Short & Sweet Update

Hi everyone!

 

Hope all is well in J-land.  Do you remember an entry I wrote a few months ago about the ‘mole’ in the middle of my back?  Well, today I received a letter from the dermatologist after three months.  I’m so happy at the moment!  Mum and dad have said it’s got bigger, but the doctor said it’ll get bigger before it disappears.  I just want it off my back, literally, because it’s making me feel very self-conscious!

 

Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

Thanks to Deb for the above graphic.

Friday the 13th

Friday the Thirteenth

 

The belief that Friday 13th is an especially unlucky day is one of the widest-known superstitions in Britain today, and is erroneously assumed to be of great antiquity. The notion that thirteen is a generally unlucky number has not been found earlier than 1852, and although Fridays have been regarded as unlucky since medieval times, it is quite certain that the fear of Friday 13th is a Victorian invention. The first definite reference to Friday 13th is from 1913…

 

 

I have been rather busy these last few days.  On Wednesday, I was called into school for a few extra English lessons.  My teacher was really worried that we may not cover all the work before the examination in two months.  We spent four hours talking about character assessment, and the importance of social occasions within Jane Austen’s novels.

 

 

Then Margaret, my care worker visited.  I have not seen her for a while as she was allocated a work placement, working alongside a social worker.  We spent the afternoon cooking.  I made homemade meatballs with fresh tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit salad with jelly and custard.  Yummy!!

 

 

I don’t know when I will be able to write another entry.  I have been having yet more trouble with my Internet connection.  The same problem I’ve mentioned previously.  Sometimes I can sign on, sometimes I can’t, it’s very temperamental and it’s annoying!!

 

 

 

I have been on the phone to AOL, who said my broadband connection and phone line are fine.  The problem is either caused by my wireless router or Sky box.  I don’t understand why this is happening now and so frequently.  It was working fine until two weeks ago.  I just don’t understand it!!

 

 

I hope you are all well, and (disregarding the date) have a wonderful day.

 

Until the next post,

 

One Year in J ~ Land

  Today is the first anniversary of my journal “Leigh’s World”.  I began writing on 11th April 2006.  Can you believe it?  I have written 140 entries in one whole year!  I used to read Jeannette’s journal and others on her sidebar, in amazement and wonder how you could all write so much.  I wanted to start one much earlier but I was put off because I thought I was a normal, everyday person who didn’t do much in life and no-one would be interested.

 

  But then Lesley, a family friend suggested I write for the school newspaper but I didn’t see the point as then I wanted to go to college.  I knew I had to let the creativity flow somehow, and blogging seemed a good idea to set the world to rights!

 

  The hardest thing was taking the first step and writing that introductory entry.  But I’m glad I did because I have made so many friends from J-Land, and we often keep in touch through e-mail and I.M.  Thank you to all those who read my journal and comment on it! I am so grateful for your continuous help, support and encouragement throughout this last year, which has given me the confidence to carry on with my journal writing.  I remember after my first post I got TWENTY-THREE alerts!  I couldn't believe it!

 

  When I first started writing entries I didn’t expect anyone to read them, never mind comment on them.  It makes me want to write more and more!  My Nan thinks it’s great because it improves my use of English, and mum & dad are pleased as journal writing keeps me occupied.  Mum has even taken inspiration from me to write her own blog, “Diamonds Are for Heather”.

 

I was going through a lot of problems when I began posting.  Seeing them written down helped me take stock of situations and re-evaluate my life.  It helped me find solutions to problems too, and has made me into the stronger person which I am today.

 

Thank you all for reading… Here’s to another year in J-land!

 

Happy Easter!

Good morning everyone, and “Happy Easter” to all my readers and their families.  I have been having more Internet Connection problems.  The same problem I’ve mentioned before.  “AOL cannot establish a connection to the Internet”, it said.  Some days I can connect.  Then some days I can’t.  It’s very frustrating!

 

 

On Thursday, I went to Brecon in Mid-Wales for the day with the Viva Project.  We travelled 5 miles along the River Usk in a barge boat.  I had never been on one of those before and it was lovely.  I could not feel the boat move at all for the duration of the trip.  It was nice and relaxing.

 

 

Then on Friday, I went bowling with Ross, Jennie and Joanne.  Ross won with a score of 91, then I came second with 86.  It was nice to get out of the house.  We have had some lovely weather too.  Let’s hope it continues into next week as well.

 

 

We have all been invited to an 18th birthday bash tonight!  I am so looking forward to it, as I have not seen the person for a while.  I am a bit nervous though, because I don’t go to parties often.  But I do intend to enjoy myself!

 

Until next time,

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was born on 14th September 1983 into an English-Jewish family of jazz musicians.  She grew up in Southgate, North London.  After her friend gave her demo tape to an A&R executive, she was discovered and started singing professionally at the age of 16.

Her debut album "Frank" was released into 2003.  It was produced with many songs having jazz influences, and apart from two covers, even song was co-written by Winehouse.  The album recieved positive reviews and brought comparisions to, amongst others Sarah Vaughn and Macy Gray.

Her second album "Back to Black" was released in 2006.  The album has been heavily influenced by the girl groups of the 50's/60's.  I have played this album to death since I recieved it as a Christmas gift. 

On March 17th, it was released in the USA.  It debuted at No. 7, the highest new entry for a British Female solo artist.  Two weeks later, a new record was set by Joss Stone who's new album debuted at Number 2.

I love Amy's voice, it is so unique.  I fell in love with her soulful voice as soon as I heard it.  She has finally got the recognition she deserved when she won a Brit Award (the U.K equilant to the Grammy's) for Best British Female 2007.

The British press seem to focus on her lifestyle and outragous behaviour, and not her vocal ability.  I admire her so much because the problems she has faced and overcome: bullimia, alcoholism and drug addiction.  I get a lot of stick for liking her music, but I don't care.  Everyone has their own taste, and I think she is amazing.

What do you guys think?

'Rehab'

Tags: Amy Winehouse, singersongwriter, 2007, Back to Black, tour

Spring Sunshine!

 

Thanks to Missie for the above graphic!

 

I am currently on a break from school for Easter.  I was awoken by the sound of my youngest cat Chewy scratching at my bedroom door and meowing.  I groaned and looked at the clock… 09:15a.m.  I thought I’d best get of bed and open my curtains.  I was greeted by glorious sunshine, birds singing and spring flowers… fabulous!

 

 

I went downstairs and made some breakfast: a piece of toast and a cup of tea.  Then I settled down to read the newspaper, nothing much of interest in it as usual.  Mum asked, “What do you have planned for this holiday?”  I have nothing planned as yet.  I just want to relax on this holiday and take everyday in my stride before my A/S examinations begin next month.

 

 

Have any of you in J-Land been watching the Jane Austen Season on ITV1 on Sunday nights?  Three adaptations of her novels “Mansfield Park”, Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion” were broadcast last month.

 

 

I enjoyed “Mansfield Park”, which starred Billie Piper, as Fanny Price.  But I found “Northanger Abbey really slow and boring.  The theme of love and marriage is explored, but in my opinion, there was not enough character development, which left questions unanswered.

 

 

I have recorded “Persuasion” but have not watched it yet.  I’m studying “Emma” as part of English Literature A/S course.  What a coincidence, my favourite version of “Emma” is being broadcast on ITV1 on Good Friday!  The drama stars Kate Beckinsale as Emma Woodhouse.  I prefer it to the Hollywood version (starring Gwyneth Paltrow) because it is more realistic.

 

 

Well, that’s all my news for now.  According to the weather girl, today is the Hottest Day of 2007 so far, so I'm going to enjoy the sunshine as it lasts because rain is forecast tomorrow!!

 

Until next time,