Finishing School Forever and The Shine School Media Awards

Hello Everyone!

Yet again there has been a prolonged absence from me over the last few months, but when A-Levels call, a student's gotta do what a student's gotta do! However, after many many months of not having much of a life at all and revising up to 10 hours a day, exams are officially over and I'm finished school forever! (Hopefully).

After finishing my last exam on Thursday it was time to celebrate with our school leavers dinner, plenty drinks, and a lovely night with friends; what a way to end 15 long years of school, even though it didn't feel that long at all! Here's just a few of the photo's from the evening/night.

These last two years have been the hardest of my school career to date, but I can rest on the fact that I tried my absolute hardest, and I couldn't have possibly done any more. At times it got a bit too much and I lost my cool, but I've done my bit and now it's time to play the waiting game and enjoy my summer! I've quite a bit happening over this summer, which I can't wait to share with you... starting with a little something from Yesterday!

As some of you will know, I want to go into a career in journalism, and study it at uni. I'd been editor and co-editor of our school newspaper for the last two years, and for the second time we had reached the final of the UK Shine School Media Awards in London at The Stationer's Hall.

Being an editor and contributor for The Alnwickist, with help from the team at The Northumberland Gazette has taught me quite a lot about journalism, but I know University will teach me a lot more.

Back in January when news of Ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson's visits to schools to speak about tolerance and non-extremism reached the national press, I found some national newspapers (which I will not name for obvious reasons) had taken a quote I had included in one of my articles for the December 2013 issue. Because one online newspaper took my quote, but didn't credit myself or The Alnwickist for it, other newspapers reported 'The ****** spoke to.. etc" and I got to see first hand what national journalism was like, which left me very intrigued.

Moving on from that and back to the point- haha! So yesterday, myself and the rest of the main editorial team made our way from good old North-Northumberland all the way to London- only my third time there! It was a very similar set up to last year, if you would like to read my blog post 'I ventured to London' about that click here.

We arrived at the stationer's hall and took part in a book binding workshop. Lets say us language and writing types aren't the best at logic! It was a lot harder than it sounds!

Then, after a light lunch it was time to take our seats for the awards ceremony to begin.

The awards ceremony was presented by Simon Heffer of the Daily Mail, formerly The Telegraph (I can't remember his full job title, sorry Simon!) and Suzy Cox, deputy editor of Cosmopolitan who has worked on other titles such as Mizz and Smash Hits ,a huge inspiration of mine. Awards were also given out by big names in the journalism and publishing world. Not only this, but Suzy spoke to about her career in journalism which I found so fascinating- especially her story about one member of Busted!

Out of the 200 schools that entered from across the UK, we were one of over 20 schools to be shortlisted for some of the awards up for grabs. We were shortlisted for Best Newspaper Cover, Best Design and Layout, Best Feature Article and Best Newspaper. Out of these four categories we were then recognised as highly commended for Best Cover and Best Newspaper, and although it wasn't an outright win, we were very pleased with ourselves as the competition was tough, dominated by magazines, and we didn't have the budget or the facilities other schools at the final had.

Going up for Best Newspaper. Image credit.

All in all it was still a worthwhile trip and we are very pleased with ourselves as again, it taught us just how competitive the journalism field is. Am I ready for that? I think so.

After the awards ceremony we were left to navigate London and the Underground ourselves, which for me, on a personal level was such an achievement- especially during rush hour! Maybe living in London wouldn't be too bad after all.

Stumbling across Trafalgar Square, again.

I would just like to thank the organisers of The Shine School Media Awards for the chance to  go to London, as without them I would've been sat at home probably watching Netflix! If you want to find out more about Shine, click here.

Cheerio x

I'm Picking Up Good Vibrations | Life Update and Last Ever School Production

Hello Everyone!

9 weeks is a long time to not blog isn't it? But I'm back after my break and have so much to tell you about!

After completing the 12 Days of Christmas blog series, it was straight back to school for me, greeted by some lovely mock exams (can you sense the sarcasm?) meaning January consisted of endless hours of revision.

January also welcomed the beginning of the rehearsal process for the school musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet, a much more enjoyable feat. This involved (you guessed it) rehearsals for 2 hours every night after school and 6-9 hours on a Sunday.

If you read my post A Saunter On The Moors | The Reason I've Been Gone So Long, you would know that I love the amount of rehearsal time put into the school productions. Because the cast ends up spending almost every waking hour together we all become so close and like one big happy family. The rehearsals become my social life, because we're all friends and enjoy the time spent together rehearsing.

This year I was a dancer, or, if you like, a Swinging Spacecat, which was a lot of fun. We were in almost all of the dances which meant a lot of routines were to be learnt. 

The Swinging Spacecats!

Our Sunday rehearsals would be taken over by learning these dances, and repeating them over and over and over and over..... and over, until the sweat was dripping off of our faces and the moves were drilled into our brains. This was what our director, called 'dance workshop'. More like 'dance until you can't breathe and can't move'. Even so, this was my favourite part of rehearsals! If you weren't fit before rehearsals, you certainly were by the end!

And like a flash, January was over quicker than we knew it and we said hello to February.

As part of Sixth Form, each form class has to present an assembly to the whole of the year. Our classes assembly was on friendship. As the first form class to present their assembly, we wanted to set the bar high, and so decided to create a music video. Yes, we made our very own music video to the theme tune of Friends. If you really want, you can watch it here. 

It is something I'm going to cherish. 5 years with these people means a lot, and since we are all going our separate ways in September, it will be nice to look back at this video and cringe a little!

February also saw the RTTFP cast take a residential trip to Ford Castle. 2 and a half days of rehearsals. You heard me right. We spent the weekend learning new dances and nailing all the musical numbers. We also got to have some quality bonding time. This was when all cliques disappeared and we all became like one big family. Oh, and I went on a zipwire too. A massive achievement for me!

March. Where do I even start with March. It finally dawned on me that this was the last week I would ever spend with all of the wonderful people in the RTTFP cast. It also finally dawned on me that this was my last ever school production, and the last time I would ever perform like this.

I made a promise to myself that I would cherish every moment of each show, and with 5 performances, there were lots of moments to cherish. Each show got stronger and stronger, better and better, each and every one receiving a standing ovation.

Then came the final performance. As I walked off stage after the first number, I couldn't help but smile knowing that for the last 5 years I've been doing something I love, and I was going to make the most of my final few hours.

As the curtains closed on us and our final standing ovation, I had never felt happier. There is no better feeling than doing something you love and enjoy, and seeing that you've brought happiness and laughter to other people. Getting your grades, or finally going out with that person you've liked for ages. No feeling compares to that of getting a standing ovation. You're sweating, you're struggling to breathe, and you smell a little bit, but the feeling is still out of this world.

Giving out gifts and hearing speeches at the end of the night made me realise just how lucky I have been.

Over my 5 years in high school I have been in 5 musicals and 1 straight drama production. Not only have they all been an incredible experience, but I've made friends for life through these shows, people I will never forget, and they've made me into a much better person, the person I am today.

These are the moments and the memories I am going to remember forever, always with a smile on my face.

If anyone would like to read the review of our production of Return to the Forbidden Planet, click here.

Cheerio x

12 days of Christmas | Day 12

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Stacey gave to me, twelve old photos, eleven memories, ten amazing movies, nine YouTube videos, eight resolutions, seven must-read books, six make-up tips, five favourite blogs, four amazing people, three recipes, two cute doggies and a new blog post every day.

It's the final installment of the 12 days of Christmas blog posts! I'm a little sad, but also relieved. This was much harder than previously anticipated but I've actually really enjoyed this, it's been a lot of fun and I hope you've all been enjoying reading these.

My final blog post is some old photo's. I've tried to keep my embarrassment to a minimum but I've also thrown in a couple of awkward middle school phase photo's. Enjoy laughing at my younger self! 

Me and my little brother Josh... nawwwrrr.

This is quite possibly my favourite photo of the lot. Haha sorry Josh, but you love me really.

Despite my CBBC hat, I love this photo a lot.

Back in year 4 when I was playing the grumpy sheep in our school Christmas play, The Grumpy Sheep. Not one of my finest moments.

Our old dog Bramble. I wasn't choking her, I swear!

Hahaha! You know what? I'm not even sorry, this photo is just hilarious! The Lion the witch and the wardrobe. 2008 I think?

Thanks for sticking with me for the 12 days of Christmas, I'll see you all soon!

Cheerio x

12 days of Christmas | Day 11

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Stacey gave to me, eleven memories, ten amazing movies, nine YouTube videos, eight resolutions, seven must-read books, six make-up tips, five favourite blogs, four amazing people, three recipes, two cute doggies, and a new blog post every day.

Since we are now well into January, 2013 seems like a distant memory. How about 11 memories from 2013 then?

1. Ate a banana

A completely weird memory to start this blog post off with, but I am going in chronological order. I'm not a fruit fan. I much prefer vegetables, but it can sometimes be hard to get your 5-a-day just from vegetables. I hated banana's HATED them. Even the smell used to make me throw up a bit. One of my resolutions last year was to eat more fruit, so I turned to the banana. I ate a banana for the first time in three years, and didn't throw up. Success. 

2. Went to Italy

I went to Italy with the school in Feburary last year and I really enjoyed it. The weather was like our average spring/summers day- tshirt weather, so It was nice to get away from the winter breeze and snow for a while. I remember walking around Rome with a group of friends. The girls were in shirts, and the boys were walking around in vest tops. We had Italians laughing at us because they were all in puffer jackets, hats and scarves. It wasn't that cold! Must have been our northern genes coming to use. The weather was lovely and we saw so many beautiful things. We went to Rome, the Vatican, Pompeii, Herculaneum and climbed Mount Vesuvius to name a few. It is such a beautiful country and I'd love to visit there again.

3. Bought eight CD's for less than a tenner

Another weird one, but music is so expensive these days. I basically bought 8 CD's for the price of one. BARGAIN. At the time I was branching out my music collection. In Newcastle there used to be a second-hand CD/DVD store called That's Entertainment. It would do deals like 6 CD's for £5 or 3 CD's for £5. And when they had every type of music under the sun, how could you say no? 

4. Back to the 80's

I've been in all of my High School's musicals since I joined, and they are the highlight of my school year. Last year was Back to the 80's. It's a funny musical, set in a High School, like quite a lot of musicals actually. By doing the school productions I get to meet people like me and find friends for life. In fact nearly all of my closest friends were involved in musicals or productions at one stage or another (har har, stage). It was such a fun and energetic musical, something I'll never forget.

5. My 17th Birthday

I will never forget this birthday. I saw McFly in concert for the third time. ON MY BIRTHDAY. It was such an amazing night where I got to see my favourite band with some of my favourite people. I'll never forget when they sang the words 'She looked incredible, just turned 17'. Myself and my friends screamed. A night I will never ever forget. Oh yeah, and Danny saw me waving my birthday badge around.

6. Shine Media Awards

I've already written a blog post about this, so if you want to check it out click here. The team behind our school newspaper got to the finals of the Shine School Media Awards, meaning a trip to London. Only my second ever, the first was to see Les Misérables back in 2011.

I love London, I feel like there is so much to see and do there. The fact I managed to use the tube in rush hour is something I'll never forget, because I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to cope. I'd love to go to London again, but this time do to more of the touristy things.

7. Trip to Edinburgh

My family decided we'd have a weekend break in Edinburgh over the summer holidays. I'd never been before despite it being only and hour's train journey. Although the weather wasn't too great, we had the chance to become proper tourists. The Edinburgh Fringe was on whilst we were there so we took a stroll along the Royal Mile where we saw some amazing street performers. We visited Edinburgh Castle which had amazing views. We also went to Camera Obscura which is this hilarious museum showing tricks of cameras and light. Very funny. However, my highlight had to be the ghost tour we went on. The guide was very believable and very scary. When we were below some of the nightclubs she was telling us one of the ghost stories when I felt someone grab my arm. I just assumed it was my mum, but none of my family will own up to doing it. I thought I'd like to be a ghost tour guide, it seemed really fun, until she told us that she sometimes has to be the one to blow out all of the candles in the vaults, alone with only a torch...

8. Mother/daughter time

I love my Mum. We may argue constantly but I love her really. We went on a little spa day in the summer and it was so nice to just spend time with my Mum for a change. A nice little pampering session never harmed anyone.

9. People at work

I'm really lucky to work where I did over the summer. Because The Alnwick Castle is a tourist attracting, we see over hundreds of tourists every day, so I saw many different types of people. Obviously you get some, not-so-nice people, but some people were so lovely and nice to serve, I'd leave work with a smile on my face.

10. Wuthering Heights

I also wrote a blog post about this which you can check out here. We, as a cast were close before rehearsals even began because of past shows, but the relationship we grew as a cast was like no other. We were like one big happy family and I couldn't think of better people to spend 8 weeks of my life with. 

11. University

In November I began my university application process which has been a very scary process because everything feels so real now. I've heard back from all of my 5 choices which means that if I get the grades, I will actually be leaving home and going to university. Just got a few interviews and my fate will be almost sealed!

See you all tomorrow for the final day of Christmas!

Cheerio x

12 Days of Christmas | Day 10

On the tenth day of Christmas, Stacey gave to me, ten amazing movies, nine YouTube videos, eight resolutions, seven must-read books, six make-up tips, five favourite blogs, four amazing people, three recipes, two cute doggies and a new blog post every day.

So far in the twelve days of Christmas I've recommended seven books and nine YouTube videos. It is about time I recommended 10 films (or movies). Obviously I may have a very different taste to you, so don't bash me for what I like (you are the worst kinds of people...), I'm simply telling you which are my favourite and recommeding you watch them if any take your fancy. Tadah.

1. Love Actually

I've seen in three times this Christmas I love it that much. Oops. It follows around different people and their Christmas love stories, who are all somehow entwined with eachother. It isn't your typical Christmas film, and it is full of familiar faces. Hello Hugh Grant.

2. Bridge to Terabithia

I first watched this in the summer when I was going through my "I need to watch everything Josh Hutcherson has ever been in" stage. I hadn't cried like this watching a film since the first time I watched Titanic. I was literally sobbing. It is so beautiful and sad. It is about two kids with an imaginary world but things sadly turn out for the words. I hugely recommend this one.

3. Billy Elliot

An absolute classic. Even if you aren't into dancing you really should see this if you haven't already. Set up north during the miners strike, it follows a young boy who wants to become a dancer but his father is very against this idea. Not giving too much away am I? Since I've seen the film probably around 20 times I really want to see it in the West End now.

4. Titanic

Of course this was going to be on the list somewhere. I cry every time I watch it. I don't even own the DVD I just watch it when it's on TV and I'm sure I've seen it at least 10 times. Not only is it a great film, Leonardo DiCaprio is also very attractive in this.

5. The Princess Diaries

It is one of those childhood classics. I loved it then and I love it now. I wish I found out I was a princess of a far away land when I was 15...

6. Wuthering Heights 

(The version with Tom Hardy and Andrew Lincoln) I first watched this because I was in a play adaptation of the book written by Emily Bronte that the 2009 film is based on. It is so chilling and thought provoking. If you fancy watching it, it is on YouTube. If you've read the book and found it difficult to understand then this will help greatly.

7.  21 Jump Street

A comedy and Channing Tatum, what more could you want? It is so funny and cannot wait for 22 Jump Street to hit our screens. I can quote so many parts of this film. Whoever was sat around me and my friends when I saw this at the cinema, I apologise for the loud laughing.

8. Moulin Rouge

This is also one of my mum's favourite films. It is just so crazy, but has the added love story with a saddening end, basically any Baz Luhrmann film. The music also makes it pretty incredible. I just love the cinematography and the way it was filmed. 

9. Romeo and Juliet

Another Baz Luhrmann film, but the music (again) just makes this so so good. Dicaprio is amazing in this modern adaptation of the Shakespeare play. 

10. Mean Girls

Last but not least. The most quotable movie of all time. Do I need to say more? Most likely not.

See you all tomorrow!

Cheerio x

12 days of Christmas | Day 9

On the ninth day of Christmas, Stacey gave to me, nine youtube videos, eight resolutions, seven must-read books, six make-up tips, five favourite blogs, four amazing people, three recipes, two cute doggies, and a new blog post every day.

It's currently 8:32pm as I am writing this. If I'm honest with myself I could have had this up and published around five hours ago. But I've found myself watching Sherlock. I've already finished series one. Actually, that's not too difficult; there's only three episodes.

 Today's blog post is about procrastination. Something we do without even realising it *cuddles with the dogs for five minutes* ahem. 

When we find ourselves procrastinating we turn to the wonder that is YouTube. One minute you could be watching a video on Marxism, or how a cell divides. Next thing you know, you're faced with funny cat videos, or the 'weird' side of YouTube. I'm talking about videos such as the 46 year pregnancy. Don't lie. We've all been there.

Now before I start watching series two I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite videos on YouTube. Some classics. Some you may have never seen before. Enjoy.

1. Wrecking Ball Chair Fail

This video deserves way more views than it already has. I came across it on tumblr. The website of all things funny and weird and pretty and yeah. It gets funnier the more you watch it.

2. Charlie bit my finger... again!

I couldn't not put this in. It's a classic. And hilarious to impersonate. Charlieeeeeee

3. Lily's Disneyland surprise... again!

If you haven't seen the first one, I'd check it out it is so cute! But Lily's little sister Chloe had me in stitches because of her reaction- you'll see what I mean.

4. David after the dentist

Another classic, but too too funny to miss out. Is this real life?

5. Ultimate dog tease

A talking dog, what could be funnier?

6. Jimmy Kimmell- I told my kid I ate all their Halloween candy

We don't get into Halloween as much as America, which you will probably be able to tell after watching this video. I don't know whether to laugh or be annoyed. Very funny though.

7. The photobooth Challenge

A lot of youtubers have done this, and they are all very very funny. I've picked one at random for you to watch before you go searching for the rest of them. Yes these are two adults playing with the settings on their webcam.

8. Times we've pooped our pants

A weird video to come across judging by the title? Someone I'm subscribed to put up this video and it is actually really funny. I don't know if it's the facial expressions, or the way they tell the stories but I really enjoyed this one.

9. Drunk make-up tutorial

Last but not least is a video by the YouTube Queen that is, Jenna Marbles, all of her videos are top quality, but this one has to be one of my very favourites.

See you all tomorrow!

Cheerio x

12 days of Christmas | Day 8

On the eighth day of Christmas, Stacey gave to me, eight resolutions, seven favourite books, six make-up tips, five must-read books, four amazing people, three recipes, two cute doggies and a new blog post every day.

Happy New year everyone! Today's blog post isn't exactly eight resolutions, but rather eight things I aspire towards by the end of 2014.

1. Drink more water

I've never drunk a lot of water, in fact I hardly drink at all. I can sometimes go from the moment I wake up in the morning to six in the evening without  drinking anything. I aim to drink at least a litre of water a day. Sometimes when we think we are hungry we are actually hungry so hopefully I won't want to snack all the time, and may even clear up my skin!

2. Spend more time with my family

I think I sometimes take my family for granted. Sometimes I'd rather sit in my room for hours than sit and watch the football with them downstairs. I'll hopefully be going to university in the summer so I'll not see my family for months at a time. It's definitely time to start spending more time with them- even if I hate football!

3. Go on more walks

I have two energetic dogs and live in the countryside with some lovely walks and views. Seems like a no brainer really.

4. Don't be afraid to say no

I sometimes think I'm too nice *parents laugh in the background* No, but really. If someone asks me to do something, even if it's something I don't want to do, I feel inclined to do so because I feel like it would be rude to say no. It's okay to say no to doing something you don't want to.

5. Don't be afraid to say yes

A bit of a contradiction to number four. What I mean by this is to leave my comfort zone more, do to more things.

6. Read more books

This is a really simple one, but I don't read as much as I want to. I plan on reading a little bit every night before I go to sleep. A wind down.

7. Save my money

Whilst I had a summer job, I was really good at saving my money. Until my summer job ended and I had to buy christmas presents. And clothes. Okay and some things I didn't actually need. But this year I actually plan on saving my money and leaving it as emergency money for university.

8. Learn to cook more meals.

I can make a mean pasta dish, and I know how to put things in the oven but that is about it. I don't plan on starving at uni so I intend on learning new recipes and cooking for my family.

These are my resolutions for 2014. In December I may revisit this post and update you all on how well I stuck to my resolutions.

Hope you all had an amazing 2013 and all the best for 2014.

See you all tomorrow!

Cheerio x