Got up at 3:40AM, finished packing and left. Slept in the car. Got to the ferry port and embarked. I made a friend, and spent most of the time chatting to her, which was lovely! :) Docked at Dieppe and drove to hotel- 4 hours. I slept some, and woke as we saw the Eiffel Tower! Got to hotel at 7:30. Settled and had dinner, then just chilled.
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Farewell to Summer
Tomorrow I start Year 13. Therefore, today is the last day of the summer. Not just any summer. The biggest and best summer I have ever had. The sort of time period that becomes a landmark- it feels so weird to be going back to sixth form tomorrow, because I have grown and changed so much in the past few weeks.
For me, the summer always begins with my birthday, this year celebrated in three parts- with my family on the day, with my friends for a picnic, and with the WombBuds. Soon after this, there was YCF2014, which was a really fantastic weekend. At the beginning of July I started my Level Two swim teaching course, which was nerve-wracking but which actually went really well! I also went up to London to watch the amazing drama group perform (and to take pictures of beautiful beautiful London). I also went to see CAITLIN MORAN, and blogged about this for PBG. Though I was incredibly busy with the swim teaching, I got to go to PRIDE for a bit, which was really fab- so going again next year!! The following week was my work experience, which was very positive (and also involved lots of vegetables and the Playground Cafe). The video I helped make with Rife Magazine premiered, and I felt pretty accomplished (finished the swim course and got my piano results back), PCH turned 18 and I went to the Harbour Festival on my lemon!
The week after I got to see some of the swimming friends, including someone I only see once a year or so, and I saw the WombBuds. At the weekend I went to a party at the place I did my work experience, and also failed at baking, much to CF's disgust. The next week, I went away on a residential with NCS (albeit after missing a day due to being ill). I missed the second week of the residential, but did manage to go for a day, which was fab. The rest of the week was amazingly magical as I frolicked with the elves in Efteling!!
When I returned from Efteling my friend and I dyed our hair and went to the Balloon Fiesta. There was more NCS the next week as we volunteered with Wild Goose and planned our project; I blogged about everything we did here. The same week, I got my A level results and (some of) Cat Family had a sleepover.
The next week there was a lot more NCS; I also went on the radio, which was a huge personal goal.
Finally, I had possibly the biggest week of my life- we did the sponsored sleep-out, I went on an exciting trip to London (for tourism and Parliament and general feminist chilling) and, finally, Team Lucky Cat had a sleepover and did Color Me Rad!!
Wow!! I'm exhausted just thinking about it to be honest. It's been such an amazing summer. I've met and got to know some truly fantastic people; I've also spent more time with people I knew anyway who fit into the category of truly fantastic. Thank you to all of them.
It's also been a big summer in terms of development and growth. I've had some experiences that have really made me think, some to the point of changing me and helping me grow as a person. I'm looking at the world a little differently now, and I think that's for the better. I've made decisions that not everyone will agree with, I've done things that I- don't regret, exactly, but wish I'd done differently. I've really really learnt a great deal, and I am taking so much away from this.
It's just been- well, beyond words. And I know I harp on about mental health a lot, but- this time last year I was really ill, and I couldn't see things getting any better. I've come so so far, to the point of being able to say that I'm the happiest I've ever been. That is so so huge, I really can't emphasise how much that means to me.
Summer 2014, you have been freaking amazing. You have been such a landmark in my life. Thank you for being rad, and thank you so much to everyone I've shared it with. All the love. So much love.
Year 13? Get ready. Here I come.
For me, the summer always begins with my birthday, this year celebrated in three parts- with my family on the day, with my friends for a picnic, and with the WombBuds. Soon after this, there was YCF2014, which was a really fantastic weekend. At the beginning of July I started my Level Two swim teaching course, which was nerve-wracking but which actually went really well! I also went up to London to watch the amazing drama group perform (and to take pictures of beautiful beautiful London). I also went to see CAITLIN MORAN, and blogged about this for PBG. Though I was incredibly busy with the swim teaching, I got to go to PRIDE for a bit, which was really fab- so going again next year!! The following week was my work experience, which was very positive (and also involved lots of vegetables and the Playground Cafe). The video I helped make with Rife Magazine premiered, and I felt pretty accomplished (finished the swim course and got my piano results back), PCH turned 18 and I went to the Harbour Festival on my lemon!
The week after I got to see some of the swimming friends, including someone I only see once a year or so, and I saw the WombBuds. At the weekend I went to a party at the place I did my work experience, and also failed at baking, much to CF's disgust. The next week, I went away on a residential with NCS (albeit after missing a day due to being ill). I missed the second week of the residential, but did manage to go for a day, which was fab. The rest of the week was amazingly magical as I frolicked with the elves in Efteling!!
When I returned from Efteling my friend and I dyed our hair and went to the Balloon Fiesta. There was more NCS the next week as we volunteered with Wild Goose and planned our project; I blogged about everything we did here. The same week, I got my A level results and (some of) Cat Family had a sleepover.
The next week there was a lot more NCS; I also went on the radio, which was a huge personal goal.
Finally, I had possibly the biggest week of my life- we did the sponsored sleep-out, I went on an exciting trip to London (for tourism and Parliament and general feminist chilling) and, finally, Team Lucky Cat had a sleepover and did Color Me Rad!!
Wow!! I'm exhausted just thinking about it to be honest. It's been such an amazing summer. I've met and got to know some truly fantastic people; I've also spent more time with people I knew anyway who fit into the category of truly fantastic. Thank you to all of them.
It's also been a big summer in terms of development and growth. I've had some experiences that have really made me think, some to the point of changing me and helping me grow as a person. I'm looking at the world a little differently now, and I think that's for the better. I've made decisions that not everyone will agree with, I've done things that I- don't regret, exactly, but wish I'd done differently. I've really really learnt a great deal, and I am taking so much away from this.
It's just been- well, beyond words. And I know I harp on about mental health a lot, but- this time last year I was really ill, and I couldn't see things getting any better. I've come so so far, to the point of being able to say that I'm the happiest I've ever been. That is so so huge, I really can't emphasise how much that means to me.
Summer 2014, you have been freaking amazing. You have been such a landmark in my life. Thank you for being rad, and thank you so much to everyone I've shared it with. All the love. So much love.
Year 13? Get ready. Here I come.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
7) Do a 'colour run'
Meet Team Lucky Cat. From left to right, we have Way Up High, We Can't Stop, Crazy Cat Man and The Big D.
On Sunday, we took part in Color Me Rad- the long-awaited colour run!! We slept over the night before, which was very fab and involved tents and cats... Then we set off bright and early the next morning, without even enough time to have breakfast (resulting in a totally healthy egg and sausage roll once we reached our destination); instead, the car journey there was fuelled by cheesy music (Elton John!!) and excitement (and also petrol, presumably).
Once we got there, we took some obligatory before pictures...
In case you can't tell, we had customised tops, made the night before (woo Lucky Cat campout!) using We Can't Stop (aka BB) as our lovely model.
Following that, there was a LOT of coloured powder, some coloured paint and lots of running (hahahaha, all the running). I took way way too many pictures, but here are just a couple...
Finally- the end result!
Following that, we got changed and joined the huuuge queues to get home (but it's cool, we played Rick Astley really really loud then had the Les Mis soundtrack!!). Then we spent time wandering around town, complete with painty faces and whiskers, which we kept forgetting about and wondering why people were giving us weird looks.
And that's pretty much it to be honest! It was SO SO much fun, and definitely something I want to do again!! Huge huge shout out to my fabulous team-mates!! <3
Once we got there, we took some obligatory before pictures...
Following that, there was a LOT of coloured powder, some coloured paint and lots of running (hahahaha, all the running). I took way way too many pictures, but here are just a couple...
Waiting to start
SO MUCH POWDER
Painty Lucky Cat close-ups
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
London Trip: Sleepover/Southbank
The third (very) exciting part of my trip to London was that (drum roll please!) I got to meet some of the amazing people I blog for PBG with. In fact, I didn't just get to meet them- four of us had a feminist diner party/sleepover on Thursday night, and after parliament on Friday a group of us chilled at Southbank.
I was really really nervous and excited about meeting them, largely because they all seemed so amazing, which made me feel a bit inadequate. Also I was nervous about fitting in and getting on with everyone. However, I really needn't have worried whatsoever. When I got to FCC's house I was greeted with huge hugs from her and FCA. I helped them to prepare the dinner; we also got glittered up (and drew feminist symbols on our cheeks) and Skyped a couple of the other PBG-ers who couldn't attend the sleepover. One of them didn't pick up, so we left a beautiful message for her...
Once the fourth and final person, FCS, arrived, there were more big hugs! We eventually settled down to have dinner- very lovely pasta with two types of potatoes (this made me very happy as I am currently a huge potato fan) and lots of green leaves. We also had THE MOST AMAZING CAKE IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, made by the totally fabulous FCC.
After that we spent more time on Skype to FCSA (who has THE MOST AMAZING Scottish accent) and also to FCG, who we managed to get a picture with...
Once we were done Skyping, we settled down for the best game ever: FEMINIST CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY. For those who aren't familiar with Cards Against Humanity, it's a card game that can be funny at times, but very easily gets very offensive, and then stops being so funny. However, feminist Cards Against Humanity is not offensive, just absolutely hilarious. It involves cats, and Birkenstock tan lines, and the phallic symbolism of Lisa Simpson's saxophone. Need I elaborate more, or are you sold already?! (A better description can be found here, and it can be downloaded here and here). Just beware- games take a while due to excessive laughter!
Following this, we headed upstairs to bed, something which was delayed by FCC having a small breakdown over interior design. To be fair, it was some pretty sweet interior design!! Once she had been counselled by FCA, we curled up in bed, and proceeded to chat about hell and feminism and all things fabulous for a while, before eventually dropping off to sleep!
The next morning was more rushed as we all had to get ready and to parliament for quite early. Nevertheless, we had the time to take some cute group pics, both at the house and whilst waiting at parliament!
More group pics!
So yeah, that was the awesome fantastic sleepover!!
In the same room was another interactive bit, titled 'Things I Wish I'd Known At 15'. We had fun looking at them and adding our own! There were some really lovely inspiring ones- far too many to upload :)
We headed to the exit of that section of the exhibition after that. Or at least, we tried to, and then we discovered the 'Teen Idol' dress up room. It was fabulous.
So. That was London, in three parts! Why was this part important? Because it was absolutely amazing and empowering and all round fab. It didn't feel like I had only really known people for a few hours; we all clicked straight away, and I love them all so so much. We all got to be very very radfem and queer and generally fabulous, and that was a really important experience. It felt like finding people who I'd always known- like coming home really. Just getting that time with them, and knowing that there are other people like me was a huge huge confidence/empowerment boost (something I will expand upon a little in my next post!).
I cannot wait to see them all again (hopefully in October... fingers crossed!!) and until then Skype/Facebook/texting will have to do... We've also got plans for a feminist commune, so if you need me, you know where I am! ;)
I was really really nervous and excited about meeting them, largely because they all seemed so amazing, which made me feel a bit inadequate. Also I was nervous about fitting in and getting on with everyone. However, I really needn't have worried whatsoever. When I got to FCC's house I was greeted with huge hugs from her and FCA. I helped them to prepare the dinner; we also got glittered up (and drew feminist symbols on our cheeks) and Skyped a couple of the other PBG-ers who couldn't attend the sleepover. One of them didn't pick up, so we left a beautiful message for her...
Once the fourth and final person, FCS, arrived, there were more big hugs! We eventually settled down to have dinner- very lovely pasta with two types of potatoes (this made me very happy as I am currently a huge potato fan) and lots of green leaves. We also had THE MOST AMAZING CAKE IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, made by the totally fabulous FCC.
Dinner!!
Words evade me
Love
Woo!
This this this
The next morning was more rushed as we all had to get ready and to parliament for quite early. Nevertheless, we had the time to take some cute group pics, both at the house and whilst waiting at parliament!
We're so sweet, let's face it
More group pics!
And a Polaroid!!
*
After parliament, a group of us (three from the sleepover- FCC had to go to Dorset- two more PBG-ers and another girl from the tour) headed to Southbank for lunch.
Selfie on the way
When we got there we realised that there was a festival exhibition thing about love, so we had a look around that. I was really pleased- a while back I heard about the 'Museum of Broken Relationships', which is a museum devoted to objects leftover from relationships. It sounded hugely interesting, and I really wanted to go- so of course, it was all the way in Croatia, completely inaccessible. Imagine my excitement when I found out that the love exhibition included parts of the Museum of Broken Relationships... To quote, 'It's in Southbank! And I'm in Southbank! This is fate!!'.
The museum was really really interesting and pretty thought-provoking. It was really interesting to see what people considered important, and to read the stories surrounding each one.
Example story
The exhibition had also been made interactive, with a wall of 'confessions', which I enjoyed reading and then added to.
In an adjoining room, there was a wall made up of Agony Aunt responses from Jackie magazine. They were- interesting, to say the least. We didn't really agree with them, but had fun pointing out the worst to each other!
Agony aunt wall
We are all teen idols really
Rocking the costumes!
Spice Girl and Bowie
FCY makes a VERY good Elvis
Once we'd finished there (it took a while!) we went on the kids slides and looked in the shop. Then, very sadly and unfortunately, it was time to get a group pic and then to go our separate ways :(
I cannot wait to see them all again (hopefully in October... fingers crossed!!) and until then Skype/Facebook/texting will have to do... We've also got plans for a feminist commune, so if you need me, you know where I am! ;)
Monday, 1 September 2014
Decisions
At the beginning of this summer, I made a series of decisions that resulted in change. I consequently spent the summer trying to blog about this in a way I was happy with. Long story short, I've not managed to do so. However, a conversation I had yesterday did make me realise that I had a sort of 'soundtrack' to my decision-making- songs that I either listened to a lot at the time, or songs that I listened to and took something away from (whether one lyric, or the whole thing, or in-between). So I'm sharing that with you instead! (Spotify doesn't have Flowers For a Ghost, and that was a pretty big one, so I've tacked the Grooveshark box on the end!)
London Trip: Parliament!
The second exciting part of my trip to London was the tour of parliament that I went on on Friday (which was also the whole reason for my being in London in the first place). It was organised by The Emily Tree, an amazing group who are working to support young women getting into politics.
The day began with some group discussion work where we came up with three ideas- firstly, something quick and easy we could do to help women; then something bigger; then a huge idea. All the ideas that people came up with were really interesting and very varied- all equally important! I found the 'small ideas' especially empowering, as it's another reminder that really we needn't wait around to make a change. I've pledged to myself that I will do all the 'small things' I can (such as calling people out on everyday sexism, and complimenting other women instead of comparing etc.) because those small things can have a big impact.
After that we had a short talk on the aims of The Emily Tree, which was also really empowering. They're a grat organisation, and I really really want to get involved and do more with them!
After that we had the tour itself, which was very interesting, of course. It was quite different to the school tour I went on, and it was nice to have been on both as I saw and heard about different things.
Following on from that, we had a bit of a talk on women in politics, where we realised yet again that parliament is essentially just a boys club. It's really frustrating and saddening to be reminded about how unrepresentative parliament is (remember this?!) and to hear that, for women to fit in, they often just have to go along with things. I really really really hope that this changes- and it's organisations like The Emily Tree that are trying to get this change. Parliament should be a place that represents everyone, not just white middle class males.
Overall, I found the tour hugely interesting, and the parts that accompanied it incredibly empowering and inspiring!!
The day began with some group discussion work where we came up with three ideas- firstly, something quick and easy we could do to help women; then something bigger; then a huge idea. All the ideas that people came up with were really interesting and very varied- all equally important! I found the 'small ideas' especially empowering, as it's another reminder that really we needn't wait around to make a change. I've pledged to myself that I will do all the 'small things' I can (such as calling people out on everyday sexism, and complimenting other women instead of comparing etc.) because those small things can have a big impact.
After that we had a short talk on the aims of The Emily Tree, which was also really empowering. They're a grat organisation, and I really really want to get involved and do more with them!
After that we had the tour itself, which was very interesting, of course. It was quite different to the school tour I went on, and it was nice to have been on both as I saw and heard about different things.
Following on from that, we had a bit of a talk on women in politics, where we realised yet again that parliament is essentially just a boys club. It's really frustrating and saddening to be reminded about how unrepresentative parliament is (remember this?!) and to hear that, for women to fit in, they often just have to go along with things. I really really really hope that this changes- and it's organisations like The Emily Tree that are trying to get this change. Parliament should be a place that represents everyone, not just white middle class males.
Overall, I found the tour hugely interesting, and the parts that accompanied it incredibly empowering and inspiring!!
Sunday, 31 August 2014
London Trip: The Touristy Part
This week I went on a VERY EXCITING trip to London. It was exciting for three different reasons- each of which is getting it's own blog post. The first reason was that I went on my own. This was pretty amazing- I felt very grown up. It meant a lot of responsibility (eg, looking after stuff like money and tickets; getting myself to the right place at the right time; figuring out the tube) which was a little scary, but it was also really really fun. It felt really free- for most of Thursday I got to choose exactly where I went and when. It was really independent, and I absolutely loved it. Of course, it was also a bit of a recovery win- another example of something that I definitely could not have done last year!
Seeing as I had the choice, it was pretty obvious that my first port of call was going to be Camden Market, which is possibly one of my favourite places. I really love the food at Camden, so it was the best place to have lunch. I got one of the Chinese 'mix and match' things and settled by the loch to eat!
I spent a long time in Camden Market, just mooching and enjoying the atmosphere. I bought a few things, but nothing very much.
At around 3ish, I aimed to get the tube to Covent Garden. However, in the end, I indulged my fascination for getting sort of lost. This is something that I do quite a bit, where I go down random streets and take random turnings, meaning that I'm not quite sure where I am, but I pay attention enough to know how to get back. It's great fun, and it means that you find things you wouldn't have done otherwise. This time I got off a stop early, then explored a bit of Chinatown!!
I also accidentally ended up in M 'n' M World, which I've actually never been in before. That was an... 'experience'!
Eventually, I did end up in Covent Garden, which is another of my favourite places.
I had fun looking at the street performers, who I always love to pieces.
After that I went straight to the shop of my childhood, which isn't actually the shop of my childhood... Basically it featured in one of the books I loved when I was younger, so it has a place in my heart because of that!
That was pretty much the extent of my Thursday tourism. However, I did also get these pictures on Friday... Tourist or what?!
Victoria Station
Ahhh so happy!
At around 3ish, I aimed to get the tube to Covent Garden. However, in the end, I indulged my fascination for getting sort of lost. This is something that I do quite a bit, where I go down random streets and take random turnings, meaning that I'm not quite sure where I am, but I pay attention enough to know how to get back. It's great fun, and it means that you find things you wouldn't have done otherwise. This time I got off a stop early, then explored a bit of Chinatown!!
Touristy Pic...
Yay!
Dressed Up Plastic Chocolate?!
'The Beatles'
Woooo!
HOW?!
The Non-Childhood Childhood Shop
Westminster
London Eye!
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
NCS: THE SLEEP OUT
Monday 25th August 2014
15:09
Going to see BB perform at the Fleece, then kill
time in town, then head down to the sleep out. Feeling? I'm not
sure. Nervous, though I can't work out why. Mostly excited- we've put so
much work into this. It's raining quite heavily, and I'm already damp,
but that's just increasing the excitement- it feels like it raining will
make it more difficult, and we'll be putting more into this
18:07
Was contacted by the Bristol
Post earlier- they will come along. Fab!!
Sat by the fountains on a bench covered by a plastic bag. Will be
living in these leggings so can't afford to get them wet. About to head down to
Poole's Wharf.
Feeling nervous but very excited. Want to get started!!
19:51
All set up!! Spoken to Bristol Post, and BBC Three/Chantelle's photographer friend are here. Everyone very very excited; morale is high!!
Zulu Crew!!
20:53
Some people have gone to the shop (we're allowed to spend a small amount of money); the rest
of us are back at base. BBC Three have left now, having filmed a great
segment of us discussing using condoms as water carriers. Everyone still
in very very high spirits!! Getting quite dark now, torches are being
switched on. Feeling good.
22:10
Dark now. We're all sat around
outside, having eaten, played cards and used the string. Beginning to
assemble some kind of shelter. Starting to get quite tired; it's also
getting colder. However, the view of the river is beautiful.
22:57
Just been given a donation! It's
started spitting with rain, which isn't great. Had a nice chat with
Pippa/Daniel/Rochelle/Abi. Now all getting into our sleeping bags. Put
extra layers on, so not too cold aside from feet. Getting very tired
though.
23:35
Rain went off and then returned. All
in sleeping bags singing Let It Go. Morale is excitable, but not
towards sleep out. I'm a little damp, but actually really enjoying it!
BBC 3 have been back & filming; they're due back tomorrow. Just been
given umbrellas. Woo!!
23:51
Heavy rain. Morale low. Several
people want to go inside. Refusing to give up!! I'm really enjoying it
actually, though could do without the damp, especially as I'm now wet
inside my sleeping bag. According to Chelsie, 'This is s**t. Extra s**t
than it was'. Abi wants to go inside. Ash is in his tent. Dan's asleep.
Rochelle feels awful. Chelsey & Chantelle are 'not too bad'. I don't
mind!
Discussing difficulties for homeless people- you'd want shelter,
but shelter often means being away from business, so possibly less safe.
Umbrella
update- useful, but cause problems themselves. The people who have us
umbrellas are watching through the windows and laughing at us.
23:54
Chelsie said she's 'still having fun'.
Tuesday 26th August 2014
00:33
Ash,
Dan and Rochelle are all asleep. Abi's cold but not tired. Chelsie
feels much better but her feet and sleeping bag are wet. Chelsey feels
warm and sleepy. Chantelle's alright but a bit cold. I'm tired but not
sleepy and a bit cold. Chelsie/Abi/me are sat around chatting and
playing a loose version of the question game. We can also smell weed.
Quite strongly in fact.
Tired headache is setting in, which is irritating. But still, it's a really good experience.
01:04
Everyone's
awake. It's raining pretty heavily again. Wet and cold. People grumpy,
morale low. Just want the night to be over really.
01:06
Most people have run inside.
Chantelle, Ash and I are still out, but Ash is in his tent so doesn't
count. I am determined to see this through.
Rain much heavier.
My sleeping bag is completely soaked, as are my clothes. So cold. No
chance of any sleep after this. Just want to go inside, but determined
not to.
01:11
Just realised that my shoes are soaked. As is my bag.
01:47
Rain
has cleared and isn't due back until 4. We are all sat outside again,
in various positions- I'm cuddled up against the wall, Chelsey is sat
next to me, Abi/Daniel are sat under the tarpaulin and Chelsie/Rochelle
have spread their sleeping bags away from the tarpaulin and are led on
them. Chantelle and Ash are in the same positions- Ash in the tent and
Chantelle cuddled up at one end.
I have a headache. Morale is actually okay (but emotional-
Chantelle says 'I feel like I'm on a f*****g emotional roller coaster').
I just want to sleep and to be warm and dry. It's nowhere near as bad
as I thought it would be though!
01:57
I want to sleep so badly but I am so freaking cold.
02:47
Trip
to shop (not actually cheating; within rules). I got Mountain Dew. I
have never had Mountain Dew before- but I think tonight it's a
necessity.
Spent the last not-quite-hour dozing badly and shivering a lot. Now stood up, trying to convince the others to play a game.
The
cold and wet is awful. Worst part is trying to pass the time. Next rain
storm is due at 4; I both want it to come, so time can pass, and not,
cos rain.
I couldn't do this every night.
03:32
Had
two sets of people walk past now and chatted to both- the conversation
was very very much appreciated, especially as both sets were so lovely!!
Me/Rochelle/Abi/Chelsie are sat at the table chatting, the others are
still at base. Beginning to grow numb to the cold; just really really
need some form of distraction or entertainment!!
04:00
The hallowed four o'clock!! Woo!!
Pleased to have got this far- as I just pointed out, it's all easier
from here. Or we hope, anyway.
No rain yet, which is pretty
fab. Not feeling as cold as earlier either. Rochelle/Abi/Chelsie/myself
are all still sat chatting, which is nice. We think everyone else is
asleep, but no-one can be bothered to check. We text the BBC 3 guy to
ask him to bring board games. No reply as of yet.
Very very tired, but no chance of sleeping- too cold and wet. Just
hoping to ride it out and to collapse at home at the end of it. Keep
imagining the end result, which has many variations depending on how we
feel- includes pizza/baths/hot chocolate/pjs etc.
Abi is feeling cold but feels 4am by the harbour is cute. Rochelle
is bored, and she and Chelsie feel that the team leaders shouldn't be
asleep! I'm enjoying spending time by the harbour but feeling very
tired.
We're now awaiting 6am- the return of BBC guy, sunrise and
(hopefully) the return of at least one of the guys who came past
earlier. When they came past at first, we told them they were a
highlight. Dying for entertainment, or conversation, or any change to
sitting around really.
05:30
The sun is rising and so are we!!
We've got hot drinks (we had facilities that we weren't going to use,
but people offered- we're allowed to accept offers- so we turned them
down and made our own) which have helped- really sugary coffee whoop!!
Spent the last hour and a half chatting with Rochelle/Abi/Chelsie, which was interesting hehe.
Feeling
a lot more motivated now. Harbour is so beautiful, can't believe that
so many people don't see it like this, with the sun rising. Truly
breathtaking. Also enjoying being out as the day begins, seeing all the
van drivers going past, and the occasional person on their way to work.
Something beautiful that I can't put my finger on.
Rochelle wants a bath and says she's achy; Chelsie just wants to
put make-up on. We're all feeling much worse for wear- we smell damp and
look like people who haven't slept/washed etc. Can't imagine how it
must feel to do this all the time- short discussion earlier on self
esteem of the homeless.
Everyone very drained. We just want to sleep, but we feel better being up and about.
On another note, feelings towards Ash are not positive- he's slept in his tent the whole night through!
Half an hour till 6, when BBC 3 guy should return and we'll be halfway through!!
09:09
All up and packed/cleared away. Had a
chance to dry off, but now wet again due to clearing up. Going to head
back to the Station. Everything wet and a bit Urgh.
09:45
Back at the Station. Long trip back with equipment, all
heavier in the rain. I walked through the fountains- my shoes and
dignity were past saving. Now crashed upstairs.
10:24
Still sat in the Station. No energy. Hoping to get breakfast soon. I'm on my third coffee of the day.
11:38
Everyone's
crashed in the chill out room- we're really lucky to have this space!
I'm feeling exhausted, and it's a safe bet to say I'm not the only one.
13:44
So tired. So freaking tired. And
damp. And everything smells damp. Just been to the Big Issue exhibition.
Now on to Wild Goose. Some people slept earlier.
13:49
General feeling- achy and damp, looking forward to getting it all over with. But proud!
15:40
Been
to the Big Issue exhibition and to Wild Goose for squash and cake! Very
nice!! I am feeling tired but otherwise alright. Rochelle is 'alright'
and Chelsie is 'sad' because she doesn't have a keyboard!
It's been nice to get out and about today. We were discussing the
sleep out earlier and realised how important conversation and social
input is to people who are homeless. As a result of this conversation
and my own perceptions I have vowed to make sure to talk to everyone and
anyone- you never know who could need it.
Less than two and a half hours to go!! Part of me wants a bath-
part of me is now past caring. I'm dry (aside from my feet) and warm-
what else matters?!
17:00
ONE HOUR. I don't even feel tired anymore. My feet are wet though.
17:32
Half an hour. Not even sure whether I'm excited anymore.
17:43
Practically quarter of an hour. I think I'm falling asleep.
18:00
WE ARE DONE!! OVER AND OUT!!
18:18
Got in the car and realised just how freaking tired I am- falling asleep as I type!
21:31
Bath
felt so so good, as did getting out of wet socks! Feet feel very happy.
Still haven't slept- falling asleep as I type once more.
Wednesday 27th August
11:41
We're in the Bristol Post!!! Woo!!!
13:43
All settled back into 'normal life', so wanted to reflect a little. Overall, I am so so pleased that we did the sleep-out. It was a very eye-opening experience, and one that I think everyone should have at least once. The rain made things a lot more difficult- once we were wet it was impossible to get dry again, which in turn made it impossible to sleep, and made the next day very very difficult. However, I think we coped really well. There were no arguments, and we did well at passing the time (we kept creating goals to look forwards to, such as the sunrise and the BBC 3 film crew returning. Two things I really noticed- firstly, the impact of being social. We spent a lot of time chatting together (got to love those weirdly deep early morning discussions) which helped. More noticeably, we realised how happy we were when passers by stopped to speak to us- it was so so nice to speak to people who weren't in our group (big love to the Zulu Crew- that's not an insult, they know what I mean!). Secondly, we realised how really tiny things became quite big in terms of entertaining us. Sometime in the early hours Chelsie tried to wiggle through a sign, and it had us all amused for ages. Shows how desperate you get really!
Though we cannot and will not say that we know anything now about being homeless, we did find the experience incredibly eye-opening in terms of what a rough sleeper may face. We encountered many challenges that we didn't expect to face, and it's made me really think about the world around me, the people I share my life with and how I treat both.
Zulu Crew & Wild Goose Staff!
So yeah- that was that! Pictures will be up later!! If you want to find out more...
- Petition
Also- both of the pics on this post were taken by our amazing photographer Liam- please check out his site at TinTin Photography!!
NCS: Media Trust Training
On the last two official days of NCS, Team Zulu had 'media trust training'. The aim of this was to learn to use our smartphones to film and edit a short video about an issue relevant to young people.
It started off with everyone making a very short video where we said our names and one fact about us. We watched them back and got to see what worked and what didn't, focusing on sound, lighting etc. After that, we each came up with a problem we face and a solution to it. These were recorded as 'video selfies', and are being put on the Sky website (I think). The first day then finished with us coming up with and finalising our idea for the final short film.
On day two, we filmed and edited. Our film was based around stereotypes of youth- it showed a guy viewing a group of teenagers in a negative stereotype. However, they then picked up his dropped wallet and ran after him to give it back, resulting in him seeing them in a more positive light. The film finished with each of us holding up a piece of paper, on which we'd written a positive fact about ourselves.
Overall, the media training was really good fun- I'm glad we did it, and I can't wait to see our finished video!!
It started off with everyone making a very short video where we said our names and one fact about us. We watched them back and got to see what worked and what didn't, focusing on sound, lighting etc. After that, we each came up with a problem we face and a solution to it. These were recorded as 'video selfies', and are being put on the Sky website (I think). The first day then finished with us coming up with and finalising our idea for the final short film.
On day two, we filmed and edited. Our film was based around stereotypes of youth- it showed a guy viewing a group of teenagers in a negative stereotype. However, they then picked up his dropped wallet and ran after him to give it back, resulting in him seeing them in a more positive light. The film finished with each of us holding up a piece of paper, on which we'd written a positive fact about ourselves.
Overall, the media training was really good fun- I'm glad we did it, and I can't wait to see our finished video!!
Saturday, 23 August 2014
NCS: Scrapstore Visit
On Tuesday, part of our team went to the Bristol Scrapstore, which I've never been to before. My feels (and general excitement) are neatly summed up in the following picture.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
NCS: Last Day At Wild Goose
On Monday, we completed our last day volunteering at Wild Goose Cafe. It was really sad to think that we're not going back there- I've enjoyed it all so so much, and I would happily do something like that for a much longer period. Possibly going back when I'm old enough (you have to be 18 to volunteer properly), and if not then I want to find other opportunities in a similar vein.
The Cat Family Sleepover!
Last Friday, 5/7 of the Cat Family got together for a barbeque and sleepover. Some people (notably: my mother) were slightly nervous about this. Apparently, we're not very sensible. However, I think we managed pretty well...
The evening started off with 24S and I playing Monopoly whilst we waited for the others to turn up. The game was played valiantly and- yeah, I lost. Sigh. Anyway, obviously I totally got over that really quickly, and, when the others turned up, we headed down to the field to start the barbeque!
Though we weren't quite sure about cooking, we managed pretty well with a group vote over whether food was ready or not. Fairly sure that health and safety would have shut us down immediately- but on the bright side, no one came down with food poisoning!
Being us, we of course had to play a game of 'Who Am I?', which was predictably funny. Soon after that, the sun began to set, so we packed up and walked to the end of the field to watch the sunset- where we discovered trees. Lots and lots of trees. Sadly, too many trees to see the sunset. That sucked.
It also began to rain, so we decided that the best course of action to take would be to walk back to the house, get hot drinks, watch YouTube videos and toast marshmallows (over a candle in my room- don't try this at home!). We also played Consequences. As per usual, the less said about this the better.
Sadly after that it was time for MLTWB to go, and for PCH to walk up to the bus stop. We walked with her (safety in numbers?!) to the nearest bus stop- to discover that the last bus had already gone. We weren't too worried, we just walked to a different bus stop- where there were also no more buses.
This caused a little more concern, resulting in a walk to a third bus stop, about twenty minutes away. Guess what?! No more buses... Thankfully, PCH rang her mum and was allowed to stay over!!
We headed back home for more hot drinks, got into our onesies and played another game of Monopoly. It was an interesting game. Very competitive. Very very competitive.
Eventually, we got too tired and gave up. We think 24S won; however, it might have been GS- she fell asleep so we decided she'd forfeited. By that point, no one could be bothered to move, so we fell asleep on the living room floor, whilst the dog got the whole of the sofa...
Saturday morning was very quiet- we had breakfast, then people departed. Really lovely night though- great to see (not quite) everyone again!! :)
The evening started off with 24S and I playing Monopoly whilst we waited for the others to turn up. The game was played valiantly and- yeah, I lost. Sigh. Anyway, obviously I totally got over that really quickly, and, when the others turned up, we headed down to the field to start the barbeque!
Pre-Barbeque Selfie
Group picture time!
This caused a little more concern, resulting in a walk to a third bus stop, about twenty minutes away. Guess what?! No more buses... Thankfully, PCH rang her mum and was allowed to stay over!!
We headed back home for more hot drinks, got into our onesies and played another game of Monopoly. It was an interesting game. Very competitive. Very very competitive.
Civilised!
Tea and Monopoly!
GS and her money (and swag)
GS and PCH sharing a moment
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