Travel Anxiety

In 3 weeks I leave not-so-sunny England for New Zealand (via 3 days in Hong Kong) for 9 months! As I told my mother "Some have a baby, I chose a gap year" *cue uncomfortable laughter*.
As the time gets nearer, it is becoming more real. I'm having to save a lot of money (much to the detriment of my current account), make a list of things to pack and struggle through choosing travel insurance. Plus parents/friends are starting to get all quiet when I mention how long it is until I go away, which is kind of sad (apart from one of my aunties who is really excited for me, since she backpacked around Africa via lorry when she was my age.)
The scariest thing that is starting to sink in is that I will be alone. There is no guarantee that I will make firm friends on my BUNAC group flight, or in hostels. I need to find a job and a place to live pretty quickly otherwise my money might run out....

Anyway, I've been having some really weird other anxieties about my life in NZ so.... enjoy.

• There aren't any Costa Coffees. This shouldn't be such a worry but I love Costa because it reminds me of lovely chats with my best friend, so it could cure my homesickness. 
• I'm not sure they celebrate Halloween?? I lovelovelove Halloween, and it would be kind of weird not celebrating it.
• I am scared of spending Christmas alone. I envisage a very sad looking me with a veggie Christmas dinner for one, wearing my L.E.D jumper and reindeer skirt. Oh, and its sunny not snowing outside.
• Do they have Heinz Spaghetti?
• Will there be sufficient WiFi? I've read in some places that NZ has some shocking WiFi.

So yeah basically I'm entering mad panic mode!! Its starting to dawn on me how big and scary this trip is, and that I'm doing it alone. Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited. But terrified. 

The next 3 weeks are going to be weird, and I'll sure as hell be turning to this blog to vent some feelings! 

Thanks for reading,

Kitty x

How to Miss Your Best Friend

My best friend Darcy has been gone for 3 days now and I'm bored. I want her to leave university and come and play with me. So far, my attempts to miss her have been poor and have yet to guilt trip her into coming home so I have thought have some more inventive ways to do this.
If you also have a best friend who has selfishly gone to uni without you etc, feel free to read and get them to love you again.

Write a blog post about them- this shows that they are on your mind and will distract you from missing them so much.

Stalk them on all forms on social media- make sure that you get notifications every time they blog something on Tumblr, tweet, do anything on Facebook or put a picture on Instagram.

Find a way to slip them into every conversation that you have with someone who isn't them. For example, "What do you want for dinner" "Haha speaking of dinner Darcy went food shopping for uni! I miss her."

Mark your territory (not in that way)- Warn all their new friends that you are top dog and nobody else will even get close to your friend without passing a written test and a practical.

When you visit them, leave bits of your hair in their room.

Re-name pets after them.

Send them Snapchat videos of you serenading them.

Go to their parents' house and have a group cry about how much you miss them.


Okay I think that's enough. In all seriousness, its okay to miss your best friend. Just give them some space to settle in and stuff. Don't worry, they probably still love you.
Darcy if you're reading this, I hope you are both laughing and crying.
(Sorry about the lack of blog posts, I've been busy getting ready to leave for New Zealand!)

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Results Day

Today is, and always will be, one of the most nerve wracking and important days in my life so far. Today, I found out what grades I got for my a-levels which will determine my place at university.
Firstly, I want to make it clear that I am post my A-level results because this is my blog for myself; my thoughts, feelings and experiences. I am not doing it to boast or whatever.
Anyway.....
I got:
History- B
Psychology- C
Human Biology- B
General Studies- B

So I'm able to go to Manchester University to study Adult Nursing in 2015!

I'm really really really pleased with my results. The past year has been super super hard and I'm so glad it's finally over.

If you've received your results today, I hope you're okay and stay strong!!
If you have any questions or queries, comment/tweet/message me on tumblr cause i'm gonna go celebrate.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

A Practical Guide To Festival'ing

Festivals- the best way to get drunk, muddy and listen to some fab bands. This year was my 5th year at the lovely Y Not Festival and I had a super great time. So as a self-proclaimed festival guru, I shall provide my festival wisdom to prepare you for your festival adventure!

Only bring a tent that you can erect and dismantle. It's all very well being able to do it sober when you arrive but on the morning that you leave, you may actually be in a semi coma. Make sure you and your tent sharing buddies practice putting up and dismantling the tent (drinking is of course optional during this prep session.)

Bring wellies. If it rains and you don't, there is a strong chance you could get trench foot. Wellies will be your saving grace whether you're dancing to a band or stumbling over tent ropes to go for a drunken wee at 2am.

Plan which bands you have/want to see. I didn't do this one year and consequently missed one of my favourite bands who no longer tour (wah). If you make sure that you have a time telling device and a band timetable- you'll be fine!

Make friends with your neighbors! This year I made some really fab friends because I chatted to people camping near us, so it totally worked.

Don't be that dick who: get muddy and hugs people, throws beer during an act, forces someone to crowd surf or is rude to the Festival volunteers/staff/security.

Scout out the best toilets in order to (try) and avoid the fear factor of finding one not containing 8 diseases. Or, do what I did and just go for a sneaky wee behind the urinals because its quicker and easier than queuing.

Know your hangover cure. Hangovers at festivals are probably the worst (next to being hungover at work). I favour lining my stomach with carbs and taking travel sickness tablets before sleeping.

I hope you're now moderately prepared to spend several days in a field!
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Feelings

It's hard, being the only constant in an unstable environment. It's been nearly 2 months since my boyfriend became ill. And when I say ill I don't mean sappy man flu, I mean neurological possibly serious we just don't know kind of ill. I'm the only person who is really there for him, so I'm the one who has to bandage him up when he falls during a dizzy spell, calm him down when he starts to worry about what is wrong with him or remind him things when his memory fails- and that has been hard. On top of that, his illness began right as my exams did, so I've been juggling A2 exams, a job, friends and family and him. Don't get me wrong, I don't resent him for it, not one bit. I love being there for him and, lets face it, it's great practice for my nursing career. But its still hard and it has taken its toll on me. I feel guilty when I'm not there with him and his symptoms are playing up, I feel guilty when I complain about having a hard day at work and I feel guilty for wanting to just switch off and relax. My friends have noticed a change in me, and regularly remind me to look after myself. That's all good and well and thank-you but what I really need is for someone to bear the weight for a bit. Telling me it's okay and that I need to relax doesn't work when there is still nobody there to care for him in my place.
The MRI scan is tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Customer Etiquette

I love being a waitress. I love being rushed off my feet and always having something to do, especially after spending the last couple of months sitting and revising. I am (obviously) a big believer in 'the customer is always right' because we are here to serve you after all, it's our job. But I also appreciate politeness and treating staff like human-beings. So there are some things which you, as customers, could do as a big favour to all servers.

Please don't click your fingers at me to ask for something- it's rude and obnoxious and if I clicked my fingers at you to do your job, you wouldn't like it. I am not a dog so don't treat me like one.

If I walk straight past you despite you making obvious eye contact at me, I'm busy. And by that I mean I've been told to do a job by my boss which I need to do immediately- someone else will be over soon I promise.

If your server says they're new, be nice! The early shifts of being a waiter/waitress are scary so be nice customers and a make a happy server.

When I arrive at your table with food, do not snatch the plates off me. Chances are the plates are hot and I don't want you to get hurt.

I don't know what you ordered so please don't ask me.

Don't. Sit. On. Dirty. Tables. - ask someone a member of staff to clean it first!

Follow the restaurant's policy on seating. If it's 'waitress service', don't sit yourself down. It confuses the system and will not make your service any quicker.

If you change your mind about your order, tell an order taker immediately. We don't telepathically realize that you fancied a latté not a tea.

Please don't tell me to smile because it makes me look nicer.

When it gets busy, food takes longer to prepare and serve as there is more to do. You are not the only person waiting so please be patient.

If you are unsatisfied with your service, complain to a Duty Manager/Supervisor.We are always looking to improve!
Equally, please compliment and tip if you liked the service.

Don't move tables without telling anyone. It will slow down your service as everything is based around your table number.

Do not place tips on my person (i.e shirt pocket) and then pat it- I am not a stripper (although that would probably pay better).

I hope this might help all you people confused about customer etiquette! Special thanks to my boyfriend for being my proof reader and adding a couple of items to the list.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

City Dreams

As a non city-dweller, it's a novelty to go to cities. The rush of having all these people around you, the smells, the shops, the general vibe is so different; and I love it. I've been to my fair share of cities over the years as they contain museums and art galleries which my parents have dragged me around for many years.
I've decided to compile a list of my favourite cities because it's summer and you might need some ideas. Or you might value my opinion (ha!), who knows.

My all time favourite city is probably Berlin, for obvious reasons (see this blog post). There is loaaads to do, and it's packed full of interesting history from many different periods! They even have a museum island! It's relatively cheap and the people are absolutely lovely. Best piece of advice? Know polite German like please, thank-you etc. It will get you further than you think.

Paris. Ahhh, Paris- the city of love! Paris is a city which will always be in my heart as it's the foreign city I've visited the most. Paris is so pretentious and disgustingly artistic, it's a bit like that awfully laid-back friend that gets good grades without trying. Paris makes you into the kind of person who one day will be wearing Birkenstocks and socks, and the next you'll be head to toe in Chanel. My advice is to do all the touristy sites first, and then explore. It's a city full of little places of gorgeous wonder.

Copenhagen, the typically Scandinavian city in every sense. Everything is clean and ordered and very innovative, it's a bit like being in a Lego city (fact attack- Lego is a Danish product). Just being there makes you feel safe and relaxed. Oh, and there is a massive amusement park/ normal park in the middle of the city which is worth a trip! My advice- Cycle around this city and you will see the sites and fall in love.

New York- I hate myself a little bit for saying this but you simply have to go to New York if you love cities. It's the pinnacle of 'cities you have to visit', and for good reason. Everything is happening there, 24/7. There is simply not a dull moment. You turn a corner, and you recognise where you are. The art galleries and museums are fab! My advice? Don't bother going up the Statue of Liberty. See it via the Staten Island ferry instead.

There are, of course, many more cities which I love but the list cannot go on forever. And if you're looking at this thinking "where are the British cities", I'm sorry. I love my British cities, I really do. They just don't make this list. I guess I'm not promoting British values, sorry Cameron/Gove.
I hope you enjoyed the lack of wisdom and wit of this post.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Trippin'

Adulthood is scary, which is why I am thoroughly enjoying watching my 18 year old friends flail about whilst I stay on the 'dancing queen young and sweet only 17' boat. Yes I know, being 17 really sucks because you can't go out with your friends or have any legal fun or vote but at least I can still behave like an idiot and say "hey I'm 17. it's okay".
Anyway, it's getting closer and closer until my birthday (less than a month now!!) and I've been thinking about the future and stuff. Mainly my gap year.
I decided to take a gap last year with one of my best friends. Since then, my plans have re-jigged quite a lot. I'm now heading off to New Zealand, on October 23rd (via Hong Kong), alone!
So I've made a quick Q/A based on what I usually get asked (as a protest to people who ask me this, and to be nice and open to y'all).

Why NZ, I hear you cry? I'm not quite sure. Part of it is that my family approve (which shouldn't be factor I know), I have contacts over thanks to my Gran's past family tree finding antics, and also kind of because my ex used to talk about going, so I guess that initially planted the idea in my brain.

Really? Alone? Yup.

What are you gonna do over there? I'm getting a working holiday visa, so that is exactly what I'll be doing. I'll work my arse off, and travel around NZ 'cause it's really lovely.

Where are you going to stay? Who knows?! I'll find out when I'm over there. It's an adventure!

Aren't you scared? I'm absolutely terrified. I've never really traveled on my own, so this is a huge step. But, I'm hoping that the group flight with BUNAC will help me make some friends who are in the same position as me.

And so your parents are paying for it? Not that it's any of your business but no, not all of it. My parents have always given me an allowance but I saved a hell of a lot of money when I was younger (me aged 8-10 was an obsessive saver), and that should cover some travel costs. And I have a full-time job as a waitress.

You probably won't come back, I knew blah blah and they went on a gap year and never came back. Okay so I've already applied to university and (subject to my grades) I will be attending in 2015. I am absolutely desperate to go to uni and train to be a nurse, but I want to grow up and be free for a little bit.

That is sooo brave of you! I don't see why? I'm not seeing this as brave, I see it as running away. I'm so sick and tired of my life in England and all I want to do is get away. I've felt this for a long time, and I really didn't want to use university as an escape because my chosen course is so demanding- it shouldn't be an escape, but a happy and healthy choice.

I hope you've found this update.... interesting. If you are thinking about taking a gap year, pop back to my previous blog post which provides you with loads of really good advice and sites to use. I can personally definitely recommend STA Travel and BUNAC at the moment, as they're organizing my trip and have been super fab.
And if you're doing any exams at the moment like me, keep going.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

The Excellent Exam Guide

Its exam season! Yay! Endless weeks of being tested on things you've learnt in the past year (or two years if you've suffered Gove's reforms)!
As you may well know, I am about to complete my A2s (second year of a-levels), so these will be my last exams taken in school. That would be exciting if these exams weren't so important that if I fail them I have to recalculate my life plan.
Anyway, everybody is stressed and exhausted and nervous about exams so I thought I'd share some tips on how to make exams more fun. (These are all things which I have done during exams.)

• Write in blue ink- The possibility of being disqualified really increases the fun suspense until results day.
• Write incredibly quickly- Instead of sticking to the time limits which you set yourself to complete that essay, finish it in 20 minutes. Then take an obnoxious break, stretch your arms and cough loudly to let everyone know you're way ahead of schedule.
• Don't bring a calculator to a calculator maths exam- You're clever enough to do it all in your head.
• Make a tower of of stationary- Be creative. The invigilators are so bored and I'm sure they'll really appreciate the wobbling tower of the contents of your pencil case. Especially when it all falls on the floor.
• Sit in the wrong seat- A quick and easy way to confuse both yourself and everyone else in the room about why you've sat in a seat without an exam paper. When you have to not-so-subtly slide into the seat in front of you, the embarrassment will cause an adrenaline rush and you'll do better!
• Drink a ridiculous amount of water until you start choking- Once you've completed your exam paper, challenge yourself to drink the rest of your water. When you begin to choke and an invigilator has to come and ask if you're okay, you've won!

Hope your exams go okay; good luck and stay calm.

Thanks for reading,

Kitty x

Shouting Back

As a naturally feisty person, I've always been up for an argument. As I grew up, I learnt from my sister how to stand my ground and not to let anyone (men or women) to make me feel uncomfortable or threatened. This was most prevalent on our walk to the bus stop when we'd get cat-called, or have snowballs thrown at us because our school uniform was different to the local school (I once got called a slut in my local shop). I learnt that instead of keeping my head down, sometimes you needed to stand up and be heard.
I started to use this more when I began to go out with friends to festivals, or to gigs etc. As a young woman, I am naturally subject to cat-calling. The worst one was when I was off to a gig and a guy followed me for a bit, asking if I wanted a lift to my destination. I told him politely to leave me alone, it didn't work, so I became less polite and told him to 'Fuck off'. It worked and (I think) that is because once these sleazy people realize that you will not take any shit, they leave you alone. It's awful, but it works.
Sadly, many people don't know or understand this. We (in particular, women) are taught by society that cat-calling is a compliment and that being groped in a club is only acceptable behavior if you're single. We are not taught to stand up for ourselves when it comes to street harassment.
One example of this is when I was on a school trip to Germany, and my best friend was being harassed (verbally) to donate money and he attempted to put his arm round her. She tried telling him to go away, but it didn't work until I shouted "Nein" at him. He ran away and stopped bothering us. When the school group reconvened, many other girls had the same person acting the same way and had no idea how to stop such behaviour.
Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that in the heat of the moment its difficult to say what you really mean- I completely understand that as I've been there. I have fended off unwanted attention by claiming I'm with my boyfriend (and once even girlfriend), therefore making it incredibly clear that I am not interested. But I shouldn't have to use being in a relationship an excuse to fend off inappropriate behaviour, and nor should anybody else. If you don't want to be groped, or cat-called then don't be afraid to speak up. Shout back.
Saying that if you don't speak up, you are still not to blame. Never let anyone try and tell you that because you didn't speak up, you are to blame. The person who made you feel uncomfortable or threatened is always to blame; they crossed your boundaries.
Don't be afraid, okay? If you want to speak up then do. Fight the bastards.
Feel free to share your experiences on here, or tweet/tumblr message me.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Moving On Up

On my final day of secondary school education (which is tomorrow but I am being proactive and posting now wow go me), I'm feeling weirdly relieved. If you read my previous blog post, you would have realised that I've been at my current school for the past 7 years, so its been a big deal to leave. But, unlike in the past few months, I'm starting to feel disenchanted with school and I really feel ready to leave. I've spent a good deal of my life there, and I've changed a lot compared to the shy little chubby girl who was really terrified of the world. I'm moving on from a lot of things at the moment, and it just seems suitable to leave school behind.
One thing I'm finding hardest to come to terms with is the fact that, after 7 years, I am only keeping in contact with a few people. I've lost more friends than I've gained and that's kind of a scary prospect. I partly think its because people don't like the person I've become- which is fine. I've changed a lot , in particular this year, because of stress, breakups, life choices etc. I'm not ashamed of the person I am. I guess that is just the way school goes, and I can't wait to move on and make new friends (or if not, adopt loads of animals).
I guess I'm just feeling a bit sad that I don't have a lot to show from 7 years of school.
I'm still going to cry my eyes out of course, this school was a massive part of my life. Plus I'm a hormonal, nostalgic, frequent cryer.
If you're also leaving school, please comment/tweet/tumblr message me and tell me how you're feeling about it.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x


(p.s, I have gap year news! I'm heading off to New Zealand on October 24th with BUNAC! i'll do another gap year post soonish maybe though)

#MyRedCross

In honor of Red Cross/Red Crescent week, I wanted to talk about my experience with the Red Cross as a First Aid Volunteer, and how vital the skills they taught me are and have been.
If you didn't already know, The Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that provides first aid training, emergency response, refugee support and help before and after natural disasters occur. They are an internationally recognised helpline for those in desperate need.

I began my time with Red Cross in March 2013, having previously learnt some first aid with another organisation. When I joined my local division, I just wanted to gain my first aid certificate to put on my CV for nursing, whilst getting some care experience. I had heard of them as an organisation before, mainly through jokes or adverts. Throughout the 4 months it took to complete my Event First Aid qualification I learnt so many valuable skills and met some incredible people. As a now qualified volunteer, I am able to commit to being part of First Aiders at events; in two weeks I will be attending Chatsworth Horse Trials!
Although I have and will do events in which I'll be an official First Aider, those aren't the only moments when I've needed to use my First Aid skills. I've had countless incidents at parties and festivals when I'm needed to help those who are overly drunk to be put to bed in the recovery position, as well sorting out burns and cuts.
There have also been more serious incidents when I've had to use my first aid skills. The other day, my boyfriend took an unexpected turn for the worse after sustaining an injury, and became dizzy and nauseous. Before I could talk through how he was feeling, he had collapsed and began to present symptoms of a seizure. I did all I could to calm him down and was prepared to call an ambulance; but thankfully it worked and he didn't fit. If it weren't for my Red Cross training, I wouldn't have been able recognise that he was close to having a seizure.

I've experienced first-hand how vital it is to have first aid training, and yet it still shocks me how many people lack the skills which could mean the difference between someone's life or death.
If you're interested in getting involved with the Red Cross (there are loads of opportunities!), then head to the link there and you'll find a really easy to use and helpful website. I can't praise them enough for how they've helped me, so I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

The Key To Happiness

I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately, and what it feels like to be truly happy. It's been a really tough past couple of months, and so any moments in which I feel happy are treasured. However there are very few moments that I can still re-live the feeling of pure joy for life, and they remind me to smile even when I'm sad.
It's a pretty rough time for anyone at the moment I feel, so I'm encouraging both you and myself to think about the happier times to get us through the darker times. So, here are my most treasured moments of happiness within the past year.

8th August - Yasmin (one of my best friends) and I went to Cardiff to visit the 'Doctor Who Experience'. It was my first trip which was without parents that I had organized and it felt good. I was starting to buzz with the idea of leaving home and, as you may remember, this was the trip where the Gap Year idea started. My favourite memory from this trip, however, was when we visited the Tardis set in the BBC studios. We were so unbelievably excited and could barely contain ourselves; which made our fellow tour-takers smile a lot. We ran around the set like hyper children, joining in with the jokes that the tour guides made and enthusiastically answering jolly quiz questions. It makes me smile about how excited we were, and the way it felt to be a little bit more carefree in a new city.

15 or 16th or something August 2013- Results day. My stomach was churning, my hands shaking and my dress sense was fabulous (dressing nicely calms me down). I had every second of the morning planned out, even the playlist for the car on the way to collect them. After the usual 'wait, how do you say your name' fiasco, I collected that ugly brown envelope. And I opened it. And I cried a bucket load of happy, 'thank god that's over' tears. I hadn't failed Human Biology which, as someone who wants to apply for nursing, is pretty essential. I stood, still shaking, having to mop up my face with my Dad's handkerchief. It was a really weird day, because a lot of people close to me were pretty upset but the relief that swept over me was unbelievable. Plus it was because of that day that I got the motivation to work for Year 13.

25th-29th October- The Berlin history trip was probably the happiest I have ever been (or that I can remember), and that was largely due to the fact that I was really really unhappy and yet I managed to let that go and enjoy myself with my best friend Darcy. The whole trip was totally amazing, but there was one moment that really stuck out. And this story will be told in great detail, so bear with me.
Darcy and I were having a pretty rough day, as many of our fellow classmates were being a bit insensitive when it came to a memorial. We eventually found a Dunkin' Donuts in the Sony Center to relax in and had a gorgeous lunch (both in terms of food and conversation) in which we shared a lot of stuff and became even closer. On our way to meet the rest of the group, we noticed a large red carpet being set up, and the Thor 2 film being advertised. One of our classmates told us that it was the Berlin premiere for the film that night but we refused to believe him. It was confirmed soon after that, but we dismissed the idea that we could turn up as we were on a school trip. Luckily, one of the attending teachers was a big Marvel fan and agreed to let us return in time to see the actors arriving. We madly fantasized about being able to see the actors and worked ourselves up into a frenzy of excitement. When the time came, our teachers said meet back at 9 and gave us free reign. Darcy and I immediately ran off into the crowd, shouting excuse me in poor German as we went, and got an okay space to see the red carpet. Chris Hemsworth passed right by us and we screamed with happiness, still amazed that we were here. Somehow, I'll never know how, we managed to get to the front of our section of barriers. We waited patiently until Tom Hiddleston arrived and screamed with happiness when he did. He spent a small amount of time signing stuff on the other side of the carpet and then went off to be interviewed. By chance, he quickly returned to the hoards of people and started signing again. His agent was keen to move him on, and by this point our barrier started screaming for him to come over.
I'll never know why, but he did. He ran over to our barrier and, whilst nearly slipping, ran straight to me and Darcy. Over the screams of people around us, he said (and if this is wrong, Darcy, please correct me. It's a mad blur) "Here are tickets to my premiere tonight, come and see my film." Darcy grabbed the tickets and he had to run off.
Screams. We screamed, a lot. We had no idea what to do. After being told what to do (go on the red carpet!) by some lovely fans next to us, we eventually got onto the red carpet. Still star-struck and mega shocked, we made our way up the red carpet to see our other friends in the crowd; amazed.
I don't think I will ever be as happy as I was that day. It was totally amazing, and made me giddy with excitement whenever I think about it.
Here are some GIFs and pictures...

 

Anyway! Those were my happiest moments of this past year (yes I know we are in May of this year, but I can't top Berlin). I'm not kidding when I say I think of these when I'm sad, and it really does work. Remembering that Tom Hiddleston personally gave you tickets to his film premiere really gets the Serotonin levels rising. 

If this blog post can tell you anything, it's that life can be really rubbish sometimes and it can suck when you feel you have nothing to be happy about. But that doesn't mean it always will be. One of the reasons why I had such a fantastic time in Berlin was because I was in such a dark place, and suddenly I was given a chance to relax and enjoy myself.

Even when things are going wrong, you can always have something to keep you going.

Feel free to share your happiest moments with me in the comments, on twitter or on tumblr.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

p.s) this blog post is dedicated to Darcy, my best girl. I love you, keep going. 

Relationship Real Talk

As an angsty teenage girl, I am a by definition a self-proclaimed relationship guru. And let me tell you, teenage relationships are weird. There are hormones, life choices, awkward chats about the future and its all very messy.

The reason I wanted to make this blog post is because this is a topic which I rarely see on the Internet, and I wish it was. I've always felt a bit lost when it comes to relationships because they're so personal and none are alike to another. I want to tackle the issues which I've faced in my relationships in the hope that others may be in a similar situation.

My first (proper) relationship was formed after meeting a boy 4 times. He was part of a new and exciting group of friends that I acquired and I was super excited at the prospect of someone finding me attractive. I tentatively told my parents and they were very accepting and happy for me. With my parents on board and our relationship blossoming, everything seemed peachy...apart from the distance. He lived two bus rides away, so I spent most of my weekends travelling to meet him or waiting for him to arrive. I saw him less and less and started to disagree with his constant party lifestyle. He began to prioritise this lifestyle and once left me alone in his home town after an argument. Strains began to form and one fateful day in Sheffield, I discovered that he'd lied to me about something really important and I couldn't take it. I broke up with him a week later. It was an easier breakup than I expected and we calmly accepted that we wouldn't be friends again. Getting over him wasn't easy, and I still missed him sometimes, but I could easily justify our breakup.

My second relationship happened after a very very long period of 'when will they' with my best friend. We'd been friends since aged 11 and had been in sort of relationships before but it was different this time. My parents were thrilled, my friends were thrilled, I was thrilled. We had a slightly bumpy road due to his stress and my stress but we got through it. He decided to go to college, and I was super happy for him; he was moving on and I felt like I was going along with him. After a lovely year together, September came and ruined it. Our relationship took a turn for the worst due to circumstance and I broke it off. I was absolutely devastated, and that stayed true for another 3 months. I barely went a week without crying. He entered into a new relationship with a girl that he met at college and I got bitter. Embarrassingly bitter. So much so that I complained to people whenever I could. It hurts to lose someone you love, and it still hurts now (7 months on). I'm doing a lot better now. I've cleared the air with both him and his girlfriend, and I really think things are going to get better.

Luckily, things changed as the new year began. I met someone new! Downside: big age gap. It's not been easy. My family don't approve and nor do many of my friends and I tried to break it off, but I couldn't do it- it didn't feel right. After a lot of inner (and outer) debate, I decided to carry on. Despite what other people thought, it feels right for me to be in this relationship, and surely that is what matters? I am trying to handle the criticism and understand how others are feeling whilst making sure that I am still happy. I'm finally finding myself in a place where I feel confident and happy, and that hasn't been easy, but at the moment its the best way forward. I wish it was easier, but its not. I've accepted that the feelings of my loved ones will not change.

My romantic relationships have all affected me in different ways and I wish that I had handled things better. But I don't regret anything, I am glad that I was honest with the people closest to me, and I am glad that I left the relationships which made me feel sad. I am trying to become my own person, and find my place in the world (thank-you Taylor Swift lyrics) and relationships are a big part of that. As long as you stay respectful to yourself, leave if you become unhappy and are honest with both yourself and those closest to you, the damage will be minimal. It will be messy, but it will be worth it.

I hope this had shed some light, or more likely provided ten minutes entertainment. I felt like it was time for me to share something a bit more personal on here because I like to share.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Your Voting Voice

Voting is a right which, as members of a democratic country, we have. It is a necessary means to govern a country democratically. In the UK (this is a English centred post, sorry), unless you are in prison, you can vote once you are 18 years old. To be able to exercise this right, you have to be on the electoral register (you can register from the age of 16). If you satisfy these requirements, then you should be registered and ready to vote.
The reason why I wanted to create this blog post was, primarily, due to the upcoming European Elections which will be held on 22nd May. Begrudgingly, I am unable to vote in these elections because I am a July baby (I personally think it's ridiculous that someone who will turn 18 in less than 2 months at the time of voting should be excluded but hey, that's the law).
So, as I am unable to vote, I thought I'd first address the growing issue that many young people (or at least from what I've gathered from Sixth Form and other places where I might have contact with Youths) don't see the point of voting. The most common phrases I've heard are "Whats the point?", "All the parties are the same anyway" , or "It doesn't change anything". After curling up in a ball and crying for 20 minutes, I try and challenge these statements and explain why these are misconceptions which have sadly become the norm. I'm not trying to make these people feel stupid, I'm trying to make them understand that voting is a vital part of living in a democracy. If everybody held their views, nobody would vote and we wouldn't have any say in how our country is run which I believe has been tried and tested- and it sucks.
I could give you a long list of why you should vote, but the best reasons are listed on the AboutMyVote website which is GREAT (and unbiased)! Not only does it break down the political jargon (which made me really happy) but it guides you through the process of understanding the voting system.

Secondly, I wanted to point out all the 'bits and bobs' surrounding the European Elections.

• Who can I vote for? Each bit of the UK has separate candidates (see your list here). Each political party puts forward a list of candidates, and you have one vote for a list.
• Wait, so what gets elected? Members of European Parliament (MEPs) are elected to represent a region depending on the overall votes for that region. 
• Why is this so important? The powers of the European parliament have increased since 2009 so your vote will make a difference. The MEPs that you elect will, for the first time, choose who will head the European Commission (more info here). PLUS, whichever political party gets the majority within each region, and overall in the UK, will have a certain amount of power within the European parliament and will probably influence how people vote in the General Election next year.
• I want Britain to leave the EU. Okay, fine. please don't vote UKIP.
• What is wrong with UKIP? I shouldn't have to tell you, but here is a nice little article from the Guardian about it.

So get registered and go and vote on 22nd May! The polling stations are situated pretty much everywhere and they're open 7am-10pm so you will have time. You should have received a polling card through the post by now, but you don't need it to vote (you can take it with you for funzies).

If you're still confused, the links to AboutMyVote and the European Parliament website are really helpful and will help you through every step of the way

Please don't vote UKIP, they are super super dodgy and dangerous and racist.

Please vote. If you're still not convinced, just think of me; the poor political 17 year old who is restricted by 2 lousy months.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

How Not To Revise

Revision is not a fun pass-time, or at least it isn't for me. As you may remember, I am revising for my A2s which will be my last exams taken in school ever. Due to this, several different family members/friends/teachers keep telling me that "it's a hard push now but it will be over soon". I am perfectly aware of this, but it doesn't make it easier- I would rather just give up and become a full time crazy dog woman. Nevertheless, I have spent this past week of Easter break revising, and I couldn't help but think of ways which I could (unsuccessfully) revise whilst having fun.
So I made a list of things to try at home to spice up revision!

- Take a shot every time you get a question right, so you get drunk and revise at the same time! Everybody knows alcohol makes you remember better.

-If you get a question wrong, do 10 push ups. Your brain will work harder to not get them wrong or you'll be so muscly that you won't need to revise, you can simply impress the examiner.

- Do an Easter Egg hunt thing around your house, but with clues as exam questions.

- Remove your eyeballs and imprint mind maps on them, but remember to put your eyeballs back in your head.

-Busk revise! Speak through and explain the topics you're revising on the street to the public. It will stay in your head and someone will probably hopefully give you money. Either through pity or insanity.

- Pretend that you are learning everything in order to survive a Zombie Apocalypse. Really commit to the part by only dressing in rags and carrying a large weapon during your allotted revision time.

- Turn yourself into a Disney princess and swish your hair out of a window whilst singing what your revision is. You can then re-enact the songs during the exam!

- Create a trap in your house in which you can only escape from if you do an hour of revision and a past paper.

- If you get really desperate, try snorting/smoking/ingesting your revision notes just before the exam. Your body will then soak up the information due to the Adrenaline and you'll pass with flying colours!

I hope these will help over the next few months when we are all revising. Best of luck mes amigos!
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

The Great Open Day Obstacle

I should, if I had it my way, be writing this blog post from the rooftop apartment which overlooked Rome, eating mozzarella and bathing in the spring sunshine. This is sadly not the case as my holiday has now ended, and the next 10 weeks will be filled with crying and revision- oh to be a sixth former!
To give myself peace of mind that I am in some way spreading my somewhat limited but amusing (at least I hope) wisdom, here is a post about open days.

Summer time (shh we're nearly there. Or at least I was when I was in Rome yesterday. Sigh.) means open day time. This roughly translates to gallivanting around universities, aimlessly looking at slightly shabby accommodation and nabbing as much free stuff as possible. For many, there is no clear action plan with open days and this makes me sad. As an experienced open day goer (I went to 9, I was a little bit obsessed.) I have developed a solid plan for you to follow.

• Make sure you book yourself onto said open days, if needs be, and sign in. They will keep track of who has signed on and arrived, and may help your application (this could be an urban myth, but it doesn't hurt).
• Take a parent/guardian/someone responsible. I mentioned this in my 'How Do I University' post, and I meant it. Going with your friends sounds like a laugh but, sorry for being a party pooper, your parents/guardians/responsible person are the ones who will be helping you/probably paying through this process. Plus they will inevitably ask questions to the slightly scary people who you're too shy to say anything too- which is a bonus.
• Plan before you go. Check how to get there and what talks/tours you want to do. The planning will get smoother with each open day, and soon you'll be darting in and out of the confused crowd of teenagers who don't know where the shuttle bus leaves. Amateurs. 
• Take a bag and a pen/paper. One of my parents always did, and we always used them. I don't know how just do it- you'll look really prepared and cool.
• Go to student finance talks. Please. At least one. They are super helpful in outlining what you're entitled to and will make your process for student loans a lot easier. And it will make your parents happy which, during the uni process, is a blessing; trust me.
• Go to the course talk. Every time. This seems really obvious but, even if like me you're doing a course that has to be the same at every uni, the way its presented etc is really important. If the course leader squishes you all into a small room and talks at you for 2 hours, re-evaluate that uni.
• Visit the course building(s) that you are interested in! You'll find current students there who will give you the most realistic spin on the course that they can, and it will be worthwhile. Plus you should be going for the course talk anyway....
• Go along to the student union because they're usually super cool and make you think 'oh wowee I wanna go here!', plus that is where the free stuff is.
• If possible, hop along to student accommodation. It's a distant future thought, I know, but it could be a make or break. One uni I visited planned to put all the nursing students together in this creepy cul-de-sac; deal breaker.
• Know your limits. Once you start wishing that you had never even thought about uni because your feet ache so much, or you are planning on slicing off the face of the next person who mentions the word student loans; stop. Take a break. It's a surprisingly tiring experience, don't be afraid to have a nice piece of cake and a cuppa.
• Try and be practical. You could be living in this environment for 3 years! Don't decide to choose a uni based on the fact that it has a really pretty lake on campus.

I know it's a long list, but its stuff I wish I had known. I grant my knowledge to you, young warrior, use it well.

If you're mega keen to know where I went/applied to get the inside gossip, Tweet/comment/tumblr message me.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

The Wonderful World of Work

I'm a big believer in part-time jobs for teenagers. Having worked two jobs in my life, waitress and my current job as a pot washer, I feel like I've got some 'part-time job wisdom'. Part-time jobs as a teenager are mega important as they allow you to peek into the adult world and see how you'll cope once the safety of school is taken away. Its a chance to mature, earn some money and work with new people of different ages and backgrounds. Yes, it can suck and you might, like I have been, be treated as some sort of pariah for all misfortunes within the workplace, but that just gives you the chance to learn your rights as a worker.

My time as a waitress was really interesting; it made me begin to realize how much I loved working in a busy environment, and that talking to people all day made me really happy. I worked really hard to become part of the team, despite the large age gaps and the fact that I wasn't in some way related to the boss. I made friends with the chefs and laughed with the waitresses whilst earning my way through the summer. Sadly, due to the surprising workload I had to deal with for my AS-levels and the inflexibility of my hours, I had to leave that job behind.
For over a year, I was unemployed but happy; I had saved enough to be comfortable. This changed last summer when I made the decision to take a gap year, and when my money started to run out. I had to get a job and fast so I gave out CVs to 9 different places, hoping that my experience as a waitress and first aid qualification would get me through- it didn't. I was nearly out of luck until my friend told me that her ex-boss was looking for people at a new bar in my town. I applied, and was given the chance to become a pot washer. I took it, despite knowing how I would hate it.. and I was right. I don't work in close proximity with anyone else, so I haven't gelled with the team. Other than that they are fantastic to work for and they pay well, but I'm not happy. I know that jobs won't always make you happy but that doesn't change how I feel. I honestly believe that I don't deserve a job which I know I'm not suited too; someone else does. I am not a pot-washer, I like to talk and serve.
So, after another stint of giving out CVs which failed again, I managed to get an interview for a full-time waitress position (thanks to the guy I'm dating for notifying me of the position and getting me the application form). I'm desperately hoping that I'll get this job so that I can start to feel happy and enjoy my work gain.

The point of that rather long winded anecdote is that my part-time jobs have shaped who I am. Without being a waitress/pot washer, I wouldn't have realised how much I loved providing a service and I might not have applied for nursing. And I would be broke, which would really suck. Even though there have been times when I wished my life was more similar to those in Super Sweet 16, and that I had pretty much unlimited money to my name, that isn't my reality. Part-time jobs are essential to your personal growth from adolescence to adult (yuck sorry) so get out there if possible. (Unless you aren't coping with your current workload, in which take it easy!!)
I hope that gave some insight, or provided you with 5 minutes of procrastination.
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Are You A Feminist?

I am a Feminist. I have been since I understood what it means, thanks to my sister. I am by no means an expert on Feminism, and I don't do as much as I should to promote it. But the reason why I wanted to make this blog post is because I am sick of having to correct my peers' ignorance on this topic, I shouldn't have to.
It's 2014 and some people still think that Feminism means 'man-hating'. The Oxford dictionary states feminism as “The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes”.
Equality. Feminism is all about just that. It is a movement which hopes to improve issues in which women face in the modern world, in order to make the sexes equal. Yes, there are issues with men’s rights too, and nowadays those are fought alongside women’s rights because people realise that the sexes aren't equal.

People who say “I’m fed up with feminists thinking that ‘equality’ means that they have to have better rights than men” (actual quote from someone I know) are incorrect. They are talking about people who believe in matriarchy which, as defined by oxford dictionary, is “A system of society or government ruled by a woman or women”. 

These definitions are, obviously, not the same. But we need to help the ignorant realise that Feminism doesn't mean man-hating. Feminism is important because it is helping to create equality. I need Feminism because I shouldn't have to endure cat-calling in the street when I'm wearing my school uniform. From the age of 13/14, I have endured (albeit small) moments of street harassment. I have had female teachers call me a slut because my skirt is not knee-length. I have been taught that the way I dress will determine whether I deserve to be harassed, either verbally or physically. For these reasons, I am happy to call myself a Feminist. I am happy to correct the ignorance which gets thrown around on Facebook, Twitter or the Sixth Form common room. I hope that one day I will be able to say I'm a Feminist without getting criticism.

Apologies if I have stated something incorrectly, please tell me if so!

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

How Do I University?

Panic time! It's almost April! Things are starting to happen! Mad panic is starting to descend on schools (especially sixth form, see my previous post) but there are also lots of pretty flowers and baby animals springing up everywhere.
For me, its 'crunch time' when I'm meant to be planning my gap year, deciding on my university place, doing my coursework, revising, socialising and looking for a job... but instead I'm blogging.
But I do not want to complain about being in Year 13, I have twitter/tumblr/family/friends for that! I'm here to tell you all about the beginnings of the university process because its that time of year, and I'm a university veteran. This time last year, I was madly booking open days to attend whilst looking into the course I wanted to do and checking I was on track to get those grades. For me, it was slightly easier when it came to the Uni process because my sister had already been through it. But, unlike her, I was determined to visit a wide range of universities because, quite frankly, I had no idea where I wanted to go. I ended up visiting 9 different universities.
So, to prevent you from getting completely stuck on how to start the 'How do I university' process, I thought I'd give you some pointers:

• What course do you want to do? Unfortunately, our culture seems to insist you know what you want to do with your life right now. Luckily for me, I had known since age 11 but others don't. Take a moment to think and don't be afraid to shop around for different options- Is uni right for you? If you are completely unsure, talk to teachers, friends, parents, etc. If you're utterly stuck and see no way out, take a deep breath and think. You cannot force a career choice. 
• Where is your course offered? People always seem to miss this step. Your course isn't offered everywhere- I'm sorry to burst your bubble. You are going to have to use the UCAS website and search, which is possibly the worst website I've ever used. You will have to search for different variations of your course, and some places won't appear but don't worry! WhichUni and WhatUni are better, use them as well. 
• Begin to shortlist! Get rid of Universities that don't float your boat,  have ridiculously high grades for you, and are in the wrong country (Scotland is difficult to get into, they favour Scottish and EU students over other UK students). Do not get rid of cities you don't know/ don't like because you might be surprised.
• Book your open days. Just do it. Check the dates, ask for those days off from school/college/work and, if possible, get someone sensible to come with you (not friends that are choosing the same uni, if possible. They make decisions harder.) Once you visit, you'll get an idea of what that university is like and you can ask questions galore. Once you've done this, you'll be able to know whether you want a campus or city university, whether you want to go on tariff points or grades, whether you want to live near or far and, most importantly, who offers the best course for you.

Never forget that this is your process, nobody else's. If you really really really hate a university, don't be afraid to blacklist it, even if your parents/family/friends/teachers/guardian angel tells you otherwise. Trust your gut instinct! I visited the university my sister attends and hated it, it made me feel like I was in a bad crime drama. I also hated some very prestigious universities that my family wanted me to attend. I wasn't afraid to tell them because, in the end, I was the one who'd be there for 3 years+. 

Try really really really hard, however, not to pick a favourite. You might not get your favourite and it hurts. I set my heart on a university which I could have pretty easily got into, but sadly they changed their criteria last minute and refused to allow deferred entry. I didn't know and, to my dismay, was very quickly rejected after submitting my application. It sucked, and I regretted every setting my heart on one place.

Best of luck my lovelies! Tweet/comment/tumblr message me if you have any queries.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Springtime in Sixth Form

It's this time of year, as my biology teacher said, when people either sink or swim. For very obvious reasons, this is the hardest part of the year. I look around the Sixth Form at this time of year, and I see very tired faces. Faces that crave caffeine, sleep, to not be doing a-levels anymore and probably alcohol (gin and tonic please, if you're offering). Everybody is aware of the pressures that are on them (upcoming exams, coursework, UCAS/future plans) and there seems to be a constant struggle to stay awake and keep fighting. Some people do begin to slip and lose motivation, I know I am, but you have to realize that it will be over soon and you can relax. It's not gonna be a fun next few months, but it will be worth it.
If I can do it, you sure as hell can.

That's all for now, my next blog post will be about the road to choosing universities but I thought I'd wait till all got back to me.
Keep going, and just remember that , as my dad says, worse things happen at sea!
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Wanderlust

It was the brightly coloured stalls of the school's careers convention when I first started to think about taking a gap year. They all told me that a gap year would be wonderful and not stressful and a great way to make money. From then I toyed with the idea of being an Au Pair, until I realised that you needed to jump through hoops of fire, NVQs in childcare and endless DBS checks, and I thought no no I'm going to university and starting proper adult life as a student nurse.
This all changed in one fleeting moment in a 50's diner in Cardiff with my best friend. We were chatting about how scary it is to think that university is just around the corner and how we both don't feel quite ready. We jokingly said how we should run away to Paris for a year and Ta-da!- the gap year idea was born! It was not, however, that simple from then on. We both jumped from one idea to another, amazed by the range of ideas that (seemed) available and a huge list of places we wanted to go. It wasn't until late December when we actually made a plan on a pizza hut napkin, over a large plate of nachos.
Our initial idea was to live with a friend in California for 6 months, spend 3 months in Australia, travel in Thailand then do something until August when we'd finally come home. This plan was going great, we were all ready to book our Round The World ticket until it came to researching how to get an American visa, and it all fell apart. Successfully getting an American visa is as common as human sacrifice, or so I've found.
So currently, me and my friend are desperately trying to re-think our plans.
To stop this from happening, I thought I'd make this blog post and give you some great gap year websites and books which I've been using.

• Lonely Planet's 'The Big Trip' book- This book is my gap year bible. It is stocked full of information on everything you can possibly imagine in a really friendly and simple format. I have already colour-coded each chapter that is useful to me. They also have a great website  which I would definitely recommend! 
• Gap Year 360- this website is fantastic, and offers a wide range of options from volunteering to paid work abroad. 
• Cool Works - If you're looking at summer/ski season jobs, then this is the place to be. 
• BUNAC- Another massive range of options, with a really well known organizer (may pacify nervous parents who seem to assume that your gap year will only involve you becoming a skint criminal)
• GapYear.com- This is a brilliant website which talks you through everything, with a massive range of articles, advice and forums with helpful people. 
• STA Travel- I've recently discovered these guys and they've been great. A friend used this and said it was great, what more do you need to be convinced?
• The Guardian have done some articles as well which may give you some ideas
• One World 365
• If you are looking for Au Pair sites, then greataupair, aupair-world and newaupair have all been good (even though I didn't go down that route)

Those are the ones I've cherry picked for you, and if I think of anymore, I'll update this list!

This process is scary, so don't be worried if you find yourself thinking 'oh my god can I actually do this? I MIGHT DIE' or 'WHY DID I CHOOSE TO DEFER'. As long as you can happily explain why you want to go both to yourself, your friends and your overbearing family who mean the best but would really rather prefer it if you didn't, then you'll be fine! 

Best of luck, and feel free to comment/tweet/message me on tumblr if you get confused or want advice or even have advice for me!

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

The Realisation That I'm Leaving

Ten weeks. That's all. I have ten weeks left of secondary schooling and then I'm done. I've spent the last 12 years of my life in school (3 different ones but still) and it's really strange to think that it's all ending.

I've been at my current secondary school since I was 11, since I continued through Sixth Form, and I'm really going to miss it. I've not loved every second of my time here, that would be a huge exaggeration, and there are still days when I am joyous that I am leaving all these people behind.

Things I'll miss:

• Memories. I can walk around school and see where I used to chat and gossip, see where I started my longest relationship, where I broke down, where I found out that he liked me or where I first started to feel like an adult. It's terrifying to think that I will be leaving these places, but at least I know that all these places will be there for other people to make those memories.
• Teachers. I can't imagine what it's going to be like not having my favourite teachers encourage me, or just exchange witty banter. I'm pretty dependent on my teachers and I can't imagine life without them.
• School uniform. I will miss wearing a tie everyday. It is a skill I will probably never use again.
• The library. I love that stupid library. It's so warm and cosy and the school Librarian is really nice to me.
• The History and Drama departments. It smells like coffee and mental breakdowns and hours of hard work.
• Feeling like I'm queen of the school. Being in Sixth Form certainly has its perks.

Things I won't miss:

• 'Lower schoolers'. They bumble around with no purpose in life, occasionally making catty comments to you to impress your friends. Not fun.
• School dinners. Don't get me wrong, its not awful but there is a specific smell/taste to everything; bland.
• School uniform. I know I said I'll miss it, but it has 'swings and roundabouts'. I will not miss the days when I am stopped in the corridor and female teachers call me a 'slut' for wearing a skirt above the knee.
• Bells. My entire life at school is controlled by bells, and I don't like this. I am not one of Pavlov's dogs, thank-you.
• Assembly. Nothing kills your morning vibe more than sitting in a room with people you hate and listening to your head of sixth form make inappropriate sexist jokes.
• Plastic chairs/tables with chewing gum underneath/carpets with trodden down food. 

I hope this helps you appreciate school more/empathize if you are also leaving/makes you nostalgic about school.

I, however, am still terrified.

Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

Fight or Flight

There are times when I long to sweep away half the things I am expected to learn; for the overtaxed mind cannot enjoy the treasure it has secured at the greatest cost.- Helen Keller

Stress is a normal physical response to events which make you feel threatened or upset. Your nervous system floods your body with hormones such as adrenaline so it's ready for action.

I've heard quite a few stories about people having a really stressful time at the moment, and all I want to do is wrap them in a duvet, give them a cup of tea and stroke their hair. When I was going through my most stressful times, I would have loved someone to tell me how to deal with and that it would be okay. So, here's my story of stress.

I've always struggled with stress, ever since I began formal examinations and serious school work. Until Sixth Form, I'd generally managed to keep it under control. Once I realised that Year 12 was a massive uphill struggle, I began to stress. Year 12 saw me struggling with Human Biology and whether or not I'd actually be able to pull it off as an AS level, as well as sorting out my Drama performance.

Doing Drama is by far the most stressful experience I've had to date. Everything was going okay until one of the group members became really ill with something contagious so simply couldn't come into school. It was completely terrifying because none of us in the group had any idea what to do. With only two weeks until our exam, we had to carry on without a member and hope she'd be better. I decided to take charge (it's what I do naturally) and try and sort it all out. I reached a point where I would just break down whenever I wasn't doing Drama, and I was unable to concentrate on anything else. In the end, we had to post-pone the performance and we scraped through the exam.

The real issues came at the start of Year 13. I started off the year badly, as I broke up with my long-term boyfriend and felt pretty damn sorry for myself. As a way of forgetting about him, I threw myself into my work and started to compile my life around school. By Christmas I was massively struggling and spending all of my time work or crying. It got to the point where my poor history teacher had to take me aside and tell me straight that I was working too hard, and that I needed to take a step back. I took a deep breath, listened and took his advice.

I'm still stressed. I still get a sickening feel when I come across a problem that I feel I simply can't handle, and I spend far too much time thinking about school; but I'm getting better.

The best way to deal with stress is taking a step back/deep breath and reviewing the situation. It's all about prioritizing what needs to get done and when, and making allowances for yourself to relax. Read a book, lie in bed and just think, or just whatever keeps your mind off whatever is stressing you.

It will be okay, I promise.
Promise me you'll take a break every once in awhile, okay?
Thanks for reading,
Kitty x

An A-level Survival Guide

Disclaimer, A-levels suck.
I'm half kidding, I promise. They're completely new and exciting for all you poor GCSE takers who can't wait to take the subjects you are really passionate about. As I'm ending my time in Sixth Form *panicked crying about leaving school*, I thought I'd give you some tips about how to survive a-levels.

• Take subjects you enjoy. These subjects will basically be your life for the next two years, so don't take something just because you're good at it! Adding to that, being good at something at GCSE doesn't mean it will be an easy ride. Take subjects that you want to scream from the rooftops and write blog posts about. Also, choosing to do subjects that universities really like such as biology, chemistry, physics and maths may seem like a good idea but they will kill your spirit and make you hate education. Try and find a balance!
• Start to actually think about what you want to do in your life. Whether it's uni, college, a job or an apprenticeship look at your options ASAP! It's always better to be prepared, and the time when you actually have to decide comes really quickly.
• Take time to relax each week. Sixth form is a big shock for most people and I know from personal experience that it can really stress you out. One day you'll be sitting doing your work in the library and you'll suddenly find yourself stress crying about life. As long as you have whatever extra-curricular activity makes you happy, you'll be fine!
• Try and act like an adult. This is probably the most obvious piece of advice, and yet the most forgotten. Sixth form is a place where you are in adult limbo; not old enough to be completely responsible but not young enough to act like a huge prat. If you act like a young adult, you will be treated like one. Teachers will respect you and your two years of being overworked and crying will be illuminated by fond memories of your amazing teachers.
• Balance your social life. I say balance as opposed to have or don't have one. Do not party every 'student night', but don't spend all your time working. There will be times when you go out after a long day at school and it will be a lovely release. However, if you decide to go to a gig on a school night, get drunk and subsequently have to post-pone your psychology experiment because you are hungover, you will feel a fool (totally not my experience...)
• Don't waste this opportunity. Once you reach the penultimate months of your time in Sixth form, like I have, you will look back and think "where did the time go" blah blah blah. 

I hope this guide was in some way helpful! 

Thanks for reading,

Kitty x

The Beginning

One fine afternoon, someone suggested that I spread my somewhat limited wisdom on yet another social networking platform.
I want to start a blog all about how to cope with launching into the world of choosing universities, becoming a student nurse,how to plan/survive a gap year and just general life advice. As I learn the hard way, I'll update all you lucky people on how to avoid the mistakes or take the opportunities by the scruff of the neck.

I'll start off the boring way and tell you a bit about myself.
I'm 17 and currently taking 3 a-levels (human biology, psychology, history). I'm hoping to become a nurse in the very near future, but first I've taken the mad decision to attempt to travel the world with my best friend on a very small budget. 

A lot of people have asked me why I'm taking a gap year, and my answers have varied in their truthfulness each time. On my personal statement I made it look like it would really help me excel in my chosen career; an incredibly idealistic view, but I still hope its true.
My friends and teachers and parents all think that it's to earn money and see the world.
But it's really because I don't want to start being a proper adult yet. I want to travel and work long crappy jobs, make slightly stupid decisions and spend money on stupid souvenirs which I'll keep for 30 years whilst I re-tell my gap year stories. With my chosen degree of nursing, you start working in a placement pretty quickly so you're essentially a nurse from that point, and although I think I'm ready to do that one day, this year isn't time. I need a bit more life experience before I can start help other people with theirs. I can't imagine what it would be like to be fresh from 'cushy' sixth form life to being in a position where people genuinely need you; that terrifies me right now. I'm hoping that by this time next year, I'll be desperate to start university and nursing and adult life.

So there you go, I've poured out the truth about my mad reasons for a gap year. 
Stay tuned for more slightly depressing home truths, and rants about how I am winging life.
Thank-you for reading,
Kitty x