I find my I have stretched myself too much in terms of interests. I have so much I want to do and my university modules have now started. Last year I struggled to juggle all the elements of my life. The Science module was 60 points, which is half of a normal university year. I felt freedom in the summer and almost a sigh of relief because I could do the things that I couldn’t do during the school year.

I miss reading. I don’t know how people can read for leisure alongside studying, especially with modules that require lots of reading. I guess I crave it more now that I am about to lose most of my free time.

I did a little baking over the summer. I love baking, I’d like to bake more often. The idea of making something from scratch (or almost) and knowing exactly what is it is appealing. I’m not fond of processed foods, they worry me. I tend to go for experimental or unique flavours, my parents aren’t always enthused!

Also I made some cards, it is a season renowned for lots of birthdays after all. I like posting them on here. It’s a good way to record things. I have mostly made birthday cards. I recently made my first Thank You card for my great aunty and uncle for my birthday voucher. I want to start making Thank You cards, I guess I will start with my normal designs before broaching out.

I use my hands in my work a lot more now, and I do more washing up than I used to. The consequence of this is that nail varnish comes off a lot quicker so mostly it doesn’t work out to be worth the time painting them, sadly.

In December last year, my sister and I got our nails painted with shellac polish at a nail salon. They surprisingly did last a lot longer than ordinary nail polish. However, due to the use of my hands they only lasted a couple of weeks, which is a bit early. Also when I got the polish removed in January, my nails weren’t in very good condition. They became dry and brittle. I have a chronic problem with weak and brittle nails. You know when you catch a nail and it bends back, it hurts so much! I have invested in Vaseline hand and nail cream, it says it can strengthen nails. I don’t know if it works yet. I don’t apply it regularly.

I watched Harry Potter about a month ago, I felt inspired when Harry used a quill to write. Since then I have been on a mission to start writing with a fountain pen. Whilst I was struggling with a pen I had at home, my lovely boyfriend got me a fountain pen! This is the photo below, it think it’s so cute. Pink is my trend at the moment. I am currently the only female at work, so it’s an on-going joke and banter.

I like calligraphy, but I don’t think my handwriting is neat enough. I barely write a page without making an error. I was at a museum in Oxford fairly recently, in their shop they had lovely quills. I imagined myself writing with one.

I don’t know why I have this slight melancholy. I enjoy studying, I wouldn’t continue otherwise; but I also want the freedom to do what I want when I want too. I guess you’d think studying part time would allow me to indulge in my hobbies.

Signing out for now, I have more to write about soon.

Amy x

Hello,

It has been a year since my last post! Thought I’d check in, I miss personalisation.

My life has changed so much in the last three years since I first started this blog. I am now a student with the Open University, starting my second year kind of. It’s a bit complicated with part time studying, I can start the second year even though I am technically finishing the first year for this degree.

I also switched degrees over the summer. June was my first exam since A Levels, quite a stressful experience. A new subject that I hadn’t studied or taken an exam in since school, and not being able to finish on time even though the mock took half as long as the allocated time.

I quit my job in the summer too, just before my exam. I think it was a good thing. Both for building character and making sure I had the necessary time so as not to screw up the exam! I wish they told kids at school that the whole process of school and education doesn’t really matter, because people don’t always keep in the profession they aim for. Life is funny that way. Like meeting someone you never dreamed of meeting, and everything falling in to place!

When I started this blog, I was all about daydreams. Since then, I have seen daydreams fade away and the harsh reality of life come in to focus. I had a couple of car accidents and have had issues with my health. As well as not really getting along with a few people. I think that is one of the hardest things, staying cheerful and de-stressed, not being bitter with the world.

There are ways to channel those feelings, or just to de-stress. I have new interests. Like watching flames, chemistry, physics, a bit of biology, rockets, space, cosmetics, nutrition, comedy TV shows, parrots/pet birds and Pinterest! I may start martial arts. I have also got back in to reading! I finished the Hunger Games, and a book called Rocket Girl; promised myself I would finish The Hobbit and to buy the Lord of the Rings audio books. I have recently watched The Hobbit, Lord of The Rings (last film) and Harry Potter series. I am likely to watch the Twilight series next!

I haven’t just travelled with my mind, but have been to two new countries, one new continent, as well as two countries in the United Kingdom (which just leaves Ireland!).

I am now a quarter of a century, I spent my birthday in Oxford for an afternoon tea. It was so lovely, I was accompanied by lovely people! I received a beautiful copy of a painting by an artist I like the work of (I’m not really into art), given to me by a thoughtful, wonderful person in my life. Whom I love very much.

This past week I have been playing a lot of Halo, both multiplayer and the campaign of Reach.

Signing off as a more mature and seasoned daydreamer on Cloud Nine.

Amy x

I returned home late last night from the lovely Cornwall! The weather was so-so, but there were frequent opportunities for snaps (sunshine)! I have uploaded my favourite photos below, so please enjoy my take on Cornwall:

I do have one minor bug-bear about the West Country however, the soft water affects the taste of tea. So it was coffee mostly for me.

On the positive note I will look back and reflect on the holiday as one full of fresh air, lots of walks, drives and overindulging in Cornish pasties, fish and chips, cream teas and fudge!

As well as quality time spent with my Nan:

No I’ll be nice. Looking cool in those shades and windswept 🙂

Primrose and Peony scented candles from Sainsbury’s Home Collection, so pretty too.

Nan and I visited Southend high street, we stopped for a bit of lunch at Patisserie Valerie for tea and cake.

Whilst eating this a-mazing cake, it felt like it was called Death By Chocolate.

Nan somehow managed to finish all of her cake but I was honestly defeated around half way through!