Goodbye College, Hello World!

Hello my little blog-reading-cupcakes! How are you all?

So I'm sat in Starbucks writing a post using my phone for the first time ever. I usually write posts on my laptop. At home. Usually while snugly wrapped in a duvet. But I was in town today and have some time to kill and I thought I'd go to Starbucks and start blogging, in the hope of fitting in here and looking like a real business woman. I mean, it would carry more weight if I had bought my laptop along with me but hey, I have enough weight to carry. Because I've stopped doing Insanity *sob sob*. Yep, it was just too hard. I didn't have the time, patience, or will to do it properly to be honest. But I am determined to do it one day. One day I shall conquer Insanity, Shaun T, and that bloomin' Tanya!!

Oh and in case you're wondering what I'm drinking whilst writing this post, it's a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frapaccino. And it's delicious! Ok so it IS cold outside and I DID plan on having a hot drink but the 'cookie crumble' bit caught my eye and everything else seemed incomparable.  So I'm freezing.  But it's worth it. And if I die of hypothermia today, at least I'll die happy. And full of cookies! AND chocolate.  That's got to be the best way to go, right? Full of the stuff you love.

Anyway I shall procrastinate no longer and get to the heart of this blog post. Ladles and Jellyspoons. . .I have finished college!!! Jai fini, finito, college mukagay (if you speak Panjabi). I am free!! I now have a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care at Merit grade.  Which is equivalent to 3 A Levels at B grade. To be honest, I know I could have done better and got Distinction* (3 A*'s) but my health got in the way. But heyho, I'm happy!

So now I am looking for a job which is so exciting! The thought of my first payslip, earning my own money, being able to support myself properly. . . The excitement literally cannot be contained!! So please wish me all the best. Because I'm nervous! But excited all the same. Any hints, tips and insight into the World of Work would also be much appreciated!

I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at my college. I seriously had the best tutors anyone could ever ask for. That's such a cliché but it's honestly so true. I felt important at college and my tutors helped me to have confidence in my own abilities. Little nuggets of wisdom were given to me that I will keep close to my heart for years to come. Also, the jokes we had, teaching one of my tutors 'signs from da hood', getting into some pretty heavy debates, getting some amazing advice for the future,  exchanging cake decorating ideas, exchanging beauty advice.    . The works! It was all so fun and so memorable. And I cheekily wrote the address to this blog in some cards that I gave to certain tutors so if you're reading this, it's not entirely in vain. You know who you all are.

My college mates! I will never forget our crazy times together! The endless laughs, the half hearted goss, the fun, the winding each other up and the amazing chats about food! I shall miss it all! Some of you are going to uni, some are going on to do other courses and some are working.  You guys are seriously all amazing!! And I'm so glad I did this course. Because if I didn't,  I wouldn't have met such amazing, crazy, and some just downright annoying people who I love! I know most of us will keep in touch but still!

Also the college dinner ladies! You were all so sweet. One in particular always used to give me a bit extra curry/pasta/whatever I was having. And we always had a laugh. They shall be missed! And so will the amazing carrot cake that they used to make. But that's beside the point.

Finally, someone who I know will probably never read this blog because he doesn't know about it. He also probably doesn't even remember me. But he was someone who worked at my local Connexions office (when Connexions was still around!). When I finished school, I didn't know what to do with my life. I knew a little British Sign Language and wanted to be an interpreter but there were no sign language courses that I could join in my area. So I went to Connexions to see if they could give me some direction. Bare in mind I was taught at home since year 8 at school and I had no GCSE's.

So I saw an advisor who advised me to go onto a Health and Social Care course at the local college because they might touch on sign language a little. This was at the end of August so deadlines for college applications were approaching or had already passed. But he let me fill out an application.  I was nervous about what to write in the box where you had to state why you wanted to get onto the course. But I filled it to the best of my ability. When the advisor came back, he read my application and chuckled to himself. This got me worried and I think he saw this on my face. And with that he said something I will never, ever forget . .

"I have high hopes for you".

Well my confidence soared and I never looked back! He said he worked at the college and would hand the application in personally and put in a good word for me. Which he must have done because I was accepted onto the course. I never saw him again. And I don't know where to find him. Because I'd love to just thank him for his support and advice. And also tell him what qualifications this girl with no GCSE's now has. I reckon he'd be pleased. But ultimately I just want to thank him. Because it's partly because of him that I am where I am today. So thank you kind sir!

Anyway, I'm pretty much done with the thank you's. And I reckon the Starbucks staff are going to kick me out soon. So I'd better jet.

But thank you for reading this people! I really cannot express how much I appreciate your views! Oh dear. . . All these thank you's are totes emotes! I'm going to start welling up in this cafe! Help!

Have a good day cupcakes!

Keep Smeating!!

Ditzy xXx

I'm Covering My Ears Like a Kid. . . Because I Need Sunshine. . .

Hello there fellow crazy people!

How are you all today? So, you might recognise the lyrics above. They're taken from two different songs:

La La La by Naughty Boy ft. Sam Smith

and

I Need by Maverick Sabre

Quite deep lyrics really and not the usual happy stuff that my blog posts usually consist of. But I thought I would publish this post anyway.

So I've been in a bit of a dark place recently but don't worry, I shall refrain from going into it. However, I will say this. . .

"Negativity is the first step onto the path of destruction." (I made that quote up. And yes, I'm proud of it).

Yes ladies and gentlemen, negativity is a very bad thing. Obviously. Otherwise it wouldn't be called negativity. But anyway, what I'm trying to say is when someone tries to put you down, cover your ears. Yes, literally, cover your ears like a kid. Walk away. And find someone worth spending time with.

Most of us have at least one person there who really, truly cares for us. Yet we can be so wrapped up in our problems, so focused on getting others to try and care, that we lose sight of the ones that actually want to help us and want us to fare well. Why do we waste our time on those that don't care? Those that never will? Why do we continue to ignore the ones that love us?

Then there are those who pretend to care. They offer empty words that actually have demeaning undertones. And the annoying thing is, we know this. We know the 'advice' they give isn't real advice. We feel the bite more than we feel the so-called positive remarks. And yet we continue to stick by these ones, when we know that they'll drop us when they find something/someone better.

So people, Naughty Boy and Sam Smith have it covered. This is what we need to do when it comes to negativity. . .

"I'm covering my ears like a kid
When your words mean nothing, I go la la la
I'm turning off the volume when you speak
Cause if my heart can't stop it, I found a way to block it, I go
La la, la la la...
La la, la la la...
I found a way to block it, I go
La la, la la la...
La la, la la la..."

Now, correct me if I'm wrong but I think I speak for all of us when I quote Maverick Sabre here. . .

"I need sunshine, I need angels, I need
Something good, yeah I need
Blue skies, I need them old times,

I need something good"

Because we all deserve something good. We all deserve sunshine and blue skies (yes, even us Brits need these things. . . take note Weather!!!). We all need something good in our lives. So why oh why waste our time on those that try to drag us down. Just focus on the ones that care, the ones that love, and the stuff that makes YOU happy. Because that's all we need. . . Something good.

So again, this is supposed to be motivational with positive undertones. Not sure if that's coming across. But I'm back in my happy place! And I hope you all are too. And those who aren't, I hope you'll join me on the road to happy. Because it's a nice place to be =)

So guys, I shall see you soon. I have a rather inviting mound of coursework to get through. And then I shall munch. On some salad leaves. In my happy place. . .

Keep Smeating folks!

Ditzy xXx

P.S. . . If you find it difficult to find your happy place. . . Just imagine a T-Rex trying to clap his hands. . .


Source: www.flickr.com
I have a top with this printed on it haha.

Let's all take a moment to appreciate the fact that we can clap our hands. Sing it with me peeps. . . I just wanna hear you clap again, clap clap again. . . =P


Ben Howard, Sam Fender, Theo Speaks, Shaun T, Alan Sugar, Jon Richardson. . . A Seriously Mish Mash Collaboration

Hello there you amazing readers!

Right, the last few blogs I've written have been all started with an apology for not writing a post in ages followed by a promise to write more regularly. So I thought, why break the trend?

So, dear readers I am soooooo sorry for not writing a single post recently! I have honestly been soooo busy with coursework, work, and other issues. But, alas, I am back and I'm back with a vengeance! I am determined, DETERMINED, to write at least one blog post a week. I have vowed to myself that I will. So I will. There. Done.

Ok, so granted, the title to this post is a little weird. You may have heard of some of these people. You may not. But anyway, these are the people I shall mention in the blog.

So let's start with Ben Howard! I went to see Ben Howard last night and it was breath taking. I am not even kidding. I will even go so far as to admit that I, Ditzy Polka Dot, was rendered speechless.

I really like Ben's music and so I was looking forward to the gig. I had high expectations too. I had read online that he wasn't great at interacting with the crowd but that didn't phase me too much. I was going for the music. Let me tell you now, those expectations were exceeded mahoosively!


His smile!!

The atmosphere was great and Ben interacted with us perfectly. He was funny, so humble, and just brilliant. We managed to get quite near the front which was brilliant. But his voice!


Ben Howard's voice has the ability to send shivers down your spine and make you feel like you're flying all at once. It's honestly euphoric. It was also pretty emotional. I saw a few people shed a tear or two with some of his songs. But then he he'd lift you up with a different one. He played a few of his new songs, which are amazing! I think I like them even better than his old stuff. The crowd was great too. Very upbeat, but not annoying.

The set was absolutely gorgeous! The lighting, the background, the smoke. Everything was so perfect. Ben's band were great too, but I can't remember their names! Sorry! He used at least 3 different guitars too but I'm sure there were loads more. I'm just not very observant when it comes to things like that. But he kept switching to different ones between songs.

Sam Fender was the supporting act for Ben Howard. Let me tell you, this man is amazing!!!! From the information I managed to glean, Sam is from Shields (?) he plays the guitar, and he has an amazing voice. That is all I could find. Literally. But all that matters is he honestly has a voice that makes you melt. Excuse the ridiculous cliché but there honestly is no other way to put it. His voice is beautiful, really husky, and just. . . awesome! It gave me goose bumps. And shivers. And I'm pretty sure it gave someone heart palpitations but I'm not sure. But anyway, he's brilliant. Definitely someone I want to see before he gets an even bigger following. So yeah people, look out for SAM FENDER!

I have uploaded a few videos of both Ben Howard and Sam Fender on YouTube. The link is at the bottom of this post. Let me know what you think!

So the next person I am going to mention is my mate Théo Speaks =) To be honest, I'm going to let the video below do the talking, because it is seriously impressive. Théo has been freestyling for a while but has just started to get back into it. I also happen to know that he's been on telly doing it which is rather exciting! Check it out people, it's unreal. Even if you're not into football/sport/exercise, this is seriously inspirational. And coming from me, that should mean even more! He'll be uploading videos once a week so subscribe! And if you're around Manchester/Liverpool, look out for him!

Right, The Apprentice is back on! Yayyyyyy!!!!!! Have you guys been enjoying it? I have! Though, is it just me or are the girls really bitchy this year? Like REALLY horrible. They actually terrify me. Wouldn't like to come across them in a dark ally. But anyway, I have three faves; Jason Leech, Myles Mordaunt, and Neil Clough.

Jason! He is brilliant! I love how scattered and 'in his own world' he is! Yeah, so, like everyone else, I was wondering what such a person was doing on such a sophisticated, intimidating show. But there must be something! He's a historian, for goodness sake! So I reckon he might surprise us all! I just LOVE this quote made by the Jasonator. . .

“Some people might come to this process with a game plan. I just feel my effortless superiority will take me all the way.”

Go on Jase! Show them all how it's done!

So, Myles Mordaunt is another fave. Because he's beautiful. He's also 39. So it makes me feel a bit weird thinking he's beautiful. But hey, if it's on the screen I might as well appreciate the view! He's actually pretty good and very logical. I think he could go pretty far on the show.

Just to quote the man himself. . .

He says: “I’m business perfection personified.”

I think you're a lot of things perfection personified Myles ;) But that's just my humble opinion =P

Last but not least, Neil Clough! I've got to admit, I didn't really rate Neil at the beginning of the process, especially when he was PM. I thought he was a little too 'I know how to do this and I don't need anyone else's views, opinions, or anything on the matter'. And that attitude lost him the task. BUT on last weeks task ('the away day') where he gave his motivational speech, he really won me over. It was really sad about his dad passing away, but it was evident that he wasn't using this as a guilt trip or for a sympathy vote. He focused on how it made him determined to succeed. He also said that you need to have one drive in life. One focus. And that, ladies and gentlemen, really motivated me. So he's earned a newfound respect from me and various others who I've talked to on the matter.

According to his profile Neil is "a Manchester United supporter". Well, nobody's perfect! =P

So anyway, it's nice to see Lord Sugarlump back on our screens isn't it? Cocky and blunt as ever, and I love it! Can't wait for tonight's episode!!

Shaun T, if you don't know him, is a guy that has put together Insanity Workouts. He is famous for lots of things, but I know him through Insanity. People, I'd like you to put down whatever you're eating, make sure you're seated and ensure your breathing is steady. Because what I'm about to tell you will shock you to the core.

I have decided to start exercising.

Not just any exercise either. I've decided to start Insanity. These are highly intense workouts that you have to do for 40 minutes every day for 60 days. And when I say highly intense, I mean every word. The dude suggests you wear a HEART MONITOR! Yeah, I don't do things by halves =P

So the first day I did it was on Saturday, followed by a completely inspirationally (is that even a word?) healthy KFC Variety Meal. Ugh! WHEN will I say no to the stuff! But I am determined to lose weight, get fit, and just be healthy. So this is what I am endeavouring to do. Help! I will let you know of my progress. But if I don't write a blog post next week, it might be because I'm sat in a corner of my room, rocking back and forth, hugging myself, trying to find my happy place. Just a warning.

Ok last but not least. . . JON RICHARSON!!! Whoooooooop!!!!! Heard of him? I hope you have! Jon Richardson is one of my fave comedians EVER!!!! He's so awkward, such a loner, has such a cute smile and makes me laugh so much that I LOVE him!!!  He also wears cardigans! *cough* chunky knit conundrum *cough* ;) If that's not a sign people, I don't know what is!

SO, I know this post has been pretty random and scattered (not unlike Jason Leech) but I hope you have enjoyed your read! I shall start writing shorter blogs a lot more regularly so please keep coming back! I really appreciate your views and feedback!

Keep Smeating Folks! (Remember, just smile and eat peeps, just smile and eat)

Ditzy xXx


Oooh YouTube vids!

Sam Fender:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SsU_cEchbI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnqaps0Ip7o

For more Sam Fender and Ben Howard vids, just check out my page on YouTube, because they're being uploaded as I type! Enjoy my little cupcakes! xXx