30 Day Snap #23 | Making the right decision in moving to London

I spent yesterday chillaxing. My final day in London. It was lovely to think that I no longer had to have an alarm in the morning as well. I spent the evening in PJ's, watching favourite shows with a bowl of pasta.

Just think tomorrow (today really), I'll be home. I'll be back with Dad and everything will feel fine. I actually start to tear up knowing how shortly the time is coming. I've missed everyone so much, but also leaving, I'll be missing all the lovely people I've met over here.

Last year I had a choice to either stay in Ireland or go to the UK. It was such a difficult choice to make! It's the end of the year (well of college that is) and I'm happy with the choice I made. Even though it hasn't been easy over here, living in a place that doesn't really feel like home, I know that times will change when I move away. There are so many possibilities and opportunities that can happen next year.

This is my last summer as I may have to stay over here next summer for work, so I plan on making the most out of my holidays with my family and friends.

Thanks for reading honey bunnies :)

30 Day Snap #22 | Cinema, Hugs & Kisses :)

Hello everyone,

sorry about the lateness, I'm usually not like this. But yesterday we were getting a new router installed, waiting for the delivery guy, and we didn't set it up until last night.

On Sunday, I went to the cinema with my cousin. She was meeting all her school friends, so yes I was sitting with a bunch of kids, talking through the whole movie. We went to see 'Maleficent'. I loved it. And much preferred the ending compared to the original version.

It was quite dark for a kids movie, so yes, some of the kids were crying, so there was comedy added as a bonus for me.

Afterwards, I got a McChicken Meal, then got all ready for my last day at work. It was a lovely feeling knowing it was my last. I got hugs and kisses from all my favourite chefs. I will miss them so much. One of the guys can speak fluent French, so he was hilarious to listen to, with telling me not to go. So funny!

At home Edel told me my Dad had a few pictures on facebook, of my house all done up in Ireland. He planted a few trees at the weekend.

Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful weather we're having.

30 Day Snap #21 | Unexpected Saturday with work & Spaghetti!

My Saturday didn't go as I hope it would. I was planning on packing my things for heading back home, but I agreed to work in the restaurant as a favour to someone, as well as they were considerate for saying that I might want the extra money for going home.

So I decided if I were to be working then spending my night babysitting, I would have a nice meal. Spaghetti bolonaise, simple but nice. And I'm back into that awful addiction with orange juice again!

I loved seeing the next door neighbours roses while walking to the kids house I was taking care of. The house in which I babysit in, is so beautiful. I especially love the chair, carpet area they have upstairs on the landing. So pretty. Adding ideas to my Pinterest :)

Thanks for reading luvs :)

Sit Down Saturday | Flaws 'n all!

Another Saturday :)

Is it always a bad thing? Making you feel all doom and gloom and being negative towards life. Or is it better to be honest with yourself and know exactly who you are, regardless of your flaws? I feel happier knowing my flaws. Rather than fooling myself believing I'm perfect.

I have many flaws. More than I can count, but there are values of myself that I'm quite proud of. As you get older you recognise more flaws about yourself, and it can go either way. With caring what others think and feeling awful with yourself OR being able to improve this flaws and to make you a better person. Only do it for yourself!

I sadly can't change flaws such as clumsiness and 'thinking before I speak', so I'll just have to live with them. But it does hurt me from time to time. Making me feel like the odd one out. How can I be that person who doesn't give a shi*? I appear to people as the confident, always up for a good laugh Irish one, but there can be days where the wall crumbles and shows my vulnerability.

What keeps me going is thinking about what is next to come. Ooh, like for example, tomorrow I'll be meeting a friend. That sort of thing that'll give me some optimism.

Are there days like this that can eat you up? How do you manage to shine a light on the bright side? To keep it together?

 

30 Day Snap #20 | Chats with friends, Sweet shops & Parks!

Hello Sweet cheeks,

Yesterday was a day of treats. I headed into town to say goodbye to Jaz, who is such an amazing person. She has shit going on in her life, yet she is so strong at the age of 19... like how does she do it? We decided to pop in for a final visit to (Peachys favourite Sweet shop) 'Hopscotch'. We then searched the town for the cheapest price of Pringles. Jaz loves her Pringles :) And with a Mocha cookie crumble frappachino, we sat on comfy chairs in Starbucks having a lovely chat. And if that wasn't enough we went to the park and sat out in the sunshine.

I also met a lady from work in the park. It's a small town, so things like this reminds me off home in Ireland, which I happen to like.

But when there are days when you're not exactly fit to be seen and then everyone is out 'n about, well that sucks!

Thanks for reading sheepys :)

30 Day Snap #19 | Goodbye to College, friends, tutors & to the best hot chocolate!

Yesterday I said goodbye to friends such as Peachy & Linda. Amazing women!

I will miss them both terribly.

In the morning I bought a pack of chocolate digestive biscuits for my tutor Andy. Every Thursday we would all have biscuits & tea in class... such a feel good atmosphere for the day.

So with the biscuits, me and Peachy signed the bear-designed card, drawn by our friend Jaz. THE TEDDY BEAR IS SO CUTE!

I had my last (the best hot chocolate I've discovered) in our Colleges' Starbucks... with the most amazing vanilla cream... Mmmmmm, now this I shall miss!

After giving a huge, long hug to Peachy, me & Jaz set off to the Noahs Ark hospice with the money we had raised. There we were given more papers on volunteering for the hospice. If I do come back to Barnet next September, I may actually help out if I can.

So, sad goodbyes to friends & tutors.

I was so happy in this College. I preferred going there compared to the house I was staying in.

I was also delighted to get back my final grade... passed everything officially. Throwing my portfolio in my head tutors face... "Hear You! You can take this!"

How's everyones snap challenge coming along?

Thanks for reading,

Thankful Thursday

I want to have a kitty cat, so I can put a whooly hat on him. Too CUTE!

This guys is my final Thankful Thursday in London. I shall be in Edinburgh this time next week... *bringing on the 'Oooooos'* Yeah I know! Amazing!

Carrying on, my week remained quite positive, especially with receiving word back that my suspected glandular fever was negative. THANK YOOOOOU DOCTOR! Now I can be happy with my holidays, with no worries. Throughout yesterday and today I've been looking over bit and bobs over at Canterbury. I'm still amazed by its beauty. I happened to have met a lady today, who went there for a day, for her new years resolution. She was awestruck by its charm, beauty and historic features. The young lady said she'd been inside the Canterbury Cathedral and described it as magnificent. The cathedral itself is supposedly where I should be graduating in 3 years time... *fingers crossed!*

So my Thankful Thursday

Eating out in the beer garden with some of my college peers and head tutor - Meditteranean platter board was enjoyable with the witty Peachy.

Getting an evening off from work - got to watch the England Vs Italy match.

Ed Sheerans music (both old & new) - opening up little parts of my soul.

Ella Henderson has been a pal to me this week, with going for countryside walk.

Bob Marley for making me see what truly matters in life!

Lidl chocolate - as good as any other.

Daily phone calls with the brother- discussing the matches (I'm fuming with Englands defenders tonight)

Being told by my mum how she's proud & jealous of my music - finally got her jealous.... kidding! But it's always good to know it's appreciated and supported.

Printing & checking-in for my flight back to Ireland.

Completing my portfolio for College... amazing how I did everything!

Buying gifts for tutors - they can't be thanked enough for everything they've accomplished with us.

Strawberry Activia yogurts.

Baby Daddy Finale!!!!!!!!! Dan the Man!

Burning candles.

Thank you for reading pip squeeks,

I hope you had a week for feeling thankful for,

30 Day Snap #18 | Fruit & veg markets

Howya,

Just 12 more day snaps for this challenge. I've been finding it easier than last year, with having my own laptop. I'm delighted with being able to plan out my time, in fulfilling things on my to-do-list.

Wednesdays, I usually go to the fruit and veg market, beside the library. I hate it when I see a line. Hate waiting just for a bag of cherries.

When I see markets, I just think of England, not just saying it cos there's flags everywhere, but it brings back memories of my yearly holidays in Manchester. Markets everyday!

I love seeing the hustle and bustle of people out. Wondering what they get up to in their everyday lives. It's just lovely having a great atmosphere.

Thanks for reading sheep-peeps,

30 Day Snap #17 | College Portfolio & the Summer Breeze!

Hello there,

Well yesterday was a fun day of organising my college portfolio... I felt proud with myself with making it to the end. 40% of the class had dropped out. Surprised in myself that I wasn't one in that percentage. I'm just waiting to hear back from one more assignment, on it's grade that is. But in all, I passed everything. Let's hope the people that IV them will agree with the tutors. So, in the library I also had the pleasure in checking-in online for my one way flight to Dublin. I'm just over the moon. I shall miss the days of seeing the creeps in the library. Me and my friends usually just hang around the college for entertainment at times. It can be so amusing.

In the evening, I opened up the windows in the house, letting the summer breeze in. I had so much weight lifted off my shoulders that day, with completing the portfolio that having the fresh air in the house made me feel so free. I could finally breath, if ya get me?

I also then had a quiet night with some tea and cake, along side my book.

Don't you just love the summer breeze?

30 Day Snap #16 | Thorntons' & Packing

I had the pleasure of diving into this tray of Thorntons chocolates, that reminded me a little of 'Matilda'. As seen, I ate a lot! The tray is obviously finished by now, oops, my bad!

After writing out my check-list for 'what to bring back to Ireland' the day before, I started choosing what jewelry and make-up to bring home. I love my jewelry as much as my clothes. I usually wear accessories everyday. So maybe I'll attack the next thing on my list, choosing what socks to bring home ;)

Only my most used make-up was chosen.

I do love my new makeup bag though. It can fit soooooo much.

Sadly I spent an hour choosing everything. I just want to be cautious with only being able to carry a small suit case and handbag.

I usually hate packing, leaving it till the very last hour before hand, but this feels like Christmas. Excited to see the family after so long, 4 months to be exact.

Randomly enough, I have that little tune in my head now, 'So my bags are packed and I'm ready to go... I'm standing here right outside your door----' stalker much?

Thanks for reading,

30 Day Snap #15 | Check-lists & a Yankee candle farewell!

Hello all,

Yesterdays Snap collage involved a day of making my usual check-list for the week and of also planning out a list of needs & wants for my returning to Ireland.

I felt peckish before heading off to work, so I had a cup of tea and a Mr. Kipling's lemon slice. I also had the misfortune of saying goodbye to my Yankee candle. Don't laugh, it was a very emotional time for me! The flame going out and me silently screaming, "Noooooooooooo!"

I'm making plans already for home, I'm just going over and over in my head in what to bring. Deep down I'm excited but I'm trying not to show it so much. My brother tells me not to raise my expectations, that I could become easily disappointed if anything bad happened. Thanks for cheering me up Aran!

Ooooh, that reminds me. I need to make a list of what to do while I'm on holidays in Scotland. I already have a Harry Potter related list for Edinburgh, thanks to my very good friend Peachy.

Do you find that writing a check-list helps you? I myself like to have it colour coded, making it more personal and creative.

Thanks for reading sheep peeps,

30 Day Snap #14 | Day off, hiding sheep & England World Cup!

Since I expected to be working in the evening at the restaurant, I decided to stay at home until then. I was afraid if I went shopping I wouldn't make it back on time (cos it takes me all day to shop!)

At 7:31am approx, my cousin came in the bed beside me. She's a nosey little one where she looks at my emails, snapchats, twitter...

I had a lovely morning to just stay in bed with my book and to catch up on some tv shows and you tube.

Then as soon as I walked in to the restaurant, I was told that I didn't have to work. It was quiet, due to the place having no tv. And well, England were playing for the world cup, so everyone was out in bars and at home watching the game. So I left the restaurant (seeing the pretty purple flowers on the way home) with a smile on my face, just glad to get back and watch the match. I laugh at some people who have no idea who the players are, and go to watch the game. The only reason why I watch and like football is because I grew up with two football lovers in the house. We spend a lot of time in pubs back home in Ireland and my brother always quizzes me.

I rang my brother before and after the match, discussing the highlights. No one here really likes football, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere going on.

The house now smells of lily's, reminding me of granny, one of her favourite flowers. And I have my little cousin testing what mood I'm in with her new mood necklace. We spent yesterday evening, hiding sheep around the house and trying to find them. Random but fun! I especially liked how my cuz hid one of the teddys' behind the lily's.

Thanks for reading peeps,

Sit Down Saturday | Being Away From Home

Hey guys,

I found out this evening that I didn't have to work. Great news!

Today's choice of hot drink: Hot chocolate

I took this picture two years ago, while going for a walk with Edel. I just love the flowers we have back home.

For people like myself who are living away from home for the first time will know how hard it is. Living here for the first few months was fine. It was exciting being able to do things for myself and getting to meet new people. I had a new job, new friends and had started a new course, so everything was exciting.

I would advise to people though that to enjoy life over here you need money. Back home it's the same, but then I have mum and dad paying for holiday breaks and things. There are certain things to consider over here, that my friends may be working, have families of their own and that they affordability may be a problem. So wanting to go to new adventurous places may be problematic. I have had lots of independent time to think for myself this year. I've focused a lot on myself. Trying to change certain things that I'm not happy about myself. Change for the better.

Deciding on where I hope to be living was perhaps one of the most worrying issues I've ever had to face. I'm a very indecisive person, everyone knows that about me. But I grew up with a mother where, what you pay for, you need to be absolutely sure it wasn't a waste. So I decided with accepting my offer from Canterbury Christ Church University. Hopefully everything goes well anyway.

The things I miss most about home are:

- The comfort of my own house and of the local towns.

- Waking up without an alarm. Instead I have sheep outside my window telling me to wake up.

- My family, close friends, Edel, my neighbours and the local shopkeepers and bartenders. Just seeing people from the local shops and pubs makes me feel as though I'm home.

- Days in the house when Mum & Dad are working, and me and my brother have the music full blast in the house. I miss spending time with my brother, watching movies, playing the PS3. Even when we're bored with the pubs with our families, we'll just talk in the car outside.

- Eating wherever I want around the house. Here in England, living with my aunt & uncle, they're serious about eating at the table and to be there at the exact time to eat. Back home we're really not that serious. We're relaxed and don't really care where we sit and eat. Also everyone but me in the family eats with their mouths open, so that's a little irritating to be around, heehee.

- Spending time with Edel, I miss her humour, her smiles and our DMC's where we'll stay up will 6am talking about our ambitions and fantasies... sleepovers are the best!

I am more excited about returning home than I was for Christmas or when I was going to Mauritius. As well as, I'll be having my birthday meal and seeing my house all done up on the outside.

Thanks for reading sheepys,

30 Day Snap #13 | Eating out in the sunshine with my course group

Summer, Summer, Summer!

What a beautiful day it was, to have our class meal together.
Not everyone made it, but we still had a laugh!
We did intentionally had planned on going for an Italian, but come on! The weather was just too good to be sitting in. So we went to the nearby pub beside our College, 'The Black Horse'.
I myself shared a Medditeranean platter board with Peachy. We had a great laugh with our good friends and with the greek ray-ban-man waiter.

I wanted to take some pictures, as this was perhaps one of the last times we'd be seeing everyone before the holidays.

Friday 13th is always an unlucky day for me. The Irish superstition kicks in. So the day was going great, with having the meal, then coming home to reading outside in the sun with my Ribena (this reminds me as a kid with going swimming every Saturday with my grand-parents), then... my aunt came from Ireland. Let's just say it's an aunt I don't get on well with. Very old fashioned in her ways. So the mood was going down hill as soon as she walked in the door. But I did pick myself up with the Spain and Netherlands game. What an amazing game it was as well. 5-1 to Netherlands. Unreal stuff! Every minute something exciting was happening.

This picture makes me laugh. I could have posed nicely but nah... Jaz looks like a real American with her fashion, love it :D

Kadiatu knows my Achilles heel. I'm extremely ticklish. I was being very careful with my waist, so afraid she would have me screaming in the garden. Peachy didn't seem to mind by the looks of it. 

Jaz, Linda & Kadiatu - these magnificent women are just one of the reasons why I push myself to go into College everyday. They give me sense and reason as to what my goal is.

Hey guys, just 10 days till I'm on a plane, heading back to my family. The grin on my face is getting wider and wider with each day passing by.

Thanks for reading láska moja,
(leaning Slovakian at work as well, so that's fun)

30 Day Snap #12 | My own Spa day with old classics

Hiya,

Yesterday was a day of eugh and hmmm, and 'God I'm bored!'

So with not knowing what to do, I decided to have a spa day.

That meant, reading out in the sunshine, singing with my guitar, watching old movies - 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' and 'Sabrina', having a relaxing bath with candles and tea. Then I had the lovely pleasure of painting my nails & applying a face mask.

This little pip-sqweek keeps taking my only sheep from me (the one on the left.) I being my very generous self, allow her to take him to bed, in the hope that she thinks that I'm giving her cuddles throughout the night.

Even with the day being so relaxing, I still got lost in thought. Sometimes this annoys me because I get irritated in my own mind. I just feel so guilty knowing that there's more productive things to be doing, rather than relaxing. But I just procrastinate and procrastinate. The best distraction is to talk to people that you know will distract you from your worries and anxieties.

But when there's no one to talk to, what should I do? What is the best distraction for any of you, that understand how I feel?

Thanks for reading giggle-piggles,

Thankful Thursday

Hello hello, to everyone out there in the whole wild wide world!

Apart from getting sick and having to work while being sick, my week went quite alright. Tuesday was the first night in a long time, where I slept happily and comfortably. I'm hoping to get news back on my blood tests tomorrow at the GP's, so here's hoping that I'm okay.

The week really had me drained. But there were times when I did feel ever so happy.

Thankful Thursday

Having the uncontrollable desire to sing 'Happy' - Pharrell Williams, with being asked out for drinks (personally I think the restaurant that I work in, should be a whore house! All the staff do is flirt with one another. But it does bring tears of laughter and joy to my donkey featured face.

Antibiotics - Doctors orders! Penicillin is what has been getting me back into shape! Not trying to advertise drugs here people, but it is in its way making me happy with reaching to a better recovery.

Playing peeka-boo and confessions at College - our canteen has been turned into some sort of timber boxes / plasterboard maze. It's fun with being able to jump out at complete strangers and to not be afraid that they'll come find you.

Midnight snapchats with my great friend Cillian. It's difficult to contain my laughter with the fella, from just a single picture.

Soccer Aid - my brothers commentary is funny to listen to. He questions himself, which is more entertaining than the match at times.

Carnivals, McDonalds & flat shoes.

Day time naps.

Coldplay & Ed Sheerans new albums - just unbelievable!

Graham Nortan & Coronation Street

Just think people, next Thursday will be my final Thankful Thursday post here in Britain until next September.

Thanks for reading sheepys,

30 Day Snap #11 | Buying gifts & Having lunch in the sun!

Yesterday, with being blessed to having such great sunlight, my friends and I decided to eat out in sun. I only got a latte and a yogurt with granola. The organic chocolates were devoured when I got home hours later.

We chose a card for 'Picky Pete', our Slovakian, head tutor. He's also been our therapist and friend along this road trip in Barnet. So we feel he deserves to get just a little something. The card will be edited with humourous comments and the other little thing just gives a few pages of the meaning of his name. That too will be edited. (So, Peachy, I know you're reading this, tomorrow morning, I need ya to sign the card.) I'll buy the wine in Waitrose in the morning as well, along with an apple ;)

He's on a diet guys, with a personal trainer, so he'll be delighted to see the apple!

Tomorrow is our class group meal together at lunch. We're heading to Prezzos for an Italian. I know what I'm getting already! Plus for dessert... tirrimasu... Mmmm.

How's everyone enjoying this fine weather?

I feel so free when I see no clouds in the sky.

Love you all lots & lots like jelly tots,

30 Day Snap #10 | New Books & bye bye Father's Day card!

Ahh, great! I got chocolate on my laptop... crisis averted.

Hey everyone,

Yesterday, feeling ill I made an appointment with the Doctor. I may have glandular fever. Good thing it's not contagious from the internet.

Anyway I'm on penicillin now, so all should be swell (Haaa, swollen glands, oh you're HILARIOUS KAYLA!)

But with having headaches on and off, my highlight of the day was meeting Pauline in 'Waterstones'. She her lovely self, works there and has probably read every single book there is. She spoke to me how she gets irritated by her husband if he finishes a book before her. That's right people, I'll have her life story in two more meetings.

How we got talking to her was when I was dancing with happiness over seeing 'City of Heavenly Fire', Cassandra Clare's last installment to The Mortal Instrument series. She must have wondered what I was getting all excited about.

It came out last week, and was out of stocks within a few days. So I was lucky to get this copy :) I'm currently reading it and am taking breaths between pages, not sure whether I'm ready to end this series. I was unhappy with the ending of 'The Infernal Devices' series. If Cassandra Clare kills off Jace, that's it! I'm gonna hunt her down and do a  Kathy Bates, 'Misery' on her!

The second book I bought was Half Bad by Sally Green. The bookkeeper said it was amazing, so I'm hoping it does turn out well, otherwise it was waste of money!

I had my usual treat to a free Waitrose latte and got the chance in sending my Father's Day card (mum has a little letter inside also). I gave Dad only ten euro, for a packet of smokes. He's not exactly difficult to please.

That's all folks,

30 Day Snap #9 | Jogging in the Woodlands

I was feeling so terribly off yesterday. I felt as though procrastinating was boring. I felt as though I wanted to take out some of my stress, anxiety, whatever... the emotions that were wanting to burst out from me, with jogging. Even with feeling so drained, I just wanted to get out of the house and feel better. I knew that I would disappoint myself if I allowed myself to feel unhappy.

I made myself get all geared up for a jog. I went out to the nearby woods and had 'Coldplays' new album blasting in my ears. Just when I knew I was alone I ran like a wild lunatic through the little path ways, as though I was running away from someone. There were times when I would glance behind me to see whether I was being followed... scary, I know!

I felt so exhilarated out there. The traffic could still be heard, but I eliminated it's horrific noises with music and the sound of my own heart thumping. Regretfully, I could have chosen a better day to go jogging. There was some rays of sunlight to be seen, but it was such a stuffy, claustrophobic day, making it harder to breath when racing through the trees.

I used to at one time in my life take my anger out on my brother, yes I was a terrible sister, you don't know how I regret it now. But now he's bigger than me, so he's usually the one bugging me. Fair enough. I had such anger management issues a few years back and having jogging now in my life really has made such a difference in my life. The pain I feel from jogging, with breathing, is something I can control. I like to know I can control pain. Having it as well, is just a way of letting go. It's a great stress relief!

How do you like to let go of your emotions... nothing so dirty now! But when you feel as though you need to unwind yourself, what does it for you?

Lots of luvin',