New Blog, New Link

Hiya guys!

Just to let you know, I have started a brand new journal.
Here's the link

Leigh's World - The Next Chapter

Wow, What a Shock!

I was very shocked when I received the e-mail from AOL stating that the Journal community is due to close.  Like many other J-Land members, I feel shocked, angry, confused.  Why is AOL doing this?  We weren’t even given a choice.  After all, we are a community!!

I joined the blogging community on April 11, 2006 searching for a new pastime.  It was suggested by a family friend that I join the school newspaper team.  I had planned to leave school and study a Childcare course at college, so I thought “No.”

However, Lesley had planted a seed in my mind, which was ready to grow.  I stumbled across Jeannette’s blog one evening, and suddenly blogging seemed the perfect way to set the world to rights!  Originally I dismissed the idea as I thought people wouldn’t be interested in what a teenager had to say.  How wrong I was!

J-Land is a great community, and it shall be a shame to see it disappear… along with our blogs!  We have laughed and cried together through good times and bad.  I have made some wonderful friends throughout my time here.  It was great to know that whatever you wrote, there was always someone there to listen.  Your words meant so much!  The sudden closure of "AOL, Hometown" has left me wondering, "What's the point?"

Throughout my time here in J-Land, I have shared with us my education, the challenges I have faced, my holidays and family life.  You have watched me grow from boy to man.  I’m not ready to leave yet.  I feel there are still lots of things to tell you.  But thank you for visiting the crazy world of Leigh; it’s been a pleasure having you!

Tags: journals, closure

Three Week's Absence... Tut, Tut!

Wow, it’s been nearly three weeks since I posted a ‘proper’ entry on here.  I have had a serious case of writer’s block!  I’m feeling great!  I think I just needed time away from the computer, to be honest.  J-Land seems to have been pretty quiet in recent months, so it seemed right to take a break.

First of all, I must say Congratulations to my Mum and Dad, who celebrate their 22nd Wedding Anniversary today.  It’s also my mum’s Birthday tomorrow, so I shall send Birthday Wishes too.

I enrol at my local University on the 22nd September.  I will be living at home and commuting back and forth to lectures.  I don’t feel ready to move out of home yet.  Maybe I will in the second year, who knows?

I am really excited to be starting this new chapter in my life.  I’m so excited to be meeting new people and making new relationships, as well as all the parties!!  I’m nervous too, but the social-networking site, Facebook has been helpful there. 

You see, I have joined a Fresher’s Group on there.  The Group enables prospective students to find others on their course and get to know each other beforethe course starts.  It’s really handy because now we won’t get so freaked out when we meet.  It’s amazing to me how many students attending this University are not from Wales!

Do you remember I was nominated for my county’s “Outstanding Student Award”?  The Awards Ceremony took place on 5th September.  It was a lovely night.  I felt so honoured and it was a privilege to be there with my parents, Headmaster (I was so nervous chatting to him!!) and Head of Sixth Form, as well as all the other talented nominees.

There were 18 nominees altogether, one from each Sixth Form in the borough.  Then in between five courses, the six nominees from each county (Rhondda, Cynon & Taff) would go up individually and answer questions about themselves.

I was asked four questions, which I will post at a later date.  I had written two pages of stuff to mention – I know what you’re thinking… a little O.T.T – but I didn’t want to forget anything.  Anyway, I didn’t use the paper as a reminder.  I felt I didn’t need it, however, I think I remembered the important bits!

I went up onto the stage twice after the speech.  Once to collect a trophy for being a finalist in the competition… and another one for… Rhondda’s Regional Student of the Year!!!!!  Can you believe it?... YEAH BABY!!!!!  Also, I was awarded £170 in vouchers, which are going to go towards books for education… boring I know, but sensible!

Oh my God – I was so speechless.  Words cannot describe how I feel.  I’ve been on a cloud of euphoria ever since.  It wasn’t the top prize (the top prize was a brand new car for a year), however, it was like the icing on the cake for me.  I have worked so hard and now it’s paid off.  You see, the organizers announced the Regional Winners, then the overall winner of the competition. 

I feel so honoured and privileged, and now, I’m looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.  I may need to detox in October after all these celebrations!!  HAHAHAA!! 

   

9/11: We Will Not Forget

Tags: 9-11-01, New York, World Trade Center, Terrorist attack

Is it Over Already?

 

I can’t believe the Olympics are coming to an end.  It certainly doesn’t feel like coverage has been broadcast for sixteen days, anyway.

 

As I type this, Team Great Britain have won 19 gold medals, 13 silver medals and 15 bronze medals.  The team has achieved forty-seven medals in all and rank fourth in the league table.    Well done team, your country is very proud of you!

 

 

However, I do not think it is fair that in the league tables, they only count the Gold total.  It’s as if the Silver and Bronze medals do not matter.  The Silver and Bronze may not be as prestigious as Gold, but it’s still a good attempt.  Maybe in the future they could change the scoring system.  Perhaps 5 points for a Gold, 3 points for a Silver, and 1 point for a Bronze?

 

     

 

It’s the Olympics Closing Ceremony today.  The Opening Ceremony in Beijing was so spectacular!  I woner what surprises China have in store for us today.  I predict that the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Games are going to be a tough act to follow.  I mean, for a start, we don’t have the same amount of money to spend.

 

      

 

Well done Team GB once again.  According to the “Daily Mirror” this Olympic Games has been the best performance by athletes to date.  Let’s hope the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown keeps his vow to give the team Honours!

 

Get ready for the Paralympics Games which begin on 6th September!

 

      

 

Pictures above are from the Opening Ceremony of the Games in Beijing.

 

Team GB arrive at Hathrow Airport, London. 

Tags: Beijing, Great Britain, Olympics 2008, medal count, Team GB, sport

Limo Trouble

 

Firstly, remember this entry?  Well, I have an update for you.  Kailei & I, along with the other couple WILL NOT be getting a refund from the limousine company.  This is because the company refuse to believe it was their fault that we broke down en route three times.  TOTAL BULL!

 

 

 

The driver said his boss knew that the limo had a strong chance of breaking down.  The manager said they would not give us anything back because the driver did the job.  He got us there from A to B.  But as they missed the professional photography session, they gave us a two bottles of wine to share and half an hour’s free ride in the limo whenever we wanted.

 

 

 

I’m sorry if I sound ungrateful, but in my opinon, for the amount of money we paid… that’s not worth it at all.

 

Still On Cloud Nine

Firstly, I would like to congratulate my friend and mentor Jeannette, who was given the role of Magic Smoke’s “Guest Editor” this week.

 

I would like to thank her as she choosing my journal as one of her ‘picks’.  What a surprise and honour it was to learn I had been chosen.  It must’ve been a very hard job to pick six journals as there are so many out there in J-Land. 

 

I’m so enjoying reading and commenting on Jeannette’s other choices.  It is thrilling to discover some journals that I have never visited before.

 

Waiting for my ‘A’ Level results wasn’t as bad as I had thought.  I was excited more than anything.  All of us were told to line up and wait outside the Headmaster’s office.  Then one by one, we were called in and then handed our results on a piece of paper, and given a hearty congratulations and a pat on the back!

 

I do not agree with this procedure at all because the teachers already know the results and it’s unfair on the student.  I believe that the Results should be put in an envelope and then given to the open.  Then, they can deal with whatever good or bad news privately. 

 

I know the teachers must be there to support and guide students, but whatever happened to privacy?

 

To make things worse, I had to go and see the Deputy Headmaster then, to check if I had received acceptance from my chosen University.  It was total chaos!  The University’s switchboard was jammed.  So I was sitting for an hour and a half, waiting for a response.  That was the worst part… not knowing whether or not you had got onto your course.  In the end, I gave up… it seemed like I had been sitting there hours… so, I came home and checked online.  There it sat in my inbox:  “YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED!”

 

Later on that night, we had a little drink to celebrate in the back garden.  It was nice.  Mum, Dad, Uncle Robert, Maggi, his girlfriend Auntie Helen and Kailei were here.  Not too many people, just the people that mattered.  We all had Champagne and some strawberry cheesecake.  I paid the price the next day though with the mother of all hangovers!  I must say, I don’t drink much, so it goes straight to my head!

 

Thank you to everyone who sent congratulations on my ‘A’ Level Results.  I am still on cloud nine.  I’m so excited to begin this new chapter in my life.  The other students won’t know what’s hit them, hee hee! 

 

Tags: A/AS Levels, examinations, results

'A' Level Results Day.

Today I received my ‘A’ Level Results.  Guess what?

 

 

 

 

I PASSED!

 

  

Level	Subject	Result	Grade over 2 years
AS (1st yr)	Health & Social Care	C
A2 (2nd year)	Health & Social Care	C	C
Advanced Diploma	Welsh Baccalaureate		A
AS (1st yr)	English Literature	C
A2 (2nd yr)	English Literature	D	C

 

At the end of the two years, the grades are added together then divided to give an average.  So this means I have 1 A and 2 C grades. 

 

I can confirm that I have been accepted into my local University to a degree in “English Studies”.  Can’t believe it at the moment, the news hasn’t quite sunk in yet.  I’m so excited to see what lies ahead.

 

CHEERS EVERYONE!

 

 

Tags: A/AS Levels, examinations, results

Music, Movie & A Meal!

First of all, I must apologise for the numerous e-mails I sent out to people regarding my last post.  I assumed that because I had received no Alerts no-one had commented.  Then, I checked on Monday evening when the Alerts were working and lo and behold, people had.  I was so happy to have 7 comments!

 

This time next week, I will have the results of the A-Level examinations I sat in May and June.  This time next week we shall know whether or not I am going to University.  OMG!  Leigh… you must think positive now.

 

Last week, my Nan and I went to see the new movie version of “Mamma Mia!”  It was hilarious from start to finish.  Julie Walters is legendary and Meryl Streep is surprisingly good at singing.  The songs by ABBA just want to make to get up and join in… and people did!

 

I am now teaching Chantelle (the little girl Mum child minds) some songs that appear in he movie.  Singing with her takes me back to when I was younger, I think I was about 9 or 10, when I would sing ABBA tracks and make up little dance routines to go with them.  It’s slightly embarrassing now, LOL!

 

Today is my Uncle Robert’s Birthday!  Later, we are going out for a meal to celebrate, so I must go and get ready now. 

 

Until next time…

 

Tags: A/AS Levels, ABBA, examinations, Mamma Mia, results, songs

A Postcard from Ibiza

Dear J-Land members,

 

Hope things are well with you.  Have you missed me while I’ve been away?

 

The weather is lovely here in Playa D’En Bossa, Ibiza.  Some mornings have been cloudy, but fine.  It did rain one afternoon for about an hour, but it didn’t deter people at all – they just carried on without a care in the world.

 

The apartment is small and compact.  There is no T.V, but I’m sure I’ll find other things to do.  We have a very noisy air conditioning system in the room.  It keeps the room cool, but the noise from the machine and Dad’s snoring are a bad combination!

 

On the first Wednesday, we visited the Hippy Market in the town of Es Cana.  We took a boat ride over and passed through Figeueratus and Cala Longa.  The market is very popular with the Spanish and tourists alike.  I had never seen so many people about.  I felt like we were packed in like sardines!

 

Afterwards, we met up with Dad’s friend and his wife who are staying in Es Cana and went for a meal.  The return boat ride was much calmer and we were also given a free cup of sangria to enjoy.  It was “a nice treat”, Mum says.

 

We visited the nearby town Figeuratus, which is  rumoured to be the Gay capital of Ibiza.  My first impression was not a good one as the buildings looked terribly old fashioned.  However, we had a lovely meal in a Spanish restaurant in the town.

 

We have taken part in many quizzes throughout the holiday.  There were three times where we were in a tie-break situation.  On the last night, we actually won the quiz and a bottle of champagne.  Then, mum decided to have a go at the Bingo – and she won 55 Euros!  Couldn’t believe it!

 

Lots of love,

 

Leigh

'Sand in My Shoes'

Hey guys,

 

How are you all?  This is just a short message to let you know that I’m home from my break in Ibiza.  We got back in Cardiff at 12:30p.m this afternoon. 

 

I’m feeling really tired now, as I’ve been up since 6:30a.m this morning, so I will write a ‘proper’ entry tomorrow or Sunday.   Yes Missie, I did take lots of pictures!  So many in fact, I may have to be selective.  At the moment, I am waiting for the batteries to recharge to upload them onto the computer.

 

I’ll leave you with a song now, which describes exactly how I’m feeling right now.

 

Dido – “Sand in My Shoes”

 

Two weeks away feels like the whole world should've changed
but I'm home now, and things still look the same
I think I'll leave it till tomorrow to unpack, try to forget for one more night that I'm back in my flat
on the road where the cars never stop going through the night
to a life where I can't watch the sunset, I don't have time, I don't have time

I've still got sand in my shoes and I can't shake the thought of you
I should get on, forget you but why would I want to
I know we said goodbye, anything else would've been confused
but I want to see you again

tomorrow's back to work and down to sanity
should run a bath and then clear up the mess I made before I left here
try to remind myself that I was happy here before I knew that I could get on a plane and fly away
from the road where the cars never stop going through the night
to a life where I can watch the sunset and take my time, take all our time

I've still got sand in my shoes and I can't shake the thought of you
I should get on forget you but why would I want to
I know we said goodbye, anything else would've been confused
but I want to see you again(x2)
I want to see you again

two weeks away, all it takes, to change and turn me around I've fallen
I walked away, and never said, that I wanted to see you again

I've still got sand in my shoes and I can't shake the thought of you
I should get on, forget you but why would I want to
I know we said goodbye, anything else would've been confused
but I want to see you again(x2)

I wanna see you again
I wanna see you again

Summer Break

Hi everyone.

 

This shall be the last post from me for two weeks.  I am going on a summer break with my family to Ibiza, Spain.  We are staying on the island of Playa D’en Bossa again.  You may remember we went there last year for a week, but this time we are staying at a different hotel. 

 

I cannot wait to escape from this miserable weather we have been getting!  The only thing I am not looking forward to is the early morning flight.  Although, it is not so bad on the return journey because you can have your breakfast and off you go back to the airport.

 

What else have I been up to?  Oh yes!  I have had new glasses.  These are ones that I can wear in and out of doors.  The lenses go darker in sunlight.  I think it will behandy to take one pair on holidays rather than two, and then I won’t be at risk to losing them.

 

I have also had a new manual wheelchair, which I use for long distance journeys.  I had been waiting eighteen months (a long time) for it.  I can’t tell you how happy I was this morning to finally get it.

 

Also, Katie has written a letter of complaint to the limo company that took us to the Ball on behalf of us all.  We hope to get a refund of £21.25 each and compensation of £40.  I would be quite happy just to have the deposit we paid.  I shall let you know any further developments when I get back from Ibiza.

 

Take care J-Land.  Until I return…

 

Oh, What a Night!

Sorry this entry took so long.  I have been waiting for the photographs to be developed and sorting through them.  I have selected the best ones to display here.  More pictures will be added later.

 

Kailei & I had a great time at the Sixth Form Ball that Saturday night.  It really was one I shall never forget.  From the photographs, I think you’ll agree when I say Kailei looked absolutely beautiful in her ball gown.  I felt like a prince with her on my arm.

 

The limo ride to the venue was thrilling.  We broke down – three times!  Trust that to happen to me, but it all added to the excitement!  Katie & Adam, her boyfriend, were sitting there panicking, while Kailei & I were singing "Que Sera Sera" loudly out the window, while drinking from our flasks of vodka and Malibu. 

 

The limousine got us to the venue, but we were forty minutes late because of the breakdown.  We will be complaining because unfortunately, we missed the professional photos.  Kailei and I didn’t really mind because Uncle Robert and Maggi, his girlfriend, had taken lots of pictures beforehand out in my back garden.  But the other couple may not have been so lucky.

 

Also, the limo driver told us that we had to be over the age of 21 to have a glass of champagne on the journey.  Afterwards, we found out we could’ve had a glass because we were all 18 years old, and legally adults.  It shows how much the driver knew about rules and regulations!

 

We arrived just in time for the three course meal.  We had leek and potato soup to begin.  Then for the main meal, we had chicken in mushroom sauce with asparagus wrapped in bacon.  With that, there was roast potatoes, new potatoes with carrots and peas.  For desert, we had a chocolate pyramid, with a crème brûlée filling.  The meal was very nice!

 

Then, after the meal, the headmaster and deputy headmistress gave some speeches of thanks, and then some ‘Awards’ were handed out for best looking male, female and couple of the evening (bias in my opinion)… Then the party really began!

 

I did not stop dancing all night.  The only problem I found that it was really claustrophobic on the dance floor.  It was really tiny, but that didn’t stop me getting my groove on!

 

I had an amazing night, and I know Kailei did as well.  It’s very true when it is said time flies when you’re having fun.  It really did, the party only seemed to begin when it was time to leave.  I’ll close now then and I hope you enjoy the photographs I have included.

 

School Ball Bother

 

Well, I have not been up to much since I have finished school.  I’m so bored and it’s nine days into the summer holidays.  I have been to the cinema a few times with some friends, but that’s it.  Other than that, I have been organising final arrangements for my School Ball, which is taking place tonight in Cardiff Bay.

 

 

I’m taking my good friend Kailei as my guest tonight.  I’m excited, but not as half as much as her!  I think that is what everyone is feeling today.  Last week, we had to arrange with another couple (Katie & Adam) a pick-up point for the limo.  What a palaver that was!

 

 

Kailei & I had a discussion with the other couple who are going to share the limo with us.  It was agreed that we would be picked up at Katie’s house.  Then we found out that the limo wouldn’t be able to turn in her street, so we thought we’d better change the pick-up point.

 

 

 

 

Kailei & I suggested that the limo pick us up from the  local pub.  The other couple agreed it would be nice to meet there and have one or two drinks before the Ball.  However, Katie said she would not change the pick-up point of the limo because she wanted to keep her mother happy.

 

 

I thought “What has your mum got to do with it?”  After all, she is nineteen and is capable of making her own decisions.  But no, she was standing firm, now she definitely wanted us to go to her house.  I don’t like going to people’s houses that much, unless I know the individual really well.  Otherwise, it gets awkward trying to think of things to talk about.  Later that night, it occurred to me that Katie’s mum may be a show off.

 

 

The next day, we made a compromise:  Kailei & I would be picked up at the pub and Katie & Adam would be picked up at Katie’s home.  Neither of us wanted that to happen, but it saves arguments.  I’m looking forward to it.  Both our families are going to meet at the pub to see us off.

 

 

                    

 

A week last Thursday, I missed my suit fitting.  I didn’t even know I had one booked until last Wednesday when I phoned the shop.  I was more annoyed because the boutique had not phoned to remind me of the fitting, as they had promised.  Then, I became concerned in case there were any alterations to be made to the suit, so I rescheduled for the next day.  Touch wood, the suit fitted perfectly, so there were no alterations to be made.  Phew!

 

                   

 

So, that’s what I have done this week.  I am really looking forward to the Ball now, as time draws near.  I am armed with my digital camera as usual.  So, I will take lots of pictures – that’s if the batteries don’t run out.

 

 

School's Out Forever!

Today was my last-ever day at school.  I can’t quite believe how quickly it has come and gone.  I was bit teary his morning, however, I now see it as a new beginning.  I went around school saying goodbyes this morning, and then this afternoon I had my final exam.

 

You could say I stayed at school right until the end because I had to stay an hour after the bell to finish my exam.  It went extremely well and I am very happy right now.  What will I do tomorrow now I have no school?

 

I’d like to thank the staff members for all the help, support and encouragement they have given over the last seven years.  I have also made some wonderful friends along the way.  I’m going to miss you all and will definitely keep in touch!

 

Frank Sinatra – ‘My Way’

 

'8 for 8' Game

I’ve been tagged by Morgan of “Random Thoughts“to play “8 for 8”.

 

The aim of the game

 

Set your iPod, mp3, whatever you've got to shuffle and write down the first eight songs that play...

O.K, here goes:

 

1. Fleetwood Mac – Songbird
2. The Beautiful South – Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)
3. Des’ree – Life
4. The Beatles – Hey Jude
5. Amy Winehouse – I Heard Love Is Blind
6. Scouting For Girls – Elvis Ain’t Dead
7. Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise
8. Frank Sinatra – New York, New York

 

There we have it, that wasn’t so bad after all.  A mix of rock, pop and jazz from the 1980’s the present day.  I’m glad my iPod has been nice to me, and decided to play some songs I like.  

 

Now it’s your turn!  I tag:

Ally, Donna, Jeannette, Joan, Linda, Missie, Sugar and Zoë

 

Have fun!