Sunday 29 September 2013

29th September 2013: wildlife, walks and watching tv.

This week hasn't been too bad. Maybe a bit long at certain times, and not feeling too great in the middle of the week wasn't brilliant, but it's Sunday and it's blog time!

Monday, I didn't really do much, had a cover lesson which wasn't too intense, went into town to get Jessie J's new album (Alive) which is pretty good! English Language talking about phonetics and other boring things!

A scary thought hit me on Tuesday, it was a month til I go on that major trip! At the moment, it's a little touch and go, but we're still looking at it as positively as we can.Double Media to start the day, both hours were pretty good. Then, a free spent in the common room wanting to fall asleep, after that I had English Lit, looking at sonnets - which is always fun on a Tuesday afternoon! I had an early finish so went home and had lunch.

Wednesday! In for an hour of English Language writing and discussing examples of key terms with a few clips of blackadder thrown in! Back home to do some homework and printing of photos for my wall. Then off for a driving lesson, as I pull off, using the brake as the accelerator? I think that sums it up! Haha! To be honest, it wasn't that bad, but it wasn't the best I'd had! Still, I spent my afternoon playing football manager and doing a little bit of work. Then it was off to club to play the bean game and make bread rolls with extremely hyper kids!

A bit of a weird day on Thursday... I woke up feeling ill, then put it down to the fact I don't drink enough water, and had become dehydrated. Anyway, I went into school for an hour of sitting reading a two sonnets over and over again, trying to make sense of them and supposedly writing an exam answer for them - yeah that wasn't the best lesson I've ever had. After that I started feeling a bit better after having many cups of water, and knowing I wouldn't have to do another exam question for at least two more lessons. Onto English Language, two hours of that, looking at curry recipes through the ages and more language acquisition! Luckily, the day finished early because we had an open evening, so home I went, did some planning, did some work and did some other bits and bobs. When I got into bed to watch a bit more of Great British Bake Off, I caught a glimpse of the night sky - I found it majorly surreal how that split second took me back a year, to a whole day that sort of flashed through in my mind. It was a pretty stunning sky of stars and one that I'll had to my many night skies that I've seen! (Bit too deep for a Sunday blog? - sorry!)

Friday, I woke up realising I didn't have to go in (INSET day!) Still, I decided to have a productive day! Got quite a bit done, showered, did some work, put some clothes out on the washing line to dry (despite the weather forecast!), emptied the dishwasher AND filled it up again! Sorted those photos out for my wall, made lunch for me and Gran. Decided to go pack my bag for my Dad's, hoover the upstairs, sort out some music for Mum's car, go see my sister's musical coffee afternoon in aid of Macmillan. Came home, typed up as much of the blog as I could, had dinner, went to club... Went to Dad's and had a fairly early night!

Woke up Saturday after a good nights sleep! Had my cereal, did some homework, sorted blog stuff out, in the afternoon and evening went to see some people and ended up spending the evening singing Christmas and cheesy 90s and 00s songs!

Sunday, woke up pretty late, went to Waitrose for lunch, went for a walk through some woods, saw a snake (couldn't stop shuddering for about 5 minutes after!) found a lake, and took some photos! Came home caught up on Saturday night TV and then went home to Mum's.

I think I'm gonna attempt to change the format of these blogs, I don't know whether you enjoy reading it in this format? I don't know whether to carry on like this and add more content, put in less about my week (especially when I've just got lessons and other boring stuff) and more about other general topics that could maybe seen as more opinionated?! Still, I'm starting to plan what's going to happen when I'm away for 12 days in October (which isn't long away at all!) aaaand I'm also starting to organise and plan a project for next year, that will be a little different to this (when I say a little I mean probably a lot different!) So keep your eyes peeled for more about those in the following weeks!

Music of the Week

First up, a song from the amazing Hudson Taylor brothers! The lyrics get me at times, but it's a pretty good song for the car/ good sing-a-long song!


Next is a song from a guy called Harry Seaton, I love the song and I love the video! :) 

Summer Nights - Harry Seaton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXrZbyOS0SU

Last is a cover by a Orla, who I'm not sure whether I'm seeing next Sunday or not?! But, she uploaded it as I was typing up the last parts of this blog, so felt it would be a good way to finish off the Music of the Week too! (Plus it's a song I really like anyway!)

The Wire (cover) - Orla Gartland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfM3zVPZhY0

Photos...

23rd September 2013: lessons, music and work.
24th September 2013: 1 month countdown...
25th September 2013: blackadder, driving and bread rolls.
26th September 2013: an average Thursday.
27th September 2013: getting stuff done!
28th chilling and xmas songs.
29th September 2013: wildlife, walks and watching tv.
and a little quote for those that are still reading: 'worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.' - Anonymous.

Sunday 22 September 2013

22nd September 2013: limited shopping and chilling.

This week has actually been pretty good overall! Admittedly, I've had less bad/boring lessons this week, and I've had a chance to do some creative/practical stuff for Media, which was much needed amongst all the exam question writing and reading etc. for English. Also, I wasn't actually in that much this week, which always helps!

Monday, the first day of the week! I didn't have to be in until after break and that was Media Studies. We had to create a poster for a James Bond film, which seemed to go well. After that lesson I went home because I had to go and pick up the little sister from school. So, that afternoon, I had a nice walk back from Maria's school, with her, even if she was moaning all the way!

On Tuesday, I had three lessons, all of the English variety. Double English Language in the morning and English Lit in the afternoon, not bad, but not great! Then it was off to the orthodontists, where I bumped into two familiar faces, then got told to go back in 4 months for what will hopefully be my last visit! I went home and had a chilled evening, also had a rather long catch-up with Philippa, which was really quite nice and funny at times!

Early start on Monday, I got up early, which was a tad weird considering it's usually my day 'off', and it turned into quite a full day! Managed to get pre-sale tickets for me and three friends to go see Lauren in February. (ticket link here) 10 minutes later and I was off for a driving lesson, and a pretty good one! When I got home, I did some work, chilled a bit, picked Maria up from school and then went and did club, which also went pretty well!

Thursday was yet another jabs day! I had a lay in, got up and went to have two jabs, which means I've only got two left. (I think?!) I stayed home, did some work, and then went to pick Maria up. We came home and Maria beat me at a game of draughts, I downloaded Wolf Choir's EP (which you'll hear more about later) then me and Mum headed off to homegroup.

I had a pretty good sleep before waking up on Friday morning. Went into school for break. Had Media, and we were looking at newspapers and starting to create our own 'red top' and 'quality broadsheet' - see I even know the lingo now! :P The day was going well until we had tutor and it was about leavers dinner and the rest was about uni's and personal statements - which aren't exactly top of my list right now. Still, I just about got through it, then went to my sister's end of week assembly. After that we were off home for dinner and a rest, before going to club, which again went pretty well!

Saturday, I got up at a fairly reasonable time for a weekend, got some blog stuff done, and started sorting out recent photos for my wall, downloaded some Frank songs (which are free here) and then did some searching on YouTube for music. I watched England Women beat Belarus 6-0, a pretty good game I'd say and then we watched part of the Tour of Britain!

Sunday, I got up late, sorted out some stuff, watched a bit of the Stoke v Arsenal game, whilst ordering some clothes and reserving a suitcase, then picking the suitcase along with a few other bits up. After that we went out for dinner and the best bit? A belgian waffle with ice cream and toffee sauce!

As well as all the other promo stuff I've done in this entry, I need to make you aware of Frank Hamilton's tour, if I haven't already, I can gurantee it'll be a great evening of live music and the support artists that are lined up are pretty insane live too! (All tickets are under £10) You can get tickets here.

Music of the Week!

First up, is a rather good group called Wolf Choir... Everytime I've had a music listening moment since Thursday, their track Dilute has been included.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/wolfchoirmusic
BandCamp (download their EP for free/your own price): http://wolfchoirband.bandcamp.com/


Next is Lauren Aquilina and Orla Gartland covering one of my favourite songs at the minute, Royals by Lorde. It's pretty good! Enjoy! 


Lastly, a song from Frank, singing it live from outside a rather epic cricket ground (definitely hit a six there when I was younger - yeah it was with an incrediball but that's not the point!) Still, this is where the quote came from on one of this week's photos :) 

Words and Nothing More - Frank Hamilton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE4b770wKAo

Also, my face appears in this video, a few times if you look close enough! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Fw96yGmf4

Photos...
16th September 2013: high targets and long walks.
17th September 2013: a long day, orthodontists and a catch up
18th September 2013: tickets, driving, homework and club.
19th September 2013: more jabs and another day off.
20th September 2013: newspapers, pointless tutor and club.
21st September 2013: chilled morning, chilled afternoon, chilled evening.
22nd September 2013:  limited shopping and chilling.
Thanks for Reading!
Have a good week!

Find me and my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/onedayatatimeevan

Find my other blog and updates here: http://musicintimeblog.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog

Sunday 15 September 2013

15th September 2013: rain, 'relaxing' and random things.

Oooooh! Is this an on time blog? Sorry, what's that? But seriously, this does make a change from the past month - right? :P
I'm glad to see the weather's returned to normal for England, although it doesn't mean I like getting wet shoes... (insert Frank Hamilton lyrics here).

On Monday, I had to be in school for first lesson, we went through the first two pages of Antony & Cleopatra. I then had a free, then English Language, just starting to talk about child language acquisition! Had a catch up with Philippa before she went off to uni, I then had to walk back to school for an assembly and got drenched in the rain and then sat through an assembly I didn't even need to be in (too much UCAS and Uni's).

Tuesday was a pretty long day to be honest. Double Media to start the day, a free which I used to sort otu some emails. After that I had double English (one of Lit, lunch & then English Lit).

I had a rather nice day on Wednesday, although I was late in for my one and only lesson of the day (English Language)! I came home and went for a driving lesson, they're going really well and I'm getting better, which is always nice! I then went and did club, it was the first one (for me) this school year, so it was nice to see the kids and catch up with what they'd done over the holidays, as well as what they thought of their new teachers/schools.

Thursday, I went in for my first lesson, then went to the doctors, had a jab (only four left). I went back into school for another lesson, then a free to send some emails, lunch to get bourbons for Lauren and then English Language last. We had a rather amusing fire drill (the thing that made it funny? Someone in my year, in a toga, on their 18th birthday, after having an hour free and no lessons left for that day...)
Then it was on a train with Lailana to Borderline in London to see Lauren Aquilina. I have to say it was a pretty insane gig! All the supports were amazing and Lauren was brilliant, backed with a band just highlighted to me my confusion as to why she hasn't made it massive yet, but she's getting there and to me she is just getting better and better. We got to meet and chat to all the artists including an extra - Harry Hudson-Taylor. I must admit I was gutted to find out as we left that Frank and Nina Nesbitt were there and watching at the back. (By the way I've done a review type blog with the photos and music links, which is underneath this one :))

Friday, was a very long day, I didn't have much to do but everything was so much effort, with only about 3 hours sleep, I spent most of the morning thinking about getting up and not doing it. Eventually, I did and went in for my only lesson (Media Studies) which was alright, got picked up and went to my sister's assembly, went home and had a sleep. Then went and did club, this took a lot of effort. When I got home, I attempted to watch the Celebrity Big Brother final & failed!

So, Saturday morning I caught up with the CBB final, got up for about 5 minutes at a reasonable time and decided I wasn't feeling great so went and stayed under my duvet for a bit longer. I eventually got up properly at an unnacceptable time of 12.30... :P I sorted photos out from Thursday and then did some wok. After that I did some blog work, Gran came round for dinner and I helped cook some lasagna (which I managed to eat after some recent anti-meat moments).

Today, I haven't really done much. I've listened and sorted through a lot of music. Written two blogs up and planned another one (for that other blog I do...:P) But that's been about it...

Music of the Week!

This first song comes from a guy that I fell in love with on Thursday, his name is Daniel James and this song sung alongside just a guitar and wooden block (which probably has a more technical name...) was absolutely insane and the recorded version is also pretty good!
A Lonely Man - Daniel James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiGkwE66U8

The second song is from a group I've been listening to and following for a while, but they're finally starting to break through, recently covering In For The Kill in the Radio 1 Live Lounge and now announcing they're supporting Ellie Goulding on tour... These guys are also iTunes free single of the week!
Strong - London Grammar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drfp_3823I

These last two songs are from my all time favourite TV programme... Doctor Who! They released series 7 soundtrack recently and personally I think Murray Gold (the composer) is a genius! I found it really hard to choose a track to put in here. I knew it had to be something to do with the Ponds last episodes, or the episode 'The Name of the Doctor'... so I chose two!
Together Or Not At All (from 'The Angels take Manhattan): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gam8ogWBLk
Remember Me (from 'The Name of the Doctor'): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIKuxWsLoDE

Photos...
9th September 2013: wet shoes...
10th September 2013: long day and sorting emails.
11th September 2013: one lesson and on the roads.
12th September 2013: another jab and an aquilina gig.
13th September 2013: so tired i can't walk or talk.
14th September 2013: getting up late and chilling.
15th September 2013: rain, 'relaxing' and random things.
Thanks for Reading!
Have a good week!

Find me and my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/onedayatatimeevan

Find my other blog and updates here: http://musicintimeblog.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog

Lauren Aquilina, Orla Gartland, Daniel James & Matt Maltese - Borderline, 12th September 2013.

On Thursday, I went to see the lovely Lauren Aquilina, performing for a sold out Borderline in London. I must admit, when we got into soundcheck and heard her singing just a few songs with her new band, I could tell it was going to be good!
Because of getting there for soundcheck, it meant we were at the front of the queue, which meant we got to stand right at the front - I just about have ears left :)

First up supporting Lauren was Matt Maltese, he'd won the comptetition to support Lauren at one of her dates. He was pretty good, and I did come home and check him out on YouTube. He has a chilled sound and his skill with a piano/keyboard adds to his vocals. He's got an EP out, which is a pretty good EP especially for his first one, his music reminds me of Jamie Cullum...
Further Than I Should EP: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/further-than-i-should-ep/id611603197

Matt Maltese

The next supporting artist was Daniel James. Now, this guy was insane! (I was quite disappointed to find out at the end he didn't have any EPs/singles out yet...) Still, with just his voice, a guitar and a block of wood, I was mesmerized. I must admit I do tend to love any song with a good beat in it, but Daniel performed this one song called 'A Lonely Man' and ahhh it was so good! Just before he finished his set Lailana, two people that we got friendly with and I, decided to spread the word about singing Happy Birthday to him... (and yes it was his birthday :P)
A Lonely Man - Daniel James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiGkwE66U8

Daniel James
Last of the supports was Orla Gartland, someone that I have followed for quite a while. She definitely didn't disappoint.Whilst singing she played the acoustic guitar, electric guitar and another funky instrument (which I didn't have a clue about!) She performed two of my favourite songs 'The Ground' and 'Devil On My Shoulder'... She's lovely as well and to see someone so into their music they pull the best facial expressions ever is pretty awesome! :) Oh and she's got an EP coming out soon, the songs are sounding good, so keep your eyes peeled! :)
The Ground - Orla Gartland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixeffqixfZQ

Orla Gartland
After a 20 minute wait, Lauren came on stage, and started off with 'Ugly Truth' and went on to perform a mixture of songs from her EP, a song that hasn't made it onto an EP, two new originals and a cover of the classic 'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne. It was nice to hear her with a live band as well as on her own for a solo of Wonder. I'm still confused about how she hasn't go more radio play, but she's getting there and even though I thought it was impossible she's just getting better and better. (She's got an announcement coming very soon as well, about another tour, in February, so again keep your eyes peeled for that!)
Sinners - Lauren Aquilina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uodUCtmCRME

Lauren Aquilina
It was also rather nice at the end to get to meet them all, and an extra named Harry Hudson-Taylor (1/2 of Hudson Taylor) - someone else for you guys to hear! (Care - Hudson Taylor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrP167_KAzU) We got to speak to all of them, and gave Lauren some bourbons... One of the best gigs I've been to in a while (sorry Frank!)

Lauren and Me
Orla and Me
Daniel and Me
Matt and Me
Harry and Me
Thanks for Reading!
Have a good week!

Find me and my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/onedayatatimeevan

Find my other blog and updates here: http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
http://musicintimeblog.blogspot.com

Wednesday 11 September 2013

8th September 2013: sea air and stormy skies.

On Monday, I woke up pretty early (for the last day of summer holidays). Went and watched Maria do some horse riding - she's doing pretty well! I then had two more jabs (yellow fever and meningitis), had Mum's friend round with her two kids, who are friends with Maria, they staryed for lunch and stayed for part of the afternoon too. I then had to lay down for a bit, played some card games with Maria, had a hot chocolate and then went to bed.

It was back to sixth form for me on Tuesday! Great first impression of the new head! Saw some of the Year 7s (and I'm pleased to sat most them are shorter than me - for once!) I also realised how many new teachers there is! There are two lovely photos around of me, one even made it onto the school website - joy! When I got home, I maria-sat and went to bed eaerly because I wasn't feeling well at all!

Wednesday was a day off! However, I spent it in bed. Guess who had a reaction to the meningtis jab, it was lovely! Again another evening mariasitting, we watched Great British Bake Off.

Thursday, I went back into sixth form, had 3 English Lit lessons, came home, maria-sat again and had another early night.

I only had to go in for one lesson (Media Studies) on Friday, which turned out to be my best lesson of the week, even though we didn't really do much, but I think that just highlights how I struggled with all the others! Went home, got stuff sorted, went and did club, got picked up, went to Dads, had some chips and yet another earlyish night.

Saturday, Dad and I went to Sainsburys, came home, had lunch, chilled for a bit, went out for a hot chocolate, came back again and listened to some old songs (good old 90s and 00s stuff!).

Sunday, we went to Gosport for the day, the weather wasn't too great! Still got to see the mariner, the boats and the spinnaker tower and stuff. Then a dark drive back to Mum's houses, I went for a little walk with Maria and got some other stuff done in the evening.

Again, I'm seriously really sorry for the shortish and late blog, I am pretty sure I'm gonna get this week's blog up on time!!

Also, it would be really great if you could check out my best friend's new blog, it's about all things gluten free, but some of the ideas on there are great whether you can have gluten or not! You might be seeing more of Philippa around on my blogs in the next year... (spoilers!) http://philippamanuel.wordpress.com

Another great thing to follow is Philippa's friends' FB page, Ruth makes insane cakes, even if you like her page to see the awesome creations... https://www.facebook.com/rcbakesandcakes

Music of the Week!
Considering this week is late, I thought I'd give you some extra music to listen to :)

First of all is Mr. Frank Hamilton! He recently released his first music video for his single off his upcoming EP 'Summer', it's a beauty of a video and it's a bit of a British tune! (all about summer being late, and rain etc...)
Summer - Frank Hamilton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q4DhFrvYhA

Next up is an old song, but it's one I used to love and I thought I'd share it with you as the singer is now on Strictly Come Dancing...
Murder On The Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsISfQAXE60

This third song is from some very talented guys...
Amethyst Blues - Skylarks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4AmxL2qN8E

The next song, you may have heard last year on X Factor, but here it is with a music video and studio recorded sound...
Mountains - Lucy Spraggan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuYuuF_JyKM

The last song is from a singer that after every public event in Britain in 2012, I was kinda bored of, but this song was always one of the better ones of hers from that year...
Wonder - Naughty Boy ft. Emeli Sande: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kASjW_aPbQ

Photos... (excuse the first one, they get better - i promise!)


2nd September 2013: early night.
3rd September 2013: back to school & back to bed.
4th September 2013: a day off (in bed)!
5th September 2013: English & a cancelled driving lesson.
6th September 2013: Keith! club and chips.
7th September 2013: old school songs & sing alongs.
8th September 2013: sea air and stormy skies.
Thanks for Reading!
Have a good week!

Find me and my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/onedayatatimeevan

Find my other blog and updates here: http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
http://musicintimeblog.blogspot.com

1st September 2013: 'when it rains it pours.'

So, I'm behind on uplaoding blogs, and I don't seem to be catching up! This blog entry will probably be a little thin, and will probably seem like ages ago! So... Let's do some time travel!

Monday, didn't really do much, apart from lots of chilling! I played some swingball, did some colouring in (which I hadn't done for quite a while!) We then sat down after having dinner to watch Doctor Who at the Proms. (A little insight here - I enjoy listening to the siyndtracks on a regular basis, I find it a better twist on Mozart for revision too, and just generally when doing anything creative/calm).

Tuesday, we went to West Wittering, I buried Maria in the sand, had a paddle and got splashed by a kid about 3/4 (which was fine), but he then decided to pick up the sand in the sea (the stuff that goes like mud) and threw it at my sister - which I obviously wasn't too happy about! It's even better when the Mum encouraged him!! I went and had a rant with Mum and then soon fell asleep. I then got too hot, the beach got too busy and I quickly got irritated! When we got back I played (you've guessed it) Swingball!

Wednesday, went to Bognor Regis - shopping and got all my 'back to school' stuff and some books. We got back and I chilled to Lweis Watson whilst doing some blog work (also started planning next years project possibilities).

Thursday, we (I) packed up, Mum sorted food out and other packing stuff. We then headed home and went out for dinner, I had a lasagna which was pretty tasty.

Friday, things went into a bit of a whirlwind, I started getting by stuff ready for going back to sixth form, and had BBQ food for dinner.

Saturday, we went up to London for the day to watch West Ham vs Stoke. Before the game we went into a Doctor Who shop, I was speechless for many moments. They had a TARDIS genuinely used in one of the old doctor's episodes and literally loads of other cool stuff. I picked up a pencilcase, a badge and a poster with loads of quotes on it, because we all know how much I love doctor who and quotes :P As a bit of background info, my step-dad and sister support West Ham (I used to - but decided I wasnted my own team to follow, so chose Stoke!) So, I was very happy when I got to watch one of my all time favourite footballers - Jermaine Pennant - score for Stoke to grab a win!

Sunday, I sorted out my bookshelves and I've left it incredibly geeky! With Doctor Who, Hunger Games and Harry Potter being the main contents of them.

Again, I apologise for this being up late, I'm hoping things are going to slowly get back to normal, as this blog is named 'when it rains it pours' that was my July and August summed up rather perfectly.

Music of the Week!

This first song is a cover that two of my friends did for my other blog in a session, I've had it on repeat and the amount of feedback it got tells me it was enjoyed by all, so check it out! :)
Secrets (cover) - Haytham and Lailana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1e9XbU-62Q

This second song comes from America, written by Bryce herself, she performed it live when she supported Lauren over in America, she's a lovely person and she has a stunning voice, go show her some love!
Sunshine - Bryce: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipWZJH65Va8

This last song, might be considered weird, I think you've just got to listen to it for the sound of it, I came across him a while ago, and then refound him recently when this video was released, enjoy!
Pipes - Tom Milsom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0_I8u36TgM

Photos...
26th August 2013: swingball, colouring in and doctor who music.
27th August 2013: beach, more swingball and a week til school!
28th August 2013: shopping, swingball and blog stuff.
29th August 2013: packing, home and in depth conversations…
30th August 2013: a grey day, BBQ and cleaning/tidying.
31st August 2013: whovian moment and a football match.
1st September 2013: 'when it rains it pours.'
Thanks for Reading!
Have a good week!

Find me and my photos here: https://www.facebook.com/onedayatatimeevan

Find my other blog and updates here: http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
http://musicintimeblog.blogspot.com