A spendid weekend which I have no evidence.

With a broken phone, I am unable to take snaps I usually would. This is the reason I have no evidence for the weekend just gone.

Jake came to visit me this weekend; Friday evening through to Sunday night. Its the most bizarre thing when we see one another.We are so used to being apart that we don't really know what to do with each other when we are reunited. The time we spent together was jam-packed and now, the first day of reading week, I have come to the conclusion that sleep is the best way for it to be spent.

Friday evening-Jake arrives, we head back to mine to get Geeked up for a night at BOP.
Friday evening (later)- Nick and Lucy (friends from my course) come to my place. We play drinking games with some of the flat and Nick's friend Owen.
Friday night-We all head to BOP, possibly walking in an unusual fashion.

Saturday morning (early)- Dancing the night away, it's so empty due to reading week and everyone going home. We head back around 2.
Saturday morning- A swift dart into central London, wondering around Chinatown and Soho before the big "date".
Saturday afternoon- The big "date". Once the musical. What a show!
Saturday evening- A leisurely stroll along the Southbank, where Jake attempted to take photos with his quite appalling camera.
Saturday night- Beef stir-fry in the kitchen followed by orange jelly and Sherlock snuggled up in blankets.

Sunday morning- I cook Jake a full English, almost completely in the microwave.
Sunday morning (later)- Meet up with Lucy again and the three of us head to church.
Sunday afternoon- Student lunch at the Pastor's house. Chicken and chorizo paella was a win all round.
Sunday afternoon (later)- Jake and I head into south Kensington and meander around the V&A museum.
Sunday evening- We head to Hyde Park and listen to Meryon's (Jake's friend from school) radio show.
Sunday evening (later)- A stroll along King's Road is in order. We admire all of the shops we can't afford anything from.
Sunday night- Back to Putney where we eat cake and Sundaes in The Railway, my favourite Wetherspoons.
Sunday night (later)-  Head back to Putney Bridge, admiring the Thames on the way. I show Jake where I row and the new callouses on my hands.

Jake arrives at Paddington in time for his train home.

THE END

The Great Storm.

So there were weather warnings after weather warnings for last night through to this morning. "The Big Storm" was on its way and to be honest I was scared; Jake had been visiting for the weekend and we both had to walk from stations to our homes, alone, and it seemed likely we would either blow away or drown.

After making it into my flat, drenched but in one piece, I worried for Jake whose train was soon to arrive in Bristol. Being a midnight arrival, if something terrible was to happen, there would be no one around to help.

Living in England we are very used to the rain. Jake arrived home safely; he is damp but you would not expect anything less from a walk at night during Autumn. My worries were almost completely unnecessary.
















I slept well after Jake text me to let me know he was home and safe. As I woke up this morning, I rushed to the window to see what damage had been done in London. Just a bright morning with buildings and trees intact. I hear from a few friends that flower pots and bins have been pushed around but overall unimpressive. So, this "Big Storm" was really just some wind and rain which we get every night, a tad stronger. I'm sure they'll get weather predictions right one day.

5 weeks down...already!

In my Professional Studies lecture this afternoon, it really hit home that I was a university student. It was session 5 meaning that it has been 5 weeks (or there about) since I've moved to the big city and become a full time fresher. 5 weeks sounds like such a long time to have been away from everything in Cornwall, especially to not miss it. The feeling of feeling at home is so warming and cosy that it has meant that I have not really given it a thought.What has helped greatly is that; the course, rowing, the gym, CU, church and my flat are keeping me busy. It's rare I am sat on my own bored.

Our first flat-family night consisted of me making 46 pancakes which we then all scoffed. I love living with my flat, they're all so much fun.

This place is so full of mysteries. I am constantly finding new things around the campuses. Being at Roehampton is the best decision I have made so far and I am really looking forward to the next 3 years.

Fresher's Week is not for the weak.

After I had moved into my room at uni, freshers week began fast. It was not long before all of my flatmates were drunk and playing games with one another. I think that it is truly the fastest way to become friends with someone. The week entailed night after night of activities for us all ranging from comedy nights to UV parties. To say the least it was tiring.

By day we attended introductory lectures, tours and registrations. This was surprisingly difficult if you didn't leave the club until 3.  It was doable, and we all survived the week. Some of us ill, knackered and poor, but we made it. Now for the real university life to begin.

So this is Amy, one of my flatmates. This was the first night and we both had far too much to drink at BOP's white t-shirt party but the night was controlled nevertheless...sort of.

I didn't get the flat that I wanted, but one down the road about half a mile. It's really not a problem though because it means I get to walk past this every morning without going out of my way.

I loved exploring the towns around us. On Saturday we went to Kingston Upon Thames for shopping and lunch. Its so nice to live just a short bus ride away from shops. I am used to spending 2 hours on a train just for a H&M. 

Alice and I were friends in senior school. We hadn't seen or spoken in about 2 years but bumped into each other at the Fresher's fest. Looks like we will be seeing more of one another again.

Good bye Cornwall.

This week is my last at home with mum and dad. It isn't sad in any way (to me!) as I have a place at Roehampton University which I had really worked hard for. My packing (which had been done since May) had to be repacked so that there was no space-waste. This was exciting. I cannot wait to get into the place I'll be for the next three years. London!

Photo collection: 3.8.13-10.8-13

Here is a collection of  photos from my family holiday in North Wales. (more to come)

I, driver.

Yesterday, I had my first attempt at my driving test. I didn't really think it was that big of a deal until the morning of the test, then I was scared.

It seemed like a year wait for my driving instructor to arrive but before I knew it, my pre-test lesson had been and gone and I was headed for the test center. My stomach growled with nervousness.

I can't really remember my test exactly. All I can recall is the examiner congratulating me at the very end. Confusion was all I thought and then it hit me. I am now a fully qualified driver.

Chris, my instructor, slowly walked over to the car with curiosity in his eyes. I launched myself at him and burst into tears (what a girl, huh?) with pride and thankfulness. I really enjoyed learning to drive with him. He is such a nice man and great teacher.

I would do the test all over again if it meant I would have the feeling of passing once more.





















To me, this certificate means the world.

Well deserved celebration.

There is no better feeling than on A-level results day finding that you have exceeded the grades you need to do your ideal degree in your ideal university. I couldn't help but grin the whole day knowing that  I was going to be moving to London and learning to be a teacher.

After work, as a bit of a double-date/celebration, Jenny, Ben, Jake and myself all climbed Carn Brea (a beautiful rocky hill just between Redruth and Camborne). The sky was bright but it was still very cold. We sat on a rock and ate Kendall Mint Cake (a gift from Wales) as our noses turned pink.  

When we arrived home, we stuffed ourselves with sausages and mash and proceeded to crash on the sofa, watching rubbish T.V. It was not long until we had to get ready for a night out to celebrate results day with the rest of sixth form and other students around Redruth. Jenny and I did not take long to get ready and soon we were headed to Linzi's house for lethal pre-drinks.

 

A messy few hours it was. All of my girls were ecstatic the whole evening, knowing that they would, in a month or so, be university students.

The club was packed! It seemed that everyone had done well and was out having a great night because of it. We had a few cheeky drinks in a booth before the dancing started and boy, did the dancing start!

I really do believe that my friends are the best in the world.

Surrounded by beauty.

Living in Cornwall is such a privilege. It is beautiful all year round but these two days, in particular, were exceptionally pretty ones.
















This summer Jake and I promised we would do more active things together (unlike last year when we mostly watched films and pigged out). The Gannel is such a wonderful place to start our couple runs; the dusty tracks are perfect for jogging and the clear blue made the outdoors so inviting.

It soon became clear that it was too hot to be wearing tops. Our pasty-white tummies finally got to see the bright summer sun which has only just made an appearance. Unsurprisingly, Jake did not go for the conventional smile in this photo.

So clear and so blue! The sea the next morning was truly a breath-taker. After an hour or so sunbathing, we ran into the sea. Despite being hot weather, the sea was still freezing like the grey week before and we didn't stay in there long.

Newquay town was busy. It's nice to see the high street doing well for once. Even though I appear to have my grump on, basking in the glorious sunshine at The Cribbar was a great place to be at lunchtime.

For a treat the pair of us went to Pizza Express for tea. On the way back home we stopped at the viewing point on Great Western Beach to see the beauty of Newquay's coast. This is my favourite place on earth.

A fantasticle evening.

I was so fortunate to be in the catchment area of a truly great school. It may have had a bad reputation but it was a caring, successful school where I felt really at home and part of something much bigger. The best decision I have made in schooling was to stay on at sixth form, I remained with my favourite people for another two exciting years whilst gaining qualifications I need to get me into teaching myself. As the end of these wonderful 7 years of my life ended, a posh-do was certainly required to draw the whole thing to a close. It really was the perfect way to celebrate and commemorate the end of an era.

So Jake, a few of my lovely girls and myself all got ready at my house. After 2 hours of dolling up, as you can see, we were photo ready.

The hut was certainly the perfect backdrop. These girls are certainly some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and their gorgeous personalities match.

Our hair, surprisingly, played ball and looked really cute. Dad, being the joker he is, obviously had to photobomb. 

Our masks (I don't think that I mentioned it was a masquerade ball...woops!) looked so professional. It is surprising what you can do when a few lovely people get together with some old jewellery, glue, paint and kebab sticks.

Despite being older and  going to a different school, Jake was allowed to come along to the ball. It's so great that he fits in with my friends. I love showing him off!

After a few snaps we head up the garden in shoes really unfit for grass. We jump in the cars and that is the last I see of my house that day. Falmouth, here we come.

The hotel matched how everyone was looking. Divine!  It was wonderful to be able to spend time with friends in an environment very alien to us all.

We chatted, laughed and posed for a long while, the main topics of conversation being the beauty of the venue and whose dresses stood out the most (good and bad of course!). We soon gathered on our tables and the fun began....

Firstly, the nominations. Everybody giggled at the allocations; the future Mr and Mrs, worst driver etc.. I am not sure whether to be happy that I won 'ABS OF THE YEAR' or not. It certainly annoyed one or two guys from the rugby team, that made me smile anyway. Then we had the raffle. Jake and I both won with our tickets and got a go in the lucky dip. As you can see teachers have a sense of humour after all!

Not only did the food look mouth-watering on the menu but it really was. As students we very rarely get to eat this standard of cuisine which makes it even more amazing when we do.

Sharing tales of one another over dinner really made me realise that this was really the last occasion everybody would be together. It was truly the best night to draw our time at Redruth School to a close.

Legally a woman.

On Saturday I turned 18.  Right up until that week I hadn't fully realised that it was that big of a deal. I did everything I wanted to and never really had to have 18 years of experience to do so. After presents from family, Jake and a few friends in the morning and early afternoon my birthday got off to a brilliant start. I prefer to give than receive however being spoiled every now and again reminded me how many caring, delightful people I have all around me.

A full day spent with Jake was truly the best thing about my day, he is so scrumptious.

The girls arrived in the late afternoon. They get on so well with Jake it's fantastic. We spent the evening listening to old-school music, eating finger-food, drinking all kinds of alcoholic concoctions and dolling up for the night.  Our first stop was my pub of my very first legal drink.

















As we arrived, there were some excited bosses and locals ready and waiting,  It surprised me what a big occasion these guys also thought it was. We chatted and reminisced and before long our drinks were finished. We headed back home to change our footwear into something less sensible and Jake, Linzi and I took a quick snap before the club's atmosphere ruined our hours of getting ready.

The whole day really was perfect. I am so blessed to be amongst such amazing people.

A day at the beach.

The best days out are the spontaneous ones, close to home. Living in Cornwall is fantastic.
















Look at that bunch! My friends are wonderful.

Dan and I made a fort. Our hands were sandy which was annoying but it fit us in snugly and looked so cute!





Despite being old enough to know better, piggyback races are fun and so we do them. An evening well spent.

Just a quicnic.

Yesterday, me and two of my girls took a short drive to  beautiful mine called Killifreth. I brought along Stig and  some leftover wine and food from my parents' meal the night before and we had a classy picnic on the grass by the old engine house.

Look it's Meryl Streep! Oh no, just Linzi in her gorgeous dungarees. Her ability to pull off old-school clothing is second to none.

Jenny's hair changes colour weekly. I love how red and rich it looks in the sunlight here. I wonder how long it will last.

The spontaneous days in the sun are the most enjoyable. It's great to share good food, giggles and glorious weather with my favourite girls.