Some of you have been requesting over the past few months to see my Moleskine...and now that day has finally arrived...
I’m afraid it’s probably quite a letdown – I’m no art student, and my Moleskine isn’t a place for me to show off some creative talent...it’s simply a book in which I write little stories, memories, and inspirational quotations...with the occasional photo...oh and not all of it is my own writing, some entries are other people’s that I’ve stumbled across online and fallen in love with.
To summarise; this is my little book of inspiration.
I’ve had such a conundrum deciding on what to do with my hair recently...part of my wanted to just let it grow out to its natural colour, whereas the other side wanted to highlight it obnoxiously blonde again...I managed to get a last minute appointment on Wednesday, I only trust male hairstylists and they’re rather rare to stumble upon where I live which means it’s always tricky getting an appointment – I have some incredibly bizarre habits, I know! And so...I opted for a similar colour to last time – colour-wise it really looks no different, it’s a golden-blonde...it looks nice, but it definitely needed a bit of TLC from a professional as I’ve spent so much time outside recently – it really has taken a beating from the elements...it needed a trim and plenty of deep-conditioning treatments. In addition to the natural elements it’s been exposed to recently, I’ve also taken part in some photo shoots which meant lots of heat on my hair – I’m usually a no-fuss type of girl when it comes to hair, I like it to dry naturally, without a hairdryer and definitely no straighteners...so after being subjected to such madness, it really needed a treat.
My local paper really annoyed me on Thursday...there was an article complaining about cyclists...we are a menace to society, we break all the rules and terrorise pedestrians and set out to cause chaos – allegedly...I’m a cyclist and I know lots of others who cycle too – and I’d like to believe that we’re nothing like that...I always stop at traffic lights if they’re red, I always ride on the road or in cycle lanes, and I’m always considerate of pedestrians. We abide by the highway code because it’s stupidly dangerous not to – so generally we have an elevated level of caution because we’re so aware of the dangers – we’re not idiots who don’t know how to conduct ourselves in a safe manner...granted there are some who ride without their helmets and on pavements, but it’s so rare these days – I’d like to think that most cyclists are incredibly considerate and cautious...the person that wrote such a one-sided argument (it really was exceptionally biased) has clearly never experienced the joys of cycling, fool.
I’m cycling in the countryside again tomorrow – we’ll be visiting the orchards for apples on the way, I’m really hoping the weather stays fine! It’s been so windy recently which makes it a challenge to stay on my bike...I also need to finish an essay this weekend, what are your plans?
This post is fast becoming a complete dedication to all things cycling related...my best friend, who generally shudders when the words sport or exercise are mentioned has finally agreed to come to a spin class with me...I went spinning a few times over the Summer, but the class stopped due to lack of interest...I’ve recently found two sport centres within an hour’s drive from my house which is exceptionally convenient...and never in my life did I think that Sonia would agree to come, so I’m incredibly proud of her, and really excited to start the class...we have to attend an introductory/technique class first, so we won’t start spinning properly until the first week in December...but I’m now counting down the days until my first session!
Do the opening lyrics of Vertigo by U2 annoy anyone else?
(old pictures from my cousin's christening)
How do you fuel for long runs? (or even short runs) I always make sure I have two pieces of toast about 2 hours before long runs, or a bowl of porridge instead...and if it’s just a short run, for example 3 miles, then I’ll opt for one piece of toast...I’ve become a fan of peanut butter in recent months so sometimes spread that on it. My performance is always so much better if I’ve eaten properly before hand...but I do cheat and use Lucozade tablets a lot too, although I’m trying to get out of this habit as I’m not sure they make much of a difference – I guess it’s just a comfort-blanket as I’ve been using them for years now. I also find that hydration is a big issue for me, and have to have at least one pint of water immediately before any running otherwise I get so thirsty – and I’ll never run without having a water bottle with me. A banana is also a quick and easy thing to eat about 15-30 minutes before starting a run.
Can you give us an update on your diet etc.? What is it like? At the moment it’s nowhere near as good as it should be, I generally have a piece of toast for breakfast followed by an apple, and then at about 4pm I’ll have a yoghurt, and then at 6pm I’ll eat something for dinner...I think I’ve mentioned before that I usually stick to the same meals (boring, I know), so at the moment I’ve been having either a piece of salmon with broccoli and carrots, or mushroom soup, a plate of vegetables (I’m a big fan of vegetables, they’re amazing), or if I’m really not hungry then simply another piece of toast...and I have a snack of two kiwis and a glass of milk before bed. I’ll sometimes have a few rice cakes during the day if I’m hungry...and some days I go completely crazy and eat lots, it just depends on my mood and how busy I am. I also drink tea and water non-stop. And have recently started treating myself to some jelly babies every now and again, they’re my favourite sweets, but I only like the red and the black flavours.
Do you ever worry that the cuties and the uglies you write about will read your blog? How many people from real life read your blog? I’m more careful with what I write on here now because I don’t want anyone I know in real life to take offence, but in general I’m not too bothered if the ‘cuties and uglies’ read my blog, if someone’s upset me or made me angry during the day, I’ll usually tell them. So if I later vent about it on this blog I don’t really feel I’m betraying them at all, because I’ll have already expressed what I feel to their face...I’m not sure how many people I know in real life read this, a lot of my old school friends used to whilst I was still in school, but that’s quite a few years ago now...there’s probably about 20 that I definitely know read it. But I removed the link from my Facebook page a while ago so any new friends that I add won’t necessarily know I write...until someone mentions it on my wall! My friend Jay keeps reading wall/picture comments from some readers that I’ve added to my friend list and they casually mention the blog and he’s been pestering me for the URL ever since because he’s so curious as to what I write...I still haven’t given it to him though.
How old were you when you got your license? I was 19...I’ve always loved cars, but had no inclination to learn to drive once I could...the only reason I applied for my provisional licence was so that my friend, Aude, could borrow it as ID to get into parties, shame on us, but we both had long blonde hair and brown-ish eyes so look fairly similar and could easily get away with it. Eventually I decided to start driving lessons for convenience purposes – and I hated them...I’m quite a quick learner, so once I’d learnt the basics and knew the rules of the road, I grew bored, and would dread my lessons...I did pass my test first time though which I’m rather proud of!
(Aude and I)
Hopefully I’ll be able to write a proper update this week and include the much awaited (though disappointing) Moleskine photos...!!
This video was shown in my anarchism lecture last week, I wanted to share it with you all because it’s quite funny but also has some serious undertones – it’s worth watching all the way through if you have a few minutes.
*It was sunny when I woke up (and has remained sunny all day). *Rather successful 3 mile run at 6am. *Getting stuck in traffic for an hour this morning meant that I could listen to the whole of the Lady Gaga album on the way to university. *Impressed my lecturer with my analytical skills of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. *Had a very nice pot of tea at an old Victorian-esque tea room at lunchtime. *Bumped into ridiculously hot lecturer on the way back to campus and ended up discussing anarchism and the fact that it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. *Saw another lecturer who waved frantically at me from across the road – I’ve never seen him so animated before. *Planned part of my dissertation in my head during my Black Freedom Movement lecture. *Bumped into one of the very cute SU sabb officers in Touchdown who I’d had a meeting with last Friday, he then informed me of some updates and invited me to take part in a protest at Parliament this Wednesday. *Had coffee with Jay, discussed the state of nature and social contracts...wasn’t expecting such an in-depth conversation, but loved every minute of it. *Didn’t get stuck in traffic on the way home. *Not a cloud in the sky so my favourite view of the sea was very clear, which made my face erupt with a huge smile. *The heating was on when I arrived home, and my cup and saucer were waiting by the teapot ready for a nice cup of tea. *Two hours of fencing tonight.
Which Camelbak would you recommend? I’ve only been using Camelbaks for about a year or so now, but they’re really invaluable for long hikes/runs/bike rides...I use the Classic one, it’s not too big so it doesn’t weigh you down, but there’s still a handy little pocket for a key, lipbalm, money etc...and it’s black...I like my sports kit to be black.
You remind me of Elsa Hosk, please let me know what you think of her. Thankyou, that’s really sweet of you...I like her look, although I don’t see any similarities between us personally, but she’s a very pretty blonde and all of the backstage and candid photos I’ve seen of her make her seem like such a lovely and fun person to be around, so I’m definitely flattered that I remind you of her!
I was just wondering how do you approach writing your essays? Do you research, then plan, then write? Or just mix of it all as it goes? I generally read lots and lots before starting an essay, and take a few main points from my readings to use as the main body of the essay – which I elaborate on. I always write a fairly detailed plan, I’m a firm believer in sticking to plans, otherwise an essay can tend to veer off track somewhat...also, I absolutely cannot write an essay straight onto my computer, it has to be written by hand first – I think it makes it easier to review the work once it’s handwritten, because then you can underline parts of your work and write improvements in a different colour...of course I sometimes have really good ideas that I hadn’t originally planned to include whilst I’m writing, and so just add those in at the appropriate places. I always write in 500 word chunks too, 500 words is really manageable and not all that time-consuming...so I’ll write 500 words each time I sit down to start on a piece of work, and once that part is completed, I’ll perhaps have a cup of tea and then go back in half an hours time to write another 500 if I feel like it. I’m quite careful with my time management when it comes to writing essays – I like to get things done well in advance.
Victoria, you said you would keep your virginity for your husband and I really appreciate that. My question is that, have you done anything sexual (like touching...)? Interesting question, I think in order for any relationship to survive, you have to reach a certain level of intimacy, even if you aren’t having sex. But I’m not comfortable with going into any further details on the blog.
Can we see your Moleskine? Soon, soon, I promise I’ll post some pictures soon...in the next week!
So...update on you and Kingsley please? Recently we’ve been talking a lot on the phone, we know we both love each other still and we’re getting on great, but we’ve decided that we shouldn’t rush into being a couple again until we’ve seen each other – at the moment there’s a fair bit of distance between us as we’re at different universities, and I just can’t fit in a trip to his yet as I have SO much university work to do...it’s a shame because I’d love to see him, and love to get things back on track properly. But for the moment, speaking to him on the phone a few times a week is just lovely.
Apart from nosily wanting to see your moleskin, hehe, I think you mentioned your father is a chef? What sort of chef? Well, he used to be a chef – he owned a wedding catering business, so cooked sit-down meals and buffets for weddings and any other private events. He sold that business about 7 years ago, and now just cooks for pleasure...he’s a great chef though. I’m envious of his ability to just throw together an amazing meal without glancing at a recipe book – my cousin’s very good at doing this too...I’m the let down of the family, I can’t even work out how to use the oven.
Do you live in France or England? I’m living in England for university, but I still spend a lot of time in France.
How is your weight going and how much do you weigh these days? I’m still trying to look like you everday sigh- I just don’t understand how you have the will power to say no to foods? HELP :( Well, I’m about 102lbs at the moment, which isn’t really a good weight to be at – I’ve lost about 7lbs since being back at university so I should really be making more of an effort to gain that weight back, unfortunately my body isn’t really into that...and so I’ll probably lose a bit more in the coming weeks, but hopefully not too much as it really does impact on my health. I feel incredibly uncomfortable eating with people on campus, so I skip lunch and just sit at the table with them joining in their conversations, nobody really comments on it anymore because they’re used to it...also seeing other people eating really makes me lose my appetite – and I feel better about myself for not eating whilst I’m around them which is just incredibly stupid, I know. And if I don’t have lunch, I tend to lose my appetite for the rest of the day, so when I get home, I’ll say that I’ve eaten out and just have a snack of cheese and crackers, or some fruit and yoghurt...you see, I have such terrible habits. But I am trying to break these habits. Next week I’m on campus a lot so I’m really going to make an effort to have lunch with my friends, even if it’s just something like a banana. Also – please don’t strive to look like me...I’m a good example of a bad example. And you’re beautiful just the way you are.
I spent a wonderful few days in Paris; it was my birthday surprise from my cousin, who really should be my big sister.
We stayed in the most plush hotel, called Hotel François 1er...it was very art-deco-boutique-ish...which suits our taste perfectly, we were also served afternoon tea every day by Thomas, our waiter, he was lovely and ever so eager to please...on Halloween we went out to an Italian restaurant, which again had an art-deco theme, and after dinner we decided to visit a jazz club called Le Caveau de la Huchette, which was in an underground cave...it was amazing – everyone was incredibly friendly and there was a dance floor which most people made use of, some really skilled dancers were there, and they kept trading partners – it was really magnificent to just sit back and watch it all.
I had a fabulous time.
I’ll answer your questions in my next post which should be in a few days time – I’m very busy with essay and dissertation writing at the moment, and am also attending a conference on the global economic crisis in London this week which should be good. Oh, and my dissertation problem has been resolved – they’ve managed to change the rule for me, so I can carry on writing, phew!
