft Punk - Get Lucky.

The King's Head is due to close down at the end of this year, and so Steve, the landlord, has decided to end open mics. A little earlier tha expected, but I s'pose you have to start somewhere.

I have many fond, and mostly drunken memories of The King's Head, but best of all, I have the memory of having my first ever open mic night here. In regards to both performing, and watching. So to see open mic leave this place was pretty emotional. We all had hugs and cheers at the end of the night, and although we were sad, it wasn't the end of our local open mic night just yet! It's due to start back up and running at a local Venue in a  couple of weeks, which I for one, am really looking forward to! :)

In this pic: (from left to right) Doug, a singer and guitarist who is my mum's boyfriend, who is next to him, who also sings. We then move onto the lovely Ross who is the head of the open mics, who is a fantastic singer and guitarist. Behind Ross is Simeon, a mini-me of Ross. Three guesses what he does. And he's great at it! Then there is Colin, who sings and guitars, and does a fantastic cover of "The Chain" with Ross, at the end night. And lastly there's me, and we all know what I do!

After the excellent night we just had, there was no way we were going to end it there! So we headed back to Jack's to continue the party! ;)

#221: Old-Skool Breakfast Tune-age and Tea Towels

As predicted, this morning was filled up with tunes, and bands, such as AFI, Killswitch Engaged, and Sikth.

Jake then modelled his proudly worn "I Really Love Tea Towels" chef's jacket, that his colleges kindly made for him as a piss take... Apparently he really loves tea towels, or something. I'm not sure.

I took a slow, and sunny walk home this morning, taking the time to enjoy the summer breeze and green leaves.

I arrived home, tidied up, then headed to Shinny's for a practice before our last ever open mic.

#220: Hear No Evil. See No Evil. Speak No Evil.

I chilled with Lucy and Jack at Dan's today. Dan decided to play photographer and took a few pictures of us. Here's one of us posing for one with the classic "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil."

I haven't slept at my house in nearly a month. I have been off round different people's houses, eating their food, creating butt grooves in their chairs, crashing on their sofas, and sleeping in their beds. I am the walking, talking, real life Goldy Locks.

I figured, why stay tied down to one place when you can spread your wings and fly around, and experience new things. No, I'm not a squatter. I just love spending time with my friends. I'd do the same for them any day.

Tomorrow, I'm due to return home, but tonight, I end this journey at Jake's. Top Gear and a few smokes is on the cards, with no doubt a dash of metal music, that I haven't heard since 2005, in the morning, to go with cup of tea.

#219: Shut The Box

For a change, we headed to Jack's. And with not do much of a change, we partied! Listening to Rob Zombie, and playing "Shut The Box" into the early hours of the morning, over smokes and ciders.

It's just the summer making me this way OK? The sun does crazy things to people...

So, for those of you who have never played this game before, I suggest you get it. It's friggin' awesome! It's too much of a pain in the arse to try and explain how to play it, but google it! Then get it! I've become a tad obsessed and addicted.

Here's a shot of me and Shinny in our party prime...

#218: A Bath Full Of Cocktails & Doodles

As you might already be aware, often on the occasion where I am feeling particularly emotional, and unsure how to vent it, I partake in a little "arty farty"ness, and spend time creating abstract pieces. They'll usually be done with black or blue biro, on lined paper out of a rough notepad, creating a very casual and scribbly-doodle vibe.

Over the past few weeks, I took time to show my shiny new friends the work I was most proud of, and to put it honestly, they were very impressed. So impressed to the point that 2 out of 3 of them wanted my designs tattooed on them. And the other doesn't like tattoos. Pretty good going, eh?! So, yesterday, I drew up a personal design for Jack, and discussed it with him over a few drinks.

As the evening went on, I stumbled across the cutest little puppy! And now I want one! :D

Cocktails and quotations as the sun goes down.

As the sun set, and vanished away,

The birds then nested, and the owls come out to play.

We all skipped off to Dan's just like any another evening, but this evening then turned into a bit of a crazy one. We all ended up getting more drunk, climbing into a closet, then the bath, and I ended up pouring water on everyone. One thing figured... Why the fuck not? ;)

#217: Cathedral VIP

Jack works in the cathedral, doing general maintenance, and has access to all locked doors... So, I had access to all areas!

We headed straight for the roof. I over looked winding roads, churches, fields, houses, and a beauty of which I had never seen before, despite walking through those sights daily. I was overwhelmed with emotion. Many memories from growing up flooded my mind, and heated my veins. Some forgotten, and many well remembered. This was then, and this is now. Home.

#216: Bye Bye Briz

I woke up this morning, with a calling... Wells. I wanted to be back there. I never thought I'd choose that place over Bristol, but my heart told me I needed to be home. I missed my friends, and everything familiar to me. I never get home sick. So why now?

As I traveled around the city, I took a few last minute snaps to remind me of my time here.

Arriving into my hometown, I'd never noticed before what a sweet smell Wells has. Maybe it was the flowers that hung from baskets, but everything just seemed to make sense, once more. So, now it was time for pizza with some great people!

#215: The Fleece.

Last night's sleep came easily to me. So easily in fact, that I only woke up once during the most intense thunderstorm we'd had in years. Everyone was raving about it. I wish I hadnt been so tired. I would have sat up and watched it.

So, currently staying in Bristol, I had already landed myself with a job on my second day here, and I was more than willing to move here permanently.

I made my way to Clifton for 16:00, and started my new job at 16:30. I spent 4 hours behind the bar and everything that I had been taught at the O2 came flying back to me. I slipped back into bar work, quicker than second nature, and thoroughly enjoyed my night.

After an an hour and a halve's walk back, I stood at the top of the stone steps, that climbed their way up to Anna's house, and took a picture of one of my all time favourites; the sunset.

For me, this captured the beauty of something as old as time, with a modern-day vibe of an urban way's new beginnings.

The photo below that sunset was a photograph I had captured previously on my long walk back. Alone in secluded streets, where only Seaguls wished to grace me with their presence...

#214: Clifton

Gradually, sounds came into listening, slowly becoming louder, and clearer. I felt sheets against my skin, and a soft pillow under my head. When I opened my eyes, I was not surrounded by the usual familiar sights of my bedroom, but strange things. A white wooden floor, a big red bean bag, and photographs of people I didn't know, with captured memories I had never experienced. As strange as this all sounds, much like I was still sleeping, and a dream, I did not feel at all disoriented. I knew exactly where I was. I knew exactly what I was doing there. I was on a mission.

I grabbed myself a bowel of porridge and spent the day gathering up my things, and I set off on a warm walk into the city centre of Bristol.

I walked up and down concrete streets, using the Sat Nav on my phone to determine where I was, and found myself the library, where I printed off a dozen CVs, and handed them into different bars and coffee shops.

I sat down on some grass and ate my lunch. Whilst minding my own business, a caterpillar fell into my lap. We instantly became friends, and much like me, he loved to have his photograph taken. So I took some time to pay him a little attention...

After I had had my lunch, and after walking for miles up and down hills and pavements, I made it to one of my favourite places in Bristol; Clifton. I headed straight for The Fleece, where Anna worked and had put in a good word for me.

I spoke to Sylvie who offered me a trial shift, and told me to come back for it the following day. Result!

#213: Around The Cornerto Corner

Today is all about Bristol. Remember me saying about the girl who worked behind the bar in The Fleece inviting me to stay at hers? Well, today is the day!

Today, me, Colin, and Clare went to the local high street news agents, picked up 3 Cornettos each, one of each flavour, then headed back to the house to watch Shaun Of The Dead, followed by Hot Fuzz, followed by me packing up my things, in two bags and a box, and then hit the road. Straight to Cabbot's Circus, we watched the new Simon Peggy, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright movie, The World's End.

The movie was typically excellent, but not as much of a comedy as the other two movies. I would say it was more of a black comedy/ sci-fi.

After the movie, I headed to Anna's house, and met her once more, and the rest of her lovely housemates. We headed out to the garden where she filled me in on how to look after her garden plants, over the period of time that she was going to be away. We then all chilled out, had a smoke. Tomorrow I plan on handing out a few CVs and hopefully finding myself a job and somewhere to live...!

#212: Sacked

My intuition was correct. Today, I was sacked from Vision Express. Why? Apparently they feel I'm not the right person for the job anymore. The real reason? The optometrist doesn't like me. End of story. I can't say I'm not incredibly pissed off my all of this, but as they say, one door closing can open another. I just hope that's true...

Please excuse the dramatic picture. I wasn't THAT upset, despite what the picture below might suggest, but it does give off a perfect portion of drama, to go with the story, does it not?

#211: The Letter

All day at work today there was a weird, unpleasant atmosphere. My boss kept being that little bit extra matey-matey with me, and kept calling me "mate", which just seemed unusual for him. Then at the end of the day, I am given a letter, asking me to attend a formal interview at 17:00 (half an hour before I finish), to discuss my progress and position at Vision Express... So now, I hold a very uneasy feeling, and it is sitting at the bottom of my stomach...

#210: Shakin' Off Mistakin'

This morning, I headed back home from Bristol, in time to see Andy. On my way into the city centre, I took the time to do what I do best, and took a few pictures of the urban beauty that surrounded me. After this, I headed home.

It had been roughly around a month and a half since me and Andy had had our usual by-monthly catch up. He had a lot he needed to fill me in on, in regards to being a bit of an idiot, and making a few silly mistakes here and there. So he came over, we chatted, and I made us one of my signature dishes; tuna pasta dish. We then sat out in the garden, and I knew the next time I'd see him would be one of the last. I'm going to miss that boy!

#209: Fire Eaters and Pizza!

It was time to catch up with another friend. today. Nik. My old assistant manager at O2 Academy, who I hadn't for a good couple of years. We grabbed a few drinks in The Old Duke and I soaked up The Cheddar Valley cider. Fire eters danced on cobbled pavements and water reflected the city's lights. The atmosphere buzzed. We grabbed a pizza then headed back to watch Red Dwarf. Sweet as!

#208: Spongebob Squarepants

Today, I met up with my old school friend who I haven't had a good catch up with in years. Spongebob. Also known as Alex. I came up with this nickname for him when we were little as he reminded me of Spongebob. Im not entirely sure why. I think it was because he had these big eyes, blonde hair, and a yellow rucksack. He was always smiling, and had and still has a good friend of both of ours that reminds me of Squidward. We've been friends since we were 11, so I can safely say, he's one of my oldest and best friends.

We had a sit down by the most, ate Soleros, and chatted about the old days. Afterwards, I bumped into Sean. We had a sit down, a catch up, and a chat aswell, and decided to go for a pizza at Ask, before meeting the boys at the pub, before open mic, at The Kings Head.

Whether I have all tge money in the eorld, or not a singke penny in my pocket, a fast car, or nothing but holy shoes to walk in, I can always have faith in my friends to brighten up my day. Just sitting and chatting can make me feel explosive with happy! :)

#207: Clifton Magician

207. This was the number red double-decker bus I used to get from Hayse, Middlesex, where I used to live when I was little, to Ealling, to visit my grandma, where she still lives now.

Although today wasn't about traveling around London, I did travel a little bit today, and was invited to do a lot more of it!

I was invited out for drinks with Cpt. Jack Sparrow, in Clifton (my favourite place in Bristol). He also happens to be a magician, so pretty much astonished me with card tricks like no other. I found out he used to work in Las Vegas, so you can only imagine just how good these tricks were...

More to the point however, the first bar we went to, had a spectacular view of the sun setting behind Clifton suspension bridge. And the second, was a place called The Fleece. I got chatting to a girl behind the bar, and we instantly warned to each other. I plucked up the courage to tell her how I was desperate for a bar job in Bristol, and to move up there, and ask her if she knew of anything that was available. She then told me that she was planning on leaning this place and that they would be looking to hire someone ASAP. She also mentioned that she was going away for a couple of weeks on a course, and was happy to loan out her room to me whilst I looked for an appartment. I could not believe my luck! We exchanged details and she said she would get in contact with me with more details.

If you want something enough, you've got to snatch up every opportunity you get.

#206: Sunbathing

It was such a beautiful and warm day, I took a walk into town, an headed down by the moat. I lead on the grass, wearing nothing but a bikini top and hot pants, and no one batted an eyelid. If this was any other day in Wells, I would be viewed as a tart or a hussy, due to the very traditional surroundings, and the amount of snobs who live here. But the truth is, no one gives a shit when it's this hot, and that's the way it should be.

#205: Seaside Fancy Dress at Vision Express

Today, in the spirit of beautiful weather, we were allowed to dress up in seaside fashion at work. I decided to go for the 50's seaside girl look. Much to my boss' disliking...

Later that evening, I kept my beehive up intact, and headed to Kudos with Lucy, Cpt. Jack Sparrow and another female pirate... as you do!

Myself, Lucy, and our friend then headed back to mine and watched Footloose.

#204: Your Heartache Isn't My Mistake

Have you ever been in a situation where you've had someone feel for you in a way that you couldn't imagine feeling back for them? A close friend of mine told me today that they feel for me in ways I can not return. You can like someone so much as a friend that anything other than that feeling can make you feel guilty, uncomfortable, saddened, and frustrated. If this is how I feel, I can only imagine his mental state. But unfortunately, it can't always be the way you want in to be. And if you're straight with that person from the beginning, what more can you do, right?

You have to look for inner strength and not rely on that person to make you feel special. First, you have to learn to do that yourself.

#203: Death

Today. Thursday 11th July? No. This blog post has been dated for this date, when infact, I'm cheating a little bit... Today actually happens to be Tuesday 24th September. Am I time traveling?! No. For the past couple of months, I have been on a wild roller-coaster ride full of emotions, life events, and other utter malarkey that life has decided to throw at me. Quite frankly, I have not had the time, nor the energy to keep up to date. But my guess is that you already know this, if you are a loyal reader., (if I even have any!) So technically, I've failed my challenge, right? No! And I refuse to be told otherwise! Although I have not been posting on here what I have been up to every second of every day, I have been keeping a record on my phone, with the intention to come back here, and update you on all of it. I have not been defeated! So, stick that in your pipe and smoke it! I certainly have been...

So without further ado, here are the rest of my days, dated from this blog date (11/07/13), up to today's date (24/09/13), where I will then be up-to-date, and will continue to carry on properly with my blog posts, and to stop cheating, and worming my way out of these sticky situations, by using my technicalities, and my intelligence, like the naughty little Slytherin I am. I will now do my blogging properly for the rest of Cataclysm Journalism 365's days. *and breath*

And off we go...

Thursday 11th July 2013:

Waking up at Jakes, listening to metal tunes I hadn't heard since the 00's, and meeting up with the boys for an afternoon pint seemed to be just another average rock 'n' roll day that the summer had brought me, until Jack and Tommy found out that one of their close friends had unexpectedly suffered a heart attack, and died a couple of days before.

The week previously, Dan's Grandmother had passed away and these lads had suddenly had their whole worlds turned upside down. And with being so close to them, I felt the tornado too.

We all shared tears and hugs and dealt with the hand that had been given, together, as this was just another one of life's ways. The unexpected was indeed, to be expected. But what will be thrown next? You can never know...

So, on a lighter note, here's a shot of a typical evening at Dan's. A Ram's kebab, a few ciders and a smoke, whilst cheering each other up.

#202: A Very Sophisticated Lunch

This morning, me and Dan listed offthe ingredients for a perfect brunch. He had to take the day off work, after suffering with a bad knee. So, after being put up by Dan, for the last few nights, all because I couldn't be bothered to walk home, I decided it was time to show my appreciation...

I popped down the road to Co-Op, and grabbed all of the ingredients. Bagels, smoked salmon, creme cheese, orange juice with bits it, strawberries, cream, and Rose wine.

We then spent the afternoon listening to summery sounding songs, and relaxing in the sun.

Later that evening, we headed out for drinks, and chats, with everyone. I then met up with Jake for chats. This really isn't getting old!

#201: Wear, Tear, Repair

I had spent today sun bathing, on an extreme mission to top up my tan.

Me and Sean were going to be doing open mic this evening, so I also made certain to get as much practicing in as possible. However, it didn't quite work out like that.

Sean wasn't feeling particularly upbeat today, so we didn't end up going. This was a big shame, as I was expecting a lot of people to come and watch, however there's always next time. I also wasn't sounding at my absolute best today.

Instead, I did head to open mic anyway, and met up with Lucy, and a couple of blasts from the past; Jay and Lily.

Now Jay was a really good friend of mine back at school, who I used to get very drunk and stoned with, back on day. It's been a couple of years since I've seen him, so it was lovely to see him.

And Lily? An old best friend who I ended up falling out with over a silly boy... What silly girls we were! But this was the first time I had properly seen her since that day, around 3 years ago, so it was lovely to see her, and clear the air.

Here's a picture of Alice, Lily, myself, and Lucy, in the summer of 2010.

#200: Happy 200th!

My 200th blog post! Wow! It's crazy to think it as that. I'm surprised I've lasted so long, with only a hint of cheating at it...!

And what better way to celebrate than with your friends.

As me and Lucy have been saying lately, "It all starts off with a Nero!" The reason for this? Because every time me and Lucy have a Nero together, I end up having a crazy evening ahead of me, without planning it.

And today? A Nero, closely followed by more drinks in The Crown with Dan, Jack, and John. I also bumped into Tommy K and Jake, who both ended up heading to ours for a crazy evening of more drink, and various other things. Jamming with guitars, listening to epic tunes, and feeling pretty damn good!

#199: Dinosaur!!!

The plan for today? See Lee, and sun bathe!

After lending me money for well over a year, always putting me up whenever I was abandoned in Bristol, and looking after me in general, I wanted to thank him properly.

Lee has always been a big fan of dinosaurs, and after leaving Bristol one day, after staying at his, I popped into Primark, and found a big green and yellow dinosaur onesie. I desperately wanted one for myself, however, I had a good idea, who would love it even more than me...

So today, on my way to Lee's, I popped in and bought this bad boy.

On my way there, I came across some incredible buskers! Mr. Woodnote & Lil Rhys. They played some funky, hip hop sounds, just on the outside of Cabot's Circus. I stood for around half an hour in oar,  and bought their album. Check them out on YouTube if you have a spare minute.

When I arrived at Lee's, I have him his onesie, which he instantly fell in love with, and danced around in, for quite a whole, on such a hot day.

We then went sunbathing and smoking in the park, and I grabbed a Zap ice lolly, just for old times sake.

A very pleasant day was had.

#198: Busking Bristol Baby

Here I am. Living it up big time with my Bristol lady, Liane, or "Lenny" as she tells everyone to call her!

We originally came here for St. Paul's carnival, but by the time we had arrived, it was all over! A huge shame. So we decided to hit the clubs instead. We met up with Joe and Luke and others, and had one of our crazy fun-filled evenings!

Before we found Joe and Luke though, we passed a busker on the way... I was straight in there! Him on the guitar, me on the mic, singing Supersonic for the people queuing to get into the clubs. I finally did it! I busked! I rule!

Please universe... Move me out here now! I love this world! <3

#197: Sun Crazy! Daiquiri Darling!

It seems insane that this evening, just like last night's, when on both occasions, I have had work the next day, I have gone party crazy! I guess the sun does funny things to your head, and makes you want to get out there and do whatever you feel like, whenever you want! It has been all about the craziness lately, and I just can't get enough of it!

I felt surprisingly upbeat at work, after the evening I had had previously. It was quiet anyway, which usually slows things down, but again, looking out at the sunshine, knowing you're going to be back in the pub garden soon enough makes it fly by quickly.

The strawberry daiquiris flowed endlessly, along with the coke, and  great times were had once more.

#196: Another Crazy Day...

Crazy night having drinks with Dan, Jack, and John, and partying. Can't even begin to describe it. But it's definitely worth blogging about. So, here's a couple of funny pictures from our funfilled evening...

#195: When Life Gives You Lemons...

...make orange juice, and leave the whole world wondering how you did it!

My analysis of that, make things happen you never thought would be possible. Talk to people, try new things, and most of all, enjoy yourself! That's what I have learnt to do over the past year.

Today, me and Lucy decided to go for our usual Cafe Nero, and catch up. Whilst we were absorbing each other's information, I got a text from Dan, (a guy I work with), asking if I wanted to meet him and his mates for a few in The Crown.

After seconds of meeting them, we instantly clicked. I had drinks bought for me all night, managed to blag a couple of free pizza and garlic bread, then we all headed back to Dan's to eat, and play Tekken. I'm sure they'll be plenty more nights like this to follow...

After I had arrived home, and realised I didn't have my front door key, I sat outside my house, and contemplated what to do. As I was thinking, I heard a scuffling in front of me. I couldn't see what it was, as it was so dark, so I decided to film the noise... A hedgehog! Tehehe!

#194: A Graduation Dress

After not having a very eventful day yesterday, I did the complete opposite today.

I met Lucy for coffee this afternoon,and managed   to grab a free milkshake on O2 Priority Moments. Lucy later mentioned she had not yet found an appropriate graduation dress, so we headed to Phase Eight.

Predictably, as I was with Lucy, it turned into a cliche girly day. We tried on a ton of different dressed, and took pictures of our favourite outfit, together.

Lucy decided to go for a gorgeous gold/ mushroom, fitted, ruffle dress, with diamanté bow detail. And I? I fell in love with a beautiful floral, in fuchsia, and grey, for £110. I've had my eye on it for a while, but once I'd tried it on, I cried a little inside, when I had to return it to its hanger at 17:30.

We spent the start of our evening at the crown with fizzy drinks and chips, chatting to a couple of matey locals, I know. Then we headed for a take away curry, and back to Lucy's.

After a usual heart-to-heart, we decided to head to open mic, and talk some more. A wise decision, as open mic is always guaranteed to be a good night.

Whenever you're in doubt, just do it. Head outside, do that one new thing out of your comfort zone, that invigorates you. Why the hell not?!

#193: My Festival Line Up...

It turns that keeping up with your blogging, when you're feeling under the weather, is really difficult. You don't have the physical, or mental energy to write anything.

Today was the the last day of Glastonbury Festival. As I've done nothing besides lie in bed all day, trying to get better, I've decided that I am going to write a quick list of my  perfect festival line-up. From bands, and artists I've never seen, to the people I may or may never get to see...

- The Beatles (reformed, and back from the dead)

- Jimi Hendrix

- David Bowie

- The Rolling Stones

- Oasis

- Foo Fighters

- Michael Jackson

- Jay-Z

- Prince

- Amy Winehouse

- Jake Bugg

- Lana Del Rey

- Outkast

- Eminem

- TLC

- Bob Marley

- Ben Howard

- Justin Timberlake

- Fleetwood Mac

- Bon Jovi

Here's a picture of me at Glasto 2010...