Oh! The places you'll go...

Credit to Dr Seuss for the title. Full poem here.


You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.




I read someone's blog today. They were moaning and groaning and grumbling about how awful their life was, and how things just weren't going their own way and how everyone should be helping them get through their tough times. During my more angsty, over-dramatic teenage moments, my mother tried to keep me grounded and reminded me that I was in control of what was going on in my life. Regardless of how awful I felt things were, I couldn't expect them to get any better without doing something by myself. Obviously, at the time, I was all resentful of her life experience and thought I knew better, but as usual, in hindsight, I know she was right.


I'm at a point in my life where I'm not really sure what awaits me. What am I going to do? How will I earn a living? Will anyone ever look at me and see an adult and not a teenager (damn you, young-looking face!)? And after 2 months of unemployment and "thinking time" I've eventually gathered my thoughts together. Thankfully, with a little more wisdom (let us not exaggerate though), I have a slightly clearer idea of what is required to enter adulthood without finding myself lost in the big bad world. I look at people I know who rely on their (parental) monetary safety net, who're afraid to go it alone and wonder how they're going to cope come September when they spread their wings and leave the nest. The time seems to come for every young'un to realise that actually, the world doesn't revolve around what to do over the weekend. The mundane can easily become the exciting.


Anyway, I'm going slightly off topic now so I'll try and veer back in the right direction. I just hope that all the people I know who are going to be all alone soon realise that life isn't going to get any easier for them if they sit around doing nothing all the time.

Two parts contemplation, one part teen angst.

I'll not beat about the bush, I've been feeling a little down recently, a bit behind the times and lonely, I suppose as a result of being unemployed (enter life lesson from mother about not being idle, not waiting for opportunity to come knocking). It kind of depresses me, knowing that I am a statistic. I mean, I'm already a statistic simply by being but this isn't the interesting kind of statistic, just the dull kind. I know that some people have picked up on my mood so I may as well confirm it here.

I remember my gran telling me when I was very young that I would always have a friend in my favourite book. Its a memory which pops into my head occasionally when I'm feeling sad or lonely or whatever, and I think that its a very good little pearl of wisdom that she passed onto me. Standing in the shower the other day (one of my most common "good ideas" places) I was thinking about the joys of a real book as opposed to e-books and audio books. I absolutely love my local library. For a lot of my last year at school I could be found sitting with various books at the big bay window. You can't replicate the experience of reading your favourite book with an e-book. The smell papery, dusty smell of the pages, the slightly rough way they feel - kind of like the sugar paper I used at primary school, way that you can just disappear into another story. I have read a few e-books. The experience wasn't terrible, but really, sitting in a library scrolling down on your phone/laptop/other medium just isn't the same. I suppose reading is my form of escapism, if you like. Anyway, what do you think? Will the e-book some day make real books obsolete?

A final little mention to someone, whose take on Depression Dog gave me a little laugh:

The Golden Age

Don't you just love to hear bitter people reminiscing about the past? When children had manners, love never died and there was no such thing as a free thinker. I occasionally hear people talking about it and it makes me wonder: when was this golden time? Whenever I speak to my mother about it it strikes me that with each generation people are constantly yearning to go back in time. Personally, I have no idea why anyone would be so desperate for things to be perfect because then life would be boring. Imperfections are what make things interesting, are they not?

I saw a comment made recently regarding (not, gross generalisation) all American movies being disgusting because of all the alcohol and swearing and "fornicating". At some point during the the discussion that followed a few people mentioned the good ole days and how everything is terrible nowadays. As far as I am concerned, if that is your opinion you may as well just give up on life because you will never have it your way and thus probably never live a 100% happy, fulfilled existence. Life is constantly moving forward, and by constantly moaning about how terrible life is you will get nowhere. Sadly, with each generation comes a new bunch of complainers and rose-tinted-glasses-wearing adults and elderly people.




In contrast to the older people who long for the past, there are the young who seem not to be content with what the present holds. Angst is understandable, but some people are just never happy. I live in a place that is stuck in the past and I can empathise when friends of mine say that they look forward to moving away, but then there are the people who feel that their whole world will end if their plan to get away goes a little pear-shaped. Is it really so difficult to embrace the present and enjoy the little things? Life is rarely perfect so you may as well make the best of your situation. Its people like these who will become the unhappy, unfulfilled people of tomorrow.

This is getting a little repetitive. I suppose what I'm really trying to say is stop whining about what you don't have and what doesn't exist and appreciate life for the wonderful thing that it is. It isn't a gift, although it's about the closest damn thing you'll get to a miracle and you've only got one shot at it.

“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”  -Horace

toothpastefordinner.com

RE: The Amazing Atheists Lies Revealed. What?

I would firstly like to point out that I think that whoever is posting these videos is obviously trolling. Almost certainly not TheAmazingAtheist's father. I would not encourage you to feed the failtroll, but instead to laugh uncontrollably at his/her ignorance.



I shall keep this as short as I possibly can. This person thinks backwardly (a word which I thought didn't even exist! Backwardly I mean). I would encourage anyone reading this to challenge him/her and give them a reasonable, full and proper explanation and reasons why they are wrong. While I would like to say that I respect the opinion of the poster, but I'm afraid on this occasion I don't.

A couple of motivational quotes

I've been thinking of writing about the quotes in my little quotes box, although in all honesty some people get quoted saying the most obvious things. I reckon they're only quoted because they're well-known, not because they actually said something worth thinking about.

"Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent."

-Napoleon Bonaparte

Anyone can figure that out. Argue all you like that it makes some kind of statement or something but I'll not be convinced. That isn't really a very good quote at all. Surely to make a point he would rather have said that the ten thousand made more noise than the noisy ten? Hmm.

Anyway, a couple of lovely, motivational quotes from the ever wonderful Dr Seuss.

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.”

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”

RE: Feminism

I've spent about a month now trying to come up with an elaborate blog exploring lots of different ideas about Feminism, and after much procrastination and decision changing, I've decided to keep it simple. Short and sweet.

I recently watched a pretty infuriating video (in my opinion anyway) on Youtube by a girl arguing the case for modern day Feminism as a response to TheAmazingAtheist's video entitled 'Feminism Sucks'.





Now, I can fully understand why Feminism existed in the past. Back in the day, women didn't have entirely equal rights. They couldn't vote and were viewed as the home-makers and child-rearers and not terribly much else. The main thing to note is that that was about a hundred years ago. Feminism was about achieving equal rights, not sh*tting all over men and calling them pigs.

So, first things first, the issue of women and porn and sex and how us girls are simply made out to be masturbation accessories. Of course, there is porn out there that does objectify women and I have no problem with that because, now this is important, the porn stars chose their career path! I certainly have never heard of any porn actresses moaning about their jobs (pun intended), and if they felt that the roles they played promoted such bad self image one would assume they would find new jobs. Wouldn't they? As pointed out in the Feminism Sucks video, women aren't the only ones who are dominated in porn.

How that girl couldn't see the similarities between the KKK and extreme Feminism, I'm not entirely sure. She seems to be quite intelligent, although I suppose that often very strongly opinionated people are blinded by their own beliefs and are unable to use their brains to argue things properly. Just because she has protested against the KKK doesn't make fundamentalist Feminists any less comparable to fundamentalist KKK members. It really bothers me that, like religious nuts, this girl is unwilling to accept any kind of opposition to her beliefs, constructive or otherwise (upon trying to ask a valid question I was told to F*CK OFF. Comments are now disabled).

Feminists are not 'activists for social justice'. Gender equality has been achieved, a long time ago. There may be instances where men treat women in a way that is unfair, but in my opinion, Feminism is now at a point that, should it be supported enough, women would become female chauvanists and men would become the persecuted. I believe that feminism is an outdated movement, which should have died a death way back in the 60s when bras were being burned. I am glad that it has become little more than a laughing stock - it seems like the kind of movement that could become very, very dangerous given the opportunity.

Strong words from me, but I feel strongly about this. Feel free to comment and share thoughts.

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A short note

Just a short note of what I've been up to since I've not posted in a while.

I spent the last... 2 and a half weeks painting my room. In my usual style, I managed to make a mess of course. I initially bought silk emuslion, but ended up needing another tub of paint. It was only after I'd started using the new tub that I realised that it was in fact matt emulsion. How could I possibly undertake a task without making some kind of mistake? Anyway, never mind. My room is eventually cream. Still need to put up a shelf and fix my shower. My work is never ending.

In other news, I am going back to Tesco until I manage to find a new, better job. I applied for a skillseekers place with the council which has since been withdrawn. Such is life though. Also applied for an office junior vacancy at an accounting firm. Monday to Friday, 9 - 5 sounds good to me (I'm sure other people moan), I'd absolutely love that job, shall just have to wait and see.

There have been a lot of Facebook groups recently for people who like to moan about being single on Valentine's Day... I'm really not sure what all the fuss is. James got me a giant card, was bloody brilliant! Wahey.

Anyway, I'll leave you with the rubbish little snippet of my life. Planning on writing some kind of silly, profound blog after I finish Quirkology (which, by the way, I highly recommend).

The calm before the storm, possibly.

I'm trying to plan out (in my head, of course) a blog regarding feminism and gender inequality and all the opinions of other people regarding said subject, and come up with my own conclusion on the matter. This is just a short update, so that people can give me their opinions and from that I'll maybe have a bit more to write about. I don't want to give away too much, I'm hoping it'll be an interesting one.

So let me know on Facebook what you think, and I can make a start at some point soon.

New project, new news

My second week of unemployment and I'm already struggling to come up with things to do. I have a few things on my agenda, but nothing big. Thanks to Robyn and her old studded belt I'm hoping to have another go at t-shirt shredding and studding. I'll post the results when I get round to actually doing it.

Also need to reseal my shower since its been leaking and going all yucky. I'm trying to use my time being unemployed to get all the things I never got round to done. So, that means painting my room too. I so can't wait to get rid of the pink and the glittery stars and replace them with cream. Very plain but it'll be a lot better.

Final piece of news - I had a meeting regarding a Skillseekers placement with the council. Hearing back from the people at some point during the week. Fingers crossed that I'll get the job! I need money! It may be the route of all evil (according to some people) and it ought not to make me as happy as it does, but money makes me happy and so does having something to do.

Found Magazine!

I totally forgot about Found Magazine for a while. Another of the many weird and wonderful things I find fascinating. People send in notes, drawings, love letters, etc. and they get posted for all to see. Some of them are really sad too. There have been letters that have made me smile and laugh, and others that have brought me close to tears.

I find it amazing to see such raw human emotion, just poured out into notes and drawings. Not everything is moving, there are some things that are utterly beautiful or interesting. There are old photographs, found in library books and second hand vases and bags. There are drawings by children, and notes to their parents. There are amusing notes written, meant for a neighbour who may never have received the intended message.

If you get a chance, check it out for yourself - foundmagazine.com

other DIYs planned

Threadbanger is one of my new favourite websites! Hoping to do a few projects that they feature:

Bomber hat

Bodysuit/Swimmin' costume

Undies

Clock

Bean bag chair

Thats a pretty hefty list of things to do. As I gradually get round to doing each I shall post the results! I really like the underwear tutorial. I buy a lot of underwear like that from New Look, but it costs like £3 or £4 a pair which I'm totally not happy about paying. To  see more from the woman who did that tutorial, see her website http://clarebare.etsy.com or her blog (clarebareunderwear.blogspot).

DIY project: t-shirt shredding

T-shirt shredding is most definitely not a task to be undertaken by the impatient. This was really just a tester to see how this would turn out. It turned out pretty nicely. I think if I were to do this in future I would probably choose a more baggy top than a fitted vest. This worked, although I probably wouldn't wear this much (maybe in summer). The look doesn't really seem to be that great for tops like this, so at least now I know. I'd also recommend shredding a black or white top so that your skin really shows against it (particularly if you're just kinda pale but peachy like me).

So, there you have it, DIY t-shirt shredding. Not that difficult, but be prepared for it to take time, and to end up with some pretty achy hands.

To see how to shred, read this blog.

An ode to the Scottish patriot

I was kind of give the idea for this when I saw friends of mine on Facebook joining the group "I AM SCOTTISH, NOT BRITISH".

For about as long as I've had... opinions of my own... if you like, I can always remember finding patriots particularly amusing. My mother's friend, Margot, is one of the types that insists upon being Scottish and not British. And like many others, she does not forget the battle 700 odd years back that we won against the 'bloody English basturds'. When my mother and I went for our citizenship ceremony, Margot started an argument with one of the officials. Something about swearing allegiance to the crown. I forget what. She never fails to amuse me. Another fine opportunity for the Scots to show their dedication to the cause is for ceilidhs and school dances and weddings. God, I can't stand kilts. Suits > kilts.

And then there are the fake American-Scottish, oh how I love them so. I love when they visit Scotland searching for their ancestors and they get all patriotic about their Scottish roots. They buy the cheesy kilts from up in "Edinborough" and wear them with big hiking boots and socks and a polo shirt. I get buses everywhere and they always stop and talk to you, loudly (essentially to the whole bus), about what they're doing and how nice Melrose Abbey is and how they visited "How-ick". I would love to see them visit and experience Burns night. Whenever we have American couchsurfers, I take great pleasure in telling them about the little haggi running about the fields with their two legs longer on one side so they can only run one way round the hills (Quick tip: to catch a haggis, tie a carrot to a piece of string and tie the string to a pole. Let the haggis chase the carrot for a bit, then catch the wee devil.)


So, since its Burns night coming up, let me know how you 'be patriotic' (Scottish or otherwise).

Weighty issues

Right, if you are easily offended by the topic of weight/size, don't read this. In general, if you're easily offended you ought to grow up. Sorry.


A while ago, I read a blog by a girl who lives near to me. She's extremely overweight, something which she justifies by saying that she "isn't size zero". This annoyed me somewhat - justifying your gluttony by saying that you aren't the other extreme on the weight scale. When the day comes that she has a massive heart attack and my taxes/national insurance are paying towards treating her heart problems and nursing her back to health , I hope that somebody points out to her (and all others like her) that not being size zero does not make obesity all right.

I can't stand when people try to blame their size on some kind of disorder, for example hypothyroidism, causing them to be overweight. Quoting a doctor writing for weightlossresources.co.uk:

"Overweight patients often ask, with great worry in their eyes, whether a thyroid disorder might be the cause of their weight problem. I am completely frank in my reply, because there seems to be a common misconception that such hormone disorders are rife - and in reality, thyroid diseases are in fact highly uncommon. Indeed, less than a fraction of 1% of all overweight people have a disorder of the thyroid gland."

In Gok Wan's recent documentary "Too Fat Too Young", medical researchers explained that around 70% of people can attribute their body type to their genetics. While this may be the case, again, I would argue that it isn't necessarily all right to blame your genes for the way that you look. You might be susceptible to being over- or under-weight, but that does not mean that you are not in control of your own lifestyle. I know that I gain weight easily. In space of less than 6 months I gained just over a stone in weight. But, having realised that my clothes didn't fit quite how they used to, I took a little control and I've managed to shift some of the pounds. (Please note I am not saying that I'm in any way fat, or that it is as easy for other people. Simply making a point.)


I appreciate that some people genuinely do have a reason for being over or under weight - for example, a friend of mine has Cystic Fibrosis which makes it very difficult for her to gain weight. In other cases, people just naturally are very thin. I have a couple of friends who are very slim even though they eat plenty. There must, I suppose, be a "skinny" gene like there is (well, technically are) a fat gene(s). While this may or may not be the case, I consider it to be somewhat of a cop-out blaming your size on your genetics. Again referencing the programme, the reason that more people are getting fatter is because the modern world is a lot more fast-paced. You can get pretty much whatever you want whenever you want it. For example I can (and unfortunately do) spend all of my time sitting in my room, and whenever I'm hungry I can go to my kitchen and stick a meal in the microwave. However, there is one important thing to note: I am not overweight or underweight, despite my currently sedentary lifestyle because I am careful about what I eat and how much I am eating.

This is becoming a little disjointed, and I reckon I'll come back to it. I'm not sure how I feel about this blog but it has given me an idea for a brand spankin' new shiny blog! Yay!

About me!

I won't bore with all the gory details, although I will include the important bits.

I was born in South Africa and I stayed there until I was 6. My memories of that stage of childhood are totally happy and peaceful. I moved to Scotland in March of 1999. My first memory of kids over here is of a girl who was in my class telling me that I didn't really like S Club 7 because I didn't want to sing their songs. From then on I was never the 'cool' kid at school. I like to think that despite the many tears shed over my social status, I've turned out all right (perhaps even more interesting than all the kids who had it easy!).

So, skip to now, the 'interesting' bit. I'm soon to be unemployed (as of 17/01/10), and frankly, I haven't a clue what to do next. Working at Tesco doesn't really open doors for anyone, particularly not someone my age. Uni isn't an option - I can't justify spending £15k odd on something I'm not really sure about. I've thought about college, although that kind of environment doesn't appeal. It seems as if my list options is endless, although the sad truth is that there is very little available, jobs-wise, for someone my age, which is a thoroughly depressing thought. For now, I may as well just take things in my stride.

I'm using 'I' a lot, its totally bothering me. I guess this is about me so its okay this one time.

Anyway, a lot of people include a pretty boring list of 'things that they <3' so I suppose I better add a bit about things I like. Anyone my age who considers themself to be very 'original' would have very mixed feelings about me. I find they're usually the types who judge you anyway.

I have such strange little obsessions - coloured pens and pencils must be in rainbow order (or they get re-arranged for until correct) and different kinds of food have to be kept separate on my plate. My cupboard doors and my bedroom door have to be closed at night or monsters will come eat me! Not really... I'm meant to be grown up now.

I love Kimya Dawson and Tegan and Sara. If ever I'm sad, sing Eleventeen to me and you'll have me smiling again. Sometimes it feels like a song just fits the moment. For me, its music to listen to on the bus: the Juno soundtrack when its snowing (facepalm, all you people out there who think Juno is actually rubbish!); The Smiths when its dark; Kimya during the day sometimes. Tegan and Sara when I'm sad or angry. Books really have to take my fancy. I go through long periods where I don't really feel compelled to read anything, then for a while I'll read lots then go back to not reading at all (apart from food wrappers, oddly). My favourite book ever is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It was made into a movie but apparently it was awful.

I feel like I'm rambling now, so I better stop. This probably makes no sense, I've spent about two hours writing it but it'll have to do.