The Check Up

 

Mum has been a registered child minder for about eight years.  Her boss is coming to visit tomorrow to conduct an inspection and to fill in a form for a police check.  I am 16 years old so the check has to be done.  I am relived she’s coming over as we have been waiting for this since last December.

 

 

I am looking forward to this week’s episode of “Doctor Who” as it’s the last but one of the second series.  I have only watched the odd episode of Series 2 but the last two episodes look really good! 

 

Sadly, Billie Piper (who plays the Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler) will not be returning for the third series.  Rose has been the only companion to stay with the Doctor throughout an entire incarnation on screen and she may be killed off. 

 

Saving the World ~ The Doctor (David Tennant) with Billie Piper as Rose.

 

Fear not, Billie is currently filming a production called "The Ruby In The Smoke" by Philip Pullman, which will be broadcast in the Autumn.

 

It will be exciting to find out who will become the Doctor’s new companion.  Former “EastEnders” star Michelle Ryan (Zoë Slater) is the bookie’s favourite to win the role.

 

Possible Companion ~ Michelle Ryan

 

I have ordered an Installation Pack for AOL Broadband.  It’s the Silver package, not the expensive but not the cheap.  I shall receive the package within the next few days.  I’m so excited!

 

 

Please sign my Guestbook on my side bar, if you haven't already.  Thank you xx

Leigh xxx

 

Is Broadband Better?

 

Writing entries in this journal will probably occupy most of my time and stop me getting bored during the summer break.  When I started ‘blogging’ in May, I didn’t realise what an addictive hobby it would become and how much it would improve my use of English.  I have made some wonderful friends since I discovered J-land.  Thank you all for helping me discover a side to me I never knew existed.  Also thank you for the encouragement and support during the last two months, which has given me the confidence to continue.

 

 

I haven’t been up to much since I last wrote.  Mum has been banned from using AOL in the afternoons.  We have Dial-up Connection, which means if I am on the Net, people cannot get through to talk to mum.  I have been watching T.V and movies during the day to take temptation away from the Internet.  However I am allowed on after 6p.m as it is cheaper to use.  We have been considering getting AOL Broadband for a while now, but haven’t got round to ordering an Installation Pack yet.

 

 

What are the advantages of having Broadband?  What is the difference between the Gold, Silver and Platinum pack?  

 

 

Also I would be grateful if you could sign my Guestbook on my sidebar, if you haven’t already!  Thank you xx

 

Have a lovely evening everyone!

 

Leigh xxx

 

The Right Path To Follow

 

Monday again!  I woke up this morning wondering what day it was.  I haven't got used to the idea that I have ten weeks off for Summer.  I intend to enjoy these holidays and make the most of the time off before the hard work begins!

 

 

Last week I had a meeting with the Head of Sixth Form, Mr. G.  The meeting went well and I have made a decision.  I have decided its best for me to stay on in Sixth Form and study A-Levels in September.

 

 

Lots of my friends are hoping to stay on too.  Teachers who know me and my needs will be there.  Also I will know the surroundings and will gain an extra qualification!

 

 

I feel let down by the college as they didn’t give me all the relevant information about the course.  I didn’t realise that after two years I would become a qualified Nursery Assistant! Then I would have to enroll in another two year curse to get on to the next level, 4 years is a long time! 

 

 

 

Now I will spend two years studying A-Levels and then I will spend three in University.  The bonus is the school will sort out my application to University now.  I will also get as many hours of Support I need, so I am happy!

 

 

I also had my annual Medical check-up on Thursday.  The doctor has recommended I go swimming to build up my back and leg muscles as I have some time off school.   

 

 

Since my operation back in 2003 I have lost all my confidence in the water and I have developed a phobia of water!  Every time I go swimming, I get in the water and it’s as if this powerful force takes over.  I feel as if it’s pulling me under the water and I can’t breathe.  I used to be such a confident swimmer but now I am a nervous wreck!

 

 

I must start going to swimming classes during the week.  This is the only way I am going to conquer the fear of drowning and gain my confidence back.

 

 

I bought three more films this afternoon to watch while the football matches are on.  Football seems to be the only thing on T.V at the moment and it's nearly over!  They are “Closer”, “Crash” and the new version of “Pride and Prejudice".  Anyone readers seen these?  What do you think? Post your comments below please.

 

 

I want to say a thank you to Sarah, who helped me create the Guestbook on my side bar.  I would be very grateful if you all could sign it and leave a message.  Thank you xx

 

Have a good evening, everyone!

 

Leigh xxx 

 

Aches and Pains, Opinions and Decisions

 

 

My hay fever has got worse these last few days.  I can’t stop sniffing and sneezing wherever I am! My eyes become sore and runny from constantly rubbing them.  The sneezing is a distraction to other people ~ it’s a good job I was in a separate room to sit my exams.  This condition is making me feel really down at the moment.

 

 

 

I took my oldest cat to our local Vets on Monday as he was limping badly on his right foot.  Luckily, there was a cancellation when we got there, so we were able to in to see the vet.  Soapy has an abscess on his foot and was prescribed medication to be given.  I am pleased to see he is much better now.

 

 

Yesterday I bought a new DVD to watch while the football is on.  It’s called Brokeback Mountain. starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.  The film tells the story of two young men – a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy – who meet in the summer of 1963 and form a ‘friendship’ spanning over twenty years and it overcomes many obstacles.

 

 

This film won the “Best Film” and “Best Director” gong at this year’s BAFTA awards.  Mum told me not to buy a DVD I’d already seen so I bought the film.  I thought ‘Brokeback Mountain’ must be good if won awards.  I thought it was a very realistic film as gay relationships are common nowadays.  I am not gay and I have no problems with gay people.  People can’t help who they fall in love with...

 

 

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When my father found out I had bought the film, he was childish about it.  He said I was wasting my money buying it.  But there’s more to this film than a gay relationship, it has a strong moral throughout the film, which anyone can associate with.  Anyone seen it ~ what you think?

 

Have a good evening!

 

Leigh xxx

 

Postscript (21:30p.m)

 

I feel so proud of myself!  I have just learned how to transfer photos onto my Journal using "Hometown" ~ whoop whoop!!

School's Out!

Well that’s it ~ for now!  I officially finished school yesterday!  I can’t tell you what a relief it is that all my GCSE exams are over and done with.  It will be a nail-biting wait for the results in August.  I have ten weeks holiday to chill out and relax ~ I won’t know what to do with my time.  Whether I start college or go back to school, I will start on 4th September. 

 

 

It’s been thirteen days since the World Cup started and I am really fed up with it!  All that seems to be on the T.V is football!  There is not much else on so I am thinking of joining a club where you can rent DVD’s online.  It would save me money as DVD’s cost about fifteen pounds each to buy.  The fee is five pounds a month; the question now is finding the right deal...

 

Hope everyone is well!

 

Leigh xxx

Happy Father's Day

I thought the picture above would be appropriate because my father loves to cook and last night we had a barbeque in the back garden.  We invited the next-door neighbour and had lots of fun.  I expect will be having a lot more barbeques if the weather stays hot and sunny like it has been. 

   

 

I bought Dad a CD called “Stadium Arcadium” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  He said he liked his present and is looking forward to playing it.  I wish I could spend some more quality time with him but I can’t because he works and on most weeknights I am out with Viva!  I love you Dad ~ you’re the best!

   

 

I heard on the radio this morning that many Welsh dads cannot afford to spend some quality time with their children because they don’t earn enough pay.  The Government says dads are entitled to two weeks paternity leave, but many don’t take time off as they will lose wages.  Tai’s father Neil, who is a builder, has only been allowed a week off work because his company cannot afford to be generous.

 

I usually spend the weekend up my Nan’s.  This weekend she has gone on a trip to Chester with her bingo chum, June.  Chester is one of the places she has always wanted to go and she is enjoying her time in the city.  Yesterday they went to Liverpool for the day and were really excited as they hadn’t been there before.  I would like to visit Liverpool one day, and see the tavern were The Beatles performed in their early days.

 

 

“Someone once told me that music is the sweetest thing, because like a rush of blood to the head it deals with our hopes and fears"

   

I love this quote, simply because it’s this idea that’s stopped me from loosing my mind the last couple of months. I don’t know how you feel, but when I’m peed off or sad I put on my iPod and I’m lost in a world of music.

 

Hope everyone is well!

 

Leigh xx

Are they trying to brainwash me?

 

Thank you to all the teachers and loyal friends at my school over 5 years.  Many of you have not only taught me but you helped guide and support me into the determined and hard-working person that I am today.  I have nothing but respect for all the teachers who know me and I admire anyone who chooses to go into the teaching profession for dealing with moody, spoilt teenagers like me! But this week I will make an exception ~ some of them have done my head in!

 

 

My final full week at school started well.  But then teachers started asking me for the reason why I wasn’t staying on in Sixth Form.  I want to go to college to study Childcare because I have spent five years at comprehensive school and need a new challenge!  In my opinion it’s time for me to move on the pastures new.  I think if you are excited by something you are motivated to succeed. 

 

 

But G said if I become excited about college, the reality of it could be different to what I had imagined.  Most of us look forward to our summer holidays.  We look in the brochure and see idyllic photos of hotels and tourists basking in the sunshine.  When we get to our destination, the hotel could be nothing like the one in holiday brochure and we could be stuck in the middle of a building site.  That would be my worst nightmare!

 

 

 

I am slow writer.  Usually in school one of the teachers would write for me if I fall behind with work but I try to write as much as I can.  G has spoken to the college and they said I would have less help there than what I am used to.  G wants me to be an independent individual but is concerned that if I fall behind with work I won’t be able to keep on top of it. 

 

 

 

I have a lot of friends who are staying on at school studying A-Levels.  Also I will know the teachers, who know my needs.  They promise to give me all the help I need.  G has probably done this to a lot of students but I refuse to be, in my opinion, brainwashed!  I am trying to keep an open mind while I sit my exams.  At the moment I have a choice where I want to go, but unless I achieve good grades I won’t be able to go anywhere.  The teachers probably think they are putting me at ease giving the options but they do not realise what a distraction it is ~ worrying and revision should not mix!

 

 

 

My mum thinks I would be better off going to college as there are more opportunities at the campus.  Also she doesn’t understand why G is giving her opinions now in the final few days.  I have been offered a place at school if I don't like it at college, so maybe I'll try college first. If I don't, there will only be regrets later.  A meeting has been arranged for sometime next week to see the Head of Sixth Form to discuss my options.  I don’t want to make the wrong decision ~ but which is the right one?

 

 

Are the teachers trying to brainwash me? Have any readers been through a similar situation?  Please leave comments and advice, they will be greatly appreciated. Have a good weekend everyone!

 

Leigh xxx

 

Bitten Nails and a Broken T.V.

 

 Can anyone lend me a T.V?  Mum was playing 'Beehive Bedlam' on Sky on Saturday night. Half-way through, the downstairs T.V knocked itself off and wouldn’t come back on!  This was not the first time.  Dad tried knocking it off and on again at various times over the weekend and finally it gave in and started working properly on Sunday evening.

 

I was disappointed to learn on Sunday that I missed a documentary on Dusty Springfield, the White Lady of Soul.  It was broadcast on ITV Wales a few weeks ago and I forgot to record it.  I am not worried as I’m sure it will be repeated again soon. 

 

 

I enjoy watching documentaries about famous singers/actors to learn about their life and achievements. Last Monday I watched a documentary on BBC 2 about Doris Day, which was interesting.  She was known as the Girl Next Door during the 50’s and 60’s. Presently she is an animal rights activist.

 

I stayed up Nan’s on Saturday.  She is feeling a lot better now.  She went for an X-ray last week and her hips are narrowing.  Unfortunately there is nothing the doctor can do, except higher the morphine dosage in the patches and Nan doesn’t want that to happen. 

 

Nan decided to participate in her bowls game.  She played in a match yesterday, with aid from her secret weapon – support tights and won the game! I still worry that she may be overdoing things by going to bingo and doing other things too.  She assures me she will be fine but it doesn’t stop me worrying!

          

 

Exams are going well.  I can’t believe I only have six left to sit and then that’s it.  The agonizing wait begins. I get my G.C.S.E results on the 24th August.  I expect my nails will be bitten to the core by then!  I will try to give up biting my nails before I go to college.  I have tried to give up a million times before but this time I am determined to succeed!

 

O.K. everyone I will stop there before this turns into quite a longish entry (and we all know what happens with long entries, don’t we?).  Hope everyone is well.

 

Leigh xxx

 

Postscript:

I would like to wish my taxi driver, Clare a belated "Happy birthday". Hope you had a nice day! xxx