Z is for Zoo

Last week I went to visit my lovely boyfriend and his equally lovely family in Milton Keynes. As it was our last week of freedom, Matt and I thought we'd do some fun (expensive) things. We may have broke the budget a bit a lot but we had a really lovely time eating out, going shopping, visiting the cinema and lastly, taking a fantastic trip to London Zoo!

I've never been to London Zoo, but it was bloomin' marvellous! We had such a great time, and all that is needed when it comes to Zoo's is pictures!

MissIsGoode

Y is for Years

Firstly, how fast is 2013 going? I can't get my head around the fact that I've almost finished my first year of university. I know the summer will fly by and I'll be moving into our new house in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and moving into my second year at Keele in no time.

I've been alive for a total of 19 years now, I can't believe that at all either. I've watched the world develop, I've seen huge and important events unfold, technology reach levels that I barely understand. I've seen people famous for the right and wrong reasons die, I've seen elections, riots and demonstrations, I watched the UK go in and out of recession and expenditures and budget cuts and university fees soar. And I'm only 19.

I've got years behind me now and years and years ahead. I've got so much to look forward to and I hope I make myself and my family proud by utilising my years achieving the goals I desire.

MissIsGoode

X is for X marks the spot

X is the hardest letter I've come across during this challenge, hence why I'm a little late posting.

I've seen X's a lot in my life, whether it's a cross through some rubbish work, my niece burying 'treasure' at the beach, an ex or even those lovely little virtual kisses. Though it's a hard letter to blog about, it's actually been around a lot in my life.

X's on my work, crossed over areas where I babble and X when I get an incorrect answer or when I make a mistake - all these 'X's' I view positively rather than taking them as a negative mark. These X's mark spots for improvement, I always know I can do better. Obviously a tick would brighten my day but we learn from our mistakes and without the abundance of X's I've witnessed slashed through my work, I wouldn't be at degree level now.

I always get bemused by why X marks the spot of treasure, we see it in all the pirate and adventure films and copy it. We know where our treasure is hidden if it's marked. To my niece, the treasure is usually a bit of seaweed and a rock - ah so easily pleased! If only all lives treasures could be so easily recognised. 

I think the letter X has got negative connotations too due simply to the fact that when I hear the letter X I think of 'ex's'. Not that all break-ups are a negative thing; my last break-up, I know, was best for both of us and I know he prefers not to be referred to as an ex. Most people have ex's and ex's demonstrate part of your past, your good or bad decisions, for me it definitely sums up my youth - I went from many 2-3 month relationships to growing up and committing to one for two and a half years and now happily moved on with a lovely new man.

And now I shall leave my readers with some lovely virtual kisses:
xxxx

W is for William

William, better known as Bill, is my older brother. He's 21, a graduate who lives in Cornwall and is in a relationship with his very lovely girlfriend Rosie.

Growing up, I spent more time with my brother than my sister (you may know from previous posts that she was a bit of a grump when a teenager). We were pretty imaginative kids and came up with all sorts of games. We loved action films and out takes, Jackie Chan and video games. I looked up to my brother quite a lot when I was younger (being three years apart) and still do.

He's a sarcastic, blunt and honest kind of guy. Everything to him is 'alright', which personally I never understood but nonetheless, he's rarely disappointed. The best description I could give of him is that he's a pretty cool guy - a description he'd respect I'm sure.

Growing up, we used to play fight, egged on by my dad who always said 'Issy could beat you up Bill' (being the karate kid I was) and this always meant a challenge was created. The play fights never ended well for myself, but we always had a laugh.

I don't see that much of my brother since going to university, but when I do, I always enjoy the quick catch up. He's a truly great guy and a brilliant brother.

MissIsGoode

V is for Versatile Award

I know, I know, this is a cheeky cheat for the A to Z Challenge, however, I was nominated for another lovely award by Dany over at her brilliant blog Bluebells and Owls. Thank you to Dany and please do head over to her fantastic blog!

7 Things About Me:

1. I love drinking gravy

2. I've trained under an 8th Dan Sensei in Shotokan Karate - and he was awesome

3. I'm scared of the dark and particularly nervous about ghosts/spirits

4. I've had red hair for over 3 years - with a few cheeky changes here and there, but always to return

5. I could never live alone

6. When I'm older I want a Pug and a Labrador

7. I would absolutely love to travel to so many places around the world

MissIsGoode

U is for University

This is an obvious one coming from the Life and Times of a Student, right?

Going to university was such a huge decision for me, I really struggled with it. When it came around to the end of my first year of college and the hassle with UCAS began, I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do. My choices went from Leeds to Nottingham, Psychology to English. I even began looking into apprenticeships having such little direction and a huge issue with making decisions.

I got to the point where I had almost given up on the idea of university and in a rather panicky moment turned to my amazing college tutor Guy, we had a brief chat that made a huge difference to my decision. He was an amazing listener and a genuinely caring tutor, which meant a lot to me as I was daunted by the idea of not having anything to do after college.

After him helping me realise I was ready for university, I turned to another amazing person who I can never thank enough for all the help she gave me. My ex boyfriend's Mum, Niamh, sat down with me one evening and helped me find exactly the right course and helped me with universities too, she even gave me advice on my application which really helped me get the 4 conditional offers I received in the end.

University isn't for everyone, but personally I'm so happy to have gone. My first year's already almost coming to an end and in that time I've made some amazing friends, learnt a few lessons, met my lovely boyfriend and started to believe in myself more than ever.

MissIsGoode

T is for Time

So, it's already the 23rd of April and hasn't time flown by? It doesn't even feel that long ago that I started university and now I've nearly finished my first year!

When you go to uni, you really appreciate the time you spend back at home, something I know I didn't do whilst I was here everyday. You appreciate seeing your family every day, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with only three other people rather than 30, a sofa, a TV, a double bed! The more I list the more I want the holidays to slow down, though I do quite enjoy coming home for the holidays and then going back to uni for a few months.

Although, whilst the time here has flown by, the month of May shall also fly by and I'll be back (and probably bored) in Cornwall in a matter of weeks. I do love Cornwall, but since leaving I don't really want to spend a lot of my summer down here. I know all I do is work my ass off (just like last summer) and miss out on having a good time.

So, I have plans to spend my time, saving some money and then using it to go around and visit a few of my friends. Whilst my boyfriend Matt is still stuck in Keele finishing off his Masters I hope to go visit and stay with him and at the same time spend some time with my friend Molly who lives in Stoke. I think it's important, whilst still young and free, to spend my time having as much fun as I possibly can!

MissIsGoode

S is for Sleepy

Today I woke up at 3am to leave for Plymouth at 4am, to then catch a bus to Birmingham at 6:45. And gosh. I've made my way up to Milton Keynes to visit my boyfriend and meet his family.

It's frustrating living in Cornwall, with the cost of trains rising all the time it's so much easier to go the cheap route and hop on a Megabus (be warned, may contain creeps). It costs me £17 to go from Plymouth to Birmingham, and a further £3 to catch a train from Birmingham to Milton Keynes...so a total of just over £20 (due to booking fees) hands down beats an almost £70 train journey with changes from Penzance to MK.

Though the downside is, of course, feeling very sleepy. I always seem to be quite tired anyway (late nights, not eating the right things - the usual student hurdles) but having to wake up at 3am to head off for Plymouth at 4 is not my idea of the perfect journey, but the main things is, I've arrived! Safe, sound and happy to be with my lovely boyfriend again!

MissIsGoode

R is for Retail therapy 

I wouldn't say I actually need retail therapy - I'm happier than ever and everything's going quite perfectly (bar those essays that need to be worked on) but I thought the fact I got paid after 3 weeks of work back at Sainsbury's meant it was time to spoil myself! I never ever really going on shopping 'sprees', I buy a few items a year, normally decide I don't suit them and never wear them again. My wardrobe consists of black skinny jeans and shirts - these shirts were bought between the ages of 14 and 18, all still fit, all still worn, and some even belong to my ex boyfriend, he didn't take long to out grow them so passed them onto me (oh gosh I'm one of those women on How to Look Good Naked that wears her partners clothes and looks silly).

So my wardrobe needed some TLC, and here's a little look at what I decided to buy:

MissIsGoode

Q is for Questions

Lately, I've been having to ask myself a lot of questions. Mostly to do with my life and decisions. I question where I'm going, what I want to do, was university the right choice?

If there's anything I'm exceptional at, it's being indecisive. When people can't decide between two shades of blue and call themselves indecisive, I just laugh and think 'You have no idea.' I've always had a problem with decisions. I don't really have a favourite of anything: be it band, singer, colour, drink, actor...there's too many choices. When it comes to a career, I can't make a choice for the path I want at all. It's really frustrating for me, especially now I'm 19, my first year of university is almost over and I still have very little direction in life, and I'm no way near close to coming to a decision.

MissIsGoode

P is for Parents

Next week, I'm going up to stay with my boyfriend Matt and will also be meeting his Mum, Dad and sister for the first time. So it's almost time for the old 'meet the parents' moment, hopefully his Dad isn't like Jack Byrnes from the memorable comedy, as I don't think I'd be laughing as much if it were me!

In my time - only 19 years - I've met a lot of parents, both friends and boyfriend's parents. Parents often love me (I like to think), I'm polite and friendly. I clean up after myself, I like thanking people for everything they do and I like to actually spend time around their families rather than hide away in their room.

But boyfriend's parents are always tough. I've had my fair share of silly little relationships and some more serious ones, but I always seem to meet the parents no matter what. Some parents were actually interested in their son's girlfriend, some didn't even know who I was (this tends to be the guys fault). I've been out with various guys; skaters, musicians, the sporty type, chavs (to my dismay), lads, a guy who's a bit of everything (music, surfing, skateboarding, sporty) and currently, Matt, who is a photographer and studying a Masters degree in International Business. So, I've had my mixture of boyfriends and therefore a mixture of parents.

Meeting the parents always racks my nerves. I always worry about making a good impression and I have in the past made bad ones - but alas I was young and foolish. With my last ex boyfriend I became quite close with his family and still like to see them, and hopefully my relationship with Matt's family will be just as good or better!

What was it like when you first met your partners parents?

MissIsGoode

O is for Optimism

Optimism is something I've always had a little trouble with. I've always claimed to be an oh so knowledgeable 'realist' when in fact, I often pass my pessimism off as realistic beliefs.

To things such as relationships, injuries, heartbreak, failure, I've always said 'when' rather than 'if'. In relationships I always say 'when' we break up; when I hear that back in my head I realise how horrible it must sound to them. How it must sound like I have such little faith in our relationship, it's not that I don't believe in my relationships, it's almost my way of saying I'm predicting I'll get hurt - I suppose it's the last little guard I have up.

I've always found people who are optimistic quite fascinating, that sounds strange, but in my head to be 'realistic' is to avoid disappointment, and optimism is a way to guarantee it. But I think in some situations realism really doesn't exist, you can't predict the future and that's almost what I'm attempting to do when I say, 'well, when I fail this essay...'. My pessimism also makes me not try as hard as I could, not put all I am into my work, even my relationships, all in aid to avoid disappointment and hurt. Which, now I'm a bit older I can see is quite a sad thing, I don't do as well in things because I assume I won't, I don't let my guard down entirely, because I think it'll end in hurt.

MissIsGoode

N is for Niece and Nephew

My niece and nephew are truly brilliant. I absolutely adore this cheeky pair. I'm no pro with kids, when they cry I have no idea what to do. But give me a happy child and I'm fine, I'm always up for an inside play area - I'm fortunately small enough to climb through all the tiny spaces to keep up with the kids! A trip to the beach never goes amiss, and I've developed a true hatred for Max and Ruby (though I don't even feel half the pain from this programme that my sister and brother-in-law do).

They're such characters. Children are hilarious, my niece at 5 years old has done and said some classic things. She's a real poser when there's a camera about, she loves going to the park and the beach. And she's a real mardy bum and drama queen. When ever she hurts herself by the tinniest little bit - something that you know doesn't really hurt - I always laugh about it, to make her laugh too. 90% of the time this works, unless alas it's a day for drama.

My nephew is an adventurer. He loves searching through my sisters cupboards, pulling out the pots and pans. He loves getting his hands on anything, when he visits my house he grabs all of my dad's guitars then him and my niece put on a show for us. It's always pretty noisy when these two come to visit, and most of the time, I don't mind.

I can't imagine life without these two, I couldn't imagine my sister and brother-in-law without these two. I hope when I'm older and have my own children, my children are very close to this brilliant pair!

MissIsGoode

I've always felt quite independent, and being the youngest child, the one who's most into socialising, and being a bit adventurous (and sometimes inconsiderate) I haven't always been the best at keeping my mum up to date on what I've been up to; who's house I was staying at, which boy I was now dating, where about's I was. Sometimes my dad would go on Facebook to find status' about the night I'd spent sleeping under a slide after walking 8 miles at night with a friend, then he'd give mum a heads up and my phone would ring. I'd always be calm, cool and collected and explain it was all a hoot and be done with it.

She very rarely goes off on one. She's such a calm mum. Both my mum and my dad left us to find ourselves, and we've all turned out pretty darn well. I spent my early teen years partying and socialising, and my mum told me that she did worry about me, but knew I was sensible, so would always do the sensible thing. Whether I did or not, I don't know.

My mum is brilliant, she misses me a lot when I'm away at university and I'm the only child who's gone quite far away for university (my brother went to a uni down in Cornwall and then commuted for his final year at Plymouth) so it was quite the challenge letting the youngest fly the nest.

But I'll continuously return to the nest for a home cooked meal, a cheeky bit of dirty laundry in my arms, ready for some time with both of my amazing parents!

MissIsGoode

L is for Lazy bones

Last year, over summer, I worked up to 30 hours or less a week and almost everyday I managed to exercise too. I'd walk up to 5 or 6 miles every other day, put my iPod in and just walk around my village, up to the main roads, along the cliffs. On rainy days, I'd whack on a fitness DVD or a YouTube video and let the workout begin.

So it strikes me as awfully lazy to be how I am now. It's being at university that has done this to me! Damn you uni! I've put on 11 pounds since I started uni  - I was 7 stone 3lbs so maybe I needed it, but still! I've eaten so much pizza, 'Spoons burgers and various take away's, I've drank thousands of calories worth of alcohol and fizzy drinks. My portions are huge (considering I'm supposed to be a poor student!) and I'm just feeling less confident with myself and my body - I guess we all have our hang-ups though?

Once you're in a routine, it's so hard to get out of it. I don't sleep before 2am, I eat late at night and sleep in too late to have a proper breakfast. I've got my body clock all confused, and I'm not nearly as healthy as I used to be, it's making me pretty unhappy being so lazy! The more annoying thing is, it's only me who can get me out of this cycle, but me...I'm in lazy bones mode!

Now, to hunt down that motivation!

MissIsGoode

K is (of course) for Keele

My second home! I've been back in Cornwall for two weeks now and have another two before I return to my beloved second home, but I'm already really looking forward to getting back to my cold Keele.

I'm so happy to have chosen Keele as my university, it's such a brilliant place both to study and to live. I would never say Stoke-On-Trent was anything to look at, but Keele is certainly nothing like its city centre. It's 100 times more beautiful. The woods are such a lovely place to wonder around, the campus is laid out perfectly, all the students are nice, the student support is great, the library is 24 hours and the SU hosts some great events.

MissIsGoode

J is for Jolly

I'm linking today's A to Z challenge post up with Mummy From the Heart's reasons to be cheerful - or for the purpose of the A to Z challenge, jolly!

I've had a pretty jolly time so far back in Cornwall, although I have been working for the best part of the 1 and a half weeks I've been home.

Firstly, I've got to see my family again! It's great coming home from university after three months away to see your family face to face. It's lovely to see my parents, my brother and my sister. I love getting to see my sister and her family especially, the little ones don't understand why I'm gone for so long (well Little Man doesn't really notice my absence being only 2!) but my niece gets a bit confused! So it's nice to come back for some fun and cuddles.

Secondly, I have a sofa and a TV - this every day thing may not excite you but seriously, when you live in blocks and you don't have a living room with a sofa and a television you really grow to miss it! I'm back in my usual corner on the sofa watching this rubbish day time Tv (why do I like it again?) and I'm very content!

Also, I've only got a week and a half until I make my way back up country (sort of) making a detour to Milton Keynes to visit my boyfriend Matt, which I'm really looking forward too! 

I've got my pet back - temporarily anyway. The one thing I miss most when I'm at university is having an animal, when you're tired of being around people your dog or cat can give you all the company you need, they stay silent throughout the programme you want to watch, they don't tempt you into a night out, and you don't have to cook for them - they (like some students actually) don't mind food out the packet. I love animals and it's nice to be able to have a cuddle with my cat Frank.

MissIsGoode

I is for I can't wait.

I warn you now...it's going to be a slightly soppy post.

It's been almost 2 weeks since I left uni and almost 2 weeks since I last saw my lovely boyfriend Matt. We spent so much time together at uni and it's quite weird not being snuggled up in his bed whilst he's hard at work editing his photos. And all we've said since both getting back to our parents houses is 'I can't wait'.

We've already made little plans of what to do when I go up and visit him, one being a cosy duvet day watching films, another being my second trip to Nando's and possibly (money dependent) take a trip to London.

After cancelling a few coffee dates last minute at the end of my first semester (I had never been on a date before) I finally plucked up the courage to meet Matt for a few drinks in mid January, and I'm so glad I did. Matt's quite the odd one, he's 23 with a brilliant sense of humour. He makes innuendos out of anything, and the first time my mum saw him properly was over Skype the other day where he was topless and decided to cover his nipples, pull a face, and say hello...first impressions count! Luckily my mum found it hilarious!

We're both quite similar with our views on life, relationships and (quite importantly) food! Matt makes me laugh, smile and he's almost always happy (except when he stresses himself out with last minute deadlines).

I'm very happy to be with this young man, though it hasn't been long, I'm really enjoying myself, he makes me believe in myself a lot, and I equally believe he can do anything he wants to.

And I can't wait to see him in less than two weeks time.

Is there any thing you can't wait for this month?

MissIsGoode

H is for Hannah

Hannah is my amazing big sister. We haven't always had a tight knit relationship, with her once being a stubborn stroppy teenager, and me  attempting to be a mini version of her...and failing. Hannah at the age of 16 - 17 had this whole Emo thing going on (to those who know her now, I'm sure you can't imagine that at all!), and me being 5 years younger, looked up to her and copied her style. This annoyed her quite a lot.

Our relationship improved a lot as I grew into my own person and grew up. When she began dating her now brilliant husband Jay, we began to grow a lot closer. I remember the day she told me she was pregnant with my now 5 year old niece, I walked into the room we shared together and she said 'You're going to be an aunt' I was only 13 at the time and was just a tad flabbergasted.

And two years ago she had my beautiful little nephew. She is an amazing mum, and she absolutely loves being one. She's a very generous, kind and thoughtful person. She's had a few ups and downs in her life, but has always over come them and it has made her a stronger person. She has a short temper and like most females in our family, they're very lovely and sweet, but you wouldn't want to cross them. I really look up to my big sister and I don't think she knows quite how much!

I'm very lucky to have such an amazing big sister.

MissIsGoode

G is for Gaming

Playing video games is something that I never get to do at university, and it's nice to get back home and be able to get some nerdy gaming done. I'm no game freak though that's for sure, and there's only two games I ever really play, and I play these religiously. I've completed them several times over but it never stops me starting them all over again. The games I love being Final Fantasy X and Kingdom Hearts II, these two are awesome games and have been out for absolutely years.

Final Fantasy was introduced into my family when we lived back in Gloucestershire and my Dad, sister and brother all played it. Once my dad and sister steadily out grew gaming, I got into it playing video games with my brother such as Dynasty Warriors, and I always enjoyed watching my dad and brother play God of War, Onimusha and Devil May Cry. But when my brother showed me Kingdom Hearts I and Final Fantasy X, I was in love with them both.

When Kingdom Hearts II came out I much preferred it, and that's what started my repetitive love affair with that and Final Fantasy X. So when I have free time, my Easter relaxation is sorted!

And I've made it to the second week of the A to Z Challenge!

MissIsGoode

F is for Frank (or fat cat) 

I remember when I walked into my house on the evening of the 30th of March, I saw my fat cat sitting in the hall way awaiting my arrival back from uni...and then he ran away because he's scared of loud noises and footsteps. I always forget how fat Frank is when I go away. He's not obese, and it's a bit of a joke how fat he is only because having a fat cat is very unusual for this family!

He also went through a phase of marking his territory - by peeing on things. I imagine this is something he used to do outside when we lived in the old house, but with his fear of the outside in Porthleven he decided to carry this out in the house...by peeing on the beds, on the floor and on one unforgettable occasion, on me. I wasn't quite that flattered to be dubbed as his territory.

But that's our fat cat Frank.

MissIsGoode

E is for Essays

Whilst I'm back from university, it doesn't mean the work is all finished. I've done my short papers and one presentation, and now I have four essays of 2000 words to get started on.

Photo courtesy of Google images

I do really love writing essays, but I also love the last minute stress. I find it genuinely hard to start something early, it's not that I'm lazy (though I am a bit) but I can sit down, with my books, my laptop, ready to start an essay but I find that I physically cannot start it. Then two days before it's due, I'll be all over that essay like a swarm of bees. Does any one else find they work better under pressure?

The best thing about finishing an essay is when you have so many tabs open on your laptop or so many books open up on random pages all an aid to help you with your essay, and once you've handed that essay in, you get the release of slamming shut the books and closing all those tabs! And relax.

But for me, I've got to start the essays first to feel that wonderful moment. My plan is to really try my hardest to start these essays earlier than usual, with four 2000 word essays all due in around the same time, there is no chance I can leave these to the last minute!

Though, my schedule is becoming busier with my boss squeezing as many shifts as he can out of me, finding time to catch up with every one, spend time with my sister, modelling on some photography projects with my friend Rosie to help her out with her college work and etc etc etc...I swear I'll get round to those essays!

MissIsGoode

D is for Dad

Since I'm home, I get to see all my family and I'm back living in the family home with my Mum, Dad and my older brother.

Being back means I get to hear the never ending playing of the guitar from my Dad, the historical facts he churns out.

He's a walking history book and dictionary. He has so much knowledge and I really wish he put it to more use sometimes! My Dad is a strange and brilliant man, when he does go out, he's a real social butterfly, but he loves the quiet life, sitting with a guitar on his lap and his computer in front of him readying himself to write another of his amazing songs.

Me and my Dad often clash over things, we're both headstrong and stubborn, just how Dad always taught me to be, but the one thing he hates is that I'm so good at being like that towards him. I stand my ground so much that debates end with him getting so frustrated that we're so alike, he has to walk out the room!

That's what happens if you teach your kids to be just like you!

C is for Cornwall

I'm very lucky to live in such a beautiful place, at one end of my village you have the picturesque harbour and the stoney - yet pretty - beach and at the other you can go off exploring the countryside. It's the best of both worlds and I absolutely love living here.

Whilst Cornwall provides no Mediterranean beaches, it's still got some charming views and the beaches we have to offer are lovely to relax on - you just have to brace yourself when going into the sea. My favourite beach by far is Sennen, on the West of Cornwall. I only started visiting this beach in the last two years thanks to my ex boyfriend and his family, and I'm sure I'll keep returning to it whilst I still live down in Cornwall.

MissIsGoode

B is for Back to Work

And that's the relaxation over! I'm off back to work at Sainsbury's today, back to the bakery, putting on the old bakery hat and apron ready to serve the Easter haul of customers. I'm looking forward to earning a bit of money (it's very much needed) but the whole Easter off would have been a real treat! I only have 31 hours this week and it's possibly the only week I'll be working so fingers crossed I'll be able to catch up with everyone back in Cornwall before I leave for Milton Keynes on the 24th.

I've been working at Sainsbury's since last Summer and I'm very lucky to be taken back as seasonal staff, meaning I fill in the gaps in the holidays so they don't have to hire and train new staff. So, I come in quite useful! Although, it's quite tough (as I found out at Christmas) fitting back into the role I did over Summer, new people have started, and there's always slight changes in the routine of things and it's all a bit confusing. But hopefully, these 31 hours of work will fly by and I'll be able to kick back and relax (kind of)!

Hopefully my first day back will fly by and I'll be able to come home and relax whilst reading everyone else's second post on the A to Z Challenge!

MissIsGoode

It's the first post for the A to Z blogging challenge and I'm really looking forward to the challenge that this will bring! I'm back from uni for a month, so I thought I'd base my A to Z challenge around my time back home and away from uni.

I had my sister and her family over yesterday for a Sunday lunch all together, and me, my niece and my brother-in-law went for a little adventure around my village before our roast was ready.

MissIsGoode