tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144239333041642612024-02-07T11:25:22.057+00:00A Little Piece of Taff.Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-35463695580812938832013-11-15T07:56:00.000+00:002013-11-15T07:56:23.985+00:00Mr and MrsI am married!<br />
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I am a wife, I have a husband, I have a new surname. Its all so surreal and very strange. But it's such a good surreal and strange.<br />
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Our wedding was gorgeous, it was absolutely perfect. A few days before my mum and dad flew over and Mikes mum and youngest sister flew in too to be there for the big day. It was so nice to have them there, it wouldn't have been the same or even felt right with them not being there. Ill write about their visit shortly.<br />
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We got married on Montara State beach. Yes I had a beach wedding. What girl doesn't dream of that. It was a lovely day, a little windy which led to some crazy hair and a few Marilyn Monroe moments with my dress but it was still great. We found a wonderful lady to marry us. I don't think it sunk in what was actually happening, we all met in the car park above the beach and then walked down and before I knew it I was saying my vows. When Michael started to say his vows I welled up but I had a little talk to myself and pulled myself together. I didn't want to cry all the way through my vows. It nearly went without a glitch apart from I stumbled on my words a little bit, but that is nothing new and no surprise.<br />
It was over really quickly and then the fun family photos begun. One of our close friends who works with Mike kindly agreed to take pictures for us. They turned out wonderful! They captured the day perfectly and now I have memories of that day forever.<br />
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I had been looking for a dress to wear for months and couldn't find anything I liked or suitable. I didn't want a huge wedding dress because I am going to save that for when we have our big ceremony back home in Wales. But I didn't want something really casual either. I was going to get my nails done with some of my friends one day when one of the girls, Derry, showed me her new dress she had bought recently and thought I might like for the wedding. I couldn't believe it when she bought it out to show me. It was everything I had been looking for. I was gorgeous! So I quickly ordered it and thankfully it arrived in time.<br />
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I went and had my hair done in a blow dry bar near me. I LOVE it. The just do blow dry's. No cuts no colour just good old blow dry's. The lady I had was amazing, she did such a nice job, she gave me loose curls with lots of volume, just how I asked. This is the place I went to: http://www.haloblowdrybar.com/<br />
Girls you need to try find one of these types of shops near you, if you have any big event or just want to go and make yourself feel good i highly recommend them.<br />
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After the ceremony we went and ate in a near by restaurant, which apparently is world famous - "Sam's Chowder House' I had a delicious burger. Im such a classy bride. In the evening we went and ate in The Cheesecake Factory. I have the biggest slice of cake I've ever seen from there. It is sooo good. Whenever I go there I always end up taking home just as much as I eat when I'm there, their portions are so big.<br />
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Since I was young I always wondered what my surname would be when I was older. I was always excited about trying out new signatures. At the time it was Amy Beckham because of course I was going to marry David Beckham. But Amy Loftis has just as nice a ring to it. But it's definitely going to take some getting used to. I always have to stop and think before I sign anything now.<br />
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I'm used to wearing a ring on that finger now so wearing another one is no big deal at all. However, Mike has never worn any jewellery so getting used to his ring is proving to be quite a struggle. He is constantly taking it off, fiddling with it and throwing it up in the air. Basically he takes it off as much and for as long as he can. He jokes about 'accidentally' loosing it so he doesn't have to wear it anymore, but I've said I will just buy him a new one if he does and he knows I'm not joking so thats put an end to that plan.<br />
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So far married life is great, and I'm sure it's going to stay that way for a long long time to come. Here's some pictures of our beautiful wedding.<br />
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Mrs Flossy LoftisFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-56837011324002025852013-08-23T05:58:00.000+01:002013-08-23T05:58:13.602+01:00Your Visa Has Been Granted!<div style="text-align: left;">
September 9th 2012 Mike and I submitted our visa application that would allow me to move to the US and be with him permanently. I knew the application was going to be long and hard but I wasn't expecting it to be as big of an emotional roller coaster as it was. </div>
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Trying to find a visa in the first place was hard, I had no idea just how many different types there were. I initially started looking for a work visa, I had a good respectable job so I figured it would be easy to get a visa with that. However after finding out there was a 4 year waiting list for some work visa's my heart sunk. I then looked at other types of visa's just visitors visa's and then ways of extending your stay, however these only limit you to working for a short amount of time and there is no definitive way of knowing you can get an extension so I would have to then move back home and try again. I knew there was no chance Mike would move to the UK, he does not like the weather at all, he cannot handle to cold and rain so it was a case of me moving over there.</div>
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The visa we eventually decided on was a K1 Fiancé Visa. This visa allows you to move over to America and will allow you to get permanent residency and be able to work. However with this visa you have to get married within 3 months of landing in the US. We knew we wanted to get married in the future anyway so why not do this visa. Not exactly the romantic way every girl wants to get proposed to but our relationship has never been normal or traditional. And even better the whole application process to being granted looked like it took about 9 to 10 months.. woooo.</div>
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The initial application too a LOT of work. We had a tonne of forms to fill in which had to be PERFECT! We also had to submit evidence of our relationship, I spent hours and hours getting together pictures, cards, emails, letters and anything else I could find to show that our relationship was real. It took me even longer too because I read through all the old letters and emails first :) Its fun to read back though everything. Then I had to send all of my things to Mike who then had to fill in more paperwork again and submit it. Then it was a case of waiting. And boy did we wait and wait and wait and wait. In the mean time me being the over organised and inpatient person I am I joined a forum that was dedicated to people applying for K1 visa's. This came to be my haven for the next 7 months. I checked every day to see if people who had applied the same time as Mike and I had heard anything and also so we could all reassure each other and ask any daft questions we could think of. Then in April we finally heard back, not the news we wanted our application was on hold we got a referral. This for me was the worst news I was convinced that was it, we were never going to get our visa. However all we needed to do was tick a box on a form we forgot to do. PHEW! however this meant it delayed our process that little bit more but at least we had heard something. The 3 weeks later we got the news we had waited so long for. Our initial application had been granted. Step 1 was done! the longest part was over, and so was Mikes part in the application now it was my turn. Our application then got sent to the American Consulate in London. I had to get police certificates and then go for a medical. The only place they do the medical is in London. So after a little day trip to London and getting prodded, poked, x-rayed, and bloods taken, I then had to wait until I was given a interview date. 5 weeks later I was making my way back to London this time for my final interview. This time I wasn't alone. I decided to make the most of the opportunity and asked me mum to come with me and have a little girly trip. I'll do a blog about that trip because it was a LOT of fun. After 2 hours in the embassy I heard the words we had been waiting so long for...</div>
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I'M HAPPY TO TELL YOU THAT YOUR VISA HAS BEEN GRANTED.</blockquote>
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So all in all from applying to being approved it took 308 days. In those 308 days I went from happy, to being so unbelievably sad, confused, anxious, ecstatic, lonely to being over the moon with joy.</div>
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Anyone else going through the visa process I take my hat off to you. It is such hard work and it may seem like it will never end, but trust me it will and when it does it will be worth every single second of the wait. </div>
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Flossy x</div>
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Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-7558898357862096682013-07-05T21:42:00.000+01:002013-07-05T21:42:03.576+01:00Shifts, sirens and sleepless nightI have been working as a Paramedic up in Mid Wales since the beginning of January. I can honestly say I LOVE MY JOB. I work in such a great station, everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with. I get along with everyone on the station so well and I feel they have taught me and helped me so much.<br />
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I work in amongst the Brecon Beacons, which is a national park. So everyday I drive through the most beautiful scenery. It really is gorgeous up here. The only problem with that is it is pretty remote. Our nearest hospital is a hour away. Which can be pretty scary sometimes when you have a poorly patient on board.<br />
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I have had a good mix of jobs up here, ranging from purely social calls to serious trauma and complex medical calls. I really have learnt 100% more since I've graduated and been working up here than I did throughout my 2 years training. Knowing I am now solely responsible for making calls and am the professional on scene is quite scary, but I feel I am slowly growing in confidence and believing in myself more. <br />
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The shifts I work are pretty good too. I work 12 hour shifts. Either 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am. And as weird as it sounds I prefer night shifts. I HATE mornings. Also night shifts I am able to talk to Mike so I like them more. The down side is how crazy your sleep patterns become. I have no idea what day of the week it is or date of the month anymore. Ive learnt when I need to sleep before each shift but its still strange sleeping when its sunny outside and also a bit depressing. But oh well.<br />
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I am so fortunate to say I love my job, I know so many people who dread waking up and going to work each day. I cant think of anything worse. I just wish our uniform was a bit nicer. Our uniform has been compared to a wheelie bin, the green giant, shrek and modeled on barney.<br />
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I just hope that I continue to work as a Paramedic, keep on improving learning and be able to work in the job I love for many more years to come.<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-84650642451611280352013-06-27T23:28:00.004+01:002013-06-27T23:28:42.830+01:00My day of surprises.<br />
Every girl dreams of her wedding her whole life, planning every little small detail and how perfect it is going to be marrying her prince charming. What we dont plan is getting engaged, well we do, but not the who what when and how, we just hope that it happens one day. My day came, and it was PERFECT.<br />
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It was my day of surprises.<br />
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Mike had a meeting in the morning so I had a lie in... amazing start! When he got back he said we were going out for the day. Once we got in the car he told me I had to put a blindfold on. Obviously I thought it was a little strange but I just thought Mike was being silly. Then we drove for a little while, I had absolutely no clue where we were going, I was just hoping people who drove past us didn't think Mike had kidnapped me and called the police. I did try get some clues on the way down but Mike gave pretty much nothing away plus im a terrible guesser. We ended up going for a massage. I LOVE massages. It was so relaxing, my favourite is when they massage your arms hands and feet. I could have stayed there for hours. But that was only stop number one, I had to put the blindfold back on again and next stop we went for food. One of my favourite foods is Chicken Nuggets. Yes im 23 but they are so good. So we stopped off at Wendy's. I love those nuggies. Blindfold back on we drove for a while further and ended up at a shopping mall. Since Mike and I first got together I have been desperate to get photo's taken in a photo booth. The ones in America take 4 different photos as apposed to just having 4 of the same ones that happens over here. So photo's in hand I got back in the car and then had to sit and wait in the car for a while whilst Mike went somewhere. It felt like forever and I was adamant people were staring at me. Mike knows how much I love Coldstones ( the ice cream place) so the next stop was there and I got my usual, it never gets old. The next drove was the longest and when we pulled up Mike said he had to go and get something and might be a while. When he came back he told me that he had to carry me. I hate being carried. I know im not the smallest girl and it just makes me feel self conscious and I dont want to hurt the person carrying me. But Mike would not take no for a answer. So off we went. As soon as he stood me down music started playing. I recognised the song straight away it was James Morrisons version of Man in the Mirror. My favourite song!! Thats when I knew something was up. And thats when I got the giggles. When the song finished Mike told me I could take off the blindfold and then I saw him infront of me all dressed up holding a bunch of flowers. Next thing I knew he got down on one knee and I got my moment. Of course I said yes. I stopped myself from crying. The ring he picked out was beyond gorgeous... and it fitted! it was only a little while later that he said 'have you noticed what ring it is' He had bought me a Tiffany's ring. Part of my wedding dream was getting a Tiffany ring. And he made that come true! As much as I had always wanted one I realised then that it wouldn't have mattered if it was a $5 ring I still would have said yes and loved it. Mike had asked one of the kids at the school who was doing photography to come and take photos of the whole thing, I didn't realise this until the end. So not only did I have the perfect moment I know have pictures of it and can relive it. Also I got to share the moment with all my family and friends. I thought it was such a sweet gesture.<br />
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Mike had put so much thought into all of this. He came over for a week in March because he had a week off work. Turns out he came over to ask me dad's permission to propose. He also asked my Mum too and had told them when he was going to do it and also sent them a picture of the ring. He had also been messaging one of my best friends to get her advice and help on what ring to buy me. She knows me well :) So then we skyped Mikes family who also already knew and were beyond excited and happy for us. We rang both of his grandparents too who were thrilled about the news. The worst thing about California is that its 8 hours behind Wales. It was 4 am back home, but that didn't stop me. I rang both my mum and dad and let them know. They too were so so happy for me, a little groggy because I had woken them up but still so happy.<br />
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That night to celebrate we went out for food, and of course it had to be the Cheesecake Factory. I have never seen such a big menu in a restaurant before. I was about 20 pages thick so it took us a long while to choose. The food was so good! I was too full for cake, and I normally always have room for cake. Mike got a piece of oreo cheesecake to go so when we got back we ate it and watched some tv.<br />
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It's so strange to call Mike my fiance. It seems so grown up. But its so exciting. Also wearing a ring on that finger is weird, but good weird. I stare at it a lot. Its so pretty!<br />
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I even made a video out of all of the photo's with Man in the Mirror in the background. Im quite impressed with it, and it didn't take that long either. Who loves IMovie! Check it out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eraEtMXjWAU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eraEtMXjWAU</a><br />
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It was the most perfect proposal I could have asked for. How much thought and effort Mike had put into it showed how much he loves me. Now if I ever have a bad day and the whole long distance relationship gets me down which I've got to admit is quite often, I just look at these pictures and it reminds me of that moment and I get happy again.<br />
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One lucky girl.<br />
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Flossy x<br />
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Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-68474660726018483522013-06-26T22:11:00.000+01:002013-06-26T22:11:24.029+01:00A trip to rememberI havent written anything for so long now. Everything has gone a bit mental in my life. All for good reasons and I couldn't be happier, I'm just so busy. But I'm going to get back into doing this because I will be so disappointed with myself for stopping this and I now Ive got to much I want to write and keep somewhere forever to look back on and share with people.<br />
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In April I managed to get some holidays booked in work so I was able to head out to California to visit my boy for 12 days.<br />
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I was so excited to get to the airport because I was in desperate need to get some new perfume, and seen as its the only place I can buy Escada I was so happy to stock up. So imagine my shock when they didn't have any there. Well technically they did have some there, but I didn't like them. The first time I have ever not liked it. I didn't know what to do. I kind of walked around like a lost sheep, smelling way too many perfumes that I gave myself a headache. But I finally decided on Britney Spear's new one. I felt 14 years old again buying her perfume but its actually really nice. Im hoping that next time I go there will be an Escada I like. I also was on a mission to find some new sunglasses. I want a proper nice pair, for the last few years Ive just had super cheap ones, so I was excited to go and find some. Glasses shopping for me is stressful, not because of too much choice but the complete opposite. I have a very small and round head. Mike calls me pea face, I've accepted it and embrace it. However this make finding glasses that dont make me look like a bug very difficult. I often try on kids glasses, which seem to be perfect for me. I did find one pair that I really liked and I thought didn't look too bad, typical they were £230. So I left empty handed.<br />
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I managed to find a direct flight into San Fransisco. I was so happy, its bit of a pain having to get my bags at a airport then take them and put them on the right carousel and then make sure I get to my flight on time. So I was chuffed to bits when I found a direct flight and with Virgin. Ive heard they are really good so I was looking forward to it. However this excitement was short lived. Safe to say I will not be flying with Virgin every again. The staff were SO rude. Normally you get drinks and people coming through the cabin often. I think saw them 4 times. When they came around with the food, I asked for the chicken dish and when I looked at what he gave me it was the wrong dish, so I turned around and told him about what happend and asked politely to swap it. He huffed at me, then said 'well pass it here' and then shoved the chicken dish onto my tray. Even the person sat behind me said 'well that was rude'. I shouldn't have even bothered swapping my food. It was exactly like how old plane food was, plain, dry and no flavour. I just ate my bread roll and picked at some chicken. Luckily I had bought some sweeties in duty free so they kept me going. The flight seemed to take forever cause normally I would have stopped and then swapped plane. So I filled my time with films. I managed to watch 4. Flight with Denzel Washington. Maybe not the best film to watch on a plane as its about a plane that crashes and then he is investigated for being drunk whilst driving. It was however really good. I love all of Denzel Washington's films. Next I watched Argo, I had heard so many good things about this film. I quite enjoyed it. Not the best film Ive ever seen but still good. Then I watched The Silverlining Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it was the weirdest film Ive watched in a long time. I found it hard to follow and the story line was just strange. I didn't like any of the characters, so that wasn't a hit. Finally I watched The Hobbit. I LOVE The Lord Of The Rings and so was beyond excited to watch this. I was very disappointed. I didn't think it was good at all. I think because LOTR was so good it set a standard that was just too high, but Im glad Ive seen it.<br />
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I got through customs in less that 10 minutes :o I was so shocked! The man at the counter I went up to was finishing I was his last 'customer' of the day so he literally said why are you here then didn't even listen to my answer just stamped my passport and let me in. Woop woop! Mike was actually landing in the airport a hour after me after going to Palm Springs for a camp conference. We thought it would work out perfect by the time I get through customs and get my bag we could meet at my baggage claim. However because I got through so fast I thought I would surprise Mike and go to his gate so Id be there when he got off. American airports are totally different to British ones. The baggage claim in right next to the main door out of the airport so basically people can walk in off the street and pick up your bags if they wanted to. I thought I would surprise Mike but then I actually started thinking that maybe he would have gone a different way and be waiting for me at my gate so I ruined the surprise and messaged him so he knew where I was. Then I had my favourite moment and had that long awaited hug and kiss. One happy Amy.<br />
We drove back to school, I picked up a chicken burger and chips on the way back. Mike had to work that night, so I went and had a nice early night.<br />
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Day 2.<br />
Today was one to remember... I found bread I like. Simple things but I LOVE bread and all the bread in America is gross apart from this one loaf from Sprouts a healthy food shop - ironic. Mike then had to work, the school was doing a mini olympics so I went for a walk. I decided to walk up windy hill again, this time there was no chance of it turning dark and having to relive that nightmare experience. But half way up it got so windy that I turned around and walked down to a little park. There was a few kids playing baseball which was super cute to watch. Also hysterical to watch the over competitive and pushy parents who were trying to still to come across as nice and friendly and failing. Because it was so windy I didn't realise how hot it was and so I burnt to a crisp! It was horrendous, I looked terrible and could have actually cooked a egg on myself I was so hot. Once I got back to the school and Mike laughed at me he then told me that the school staff asked if I wanted to judge a talent competition that night. Brilliant! My first impression on all of Mike's work colleagues and kids at the school and I look like a tomato! It was good fun though the kids didn't take it very seriously so it made judging it easier. Luckily there was another 2 ladies judging it and we nominated one of them to do all the talking so I could sit there with my head down.<br />
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Day 3.<br />
Mike had a open house for camp so the camp director and the assistant director came over and they went to work for the day. Because I couldn't go outside I sat and watched TV all day and I stumbled upon EXTREME COUPONING. Wow! That is one crazy show. The people go on shopping trips they have planned for the past 6 months and then spend $1000 dollars and end up getting it for free by using coupons. They fill up about 10 trollies. But they end up buying about 300 toilet rolls 100 tins of soup and 20 toothpastes. Its weird. Then they have store rooms back home which is stuffed full. As much as I like to get good deals on things there is no way I could ever do that, its way too much. And plus extreme couponing doesn't work on clothes :(<br />
In the night Mike and I went to watch Olympus has Fallen which has Gerald Butler in it (YUM) It was pretty good, I like action films and films that are easy to watch and dont take much thinking whereas Mike likes films that make you think, it was very American and very unrealistic but we both still liked it.<br />
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Day 4.<br />
Mike had to work all day so I had another day inside watching tv letting my burn cool down. This visit I was set on going to the Cheesecake Factory. Ive heard their cake is incredible. I didn't have to wait to go and eat there Mike went on a trip with the kids and bought me back a piece of chocolate cake. When I said piece I should say slab. It was the biggest slice Ive ever seen. I took me 6 sittings to finish it, but it was so so good!<br />
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Day 5.<br />
One hobby that Mike and I both enjoy is hiking. We hope to do more of it in the future and also want to camp so we can stay places for longer and just stop wherever we fancy. So today we went and bought some camping equipment. We bought a gas stove and a pot and pan set. Were slowly getting everything. Im excited about getting a tent, surely thats the most exciting part. Its got to be easy to put up because Mike will admit he's not good at arts and craft things which includes putting up tents so I'll have to be able to do it mostly just with a little help.<br />
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Day 6.<br />
We went on a brilliant walk around Point Reece. Mike found out about a waterfall that is on the beach so we went to go and find it. It was a really nice walk, an easy trail until you get to the secret path to get down to the waterfall and then to get onto the beach we had to slide down on our bottoms. But it was worth it. The beach was gorgeous, we sat there for a few hours then climbed on our hands and knees back up the cliff and back to the car. One of Mikes favourite food places is a Chinese called Panda Express. He gets orange chicken from there which I think is gross, he loves it though. So while he ate that I went and got Burger King..much better :)<br />
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Day 7.<br />
My favourite pair of jeans Ive owned were from American Eagle, the material is super soft and they fit nicely so I was hoping to get a new pair this trip. Mike bless him took me to basically every single clothes shop he could think of so I could try find a pair but I didn't find an I liked. I came home empty handed. Mike however, got new shorts and trousers. It wasn't all doom and gloom for me I tired my first philly cheese steak sub and it was good! In the evening we sat down and watched The Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers. I love LOTR I put it on whenever I am ill. Mike however, had never seen them I made him watch them. He didn't love it as much as me, but maybe the pure amount he'll be seeing it in the future he might start to like it more and more.<br />
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Day 8.<br />
I drove! Mike asked me every single time we got in the car if I wanted to drove so today was the day. I drove us to Chipolletes a mexican food place. I do not get stop signs and I drive too far over to the right side of the road. But apart from that I did good. I even did a good bay park. Ill get there slowly, I just dont like being on the wrong side of the road. The fact that the cars are automatics makes it easier, basically they are go karts. Next time im there I'll drive more again. Mike had to work the rest of the day so I watched tv. While I was over there boston bombings happened and obviously it was ALL over the news today they caught him so I watched all of that. Also friday night is bride night on TLC so I watched I found the Gown and say yes to the dress for about 5 hours. I think every girls loves those kind of shows.<br />
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Day 9.<br />
My burn had finally calmed down enough to be able to sunbathe again, so I headed down to the pool to try and get rid of my tan lines. It was SO hot! I had to keep getting up and going and sitting in the shade. After a few hours I couldn't stick it anymore. I hate getting hot it makes me irritable and I feel gross so after a nice cold shower I walked down to the local shop bought a burger and sat in the shade and read my book. I love reading, I love getting to into a book that you cant put it down. I read a few good ones during this trip, I cant remember what they were called now though unfortunately. It was such a nice night I decided to go and sit at 'our spot'. Its in a field on the school ground where Mike and I had our first kiss. You get an amazing view of the stars from there so I lay there for hours. Way too many hours that I completely lost track of time and ended up staying there until 1am. I kind of scared Mike whoops but I had a lovely night out there.<br />
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Day 10.<br />
I headed back to the pool to make the most of the sun, however there was a strange man down at the pool who kept staring at me. Maybe he just didn't know who I was, to him I was the stranger who was laying by the pool. But it creeped me out to much so I went back to my room and watched tv for the rest of the day.<br />
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Day 11.<br />
My surprise day! This day will get a whole post of its own but as a summary.. I GOT ENGAGED! waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!<br />
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Day 12.<br />
We headed down to Santa Cruz for the day, I had hoped to lay on the beach however it was so windy when we got there we couldn't. We stopped off in Quizno's on the way and got a sub which was not as good as I remembered it being before. Then we walked along the board walk which was nice, its a shame the fair wasn't open. I love rides. I lost at a game of Air Hockey. Mike and I played putt putt back in 2010 and I beat him by 10 shots. He had an absolute disaster on one shot, and plus Im good at putt putt (and modest). So we decided to play again cause there was a course there. This time Mike got lucky, it was all going so well until about the 12th hole and then it all went downhill. Literally I couldn't get my ball up the hill. So Mike ended up winning by 5 shots. We then walked along the pier and right at the end of it we saw hundreds of Sea Lions lying underneath the pier on the beams. We couldn't figure out how they got there. They were also floating in huge groups in the sea. One man had swum out from the beach and got up quite close to them. It was then that I thought I saw a shark fin. I freaked out. I HATE sharks! I thought I was about to see a man get eaten. However using my zoom on my camera I found out it was just a seal on its side with its fin sticking up. We took the scenic route home along the coast, it was super pretty and there were some gorgeous houses, we made a few stops to try and find a good spot for Mike to go surfing. We picked up a Jack in the Box on the way home, then ate it watching one of the NBA playoff games.<br />
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Day 13.<br />
Home time :(<br />
On the way to the airport I bought some more toothpaste. Toothpaste in america has bicarbonate of soda in and so is good for whitening teeth. Then we went and ate in Chilli's. I got the nicest desert it was a giant cookie with ice cream and chocolate sauce. When we were at the airport there was the longest queue for check in. It took forever!! I HATE security check. Because this is the goodbye spot. It was a million times worse this time, saying goodbye to him normally is tough but saying goodbye to your Fiance is literally heartbreaking. I just had time to go to the toilet and buy a bottle of water before I had to board. I was sat upstairs on the jumbo jet. I was so excited, I'd always wondered what it was like up there. For anyone that hasn't been up there.. DONT unless your short like me. Its so claustrophobic. I always get window seats so I can lean against the wall to sleep. Up there though there is a big window sill so you cant lean against it. So I got zero sleep. Once I landed I walked straight through customs then had a 3 hour wait for my bus. But I managed to get on a earlier bus so I got home a lot earlier. My mum met me and the bus stop with a gorgeous bunch of congratulations on your engagement flowers. I could not wait to jump into bed.<br />
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Another amazing trip... ready for the next one now<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-72402105133382008012013-03-15T15:11:00.001+00:002013-03-15T15:11:56.934+00:00Love Hate RelationshipI feel like I say this a lot but I've started going to the gym again. And this time, for some reason I'm really dedicated. I dont know what has changed my mind and made me that way but I'm not complaining. I think it's because I'm fed up of moaning about my body and being so unfit, so the only way to change it is by putting in the hard work. Also I feel like more and more people are going to the gym now, loads of my friends are, so I dont want to be the one with the worse body out of everyone so I have to keep up.<br />
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My biggest downfall however is food. I absolutely love eating, and it wouldn't be so bad if I ate all healthy good stuff, but no I LOVE fatty food, I love all the food I shouldn't be eating. Half of me says its there to be eaten so enjoy it, the other half of me says NO FATTY! PUT IT DOWN. Its a constant battle.<br />
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I've only been to the gym a few times so far, and each time I literally have to force myself to go. I have such a love hate relationship with it. But once I'm there I get into it and once I'm back home and in the shower I'm glad I went. The gym I go to is literally down the road from my house. It's £4 a session which isn't too bad, and the best thing about it is there is such a cute dog there! Its a big wolf like dog, I dont know what bread it is but it is gorgeous, he always comes bounding up to me when I walk in which is a nice little welcome.<br />
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I'm just sticking to all the cardio machines for now, I want to work on loosing weight and getting fitter first, then I'll work on toning up. Plus all the weight machines are scary looking and I dont know exactly how to use them. So I'm likely to provide a lot of entertainment for everyone else in the gym and just embarrass myself if I attempt to use them. Last time I used a leg press machine I got stuck underneath it and my brother had to pull the weights up to let me out.<br />
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I dont ever see myself being one of those people who live breath eat and sleep for the gym, I just hope I can keep it up and get healthier and fitter. Here's to hoping!<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-59474309310901985802013-02-13T21:00:00.005+00:002013-02-13T21:13:40.249+00:00Meeting the Family. <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I finally got to meet Mike's family over the Christmas holidays. To say I was nervous about this trip would have been an understatement. Meeting the family is a huge deal and I wanted everyone to like me so much that I wound myself up into bit of a frenzy. I was so focused on this trip I kind of forgot about Christmas. But I still had an absolutely amazing Christmas day.</span></div>
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This time I managed to get a little bit of sleep before I had to wake up to catch my bus. Armed with my new suitcase from Santa I was ready to go. I ended up getting to the airport about 5 hours before my flight as that was the only bus available but I quite liked it, it meant I didn't have to rush or panic.</div>
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When it came to boarding the plane the flight attendant scanned my boarding pass and the computer started beeping...queue panic! Then I got told I had been upgraded to First Class...queue excitement!</div>
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It made the flight to Toronto even better. I even got to board the plane first (simple things). When I got to my seat I pressed every single button I could find and just went back and forth and up and down on my seat for about 10 minutes seeing what it could do. My TV was huge! And I got a huge pillow and a super thick blanket so I managed to sleep like a baby for about 3 hours, not until I had a 3 course meal and so many drinks I had to go to the toilet 3 times. I watched The Vow (and cried) Magic Mike and a film about bike couriers in New York which was really good. I have always wondered what first class was like and now Ive experienced it I can see why people pay for those tickets, especially on long flights. Personally I would never pay for the ticket but if they offer me more free upgrades I will definitely be taking them. And I might even start to put my name down on the reserve list...just in case.</div>
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My luck had to even out at some time and it came quickly. I had to wait for aaaages for my bags in Toronto then go through customs before dropping my bag off, then I had to go through security again, then get to my gate which was miles away. I had to go and talk to a steward in the queue for customs because it was so long I was going to miss my flight so I got to skip the queue, but it still meant I had to literally sprint to get to my gate in time. I spent a little while getting ready before I left the house so I would be looking good when I met his family, but I shouldn't have bothered. I was so gross and sweaty by the time I got to the gate, I needed another shower. When I did get to the gate though my flight had been delayed because of a storm that was coming in. So I didn't need to rush at all. I did do my good deed for the day though and I bought a lady who I had seen running to the gate a bottle of water, cause she was in the same state as me when we got there.</div>
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I always meet Mike at the baggage claim, this time meeting up with him could have easily been in a movie. As I was coming down the escalator to get my baggage he was walking towards me. It was cute! I was giggling and feeling like a movie star. </div>
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I quickly had to pull myself together cause his Mum was waiting outside to drive us back to their house. My heart was pounding so fast. All I could think was 'please like me, think before you speak' But as soon as I gave his mum a hug I relaxed, she was so nice! really friendly and super pretty. She has gorgeous hair, I said to Mike later, 'your mum is super pretty'. Her hair is a lot like mine but shorter and and she has more defined curls. Mike only lives about 15 minutes away from the airport, which could not be more different to me. I have a 3 hour journey to get to the airport. So after a super quick ride we pulled up to his house and I met his family. I walked into the living room and there was his dad, 3 sisters and 2 of their boyfriends. Its was so scary, but it went well. Pretty much straight away I opened my Christmas presents from them. I thought I would have 1 present but I ended up having about 10! I am the worst present opener. I dont want to go over the top and say how much I like the present cause it can easily seem fake but then I sometimes play it down too much like im ungrateful and dont like it. I got the nicest presents though! I was very spoilt.</div>
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Day 2: I am the worst morning person I know. I hate getting up and am always late. But I knew I couldn't be while I was out there. So I made sure I set my alarm super early to get up and be ready. Mid morning some family friends came over and we played a bunch of games. It was real fun. It reminded me a lot of what my family does on boxing day. I even won a game :) I won a game called Farkle. It was nice to finally meet more people Mike has talked about and now be able to put faces to names. In the afternoon, Mikes youngest sister had a basketball game. Mike used to coach the boys basketball team in the school and last season they won the State Championship. This was going to be the first time he had seen them all since he left for his job in California. I felt like I was dating a celebrity we walked into the school and everyone was like "Hey Coach Mike' I think every single person there waved or shouted out to him or came up and hugged him. It was crazy but so nice to see how many people liked Mike and missed him. After the game we went and ate in Cheddars which was real nice. I struggled with their HUGE portion sizes! After that we went home, watched TV then went bed.</div>
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Day 3: Mike's uncle own a chain of restaurants so for lunch we went and ate there. The food was sooo good. There was a football table there too so me and Mike got our butt's whooped by his sister and her boyfriend. In his restaurant people decorate dollar bills and then pin them on the wall. The place is covered in them, they are hanging from the ceiling its really cool. I made a CYMRU one and Mike being the cute sweet boyfriend he is made one saying ML + AJ = (then drew a heart) bless his cotton socks. </div>
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He has a few restaurants dotted around so check out his website and if your nearby pop in for some amazing food.</div>
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After we all stuffed ourselves silly we went to a jewellery store called Charming Charlie's. One of Mike's sisters kindly bought me a gift card for the shop so obviously I had to go and spend it. I could easily have spent a lot of money in that shop. There was so much gorgeous jewellery, and lovely clothes there too. I had to stop myself from buying more, because I knew I would struggle on my weight limit going home.</div>
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When we got home we watched Pitch Perfect. I liked it, I laughed a lot. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but I would watch it again. </div>
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In the night Mike took me to Oppryland. It is a ginormous hotel that they decorate with thousands of christmas lights. It was stunning! We walked around there for hours, it was boiling hot in there though. I wore boots and my feet were so sweaty by the end of it. It was so pretty there though, I walked around with my mouth open for a lot of it. We walked past a few college football players (american football not soccer) they were big guys! Im used to being around tall men, Mike is 6 ft 3 and my brother is 6ft 2 so I didn't find them that tall, but they were built, they were so muscly! I dont fancy running into any of them. After walking around for hours we went home, and I jumped straight into bed. </div>
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Day 4: All of Mike's family is super athletic and really into their fitness, so I was very nervous when Mike's sisters asked me if I wanted to go along with them to a Kickboxing class. I just hoped I could keep up and didn't keel over exhausted. It was so much fun. I laughed a lot! We all struggled a little with our coordination which made for a few funny moments laughing at each other. We had to run around the bag in circles at one stage then keep changing direction. I got so dizzy I had to shut my eyes and stand still for a while. We also had to do various combinations of punches and kicks and dips, we all had a few whopsies and got confused. But it was good fun. I was nice and rosy when we left. I could defiantly seeing me doing those classes regularly, if only we have them were where I live.</div>
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Later in the day we went to the Mall to do some shopping :) I really really wanted to get a purse while I was out there and Mike's Mum recommended Vera Bradley. They do gorgeous purses with really colourful patterns so I found one I loved and being the lucky girlfriend I am Mike kindly bought it for me. Then the shopping focus turned on Mike. He wanted some dress shirts for work, so I think we went into every suit shop there, and after first guessing Mike's sizes then finally getting measured we managed to find 3 or 4 really nice shirts and ties. He looked very handsome and smart. Before we headed back home I had an amazing sub from Charlie's it was so yummy! Im definitely going to remember about that place for my next visit. </div>
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That night Mike's sister had another basketball game so we went to support her. All of Mike's grandparents go and watch the games so I got to meet them. They were so friendly I got on with them all so well. They made me call them granny and granddad, grandma and grandaddy big bob which was so cute. They were super funny and Mike's granny shouts the funniest things during the games. I got to tick off another fast food restaurant after the game, we went to Chick - fil a. Its might be my favourite so far. Later that night we drove through a light show. Apparently you were meant to tune your radio to a station and the lights would flash to the music, but we couldn't figure out the station so just drove through it without the music. It was really pretty. There was a man dressed up as Santa half way around so we had a quick chat to him, and then a man dressed up as a snowman danced for us. They must have been absolutely freezing! On the way home we stopped off and bought a ice cream cake and then watched home video's of Mike when he was little. He was super cute, he was dancing and singing. His dance moves have not improved! I love seeing baby pictures and video's I could watch them all day. His family loved showing me them too, I dont know if Mike was quite so happy about it.</div>
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Day 5: When Mike is back home every Sunday he goes with his Granddad and Uncle to watch the Titans play. So I went and watched a game with Mike, his Mum and Granddad. I wrapped up warm because I had been warned of how cold it was, and no matter how cold it gets or how bad the titans are loosing or how much they are winning by Mike's granddad stays until the final whistle. Apparently the game wasn't good, but I didn't know the difference between a good game and a bad game so I enjoyed it. Until the 3rd quarter we were sat in the sun, so by the end of the game I had caught a lovely tan on the right hand side of my face. They had the craziest mascot, I dont even know what animal it was. But at one stage it came out walking on his hands. I was so impressed until Michael told me that the man had just put it on upside down. Completely ruined the moment for me. Im so glad I can now say I've been to see a game. Im slowly understanding the game more. I just find it so start stop that I loose interest. </div>
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On the way home we stopped off in a few stores to try and find Mike some suit trousers and a blazer. Later that night Mike cooked me some potato skins and we all sat around and played Farkle. I didn't really understand it. It was like yhatzee but not at all. Anyway I think I lost, it was fun though. I absolutely love playing board games. My family used to play a lot when I was growing up. I am the current Snap and Domino's champion. In my house I think we have every single monopoly ever made. We normally get one every christmas, play it once then put it away with the others until the next year. </div>
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Day 6: I was so excited for today. I had seen pictures of Mike's sisters in this place on facebook so was really looking forward to go. Its called Sky High, and basically they have a tonne of trampolines and you just go and bounce around and they have a dodgeball court with trampolines you play on, and also a foam pit you can flip and jump into. </div>
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It was a lot of fun, after a hour we were all shattered. Mikes sisters were all doing flips and things, i was just merrily jumping up and down, last time I tried to flip I ended up kneeing myself in the face and giving myself a fat lip so I did not want a repeat of that. I also showed up how bad Brits are at dodgeball. I was terrible. Ive actually got a good throwing arm but the balls they use are foam so I cant grip them right, so most games I ended up getting knocked out by one of the younger kids who were playing with us. One of Mike's good friends surprised his family and joined us there. He showed no mercy what so ever and was pelting these kids with the balls. He definitely has a competitive side like Mike. </div>
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All that bouncing around made us work up a huge appetite so it was only fitting we had a HUGE meal to satisfy us. So we went and got a jacket potato from a place near Mike's house called Whit's Barbecue It was possibly the biggest potato I'e ever seen. I was determined not to let it beat me though, but with only 2 mouth fulls left I had to give in. It was just too much. But it was so tasty. I will definitely have another one of those when I go back. </div>
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Day 7: I am not the greatest with names, so today was a challenge. All of Mike's Dad side of the family came over for food and to watch the football. Its a family tradition they have. I was doing good with the names for the first 10 people that came but when there was around 30 I completely lost track. Everyone again was so friendly! I think I was asked possibly the strangest question I've been asked to date which was 'do you have cell phones in Wales' and 'Do you have cows in Wales'. Part of me wanted to say no what are those but I couldn't do that. It did made me giggle, and Mike too who was sat beside me sniggering. </div>
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There was so much food there!! I've heard a lot of good things about all the food Mikes family cooks so I was very eager to try it all. His Mum's brownies were incredible. I ended up eating them for breakfast! There was a whole table of deserts so I went and picked up every single thing that was chocolate and ate it all. A few people noticed and commented that I would fit well with my sweet tooth. It was a really nice morning, I watched more American football in that one morning than I have in my entire life. Its nice to see and be a part of all his family traditions. </div>
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In the evening I got to meet some of Mike's old school and college friends. We went to a pub and did a quiz. Its such a British thing I was shocked. Pubs here always have pub quiz's so I was super excited for that as well as meeting them all. I thought maybe my quiz history would help me but it did not one tiny little bit. However we still ended up winning :) Apparently we were lucky charms and could go back anytime. We'll have to take them up on that. They told me a few stories about Mike from his school days which are always fun to hear. It's strange not knowing all those things. Yes he's told me about it. But I find it strange that I only met him 3 years ago and I never got to see him when he was in school and playing basketball and seeing what he was like when he was younger. </div>
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When we got home, Mike showed me some more old photo albums. There was one full of newspaper cuttings of his basketball games, which was exciting. Now I have to believe him when he said he was good. </div>
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Day 8: A girlie day!! I had been wanting to see the last Twilight for aaages. But had never got round to watching it, but neither had Mikes sisters and Mum so we finally went and watched it. It was good, the ending had a huge twist that shocked us all, but we all loved it. Once we left we went and bought some ice cream, I had a brownie in mine and loads of other chocolate it was good. But even their ice cream tubs are massive. I really dont know what they would make of our portion sizes over here, they would be shocked. </div>
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Our girlie day continued into the afternoon when me and 2 of Mikes sisters went and got pedicures. It was the first one I've ever had and I really enjoyed it. I had to bit my thumbs to stop me laughing when the lady scrubbed my feet. It tickled so badly, the lady was laughing at me. Im sure she gets it a lot though. But what made me laugh more was one of the ladies doing one of Mike's sisters feet put on her flip flops! We didn't know what to do, me and Mikes other sister were laughing our heads off. We couldn't figure out how she would be able to ask for her flip flops back. 'Uh scuse me, you seem to be wearing my shoes'. I said we should leave then she should walk back in and say 'I've left my flip flops here, they look a lot like the ones your wearing?' She managed to get them back though, but it gave us something to laugh about for a while after. </div>
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I was nervous about Mike's sisters liking me, but I couldn't have been more wrong. We got on so well. I thought I'd be shy but I found them so easy to talk to and we laughed a lot. I found it so easy and nice to just sit and talk to them all. I really think I could open up and talk to them about anything and I hope they feel the same back. Ive always wanted a sister, and now I pretty much have 3 its great! </div>
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Thats evening Mike's dad grilled some steaks for us and Mike's mum cooked delicious potatoes That Mike and I have tried to make but no where near as successfully. I went back for seconds, and then thirds. It was my favourite meal the whole time I was there. </div>
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One of Mike's favourite films growing up was Land Before Time. Ive never seen it, so in the night we sat down and watched it. I can't believe I havent seen it, or if I have I cant remember it. He still remembered all the character's names and a few of the lines. It was cute.</div>
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Day 9: I got to lie in which was so nice, all them early mornings had caught up with me. Today was the day I had been looking forward to most out of the whole trip. In the afternoon, Mike and his sisters go back to their old high school and play in Alumni Basketball games. Alumni for all of us Brits and non Americans are people who used to go to that school and graduated from there. Its all lighthearted and all done for fun, however they all still want to win and try to hide their competitiveness. Mike's sisters played first and were on opposite teams which was interesting to watch. Then it was Mike's turn! All of his boys he coached last year were in the stands watching so I think he was a little nervous. He said he played terrible and was disappointed but I loved watching him play. I've heard and seen so much about how good he is it was nice to actually see it for my own eyes. And if he thought he did bad, it just means I'll have to go and watch him play some more. After the game we went and got some Fro Yo (frozen yoghurt). I didn't though, I'm really not keen on it, I think it has a strange after taste, only the real stuff for me. </div>
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When we got back to the house I watched Mike's senior DVD. It was lovely! Then we watched Derren Brown. He's a British magician/ mind master. He does lots of crazy shows, tricks and hypnotises people to try and do lots of social experiments. Its very very interesting, Mike and I love it and have watched nearly all of his shows. Some are creepy but most of them just blow your mind how he does all of those things. </div>
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Day 10: Home day :( </div>
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I told myself not to get emotional and cry infront of his family. But I failed.... miserably. After a nice lunch with Mike's grandparents it was time to say goodbye to Mike's dad and 2 of Mike's sisters. I was doing so well until I saw his dad cry. That set me off! Im such a big baby, if I see other people cry I cry. I didn't get to say half of the stuff I wanted to and thank them for everything. Instead I just hugged them and scurried off. NOT COOL! Then we went to Mike's school to say goodbye to his youngest sister and Mum. Again I cried when his Mum started crying. Its when they ask the question 'When do you think you'll be back' or 'When are you going to see Mike again' that I normally cry. Cause the answer is I dont know. If I had a date then I would be okay, cause I would be able to look forward to that and have something to work towards. But not knowing is horrible. </div>
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Once I got to the airport the fun and games started. My flight got delayed, so I went up to the desk and they told me that therefore I would miss my connecting flight and then my bus when I landed back the UK. They were brilliant about it all. They quickly booked me onto another flight and I was all good to go. After a <b><u>very</u></b> emotional goodbye with Mike I made my way to my boarding gate, to hear my name being called out over the loud speaker. So I went up to the desk to find out what was wrong and they told me that the flight I had been put onto was fully booked. So they moved me again to another plane which was boarding there and then. So I jumped onto that plane and headed home. On the way home I managed to finish the book I had become engrossed in, Safe Haven. When we were watching Twilight the trailer for this came on and we all got very excited. If the film is as good as the book it is going to be brilliant. I would love to go and watch his with his family but I doubt that will be able to happen which is a shame. Still Im very excited for it to come out over here. I managed to get a few hours sleep on the way home which was good. Once I landed I made my way to the bus stop to get my bus home to find out I had booked the bus for the wrong month! oopsie! So after buying a new ticket and waiting an extra hour I was finally heading home. </div>
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I had the best trip. After all that panic and worry it turned out to be so easy and SO much fun. Mike has the nicest family and I got on so well with everyone. They couldn't have been more welcoming and friendly, I was sad to leave them all. I realised when I got home, that I didn't take a single picture with his family! I was so disappointed all my friends and family were so eager to see all my pictures so I was disappointed I didn't have any. It just means I'll have to go back and get loads of pictures, hopefully one day soon.</div>
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Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-14030437074178690532012-11-24T00:19:00.003+00:002012-11-24T00:41:40.030+00:00My trip to California.You'd think I'd be quite good at packing by now, but nope I'm still terrible. I was just putting the last few things in my suitcase as I was leaving the house at 2am to catch my bus. With only 6 hours sleep the previous night I was absolutely shattered, I was planning on getting some sleep during my 5 hour bus journey to Gatwick Airport but I failed miserably.<br />
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Once I arrived at the airport my rushed packing turned around and bit me in the bum, I was 2kg over my allowance, but after discovering the faulty weighing scale was to blame my panic was over and I was free to go and raid duty free. If going on holiday isn't enough of a reason to be excited to be in a airport duty free is my cherry on top. This is because my favourite perfume 'Escada' is not available ANYWHERE at home so every time I go on holiday I stock up. It used to be super expensive and was my guilty pleasure but it was super cheap this time. I would have bought more than one bottle but I thought seen as Im going to be in a airport again in less than 40 days (SOOO EXCITED) I only bought one.<br />
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I've always enjoyed flying, I find it really exciting and I even like a bit of turbulence. But what I'm still not 100% keen on is the food. Its definitely getting better but it's still so touch and go that I always worry I'll starve so always always buy some sweeties to see me through. I was also very relieved my TV screen worked! After enduring a 9 hour flight before without a TV I am now very grateful every time it works. The flight went quite quickly. I watched 2 films: The Family Stone and The Help. They were both really good, I recommend watching them both, especially The Help. Its about black maids in the 1960's and the posh, rich white ladies who hire them and how the maids are treated. One of the upper class white ladies is a budding journalist who decides to interview the maids and try to get their voices heard and get equal rights for them. The maids are the ladies who raise the white children as their mum's are always too busy to do it. My favourite part of the movie was when one particular maid told the little girl she looked after everyday 'You is kind. You is smart. You is important.' I thought it was such a simple but effective and important thing to do. I absolutely loved the film and am so glad I got the chance to watch it. Being the big baby I am, I embarrassingly cried watching both. I didn't have a full blown break down, I covered it quite well but if I had been watching it in private the tears would have been flowing.<br />
I spent a lot of the flight talking to my new friend who was an elderly gentleman sat next to me. Normally I dont talk to people on flights but this gentleman was amazing and we talked for ages. He was flying out to spend 6 months in Florida to 'escape' the British winter. I do not blame him. He was such a sweetie, we both raised our eyebrows and poked and prodded our food as it was placed infront of us then swapped between ourselves what we liked and didn't like. Then for desert we shared my sweets. While I was watching The Big Bang Theory, he started to play solitaire on his TV, I quickly noticed he did not know how he play. By the time we landed he was a pro, we played together then when he picked it up I left him too it, but every now and then he would tap me on my shoulder and ask for help. He just reinforced how much I love elderly people.<br />
I had to catch a connecting flight from Charlotte in North Carolina. After saying goodbye to my new friend I quickly made a new one in the queue for customs. He was a 25yr old aspiring actor who was on his way to Vegas to shoot a show called 'Smoke'. He was also in a long distance relationship with a girl who lives in California. Its so nice being able to talk to someone in the same situation as me. Even though I can talk to my family, friends and of course Mike its nice to know that I'm not weird in some of the things I think and feel. It made the queue go super quick and after a few questions from the immigration officer, correctly finding my baggage and putting it on the right carousel for my next flight I was on the plane getting closer to Mike.<br />
I cant even explain how nice a feeling it is to see and hug Mike again after being apart for so long. Its THE best feeling. If I could bottle up that feeling that would be incredible. I was absolutely starving so we made a quick little detour to Wendy's. Im not used to having so many Fast Food Restaurant options I'm used to only having 3. So I'm working my way through them all. And so far, I think Wendy's nuggets are my favourite. The rest of the evening was just going back, getting unpacked and having a well earned early night.<br />
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Day 2: I tried frozen yoghurt for the first time. Well actually not the first time I have tried it before and not liked it one bit, it's got a weird after taste. But Mike promised me that this yoghurt was different and it was. It was okay but still not as good as proper ice cream. I did like that you could put any toppings on it you wanted. Obviously I went for brownie and chocolate chips. A bit more chocolate wont hurt surely. Later that day Mike's basketball team he coaches had an away game so I started to work through my to watch list of films. I started off with Ted and The Inbetweeners. Not the greatest movies ever but easy watches and I did giggle quite a lot throughout them.<br />
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Day 3: I got to meet Mike's roommate, Mal in the morning. He's this super tall athletic guy, who's quite intimidating, but he's super super nice. I had a really hard time understanding him at first and was worried I'd freak him out by staring at his mouth to try and understand him, but once I got used to it I was fine. He's super funny and is not afraid to speak his mind. He also has the biggest TV in his living room I have ever seen in my life (that's not in the cinema). Its mahoosive!!<br />
Then I carried on working my way through the fast food chains and tried a Carl's Jnr. It was pretty nice, I would definitely go back. Im still not used to ordering food there. In fast food places here you just say what you want, but out there they have numbers for things and then they say combo's instead of meals. And I still also forget how GINORMOUS their size's are. Here I order a medium but out there if I ordered that I'd have enough food for 2 meals. The cups are like buckets! So I will remember to just order a small. I'd probably order a child's meal if I was allowed. Mike was working that afternoon and evening so I spent my night watching the Expendables 2 and I decided to re watch all of the Twilight films in preparation for the new one. So I watched Twilight and the beginning of New Moon.<br />
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Day 4: In the morning I got to meet one of Mike's best friends Pitto. I was super nervous, its a scary situation. He's a bit part of Mike's life so I hoped I made a god impression. They went and played volleyball in Stanford University, so I went along and watched. Volleyball is a very new sport for me. I have never played apart from a tiny bit down the beach in the summer but really thats just a game of keepy uppy. No way competitive and with no real rules. Its turns out there are a lot of rules in volleyball and is quite tactical. You have to hit the ball in certain ways with certain parts of your fingers or hands for certain shots. I dont have any real interests in playing, purely because I am probably the worst jumper ever so would not be great. I would give it a go but wouldn't get my hopes up of being any good. I think they won their first game, then as they were about to start their next game it started raining. So I left them to carry on in the rain and I went and sheltered in the car. In the evening Mike's basketball team had a home game, so I went and watched them. It was super cute, little kids playing basketball. They aren't the most athletic kids but they have great heart and all pulled together and ended up with a convincing win.<br />
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Day 5: Mike's school is based in the middle of a Valley which has some beautiful scenery and open countryside. So we went for a little walk around one of the nearby reserves. Mike's map reading skills made sure the walk was interesting. He's got a habit of getting us very lost. Last time we went on a walk around some waterfalls in Wales, we got so lost we had to crawl on our hands and knees up a steep hill, hop over a few fences then just hope we were walking the right way. It was an adventure and made it a whole lot funnier. When we got home, Mike had to work so I continued to work my way through the Twilight films and then watched Taken 2.<br />
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Day 6: This day was super fun! I got to watch my first NBA game, and even got to go to a meet and great with the players afterwards. All of this was possible due to one of Mikes friends who is best friends with one of the players on the Denver Nuggets team. So we went and watched them narrowly beat Golden State Warriors. I was super excited to see the half time show. I had a dream a few days before going out to California that I got called out to take part in the half time shoot out. You had to shoot the ball from the half way line and if it went in the basket you won some money. The only way I could ever throw the ball that far is by throwing it over my head. So in my dream thats what I did, and it went in.... obviously! So I won the money, much to Mikes embarrassment who was sat in the crowd with his head in his hands trying to hide. Unfortunately that did not happen, instead we were treated to one of the weirdest things I've ever seen. It was a Chinese dance performed by children, none of whom looked even remotely happy to be there. I dont know if they had to look sad or keep a straight face, but they just looked miserable. Before we went to the game, I had a life changing food experience. I had my first Chipotle's, which is a Mexican restaurant. I had a chicken and steak burrito. It was soooo good! Then we headed down to Pier 39 and walked around there for a while before making a quick stop off at the Golden Gate Bridge then drove to the game. It was such a nice day, and was lovely to spend time with Mike's friends too.<br />
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Day 7: Mike had to work all day so I was left to fend for myself. The school where Mike works is in the middle of a valley, so is surrounded by 2 big hills. The bigger of the 2 is called Windy Hill. From the top there are beautiful views of California and can see for miles to San Francisco. I have been up there twice before but drove up. So I decided I would be adventurous and walk up. I knew it wasn't going to be a easy walk, but I actually really enjoyed the walk up. It was a cool afternoon so the temperature was perfect. I made it to the top in just over a hour, then decided to make the most of the views at the top so sat down, read a bit of my book, took some pictures and then ate my apple. I have a hard time eating apples, I have quite a small mouth and so every time I bite into a apple I get the juice all over my face. So I now eat apples with a knife which is weird and posh I know. But I dont think I could have been more thankful for my weirdness about half a hour later, when I found myself running back down the hill. I completely mis-timed my walk and forgot how early it got dark in the evening. So just as I began my walk back down the sun disappeared behind the hill leaving me in the dark walking down little dirt tracks under tree's. I have a fear of the dark as it is, but being completely alone in a strange place ad in the middle of nowhere allowed my brain to go into overdrive. And I freaked myself out. I was so scared I even got the knife out of my backpack and help onto it inside my coat pocket. I knew it was craxy and dangerous seen as I couldnt see where I was putting my feet when I was running with only my ipod as a light, but it made me feel a tiny bit safer. What did not help my nerves was the 3 deer that darted across the path in front of me, who then stopped and just stared at me. It really was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life. I was so relieved to see the street lights and get back onto the main road. By the time I got back to the school and Mike saw me I was a huge red sweaty nervous wreck. But still I managed to run down the hill in 35 minutes. It was an interesting 6 miles walk/run but next time I will definitely drive up! To calm myself down I finished my night off watching one of my favourite Christmas films....ELF!! I absolutely love it, it's so funny. I only watched if for the first time about 3 years ago and since then it has been one of my most watched christmas films.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I just like to smile, smiling's my favourite"</span></div>
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Day 8: I had another first today, I went to Dairy Queen. After seeing TV adverts for Blizzard Cakes, when I was in America in 2010 it has been on my 'To Do' list. However once we got there I realised I had got it very wrong and was thinking of something completely different. The Blizzard is more like a McFlurry not a cake. So after eating a chicken basket which was REAL nice we went to Baskin Robbins to try find a cake for me. It turns out they only sell whole cakes, and even though I think I could have given it a good go I decided against it and settles for a ince cream sundae with brownie, chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. After about 10 spoonfuls I was ready to burst. It was waaay too much, the portions were huge. Mike then had an away basketball game so I sat down and watched some trash TV and Mr and Mrs Smith. In the evening we went for a yummy meal in Chili's, one of Mike's favourite restaurants.<br />
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Day 9: My brother is a keen wannabe body builder and so his wardrobe comprises of workout clothes. He orders a lot of his clothes from America and in order to save on the very expensive postage fee's, he ordered clothes to Mike's for me to bring home in my suitcase. But after unsuccessfully being able to pack light there was no room for me to fit his clothes in so we had to take a trip to the post office and send them from there. Then we went to buy some groceries in Mike's super healthy shop, where we had a lesson/teling off from the lady in front of us in the queue about eating almonds with the skin's on. It was a very strange situation, neither of us knew how to respond, if she wanted us to take them back or pinky promise to never eat them again. After a quick stop in Chipotle's (I had to have another burrito) we went back to Mike's as Mike had an away basketball game. When he got back, I had packed my suitcase and then we set up his new clothes hanger/wardrobe/closet. We did a good job and it looked really good. One last thing I HAD to do before I left was have the best ice cream in America. So off we went to Coldstones. It was soo good, if I ever live in America I am probably going to be their more regular customer.<br />
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Day 10: Home time :( After a short night I had to get up at 5am in order to get to the airport for my 8am flight. I was so tired I was looking forward to getting on the plane and hopefully getting some sleep. What I did not expect was to be sat next to the most loved up couple I have seen. The could not keep their hands off each other. Normally it wouldn't bother me but after just having to say goodbye to Mike for 6 weeks it took all of my strength not to cry. I did manage to get a little sleep though but not much, at least I had the window seat to stare out of to try and distract myself from the flirting and giggling from next to me. Then I had a 5 hour lay over in Philidelphia. It was the biggest airport, it was a maze! Thankfully I had so long to waste, I would not want to be in a rush there. To pass the time I went and got myself some food but they gave me the wrong order, and I am not one of those people who complains, I dont have the confidence too so I just ate what I could and threw the rest away.<br />
When I got onto the plane it was half empty so I had 2 seats to myself, it was lovely! The 3 back rows of the plane were empty so it was really nice to be back there, it felt really roomie and spacious. I would say it was quiet if it wasnt for the group of Americans infront of me who had apparently never been taught how to whisper to even talk quietly. But by this time I was too tired to even care and slept for practically the whole flight.<br />
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I was a perfect 10 days. I am so so glad I had the chance to go out there. One of the positives of being in a long distance relationship is how much you treasure the time you manage to have together. Now I only have to wait a little over a month to see him again which is so exciting.<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-25536218055645292932012-11-15T00:04:00.000+00:002012-11-15T00:04:18.220+00:00Birthday Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Two weeks ago I celebrated my 23rd birthday. I didn't really have much planned for it, but it turned out to be a great birthday. </div>
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First of all it fell on the day that the clocks went back, so we had a hour extra sleep, probably one of the most perfect presents I could ever ask for. I LOVE SLEEPING!</div>
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My Brothers birthday is 5 days before mine so we went for a family meal to a local pub on the Friday and had a yummy meal and my first birthday cake. Yes first as in I had cakes plural.. </div>
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On the Sunday (my birthday) my brother and dad left early in the morning to go to London, they had tickets to go and watch the NFL game in Wembley. Leaving me and mum to have a lovely girly day in the spa. Not before having my second birthday cake. I had been wanting a full body massage for so long and part of the day package you could choose any treatment of your choice. Mine was a no brainer!</div>
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When we got there we had a Carvery lunch. It was really really nice. I got a bit carried away and stuffed my face forgetting that I would soon need to get into my bikini. After waddling to the changing room, our first task was to figure out how to work the lockers. They were MI5 standard. We had around 2 hours before we were booked in for our treatments so we headed to the sauna first. I am not a big fan of sauna's, one of my pet hates/peeves is breathing in warm air. It frustrates me then I get irritable. I really dont like getting hot and sweaty, I would much rather be too cold than too hot, but we actually stayed in there quite a while. It wasn't too hot in there so I think thats why. Then we jumped in the jacuzzi which is much more my scene. </div>
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The Spa is in a big fancy hotel which is also used as the Welsh Rugby Team's base, so if your lucky somedays you could find yourself sharing the Jacuzzi with the players. Fortunately for me and my very full belly they weren't there the day we were. But the Wales youth Rugby team was training outside which we had a lovely view of from the Jacuzzi. </div>
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Then we had a slight whoopsie, we got completely confused with the whole clock change and the fact that the only clock in the swimming pool hadn't been turned back meant we turned up to our treatment a hour early. Very eager. W had bit of a giggle about it then went back to the pool to swim a few more lengths.</div>
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When it was actually time for my massage it was kind of worth the wait. I find the whole massage experience quite strange, you just lie there and let a complete stranger massage your body. Then, there's the dilema of trying to create a conversation or just lying there in a awkward silence. I just wanted to lie there and relax but my lady was a talker so I didn't have a choice. It was going really well until the lady started pressing harder. She pressed on one area on my shoulder blade for ages and boy did it hurt. I gritted my teeth and got through it then realised she was going to do the same on the other side. I did think about asking her to stop, but chose against it. I was super excited for a foot massage. I used to be freaked out with the idea of feet but I have learnt to love having my feet massaged. I was under the illusion that a foot massage normally meant having the bottom of your feet rubbed, but I was introduced to having the top of my feet massaged. An experience I NEVER want to repeat. The tops of my feet are quite boney so it was just painful so have bones rubbed. So that didn't quite go to plan. Im making it sound like a miserable massage those two bits were but the rest was really really good! I would go back again just for that and just ask them to avoid those 2 things. </div>
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Overall I had a great day and a fab birthday, it was even more exciting knowing that I was flying out to Mike a few days after too. Im not used to saying that I'm 23, I feel like its a very grown up age. But I have so much planned for this year I've got a feeling its going to be a really exciting and enjoyable year. </div>
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<br />Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-87144128456221407502012-10-19T21:35:00.001+01:002012-10-19T21:35:34.662+01:00Countdown.I am so happy right now. I have so many fun and exciting things to look forward too. As of now I am counting down to a number of things:<br />
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<li>In 8 days it is my 23rd birthday.</li>
<li>In 15 days I finish work in the swimming pool.</li>
<li>In 16 days I am GOING TO CALIFORNIA!!! I'm going to go and visit Mike for 10 days. I'm so excited! I cant wait to see him again. I do have a big dilema though, I dont know what kind of clothes to pack, obviously its not still summer there but I dont think it's cold enough for my winter clothes. </li>
<li>In 30 days I start my pre work training with the Ambulance Service. I've got to do 2 weeks of in class training and then a 3 week driving course so I can drive with the blue lights are sirens on. Exciting! </li>
<li>In 65 days SANTA's coming. My favourite time of year. I have also decided this year that I am going to do something I have wanted to do for years. I am going to do The Christmas Morning Swim. On one of my local beaches every year thousands of people meet down the beach late Christmas morning and watch the brave/crazy people go into the sea all in aid of raising money for chosen charities. Its more a big social event and a chance to see everyone on Christmas before we all retreat to our houses and eat way too much food. So in 65 days I have to run down a beach in front of thousands of people in a bikini! I must be mad.</li>
<li>In 66 days I am going to Tennessee to FINALLY meet Mike's family. Im super excited to meet them all, but im also very VERY nervous! </li>
<li>In 84 days I start work with the Welsh Ambulance Service! Finally doing a adult job and putting into practice all I've learnt and bust my butt for the last 2 years. </li>
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Im one happy and very lucky girl :)</div>
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Flossy x</div>
Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-62094364458199068062012-10-10T00:53:00.002+01:002012-10-10T00:53:50.724+01:00Rediscovering Hobbies<div>
Its always super fun to go back to and rediscover old hobbies. </div>
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Last night, 4 years after hanging my hockey stick up I went back and played at a local club with 2 of my friends, both of whom also used to play. I really enjoyed it. I used to love playing hockey and I was quite good. I played a lot when I was in secondary school and then when I went to University my shoulder was playing up and I just lost interest in playing so stopped altogether.<br />
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All through my life I've enjoyed playing sports and always wanted to get better and play to higher standards. However I have such a hard time understanding and dealing with it when people become so into it that they live, breath, eat and sleep that sport. Im just not like that. For me sport is fun and I feel that when you get to a certain level the fun side is forgotten and it becomes more a way of life. </div>
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Dont get me wrong I love the competitive side of sport, I am a very competitive person (sometimes a bit too much). But I just can't take something that seriously. I dont know whether its a defensive mechanism because im scared of failing if I push myself too much or if I just cant understand how you can take a sport that seriously and dedicate so much of yourself to it. I also know that the higher standard and level you play at the more of a crowd you get watching the games. As long as I can remember I have always hated people watching me play any sports. I get stage fright very easily and I am so scared of letting the people down who are there supporting me that I choke and end up doing just that. </div>
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In all of my badminton competitions my family used to come and as much as I didn't like it, after playing in so many competitions I just got used to it. But I also knew that as my family they had to support me no matter how well or badly I did. I also used to try and sit them in a corner or as far away as I possibly could. </div>
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Im so happy I went back and played, and surprisingly im not sore or hurting today, I know I've just jinxed myself for next week! I hope I can keep up playing, I want to go for the fitness as much as anything. Im already looking forward to next week!!</div>
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Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-45230271479404342302012-09-27T21:10:00.001+01:002012-09-27T21:10:42.742+01:00New ToyI bought myself a new toy today. My laptop suddenly died on me a few weeks ago so since then I have been looking around for a new one and finally decided to get myself a Macbook Pro.<br />
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My old laptop had a big 15 inch screen and its safe to say I have got used to it and love it. I hate looking at screens as it is and so the bigger the better. However today when I went to the Apple store I realised I could save £400 by getting the 13 inch instead of the 15 inch. So now I have a 13 inch screen, its okay I think I will get used to it, I couldn't justify spending another £400 for that.<br />
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So tonight my brother set it all up for me, because I would not have had a clue. It is all up and running, I am slowly trying to figure out how to use it. Its so fiddely! Some of the buttons are different and do different things. But I will get used to it.<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-80545251601238756052012-09-26T02:10:00.001+01:002012-09-27T00:55:18.952+01:00TravelsOn Sunday 4 of my girls set off on their 7 month traveling adventure. <br />
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Their trip sounds incredible. All together they are going to Dubai, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hong Kong. <br />
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The one place that always makes me jealous is Australia. If I could only pick one place to visit in my life it would be there. I've always wanted to go, ever since I was a little girl. Every year for Christmas the last thing on my list is a ticket to Australia. My family went before I was born, literally just before i was born, my mum was pregnant with me. They could have at least waited 6 months. <br />
The main reason I want to go there is to cross off the top thing on my bucket list which is to touch/ feed a kangaroo. I am dreading the day the girls go to Australia zoo and put up pictures of them with the kangaroos. But ill get my picture one day and it will be worth the wait. <br />
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I also really want to go to Thailand to go to ko phi phi beach. Where they filmed The Beach with Leonardo DeCaprio. I've heard it's become overly touristy now which is annoying but when somewhere is that beautiful you can't really be surprised. Mike spent a while out in Thailand a few years ago and one of the locals took them to a deserted beach and he said it was amazing! They stayed in huts on the beach and no one was around. That's probably the best thing to do while traveling is get friendly with the locals. They will know the better and secret places to go. <br />
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I've have always wanted to go traveling. In hindsight I probably should have gone after finishing school taken a year out and then gone to university. But then I wouldn't have met the amazing people I did and might not have been where I am today so I do not regret my decision. The world isn't going anywhere all those amazing places will still be there in a few years so I can go then. But I do definitely do want to travel and visit as many places as possible. <br />
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One day.....<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-75363210973060765752012-09-14T12:51:00.001+01:002012-09-14T12:51:59.849+01:00Tickle TickleI have been so intrigued and fascinated by Reflexology for a long time now, so on Thursday I went and had a hour long session. It was not what I thought it would be at all, but it was still really really good, and I would defiantly go again.<br />
The lady who did it works as a clinical reflexology in the hospital so she is one of the top in the profession. Before she began we had a long chat and she asked what I wanted out of it, what made me come for the session, and then gained more of a detailed background about me and asked about my health. I was weary of what I told her, because I know that they are able to see health problems in your feet. So I didn't want to tell her things for her to then tell me those things in an attempt to try and amaze me.<br />
I don't know if I can call it a massage because it wasn't what I think of a massage it was fairly light touches and more just using pressure points. It still felt really good. A few years ago I would have been so grossed out at the idea of someone touching my feet, but I have grown to LOVE it. Its so relaxing. I was trying not to fall asleep as she was doing it. I was also scared of her tickling me, I am super ticklish and lose all control and kick out, that would have been terrible. But thankfully it was okay, it was a bit touch and go when she started going in between my toes but I held it together.<br />
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At the end of the session she told me 2 things she noticed: she felt some grissle in the area that relates to my neck and also my right shoulder. She also said that my neck area felt very very warm, so I now know I have one very hot big toe :s<br />
I was shocked and surprised at how much sense that made. When I was around 15 years old I had to give up playing Badminton because of my right shoulder, it is very very weak and painful when I use it alot and often clicks and locks. I also have been sent for blood tests to look at my Thyroid and also check everything else, so the part about my neck made sense and also kind of scared me a bit. I don't want any health problems.<br />
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I had my blood tests this morning, I hate needles! I am a big baby. I don't mind putting them in other people in work but do not like them coming towards me. The lady had trouble finding my veins too which didn't help. The ones in my hands and feet are great but not in my arm, so she dug around a bit and managed to find one. I just clenched my teeth and looked away. Hopefully my results will come back all fine, I'm sure they will, I should find out next Tuesday.<br />
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In the meantime I am sat phone watching, its so frustrating! They say a watched kettle never boils, well a watched phone never rings either!<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-35886168930579422312012-09-08T00:54:00.002+01:002012-09-08T00:54:46.025+01:00Shaky JakeI had my first ever interview for full time adult job yesterday. And I will be more than happy to never have another one again. It was so nerve-racking. I thought I had prepared well, I was happy with my knowledge and I had prepared a few answers so in that sense I was as prepared as I could be . I have such a hard time with my nerves though. I get nervous over anything and everything, and they do get the better of me. Most times I just feel horrendously sick and I become so shy.<br />
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There were 4 people on the interview panel, they were all lovely. None of them were there to catch me out or anything like that. But I just found it terrifying being sat in front of 4 people who are going to be the ones deciding if I get a job or not. Throughout the interview my voice did not stop shaking. It sounded like I was about to burst into tears at any moment. And because I was so aware of it, I think I stopped my answers short.<br />
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I hadn't realized just how much I had wanted the job, I knew I did obviously want one. Leading up to yesterday it hit home and I built myself up so much, that I was upset with how it went. I'm not confident about getting a job offer. I just hope they take me nerves into account, and I hope I came across how I wanted to and my answers were good enough. They said they were going to start ringing people hopefully at the end of next week to let them know the outcome. That is going to be one scary phone call, and potentially very awkward if the answer is no. So next Thursday and Friday I am not moving from a spot where I have signal which is hard in my house. But I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed, and try to keep myself busy so I don't just sit here and over think it.<br />
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In the mean time I am just relaxing, which is all well and good for a day or two but after that it quickly gets boring. I'm trying to do some voluntary work, next week I have a meeting with a local organisation to try and see whats around for me to do. I really want to work with old people, but I would really enjoy working with children. I'll just see what they have available and what they think will be most suitable for me. But now at least I have a chance to work through my to do list that has been building up for the last 2 years. I am dying to wallpaper my room, which is going to be amusing. And I really want to get fit, I'm currently looking at gyms to see which ones I can afford.<br />
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Come on next Thurdsay!!!<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-35319440058000844742012-08-27T23:31:00.002+01:002012-08-27T23:31:43.599+01:00RollercoasterThis last month has truly been the most stressful, emotional and most draining month of my life. I have really had to dig deep and find ways of keeping myself motivated when more and more hurdles kept popping up and the end line just seemed to never be getting closer. But I can now finally say what I have been so looking forward to and wanting to say for two very long and hard years:<br />
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I AM A GRADUATE PARAMEDIC!</div>
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I have passed and completed my course and am no longer a student, that seems crazy. I've been looking forward to it for so long that now it's hear it almost seems unreal. </div>
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I was absolutely devastated when I failed my final exam. I really thought I had done enough to pass. I knew I had messed up a bit of the exam but I thought the rest of my work would have boosted me up. I found out I had failed while I was out in California visiting Mike, but because I was so happy to be out there and was so busy I didn't really think about it. </div>
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However reality quickly sunk in once I came home and I got quite upset. If I failed the resit I would have failed the whole course and not been able to graduate and be a paramedic. Having that pressure on my shoulders got to me. There was a few days where I just felt like giving up but I just pushed past it. I can honestly say I revised as much as I could. Even though the Olympics were on which proved to be a very difficult distraction to ignore. I did let myself watch bits as a treat in my revision breaks. As a result I felt much more confident going into the exam, and when I handed my paper in at the end I breathed a sigh of relief and felt confident that I had done enough to pass. I've also found a positive from having to resit and that is my anatomy and physiology knowledge has improved so much. Having to revise again reinforced my knowledge and I also learnt a lot of new things, so now looking back I am quite glad I had to resit. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!</div>
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I didn't have chance to relax much at all after my exam I had an assessment day for a paramedic job soon after. The assessment consisted of a:</div>
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It was a super tough assessment. The highway code and traffic signs were the main things I was worried about. We had to learn them all word perfect. And the marking was very strict. If you failed any one of the parts that was your assessment day over and you were sent home. After passing the highway code and road sign test I relaxed a bit. I'm confident in my driving and practical abilities. The fitness test was the only part left that had me slightly worried about. There was 4 parts to the test. the first 3 were okay and went well. The final part of the test was doing 3 and a half minutes walking up and down 2 steps while holding 2 x 15Kg dunbells. So 30Kg all together. It hurt! I knew it would be tough so I focused on a point of the wall and told myself there is no way I am not going to miss out on the opportunity of a job because of some weights. The man who was testing me was so encouraging, he was lovely. He kept me motivated and pushed me on. As soon as the beeping we had to step to stopped and the celebratory music came on I put down the weights and did a little celebratory dance. I had done it! Another hurdle out of the way. </div>
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I've got an interview in the next few weeks which will hopefully result in a job offer. But it will be tough they are interviewing a lot of people for only a few jobs, so I've got to make sure I'm properly prepared. But it is actually the last thing I have to do. So hopefully in less than 3 weeks I will be able to say I have a job and am officially working as a Paramedic...COME ON!!<br />
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Flossy x</div>
Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-54588635329980979952012-07-25T01:20:00.000+01:002012-07-25T01:20:09.926+01:00All you need is loveEveryone moans about their life and how tough things are but its only when you see or hear about something truly upsetting or something that you cannot even comprehend that everything in your life is put into perspective and you realize how all pathetic and insignificant your problem and worries actually are.<br />
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I watched a programme tonight called 'Care Home Children: Looking For Love' and even though I know that not everyone was fortunate to have a good upbringing like I had, it really upsets me to think of kids growing up not knowing what its like to have a family and feel loved.<br />
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I had the best childhood I could have ever imagined. I cant even explain to people how much I loved it. I grew up on a estate with about 10 other children of a similar age and we hung out all the time. We would be out playing straight after breakfast and didn't go in until it got dark. We'd take it in turn which house we would go to to get a drink and snack then we'd go straight back out. It was so much fun. I was given all the opportunities, support, encouragement, love and advice I could ask for.<br />
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Watching that program made me realize how lucky I am. I think the most important thing a child can have growing up is stability and these children had none. One of the boys moved house 35 times in 2 years. I cant even imagine that. And as a result they never let anyone in or get to close for fear of them leaving.<br />
I know when I was growing up I accused my parents of loving my brother more than me or not loving me at all and ruining my life if I wasn't allowed to go somewhere or not have something. That's embarrassing now to look back on and it makes me sound spoilt (which I wasn't) <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I knew deep down that </span><span style="background-color: white;">wasn't</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the case and I was loved, </span><span style="background-color: white;">but I think most children feel like that at some stages its part of growing up and its an important lesson in learning boundaries and accepting when you cant have things your own way.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> But for these children that is basically their reality. They </span><span style="background-color: white;">don't</span><span style="background-color: white;"> have anyone who cares enough for them to take them in and give them a home and love, or maybe their parents care too much and </span><span style="background-color: white;">that's</span><span style="background-color: white;"> why they give them away </span><span style="background-color: white;">because</span><span style="background-color: white;"> they know they cant give that child the things they deserve and need. But either way they grow up not knowing what its like to be part of a family and feel safe and supported. </span><br />
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Those children who go through care are more likely to end up in prison, homeless and with mental health issues. And half of girls who grow up in care are mothers before the age of 18. I'm 22 and I cannot even imagine having a child right now let alone 4 or more years ago. Its crazy to think how different their lives could be if they just had someone or someplace stable in their lives.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">When I was growing up I always wanted to own a 'fat' camp with a lake and a blob on it, so children who struggled with their weight like I did could have somewhere to go and not feel bullied, ugly or like a misfit. I would still love to have that one day. I would be on that blob more than anyone, it looks so much fun. Its definitely on my bucket list of things to do in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I feel that people have become much more selfish and greedy, years ago people used to do everything they could to help people even if it meant they would struggle themselves. Now everyone just looks after number 1. I used to be really naive and shallow minded about history. I used to say 'its in the past so leave it in the past' but over the past 2 years during my placements I have realized how immature, ignorant and wrong I was and I'm embarrassed to even admit how I used to think. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have met people who were in World War 1 and 2 and fought for our country in various other battles too. I've been bought to tears a few times listening to their stories, part of it is also my guilt for having disregarded what they did and how I thought before. Those gentlemen are amazing and they are true hero's. I could listen to their stories all day. Some of the stories they tell you just cant even comprehend. One man was in a Japanese prison of war camp for 7 years, and his stories were truly shocking but I'm so lucky to have been able to hear them. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Watching the show made me really upset me and think about what I could do to help. I genuinely love helping people, I always feel the need to help people </span><span style="background-color: white;">because</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I hate to see people upset, hurt and lonely especially when there so much we can do to help and there's no need for them to be in that situation. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I always used to think about adoption and thought it would be nice but I never considered fostering a child. Now I definitely will if I am able to. I definitely want children of my own, its one of my biggest goals and ambitions in life, quite how many children I'm not sure of just yet. I want to have enough money for each of them to have their own room and to be able to give them all the opportunities, support, encouragement and love they could ask for. I want my children to be able to turn around and say just like I can that I had they best childhood possible and best parents they could ask for. </span><br />
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That's one of the reasons why I love my job so much, because I can help and care for people and I do feel like I can give something back. Even some people who call when they aren't injured or ill, they just want company and someone to listen to them, I'm more than happy to be that person. No one likes to be alone no matter what they say or how they act. I would be more than happy to do my job for the rest of my life but I know that one day I wont be able to because of how physically demanding it is. So I'd love to either work somewhere where they offer care to people or set up and own my own business. My problem is I'd want to help everyone and as much as people like to think they can you have to be realistic. I don't know whether I'd want to help young children so that they have the best chance at life. The elderly, because people forget about them and my biggest fear in life is being alone when I'm old so I don't want to think of anyone being like that. Or maybe help families and try and help them be as happy as possible or maybe even homeless, drug or alcohol dependent people.<br />
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Hmmmm we'll I've got to complete my course first to even enable me to do my dream job, one more exam and then hopefully I'm all done. Ive only got 19 more days in University. Im so excited!!!<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-92133911870156569792012-07-07T21:49:00.001+01:002012-07-07T21:49:20.566+01:00Spring Clean<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have had the most productive day I have had in ages.</div>
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I have needed to sort through my wardrobes for so long. Yes wardrobes plural I have 3. There are clothes in them from years ago that I know don't fit me anymore but I kept them because I like them or because they remind me of a time or place. I think I could easily be a hoarder. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The final straw that made me sort through them was my wardrobe actually collapsing this week. Half way through the night there was a huge bang and it freaked me out so much I just lay in bed super still for ages until I decided it was safe to move. But I had a little DIY session, got out my screwdriver and fixed it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKDYIVXzond_k3vDn00dxVj4eBb3WKZIYWvxcm2VdkzMVfamWzPP-Lgqlb4KYufBmIbeS-_GTfBx6ju2vVgW_TN_Pj1DLqFnvV9_GGZQmHNSBT87I1JtIMetUD2gzMGaQ8zQlBIecyw/s1600/photo+(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKDYIVXzond_k3vDn00dxVj4eBb3WKZIYWvxcm2VdkzMVfamWzPP-Lgqlb4KYufBmIbeS-_GTfBx6ju2vVgW_TN_Pj1DLqFnvV9_GGZQmHNSBT87I1JtIMetUD2gzMGaQ8zQlBIecyw/s320/photo+(37).JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYFS5Pxj01C4X9oayKutmCMZ2EjFgWw3k27DBr4TF8l4jkPKP9XiC5I7zS99PavqdagYBI2RGrXdf66aFvHKZOtnpBfLpAghHApENkKpAgZjZ_dJYqzNb12xn2R6OwDcazpZ4gCMDxA/s1600/photo+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYFS5Pxj01C4X9oayKutmCMZ2EjFgWw3k27DBr4TF8l4jkPKP9XiC5I7zS99PavqdagYBI2RGrXdf66aFvHKZOtnpBfLpAghHApENkKpAgZjZ_dJYqzNb12xn2R6OwDcazpZ4gCMDxA/s320/photo+(36).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Growing up I had such a hard time coping with the dark, the fact that you cant see exactly whats there scares the life out of me. Add that to the fact that for some strange reason I could never say no to watching a scary film meant my nights were often spent lying awake and super still in bed waiting for the monster/scary man in my room to leave. I could never sleep with my door shut and I had to leave a light on. Then as I got older I started to shut my door but I had a little nightlight in my room, which was actually a weird little monster creature (how ironic). Now I can finally sleep without a light and with my door shut. I still </span><span style="background-color: white;">don't</span><span style="background-color: white;"> like going into dark places and hate it when people turn the light off quickly, I freak out, grab hold of the nearest person and just freeze.</span></div>
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The scariest experience of my life was when I was 18 and on a team building exercise when I was in UWIC. We had to walk through a pitch black tunnel and count markers that stuck out of the wall, whilst measuring the length of the tunnel with the 20 meter rope we had to hold onto. I couldn't even see my hand which was right in front of my face. Luckily I knew one of the girls in my group really well so she knew what I would be like and didn't complain once when I squeezed her hand to death and cried on her shoulder the whole way through. Safe to say I did not count any markers and could not even guess at how long the tunnel was because it felt like MILES!</div>
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After sorting through my wardrobes I managed to fill a tonne of bags which I took to a charity shop to go to a better home. I did plan on doing a car boot sale but they are so much hard work and clothes would be a nightmare to sell there. I have got a few bits and pieces I'm going to try and sell on Ebay, but last time I tried I failed miserably.</div>
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Heres all the bags I managed to give away:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5J0Xmk9W72qdc52QwMckbRIJBLgGfnvhuh35RqHXqz4uLMR5pjAQX2MLq2cSGu9AQqfLNgi9n-2n6_IyXLmbIyLo0qPhgosiD79htVq_XtJk8vp3qRx8xlkuUZINBRraJgRdF9RaEQ/s1600/photo+(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5J0Xmk9W72qdc52QwMckbRIJBLgGfnvhuh35RqHXqz4uLMR5pjAQX2MLq2cSGu9AQqfLNgi9n-2n6_IyXLmbIyLo0qPhgosiD79htVq_XtJk8vp3qRx8xlkuUZINBRraJgRdF9RaEQ/s320/photo+(35).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">These are the jeans I was wearing about 2-3 years ago, which I kept as a little reminder to never get that big again, and also a little ego boost, but now they have gone to a new home, They don't even look that big here but in real life I think I could have had a good go at fitting both legs into one.</span></div>
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I love the feeling after a good sort out and clean. I have satisfied my OCD for a while at least.</div>
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Flossy x</div>Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-71838164789583766002012-07-06T00:19:00.003+01:002012-07-06T00:19:47.513+01:00Trucker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a qualified lorry driver!</div>
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As part of my course we had to get our C1 driving licence so that we could drive the ambulance. So instead of them giving us an ambulance to learn in they gave us a HUGE lorry. It was massive. </div>
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On Sunday when we started I was petrified, I have never driven anything bigger than a ford focus, my car is a little Corsa and I am comfortable in my little bubble. It took me a few minutes to take in just how big the steering wheel was! I'm not a very confident driver anyway, especially in places that I don't know I just panic and get flustered, so driving around strange places in a mammoth lorry it was safe to say I was out of my comfort zone.</div>
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We went straight out onto the main roads too which surprised me. I expected to drive around an industrial estate for a while and just get used to starting, stopping, steering and the sheer size of the vehicle. But nono within 5 minutes of driving I was on the motorway.</div>
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I now have no much more respect for lorry drivers. I don't think people will quite understand until you drive one yourselves, just how much more you have to think about all the time. The steering is so difficult, the gears are a pain in the butt and the amount of time you have to spend checking your mirrors and blind spots is unreal. Cars just don't care about you, they cut you up, go into your lane, don't give you enough time or space and generally make a nuisance of themselves. </div>
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Getting into my car now feels like the strangest thing, it just feels soo small and almost pathetic. I'm so low down to the ground and the gear stick is so small. In the lorries you always pull of in 2nd. I've been caught out a few times in my car starting in 2nd which it will cope with but it lets me know its not right by kindly screaming at me. Tonight I nearly went into a wall because I kept putting my car into 2nd gear instead of reverse.... whoops!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is what I've been cruising around in all week...</span></div>
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So next time you see a lorry and decide to cut him up, squeeze through a gap or get annoyed because your stuck behind one <b><u><i>DONT</i></u></b>. </div>
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Flossy x</div>Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-16557404479915759642012-07-02T19:07:00.000+01:002012-07-02T19:07:19.408+01:00FINALLY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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2 years and 3 stone later I have finally reached the goal I set myself.</div>
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I actually can't remember the last time I weighed less than 10 stone. When I was 18 I lost weight and got down to 10 stone 3, but before then I was heavier. I think I was probably around 14 the last time I weighted less than 10 stone which is a scary and sad thought but at least I can say that I am now. </div>
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I am finally happy with my weight and how I look, which is a feeling I never thought I would feel again. I was so down in how I looked. I had no confidence and was constantly miserable. As much as I hated food for what it had done to me, it was the only thing that made me feel better but only temporally then I would get upset again.</div>
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I felt like everyday I would start a diet but if I didn't see results straightaway then I would loose hope of it working and would give up. People are always very quick to criticize large people but until you have been there yourself then you don't know how hard it is and what its like to look at yourself in the mirror and feel disgusted. As much as I sympathize with them I do still get annoyed when they moan how big they are and don't do anything about it, even though it is frustrating it is worth it it just takes a long time and a lot of hard work. </div>
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Now that I've lost weight now I want to tone up and get fit. So that is my next goal, I'm going to restart my running, look for a Pilates or yoga class and try Cross-fit. But one thing I can definitely promise is that I will never ever let myself get that big or miserable again.</div>
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Here's my proof, my favourite picture in a long long while!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JkUR-P7t-Phw2Vbk6yGxZz0xhyphenhyphenHBC-hVr3rDx6S9oYzW5P_Z0nDIpkUr9xkbZu2FrxpOd7dNkec9H0PQLo_A4rUveCKrj1t3VoyFbf6jv9sUQ5J5_qihnzfEv7T1k4lSv6kh3vWjyw/s1600/photo+(33).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JkUR-P7t-Phw2Vbk6yGxZz0xhyphenhyphenHBC-hVr3rDx6S9oYzW5P_Z0nDIpkUr9xkbZu2FrxpOd7dNkec9H0PQLo_A4rUveCKrj1t3VoyFbf6jv9sUQ5J5_qihnzfEv7T1k4lSv6kh3vWjyw/s320/photo+(33).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-21439402842207763382012-06-29T17:00:00.001+01:002012-06-29T17:00:56.200+01:00Impulse BuyNormally I regret all of my impulse purchases and Mike normally disapproves, however my latest one I think he quite liked.<br />
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I got given a reading week in University, so on the Friday afternoon I booked a flight to California for the week, I flew out on the Saturday morning. It was such a rush and a last minute idea but I'm so so so glad I did it though.<br />
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For the week I worked at the camp that I worked on 2 years ago where I met Mike. It was strange to go back and see how the camp had changed. There is soo many more kids there now. The biggest week I had during my summer was 60 kids, I think the least they have this year is about 100-120. And they have sooo much more staff too. There was people everywhere. It was really good to see how the camp has expanded and grown. Mike works so hard for the camp and puts in a lot of hours, he spent a lot of time whilst he was here doing things, and I could see where all that work had gone.<br />
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I got to meet the Camp Director too who didn't work there when I was there but started last year. I had heard so much about him that it was nice to finally meet him in person. It was also nice to meet all the other counselors and staff because I had heard stories from Mike so it was lovely to be able to put a face to the name. Everyone was super nice, I was so nervous going there because they had all known each other for at least 2 weeks and had made close friendships that I thought they might be a bit weary of me coming in just for a week. But I am their boss's girlfriend so I guess they had to be nice to me.<br />
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The week went by really quickly, too quick actually. It took me about a day and half of to get used to things and remember certain things but after that it was like I hadn't been away. They sang a lot of different songs though so I just mimed and did the hand motions to try and get away with it. I was working with the 5-6 year olds, so I had my hands full, I had forgotten how tiring they were. But also how much fun they can be. A few of the kids who were there 2 years ago were back, that was strange to see how much they had grown up. A few remembered me, a few didn't which kind of broke my heart a little but its understandable that they didn't.<br />
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I got to spend some time with Mike which was lovely! We went for food one night and the basketball game was on so he was super happy. It was strange being with him when he was in his country. I was totally dependent on him which I'm not used to. But I could defiantly get used to being driven around everywhere. He asked me if I wanted to drive which I quickly declined. Their roads scare me, all the cars are so big and they just seem to go in any directions they want to. As we were driving back to the airport I kind of got used to it and thought a few times that maybe I would be okay, but I will defiantly need a few lessons first, which will be amusing.<br />
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It was super exciting to be there and think that I could potentially be living there in a few months. It made me more determined and excited to find a way of getting out there. It did make me realize that it's going to take so much hard work, but I've seen it now and I have that image of me driving down their freeway in my mind so I've got a new lease of enthusiasm about the whole thing.<br />
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Even though it cost me a fair bit of money to go I'm so glad I did. Before I went out there I was seriously finding things hard. Mike was so busy that we only got to message a few times a day. It was okay for a while but then it just started to get to me. Its hard not being able to talk to the person you want to the most. I don't know if/how I would have managed the summer if I hadn't gone out to see him. After seeing it for myself I can understand how he is so busy, and now if there is a long gap in messages I can figure out what he is doing and it makes it better. Its still super hard though and I know its going to get super tough again but I really don't have long left now. I've never been more excited to finish something in my life.<br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-53429406972391934362012-06-12T23:32:00.000+01:002012-06-12T23:32:27.722+01:00There's nothing wrong with having big dreams...Lately I've been thinking alot about goals and setting targets for a number of reasons really what with all of my exams and essay's I've had lately and with the end of my course finally getting closer.<br />
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As children were told to follow our dreams and go for whatever we want in life. And I do think that's a great attribute to teach your children as it encourages and drives them to better themselves, and to learn and experience as much as possible. But now as I've got older I can also see the downside of setting goals. I feel that there is no problem in having big dreams, however I think that it is <b><u>SO</u></b> important to learn how to be realistic when setting those.<br />
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There is no better feeling than when you achieve a goal you have set yourself, actually I think it's probably the most satisfying feeling you can ever get. But when you don't achieve your goal or when you realize and have to accept that the dream you've been chasing will never come true its probably the worst feeling you can have, especially if that dream is one you have been chasing for years.<br />
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I can understand why people do give up on things if they become tough or they see their dreams slipping away. It takes a strong person to keep going when it seems like everything is against them. I wonder how many dreams people have given up on because of this. Luckily for me I realized from a young age that I was never going to be a pop star, actress or model so I don't have to worry about that. But some people have to achieve their dreams, the world will always need celebrities so someones got to make the cut.<br />
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The reason I started to think about this whole topic more is because I've started to realize that one of my dreams may not turn out quite how I wanted it to, and it has really got to me. I hate failing at things, I've never been good at admitting defeat. I'm very overcritical of myself anyway, so when I fail I always take it out hard on myself and question what I could have done differently. I know that this can sometimes be a good thing because you can better yourself and learn from your mistakes. But when you actually haven't made any mistakes and the reason your dream cant come true is because of something out of your control then it makes it even harder to accept.<br />
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I'll still continue setting myself goals because they keep me driven, give me a sense of perspective and something to aim for. But from now on I will defiantly think more carefully about things that could go wrong and maybe not set my heart on it coming true. That might even make that satisfying feeling even greater if I do achieve that goal then.<br />
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Even though I've realized that my dream may not quite turn out how I planned I'm still defiantly chasing it and it <b><u>WILL</u></b> come true one day. It's just going to take a little bit longer than I thought and take more hard work, but I am not admitting defeat just yet. Its strange when your feeling down you remember the strangest things and they can help you so much. I was in the shower (where I do my best thinking) and I remembered something my Great Grandma told me one day when I told her what I wanted to do when I grow up and said I didn't think I could do it. It instantly made me happy and restored the faith I had lost. Its so true when people say the older you get the wiser you get. So I've restored that drive and ambition and I'm going for my dream, I wont stop until I achieve it.<br />
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Here are my Great Grandma's amazing wise words:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">''There's nothing wrong with having big dreams...</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Whats wrong is not doing all you can to </span><span style="font-size: large;">make</span> <span style="font-size: large;">them </span><span style="font-size: large;">come true''</span></span></blockquote>
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-17786527633665573682012-06-10T01:48:00.001+01:002012-06-10T01:48:33.047+01:00SoberIn the last few years one of the hardest decisions I've had to make is choosing to not drink alcohol anymore. Not because I miss it or anything like that but purely because of the drinking culture and society here. Here everyone drinks, it is the norm, its what you do, its part of growing up.<br />
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We're all around it from a young age, our parents go to the pub and all of us kids play outside on the field. And whenever someone had a party or at Christmas there was always alcohol around. My parents in no way had drinking problems in fact they barely drank at all, they just had one or two on big occasions. I remember always wanting to have a drop of champagne in my lemonade at Christmas so I could be 'one of the grown ups'.<br />
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Teenagers here start sneaking alcohol out and drinking it probably about 15 years old. However I know some people who were 12 or 13 when they first started drinking, not regularly but whenever they could get some. I think I was about 16 when I first started drinking. By that I mean having one or two Bacardi Breezers (alcopops) down the beach where we all used to go on Friday and Saturday nights.<br />
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I think my parents taught me very well about drinking and the dangers of it growing up. They never used to make it a big thing, they were open with me about it, and answered any questions I ever asked about it. If at big occasions they were there to look after me all the time they would let me have <b><i><u>a sip</u></i></b> of something not spirits though, just cider, larger or beer (all of which were gross!) so that I wouldn't feel like I was missing out and as a way to try and reduce it being seen as such a big thing that I had to run out and do as early as possible. I just had to ask and if they thought it was safe then they would let me have a sip and if they said no I knew it meant no and there was a reason for it.<br />
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I think that's part of the reason I started drinking later on than most people and I rarely drank to excess. Plus I've always been a huge mother hen so as soon as I see someone who's not well and has had too much to drink I always end up looking after them. So that stopped me too, because guaranteed there was always someone there who needed looking after. I don't mind looking after people at the end of the day that's just part of who I am, and its what I've decided to do for the rest of my life. However I do sometimes feel like some people take advantage of that fact. They know that as long as I'm there they will have someone to look after them. I also feel sometimes that I've missed out on things because of the amount of times I've had to leave somewhere early to take someone home. So sometimes I do get annoyed with it but I cant change how I am.<br />
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The biggest deciding factor that made me stop drinking was my job. I don't know how many times I have picked people up who have no idea where they are, how they got there, who they are and cant even hold themselves up and loose all control of their body. Its really scary to see, Especially when it's young girls, anything could happen to them. I sometimes wish I could film them and then show them the next day as a way of making them realize. But the sad thing is, is that they would probably find it funny, and just go out and do it again. How can they not learn! Its also a frustrating part of the job having to go to people who have got in that mess intentionally and continue to do it when we could be going and helping someone who actually needs up. I think people need to have a lot more education on the impact of them calling an ambulance has on the hospitals and on other people. I think that would help reduce the numbers of calls we go to and maybe even stop people from drinking quite so much and getting in such a bad way.<br />
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What makes me angry more than anything is people who think they have to drink in order to have fun. Whenever people say that I have to bite my tongue. It's ridiculous. Of course you can have fun without drinking, we all did it for the first how ever many years of our lives, we do it everyday when we don't drink. And I know I have had some pretty good times when I'm sober. Actually all of my favourite moments of my life have been when I was just with my friends and not a drop of alcohol in sight.<br />
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I haven't been an angel, far from it, especially when I was in University the first time around. I'd say 4 out of 7 nights we were out. My pre-drinking consisted of at least a bottle of wine and then I would spend about £40 when I was out. Looking back on it now it makes me feel sick. However I never ever got into the state where I had to rely on someone else to look after me, but still that is nothing to be proud of. It is just the thing to do in University. People don't go to the best University anymore or the one that will give them the best chance of a good degree, they go to the ones with the best student and social life.<br />
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Its still hard when I go out because all of my friends still drink and don't understand why I don't, so they try and get me to drink with them. At first I always found myself caving and having a drink then regretting it as soon as I had drunk it. Now however, I have got a backbone and don't feel bad saying to people 'No I don't drink anymore'. I think they have all also got used to me not drinking so don't even bother asking. It means they get a free lift now, so even if they do complain its not for very long.<br />
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A few of my friends used to say I only stopped drinking because of Mike (because he doesn't drink and has never tried it, (which is something I admire)). It is completely untrue. I had stopped drinking before I had even met Mike. When I came back from camp though I had matured alot and found that I was able to finally stand up for myself. So that's when I started saying no and sticking to it. I can see why people think that though I suppose.<br />
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Now I know I can go out and have a great night with my friends, enjoy myself, laugh, dance and not wake up in the morning feeling like death, dreading to look at my bank balance and with all my memory intact knowing that I did not do anything I would regret.
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-82860920669950764862012-05-22T17:59:00.000+01:002012-05-22T17:59:03.006+01:00VisitorsTwo of Mike's friends who are going to be working at his camp this year came down to visit us both last week. We had a BBQ Wednesday night after they arrived. I love BBQ's they are so simple but so good. I would absolutely love one of those big BBQ grills. Mike likes them too and loves to grill out so maybe in the future we can get a big mean one that can cook 100 burgers and sausages at once. Then on Thursday and Friday we did two trips to the waterfalls in Neath. Each day we did a different trail and managed to see all of the waterfalls in the end. Matt and Laura had never walked behind a waterfall before so it was nice we could take them to do that. I had forgotten how many steps there were and how hilly it was there. I got so hot and sweaty, I'm positive I should be one of those people who constantly have rosy cheeks because I only have to do one star jump and I'm already rosy.<br />
While we were down by the waterfall the boys started skimming stones and managed to make them bounce about 3 or 4 times, me and Laura, however just made 1 big splash. So skimming stones is not a skill of mine.<br />
While we were there we had a photo taken and I was so upset when I saw it. Even after all the weight I've lost I still don't feel comfortable in how I look. So once my exams are over next week I am going to go on a health kick. I am going to focus more on my diet than anything else because that's where I think I let myself down. Right now all of my revision 'brain food' is not helping my waist line. I also want to go to cross-fit and try that out. I know it is going to be tough but hopefully once I go a few times I'll start enjoying it and see results so that will encourage me to keep going. I don't really have a goal weight I want to get down to and I'm not fussed on dress sizes's either, I just want to be able to look at myself and feel happy and also feel healthy in myself. I've already convinced one of my friends to come along with me too, so I cant back out now.<br />
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Mike cooked us all a chicken casserole Friday night which was really good! It was more like what we would call a pie, but they (american's) call it a casserole. He cooked a tonne of chicken, seasoned it, then put that on top of a layer of puff pastry, topped that with a LOT of cheese, then covered it with another layer of pastry. It only took about 25 minutes in the oven to cook too. It was really nice, I'll probably make it again some time, when I remember about it.<br />
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It was really nice to see them both before they go off for the summer. They have some amazing traveling plans too that made me jealous. They are going to Africa for a while to help out in schools and go on a safari then they are heading off somewhere else too. So I will be keeping a close eye on their Facebook pictures to see where in the world they are. They are both really nice, I've only met them both once before, when we went to another one of Mike's friend from camp's birthday up in Liverpool. Laura is pretty much exactly like me but in another body. We are pretty similar in things we like, do, don't like and how we act. According to Matt and Mike we are both overly polite, so we had a few times where we both didn't back down on things such as paying for food.<br />
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I did find it hard listening to them all talk about their summer and camp plans and ideas. Knowing I'm going to still be in uni while they and also all of my other friends are enjoying their summer and going on holiday is tough. As much as I absolutely love my University course and am so so so glad I've done it. I cannot wait for it to be over now, get a job and be a fully qualified paramedic. That's a scary thought but its's what I've been working towards for 2 years now so I just want it to come. I've only got 11 weeks left in Uni, 5 of which I'll be on placement for so it should go fast, but it just seems so far away right now.<br />
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I've only got one more week with Mike before he flies home and heads to camp. Its gone really quick! I am still not good at saying goodbye to him, I've tried not to think about it as much this time, but I know I'm going to start getting very emotional soon. More this time than any other because I don't actually know when I can see him again. He has just got an amazing job in the school that camp is based on. So he'll be starting there a few days after camp is over, which would leave me very little time to go see him, plus I dont even finish Uni for another 2 weeks after that. So we're just going to have to wait and see how it goes I guess. FINGERS CROSSED!!<br />
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Flossy x<br />
<br />Flossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14423933304164261.post-40817624345262223702012-05-12T00:55:00.001+01:002012-05-12T00:55:08.418+01:00Foghorn!Tonight my Dad, Brother, Mike and I went and watched the Ospreys play Munster in Swansea. It was a good game the first half was better than the second half but the atmosphere there was so much better than all the other games we've been to see.<br />
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They handed out signs to everyone that were folded up into fans so people could hit them against their hands to make noise if they wanted to. I've never been one of those people who chants and cheers, I don't know why I find it quite cringy and embarrassing, unless I get really into the game then I will. I do celebrate and clap and all of that when my team scores or do anything good. I cannot stand people who shout random things out during the game. It really frustrates me. It's not going to make any impact on the game what so ever, the players/ref's can't hear what your shouting and even if they could I really don't think they would care about what you think they should be doing differently. They are the professionals who get paid to play so I think they might know better. And plus half of what they say isn't funny they just end up making themselves look like plonkers and annoy everyone around them. <br />
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So you can imagine my excitement when I had some guy sit down next to me with the fan/sign poised in his hand ready to make as much noise as humanly possible and a catalog of pre planned, what he thought were witty one liners to shout out at the players and ref. <br />
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By the end of the first half my ears were ringing and I had cringed so many times at his attempts to give good smack talk I actually felt sorry him. The lady who was lucky enough to be sat next to him on the other side was also not looking like the happy cheery person she appeared when we first arrived. The gentleman's family were actually sat in the row in front of us and his wife even told him off for one of the things he shouted out. <br />
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When half time came I seized my opportunity and offered a seat trade with my Dad, Mike and Sam. They all laughed at me at first but my dad swapped with me. My dad is very similar to that gentleman as in he gets very animated with the ref and celebrates elaborately when the team scored so together they were like a match made in heaven. Both making beautiful music with their fan/signs and not holding back on offering advice and their opinions to the players.<br />
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It was a good game and even better that the ospreys won :) <br />
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This will probably be the last game Mike gets to go and watch. I would have loved to take him to a Wales game, there is no better place to be than in the Millennium Stadium to watch a game. Maybe one day we will. <br />
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Flossy xFlossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03307186392224153631noreply@blogger.com0