Life-long student

I think I'm ready to start something new in terms of expanding my knowledge. Ever since I left uni (the first time) I have taken 2 evening courses, did another A-Level and went back to uni for another year.

This was the first year that I didn't partake in any extra-work activities in terms of learning. I needed the break because the Accounts A-Level had really drained me, which was my own fault really because I crammed a subject at advanced level that I had never studied before into 7 months! And considering I was working both full-time and part-time whilst studying I was very impressed that I did manage to scrape a pass mark!

But now I think I'd like to start something else though I don't know what. I don't necessarily want something that is tested with an exam at the end of it, just something that will give me a new skill/knowledge. And it doesn't need to be academic either.

Any ideas? Oh and it can't cost a lot of money because I'm currently in Saver Queen mode ;)

[img credit: D Sharon Pruitt]

Falling into chocolate

As promised in my previous post I did in fact head to the supermarket and buy my ingredients to bake my cake. Naturally, they came in a box. I don't believe in complicating life more than is necessary to.

Once I had all my ingredients ready, I got the Kenwood out of the cupboard where it had been lying dormant for a few years. Yes, I did clean it! (I know that Kenwood is the brand but we've always called it that. I'm referring to the big whisker thing; no, not a blender.)

The mixture was ready in all of 3-4 minutes, and I had the oven heating up in the meantime, so I poured my mixture into my already-greased baking pan and popped it in the oven. The packet said to divide it into two pans, but I thought it was a trifle excessive (punning with food semantics, you gotta love it!), so I only used one pan and it worked out fine, because after a while I had a lovely risen cake and a chocolatey smell wafting through the air teasing like a siren's song.

I had to let it cool for a while and then I sliced it in 'half' and let it cool further before laying down a base of chocolatey goodness. I spread chocolate both as a middle layer and as a top layer. Why do things in halves right? ;)

The finishing touches were generous touches of chocolate sprinkles in a somewhat flowered pattern and a cute frog just to give it some colour. And this is the final result...

"Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!" (Elaine Sherman)

Goddess in the Kitchen

... but unfortunately I'm not one! However I'm in a baking mood for some reason, mainly because we had banana cake in the office, and I thought 'it can't be that difficult to prepare', so I got inspired to bake!

I have a cute magnetic Cookie Cookbook that's been on the fridge for a few years now, I'd rather not give it a definite number, and I've never attempted to make any of the delicious recipes that it holds.

So I think I will be heading to the supermarket and picking up some ingredients for some experimental baking. And if they come decent, I'll refrain from saying good for now, I'll take them to the office with me.

Life's for Sharing

I think T Mobile have really conquered the viral marketing world with their group video ads. I just saw this one taken in Trafalgar Square and I think it's great. I also love the fact that everyone knows 'Hey Jude'!

Shopping during a credit crunch

So the 'R' word has been bandied around for a few months now and most people have been tightening their money belts and saving their pennies in the hopes that the pounds would accumulate. However, as all women know, clothes are an absolute necessity, but shelling out a lot of money on clothes might not be the best option for one's savings. Frugality is no longer a bad word in times like these, it's a way of life.

So how can you get new clothes without spending money? It's easy. You swap them! We've all got clothes in our wardrobe that we don't wear anymore. They're either sooo last season, or the button doesn't quite do up as comfortably as we like (although we promise ourselves that we'll fit into them by the time we need to wear them) or they're just those 'OMG what was I thinking?' purchases. What may no longer be worn by you, would be very interesting to someone else - and you might think that you have nothing that anyone else would like, but as long as they are in good condition (not torn/stained) then you'd be surprised at what people like.

I use 2 swap sites that mainly cater for the UK but most people are willing to post to Malta so that's a plus for me; however, there are plenty of US swap sites too. A simple search will probably give you several options.

It's a simple system -

• You take photos of the clothes that you want to swap
• Upload them to the site and describe them as accurately as possible giving them a value, usually based on their condition and age.
  
• Either wait for people to ask you to swap or see what other people have and make contact yourself
• If someone has something that you like, and vice versa then you can arrange to swap those items
• You only pay your own P&P to send your item, and wait for your new item of clothing to arrive.
  
• You can rate the swapper once the item has arrived so that other swappers will know whether they are reliable swappers

It's a great way to get rid of old clothes and replacing them with others. I currently have 70 items up for swap on one site. And I have 3 parcels to send out. I keep a spreadsheet of all my swaps and I've sent out over 100 items! These include clothes, bags, accessories.

So if you want to revamp your wardrobe I honestly recommend trying your hand at swapping. It's fun and it's frugal ;)

Big Bang Theory

I've just started watching 'Big Bang Theory' as recommended to me by my colleague, who very kindly also provided me with the episodes, and it's hilarious!

I haven't seen many comedy series recently and this one is just brilliant! I think if you liked 'Two Guys and a Girl' and/or 'Friends' then it should probably tickle your fancy too. A lot of the dialogue is extremely scientific and can go over one's head but it all adds to hilarity of it all.

The episodes are approximately 25 minutes each one so it's a good portion of time and means that you can watch a few episodes after each other. I've just seen the first three and I am seriously amused (I guess that's an oxymoron - geekness can rub off from the show apparently!)

Highly recommended so rent it, buy it, download it, stream it... whatever your chosen method, just watch it!

Signs

This short movie from the Schweppes Film Festival is just great! I would love to have a love story like that =)

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2661807/schweppes_short_film_festival/

I think everyone can identify with the change in attitude that we experience when there's something/one to look forward to on a daily basis and that can break the mundane routine of life. It's probably something that we each have to do for ourselves though by trying to find the special moment in everything that we do... though not always easy unfortunately!

Music & Lyrics

Themed parties are always fun and a bit different, especially when people actually do dress up. Yesterday I had a party with the theme 'Music & Lyrics'. It took me a while to figure out what I was going to wear because I didn't just want to dress up as 'someone', but an impromptu MSN chat with a friend of mine who had been to a party with the same theme gave me some inspiration. A glance through my 'My Music' folder and I had it!

This was my get-up:
Black eye shadow and all in green I was... a Black Eyed Pea!!

Nobody guessed my outfit and there was just one person who was dressed with a similar idea in mind. He was wearing regular clothes and then had a black garbage bag over him and he was the band Garbage! Easy and effective!

And just before I left the house I spotted something that I had and that I would have also made a good and easy costume - but I'll save the idea for the next party ;)

"Must blog about my day" - The Foo

Must blog about my day
Originally uploaded by littlemissg

I thought that I would introduce you to my cat. Her name is Foo, but is referred to as The Foo. Yes, it does sound regal and she does in fact act that way!

I don't know what breed she is because we got her from someone who was leaving the island and I don't actually know her parentage.

But she's definitely a lovely addition to the family =)

The Top 6 Things that make me Happy

I was tagged by Bee to make a list of the 6 things that make me happy, so here goes...

1. Sunshine
2. Hugs
3. Travelling
4. Shopping! =) (hehe I'm a girl after all!)
5. Giving and receiving presents
6. Fun times with friends

I realise that they may not be very original but it really is the simple things in life that count the most overall. Yes, there are times when you need that something extra, that something special but the little things that make you happy tend to make it all worthwhile.

What makes you happy?

Capturing the moon

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”

The moon was incredibly beautiful tonight so I tried to take a photo; however, my camera is not that adept at taking certain shots. Or perhaps it's the photographer who's to blame. I shouldn't blame my tools! But this was my attempt, so if you can just imagine that large yellow moon amongst a dark sky that's sparkling with stars then you'll know why I was impressed.

Eurovision

So tonight are the 'eagerly' awaited semi-finals for the Eurovision Song Contest. Every year we make a huge fuss about it and everyone gets really excited and we're convinced that we have the best song and we must win; then we don't and we criticisize the singer and point out all his/her mistakes with the song, the clothes, the backup dancers, the lighting, etc.

This year we've sent Chiara, again, singing What if we? I will admit that she has got a great voice, but it really does stop there. The song is boring and she's hardly eye-candy so we're not even going to get the male testosterone vote. The pity about Chiara is that she is so intent on winning this contest that she hasn't done much else with her singing career. I think you can book her to sing at your wedding and she'll probably charge you an arm and a leg but other than that, she's just a Eurovision starlet. She's probably be quite a hit on the Maury Povich sofa - she can open the waterworks very easily - that always brings in the viewers.

But tonight she's in Moscow and she's going to sing for Europe and represent Malta so we must offer our support, and if you're reading this and you're eligible to vote, then do give us 12 points and make a nation's dream come true. All it takes is one phonecall.

In Saudi, if you spend, you'll get slapped

Husbands are allowed to slap their wives if they spend lavishly, a Saudi judge said
recently during a seminar on domestic violence, Saudi media reported Sunday.

Changing a cultural view is never an easy option, even when it might seem so obvious to us in the Western world. Women were always regarded as inferior to men, and possibly even to animals, in places like Saudi Arabia; and the idea that men consider their mentality to be right just seems ludicrous, but when every father, grandfather, great-grandfather have all taught and been taught the same thing then changing the views of the entire male population is not going to be an easy task.

I believe that the world is still largely patriarchal despite women's movements, equal rights and protests in favour of women. There is some form of equality in places but, seen holistically, men still hold more power.

I will never accept any form of abuse from a man, especially physical abuse. There is no justification to lift a finger on someone, and this works both ways, as well as for children. Hitting, beating, smacking - it doesn't teach a lesson, it just builds up anger and resistance. And possible (forthcoming) years of hate.

Unfortunately I don't think the women of Saudi are going to be experiencing a non-slapping life for a long time.

Mother's Day 2009

If you have a mother,

Treasure her with care,
Cos you'll never know her value,
Till you see her empty chair.

The Jane Austen Book Club

I'm currently reading The Jane Austen Book Club which is an interesting book although I am reading it fairly slowly. There are certain books that I would finish within two days; however, having said that it's not always dependant on the book, but also on my mood.

At the moment this book is just something that I keep by my bedside and read before I fall asleep. And not even every night at that. However it is a good book, and it's quite interesting to learn little know facts about Jane Austen and her work. I'm not even sure if I've ever read a full Jane Austen book!

They're those books that because they have such a high status they've been made into films (as has this book incidentally), abridged, modernized and used by so many other people, that you inevitably get to know the story but perhaps not necessarily by having read the book. And, with a blushing face, I'll admit that the name Mr. Darcy makes me think more of Bridget Jones than of Pride and Prejudice. Then again when you have Colin Firth playing both in both films, it's easy to get confused ;)

What are you currently reading & would you recommend it?

2009 Meme

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship? No

02) What was your dream growing up? To be an author or a lawyer

03) What talent do you wish you had? Singing, drawing, gymnastics!

04) If I bought you a drink what would it be? Dr Pepper, Coke Zero, vodka orange, Bacardi Breezer

05) Favorite vegetable? Potatoes, peas

06) What was the last book you read? Terry Pratchett's 'Small Gods'

07) What zodiac sign are you? Pisces

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where. Ears pierced; left one has two holes. Belly button was pierced (twice) but not anymore

09) Worst Habit? Selective hearing, teasing people

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? If I was heading to where you were heading, yes

11) What is your favorite sport? Gymnastics, diving, snooker (to watch)

12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude? I think Optimistic most of the time

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? Hope that you wouldn't panic

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you? Car crashes

15) Tell me one weird fact about you. I don't eat white dairy products (except eggs)

16) Do you have any pets? Yes, the cutest Foo

17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly? I'd hope everywhere was clean!

18) What was your first impression of me? ---

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Depends on their context but I think that they should be funny and using them as scary things is wrong!

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? Perhaps a bit taller with leaner legs!

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? More often than not your partner in crime unless you were going to do hard drugs or drive drunk

22) What color eyes do you have? Hazel

23) Ever been arrested? No

24) Bottle or can soda? Bottle

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Pay my debts and then put a down payment on a convertible car

27) What's your favorite place to hang at? Depends on the company

28) Do you believe in ghosts? I'd rather say No

29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Sleep, read, stay on the Internet, chill, watch movies

30) Do you swear a lot? Nope!

31) Biggest pet peeve? Whistling, stupid people

32) In one word, how would you describe yourself? Human :)

33) Do you believe/appreciate romance? Yes :)

35) Do you believe in God? Yes

Rags to Raja

I love watching films however I do take my time to watch them. I do enjoy going to the cinema so there are some films that I watch when they're just new releases; however, it can take many months and sometimes years for me to watch a film, even if it is a really, really good film.

Today I watched Slumdog Millionaire and I really enjoyed it! I'm a few months late I know but at least I did get round to watching it.

The idea behind the film was very inspiring and it really does help you believe that anything is possible. There are days when things just look bleak. These days are often accompanied by dull, grey weather and if you're really unlucky you'll also have the sniffles and get a puncture on your way to work. Things couldn't get any worse, but inevitably they will. It can be depressing. But time waits for no one and the seconds will tick away and the day will also come to an end and a new one will begin without any great fuss. It's just another second that ticks away that brings in a new day. But a new day brings in new hope and new possibilities and yesterday doesn't feel so bad anymore. You can even manage a smile!

And for every smile you give, you get one in return :)

So when life seems to be heading nowhere but down, I like to think that each new day brings with it new opportunities and that could be my "rags to raja" moment.

Tooting the Twitter Trumpet

I'm quickly becoming disillusioned by Twitter. Perhaps I'm following the wrong people, because there are a few people whom I do enjoy following, but the majority of them are just boring. Then again my tweets aren't exactly works that would inspire Shakespeare. I can somehow understand the business value behind it and the momentum that it's gained is certainly noteworthy; however, this latest wave of Twitter evangelists who believe that we can unsubscribe from everything else including search engines don't convince me.

Although I tend to find Facebook somewhat repetitive after a while, and a definite intrusion of privacy it still remains the one site that I will visit every day. Twitter, on the other hand, I can easiy forget about.

Having said that, you're very welcome to follow me on Twitter