Just a little life update- Summer 2014!

It's finally Summer! It has been a long ol' term but I made it. It's been a long time since I've had stuff to blog about so here is a little recap on the things I had planned in my last blog post and how they went- nothing too exciting I'm afraid. My last post wasn't the happiest one in the world because at the time, it felt like I was at the bottom of a very steep hill and all I could do was look up at the struggle yet to come. Thankfully that's all over now (except placement until 2nd July) so I can relax a bit.

 Here are a few things I mentioned in my last blog post in case you missed it. This list will also act as the contents page for the blog so you can skip the bits you don't give a sh*t about.

1. My birthday
2. Gambia
3. Joe's trip to Malaysia
4. Science Exams
5. Court Case
6. Diet
7. New stuff

1. Well, I said in my last post that I wasn't celebrating my 24th birthday in January this year -I lied. I did. It was unexpected but a good night was had by all at The Woodside Pub in Plymouth. Karaoke, friends and shots- what else do you need for a birthday, really? 

 2. In February this year,  I travelled with the University to Gambia, West Africa for a week. It was truly amazing and very eye opening- not always in a good way. I saw some upsetting things that challenged my emotions and moral judgements but overall it was an incredible experience that I will cherish forever. I visited 2 schools and read a story to quite a few children (picture below); visited a nursery; went to a famous Kora player's condo; danced on the beach; shopped in the market; made a sand painting and (attempted ) batik fabric art on the beach; visited a woman's cooperative farm; had a boat trip around the river; partied with the locals in a bar and much more! I am hoping to return again next year so keep an eye out!

View from hotel, truly stunning

After reading a story in Mandinari School

The Djembe I bought home- another one of my impulse buys!

3. Joe's trip to Malaysia was 7 weeks and 5 days ago! He was away for three weeks, which was tough as I obviously missed him a lot but it was worse than I initially expected primarily because of the time difference. Although at the time it felt like the 3 weeks were going SO slowly but now, I can't believe it was almost 8 weeks ago. You'll have to ask him how his trip went but from what I can tell from his photos and stories, he had a great time, too. The research project he did in the rain forest out there went well also. He got a first in his work at university for it which makes me very proud of him. Well done, Joe.

Here he is on a balcony of the famous Kuala Lumpur Tower. 

4. My GCSE Additional Science exams are over too. I achieved a C grade in my practical and first exam but I have to wait until August for the other 2 results. I'm so nervous- I hope I can pull a C out of the bag so I can progress on to teaching next year other wise I will have to retake the entire year. I was revising quite hard before exams so fingers crossed a miracle will happen to me for a change!!

5. Quick court case update- A couple of months ago I decided to ring the lawyer who is working on behalf of my old insurance company to ask for an update. I was concerned that they would call or write to me and request my presents at court whilst I was busy with University assignments and dissertation work in September. Delightfully, they said I am not required to appear in court if a date ever gets set. Yippee! 

6.  Here comes the good part- Diet. I said I was going to be on a strict diet and exercise regime and surprise surprise- It hasn't happened. HOWEVER... A month or so ago, I did the Jason Vale's 7lbs in 7 days super juice detox programme that discussed in my last post and lost a whopping 12lbs!! After the excitement of losing so much weight in a week, I started to calm down with going to the gym and the strict dieting as I had quite the unpleasant experience when coming back on to solid food again after a week off. Say no more on that matter! As expected after a week of nothing but fresh fruit and veg I have put some of it back on- Probably about half of it but I am back in the routine of the gym 3 times a week now so will continue that over Summer and see how it goes. I just want to feel comfortable in my own body.

7.  Further Life Update in Pictures

This happened on 22nd April thanks to my friend who, for the sake of this blog post, will be called Batman. Thank you for encouraging me to get it. I love it!

  
This was the celebratory meal I had at Caffeine Club for finishing second year. I just found out that I got 63% overall which equates to a 2:1. I'm very happy with that. Fingers crossed I can get even better next year! :) 

During Summer I think Joseph and I will be sharing our time between Plymouth and my Nan's new house (Something else that's happened since my last blog). Instead of a Summer holiday, Joe and I will be focusing on our dissertations and the research and reading involved in that. Hopefully by doing so it will take some of the pressure off next year. I am looking forward to what is ahead now. Before we know it, it will be time to graduate :)

As always, thanks for reading and PLEASE provide as much feedback as possible and any comments/suggestions for topics next time please let me know. Peace out!