Nominated for a Liebster Award

I was nominated by the lovely Lucy of What the Fudge, so I now nominate:

• Archie of A Bundle of Contradictions
• Maya of ohemgeeitsmaya
• Layla of My Blog
• Taylor of Taylor Lavati
• Hannah of Perfect Companions Have Pages and Prose

Now onto the questions Lucy asked:

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? (location or whatever)

I see myself (hopefully) just finishing uni, with a job, or getting one. Location, no idea, Anywhere. I hope to do some travelling before I settle down, I know that. Who knows, in ten years, I might actually have a boyfriend to travel with!

What/who persuaded you to start blogging?

I'd been thinking about it for ages, as I couldn't become a youtuber, as I am A, way too awkward in front of a camera, and B, I like the anonymity. But what really got me into it was the fact that my friends were doing it too, so I wasn't alone.

What is your favourite food?

Oooh, either pasta (any, literally) or eggs, scrambled or in an omelette preferably!

What thing/things would you like to do before you die?

Do you want the whole list? Well, I want to bungee jump, skydive, travel the world, maybe live abroad a while. Publish a book, make a name for myself, raise a good family, keep a good job, you know, the generic stuff.

If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH Not this one!!! Ummm, ummm, either Emma Watson (her UN #HeForShe speech was so inspiring) or maybe JK Rowling for writing tips.

If you could meet one fictional character, who would it be? 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH Not fair!!! Ummm, I'd love to meet Hermione Granger. She's been my role model since the beginning. Bushy hair team, forever!

What is your favourite band?

Either Mumford & Sons or Florence + the Machine

If you could have one super power, what would it be? 

Oooh, good one. I would love either telekinesis or flight. Those two just sound brilliant. Or maybe shapeshifting! Argh, can't decide

Who is your idol?

Ummmm, I suppose I look up to a lot of people now I think about it. I look up to my sisters, who are both older than me; my mum, who always tries to teach me a lesson to help me out; celebrities like Emma Watson or Rick Riordan, as they're trying to change the way people think, whether it's about feminism or dyslexia.

What is your favourite animal?

My favourite animal, either dogs or owls.
Now for my questions for you!

• What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• If you could live anywhere on earth (and take whomever you wanted along), where would it be?
• What do you admire most about yourself?
• Why did you start blogging?
• What pet would you own if you could own any animal in the world?
• What’s your favorite hobby?
• What’s your superpower? Would you use it for good or for evil?
• What is your favorite dessert?
• Favourite youtuber?

That's kind of it for now. If I get the time, I seriously will be finishing the next Writing Wednesday soon.

Later Articulators

Lessons Learned

No, this post is not about my recent return to school (Year 10 is so much fun! (note the sarcasm)).

7 months ago, I posted about the boy I like (the post has now been removed) So far, I think half my year group has discovered I like said boy, including him (he already knew, but he got to read the blog anyway) and today, a full 7 months after the posting of that disaster, I was teased about it once again, with a corridor full of people to hear.

So, it started out with leaving fourth lesson (the penultimate lesson of the day) with one of the boys in my English class, let's call him Prick, called out to me that I was looking lovely. With boys like Prick, compliments generally have the connotations (haha, using my new English knowledge) 'duck and cover'. I was then told, I was beautiful, unique. Oh god. So, I walked a little faster, trying to catch up to a friend, who, of course, was walking with Him.

Next thing I hear down the corridor is, 'Eve, so-and-so here's read your blog, and we think you might like a certain ***'

This, of course, was not helped by my two friends behind me, who decided to point out that I was walking towards Him, rather than just 'away'. Thanks, true friends who always have my back!

My favourite tactic for things like this? Hold your head up high, act like you're not bothered. As long as you're not facing them, they can't see the look in your eyes, the one thing that shows how you really feel. Maybe flip your finger over your shoulder as you go.

This post was originally going to be longer, but I decided not to give anyone who stumbles across this fuel for their arrogant fires.

A great start to another brilliant year!

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Relief

First off, I'm really sorry that I haven't posted a Writing Wednesday when I was supposed to, hopefully I'll have it up on Wednesday, but there is a reason.
For the last week, I have had intensive rehearsals for my school's production of Sound of Music.

The School's Poster

I starred as Mother Abbess, which is quite a good part in the scheme of things. I got more lines than a year 13 who is much better at drama than me. To be perfectly honest with you, I only just started getting my lines completely right in our rehearsal on Thursday, around 6 hours before our debut!
Mother Abbess gets 5 songs, two of which have substantial solos.

How do you solve a problem like Maria - You kick her out the Abbey and tell her to fall in love

My Favourite Things - Being able to go home at three o'clock

Climb Every Mountain - I think I'll stay on the ground thanks

Wedding Procession (Maria Reprise) - I knew kicking her out was a good idea

Climb Every Mountain Reprise - My little baby, off to escape Nazis

Writing Wednesday #1 ~ Shark Woods

So here we are, my first Writing Wednesday. If you find any prompts you think I could use, feel free to link them in the comments.

I hear their snarls in my dream, the weeping and gnashing of teeth. The scent of blood passes beneath my nose, the sense of apprehension building, preparing to crash into me with the force of a waterfall.

As the waterfall of trepidation collided with me, I awoke.

I’ll tell you one thing, I wasn't in my bed, I wasn't even in my home. Instead, the woods greeted me with their darkness, the musky scent enveloping me in its welcoming embrace.

Then, that moment between sleep and wakefulness dissipated, leaving me with the realisation that, not just was I in the woods, but the Forbidden Forest, where they roamed. Reaching a hand to my face, the water on my cheeks met my trembling fingers.

It was too late.

They said, if you only strayed so far into the forest that you were still dry, you could turn back, you could be safe.

My feet were running beneath me before my mind even got round the fact of my almost certain doom. They would come for me soon enough, and there would be no escape; not for the hopeless wanderer.

I had told my mother months before that my habit of sleepwalking would get me into trouble, that a lock on my door would be a necessary precaution. But no, I would grow out of sleepwalking, and having a lock on my door would only encourage me to hide myself away, probably performing illegal acts or something like it.

Now look, mother, I don’t suppose I’ll live to grow out of my habit, and this is a lot worse than any illegal act I could perform behind a locked bedroom door, I can assure you.

I hear it now, the hiss of the Great White, the sound that tells me to start saying my prayers.

I pray that mother isn't too hard on herself; it wasn't her fault really. No one could predict that a little bit of sleepwalking would lead to my death.

It’s sniffing me out, searching for the scent of my blood. I read in school that a Great White can smell you from five feet away, with the smallest surface wound, even a papercut.

I pray that father is proud of my achievements, even compared to my sister’s; I hope he is proud of me.

I remember the reason I consigned myself to bed last night; up late studying, I had fallen asleep on my textbook, the papercut I’d earned from a slip of my hand wakening me. Looking to the offending hand, the small cut glared back at me, the slim red line signalling my downfall.

I pray that Kelly doesn’t think ill of me for not living up to the bar she set; she always was the best at everything, and in these, my final moments, my envy is non-existent.

I can see it now, the hulking Great White slinking through the trees. Its body is bigger than the books say, that I can tell from the off. Of course, the books are written with legends, tales told by those who have ventured into the dry part of the woods. There are no survivors who have ventured as far as I.

I pray that he knew, even though I never told him. I pray that he could tell, I pray that he could find someone to help him through my death.

It’s approaching me, and on top of its undeniably fishy scent, I could smell my own fear.

I pray that it will be peaceful, I whispered to myself, one hand reaching up to cross myself, I pray that there is no pain.

Writing Wednesdays

Hey Articulators!
So, I was thinking of starting a Writing Wednesday on this blog, like +Taylor Lavati (Taylor Lavati).
I don't think it'd be weekly, more fortnightly, but it sounds like a good way to stimulate myself and maybe get a few of my fanfictions out there (if I make chaptered ones, I'd probably schedule them for another day, but oneshots will be for Writing Wednesday).

So, whadya think? Good idea, bad idea, as long as you post?
Only a short post today to warn you all!
Later Articulators, Eve

Maths Exams - Where's the Maths?

I am currently in the middle of taking a GCSE in Statistics; quite the daunting prospect when you're in Year 9. But, being admittedly one of the best in my year at maths (a reputation that I reckon is slowly dwindling, but oh well, it still follows me) they reckon we can complete a GCSE at the age of 14. OK, yeah, I'll roll with it.
So, at this point, I have completed the controlled assessment (got a B, which I suppose is a good grade to go into an exam with) and prior to the mock exam on Friday, we've been given an old paper (2006) to practice on. Now, I'd like to know...
Where the bloody hell did the maths go to?

In the paper, I have counted 18 questions that ask you to calculate something - this does not count plotting graphs or completing tables (which takes up 8 questions).

The paper has 32 pages.

Most of the paper is taken up with questions asking you to discuss things.

When the hell was maths discussions? The reason I like maths, the reason I'm good at it, is because you can sit and calculate stuff, and be logical.

When did maths exams become all about the writing?

Now, a year ago, when I took part in UKMT Junior Maths Challenge and came out with a gold (the only person in the participating years to get such, earning me 3 certificates for best in year and best in school) my mum talked to me about pursuing a career in mathematics, seeing as I am good at it.
But honestly, pursuing a career in mathematics would mean actual maths, not whatever the hell I'm doing now.

I miss when maths tests were listening to a recording and answering the questions.

So, that's today's rant. I shall put aside the accursed paper and get on with the other homework I have for this glorious (ha!) long weekend!
Have a good bank holiday, Articulators,
Eve x

TMI TAG!!!!!!!!!

OK, a couple of my subscriptions on YouTube have done this in the last few days, so I thought I might use this as a 'getting to know you' type thing!
(This may take a couple of days, so putting dates whenever I'm on a different date - 21st April)

1.What are you wearing?

(Sidenote, all I can think about is the Hillywood Hunger Games Parody)

Mix and Match Colours for Life Pajamas

Love to Lounge Poncho

2. Ever been in love?

Currently 87% in love, according to +Shizuku Takahashi!

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

Every morning ... with my bed

But seriously, no. You need a boyfriend for that!

4. How tall are you?

5' 5" apparently! I thought I was honestly taller.

5. How much do you weigh?

Honestly, that's really not something I want to be putting out there, but I'll tell you it's healthy for my height, and I am perfectly happy with it! :)

6. Any tattoos?

Nope, not 18, but I would like to get some done.

7. Any piercings?

I got my ear lobes done when I was 12, and that's it. I'd like to get my cartilage and maybe my lobes done again, and possibly a navel, but I'm honestly too squeamish for anything else.

8. OTP?

Chicken Nuggets and Chips ;-)

But seriously, Hinny is my OTP, or Nuna (so should have been canon), or Renora (RWBY) or most canon ships, actually!

9. Favourite show?

Any Great British show on BBC (Bake Off shouldn't be watched when hungry), The Tomorrow People, Once Upon a Time (up to season 2) & Orphan Black.

10. Favourite bands? (22nd April)

Florence + the Machine, Mumford and Sons; but to tell the truth, the music I listen to depends on the mood I'm in at that time.

11. Something you miss?

Good shows on TV (Mona the Vampire, where did you go?), my naivety. Oh, everything from when I was younger, really. My sister too, but shell be back in a month or so!

12. Favourite song?

I hate questions like this, you know. It's so hard to pick a single song as my favourite. At the minute, though,  my favourite is I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons

13. How old are you?

The lawnmower ;) (look up Bingo Lingo, if you must know)

14. Zodiac sign?

Virgo

15. Qualities you look for in a partner?

Arghhhhh, trying not to base it all off him!

Funny, smart, compassionate, considerate, cute.

(and if someone has sent you the link to this, you are all this and more, trust me)

16. Favourite quote?

I see a load of quotes, and like a lot of them, so trying to remember a really good one is hard.

I think my favourite of the moment is one I saw at +Beamish Museum in the Band Hall.

You have nothing to lose but your chains.

I just think it's an empowering statement.

17. Favourite actor?

At the moment, Amanda Seyfried is pretty high up, and Emma Watson, as always! But actors, Daniel Radcliffe, he's really branched out.

18. Favourite colour?

Any blue, but I really like turquoise and teal.

19. Loud music or soft?

Again, depends on the moment, but generally, soft.

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

Not much of a question, I'm always in my room.

21. How long does it take you to shower?

20 - 30 minutes usually.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Discounting breakfast and the ritual (the series of steps for caring for my braces) about half an hour for school.

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

I kicked a guy in the nuts before, but have never been in a full on brawling fight.

24. Turn on?

I'm not even 18 yet, I don't have turn ons, but I like a boy with a nice laugh who uses it often.

25. Turn off?

Being rude or putting people down, you seriously don't have the right to do that.

26. The reason I joined Blogger?

A couple of my friends got blogs, (Maya) and I followed a couple of blogs and fancied trying it out, because I only have a really bad webcam to work with, so youtube is out, and I'd just sit doing random stuff. And I wanted a place to put my writing like short drabbles and facfictions (I read a lot, and get loads of ideas for them)

27. Fears?

Other than spiders? Flying insects, and actually,

(sidenote while looking up phobia name; the name for a fear of people sneezing is, get this, 'achoophobia' - you took that opportunity, sir! Anyway...)

OK, I can't be bothered to go through the many lists and find the correct name, so I'll just come out with it. I have a fear of losing control. Literally, I was on the verge of a panic attack once because of the little control I had over a situation. 

I've built a persona of confidence to mask it, and I think I have quite a few people, teachers included, fooled by it. 

Truth is, I don't have the confidence to go up and talk to him, because that means putting the direction of the conversation in fate's hands, and I've always been on the side of deciding your own fate, so I just can't do it.

That's the truth, and if I just shattered your perception of me, I'm sorry.

28. Last thing that made you cry?

One thing people don't know is I'm quite susceptible to tears, but I don't cry all that much outside my home, I can literally count the number of times I've cried at school on one hand (secondary only). And now, I'm ashamed to say it was my mum, it was a petty argument that I won't go into.

29. Last time you said you loved someone?

In an email to my sister.

30. Meaning behind your Blogger name?

Basically, in Year 7, when I'd just started secondary school, and every so often, when I met new people, they'd ask me where I was from, declaring that I was 'posh'.

Since this, I have listened to myself speak, and I literally sound like I'm from the South (I'm from the heart of the North-East of England) - e.g. c-arse-tle, where most people around here say c-ass-tle. Ugh.

After watching many, many, danisnotonfire videos, I realised, I am not posh, I'm articulate, I was brought up with a wide vocabulary, and reading many books, so I just pronounce words as I want. That's just it!

31. Last book you read?

Amethyst by Heather Bowhay (so recommend, also, it's free on kindle)

32. Book you're currently reading?

Linked by Heather Bowhay (I recommend the full trilogy, it's so freaking good!)

33. Last show you watched?

Once Upon a Time, Series 2, Episode 19.

34. Last person you talked to?

+clarisse adamson on hangouts :)

35. Relationship between you and the last person you texted?

Very, very complicated (yeah, it's him)

36. Favourite food?

Pasta

37. Place you want to visit?

America, I want to go on a full American road trip and see all the things! (and Emma)

38. Last place you were?

The bathroom, performing the ritual.

39. Do you have a crush?

Not at all ;-)

40. Last time you kissed someone?

My parents last night to say goodnight

41. Last time you were insulted?

When a year 8 said, right to my face, 'you mumble' (3 weeks ago)

42. Favourite flavour of sweet?

Strawberry, all the way. Failing that, I'd go for raspberry, or cola (which is weird, because I've never liked coca cola, but always liked the popsicles and sweets - I'm a strange child)

43. What instruments do you play?

My voice, and I can play Hedwig's theme on piano, which I'm very proud that I learnt mostly by ear.

44. Favourite piece of jewellery? (23rd April)

Probably my hematite heart pendant, it goes with everything.

45. Last sport you played?

ummm, I did aerobics last time I was at school, but I'm doing Speed, Agility, Quickness on Friday.

46. Last song you sang?

I think it was Let it Go in IT to annoy Clarisse, or possibly Underdog when our teacher was playing it.

47. Favourite chat up line?

I haven't used chat up lines, but I think the fandom ones are really clever. And as corny as it is, I really like the 'Did it hurt when you fell from heaven' one.

48. Have you ever used it?

Nope, as I said earlier, I probably wouldn't have the confidence to use a chat up line.

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?

I suppose at the workshops I did in the holidays, I basically hung out with my friends for 5 days of my holidays, it was great fun. I might ask if I can post the pictures we got back today.

50. Who should do these questions next?

I'm officially tagging +Maya Gibson to do this tag, but after that, anyone who wants to, feel free!

That's the TMI tag, Articulators, see you round!