30 Day Challenge; Day Seventeen- Bucket List

Evening folks, running later yet again  so without further ado, I'm going to tell you about Day 17 of my 30 Day Challenge x, my bucket list! So here is a rough idea of some of the things I want to do before I get too old and stiff to be able to do anything fun!

1. Travel

This is no secret on this blog, and I'm not sure when- or where, but isn't that the point of a Bucket List? I want to see as much as humanly possible with the means I have, and I intend to do it. Barcelona, Athens, LA, New York, Berlin. So many possibilities, so many things to 'tick off.'

2. Skydive 

This is the most ridiculous one, but I genuinely would love to do it. I might not act like it a lot, but I genuinely love thrill seeking, and I am definitely doing this in the future. Who knows, I may even pair it with 9. and make people pay to push me out of the plane. Form an orderly queue folks.

3. Buy something important for my parents

Want a car Dad?

 Despite the recent economic collapse, I really do hope that our generation continues the trend of 'children being better off than their parents.' I'd love to be able to buy my Dad a nice car, or my Mum a new house. My current waitressing budget doesn't quite amount to that yet, but someday! 

4. Start a family

Maybe not.

This one is definitely on the back burner for now, but eventually I'd like to have a family of my own- no matter what form that family will take. I make excellent chocolate chip cookies, so there is one 'mothering' credential in the bag already.

5. Concerts

Favourite thing in the world.

As many and as much as possible, all concerts, any music, every band, every artist. From pub gigs to stadium tours, as long as I can afford it (which is a big IF) I'll be there, making a fool of myself. 

6. Visit Paris

Prettiest city in the World

This should really be in with 1. but Paris is a city that I really, really, really want to see. I'm not sure why, but France holds a certain appeal in my heart that I can't justify, I don't speak French and I have no French relatives, but it is a beautiful country- and Paris is the most prominent example of this beauty.

7. Splurge on something (or many somethings)

Dolla makes me holla

Hopefully the latter, but I do like owning stuff, so whether it's a ridiculous pair of heels, a handbag, a house or a car (Porsche 911 would do nicely.) What's the point of working hard if you can't treat yourself and the people you love (see 3.)

8. Work somewhere I love

No thanks.

Now that I'm preparing to apply to universities, I really do have to start thinking about a career, but I cannot imagine anything in this universe that would be worse than working 9-5 every day at some meaningless job that you hate. Even if I have to work hard and long, I want to love what I'm doing, and be proud of it.

9. Give Something Back 

If 1D do, why don't we?

I feel like everyone should do this, whether it's just a monthly donation to a charity, or a huge gesture, or even just buying a coffee for a homeless person. Why not eh? I don't mean to sound preachy, but with such a massive wealth gap in our country, and indeed the world- why shouldn't those that HAVE, give a little?

10. Punch Somebody 

Are you Sirius?!

I've just ruined 9 points worth of good feeling with this last one. But I can explain.. Ever since I was little, I have been gathering this inner pent-up rage, and should anyone- big or small, ever try to attack me for real, they will feel the full force of my admittedly tiny fists. You have all been warned. Regardless, it looks like a real adrenaline rush.. 

Please don't think I'm psychotic. 

There you have it, my bucket list. Have a wonderful Saturday!

30 Day Challenge; Day Sixteen- Concerts I've Been To

Morning folks! Whilst I'm sure most of you are celebrating that fact that it's almost the end of the week, I am mostly dreading it at is means both that my Spanish exam is here, and that I go back to school on Monday. Yikes. 

Today's post is all about concerts I've been too- and whilst I've been to very few, I'll give it my best shot at describing them! 

The View (2012) 

The View are a band from Dundee, near where I live- and in 2012 they did a show at my local Concert Hall for maybe a thousand folk? I was fourteen but my Dad loves the band too, so we both went together. It was supremely loud and I didn't know all the words and you can very rarely tell what Kyle Falconer is actually saying. But I loved it, it was small and messy and a really shoddy venue for a band like The View, but it got my hooked on live shows. 

Ed Sheeran (2012) 

Back in early 2012, a young man called Ed shot to fame with this unbelievable album '+' and I was part of the first wave of 'new fans' that flocked to see his shows, at much larger venues than in previous years. I was already obsessed by the time I arrived at The Barrowlands in Glasgow, which is a proper music venue, all faded grandure and the perfect balance of sweaty clamour and actual space. Ed played a set all by himself using his loop pedal, which was amazing enough in itself, since it had rarely been done before, let alone for me to see. It was great, he was amazing. And the kicker was that his support act? A guy called Passenger. Heard of him? 

Fall Out Boy (2014) 

2013 was a year of missed opportunities for me regarding concerts. I wanted to see You Me At Six, but they flew to the US and didn't come back until early this year, I wanted to see Kodaline in November, and again in March- but both fell through. So by the time FOB rolled around in late March this year. I was beside myself. It also meant my first visit to The Hydro, Glasgow's newest gig venue. Which is a real feat of gig planning, anything you could wish for in a massive hall with beer and food, it's got. FOB were supported by New Politics, who were great but I didn't really know, and The Pretty Reckless, who I knew, but sucked. In all honesty, Fall Out Boy could have been supported by a one man band plucked off of Sauciehall Street and I wouldn't have cared. They were immense, everything you would have expected from 10+ years of touring together (even with that pesky break in the middle.) As a fan forged in the hiatus, there were times when seeing Fall Out Boy live was a dream. And honestly? It still felt pretty dreamlike in March. 

Gary Barlow (2014) 

My second trip to The Hydro rolled around just one week later when I returned to see Gary Barlow with my mum. I'd be lying if I said I was truly thrilled but honestly? It was great fun, the support act was Eliza Doolittle who I used to love, and surrounded by very drunk Glaswegian woman, screaming 'I FUCKIN LOVE YOU GARY,' was a right laugh. Wouldn't pay the ticket price for myself but I certainly wouldn't turn down another opportunity to see him! 

There you have it, my pitifully small collection of gigs. However, I am going to T in the Park this year, which will quadruple the number of bands I've seen, and I'm also seeing my dear Ed Sheeran again in October. So far, 2014 is looking like a pretty amazing music year. Have a wonderful day!  

30 Day Challenge; Day Fifteen- Favourite TV Shows

Evening everyone, today's 30 Day Challenge x post is about my favourite TV shows, so let's get started!

Supernatural (2005- )

The story revolves around two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester as they follow their father's footsteps, hunting down evil supernatural creatures such as monsters, demons, and even fallen gods while trying to save innocent people along the way. Continuing the "family business" after their father's death, the brothers soon discovered that the "hunt" doesn't just involve slashing and hacking monsters and demons but also dealing with more powerful creatures such as angels, reapers, and even Death.

Suits (2011- )

While running from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant young college-dropout, slips into a job interview with one of New York City's best legal closers, Harvey Specter. Tired of cookie-cutter law school grads, Harvey takes a gamble by hiring Mike on the spot after he recognizes his raw talent and photographic memory. Mike and Harvey are a winning team. Even though Mike is a genius, he still has a lot to learn about law. And while Harvey may seem like an emotionless, cold-blooded shark, Mike's sympathy and concern for their cases and clients will help remind Harvey why he went into law in the first place. Mike's other allies in the office include the firm's best paralegal Rachel and Harvey's no-nonsense assistant Donna to help him serve justice. Proving to be an irrepressible duo and invaluable to the practice, Mike and Harvey must keep their secret from everyone including managing partner Jessica and Harvey's arch nemesis Louis, who seems intent on making Mike's life as difficult as possible.

Sherlock (2010- )

In this modernized version of the Conan Doyle characters, using his detective plots, Sherlock Holmes lives in early 21st century London and acts more cocky towards Scotland Yard's detective inspector Lestrade because he's actually less confident. Doctor Watson is now a fairly young veteran of the Afghan war, less adoring and more active.

Friends (1994-2004)

Six young people, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life.

The Big Bang Theory (2007- )

Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper are both brilliant physicists working at Caltech in Pasadena, California. They are colleagues, best friends, and roommates, although in all capacities their relationship is always tested primarily by Sheldon's regimented, deeply eccentric, and non-conventional ways. They are also friends with their Caltech colleagues mechanical engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali. The foursome spend their time working on their individual work projects, playing video games, watching science-fiction movies, or reading comic books. As they are self-professed nerds, all have little or no luck with popular women. When Penny, a pretty woman and an aspiring actress originally from Omaha, moves into the apartment across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon's, Leonard has another aspiration in life, namely to get Penny to be his girlfriend.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

"The year is 2030. Ted Mosby is relaying the story of how he met his wife to his daughter and son. The story starts in the year 2005, when then twenty-seven year old architect Ted was spurred on to want to get married after his best friends from his college days at Wesleyan, lawyer Marshall Eriksen, who was his roommate at the time and kindergarten teacher Lily Aldrin, got engaged after nine years of dating each other. Ted's new quest in life was much to the dismay of his womanizing friend, Barney Stinson. But soon after Marshall and Lily's engagement, Ted believed that his life mate was going to be news reporter and aspiring news anchor Robin Scherbatsky, who, despite having had a romantic relationship with her after this time, ended up being who the kids know as their "Aunt" Robin. As Ted relays the story to his kids, the constants are that their Uncle Marshall, Aunt Lily, Uncle Barney and Aunt Robin are always in the picture and thus have something to do with how he got together with their mother."

Teen Wolf (2011- )

Awkward teen Scott McCall's life changes forever when he is bitten by a werewolf and becomes one himself. Some changes are positive - increased prowess in sports, super-hearing and a boost in confidence. But there are problems, and dangers, that come along with being a lycanthrope.

Reign (2013- )

Chronicles the rise to power of Mary Queen of Scots (Kane) when she arrives in France as a 15-year-old, betrothed to Prince Francis, and with her three best friends as ladies-in-waiting. It details the secret history of survival at French Court amidst fierce foes, dark forces, and a world of sexual intrigue.

I'll have another post for you tomorrow, but until then- have a wonderful day!

May Music Favourites

Evening everyone, it's once again nearly the end of the month and thus, it is time for another music favourites. This month I've mainly been revising for my Higher exams, and a lot of my music favourites have come from a Revision Playlist by Adrienne Hudson on Spotify- so if you want to check that out, you won't regret it!

A Sky Full of Stars // Coldplay
*

Thinking Out Loud // Ed Sheeran
* 

Fever to the Form // Nick Mulvey

*

Yes I Was Drunk // Twin Atlantic

*

All Comes Down // Kodaline 

*

Iron Sky // Paolo Nutini

*

The Story of Us // Taylor Swift 

*

Banana Pancakes // Jack Johnson 

*

Chocolate // The 1975

*

Anymore // Frank Turner 

*

Sheezus // Lily Allen 

I'll be back tomorrow with my next 30 Day Challenge post! Until then, have a wonderful day!

30 Day Challenge; Day Fourteen- Favourite Quotes

Afternoon everyone, I hope you're all enjoying your day! Today's '30 Day Challenge x.' post is about my favourite quotes. I have several that I love, some from books, some from films, TV shows etc, and some from famous thinkers and people. Here are some of my favourites!

Albus Dumbledore (J K Rowling)

Lewis Carroll

I'm going to post my May Music Favourites later, but until then, enjoy your day!

30 Day Challenge; Day Thirteen- Favourite Things about Myself

Evening everyone, I hope your Monday hasn't been completely awful and that you've enjoyed your day! It's once again time for another post in my 30 Day Challenge x, and today is all about the things that I like about myself. I quite liked this idea, as a little self-confidence won't go astray, right?

 I'm sure absolutely everybody has things that they like and dislike about themselves, but  I refuse to believe that there is anybody out there that isn't proud of at least one thing that they're good at! So here's a few things I pride myself on.

Present Wrapping

I'm famed for it, family members come from all over the country to get me to wrap their present. I take it as a bit of a personal challenge; every Christmas I raid Paperchase for the choice wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon and bows that my limited cash supply can buy, and then the fun begins. I get extremely obsessive and have been known to get extremely emotional in the past over 'perfect creases' and being able to smoothly cut through a piece of wrapping paper in one go. It's enthralling stuff.

You don't have to tell me that I'm a sad soul. I already know.

Ability to Apply Eye-liner

Due to my complete lack of allure, I've been known to need make-up to allow myself to leave the house- and I'm a big fan of a liquid or gel liner. I've never really been able to achieve the same definition with a kohl eye-liner, except when tight lining, but liquid and gel are my best friends. Despite my general hand-eye coordination being incredibly poor, I have become a bit of a pro with applying my eyeliner over the years, so that's definitely another personal point of pride.

Speed-Reading

If you haven't already grasped the fact that I'm not exactly the coolest person to grace this planet in recent times, then the fact that I read a lot as a child (hence the book blog) will serve to demonstrate that fact to you. Due to my years of reading, I developed the ability to read a lot of books in a very short space of time. Disappointingly, I've not exactly been able to demonstrate this ability in recent years; something that I am increasingly frustrated by.

I thought I'd put a little bit of fun into this post idea, since there really wasn't many ways to write this without sounding hideously cocky or self absorbed. Although isn't that a shame? That the line between conceited and confident has become so blurred that it's actually more socially acceptable to hate yourself than to love something about yourself.

I'd best end this before things get a little too deep! I'll be back this week with both Daily 30 Day Challenge posts, as well as a May Favourites and a Music Favourites post! Until then, have a wonderful evening!

30 Day Challenge; Day Twelve- Current Goals

Evening folks, I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, whether you've done something exciting or have spent the entire time in your jammies watching Netflix (I think we all know which camp I fall into.)  It's time for another Day of my 30 Day Challenge x. and today's topic is all about my current goals. 

This has been really interesting for me to think about, especially since I'm currently completing my Higher Exams, and have essentially been existing on a 'let's just get through today' basis, so I really haven't had time to ponder the existential effect of my actions, let alone set up some long term goals. Never-the-less I've had a little think, and here's what I've come up with; 

Pick a University/Get Good Grades

Relatively self explanatory I imagine, but as somebody who in general has always achieved good grades throughout my school education, I am under serious pressure from both my family, and myself, to do well in my Highers. If I'm being completely honest, I put a massive amount of pressure on myself, mainly due to the fact that in my own head- I feel like I have the ability to do really well in anything academic if I put my mind and effort to it. However, this year I have really, really struggled with Higher Maths, and it's been an extremely frustrating experience for me. Therefore, despite my self-applied pressure, there is a serious chance that my grades could take a little hit this August. That's why my main aim is to not panic, and pick a university and course that I know I will enjoy, regardless of my results!

Travel More

I've spoken about this a lot on here before but one of my absolute main life long goals is to see as much of the world as possible. I recently did an online survey type thing that gave you a percentage of the World's countries that you'd visited. I had visited just 2%. As a 16 year old with an income of about £100 a month I'm not really able to properly travel just yet, but I'm taking every opportunity I get!

Learn a Language 

I'm currently learning Spanish, which I completely love- and I'm aiming to one day become fluent. In a world where speaking English gives you the liberty to travel to far flung places and still expect some poor foreign worker to understand you when you say 'I'll have a coffee, two sugars.' If I ran the country I'd be sure to put more emphasis on young children learning a second language from a very young age, as there have been a million studies to show that the younger you are, the easier it is. Regardless, I hope to one day be bilingual porque es muy importante para mi! See what I did there?

Do Something Selfless

This is nothing but cliche, but I would love to start doing more to help in the community, such as volunteering! The world is in a pretty sorry state just now, and if everybody like me who has everything they need and require to live happily, could do something to give back- then imagine how much nicer a place the planet would be. I'm in no position to preach until I get my ass in gear and start helping out!

There you have it, I'll be back tomorrow for another Challenge post, but until then have a wonderful day!

30 Day Challenge: Day Eleven- Best Trip Ever

Evening folks, I am technically two whole days late with this post, but since it's only JUST Sunday morning, I'm calling it just one. Despite my aspirations, I am not a well travelled soul, and the only real holiday of note that I have been on is my trip to the US of A in 2011. Yes, Disneyland.

Disneyland gets slagged off left right and centre for being a childish place to go. But as a huge (HUGE) Disney fan, as well as a Harry Potter geek, Florida offered pretty much everything I could every have hoped for. We went for a fortnight and did all 4 Disney Theme Parks, 2 Disney Water Parks, as well as both of the Universal Parks. I can honestly say with complete confidence that I had the most fun I've ever had, so here is a tiny selection of the literal thousands of photos I took whilst there! 

I'll be back tomorrow, well.. today, with Day 12 of my 30 Day Challenge, but until then- enjoy your Sunday!