Batteries Not Included

Winter

2009-01-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

As much as I love winter I've been getting a bit impatient for some warmer weather and sunniness lately. That is, until today, when I woke up not only to a nice layer of snow but a beautiful stream of golden light - just perfect for photos!
I manually focussed these to make them er...well not in focus XD. I wanted to concentrate on the tones, shapes and general composition that just having one area in focus. It also creates some lovely bokeh.

Smoke and Mirrors

2008-10-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Today was a lovely day.
I woke up and looked at the time on my phone. It said it was 15:36.
I got up, turned on my laptop, and realised it was actually 11:36.
Ahhh it feels nice to gain four hours to your day =D
Yesterday evening, our internet connection stopped working for no reason. It used to do this a lot back when we first moved here, in July. I did not expect it to happen again since it had not happened for nearly four months. Inconvenient as it was, I'm sort of glad it did happen because I spent the day in my garden, taking photos, and by the time I'd uploaded them to edit the internet was up and running again =D.
It's amazing how much time one can burn with a camera, some flowers and a mirror though:

On my travels about my garden I also met a froggy couple (No, I'm not being Frenchist, they were actually two frogs/toads)

Photography.

2008-09-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I. LOVE. Photography.
More than taking photos, more than seeing photos I have taken and thinking "Wow. I took that", I love seeing others' photos and having no thoughts. Just gasping and wanting to look and look and look. To me, that is what makes a photo excellent. Not thinking "Aww isn't that pretty" "What a fantastic composition" "Such beautiful colours" but being rendered utterly breathless at whatever is squeezed into that rectangle.

There are two types that I love. They are so similar and so very different.

The first, the one I've tried my hand at most, are the ones that tell stories because you plan them to. They SCREAM stories. You think of the story...the idea...the concept...and then you create your photo to suit it. These photos are planned and carefully executed.
Like so:

Pretty much all of Chrissie White's photography demonstrates this; you can just see her imagination overflowing into her photos.

The second are the ones that tell stories but have no planned stories behind them. They are people, they are places, they are candid. I so hope that I one day master this type of photography as, when done correctly (not that there is any right or wrong or rules in place) it just blows me away.
Billy Gomez, who writes as well as captures beautifully, has great examples of this type.
dockmaster (hm, not sure of her real name), Sean Wood, and this dude, who inspired me to write this blog, are more of my favourites

I think both of these kinds produce such unique photos and are what I think of as art. Anyone can find a pretty location, wait for some pretty light, get their pretty subject in pretty clothes to pose nicely and process prettily and end up with an "Ohh isn't that a lovely shot" photo.
I'm not saying I don't appreciate these photos, and I think that they DO take skill. I've even considered having my own newborn photography business which would mean doing exactly that, day in day out.
I'm not saying those kinds of photos are meaningless or not artistic. They document life and people and that is important.
But there is SUCH a difference between photography and just having a good camera, some nice lenses, good light and a subject.

If you come across this, whether you're into photography or not, pleeaase take a look at some of the photographers I've linked to. Their images just amaze me!

Meeee

2008-08-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

I was a bit bored earlier and discovered one of these personality measurement thingies, I'd done a BBC one before which summed me up pretty well as a strategist but this site gives actual percentages for each section of your personality:

This makes me a craftsman!

It said my primary function (that makes me sound like a robot with only one task or something =|) is introverted thinking. I thought that was pretty spot on as the main thing I do is think..to myself...XD

But it turns out it means this:
"Thinking people make decisions based on logic, so the introverted thinking function allows a person to categorize and analyze data. Is it the ability to identify inconsistencies, know how things work and problem-solve."

I then took their multiple intelligence test, which shows you which types of intelligences (if that makes any sense) are your strongest.

I guessed which my top three would be before taking it and was pretty sure my "interpersonal intelligence" (Basically being sociable =P) would be horrible. It turns out it's so bad it doesn't even appear on this scaled down version XD

Anyway, it's all here in more detail, should anyone wish to see more about the workings of my blob of pinky grey matter or find out about their own.

London

2008-08-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ahhh London.
I recently seemed to have misplaced my photography mojo and thus decided to take a trip to the fine city and see if I might find it anywhere about the place.
I looked pretty much EVERYWHERE and discovered a few things: Walking in the direction of shiny buildings is a good idea; Buying incense from Camden for a pound is a bad idea; There's a beach right in the heart of the city, by the Thames of course, but it looks and smells and feels like a beach, and it is MOST odd to see London's famous skyline on the horizon as you stand with the shore lapping upon the pebbles; People WILL give you funny looks for doing certain things but it really doesn't matter; The standard size of a Sainsbury's is purely an opinion that varies from person to person; Pavements will try and steal your shoes.

So did I find my mojo? That I don't know. Whilst snapping away I never thought "Ooh, this is it! This is THE shot." But I certainly came back with a few I now love, a gorgeous Hamleys bear, a lungful of city air (yum yum) and the huge desire to return sometime soon, for more reasons than I've mentioned here ;)

I love this one; I just find it hilarious ^

It begins

2008-07-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

So I FINALLY sat down and planned out how I'm going to go about my CIMA accounts course. It took about 2 hours to write out my timetable, which shows what I will be doing from day 1 - 38. I doubt the course will take me 38 days; I'm not going to be doing it every single day, but hopefully I'll have completed it within a couple of months, leaving plenty of revision time for the exam in November.

I've a lovely organised desk and notice board so I can CONCENTRATE (Hopefully.)

I also pulled out the pencil skirt I'd bought in the Christmas holidays for school, not knowing I'd never return (well other than for meetings with my headteacher, trying to persuade me to)

Goths and chavs do not mix.

2008-07-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

As we discovered today.
Had a lovely time taking photos of Immi and Lizzy, dressed quite gothicly (is that a word?!). Unfortunately our shooting time was cut somewhat short as we had to flee from rowdy chavs XD. I'm still pretty happy with the ones we got:

Woah now

2008-07-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've not blogged in a long long long long tiiiime.
If I started writing all that's happened since I last did we'd be here all week. I have turned 17 though and moved house. I've also experienced the most emotional 3 weeks of my life and I'm going to say goodbye to those times with some melancholic photos!:

That's really enough photos of me.

My Life According to Google

2008-06-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a laugh.

Type in the following and choose from the first page...

1: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
Grace needs to have intimate relations with a man
She bloody doesn't.

2: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
Grace looks like a gift tied with wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows.
Cheers =/

3: Type in "[your name] does" in Google:
Grace does her pilates

4: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
Grace hates crocs and leggings.
Yes, yes she does.

5: Type in "[your name] goes" or "..has gone" in Google:
Grace goes mad for purple
Well you can tell that from my blog.

6: Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search:
Grace loves Hannah Montana
Shhhh!

7: Type in "[your name] eats" in Google search:
Grace eats small mammals
No comment

8: Type in "[your name] has" in Google search:
Grace has a room to rent/is looking for a roommate in Seattle

9: Type in"[your name] works" in Google:
None of these make sense because they're all about God, but here goes:
Grace Works Through Imperfect Relationships

10: Type in"[your name] lives" in Google search:
Grace lives at home with her 5 children

11: Type in "[your name] died" in Google search:
Grace died of cot death and mel and sophie died in the dog in the pond.
Something to do with Hollyoaks, apparently

12: Type in "[your name] will" in Google search:
GRACE will be able to map the Earth's gravity fields by making accurate
My, how exciting!

One must suffer for her art.

2008-05-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Normal person: "Oh look, there is a pile of logs in the garden. Perhaps they could be used for firewood and whatnot."

Me: "Oh look, there is a pile of logs in the garden. That would be a fantastic place for a self portrait. Let me just get my camera."

Never attempt to lay on a pile of logs. Especially not in full view of nosey neighbours with a high risk of indecent exposure. It is really very uncomfortable, then again Mr Normal up there would have realised that before clambering onto the pile of pointy, unstable, spider ridden chopped wood.

Anyway, I rather like the photos I managed so all is well!

Different crop..

Film!

2008-05-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

I fiiiinally got my film developed =D. What a palava though..I had to go to Jessops to get the film actually...doodahed.. (I never said I was a film expert =P) and then Snappy Snaps to get it made into prints...at a grand total of £17 per roll..
Still, I have learnt a fair bit about film now and am no longer a virgin! (Still talking about film here XP)
Btw, they look a lot better in real life (and I'm not just saying that bwaha); our scanner is broken so I had to take photos of them hee.
So here are a few:

Rather Like a Puzzle

2008-05-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

I've just come back after a week in the Isle of Wight. I would blog about all I did in that week but I really can't be bothered now, I have about 200 photos to choose from to blog and it's always a nightmare getting them here XD so I'll just type up what I wrote on, I think, the second day of the holiday:

The Isle of Wight is rather like a puzzle. By that I don't mean I've been all confused since I've been here or that I've been transported to The Da Vinci code. It's like someone has taken several, highly contrasting, chunks of the UK and crammed them all together. So far, I've been reminded of Great Yarmouth, Surrey, Wales, Cambridge, Southend, Cornwall and even central London =S.

The coastal parts are like any English seaside town. Where we're staying is like a slightly more posh and shinier Gt Yarmouth: Funny little shops and amusements; a pier that looks like it could go for a swim at any given moment, complete with a giant slide; trampolines that you can go on for something ridiculous like £10 for 10 minutes; beach-side cottages that are kind of shabby but lovely and sweet, steep little streets, lined with pubs, restaurants and places with names like "Chicken and Pizza Land". Classy.

But as you go futher in-land you meet the most gorgeous, empty, untouched countryside. Beautiful, misty hills in every shade of green and the occasional blinding yellow, where the oilseed rape fields are. Among all this are farms, garden centres, tea rooms, flocks of sheep, horses and cows and I even spotted a huge manor and the odd country mansion.

Then, just a few miles away you come to the main towns. Great concrete jungles: Matalans and Sainsbury's and a few streams and canals with sweet little bridges to remind you of the more countrified (my mum invented that word XD) areas.

So far I've been hugely amused by no less that 3 signs XD. The first was in an area called Apse. Well, the sign was all in the upper case, to read "APSE" and, quite inevitably, someone had modified the P. I wonder if it might have been given that name intentionally, for people to place bets on how soon it would be until the obvious graffiti would appear.
We also passed a pub, I think still in ARSE, er, I mean, APSE, called The Fighting Cocks. Enough said.
The final chortle-inducing sign was on a road deep in the country (Well as deep as you can be on such a tiddly island) on a windy road, "Heavy Plants Crossing". I'm still not entirely sure what it means but I can safely say I saw no obese chrysanthemums scrambling across that day.

Yesterday was beautifully sunny, warm enough for bare arms, making us feel we were officially on holiday.
Upon waking today, however, we were greeted by grey skies, the smell of fresh puddles and, to top it off, great claps of thunder, reminding us that we are still in the UK, thank you very much.

That tiny figure is my mum XD

At the zoo... (Well obviously.)

Look at the lady behind me XD

These wormy things were all over the beach =/

Too Poor for McDonald's.

2008-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Ahh what a lovely day.

Too lovely for this colour.

One moment..

Thaaat's better.

So anyway.

I left the house today with two lovely crisp £5 and £10 notes and three shiiiiny one pound coins.
I then proceeded to spend £12.11 on God only knows what. Honestly, I don't what I spent it on =/. Well other than a lottery ticket or two, and a card for Immi.

Speaking of Immi, never get directions from her. Or Elizabeth for that matter.

Lizzy nearly got me killed directing me actually "So are you on the other side of the road yet?" "No, I've not crossed yet" "Well cross" "If I cross now I will DIE!"

I was then passed to Immi (They were directing me to where their bus was to arrive, over the phone) and was delighted to hear(!) that she hadn't the slightest clue where I was. I am so very proud that I actually found the damned place.

My phone then ran out of money, just as a group of charming and I'm sure very eloquent young chavs, riding a fine chariot, attempted to serenade me with a series of honks and whistles...and mystifying gestures *insert appropriate smiley here*

Eventually I met up with the young scallywag Miss Blake and we proceeded to do and say strange things that did not appear strange at the time but did make us laugh a lot =/

We went to Cafe Nero's and they had soup...God how I wanted some of that soup...but alas, I had to save my pittance for to gain entrance for the cinemaaa later that eve.

Imogen and I discussed politics (code for her birthday) , the works of the late Pliny (my Job Crisis) and deep space (general crap)

I also gave her her fine gifts: The IT Crowd on DVD and Cardcaptor Sakura badges (though whether I should be mentioning her secret shame to the world, I don't know XD)

Eventually twas time to make our treacherous journey the the cinema. Upon arrival (no, I shan't be writing about the journey XP) we were most shocked to be asked for proof of our ages so as to get into this 15-rated moviefilm. Immi was heard to exclaim "But I turn 17 next week!" and I "Crap..crap.." After much crapcrapping she simply asked us to confirm our dates of birth and - wahay! - in we went.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall was, much to my dismay (I do like to complain about rubbish films), very funny indeed. Obviously I had only gone to see it for the lovely Russell Brand, and expected to just concentrate on him with some horrific American humour as a sidedish, but the humour was actually indeed very much to my taste and the storyline wasn't too bad either! The best thing was that the romantic moments were very short and much more bearable than in most RomComs =P. Those who went to see a big, sugary, pianoey, love fest may be disappointed by this but it was tres parfait pour moi!

Anyhoo, apres le film, as the Romans said, Imogen and myself were off to McDonald's (aka Chav HQ) to plot some evil chavvy business and dance to that song by that person. When we looked at the menu however, we were most embarrassed to discover that "Grace, we are too poor for MCDONALD'S!" After a long search we found an item which would fit our tight budget but were sadly told that "The ice cream is too soft"..like WTF?! This is supposed to be a multi-bagillion, worldwide corporation, what are you doing letting your ice cream go all soft?!
We returned to the menu to find the next cheapest item, a whole TWENTY PENCE more expensive! =O. Imogen and I faffed and counted and peed ourselves laughing at the fact that we were faffing and counting our pennies out to pay for something that was 89p and fiiinally we had the money to make a purchase! One small coke for Grace, one giant leap..for...hmm I've gone too far.

And that was that.

SOOO I am off to the merry Isle of Wight tomorrow. I do hope I don't have a terrible time.

Also, I would LOVE to know who my "anonymous" commenter is =D

Grace xx

Pretty Pretty Light on a Pretty Pretty Walk

2008-04-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Cats are comfy

2008-04-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Two Indubitable Statements and a Photo from Yesterday

2008-04-03T07:50:00.002-07:00

Sleep is good.

The post below is long.

The AM

2008-04-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

I hate that I get ideas for self portraits at 2, 3 or 4am.

I am so uncreative that when an idea does pop into my head I'm swallowed totally and I start planning and brainstorming and trying things out, oblivious to anything else.

But I can't actually get the idea going until it's light, a whole 10 or so hours after I've had the initial idea usually.

And by then I just want to get to the end result. I'm not feeling creative anymore and all I have to go by are the enthusiastic scribbles from the night before when I was so up for my crazy late night notion.

But anyway, I'm staying up all night tonight, so maybe I'll still have that feeling tomorrow - sleep won't have come and snatched it away as usual - turning me into my pessimistic, grouchy, closed, angsty, easily annoyed and frankly quite dull counter-part: Morning Grace.

Lately I've been getting up at about 1 or 2pm - the loss of an hour the other day didn't help - and it's my mum's birthday tomorrow so I'll make an effort. Well, you know, I would make the effort of getting up early but then I would become Super Morning Grace for most of the day and no one wants that on their birthday. Or anytime I shouldn't think.

Last time I did this I think I managed 38 hours of awakeness. It wasn't unpleasant, as such, just very strange. I didn't feel particularly tired or sleepy, only...floaty. The strangest hour was 8am, mainly because I hadn't seen that hour for so long, especially while still in my optimistic, happy, open, giggly, calm and somewhat simple night-time state.

Hm. It's only 2:33am. I want to just keep on typing.
I wonder what I'd end up typing if I did it straight for the next..say..6 hours.
I'd probably write a masterpiece.

Or a whole load of drivel.

Or a mixture of both.

I'm really quite surprised at how long I've kept this blog going for.

If monkeys were really tiny and lived in cities would they be considered a pest?

I wonder what The Queen had for dinner today.

If teleporters were real everytime someone used one they would have to be killed and an exact copy of themselves would be created and formed out of all the bits and bobs of the place they were going to.

I think it's ridiculous to be proud of something you haven't earnt.

God, I love fire.

I never really "get" art. Unless I'm told what I'm supposed to be "getting". I can't create art intentionally. If I draw something that looks half decent it's because I worked out exactly how I was going to do it beforehand or followed instructions.

Orange doesn't ever really work anywhere.

Well, maybe the 70s. But everything worked in the 70s.

Classical music engulfs me more than anything else in the world.

I can't stand sleeping in a double bed.

I don't quite know why I'm splurging all this or if I'll actually post this blog.

It's now 2:47am.

Hmph.

I only genuinely like and wish to be around about 12 people in this whole wide world.

Maybe I should tell those 12 people that.

One of them is Noel Fielding.

Anyone who gives me chocolate or a fluffy toy that's soft and cute will be loved forever by me.

I get very attached to soft toys that are soft and cute.

VERY.

There are at least 5 things in my bedroom that I'm quite terrified of.

I hope if a stranger is reading this that they will comment.

Even if it's to say "Wow..what a sad loser freak you are."

Because then I will know that there is someone in the world who thinks I am a sad loser freak.

And I'll know how it'll feel to know that there is someone in the world who thinks I'm a sad loser freak.

My mum said, for the first time ever, that I was showing too much flesh today.

If I ever write a play I will call it A Play on Words. No matter what it's about.

I have written plays actually.

When I was about 6.

In a shed.

On my dad's computer.

One was called, most originally, "The Cat, The Snake and The Lion"

Because they were the characters.

It had a moral and everything.

I sure am talking about myself a lot. To myself.

Trains are a good invention.

But I wonder what we would have instead if they had never been invented.

Like, if electricity hadn't been discovered, well not electricity itself..but using what we do to generate it, and instead using water and wind and stuff instead, the kind of world we would live in.

That was a poorly constructed sentence.

In 200 years time will the average human be 9 feet tall? And if so will that cause health problems that we don't have now?

I lied. Orange does work on this little fluffy dog Immi gave me.

Egypt was really really unimaginably hot.

As was Rome.

I keep thinking of how certain words originated from Latin words lately.

Heeey we're past 3am.

I often feel guilty about things I'm not even guilty of.

Like, whenever I saw a policeman when I was little I would get panicky.

I think athiests are silly and stubborn.

There has to be something, even if it's nothing like anything any human has ever come close to thinking of.

But I also think people who are heavily into their religion, particularly Christians who take every word of the Bible as 100% literal, are silly and stubborn.

I will live by the 10 commandments as best I can and take the rest as stories with morals and handy advice. Not that I've ever read it though..

I hope this has no spelling errors.

Beards are funny.

This is passing the time quite nicely.

For once, at this time of the morning, I don't have any weird cravings.

Although, of course, now I've said that I do.

Crackers. Buttery crackers. Ohhhh.

I shall truly admire and puzzle over anyone who may have read this and come this far.

This must be really boring to read.

My TV creaks a lot.

Should TVs creak?

The other day I was looking at the Tesco Direct catalogue and I found they'd put a 20 inch plasma TV as being £2.27.

I went onto the website and it was sold out and they'd changed the price to £299.

Yesterday night I was thinking how annoyed I'd be if my internet connection broke today and it did.

And I had a Katie Melua song in my head when I was brushing my teeth yesterday and when I came downstairs it was playing on the radio.

And no, I couldn't hear it from upstairs.

James Blunt can't seriously talk in that accent all the time, can he???

I get Winter Blues but I still like winter = /.

I think I should probably end this now.

But I don't want to.

I've been doing it for too long now.

I could do with some Lucozade Sport.

And those crackers.

I hate when people ask questions which, if they actually just took the time to think about for themselves, they could answer and thus understand so much better. Like......why clouds are white/grey but water is translucent.

I hate looking in mirrors when I'm with other people.

When I was little I thought Boyzone were called Boys' Own. Not like pwn kind of own but as in something that belongs to the boys. And I always wondered what it it was that was their own.

The lack of others' logic and general common sense used to puzzle me as well. It still frustrates me a fair bit now.
Like when I was in year 2 and the teacher asked how you would measure the length of something that was curved. I was very shy (Hm, well, still am) and didn't put my hand up, I just expected someone else to get it. But I was confused as to why people were saying things like "You could get a ruler and measure one part and move it around to the next part and measure" and such. After a while my frustration must have overtaken my shyness and I put my hand up and said you could just get some string, put it over the curve and then straighten it out and measure that.

Gosh. I've reverted to talking about me again.

It's 3:33am.

I just know I'm going to regret posting this in the morning (if I do).

But only momentarily.

I love grey clothes.

Is Who Wants to be a Millionaire still around?

I always hated that. It made me depressed.

This must be really long by now.

I do wish I had someone to talk to other than myself right now.

I think I'll go and watch something. Or read something. Just find some other means of entertaining myself.

That wasn't supposed to sound dodgy. I do apologise if it did.

Not that anyone will have read this far.

Bye now.

Lizzy.

2008-03-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

I would write a lovely long blog about how Immi was going to come to my house and Pizza Express but then couldn't, and how Lizzy and I were then apparently going on a date and how it was FREEZING and raining when we took photos outside...but I have 22 photos to put on here so I'll just upload them.

Here are just a few of the photos I took of Lizzy today:

and just a couple of fun ones of the two of us. Sorry about the teeerrible quality.

A Piece of my Mind

2008-03-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

Last night (ok about 4am), I was thinking.

I tend to do that at night.
Think and think. Basically converse with myself about all kinds of crap and wonderment, for hours, until I'm so tired all my trains of thought end up derailing and crashing so I don't even know what I was even attempting to think about.

But anyway,
I was thinking about time. I was wondering if animals have any concept of time or if, for instance, when hedge-hogs see a clear road they think it'll just remain clear because they have no understanding of the future, so they'll just cross and SPLAT: Mr Hedgy is no more.
And then I wondered how, if indeed all the animals had no understanding of time, they might react if suddenly they did. If they were able to talk all of a sudden and became intelligent enough to actually comprehend what we understand time to be...how would they react..?
Because the idea of time is so crazily abstract and if you hadn't come across it before it would be mind blowing..wouldn't it?
And then I started thinking of things that would be equally as weird if you'd never met them. Like..senses and energy..and even matter.

This is where my brain started to ache a bit because whenever we imagine what might be OUT THERE, we always think of these vaguely human..or..lizard..or....egg like creatures which have health and feeling and language and are alive, in the sense that we know it, and live in three dimensional spaceships made of metal with little blinking lights...just how ridiculous is that?!
Because, out there (wherever *there* may be..beyond earth..the universe..this dimension..or something else altogether) there could be other things as abstract as time..or life..or..sound but they'd be things that we haven't come across! Things that aren't even close to anything we have ever known!
So I tried to imagine what they might be..but that was impossible because whenever humans imagine things, no matter how original or creative or innovative they think they're being, they can only ever imagine something that they have somehow vaguely experienced or come across in their lifetime and in this world/universe/dimension/...whatever, no?

At that point I started to have a slight panic attack and decided it would be best to just go to sleep before I got a brain hernia.

Sorry for the ramble. This probably makes no sense as I was just typing whatever popped into my head but I can't be bothered to proof-read..=D

Eaarrtthhqquuaaakkee!!!

2008-02-26T17:41:00.001-08:00

Well, I've just experienced my first earthquake.
That was..interesting.. = /.

I hope no one was hurt.

Clicky

The best day of my life. So far.

2008-02-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know where to start really.
I suppose with a warning that this blog will be full of teenage-girlish squeeing..ness.
Well yesterday I went to a Mighty Boosh signing.
Yes, me. I. We. Went. I still can't believe it. Woweee.

We left Lizzy's house at 4:45am. I hadn't slept that night..didn't seem to be much point; I wasn't tired, got the train to Liverpool Street and made our way to HMV in Oxford Street.
When we got there it was, obviously (as it was about 7am) closed, but there was no queue or anything..
Luckily some other fans found us and showed us where the queue was - down an alley to a side door into HMV.
The queue then probably had around 100 people and they were going to give out 300 wristbands to be let in for signing.
At about 9:30 we got our wristbands and wandered off round Oxford Street. I got myself a camera remote at long last, and Lizzy got some lollies for all the Boosh crew.
Around 11:00 we thought we should head back to queue again (the signing was at 12:30). While waiting, Dave Brown (Bollo) walked past carrying a huge bag (most likely with his costume in it) I tried to get a photo but some bloke walked right into my shot..
When we were let in at 12ish, we were split into 3 separate queues, so although we had been quite far back in the outside one, we managed to get right near the front once we were inside.
The wait was really tense...every now and then someone would go into the door where the Boosh would eventually come out, everyone would hold their breath, and then they'd just come out again, Booshless.
When they did appear the screaming and OMG!ing was quite immense (are you happy now, Immi?!), it really didn't feel real, it was just like we were watching them on tv.
We had to wait about 2 and a half hours to get signed, but I really didn't mind at all because Noel was right in my line of view =D. I kept snapping with my camera every now and then, and one time, for just a moment, he gave me DIRECT EYE CONTACT (ok, fine, camera contact) and I took a photo (see below) =D =D. Then he gave me eye contact twice more while queueing, when I didn't have a camera for a face. Woowww.
There was a really funny moment when Julian knocked over a little cake someone had gave him. It rolled over and he gave it this really cute look and picked it up. He seemed to be in a world of his own. Hm, you probably had to be there.
Then came THE MOMENT. As Immi and I walked up (The bouncer dude didn't let Lizzy through with us, she went after..) Julian looked at us through a gap and went "Hiii. Hellooo!"
Dave Brown was the first person I went to, and Immi was ahead of me in the queue so she asked him if he could have a hug. He looked sort of happy-surprised and gave her one. Then I asked for one, which he gave, and then he went "Hey, hugs all round!" and hugged the security guard. XD.
Most people were getting their DVD sleeves signed but I had my Noel mug with me, so I had that signed instead (we could only have one item signed) and Immi used her guitar-shaped bag, which the Boosh crew all seemed to like.
Dave Brown drew a speech bubble coming out of Noel's mouth on my mug and then turned to Julian to ask what to put in it, Julian shrugged and said he didn't know or something..he was busy drawing a hand on Immi's bag so it was "playing" the guitar, so Dave drew a heart in the speech bubble with a '_' expression on it. I have NO idea what that means XD.
Then he signed it and smudged the signature a bit, which I love because it has his fingerprints on it hee. (I'll just point out that by this point he had taken off the Bollo suit)
Then I went over to Julian. While queuing I hadn't really concentrated on him so I had a kind of OMGIT'SACTUALLYJULIANBARRATT! moment and just stood smiling like a loon..I didn't even shake his hand or anything.
Mike (Naboo) was the next person I came to...but I actually don't even remember him being there because Noel was next to him and he wasn't signing anything. I just got sucked over to Noel by his sex rays.
I said to him "Hi! Can I have a hug?" and not only did he give me a lovely hug, he kissed me on the cheek and said "I like your coat!" all genuine and...Noelishly...ahhhgaahhhhg. He signed my mug and put FOUR kisses, handed it to me, and then I just sort of stared at him for a bit, smiling away. Eventually I said "Thanks" about 982474 times and went of to go a scream with Immi.
I meant to get photos with them all but a) the security people were rushing everyone and b) you just don't think about that when standing in front of the sexiest/loveliest/funny/most talented people whoyouneverthoughtyou'dmeet in the world.
When we left HMV some fashion students asked if they could take my photo because they liked my tights (They're actually socks - white with playing card symbols on them) and they did so but I was just all "blalaarrgggaaaa eeeheeeeee!!". Which is pretty much how I remained for the rest of the day. All: =D =D =D. Like a simpleton.

Fan-bloody-Noel-bloody-tastic.

Lollies, 4 of which Lizzy gave to Noel, Julian, Mike and Dave.

Lizzy and her lolly

The queue.

Oh, and Michael Jackson.

= S

THEM.

Julian.

Mike.

Noel. Looking right at me. With a hilarious expression.

The wristband. It is never coming off.

The triplets.

The holy grail front

and back.

The Abyss

2008-02-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Ahhh I do love acting on impulse.
I got myself a nice SLR on eBay on Thursday night, and it arrived today.
It is quite the sexy beast.
It has a really lovely Sigma lens on it which has, what we can only refer to as, SUPERZOOOOOM. I don't know if it counts as macro. It's just SUPERZOOOOOM. I tried it out on my 400D (The SLR is an EOS 5) and it worked alright for a bit but then I got an error and it didn't seem to like it = /.
I'm going to start off using black and white film, everything looks better in black and white so it should be easier to get nice shots hehe.
Oh, I've named the EOS 5 The Abyss. It just sounds right. Its lens is called Big Daddy (not very original but mleh)
Anyway, photos of the new arrival! (And the 400D. And me)

My brother loading the film, I thought I might break it =P

Me, looking raaather pleased with my purchase, and the Canon crew

Employed

2008-01-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee. I have a job.
I get to knock on people's doors and ask them if they wish to save the world.
ok, well, if they want to join the RSPB.

Wow. I've suddenly come over all unbloggingish. So this shall be the end of this blog.

G'bye!

252 today!

2008-01-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hence the music.

Bokehlicious

2008-01-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some rain bokeh-y photos I took today.

Taggedededd

2008-01-21T03:36:00.000-08:00

I got tagged by Ella. I assume it was me, unless she knows some other Grace. But then again she tagged Immi right under me. So maybe she knows another Immi too. But that would just weird. Anyway..

-Bold the statements that are true for you. (I want it bold anyway, so purple ones will be =P)
-Italicise the statements that you wish are true. (No. Pink they shall be XP)
-Leave the fibs alone.
-Then, tag 5 people to do the same test.

I miss somebody right now.
I do not watch tv these days.
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I have tried marijuana.
I have been in a threesome. (*Snort*)
I believe honesty is usually the best policy
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
I'm totally smart. (Totally smart? What do you mean TOTALLY smart? Would that mean possessing all the knowledge there is to possess? Then absolutely. That's me in a nutshell XP)
I've broken someone else's bones
I'm paranoid sometimes
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
I need money right now.
I love sushi.
I talk really, really fast. (at times)
I have long hair.
I have lost money in Las Vegas.
I have at least one sibling.
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past. (Eyelashes, just for a laugh)
I couldn't survive without Caller ID.
I like the way I look. (At times)
I am usually pessimistic.
I have a lot of mood swings.
I have a hidden talent.
I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
I have a lot of friends.
I have pecked someone of the same sex. (Excuse me?!)
I enjoy talking on the phone.
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
I love to shop (Detest it...usually)
I enjoy window shopping.
I would rather shop than eat.
I don't hate anyone.
I'm a pretty good dancer. (I can't really judge that myself. When dancing, how one looks is all in the mind.)
I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
I have a cell phone.
I believe in God.
I watch MTV on a daily basis.
I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
I've rejected someone before.
I want to have children in the future.
I have changed a diaper before.
I've called the cops on a friend before. (HAhahahHAhahhaha)
I'm not allergic to anything
I have a lot to learn.
I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past.
I have tried alcohol before.
I own the South Park movie.
I would die for my best friend. (Hmm..I honestly don't know..so I won't commit myself to a yes =P)
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza. (Bleh, no, Domino's!!)
I have used my sexuality to advance my career (I repeat: HAhahHAHhahahhah)
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
I think Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. (No I don't. Someone tell me where I can get this "free candy" on Halloween and I will be straight there.)
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
I am happy at this moment.
I'm obsessed with girls.
I'm obsessed with boys. (If Noel Fielding is a boy...and plural...then yes.)
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.
I study for tests most of the time ("Tests" no, exams yes)
I am comfortable with who I am right now.
I have more that just my ears pierced (I don't even have those pierced)
I walk barefoot wherever I can.
I have jumped off a bridge.
I love sea turtles.
I spend ridiculous money on makeup. (Well if I spent ridiculous amounts of money on makeup it would mean I would HAVE ridiculous amounts of make up)
I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.
I am proficient at a musical instrument (I am. A LEGEND. on the recorder)
I worked at McDonald's restaurant.
I hate office jobs. (I only sort-of did one for a day but I decided then that I would never wish to do one XP)
I love sci-fi movies.
I went to college out of state.
I like sausages. (Depends on the sausage though)
I love kisses.
I fall for the worst people.
I adore bright colours.
I can't live without black eyeliner.
I don't know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.
I usually like covers better than originals.
I can pick things up with my toes. (Hm..depends on the "things")
I have ridden/owned a horse.
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snake's slither.
I still have every journal I've written in.
I can't stick to a diet.
I talk in my sleep.
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
I have jazz in my blood. (Howard Moon. Jazz maverick)
Climbing trees is a brilliant pastime.
I wear a toe ring.
I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with.
I am a caffeine junkie.
I cosplay or know what cosplaying is.
I have been to over 15 conventions.
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better.
I am an artist.
I only clean my room when necessary.
I like a person of the same sex. (You mean as in LIKE like, right? I hate when people use that word like that.)
I am an adrenaline junkie. (In a roller coaster-y way)
I love being happy. (What!??! Who the hell doesn't?)

I shall now be tagging...drum roll please..

Immi (Yes, I know she has already been but she hasn't actually done it yet so nyerr)
Lizzy
Alex (I very much doubt he will do it though)
Lulu (I don't think she comes on my blog though baha)
Dan (Who I also doubt will do it)

2008-01-20T17:22:00.001-08:00

The things I do for photography.

2008-01-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

I've done some quite-weird-ish things in The Name of Photography before but today just takes the biscuit. It doesn't just take it, it steals it quite violently, crumbles it into a thousand pieces and wees all over it.

Our story starts a couple of days ago when our hero went for a walk in order to maintain her super powers. Well, to ensure her legs kept working.
She trundled on for a while until she was quite deep into the countryside. There she was, ambling beside the bracken, when she spotted something in a field. Upon further inspection, she noticed that the "something" was three baths.
She felt this was rather odd and when she later made her way back to HQ she decided she would return to The Field of the Three Baths and take some photos.

So today, I informed my loved ones I would be popping off for a bit to complete my quest of capturing this odd site, and, to my surprise, my brother said he would join me.
As soon as we began our treacherous journey it began to rain. But we are brave and we were not put off.
On and on we went, for what seemed like miles, until eventually we spotted it! The Field of Three Baths was ahead.
As we approached it we realised out first problem. Actually getting into the field. Luckily, with our cunning observational skills we spotted a footpath leading to the field next to it.
It was then that we realised our quest might not be as easy as we first anticipated. A Mighty River had to be crossed before we could get to the opening to The Field of the Three Baths, however this was nothing compared to what was the come next.
With courage and hopes in our hearts we crossed The Mighty River, only to find that in front of the opening was an even more dastardly body of water. I feel we can only refer to this as The Ocean of Death as it was a good 1 foot deep and 5 feet wide.
But we had come so far, we could not let us stop us from reaching our goal. I knew what I had to do. I knew it was the only way. I removed my shoes and stepped into The Ocean of Death.
You can only imagine the horror of crossing this monster of a puddle. I shan't go on about it, it's just too raw in my mind.
Once I had crossed I was triumphed and proceeded to complete the task we had come here for and snapped away at The Baths.
I feel that my brother felt that we had come so far and photos of the bath alone were not reward enough.
His next suggestion shocked me to the core. Words cannot describe the chivalry and pluckiness he demonstrated today.
And thus, my brother, on this January day, with the winds raging and rains..er..pouring, proceeded to remove his hoody and T shirt and get into the bath. All in The Name of Photography.

Bloody hilarious, it was.

Below are photos of the journey and a few of the snaps I got.
Enjoy!:

Observing The Ocean of Death

Close-up of The Ocean of Death. I think this photo really captures the doom..ness.

Reasonably clean and dry feet.

Foot about to become very wet and dirty

Very wet and dirty feet.

My brother making his way across The Ocean of Death

Wondering whether this is actually something he wants to do.

The Alice in Wonderland/Quote/Diptych Phase.

2008-01-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

I've just realised how much Alice in Wonderland has influenced my self portraits.
And seeing as I've just "realised" it it must have been a subconscious influence. Which, I suppose, means that Alice in Wonderland is full of subliminal messages =O.
ok, fine, maybe it's not influenced them but I've had so many comments on some of my photos saying how much it reminds people of Alice in Wonderland = /.
So anyway, I've now realised that I really love AiW hehe. Not the film. Never much liked the film. The Queen of Hearts and the cat were always a bit creepy for me. But the book, well its quotes. And the general "look" of AiW...if you see what I mean. I also love the fact that it was written under the influence of opium, which was quite available as a pain killer, or something, at the time.
Not that I'm promoting drug use. It's just funny and makes you realise how truly weird it is.

So yes.

I've also taken to using quotes as titles to photos.
I've always been a really bad titler. Some of my more thought-out titles include:

Meow

Cream

and....

wait for it...

Spider Fluff

Hm yes. So when in doubt, steal!

Something else I've always been really bad at are diptyches. I'll get two images, think "wow, these could really work together", stick them together and realise that they work together like Galileo and the Church.
BUT I think I'm getting a bit better at them, and thus went a bit doolally yesterday, going on a diptyching spree.
I think that's all I have to say. Here are les photos from yesterday:
(Does anyone know how to upload them on here so that they go under the text???)

Floating around.

2008-01-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a weird and wonderful 5 days.
Friday:
Went up to London and met someone I've been talking online with for about 2 years (This is the part where you give me a huge lecture concerning internet safety/paedophiles blahdeeblahdeeblah) but it was really fun so NYER =P XD. We also went to Camden to look for Noel Fielding (What!?!?) but, alas, he was nowhere to be seen.

Saturday:
Decided to tell my parents about something I've been thinking about for a while now and, to my surprise, they agreed with me.
I am no longer going to school 6th form but am going to restart my A Levels from home. I just didn't feel that I was doing very well and would be much happier teaching myself.
So, for the past few days I've sort of been floating and thinking a lot. But not really feeling = /. I'm a bit emotionless at the moment. Looking for a job too.
Two of my teachers came to my house today. It was reeeally weird. This is precisely what I didn't want to happen; the school to try and persuade me to come back. I'm one of those people, who, the more you tell to do something, the more you try and find the pros in something I don't want to do, the more stubborn I'll become and the less I'll want to do it, even if the points are very reasonable.

Anyway, I got new glasses the other day but they didn't really work with the length of my fringe so, on impulse upon seeing the hairdressers in Asda, I decided to get it trimmed. I've always been wary of getting my hair cut anyway and wouldn't usually trust a supermarket but I thought "It's just a fringe trim, how wrong can it go?"
Here's some advice, if ever you find yourself asking such questions, consider that the answer might be VERY.
Thankfully my hair grows at supersonic rate and I should be ok in about 3 weeks. I also have quite a few hats. Thank God it's winter.

Oh yes, I got a Boosh mug! How friggin cool is that!?

Before and Afternesses

2008-01-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

I have plenty to blog about but don't really feel like it atm. But here are some before and afternesses!

Thirteen Things.

2008-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

I thought New Year's Day was a good time to do this.
Right. Here goes.

Thirteen things you probably didn't know about me:

- I've pretty much always detested school, or most aspects of it. When I was around 10 I begged my parents to home school me. I'm glad they said no.

- I do not do mornings. My perfect sleeping hours are from 4am - 12pm. I think I've been on time to school about 3 times so far this school year.

- I am very very verrryy shy. I just don't talk to people I'm not 100% comfortable with. The internet gives me a sort of barrier for that. It may seem that it's a tool for me to be someone else with but really it lets me absolutely be me. If that makes sense.

- I have a collosal fear of crustaceans. I don't know how or when it developed but even thinking about lobsters makes me shudder.

- I'm addicted to Yahoo Answers

- I have OCD. When I was about 12 it got really bad and made me do stuff I'll probably never tell anyone about. Nowadays it barely effects me - I just have a numbers thing..when I'm walking or sitting with people I like to be in the middle and with things like volumes they have to be on an even number. I also don't like stuff that doesn't match.

- A few years ago I desperately wanted to be an actress. I thought it was the only thing I'd ever want to do. Now I think I'd hate it.

- I'm still awaiting my first kiss

- I have around 14 nieces and nephews and 2 great nieces.

- My initials are G.I.R.L

- On every 1st of the month I pinch myself because I once heard it brings you luck for the month.

- The only food that causes me to gain any weight is cheese.

- I can't stop watching Hannah Montana. I hate it. It's absolute poo and not funny but I can't. stop. watching!

Some bits but no bobs

2007-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

I can't stop listening to Rosé by The Feeling!
Anyway. Have some photos:

and:

= )

Grace xx

2007-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while so I'll write about last week, which was tres bon.
On Wednesday, the last day of school, myself, Imogen and Elizabeth exchanged Christmas gifts, as is the custom at this time of year =P. Lizzy got me a Boosh T shirt =D and Immi the radio series =D. We also watched the traditional school panto which, as usual, was hilarious but slightly disturbing. It is really weird seeing your male teachers dressed as old women, and even stranger watching a group of the most boring and evil teachers doing the Soulja Boy dance.
On Thursday we went to London to see Much Ado About Nothing, although I'd pretty much forgotten that's why we were there as we went shopping for about 5 hours beforehand. We were in Covent Garden and I wanted to buy a hat or two so found a hat stall but I thought we should look around a bit first. But, such is life, and we spent 4 hours or so looking in just about every shop with no luck, only to return to Rip-Off Hat Lady's stall and actually buy one XD.
We found a sweet shop called Cyber Candy which had all kinds of imported sweets, including Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. I bought them and was completely shocked to find out they were selling them for TWELVE POUNDS. They didn't even have any nice flavours, they were all the disgusting ones. Bloody ridiculous.
Anyway, Much Ado was really good, Zoe Wanamaker was Beatrice and the nononononono man from The Vicar of Dibley was in it, which was a funny surprise.
For some reason, I always get really bad headaches when I go to London on school trips and this time was no exception = /.
On Thursday we (all these wes mean Immi, Lizzy and I) went to see St Trinian's after sleeping at Lizzy's house. Oh and watching the final episode of The Boosh ='(. St Trinian's was really good, ridiculous story line, of course, but I really enjoyed it.
In the adverts just beforehand though, there was a trailer for series 3 of The Boosh, which was a bit odd as the series had just ended. I really wasn't expecting it and I screamed quite loudly XD.
Hmm yeah. So. I curled my hair yesterday and it actually worked AND stayed in today.
I took 300ish photos today for my 52 weeks portrait and hated them ALL. I'll post them here but they shall (likely) not be going to Flickr as they are not worthy. I'll try again tomorrow..
Good morrow.

SOOC: =O

ISO 1600:

Squished

2007-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why, but I replaced my title banner and it's gone all squished. It's exactly the same size; all I did was switch the centre photo...GRR

Edit: Fixed! But now it has white sides. Oh well.

For the Youtube users

2007-12-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

For those who faved my Boosh videos that got removed, you can download them here:
Rule the World
Dancing in the Moonlight

Thanks for your comments, ratings and faves = )

Please do NOT claim these as your own or upload them anywhere.

The things boredom and lack of sleep will do to a girl

2007-12-16T12:58:00.001-08:00

The things they'll make her wear, anyway. The following are inspired by the majestic cat and the..err..contrasty..zebra

What a difference a day makes.

2007-12-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday. Was. HORRIBLE.
I threw up 16 times and lost 6lbs. I missed my Biology practical which is essential to my coursework.

Today. Was. FANBLOODYTASTIC
I feel a lot better. Very achy and tired but I can just about stand up without having to hurtle to the bathroom.
AND.
I ordered Mighty Boosh Live tickets.
I cannot believe my luck.
They are only on sale TODAY!
And I was just thinking "Hmm...shall I turn my laptop on..? Is reading my emails going to make me feel worse..?"

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Roll on 20th October 2008!!

£675 down, £325 to go.

2007-12-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

I may have mentioned that a few months ago I was lucky enough to get £1000 from mis padres.
I can't believe how much I've spent...I really can't.
This list more for me than anything else, but could be of interest to anyone who comes across it.
So, this is how I've spend it so far! (What I think are essentials are in grey XP):

Coat - £50
Phone - £80
Half a wardrobe (Yes, half, my parents paid for the other half) - £100
Photobook - £30
Clothes - £70 (I'm surprised it's not more like £700)
Christmas tree - £20
DVDs - £40
Christmas presents - £155 (Generous, aren't I? =D)
As revision books - £20
Haircut - £40
Halloween costume - £30
Family meal - £40 (The day we moved house we went out for a meal and for some reason I said I would pay =S)

Christmas time...mistletoe and...well not wine because it makes my tongue go numb and no one wants that.

2007-12-02T08:32:00.001-08:00

I really haven't been feeling festive lately, which is weird because I usually start decorating and buying gifts at the beginning of November hehe. Anyway, I now have a Christmas tree in my room and took some photos to try and get me in the mood - and it worked! =D

And some Noely goodness =P

2007-12-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Even though no one ever comes on here XP

Booshy Goodness

2007-11-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

Just some photos

2007-11-25T10:09:00.001-08:00

The Boosh is Back and it's Even More Raw.

2007-11-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned The Mighty Boosh on here before? I don't think I have =O.
Well, it's probably my favourite TV programme ever. I absolutely adore it, seriously, it NEVER fails to have me in hysterics. It also helps that Noel Fielding is the sexiest man alive. Only he could wear the things he does and have that hair and actually look amazing instead of a complete twat.
Anyway, series three is now on BBC Three and it's better than ever. I'll be honest though, I wasn't too sure when I saw the first episode. It was funny, but I thought maybe this series wasn't going to live up to its predecessors. How wrong I was. Episode 2 "Journey to the Centre of Punk" was a lot more magical and I was laughing throughout. Episode 3 (which I watched online because I just couldn't wait and will be on on Thurs 29th November) actually took a while to recover from. I doubt anyone new to the show will find it that funny, but I loved every minute simply because it was so rich in Booshness. I'll not give anything away to anyone who does watch it though.
I CANNOT wait until Noel and Julian do I a live tour although when they come on stage I'll probably start crying/faint/explode.
I have put a classic Boosh song on this here blog, enjoy.
Well, that's all I wanted to say really.
Haff a luffly weekend.

Everybody look at the moon..

The one that took ages to edit.

2007-11-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

It started out like this.

Then I thought "bleh that's boring" so I played with some brushedsand ended up with this.

But then I didn't like it so I deleted the brushes and used a wings one instead

I tried to vignette but I had nooo idea how to do that so I added a layer of purple and made it slightly transparent at the edges and completely transparent towards the centre.

Finally gave it some texture and TADA!

Some-photos-that-I'm-not-sure-I-like-which-I-did-like-initially-but-now-I'm-not-so-sure-about. Oh, and a post about my week

2007-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

The title gets chopped off! Stupid Blogger...
It should say:
Some-photos-that-I'm-not-sure-I-like
-which-I-did-like-initially-but-now-I'm-not
-so-sure-about. Oh, and a post about my week
=D

Reasonably ok but quite dull week. We had prizegiving on Friday. Unfortunately we couldn't spend this year making up words for the music the orchestra plays or marking the prize-receiver's outfits a mark out of 10 because a) we were made to sit in alphabetical order and b) we were the prize-receivers.
We had to go and get our GCSE certificates. I am so proud of everyone. Not cos of the GCSEs. Because many of those girls were wearing heels and no one fell over. Not even me.
We had to get a photo taken while taking the certificates off the random woman (who later gave the cheesiest speech of all time) which I'm sure is going to be horrendous.

Anyway, here's what the title of this beautiful blog was on about:

'Nother version:

In b&w:

Bang.

2007-11-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Went to a fireworks display today which was Queen themed so they played the fireworks in time to Queen songs, which was cool. Beforehand Immi and I mooched around town looking in weird shops and visiting Lizzy while she worked. Then we went to Pizza Express - yuummmm - and for once they had some focolate chudge cake! Last time I went to *insert name of park in place where I live =P* fireworks there were really good rides but today there were just kiddy ones =(. The fireworks were muy buen but, as I have done for the past 3 years, I didn't actually concentrate on them but on getting decent photos of them =D. This year it was harder but more fun as, unlike my Powershot A95, the EOS 400D has no fireworks setting. I kept changing exposure to try and get the best results - going from 1 second to 1/15th of a second. Those faster than 1/4 of a second didn't get the full firework (if that makes any sense) but I have really shaky hands so those that were slower had motion blur =(.
Anyway, these were the best ones:

Oh, and here's Immi sporting her beeeauuutiful Zak Efron locket. Bahahahahahahahahahhahhaha

Bwahahahhaha

2007-11-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

I've just realised the song over there <---- is apparently "Goodbye Mr A" by "The Ho"
HA!
It should say it's by The Hoosiers XD.

That is all.

Halloween

2007-11-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was Halloween, and as we've done for the past two years, Immi, Lizzy and I got together for a scare fest. (Yes, there were only 3 of us. I've told you we're social lepers, right?)
We all dressed up - Immi was a bee, Lizzy an evil, killer doll and I was Gogo from Kill Bill:

How creepy is that!?

Bleeeuuuggh, my face looks horrible there!

Anyway, we watched Taken, some Salad Fingers, a documentary about ghosts in the London Underground and then The Eye, which had an ok storyline but wasn't at all scary =(. It also stole lines from The Sixth Sense and music from Romeo and Juliet =/. Oh and a man I thought was sexy (for a few seconds only!) turned out to be a woman. *Shudder*

Then today Immi and I went and saw Stardust. It has a Take That song in it XD. That's pretty much why I was it teehee. It was alright...one of those films which you don't particularly like but don't sit there thinking how poo it is. Michelle pfeiffer and Claire Danes' English accents were really funny and random celebrities like Ricky Gervais and David Walliams kept popping up. I'd probably give it 3/5. Worth a watch if you've not got anything better to do.

I'll leave you with more Halloween photos = )

This, my friends, is your WTF? of the day:

Fallink in luff again

2007-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've been as pleased with how my photos have turned out since...God, I don't even know. Whenever I looked at my camera I just felt all "What's the point? I'll spend ages taking photos, editing them, and I won't even like the result"
But not today, me babbers! I likey the results very mucho = ).
I woke up and saw that it was all cloudy and raining, meaning the light was all...hum, what's the word? Sort of spread out. (Update: The word is diffused =D) Anyway, it was coming through the curtains and looked pretty. Before I knew it there were sheets and white flowingnesses everywhere which made for really neutral photos which meant I could edit them in just about anyway I wanted. So here they are!

Probably the least edited, just played with curves to contrast, converted to black and white and added red and yellow to the shadows for a slight sepia.

Can't actually remember what I did to this, although I know I used spotlight doodahs, a peachy one in the bottom right and a grey/brown one in the top left.

Really annoyed that I chopped the top of my head of in this one..
Although it looks light a black and white, I only actually took the red out of it. Cropped, obviously, and slightly contrasted - it's still fairly flat.

I usually prefer photos, particularly portraits, to have a bluer tone to them so this was quite different editing for me. I contrasted with curves as usual and then added a peach spotlight at the bottom.

My personal favourite = ).
Used curves to contrast, added blue and magenta to the shadows and yellow (I think..) to the highlights, then lightened some more with curves.

And that be it for today!

New

2007-10-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Internets, internets! My beeeaauutiful internets are back! A week and a day seems like a lifetime without my biggest source of entertainment.

Anyway, I have moved house. Not to the house we thought we were moving to though. Here begins the story of the houses *Dramatic dream sequence opening*
Sorry, it's not actually that interesting
*Lower budget, less dramatic dream sequence opening*
Well, about three days before moving day my parents found out that our new house was built on a landfill near lots of lovely toxic chemicals. It also didn't have enough parking. Thus, the search began for a property readily available to rent in 3 days time. Luckily, we found one and are now...erm...well, we're in it at least. Not quiiite settled yet. You realise just how much stuff you have when you move to somewhere a third of the size.

So the last week has been a full-to-the brim adventure of unpacking, moving other people's stuff from your room, finding they've moved it back again, moving it once more, arguing about where to move it, building wardrobes, dropping wardrobe doors on your face (Yep, that's possible), slicing open thumbs and so on and so forth. Generally a bit crap and vair vair dull.

But I did get my hair cut.
Wanna see?
No?
Tough, this be my blog and I choose what you see round here =P

I keep putting it up like this:
XD

Yes, I am fully aware I look, how you say, a right wally =P. And those are false eyelashes.

There is an apple tree in our new garden.

And that's all I have to say about that = )

Rawr.

2007-10-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling all aggressive. I'm not angry or upset or anything. I just wanna hit things =D. But instead of doing that I'm gonna type here.
It's probably due to the fact that a) I am reeaally bored and b) My head hurts a lot and has done all day.
I can't wait until half term. Ahhh the freedom. I luuurve Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Craap there is chocolate spread on my jumper!! Sorry, I just noticed that...Oh well *lick*.
Um. So. I am gonna get my hair cut soon. I think I'll get a proper fringe instead of a slopy one. But I want it sort of choppy. And some layers. Lizzy also wants a fringe and layers. So Lizzy doesn't want me to get one because then, if she does too, we will "look like twins"
This is Lizzy:

This is me:

So you can see what she means.
=S
(Sorry for the scary photo)

Hey, my aggressiveness has poofed away! How lovely.

So then.
Every Thursday Immi and I get to stand in the 6th former dining room telling year 7 - 11s that they aren't allowed to pass through because it is the law. Every 6th former has to do a duty and that is ours. I have to say I've always thought it was the most pointless rule ever - that only 6th formers have the "privilege" of walking through the dining room, but now I understand it. They enforce that rule because it is SO much fun telling people they can't walk through! OHHH THE POWER!! Mwahahhahahah.

Ahem.

What other crap can I ramble about?
Oh yes.
I went to see the orthodontist the other day. Hungarian bloke with funny ears. He told me my teeth weren't too small which is "good for the girls" I don't know quite what he was insinuating there.
He did a mould of my teeth and I seriously thought I would be stuck with a metal thing full of plaster in my mouth forever, he took so long and so much force to get it out.
Anyhoo, he's going to study the moulds and I may or may not end up with braces.

On the way back there was a double rainbow which had faded a bit by the time I got home but I still managed a photo or two:

SOOC, I'm afraid.

"I'm just popping out" "Where?" "To take photos of some leaves"

2007-10-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

I really rather like this season.

Just popped by to say...

2007-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

That I love this advert:

2007-10-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well this bug thing has fully taken over now. My head feels a bit funny so I won't stay long.
I think this will be a ranting post.
Firstly, I have soooo much Biology homework, including a 2 page essay on water = /. Blahhh.
I am still totally uninspired, photographically (is that even a word??)
Look at my latest 52 weeks attempts:

I really want some potato!! That craving just suddenly appeared =S. Grarr all I can think about is potatoes now.
I cannot waaiit to move house (in 15 days =D) and have a briiight room.
I'm thinking of becoming a goth. Seriously. I just love the clothes. Not the attitude and such...but the clothes =P.
Ummm is that all the ranting I have to do??
Oh yes, I lost my phone. But that's sort of a good thing because now I can get a much nicer phone =D.
Ok, yep, I'm done.
Oh wait, I can't waaiit til half term.

ok, bye now!

The Lurgy Got Me.

2007-09-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it got me too. The bug that's going around. It's not too bad at the moment, my tummy and head just feel a bit weird. But I've been assured it gets worse =D.

Anyway, fairly good week. This morning Jimmy from Jimmy's farm, some ponies and a "fork" (falcon/hawk) came to school. The headmistress told us to try and not get too star-struck over Jimmy. Hahahahhahahahaa. Hah.
We also had some people come and make us play a game that involved pretending to be jellies, princesses and queens while playing rock, paper, scissors so we could experience what it's like to be disabled. Ah. Right. Of course.

Tomorrow we're going to UEA to see what university life is like and such. Should be good.

Anyway, I ought to go and sleep off this lurgy.
Night night,

Feeding Grace = Mission Impossible

2007-09-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today was eventful.
I got my fringe trimmed so I can now see. Wahay! Then I walked to TJ Hughes to visit Lizzy, as it was her first day working there.
On the way I saw: a man on stilts, a bloke reading from the bible in a reeaally scary voice; a man with those whistles that make animal noises and two guys - one dressed as a red indian and the other playing a weird pipe that was basically a glorified recorder.
When I got there Lizzy was looking all flustered and was busy learning the till so I walked around for a bit, pretending to be interested in horrible hats and huge pairs of trousers. I left but came back another 2 times in the hour after. First time she was busy again and the second she was GONE.
I thought she might come out for her lunch so I sat on a bench outside and ate a Boost and drank some Lilt which made me feel like a chav. Not too sure why. Perhaps because I was surrounded by them.
Anyhoo, after a bit I gave up and went home.

My parents wanted to go to Pizza Express earlier this evening so off we popped but when we got there I realised it was FULL of people from school. Gaahhh..
What's so bad about that? I hear you say. My dad has a manbag. I think I have said enough.
Thankfully they were all booked up so we had to go to a place called Gusto. It's a "pasta buffet" so you pay at the beginning and then just get what you want. I am a VERY fussy eater; my parents paid £9.95 for me to eat half a piece of garlic bread.
So we went to Domino's on the way home and I got pizza XD.

Oooooh yes I also did my 52 weeks portrait today. The only inspiration I had was that it was a really cold week, so I had a hat and a furry coat. I started off just taking shots of me in the hat, like this:

Then, somehow, I ended up with the coat on my head and snapping away, and weirdly ending up with shots I liked:

Still not loving the end results of my photos like I used to, but on the way to liking them..

Oh and we have now bought a house that I like =D. And because I have the smallest room I get £1000 (kind of a long story) =D =D.
I cleared out my wardrobe today and found loads of little bits and bobs from when I was younger, including diaries and letters and things...I'm not a very sentimental person but it was really lovely seeing them again and I absolutely cannot EVER get rid of them.

Yes. Anyway. Bye bye now. Good pi.

Hmmm, I think I'm in need of a new signature..

Grace and Her Van of Cats.

2007-09-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well that was a fast week.
Just whizzed past.
6th form really is very different from the rest of school.

We had school photos yesterday. Managed to avoid being called Pickle or Blue Eyes this year and there wasn't the usual outburst of "Corrr that's a lot of hair!" or anything similar.

Oh, but I did accidently do a really creepy smile. Never mind, whenever my parents do buy them they just end up stuffed in a drawer. What's the point of having me above the fireplace anyway? If you want to see me all you need to do is shout you have chocolate for me, or something.

Anywaaaaay, school is going fine I suppose. Thankfully I'm not completely lost in Biology yet.

There are loooaads of extra curricular things offered this year. I think the only extra curricular thing I've ever done was choir in year 4. What!? It was fun =D. There's stuff like Mandarin lessons (4 languages is enough, ta very much), Photography club (They don't let you use your own camera though...I think it's all film) and something I can't remember the initials of where you umpire sports and such for an award...bleugh.
There is one thing I'm interested in though. It's called Wings of Hope (Can you imagine the meeting for that name? "ok guys, we need something really cheesy. And I don't just mean your standard Cheddar, we want full blown, unadulterated Stinking Bishop kinda stuff.") All you have to do is form a team of less than 8 or enter as an individual and do some fundraising. Then you create a "snapshot project" to show what you've been getting up to and see if you've gone through to the next round and into the top 25. There are prizes, prizes I don't particularly want like work experience, but it looks good on your UCAS form and CV and sounds kinda fun.
So, I'll be entering with Immi and Lizzy. We need a name. We had a few *cough* ideas:

The Pythagorean Triple
Orion's Belt
Charity number one, please!
Dree dree dree!
Tres
Shamrock
Ben and His Van of Dogs
Grace's Bitches
Ronnie and the Sinister Ducks

Erm, yeah...we'll keep thinking XD.

I do believe that is all I have to say.
Tata.

The Ball, Billie Piper, Bees and Bananas

2007-09-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

So then.
I survived the first "week" (3 days..) of 6th form.
Atm the subject I'm enjoying most is Maths and the one that terrifies me is Biology.
The first module is Biochemistry. I am really not very good at Chemistry. And I HATE it. What's more, both my Biology teachers said we would loathe it, want to drop it and get really depressed. Fanbloodytastic.

But anyway, last night was The Ball.
Yeah..the BALL.
It was all a bit surreal.
Basically, we just spent 3 hours dancing around in ball gowns, eating Haribos and avoiding drunk people.
Which was really, really fun.
There were some crap songs though, and when a decent one came on (Sandstorm - Darude) every left! So I just danced by myself, trying to get Immi and Lizzy to join me XD

When we got home we were soooo tired and were asleep by 2.

Then today we set about making a music video to Honey to the Bee by Billie Piper.
I told you we were cool.

It's a long and beautiful story, with bees, honey (obviously), feathers, bananas..

I would love to post the result here but I'm worried The Sanity Police (=S?!?!??!) might see it.

Right, I'm going to shut up now.

The first.

2007-09-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yup.
First day of 6th form today.
Didn't really do much though.

Our classroom is waaay on the top floor, so by the end of the year I probably have disgusting ballet dancer calves.

AND I wore heels.

There's only one person in our form who was in our last year form and only 15 in total, which is a bit strange.

I'd never noticed just how much there was in the 6th form centre.

I'm doing English, Physics, Maths and Biology.
For English I have the teacher I was hoping for and another I've never had before, who I think is quite nice.
Physics, same situation, only Lizzy reassured me (!) that the unknown Physics teacher is crap. Greeaat.
Maths, hmm same again actually...don't really know too much about Dr whateverhisnameis...other than the classroom used to smell REALLY weird after he'd been in there.....
And Biology...oh God...the teacher I've had for the past 2 years who I never learnt ANYTHING from...the very one I had been dreading...yep, I got her. Gaahh.
Still, the other Biology teacher I have is fine..

So, I spent today: going to assembly, hearing about how the headteacher had an exciting summer baking bread *insert appropriate smiley here*; finding our Junior Drama group - we have to produce a play with a load of year 7s as the cast for a competition; wandering and singing Honey to the Bee and the Super Mario theme; giving in forms and receiving huge SLABS of paper and finally, doing something productive, having out first AS Level English lesson. Was quite interesting, I suppose. I found out I needn't really have tried to read an entire book last night. And we got homework....yaaay...

That is all.

The final, and best, weekend of the summer.

2007-09-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.
It's all over.
And what a ride it's been; quite literally yesterday.
But I'll start at Saturday.

Off I went to Lizzy's house so we could drive to...somewhere in East London...and get the train and tube to Covent Garden and whatnot.
We had lunch and then wandered around the shops, including Paperchase, where Immi started looking at notebooks, saying they weren't big enough. So when I saw some larger ones I pointed at them and said "Look there's a biggun" to which Immi replied, "Cor that is a biggun" It was then that I noticed there was a humongous woman right in the direction we were pointing. Ooooops.
Anyway, then we went and saw The Lord of the Rings on stage in Drury Lane (sadly we did not see the Muffin Man).
What did I think of it?
Well, first I'll tell you that I have only ever seen half an hour of the first film and that those who had seen them quite a few times, and read the book, had difficulty understanding what was going on. So it had to be explained to me in Harry Potter terms.
What I got was that Voldemort made some horcruxes, one a lot stronger than the others, he lost it...or something...it somehow ended up in the hands of an evil Dobby. Some bloke stole it from Dobby, went a bit crackers, and gave it to his nephew. Dobby wanted it back..Dumbledore told the nephew to...go on an adventure...= /. Death eaters and dementors tried to kill him and his mates. Some people fell in love. Dumbledore died and came back to life. A big face came out of the ground. And they all died at the end...or not..depending on who you ask.
So yeah.
The stage and effects were amaaaaazing though. The singing was...well...sometimes it just didn't fit in. That's all I'm saying.

After that we got the tube, train and car back to merry Ipswich (Which involved getting in a lift which had an advert for a lobster fest in some restaurant...and then later walking past the restaurant..*shudder* and MUCHO hyperness from me and Immi.) where we were whizzed off to Immi's house, which is in the middle of nowhere.
After a couple of games of Mastermind, and struggling to teach Lizzy the ways of the game, we went to bed. At 11. ELEVEN!!
I don't think I really got any sleep though..the next thing I knew we were up at 5am getting ready for the coach journey to Alton Towers.
I'll skip to the good parts.
Alton Towers = Fun land.
It rained but it didn't matter.
Lizzy thought every ride was going to somehow decapitate her, and I reassured her by telling her about that ride in America (I think) that ripped someone's feet off.
Air got stuck (luckily while we weren't on it) so people were left dangling over a huge drop for about an hour.
Air got fixed (wahay!) and we decided to make it more fun (if that's possible) by singing the Pokemon theme tune (ok, half singing, half screaming).
Immi and I always get particularly enthusiastic in that song. Look, you can see the passion in our faces.

A beautiful moment, I feel.

We went on 5 other rides, which really doesn't sound like many but it felt like a lot. Oh, unless you count the Skyride thing...which, IMO, was the scariest one =P.
The best was Rita. 0-60 in 1.5 seconds. Just...wow. We went on the single riders queue so we could get on faster and I ended up next to a bloke who kept going "Woaah! Wooahoohoooah! WOOOAAH!" the whole way. That amused me.

For some reason I didn't find Nemisis all that fun.. = /. That's another suspended one...a few loops...I think maybe it wasn't fast enough for me to like it.

There was a recurring theme of Billie Piper's Honey to the Bee. "Banana!" Don't ask.

Anyhoo, the last ride we went on was Air, for the 3rd time. We didn't sing that time but we did do this. I must just say that that isn't from The Simpsons Movie. Bean - the movie did it long before that, in a different way.
Here's a lovely shot of that:

Then began the 4 hour journey home with a giant shark. Air guitarring. Harry. A dreadlock, an eggnog (yes AN), a Finnish man, a genius and a helium balloon.
Ahhh good times.

But, like I said, it's all over now.
2 days (almost 1) left until 6th form.

Summer of 2007 - Harry Potter, crab wielding Spanish guys, Never Be Lonely, 34 sleepless hours, air saxophone, Captain Obvious, shameboxes, direct proportion to funny bone pain, Lucozade Sport, Trivial Pursuit, large women in stationary shops, killer worms, London's Burning, live pasta making and dancing hobbits - I salute you.

I went on it.

2007-08-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

I popped down to Londinium with my dad today because he got 2 tickets for The London Eye for his birthday or something and no one else would go on with him.
I didn't particularly want to either =P.
But I'm glad I did.
It was a bit scary looking down but otherwise it was fine.
Then we went to the Science Museum which was a bit crap because one of the exhibits was closed and loads of the interactive things were broken, but the gift shop was fun and I bought a boomerang because I'm just that cool.

That's about it really.

PHOTOSSS!!:
Yay for Paint Shop Pro! =P

Le weekend de la...um...mouche.

2007-08-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

I can't really be bothered to write anything....basically I went to Lizzy's house to see Hairspray, which was raaather good, and slept over and it was FUN.
I will summarise in quotes and photos.

Playing Trivial Pursuit:
*Immi reads question, something about a nickname for a New Zealandish rugby team*
Lizzy: Err..I dunno
Me: I think I could guess what it is
Immi: Well, it's a fruit
Me: Yeah, I know what it is. It's also a bird, Lizzy
Lizzy: *Confused*
Immi: It's a fruit...green...you have it in your lunch sometimes...you scoop it
Me: It's a little furry bird thing...long beak...also a green, furry fruit
Lizzy: *Confused*
Me and Immi: FRRUIIIT! BIIIRDD!! NEW ZEAALLAND!!!!!
Lizzy: Um...*insert name of some obscure fruit I can't remember here*
Me and Immi: No!!!
27 years and 530 clues later:
Lizzy: OH! KIWI!!
*Facepalms all around*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Setting up Trivial Pursuit:
Me: We don't have a die..
Immi: ok...well....we can put all the cheeses in the pie, throw it, and however many pieces fall out, that's the number we go
Me: Um ok..
*tests*
*Puts cheese in hole wrong way*
Me: Immi! Immi it's stuck!
Immi: Bahahahahahhah!!!!
*19 years of prodding cheese with watches etc*
*Immi randomly throws pie*
Immi: OMG!! I DID IT!!!!
*Mucho laughter*
Me: Immi, there's another stuck one!
*Throws against wardrobe many, many times* *Cheese loosens, pulls out*
Me: YUSS!!!!! We should do this for a living!
Lizzy, later: What were you doing earlier?? You were screaming with laughter and banging stuff.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you Captain OBVIOUS!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Immi: Grace doesn't even need to look silly to look silly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Me: I reckon it's spunk
Immi: Graaace! There are children!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"OMG! WE SAW NIPPLE! WHY IS THIS A PG!?!?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"YOU'RE IN MY DOCUMENTARY!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"SMOKING on these premises is strictly forbidden. Smoking ON these premises is strictly forbidden. Smoking on THESE premises is strictly forbidden. Smoking on these PREMISES is strictly forbidden. Smoking on these premises IS strictly forbidden. Smoking on these premises is STRICTLY forbidden. Smoking on these premises is strictly FORBIDDEN."

"At least choose a short sentence!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Lizzy looks away, picks up random spoon*
*Me and Immi start doing chicken head movementness to song*

Lizzy, looking at spoon: Have I gone into another dimension?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Me: Where is the pituitary gland?
Immi: Oooooh I know this...the...pancreas?
Lizzy: Immi, use your brain! Your BRAAIIN-UH!
Immi: Um...the kidney?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photo time! Just...don't ask.

God only knows what I'm doing in these.

Oh yeah, my niece was here the other day so here's a random shot or two of her.

Just popped by to say...

2007-08-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

GIANT STRAWBERRY!!!!!!!

That is all.

ok, I did it.

2007-08-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

First thing I have to say...

I PASSED LATIN!! I...ME...IIII PASSSSEEED LAATTIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I seriously thought I was gonna fail!! I GOT A B!! A BEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Anyway....other results:

French - A (A*, A*, A*,B)
Spanish - A (Again: A*, A*, A*,B)
Latin - B!!!!
Science - BB (only one I'm disappointed in, but my coursework let me down I think)
RE - A
Maths - A (One I was most nervous about)
English - AA
Drama - B (But I never really cared about Drama.)

So all in all =D.

And that's all I have to say about that.

The Envelope

2007-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

It sort of feels like there should be an overvoice man with a deep voice and cheesy American accent going "Here it is folks! The moment you've all been waiting for!"
Yup, they're here.
The results.
The thing I've practically eaten my hands over - chewing the skin around my nails - for the past week or so.
This is gonna sound a bit weird but it feels exactly like when I got Harry Potter DH. I waited for what felt like eternity and when the moment finally came I didn't want it be there after all. It took me 3 hours to read anything other than the dedication of HP...who knows when I'll feel like opening The Envelope (I so feel like adding "of DOOOOOM")
I couldn't get to sleep last night until about 6...I just kept thinking about it...then when I did fall asleep I dreamt I got them, not really fair is it? I can't actually remember what happened in the dream though.
Right now I don't want to speak to anyone...I actually refused a call from my friend Immi this morning - sorry about that! - because I really don't want to know what anyone else got yet. Once I've read them I'll - hopefully - want to phone everyone I can though.
So anyway...as of yet I remain in the bliss of ignorance with an envelope still waiting to be opened.
Wish me luck..

Humph

2007-08-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well.
The house I thought was ours is ours no longer.
They went and sold it to someone else, which you're allowed to do until the deeds and money change hands, which takes months.
I'm so annoyed.
I really really loved that house.
Oh well.
That's life.

Quiz thing

2007-08-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

ok, I got this from the wonderful Aristarionne's blog. I love these things.
Right, here goes:

Seven things you plan to do before you die
1. Go to Tokyo
2. Have kids
3. Get married
4. Have a job I love
5. Have some weird pet
6. Explore England
7. Have huge party with all my friends and family, even those I don't know very well, and just enjoy it.

Seven things you can do
1. Make one eye face inwards and one forwards
2. Translate 4 languages (I would say speak, but I can't speak Latin)
3. Calm down my cat when he's in one of his creeaaaazy moods
4. Go for a day or two without remembering to eat (Not a good thing, I know)
5. Talk to myself for hours and hours
6. Open jars/bottles etc no one else can
7. Play just about anything on the recorder by ear (I'm just that cool =P)

Seven celebrity crushes
1. Noel Fielding. I love him.
2. Tom Felton (until he cut his hair)
3. Daniel Radcliffe (until he...just became...not attractive = /)
4. Jude Law
5. Can I say Noel Fielding again??
6. Ohhh that Irish guy from Bend It Like Beckham.
7. Spencer from Skins.

Seven most repeated phrases/words
1. Like your face?
2. What are you doing?
3. XD (Does that count??)
4. All wrapped up in a nice little package-uh!
5. Well laa dee dah!
6. Kayz
7. Stop looking at me!! (I say that to my parents a lot)

Seven physical traits you look for in the opposite sex
1. Blue eyes
2. Dark hair
3. Taller than me
4. Cleverness
5. Nice arms (Look, I can't explain it, I just have this......arm thing.)
6. Fun.
7. Nice lips.

Seven tags to go to
Ya waaaah????

Three names you go by
1. Grace..
2. Gracious
3. Graceyloo

Three Screen names you've ever had
1. Bellatrix
2. Miss Potter
3. Graceyloo10081 (or something like that)

Three physical things you like about yourself
1. My height. Nice and...average.
2. My eye colour.
3. My lips.

Three physical things you don't like about yourself
1. My ribs..
2. My ears.
3. My feet...I just hate feet in general.

Three things that scare you
1. Crustaceans
2. Clowns
3. Not being able to understand something that's being said in a Maths lesson.

Three drinks (alcoholic or non)
1. Chocolate milkshake
2. Grenadine and lemonade
3. Virgin Piña Colada

Three of your everyday essentials
1. Internet access
2. Music
3. Conversation

Three things you're wearing right now
1. Skinny jeans
2. A dress thing
3. Glasses

Three of your favourite movies
1. Harry Potter...can't choose which one
2. Kill Bill volume 2 (Love the first one too though)
3. 12 Monkeys

Two truths and a lie
1. I'm listening to Boogie Pimps - Somebody to Love
2. My bedroom is really dark
3. I'm morbidly obese

Three things about the opposite sex that appeal to you
1. They aren't bitchy
2. They seem to be much more genuine than girls
3. I can appreciate it so much more when they're good looking XP

Three careers you are considering, or have considered
1. Optometrist
2. Primary school teacher
3. Actress

Three people you would like to see take this quiz now
1. Immi
2. Dan/orangeacid
3. Errr those are the only people I know with blogs who haven't already done it XP

Commencing move to home number 14.

2007-08-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well.
We've bought a house.
I absolutely love it.
It's got 3 stories which is really silly because my parents had been looking for a bungalow for about 2 months.
I really love moving house. Having never lived in one for more than 2 years, other than the current one - which we've been in for 4, I tend to get a bit bored being in the same one.
I mean, I don't like packing everything...something precious always gets lost or broken. But I love throwing out all the crap I've gathered in the bottom of my wardrobe and finding things I'd completely forgotten about.
I also hate the first few days in a new house. However nice it is, it feels completely alien and like you'll never be able to function normally.

Anyway,
I saw The Simpsons Movie yesterday.
Absolutely hilarious. I was pretty hyper though.
It was a lot better than I expected, I thought the spider pig song was going to be the funniest part.

Oh yeah, I have a new song. Over there <<<. It's not really my sort of genre but I love it.

I mentioned down there somewhere about 52 weeks, and how I'm doing a different colour each week. This week was orange so I used about the only orange thing I own - a tiger. No, not a real one, though that would have been fun.
I don't really know what I think of it.
Again, it didn't turn out how I expected it, but they never do.
I hate yellow so next week is gonna be hard..

*Gasp* I nearly forgot! I'm going to Alton Towers on 2nd September with 2 of my friendies. I can't waaaaiiit. I wish it was sooner. But oh well, just more looking-forward-to-time. I'm so excited, it has the best rides everrrr. I'm such a thrill seeker. But a controlled-thrill sort of seeker heehee. So no white water rafting for me, ta very much.

Ummm yeah. That's pretty much it.

Au revoir, mes amis.

Just a couple of things.

2007-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd write about a couple of films I saw recently that I really enjoyed. I have to say though, I wouldn't recommend either if you just wanna sit back, relax and enjoy.
The first was Pan's Labyrinth, or El Laberinto de Fauno as it's really called, I knew it was supposedly an adult's fairy tale but it was very different to how I imagined it. Firstly, it's very very graphic, gory and violent. I thought I was pretty much desensitised after watching Kill Bill and Battle Royale, but the scenes of gore were somehow much more real and although I could watch I certainly didn't find them pleasant.
It's also quite creepy. Not screamably (I made a word!) but The Pale Man was really freaky..
So anyway, I was expecting it to all be set in a weird and wonderful fantasy world but you're only taken there for maybe a total of half an hour in the whole film. It's actually set in some Spanish war (Don't ask me which one, I am le poopoo at history) in the 1940s and that's mostly what you see. If I had been told this beforehand, I never in a million years would have watched it but I actually found it gripping and loved the transition from it to Ophelia's fantasy world.
It was not the cheeriest of films but it left me with a lot of unanswered questions, and after browsing the IMDB boards, I've realised it's a pretty deep film. I think I'd give it 8.5/10.
Oh yeah, don't worry about the subtitles as you forget you're even watching a Spanish film after about 20 minutes. For me, having it in another language added to it absolutely.

Right, yes, so, next film

Requiem for a Dream. Saw it last night. Was completely blown away.
It left me staring at my laptop for a good 2 minutes, open mouthed, trying to sum up my feelings for what I'd just seen.
Thoroughly depressing. Engaging. Amazing.
The music, directing, camera work, acting and storyline were absolutely spot-on.
There were some very disturbing scenes but they were absolutely necessary to get the message of the film across.
I got completely sucked into the plot and began caring about the sorts of characters I never thought I would.
I'd give it 9/10, knocking off 1 because it did leave me feeling very very very very very depressed. But in a good way, if that makes any sense.

I know I've not said too much about the storylines of the two films...I just wanted to tell anyone reading how they affected me rather than what they're about...seems a better way to choose a film, to me.

Righto, that's all.

Photographer's block

2007-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

So, I've been doing this 52 weeks thing for a while now. I'm on week 22...that's almost half way. But I'm completely running out of ideas. I don't know how 365 days people do it, I'd get soo frustrated.
Anyway, to try and liven things up and get the creative juices flowing, I'm now doing a rainbow (sorry, that just had to be done) thing. Basically, for the next 7 weeks (Well, 6 now) each self portrait will have the theme of one of the 7 colours of the rainbow. Pretty simple, but I'm hoping it'll help me produce more interesting portraits.
Here's week 22 - Red:

Didn't really work out how I imagined it, but I'm happy with it.
So, that's about it. Next week is orange...hmmm..

Happy weekend, all!

Back on England's green and pleasant land

2007-08-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Phwoof.
I'm back.
With about 1000 photos, a sunburnt tummy and the Titanic theme stuck in my head.
I have a few tales from my trip, gather round and I shall tell ye *Puffs on pipe*

Our cabin had a window, a window with a big sill part that could be sat in quite comfortably. Here, I'll show you:

Like that.
So, when we first got into our cabin, I climbed over a little table and sat on there, watching the port.
A few minutes later a voice comes out of nowhere saying "911 emergency services, how can I help?"
My mum realises I had stepped on the emergency button on the phone while getting onto the window so starts telling the curtains (obviously..) that I had stepped on it and apologising.

Then, the following day, my dad tried to order room service...only he pressed the wrong button and ended up asking emergency services for a ham sandwich and some crisps, please.

I don't think they were too happy with us.

I think it was day 3 that we arrived in Vigo, in Spain. We ended up in a shopping centre (I don't know how that happened *shifty eyes*) and eventually found a little cafe. I ordered two coffees and a coke absolutely fine but then my mum wanted to know if they had any cakes.
Feeling fairly confident I asked the waiter if we could see the "pastillas" He gave me a confused looks, but I persisted. Eventually he goes "You want to go to the pharmacy? You have a pain?" It was then that I realised I should have been asking for "pasteles" and not "pastillas", which are pills...

Anyway, just before boarding the ship again we went to a fish restaurant type place. I noticed they had a tank full of huuuge crabs and pointed them out to my mum. I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I am absolutely terrified of crustaceans. Anyway, I'm pointing away when the waiter comes over and says "You want to see them?" I quite clearly say "Nooo! NOOOOO!" but he walks over to the tank and PICKS ONE UP and starts walking towards me.
I was gone. There was nooo way I was hanging around. I ran right up the little street and stayed there til I decided it was safe to come back.
When I did come back the owner of the restaurant next door came over and started shouted in Spanish to the waiter at the place we were at, saying his fish wasn't fresh and so on. It was really funny.
Then he went off for a bit, only to come back and start accusing the other guy of taking cocaine. It was really odd.

So that was Vigo. I think I'll post about each place separately, I'll leave you with some Vigo photos.

G'night

A passing dog in a fountain near a castle:

HP!!!!!

2007-07-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

!!!!!!

2007-07-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

AAAGGHH! HALF AN HOUR!!!!!!

The boringness gets boringer

2007-07-19T19:12:00.001-07:00

It's the summer holidays. Harry Potter is in the air. I should be enjoying life. But I am soooo...unfeelingish..
This happens most holidays and I always forget it does. I look forward to the holidays so much and then when they come I end up being stuck in the house for weeks on end and having no contact with anyone my age and I go utterly insane. I start talking to myself a lot...being depressed...listening to Kate Bush.
It is seriously like I have no friends. They are all doing stuff or live far far away. C'est le crap.
And in 2 days I'm going on a cruise with my parents. Please God let there be people my age on the ship. Pleeaase.
I know, there are people soooo much worse off than me in the world and I am moany moaning...

I just read this through and I sound like a complete loon.

Anyway, I really need some sunglasses. Other than the gorgeous crab-shaped ones Immi and Lizzy got me from Florida. It's a long story.
Ah what the hell, we've got aaalll night.

I am terrified of crustaceans. Spiders, rats, snakes - fine. But show me a picture of a crayfish and I will run faster than you can say Ostraconophobia (but that's only because I'm not a very fast runner)
So, yeah, there was a school trip to Florida and I didn't go because I am not a fan of planes...
Anyhoo they brought me back the rather splendid gift of sunglasses which have crab claws on them (plastic ones..)
Oh and a really cool NASA glass (Yes, the "really cool" is sincere. I am a geek, remember)

I think I might go read Half Blood Prince now. And then I might even sleep. I know, I'm living on the brink of society eh? =P

Fairwell my lowly worshippers,