New Year, New.... Me?

Hello Everyone, 

Finally, the end of the year has caught up with us again. Every year is the start of a new cycle, a new circle of the earth around the sun. Its a time when  New Years are used as a way of renewing ourselves, vowing that next year we will become a better person in some way. I'll go to the gym more, or I'll eat healthier. I'll donate more to charity. I'll climb Kilimanjaro even. In some small way I'll enrich my life in the next year. The thing is I don't think it matters. If you want to change, then you'll do it at any time of the year, not just new year. We're constantly changing throughout our life, whether we choose to or not. The human race cannot remain stagnant or we would have died out years ago. It's this desire for change that makes us reach for the latest technology upgrade, or want what others have and we do not. We

However, having said that, I do have some goals for the year to come. I want to manage my time much better on this blog, and start posting on a much more regular schedule. I manage it until a certain point, and then I lose it because I let things get on top of me. By staying motivated and using my time much better, I will keep on track, and may actually manage to have some posts kept back for when I am busy.

I am going to keep taking pictures, recording my year abroad as much as I can. I want to be able to look back at things in years to come, and see my memories immortalised for as long as I live, or even after that. It is important to record things, and not just digitally. Physical items to hold will bring back more memories than just images on a screen. There is a reason they're called keep-sakes. I'm not going to keep everything, just a few important items.

I want to keep dancing and singing whenever I can. It gives me so much joy to just lose myself in the story of a piece of music and expressing it in some way. I also want to work on my technique and flexibility (when don't I?), but also on creating some exercises and (simple) routines to use to take a class in some form or other. It has been a while since I tried this, and I'll need to see how well it will work. This again will mean lots of organising of my time to find the time to allow me to do this as well as blogging and uni work.

This seems to be the year of organising doesn't it? Not completely, I still want to enjoy time to just relax and be myself, to laugh and just enjoy the moment. I'm going to be doing some incredible things this year, and I have to remember that, and appreciate the opportunities that I have been given.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sorry Everyone...

Hello Everyone, 

I am very sorry for not having posted on here for such a long time. I have been so busy with studying, exams, travelling, sickness, pretty much everything under the sun, that I have not had a chance to post anything. I will be getting back on track with my posts next week, I promise. 

Writer's Block

Hello Everyone,

This week has been really productive for me, mostly for school work. Clearly not for my blogging as I am writing about having a productive week. I apologise for that, I have some really great posts in progress, I just need to try and write them. However, at the moment I am having a bit of a problem. I have writer's block. No matter when I sit down to write something, no matter what the subject is, I have a bit of trouble managing to put words on a page. I want to write more about my time in America, but I don't want to bore you with all the details of my day to day life. And a lot of it is boring, I kid you not. It is me going to class, and having meals, and doing homework, and all the other boring things like that. So inspiration is hard to come by. I have a few things planned in the next week or so, but apart from that, I am being a bit boring. The only problem with having lots of homework and reading to do is that by the time I sit down to blog or write, it's the last thing I want to do. So I am sorry guys.

Somethings that happened this week:

I went to my second American football game. I enjoyed it slightly more than the first one, as I had some idea about what was going on, but it was really cold (which is like normal for Scotland), so that distracted me a lot. I was wearing short dungarees and a tank top with converse, and it was cold!

I signed up to do some volunteering with GEO (Global Education Office) in UNM. This is essentially where I make presentations and talk to people about studying abroad, and why they should go. If I do 10 hours by the end of the semester, I get a certificate.

I went to a new exercise class, and it just about kills me. So of course I love it. The teacher is amazing, and she really pushes us to get better. It is called a core class, but it combines aerobic exercises with core strengthening. So the next day (and the day after that) you hurt. A lot. It is similar to circuits, but more dance-y. There are some cool songs and things. I love it.

That's pretty much it.

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone, 

Monday:

I spent the day relaxing with a good book. My mum was at home, so I also did some chores and errands. In the afternoon I met up with my friend Laura, and we chatted a lot, like normal for us.

Tuesday:

Tuesday was much the same as Monday, except I didn’t meet up with Laura. I spent the afternoon drafting some more posts. I sat out in the sun for a while, applying some liberal factor 30 while doing so, otherwise I would be burned to a crisp.

Wednesday:

I really had a lazy day, watching TV, reading in the sun and doing some errands. I didn’t even go onto the internet, it was that sort of day. In the afternoon I met up with Laura again, and then headed out to visit the Brownie pack that I used to volunteer at. They were going on a trip to the park, which it was a perfect night for.

Thursday:

I was up early for an appointment, and then I had a lovely leisurely stroll back to my house, stopping in the local second hand shop on my way of course, along with a quick nip into Boots for some essentials. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun.

Friday:

This was a really good day. I got all my grades back finally for first year, and I passed! And I got the required grade average for the University of New Mexico, so all I need to do now is book my flights and pack! This really excited me, so of course to celebrate I had to read another book!

Saturday:

A perfect day. I spent the morning at my old dance class, which was lovely. I love being back, especially as I am given some more responsibility with a small teaching role. When that was over, I met up with Laura (again) and we went to the local ‘bungo in the back lanes, where there were stalls and tea and beer tents run by locals. We also ended up at Queens’ Park Arena (Banstand) where there was a fundraising event for the bandstand to be regenerated. In the evening, my sister and I curled up on the sofa and watched the Hunger Games together. It was very cute. 

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Last week I didn't do a Weekly Update as my week was fairly boring, I spent it in the library studying for most of it. However, I did go to a really nice restaurant with some family members for which there will  be a review coming soon. 

Wednesday

I spent the day in my kitchen snacking on biscuits and tea, while writing essays plans and committing them to memory. I made my notes lovely and colourful because that is how I study. I will try and do a study tips post, although it is a bit late for some people, perhaps for those of you starting the journey into exams.

Thursday

Pretty much as the same as Wednesday. Not much else to say really.

Friday

This was an eventful day. I had an exam from 3-5pm, then I had to run to catch a bus at 6 o'clock. It was a bit stressful, but I got on the bus home eventually. That was my first year over! All my exams are done! I am free for summer!

Saturday

This was a nice relaxing day with the family. I didn't really do much, just chilling and reveling in that I didn't have any studying to do. My sister and her friend and I watched Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters in the evening.

Sunday

I spent the morning relaxing again, and then met up with my friend Laura in the afternoon for a coffee. That was a lovely day. We got some coffee, then did a bit of shopping, then back to the coffee shop. 

Monday

I spent the day doing some blogging stuff, some posts and the lovely make-over. Hope you like it. 

Tuesday

I spent the morning relaxing, and then in the afternoon, I met up with Laura again and did a bit of shopping. Then, an early bed in time for my train to London in the morning.

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Here is my weekly update. As it now officially exam time for me, my weeks may get a bit boring, but not too boring. I still plan to keep my late evenings free for some down-time (otherwise I may go mad).

Wednesday

This was another day spent in the library to finally finish my last essay. I worked from about 9am until about 5pm straight, and it was done. Thank goodness. All I had to do was put my bibliography in order, and then hand it in in the morning. A good day’s work.

            Thursday

Handed in my last essay!!! I spent the rest of the day researching for Albuquerque and trying to work out a schedule of classes, which was very difficult, as not all the classes I needed would be offered. But it will be fine, I have a huge range of classes that will fit, and some left over for some other classes that I would like to do rather than being mandatory (History of Dance anyone?) I’m kidding, that is just a backup. Spent the evening doing my ballet classes, and then some extra practise on pointe at the end. Started to choreograph a new routine for me to practise to Let it Go from Frozen. I might get a chance to film it, when I finish the routine.

            Friday

Friday was my last day of lectures as a first year in Aberdeen. Just one lecture in the morning, and then, as it was so nice, I sat and read on Elphinstone Lawn, before getting the bus into town to catch my bus back to Glasgow. So happy to be going home and seeing everyone before it gets really crazy and stressful.

Saturday

I spent Saturday morning at my old dance class, and it was lovely to see everyone again. I even got to teach a few steps which I really enjoyed. Then I headed to get my hair cut, which it really needed, it was far too long for me! My dad and my sister were at the Scottish cup final between Dundee United and St Johnson, so I got to spend an afternoon with my mum, it was great to catch up. They were very disappointed that St Johnson won, although I couldn’t care either way. After a lovely tea with my Mum, Dad, Sister, Gran and Auntie, I headed out to meet a friend for cocktails in the local bar. I had a fabulous time catching up, and tried a few really nice cocktails as well.

            Sunday

This was a day for paperwork. I filled in lots of forms, and worked out what I needed to do for my visa to get to the US. Have now started to arrange everything, and just waiting for the Pre-Departure Meeting to answer some of my questions. After that, I caught the bus back up to Aberdeen, and then had my last night of doing nothing before it started to get crazy tomorrow.

              Monday

I spent the day in the library studying. Very very very hard. This is what my life will be for the next few weeks, so I may not post on here as often as I want to. Studies have to come first at this point.

              Tuesday

Spent the day in the library, and started to make a huge wall mind-map filled with my politics notes. This will be a thing of beauty, as well as helping me to learn. That’s all I did really.

That’s my week so far. Not too interesting, but I thought I would tell you guys about it.

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Wednesday

Well, I spent most of the day on a bus, as I was coming back up to Aberdeen after seeing Wicked: The UK and Ireland tour (see my review here). Read on the bus (trying to get my uni reading done), and then back to the library to start on my essays. A long day.

             Thursday

I had quite a few classes, and spent most of the rest of the time in the library. I had a ballet class at night, then returned to the library to continue work on my essays. 

              Friday

Friday was a good day. I had some classes in the morning and I went to the library (again) to continue on the essays. However, I didn’t stay as late as Thursday, as my dad was up in the ‘Deen to watch the cricket. So we met at the station (along with my uncle) and headed to my cousins’ house in Monifieth. Had a lovely night with them, catching up and watching movies. Also, I got some news that I was so happy about: I am getting to go on a study abroad year to University of New Mexico! Will tell you more about that in another post.

               Saturday

Spent the morning at my cousins’, just chilling and chatting before catching the train back to Aberdeen. When I got back I went straight to (surprise, surprise) the library. Spent the rest of the day there and really got cracking with my work.

                Sunday

I did errands and continued to write my essays. Not much to tell.

                Monday

After handing in one of my essays (YES!) I went back to the library to continue writing the second. However, I took the evening off, because it was the Glee Club’s meal out. We went to Chiquitto’s and had a great time. It was lovely to chat and bond with everyone who came.

                Tuesday

I had a class in the morning, but went in a little early to get to the library to continue work on my essay. I then went to Alfie’s with a friend until I met another blogger friend. We chatted and did some blogging stuff, and a little uni work. Unfortunately, walking home, we both got splashed by a bus driving past and got a little wet. Spent rest of the evening writing some more essay. No rest for the wicked.

That was my week. What have you been up to? Comment below if you did something exciting this week.

Gracexxx

Motivate Monday

via: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/4c/2b/50/4c2b50780dfc45eebffb0e455fefc5a3.jpg

Hello Everyone,

Everybody needs a little adrenalin rush sometimes in their life. Mine comes from that love of dance and performing. Other highs come from jumping off bridges and buildings, or running a marathon. It doesn't matter what it is, unless they are harming themselves or others, just as long as you have something.

Challenge of the week: Find that thing that gets your heart pumping, and do it.

Gracexxx

Reflections on the A to Z Challenge

Hello Everyone,

I thoroughly enjoyed doing the A to Z Challenge this last month. It was lots of fun, and most of the time I found it not too difficult to write everyday. At times I found it taxing, but forcing myself to write really helped me get past ‘blogger’s blog’ as it were. And sometimes I was a little late in posting, but I got there eventually.

My writing has improved, and I have gotten much faster at it as well. My brain now seems to have a blogging switch that says ‘right, I’m blogging now, get going’, and writing my posts just seems to come much more naturally (now I just need to get an essay writing switch as well!)

I had to be much more organised than I normally am with my posts, and have them planned well in advance to get them done (all the subjects chosen and things like that). And once I got into a pattern with my writing, it was easier to continue with what I was doing. I would have a routine of when I will write, and I think that the A to Z Challenge really helped with that, without it I think I would have been a little more aimless with my writing. It is a very good challenge for new bloggers as it helps you get used to writing, but people will actually visit your blog and give you helpful hints and tips about how to improve, which you will not necessarily get if you didn’t do the challenge.

Most of all, I really enjoyed visiting all the new blogs that I wouldn’t necessarily have found otherwise. I didn’t manage to visit a lot every-day, but those that I enjoyed I subscribed to, and can easily get back to. I really enjoyed seeing all the different types of blogs: travel, lifestyle, creative writing, D.I.Y. etc. There are so many out there, and there are some ideas that I wouldn’t even have contemplated making into a blog, but that worked really well. I have also been given some new ideas about content in my blog, and where to take it. It was such a learning experience, and I am so glad that I did it. Thank you A to Z Team for making this happen.

Gracexxx

Dealing with Disappointment

Hello Everyone,

Recently I have had a bit of a disappointment in my life, and there is a chance that something that I was really looking forward to will not happen. I have never really dealt with disappointment that well, in fact, I’ve never really lost out on something that I would be this disappointed about. Some people see that as luck, I see it as hard work. I work hard to get what I want, and if I don’t get something, then I tend to blame myself for not working hard enough. Or, I think that I shouldn’t have let myself get so excited about it, I should rule with my head instead of my heart. Keeping walls up is what I try to do, especially when I am stressed or disappointed about things. I am not an extravert, so when I want to be alone, it could be up to a week before I speak to another person, especially during exam time.

Disappointment is difficult for anyone to deal with. And, unfortunately, it is a part of life. If we are constantly being disappointed then it can be harder to bounce back from it. However, we must believe that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. If it was really meant for us, then it would have happened, if not, then it clearly wasn’t. This sounds rather corny, but it isn’t meant to be. It’s more the basis of accepting that it isn’t going to happen, and moving on. I don’t really believ in fate and all that, but perhaps there is a plan out there for what we are meant to do. And even if what you want to happen doesn’t happen at this point in time, then perhaps it will happen in the future, if you still want to make it happen.

How do you cope with disappointment? Comment below to tell me how you got through a disappointing time in your life.

Gracexxx

Glee Concert

Hello Everyone,

Thursday was my Glee Club concert, and it went really well. I had a solo, and I think it went well. We all had a great time doing it, so that's all that matters. There weren't too many major screw-ups, so we could laugh it off. Here are a few photos from backstage (there are no ones of the performance yet). Hope you enjoy.

The dressing room: not too manic

Just some wee selfies

why do I always pull the most stupid faces in pictures?

Me right before my solo, I was a bit nervous to say the least!

There was a review of the night written, and here's the link to it. I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped make the night so great, and for all the rehearsal time people put in. It so paid off, and everyone did a fantastic job!

Gracexxx

What's going on?

Hello Everyone,

It is the day after the A to Z Challenge, and since I haven’t been doing my weekly updates, I thought I would sum up all the things that have happened in my life since the challenge started.

Well, for the first few weeks I was on holiday from university (as much of a holiday as you can call it when I had three essays to write and four books to read). This was a really lovely holiday as I was at home in Glasgow seeing family and friends for long catch ups. This is the one downside to going to university away from home, you don’t get to see your family as much as you want to, but it does make the time you have with them more precious.

I turned nineteen. I did do a post of sorts on this, with all my bookish memories and things, but I thought I would share with you what I actually did on the day. I had quite a relaxing day, with small long lie, and then met up with my friend Laura, my sister and her friend, and we went to see The Amazing Spiderman 2, which was so good. I am planning a review on this later, so keep an ear out. I went out for tea with the family, and then back home for cake and presents.

Once university started back, it was all a-go. Essays were due, preparation for lectures and tutorial and exams (aaaaaaahhhhhhh!) was needed. There was no more relaxed catch-ups and coffee, just a never-ending pile of work. I have managed to get some of it done, but as time is ticking on, there just seems to be more and more to do.

It was also a busy time for me as I am part of the Glee Club, and our summer concert was quickly drawing nearer. So there have been a lot of rehearsals for that, one was 6 hours long! I am a little nervous about it as I have a solo (I sing Missy Higgins’ Sugarcane, if you want to check it out), and I’ve never really sang in front of a huge audience by myself before. But I have rehearsed a lot, so everything should be okay. (Once this is published, it will be the night of the concert, so if any of you are in the Aberdeen area, and fancy seeing a show filled with singing, dancing and lots of fun, then get yourself over to the Lemon Tree for a 7.30pm start. It’s only a fiver if you are a student and £8 if you are anything else). I will be updating all of you on my Instagram as the action is happening, so check that out in my sidebar.

Aaaaaaaaand, other than the A to Z Challenge, that is what has happened in my life. What’s been going on with you? Let me know in the comments below. 

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Wednesday:

Spent the day in the library, in order to finish the presentation research and hand-out.

Thursday:

One of the days that I just never stop, although finding out that me glee rehearsal was cancelled was helpful as it gave me time to eat. I then had a ballet class and felt very fit as walked to the beach ballroom for my dance show technical rehearsal. Finally got my tiger onesie, and armed with my ears, nose and whiskers, we got on stage to have pictures taken and to try out the dance a couple of times. Also managed to score a lift home from the teacher, so didn’t have to walk home. Wrote a couple of blog posts when I got in, and then off to bed.

Friday:

It was the day of the dance show, and as I had to go into uni with my stage make-up on, I did get some funny looks. Another meeting for my presentation, and then I walked to the beach ballroom again. After a dress rehearsal, me and a girl in my tap class headed to ASDA to get supplies (a.k.a sweets and crisps to eat after our dance was over). When we got back, it was all a-go with make-up, costumes, hair (I sat out at that point!) and a last minute run through. Once our dance was over, we breathed a sigh of relief, and then proceeded to eat rather a lot of sweets and juice while everyone else ran around changing for other dances. I clearly, in my onesie, was very comfortable. Shared a taxi home with a couple of girls that recognised me from halls (sometimes being distinctive pays off!) and from the law ball.

Saturday:

Spent the day doing not much else but essay writing, drafting the hand-out for our presentation, and that’s about it. Pretty quiet day.

Sunday:

Similar to Saturday, except you have to add in a few errands to the essay writing. Although, I did manage to get caught in a hailstorm while taking out the recycling! Scottish weather baffles me sometimes.

Monday:

Spent the day in the library to finish the essay, and just had the referencing and conclusion to go. Group meeting for presentation on Wednesday was planned at five, but ended up being at 8 o clock. Feel a lot more prepared now though.

Tuesday:

A quieter day, aimed to finish my essay completely, practise for presentation tomorrow and try to write some blog posts if have time. As I detest the library at the moment, I spent the time in Alfie’s instead. 

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Here we are, halfway through the week already, can you believe it? With Wednesdays being my least busy day, I have designated it to my Weekly Update, where I tell you guys all about what I have been up to the last week or so.

Wednesday

This was a good day. I went shopping for food and did some reading in the morning. In the afternoon I was over at a group member’s flat for a group presentation that we are preparing for, and then I went into town with my friend to pick up some presents for her nephews. Essentially, she let me loose in the Disney store, where I instantly became a little kid again, and would have been happy to play tea parties with all the little kids! I got home, and started to do reading and an exercise due for the next couple of days.

Thursday

This is one of my busy days. I have one early lecture, then just enough time to get back, have some food and do a little reading, before heading back out for the longest afternoon ever. I went from a two hour lecture/seminar to the other corner of the campus and a two hour glee rehearsal. Then after that, I headed to another corner of the campus to my double ballet class. By the time I got in, it is normally 8.30/9ish, so I just crashed and watched an episode of Jonathan Creek. No reading or essays to check over luckily.

Friday

It was finally the end of the week. As it had been my friend Alison’s birthday earlier that week, we were heading to the Bobbin to celebrate. I wore a new dress, which I love to have an occasion to do. After a couple of beers and a lot of good laughs, we headed back to halls, as I had an early start the next morning.

Saturday

Got up reasonably early as I was invited in to see the student newspaper’s production weekend. That was really interesting as I didn't really know what went on during the production weekend. All the technical stuff bamboozled me, but I really enjoyed watching the process. After a few hours there, I needed to get back to start some reading/writing for an essay, and for the next week’s posts for all you lovely guys. The rest of the day wasn't really that eventful, some Saturday night movie on my laptop and then sleep.

Sunday

Up early as Sunday is my errand day. I got food shopping, washing, cleaning, and of course, reading. The never ending course reading! Spent the rest of the day in my kitchen, as it was much brighter and warmer than my room.  Reading almost finished, my friend phoned me, and I watched Call the Midwife. Also had a lovely Skype from my parents, which was a surprise, as we hadn’t arranged it.

Monday

Up early again to try and get a jump on my essay which is due on Friday. Off in the morning, I had a couple of tutorials in the afternoon, and a group meeting for one of my subjects. Once that was over, home, and more reading (my head is never out of books or behind a screen at the moment!)

Tuesday

Tuesday was a lovely day. I had a late morning class and then was in Alfie’s café for the majority of the rest of it. Had a lovely meeting with a fellow blogger, and then a Gaudie Life and Style meeting. I went home and had a quiet tea, and then got on with my essay. Wish me luck!