What's Liv doing with her life...?

...apart from trying and failing to think of some interesting blog topics?

I got back off holiday, worked LOADS (I am ready to burn that shirt), lost my iPod (cue devastation), had my work leaving do (cue singing, drinking and dancing), went out for my friend's 21st, was shocked some of us in our year aren't 21 yet which made me feel too old, went out for Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary, redyed my hair so now its sexy again, and tried to be good but failed a little.. :P Spent too much dollar, again!

Its been a pretty busy time! Housemates are moving in and out left right and centre, so I'm looking forward to having a normal house again once it all settles down, but going to fucking miss everyone SO much.

I'm more than aware of the fact that it is 2 weeks to Doomsday aka 'PGCE start date' which I'm anticipating 40% and dreading 60%. Student Finance is about to give birth to a year of madness, and hand over the monster child without an instruction manual, and Liz McGuire is the midwife that pops in to check I've not killed it yet. Bit melodramatic, but well done Liv, I'm sure that's healthy! Yeah I'm totally ready for someone to make a banana milkshake of my life as I know it. Once I've bought some Post-its. Oh and some pens. Also, new teacher clothes. Ah hello comfort zone. Shopping, wonderful.

Its going to be just fine.

Wales

So, I'm in Wales.

I've got to be honest with you I never thought I'd go on holiday with my parents again for a long long time, probably because I don't actually live with them and I'm in my twenties and it is severely uncool to partake in such activities. I thought it would never happen again after the Northern Ireland boredom video fiasco.

There've been times while I've been here that I've thought oh my God why did I come, but equally there've been some classic moments, such as these:

1. After hearing an English woman direct us for years on the satnav, to hear Yoda tell us we arrived at our destination in German as a one off was a bit of a surprise.
2. Discovering that Dad's 'go to' holiday DVDs are Enchanted and Alice in Wonderland.
3. Hearing Mum say 'that's the joy of natural coloured shorts' - ?!?
4. Waiting for Dad outside the cottage for 45 minutes after he was adamant he knew a quicker way back and getting lost in a field with the only key. We knew he'd be back soon after hearing the dogs up the road.
5. Realising that we are that far out in the sticks that it is literally quicker to walk to England than the nearest pub.

At 21, I definitely think I've outgrown holidays with my parents but this one has been totally different because they're treating me like an adult too. I mean I've said 'crap' several times now, and Mum just isn't rising to it like she used to. Probably Sophie's fault - after saying 'its not my fault we were brought up on "fucking hellfire"' I think Mum reassessed the offensiveness of 'crap'. That's what's great about having a sibling, let them annoy your parents so that your less shocking behaviour appears glorious, works every time.  However, I haven't spoken to anyone under 45 in 4 days now and I will be glad to be home, although I'm having a good time with Mum and Dad :)

See you all at home - PS St Ann's Avenue enjoy your postcard!!

One of those posts...

Do you think the last person who said they loved you meant it?

Given that it was my Dad, I bloody hope so!!

Would you date an 18 year old at the stage you are now?

No, only my age or above now. Most of them are too immature.

Would you ever smile at a stranger?

Yeah! Why not makes their day a little happier J

Is anyone mad at you for talking to the one you’re dating?

Not dating anyone really so nope

Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?

Yeah, Wreckin Bar and If You Wanna by The Vaccines, reminds me of mine and Emily’s nights out. Good times, good memories!!!

What exactly are you wearing right now?

(For Rosie and Emily) OMG me tooo!! I’ve got my knickers on, my bra, some tights AND my blue dress with flowers on it!!

How often do you listen to music?

Everyday

Do you wear jeans or sweatpants more?

Rarely wear jeans, only for work really. Never wear sweatpants.

Have you ever kissed someone whose name begins with a B?

No

What about S?

No

Can you drive a stick shift?

After being assured by Rosie that this is not a pornographic reference (Americans…) but in fact a manual car, yes I can drive a stick shift.

Do you care if people talk badly about you?

Who honestly doesn’t? But someone will always do it anyway, may as well get on with life! No one can please everyone.

When was the last time you cried?

A couple of months back

Have you ever told someone you loved them?

Yeah. I also tell my friends when drunk, apparently did the rounds on grad night. Better than being a sad or angry drunk I suppose!

Would you ever change your eye colour?

No, I used to really want green eyes, and have often wished my eyes were slightly lighter because I look stoned a lot of the time apparently! Haha! But no, I think I’d find it weird to change after 21 years.

Is there a boy you would do absolutely anything for?

No, except for my Dad – legend!

Name something you dislike about the day you’re having.

AS4 at Trinity – aka death sauna, apart from that its been cracking!

Is it cute when a guy kisses you on the forehead?

Aw gee :*)

Are you dating the last person you talked to?

Emily? Does marriage on the book of Faces count?

What are you sitting on?

A garden chair – soaking some sun J

Does anyone apart from family tell you they love you regularly?

No, apart from when I come out with the usual ridiculous shite

Have you ever wanted someone you can’t have?

Long time ago

Who was the last person you spoke to before going to bed last night?

Josh, about how soaked his jumper was after Emily’s get your own back style showerhead supersoaking extravaganza! Was a bit funny though!

Do you get a lot of colds?

I seem to save them up till September then have them all at once!

Where is the shirt you’re wearing from?

It’s a dress, from New Look

Does anyone hate you?

Most probably but personally I think its too much effort to hate someone, it means thinking about them more often!

Do you have any empty alcohol bottles hidden in your room?

No, wouldn’t hide them if I did

Do you like watching scary movies?

Yes and no. Only if the scary thing gets its arse kicked, then it can’t come get me in the night. Because obviously, of all the thousands of people that see the film, it would definitely be me that got murdered. 

Definitely, because it knows I know…

Do you want your tongue pierced?

No

If you had to delete one year of your life completely what would it be?

14 years old, but there are some things I’d want to keep.

Did you have a dream last night?

Don’t remember one

When was the last time you told someone you loved them?

Thursday night, to my Grandma after she made tea

Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years?

I don’t plan to, these things just happen eventually. Could happily go another 10 years and I wouldn’t be that fussed.

Do you think someone has feelings for you?

Not that I’m greatly aware of

Do you think someone is thinking of you right now?

Obviously because I’m Liv Thornton. Probs not.

Did you have a good day yesterday?

Yeah was good! Started the subject booster course at uni, met some lovely new people, then went to Leeds and dyed my hair bright orange, had a lovely tea cooked by Will and Em, then had some evening banter before bed. Good times!

2 months ago, were you in a relationship?

No

In the next 48 hours will you hang out with a guy?

Yeah, I live with one

Has anyone told you they never want to lose you?

Not really

Do you have any pictures on Facebook?

Plenty, many of them embarrassing, though I’m past caring tbh!!

Do you replay things that have happened in your head?

Too much sometimes, but I think most people are guilty of the same crime

Were you single over the last summer?

No

Do you ever pass notes at school?

Yep, just yesters in fact

Is your life anything like it was two years ago?

Very very different, I’ve grown up a lot! Graduated, met soo many amazing new people, and about to start teaching!

What are you supposed to be doing right now?

Answering GCSE questions on Islam! Mayyyybe later ;)

Do you hate the last guy you had a conversation with?

No he’s dead lovely

Are you nice to everyone?

I’d never make anyone feel like crap on purpose, its low

Do you think you could last in a relationship for 6 months and not cheat?

Tried and tested. I couldn’t do that to someone.

Are you good at hiding your feelings?

No, I totally wear my heart on my sleeve

Do you think you like someone?

Not especially

Have you kissed someone whose name begins with a T?

Yep a few

Do you prefer to be friends with girls or boys?

A healthy balance of both is best

Have anyone of your friends ever seen you cry?

Currently trying to think of ones that haven’t! How embarrassing!

How’s your heart?

Ticking away nicely thanks!

Is there something in your past you hate talking about?

Not really, things I’d rather avoid, but life’s always gonna be crap sometimes, it’s the good things that make the bad worth dealing with J

Have you ever cried over a guy

Yeah, find me a (straight) girl that hasn’t

Are your toenails painted pink?

No, I prefer red

Will your next kiss be a mistake?

I don’t know yet do I?

Have your pants ever fallen down in public?

No, but my skirt has blown up, Marilyn made it look amazing, I looked like an utter imbecile with my Kermit knickers on..

Who was the last person you were on the phone with?

Sophie my beautiful sister!

How do you look right now?

Ginger, and smokinnnnn. No but I do look ginger, and probs a bit greasy from the sun – so attractive!!

Do you have someone you can be your complete self around?

Many!

Can you commit to one person?

Yes, but I’m not bothered about that at the moment

Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell everything to?

Yeah, Josh is like my bro!

Are relationships ever worth it?

Absolutely

Currently wanting to see anyone?

Ness, Tanya, and Sophie

Name something you have to do tomorrow?

Go see Batman!

Last person you cried in front of?

Probably Rosie and Emily

Is there someone you will never forget?

Yeah, many people close to me

What would you be doing if your favourite person was with you?

Probs enjoying a nice chilled Kopparberg in the sun whilst having a nice catch up

Are you over your past?

I’m thinking yes J

Have you ever liked one of your friends of the opposite sex?

Yep

The last person you kissed turns up at your door at 3am, what do you do?

Shut the door and enjoy a nice sleep

Have you ever liked someone your friends hated?

No

Will you be in a relationship within 2 months?

Doubt it, not looking

Do you know anyone called Michael?

Uncle Mickey, and a few others

Have you ever kissed a Matthew?

No

Were you in a relationship in January? How was it going?

Yes, I had a relationship with Ben & Jerry’s. We’re still together, a match made in heaven.

Who were the last 6 people to text you?

Tanya, Tom, Ness, Mum and Emily

Have you ever kissed someone older than you?

Yes

Who’s in your profile picture with you?

Me

Ever kissed under fireworks?

Nope but that does sound pretty cool

Graduation Day

Good afternoon!

Just to update you I had my graduation ceremony the other day, and I actually think it was one of the best days of my life. It wasn’t what I expected it to be in a way, because at the start of first year I thought we’d all be graduating together, but some friends have left uni, others will be graduating later and others now live abroad!

I have to say that the ceremony itself felt really strange, firstly because I didn’t know what to expect, and secondly because sitting there in those robes on what seemed like a very grand occasion didn’t feel very related to panic mode ‘night before’ essay writing, results days, house viewings, 9am lectures, consoling friends over break ups, learning to cook, or the banter of the Chaplaincy, SU, and nights out we all shared together.

Having said that, I never felt so proud of myself that day, and having all our hard work acknowledged was so so worth all the stress of the last three years which have hands down been the best of my life. It sounds kind of cheesy but I went to uni as a teenage girl and left as a young woman ready to pursue a career goal.

 One of the most poignant moments of the day for me was when my Dad said how proud he was of me and even got a bit teary which I did not expect, given that he never really took a great interest in my academic achievements, even telling me an RS degree was a bad idea at A Level, but I think I changed his mind ;)

I‘m so glad I went to the ceremony because I might never see some of those people again, but I certainly know who I’m going to stay in touch with. I’ve made friends for life, and I bloody love you lot. Thanks so much for really being there for me, laughing at as well as with me, and providing serious memories! Also, it wouldn’t have been the same without Rosie there, I’m so glad she came!

After the ceremony and photography my family went for some drinks at Nation of Shopkeepers then joined up with Emily’s family for a meal together at Giraffe and then went home to number 29 (aka Houseparty HQ of the last 6 months – why IS it always at ours?!), then after some tunage and alcohol consumage went out to Call Lane followed by Revs, where I somehow lost my phone due to my great skills in life.

So a few days later and we have the pictures, and I have a shiny new phone. Rosie is dying of some kind of airborne disease and is in a quarantined environment, plenty of Subways have been consumed, and I’m off to my Grandma and Grandad’s for the last Thursday tea before schools break up.

For anyone interested, I resumed my usual behaviour after the formalities concluded...

That may explain why I lost my phone then.... Why are my family proud of me again?!

Oops! Congrats to everyone else who also graduated, turns out we're a bit clever after all.

Thanks for reading!

PS. This is my lovely family. Also thanks to James at Sugarbird Photography for doing mine and Em's photos. He's on Facey so check him out if you like the photos (obvs not included the demented one of me because that one is definitely not a quality snapshot!).

Leaving Retirement!

I’m coming out of retirement, and I cannot be fucked with the old blog challenge thing btw before anyone asks. I’m too busy to be doing it everyday!!

I’ve had a busy couple of weeks, worked a bit, gained a 2:1 degree, gained a housemate, been burgled (again), passed my driving test, y’know the usual..

Also went to a PGCE welcome meeting which was really good, feeling so excited to start my course now, and far less scared. Everyone seems really nice on the course which is really reassuring!

Having got my driving licence I can now afford to actually do stuff from next month which is really good, and I’m going on holiday in August so I’m looking forward to that too!

I’ve spent loads of times with my friends too, adding Josh, Ash and Gareth to our blend of girliness at no. 29 which has been a good laugh. Seeing all my friends trying to get jobs has kind of opened my eyes to the fact that having a degree doesn’t necessarily make getting a job easier, as well as the fact that huge amounts of debt accrue over the course of a degree. For many people I think getting a degree is a way of putting off entering the real world because it has felt a bit like being in sixth form but without your mum around. I have to say that if I didn’t want to be a teacher I don’t think it would have helped me a great deal. Of course I have loved uni, so much and I’ve learned so much more than academic knowledge, and really I think these things are just as important to being well rounded individuals. So for me, no regrets really, although knowing the PGCE will cost 9k does make me wince a little when reading Student Finance correspondence.

Day 4: Ways to win my heart...

I'm actually cringing about this post slightly if I'm honest because thinking about it, it is a bit cheesy. I find it difficult to write about something when I'm not especially wanting anyone to win my heart these days. I'm quite happy as I am for the most part :)

• Cook a really good meal – preferably involving salmon of some kind! Fish pie, salmon steak, cheesy pasta bake with peas and salmon, nomanomanom!!
• Listen to me. Sometimes you feel like you’re on a date and they’re just bombarding you with everything about their lives and that you can’t get a word in edgeways. Also, when I say I’m not interested, I’m very sorry but that’s what I mean. I don’t mean that in a few months I might change my mind. I really hate the thought of leading someone on.
• Let me listen. I really miss someone telling me the simple things like how their day’s been, what worries them, a stupid thing that happened or a good film they saw. Don’t be a piece of furniture! Talk to me, but don’t over dominate.
• Be patient with me. I worry a lot, and often overthink things. For everyone who has put up with me – thankyou, I know it can make being around me a royal pain in the bum.
• Be yourself. Massive cliché, but if you can make stupid faces and do daft impressions of people in front of me on a wander round Leeds, then it will win you more points with me than taking me out for a fancy meal. I’m not really used to the proper ‘dating’ thing if I’m truly honest.

Thanks for bearing with me through the rollercoaster of cliches and cheesiness, but I suppose I have to have a sprinkling of typical posts among the ones I've tried to make more interesting!

Oh and I love it when the other person smiles while kissing you.

Ok that's it for this evening :)

Day 3: It's Jess!

Ok so I took a day off... I was working all day then I went out for a few drinks. Saturday was my day of blogging rest!

Right, I have to say that the TV character that reminds me most of myself is Jess from New Girl.

Probably because she’s absolutely nuts, and is a teacher, which is what I want to do. She’s very eccentric and whilst she is considerably weirder than I am, sometimes the things that she does, or what she worries about are the same things as mine.

My interior monologue is a bit like her life, except she actually does the things I think about doing! She’s also whilst very embarrassing, very likable and I’d like to think that for all the stupid things I’ve done/do that most people like me too!

I’d actually love to go on holiday inside her mind for the day, even if she is a fictional character.