Panic stations at the ready!

So fellow bloggers, it has been an age. I have finished my degree, hurrah!! I have completely subsumed myself in work this year; be it: placement full time, assignments, portfolio and dissertation. It's not been much fun and there are still hoops to jump so to become absolutely qualified as a Social Worker. I am ecstatic it is done but I cannot shake off the feeling of being in limbo and final grades worry me. I don't know where to turn... I am in need of quick cash but jobs are few and far between. I guess I need to relax for a while :-)

Since February, I have been dating this amazing person (Mr KB, for now). I say this all loosely, as you may have read my exploits in my post Single Mundanities? but I do not wish to jinx this one. I like him far too much! Anyway, he has enabled me to have a few distractions from my academic work and instead of joining in on the "drinking escapades" that known peers have endured, I spent my time having dates with said person. Very lovely dates. 

During the last bank holiday, he flew me (yes, flew) to the seaside. Excited is an understatement, it's so much fun!!

That's it on this expedition. I feel I need to keep my mouth shut as men and me... work on paper but there's always a shed load of barriers in the way. I have many plans for my own future and I must get a move on, five years of my 20's left...oh lordy!! For the imminent future, I plan to immerse myself in challenges and this here blog :-)

What adventures have you had recently/or would like to experience? 

Brain Tumour Survival

March 2013 

You may or not be aware that it is brain tumour awareness month. Note the recent documentaries to raise such awareness. "Brain Doctors" follows the work of neurosurgeons at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.  Very close to my heart since I myself was operated upon there three times some eight years ago! My ninth (!!) Craniversary will be this May, and again in October- Two since my tumour had to be operated on again.  

You may think it was a long time ago that my tumour occurred. It indeed is, however, a shunt remains in my brain to drain cerebral fluid. Since my operations I have not stopped. Literally. I had to learn to walk again; learn to do many things again. I then had to get my education back on track. So much so that I am now 25 and fighting to finish my social work degree by May. This is not doing my head any favours. I'm not sure if I am getting a wake up call due to the month, but I've been getting headaches almost daily for a month or so. My tumour was benign but please do not think that makes things any easier. I was a rare case in that my childhood tumour was able to grow for an extra two years until I got any symptoms. 

I should have been at University today, however, I awoke with yet another shocking headache and my mother kindly gave me some tablets and then bought some even stronger ones. I now feel quite zombie-esque as I write this. With this in mind, I wish to thank my parents and brother for their kindness, empathy and understanding. I cannot thank them enough as I know it must be difficult to put up with my mood swings that can still occur.. I have part of my brain missing, what can I say?! 

I would also like you to acknowledge the vast amount of people who have endured this life-threatening illness. It's no piece of cake, and we may look, appear and act very normal  but side effects do not ever leave. I was never given physiotherapy so my mum took that role, along with many other roles. With our combined efforts, I still will never wear stiletto heels. As silly as it sounds, I get extremely frustrated with todays society of women who rule their life by how they look. I still have to check that I am walking o.k due to my slightly weak left-hand side. Spare some thoughts to the survivours in the world, and those less fortunate.    

19/20 years old here

Jon and I after my 2nd operation: May '04, aged 16

Theatre Extravaganza!!

Ahhh, the theatre! So palacial, so beautiful and so very very British- in my eyes anyway! I'd like to think I'm a lover of fine arts..but I don't always like to embrace the costs!! There is something quite magical about the theatre. It's an exciting atmosphere that always manages to give me such a buzz... I experienced the land of theatre at a young age, as my grandmother would take my cousins and I to see a ballet or pantomime. Beatrix Potter, The Nutcracker (about a gazillion times!!), Peter Pan. I love it.

I have a list of musical shows/ballets/operas/plays that I've seen, that I hope grows and grows….

Romeo and Juliet
The Nutcracker
The tales of Beatrix Potter

Carmen

Caberet

Evita

The King and I

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Newly: Charlie and the chocolate Factory
Once
Cats
Swan Lake
Gaslight
Giselle
Jersey Boys
Chicago
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by Candlelight

I'll also include other live shows which are equally as amazing. Many comedians..singers, oh and Lord of the Dance, which I have to say was utterly outstanding! My theatre companion of choice has always been my mum. We share the same loves of fine arts and I genuinely love spoiling her to a fancy night out :-)

Looking at this collection now seems far too sparse. I'm looking at tickets at the moment for Les Mis, The woman in black, Sleeping Beauty.

Yep, I am obsessed!!! What about you? Do you have any glorious shows you have seen?? I'd love to know :-)

Stereotypes and Prejudices

There have been some times throughout my social work degree where I think, "Wow, I have learnt something".. which pleases me, since I do not wish to think I have wasted three years!! I mean, I have chosen to go into this profession. I hope to actually find a great job in said career and do well at it. Not desert the degree. 

A few days ago, some opinions were spouted by a couple of people during common discussion. I have to say that it really hit home about how much I have been learning and how I have grown professionally. I went on a 'Safeguarding Children' course yesterday that further cemented this for me. 


These particular people were discussing an 'oppressive and grim society' where young people start fights in towns in the afternoon and how classes have emerged in to one 'working-class' society. 
- if an adult with degree cannot get a job AT ALL how can a young person with no qualifications be expected to venture into employment. Especially with an economy that is as bleak as it is now in the UK? 


So here's the thing, I'm from a fairly middle-class background. I probably share societal views/norms that coincide but as I approach qualified social work status, I keep my personal opinions and professional values/judgements, separate.  However, I got to thinking about the social classes. Yes, there is perhaps no clear cut balance but middle-class snobbery is surely what breeds contempt? I cannot say I condone people who mindlessly take drugs, alcohol or begin fights in broad daylight! I mean, I was brought up in a town outside  of Birmingham where our house was regularly burgled into and drugs were found outside the back of house...Of course I didn't like that!!
      However, you cannot judge a person simply on looks, their aspirations or what they do with their days. Some people have experiences and issues that most fortunate people can't comprehend or visualise. Young people have been brought up in a society that is full of different cultures and values. They may be brought up in families that your own would 'look down upon'. Is it right to hold your head so high just because you have a better job, education, status or different taste in tv show?? Don't demonise or assert superiority over a young person who has not reaped the same benefits in life you may have.

You must be careful saying such strong opinions, people do fight back. Blame anyone, blame the Government. Everyone is different. For instance, I rarely eat McDonalds but that's simply because it's full of saturated fats..

This is just my two cents and I hope my honesty is appreciated!! Debates are welcome on this little blog :-) 

The winter blues.

A Happy New Year to you all. Hope everyone saw in 2013 in style! I had a lovely time, spent with all my loved ones..but yes, you've got it! I have the winter blues (booo!) I'm feeling a little run down. Second time in about a month. I blame work- as always :-) It's snowing here in little England at the moment. My garden is looking very lovely I must say! 

What I am in need of is a complete detox..Flush any nasty toxins out, that should make me feel better right?! What I really want though are these....

 

And then, to make me all better I shall buy these beauties...

 

Then finally I'll paint my nails and perhaps treat myself to a spray tan; I'm looking pale!! 

Love this shade

Enjoy your Sunday fellow bloggers and have a lovely day :-) Let me know of any tricks to ward off the gloomy blues!

Joy of Christmas!

Hello! I do hope this finds everyone well, and a fabulous Christmas has been had. I do love this time of year.. cold weather aside (that ruins your hair). However, I feel that visits us far too quickly these days. With the hustle and bustle of life, I think it just creeps up. It also leaves very quickly. I popped into town this afternoon for some appointments. What I didn't expect was the vultures of sales shoppers!! When I was a young girl, Christmas extended for days after the 25th, what's happened??

What has been lovely, is the mini break I've had from work, and time with all my family and friends :) As I grow older, I crave for things money cannot buy. However, I cannot wait for a holiday next year, a house to call my own, and perhaps a tattoo or two to go with my tragus piercing! Ahh dreams..

Oh christmas tree!

Wow, so I feel like I need to get a wriggle on with my blog commitments! I've been busy busy let me tell you! I began my final social work placement in October (hurrah). So along with a 5 day week, I have an absolute mountain of academic work to do. In fact, I took a study day on Thursday, and put Christmas decorations up. Did I feel guilty? yes. Regret it? nah.

I think you need time off to recharge. Although, a month would be better. Preferably in Barbados!! May cannot come quick enough. I don't like to wish away months but this work is killing me :-( I celebrated my 25th Birthday end of November. I never expect gifts off family or friends, I'm not very OTT with birthdays, but I felt quite spoilt this year!