Its snowing!

For weeks parts of Britain have been getting heavy snowfalls but here dry as a bone more a less. Well, we have had days of rain and thats about it. As we live by the coast we rarely get snow storms as the salt in the air is too warm for it. Today we had some spells of now but not sticking much. We sold out almost instantly of di-icer and sledges but if people bother to listen to the news snowfall wouldn't be much here so I doubt many kids will get fun out of sledges not unless they go more in land. 

I was watching the snow its pretty but hate it when it turns to ice. I have my op in 3 weeks and don't want to go falling and making things worse before I have my op. Maybe I should purchase some skis. 

私は日本が大好き

Blog to Japan -

Since Studio Ghibli released Spirited Away in this country my interest and fascination in Japan began. I had never seen any kind of film like Spirited Away before when I watched it I thought it was great and there began my love for Studio Ghibli  movies also. 

When I'm at home I enjoy looking and reading anything associated with Japan. Pictures, news, stories, blogs, etc. I own 8 bonsai trees which I love, as they're my own little bit of Japan and have objects that resemble Japan in any way and they mean a lot to me.

I have joined a pen pal site on line and made friends with few Japanese people whom I love to talk to and who kindly send me gifts from time to time and I have got to know them personally and do find out more about there culture and lifestyle. There share pictures with me that I find lovely and interesting and would like be there to see it for myself and appreciate it in person. 

My family and friends know how much I love Japan. I do love to write, writing to my pen pals has helped me improve my writing skills and my own English and do blog from time to time as it helps me express my thoughts, feelings and interests and have read other peoples traveling blogs and have wished I could do that. Sharing my experiences with other people and bring my own interoperation to the blog. One of the other things I enjoy is taking pictures. I like to capture the moment on film, when ever I go anywhere I'm never without my camera. I like to take pictures so me myself doesn't forget what I've seen and like other people to enjoy them as I have. 

There are many things I would love to see and do in Japan. It all looks fascinating and would be absolutely be thrilled to go and would mean the world to me.

Its so beautiful from sakura, geisha trotting down the streets of Kyoto, crazy vending machines, high tech toilets, fascinating culture and traditions, there is so much to explore and discover.

My reasons would be to see  - 

1. Shrines and Temples

2. Onsen

3. Taking the bullet train 

4. Ghibli Museum 

5. Meet friends through pen paling and meet some new friends

6.See Geisha and dances of Gion

7. The Food - I am a Japanese food beginner and have sampled some of it and find it very delicious but like to try it some more

8. To learn the language I would love to speak the same language as my friends and be able to have a conversation with them 

9. To see Akihabara

10. To see the festivals

11. To see Mount Fuji and to climb and see the wonderful views

12. Experience Hanabi

I'm 28 and never traveled on my own or with anyone else or had the opportunity for my own adventure. This would be truly amazing and it could help me figure out what I want to do with my life as I have never really known since leaving school. I only work part time and don't really have much of a social life. Many of my friends have moved away and don't get out much so it be good for me to stand on my own and be independent and like to do more with my life. It would be an incredible journey for me. 

First ever operation

For a few years I have been having problems with my right ankle. It had been getting painful and kept clicking it didn't seem right. I first visited the doctor I described my symptoms and her response basically 'I don't know' she didn't even take the time to ask me further questions or examine me. That must have been the quickest doctor appointment ever.

Not happy I re arranged another appointment with a different doctor. She was a lot nicer and took the time to listen and find out what the problem was. I described my symptoms and she arranged me for a referral where I would get a letter through the post to choose where I would want to go next. 

I chose to see a man at Garstang clinic. It was the one with least waiting time. He was a mad of so little words. Again, describing the symptoms the next stage was Blackpool Vic. Where eventually I had a steroid injection. As he seemed to think this would help. It filled up my ankle and couldn't get my shoe back on I had one those boot thingies that people with broken legs wear. 

When that didn't work I returned back to the doctor I saw in the first place. She said that someone my age shouldn't have something like this and may cause problems in the near future like arthritis. She referred me to Writington which is a specialist hospital in orthopedic. You'd get your appointment through the post but when ever I visited I'd never see the consultant at the time it was on the letter, there was always a wait and sometimes delayed by a few hours which only happened once.

I visited 4 times or so and every time going over what was wrong with my ankle I was starting to sound like a parrot.

I had x rays done even though I had them before at Fleetwood and why they couldn't get them Fleetwood I do not know it would have saved them time and money. 

X ray funnily enough didn't show anything. Knowing it wasn't bone and maybe ligament like originally thought.

The next step was MRI I had one originally but a while ago before I sprained my ankle. I was out and in a club yes had been drinking but wasn't that drunk to fall over the floor in the club is slippery and slipped and went over on my ankle. The next day it was painful and couldn't put any weight on it my mum insisted we visited A&E I didn't really want to but had no choice thought it may be broken. 

Had been there a few hours, they x rayed it and said it was sprained and didn't strap it up or anything like they should have done. It took a while before I could put weight on it but I think spraining it made it worse. 

I saw 4 different people at Writington and whom the appointment was made with Mr Karski I saw him only once or twice. 

The MRI showed some wear and tear. Keyhole was suggested to look inside and see what's going on. I could have a bit of a poke around and be in a bandage or thorough surgery and be in a cast and boot but they weren't sure till they went in.


The original operation was scheduled a week before we were going to London for the Jubilee. Un-sure what was going to happen it wouldn't have been a good idea as we would be walking lots around London and it wouldn't have been easy. Re-scheduled the keyhole it didn't take too long just a few more weeks.


I had post op which they took a  urine sample and sample of your groin and inside your nasal passages and your BP. 


They said if you haven't heard anything you would have passed, the nurse wasn't English and was a bit difficult to understand. She saw I'd been biting my nails and said if they were open they could cancel surgery due to infection and gave me 2 options for anesthetic. 


Trying not to bite my nails as I'd come so far to have keyhole I tried to resist with the help of plasters and thought local anesthetic be best but really I wouldn't have minded the full knocked out one.


Surgery was on Tuesday 26/6. Had to there for 7am so got up just after 5. Got there in time. Mum waited with me for a bit while they admitted me asking the usual questions, allergies, medication...


Didn't remove my nail polish I was embarrassed with my horrible toe nails so had to remove it. Mum was able to stay a while and told her to go as she was taking my nan to the clinic around 10.  
It was a quiet ward a few others waiting for procedures. There was an old woman next to me and a larger lady opposite who seemed to have been on the ward a while as they weren't quite ready to leave yet. 


It was a bit boring and my phone wasn't hospital friendly. The internet was slow. The lady opposite brought a book and another lady had a kindle wish I had a book to pass the time. 

Part of Mr Karki's team came round to go through the procedure and ask more questions, I liked him. He doodled on me to make sure they opened the right leg. I was 4th on the list out of 6.


One of the nurses said to start getting ready 10ish. Putting on the lovely gown always attractive it ties at the back but not properly and a little see through.
As people were starting to go down for their procedure. I heard two guys ask for me to go down I was a little nervous. 
They wheeled me down on the bed which was a bit pointless. As I walked into the room before theatre. 
A girl probably my age or a bit older asked more questions and was talking to me while I was about to be anaesthetised it was just after 12. They gave me a breathing mask and that was it just remember waking up in recovery shivering. Coming round too. 


I looked at the clock it was just after 3. Felt warmer than before and heard the nurse say to someone else that I'd been there a while due to being cold. I wondered if I were in a cast or bandage I used my other foot to feel my other foot it was a bandage.

Went back to Ward D. I text my mum to say I was out. I still had a drip in and BP was taken. The nurse asked if I'd like a brew and something to eat of course I said yes. I drank my brew but was desperate for the loo I had to ask and the drip was taken out and a boot put on and hoppled to the toilet. Mum said the ward told her visiting was 6.30 so she be back then.

Coming back from the loo I sat in the chair and Mr Karski came round with the other guy. Said he removed some scar tissue that had been left from a previous injury news to me and that it should relieve some pain and discomfort and if that doesn't work repair the ligament. I should be having physio soon.

I had food there was a little like school dinners. I ate it all with fasting the night before was quite hungry. I kept checking the clock to see if mum was coming with no reading material or nothing to do it was quite boring, there was a tv but couldn't quite see or hear it. 

The lady next to me was sick and had a wee bag not a nice thing to look at. I probably dozed of a few times. The lady opposite came in at 8.30 and didn't leave for her procedure till about 4pm. She looked fed up, when she came back it was her hand that had lumps removed or something. 
She was only back literally 5 minutes when I heard her on the phone to someone asking them to pick her in half an hour.

As the others were getting ready to be discharged I was hoping mum would come soon. I was happy to see her and wanted to get home.

I got dressed and left my pj bottoms on as my foot was swollen and skinny jeans wasn't a good idea.  

The nurse gave me some medication for the pain and some info and dressings.

The stitches are staying in for 2 weeks but go to remove outer dressing 48 hours. I don't really want to look at it, its sore and very swollen and hard. I'll do it tomorrow.

Soon as I got home I got into pjs well I was already wearing bottoms and put a top on and bed. It was nice being back in my own bed. 

Its strange when you have anesthetic your completely wiped out. When asleep your kind of aware your alive by breathing, noises but anesthetic is like your dead or something. 

Still feeling tired and weary must be the affect of the anesthetic still and some of the meds say make you sleepy. 

Mum said you can have a lie in, wake up when you want well that didn't quite happen about 10 she asked me if I'd like a brew. 

I think it be best going back to work when the stitches come out as I'd still have to walk around and its quite difficult with having a procedure done on the side of your foot. 


Today I felt tireder than yesterday so turned my tele of and had a few hours sleep as Thursday is the day mum and dad look after Caleb. So had some peace and quiet slept for about 3 hours. 


Hopefully it'll get better :) but I'm glad its done. I just hope the procedure has helped and won't need the ligament repair.

A Royal Weekend

 

This year marked 60 years for the Queens Diamond Jubilee, she become Queen at the age of 25 which is very young to have that responsibility of a whole country and head of the commonwealth nations, crown dependencies and British Overseas Territories. 

Only Queen Victoria has reigned longer at 63 years. I'm sure she can beat that.

So in celebration for the Jubilee it will be a 4 day weekend to celebrate her 60 years as Queen. 

I can't really remember her Silver Jubilee and don't think we did anything for it but this year mum wanted to see it. I have been to London several times before but nothing big as this. 

2 June 2012 - We left for London early Saturday morning got the train from Poulton to Preston then straight to London. It was fairly busy I think some people had the same idea as us.

It was a fairly miserable day and didn't stop there. Once getting into Euston had to use the underground. The underground is quite mind boggling. Its probably one of the quickest and simpler ways to travel round London, luckily Kim was there as she has experienced the underground before although we did get on the wrong train once not bad through out the whole weekend.

Our Hotel was at 'Tower Hill' about a 10 minute walk at Premier Inn. A nice, simple hotel you only use a hotel for sleeping and showering really as your out and about all day. 

First we freshened up in the hotel and went for a wander. The first place we came to we St. Catherines Dock near the Tower Bridge. The sun finally came out which was nice. All kinds of boats and some nice restaurants and shops and the boats were decorated nicely with flags for the Jubillee as 1000 boats would be sailing down the Thames.

We walked down across The Tower Bridge and walked a bit more and walking beside the Thames and found a pub and decided to have a drink there. 'The Horniman at Hay's' which was a nice pub nicely decorated for the Jubilee with flags.

We hopped on a bus to Covent Garden, I quite like Covent Garden. Shops, restaurants and there is a place inside that has musicians from all over the place that play mostly classical music with people sat drinking coffee, wine. It is a nice atmosphere people listening and clapping and it looked lovely with the Union Jack bunting above and entering Covent Garden there were the England flags gave it a strong British feel. Outside also are a few street performers.

 

We walked around for a bit and decided to look for somewhere to have tea. We saw an Italian place. It was busy but the food was nice I had a spinach cannelloni but when it came it was cold so ate it quite fast. We ordered a garlic bread but it didn't come so the owner I presume gave us a Banoffee pie for free and each had a limoncello the only way to end an Italian meal ;+) Thats where mum made a comment about my hair and decided to go to the Boots I'd seen and buy a hair dye and thats what I did back at the hotel but didn't go as planned as the colour is too dark for me and haven't covered all of my hair. 

I think after that we went back to the hotel and got some rest as the next day was going to be a long day as it was the day of the pageant.

We had the news on in the morning and they were reporting from the Thames and said that people had started getting there early to get a good viewing spot.

3 June 2012 - For breakfast there was a Weatherspoon across the road so decided to have breakfast there. Good prices and quite nice cheaper than the hotel. I went for the large breakfast but couldn't finish it all as it was too big but was fuel for the day ahead and I needed it.

Instead of waiting for hours for the pageant we decided to do something else instead and thought we go to the Tate Modern where Damien Hirst had his exhibition held. Kim had discount tickets so we got in 2 for 1 or something like that.

It was in a part of London not seen before next to the Shakespeare Global Theatre. A nice building but to go inside of course you had to pay and see the play which that day was Hamlet.


The Hirst exhibition was certainly different. I had heard about it on the news. There was a skull that was full of diamonds and worth £50 million you had to enter a dark room to see it in the light. Was spectacular one way of jazzing up a skull. 'For the love of God'

You weren't allowed to take pictures so my dad thinking there must be something to stop you so he started tapping walls and a light from nowhere shone at him and he jumped there was a man in the corner of the dark room with a flash light. 

The rest of the exhibition was bizarre. Dead animals and there was one with a cows head that I found disturbing. A cows head with flies and a box of maggots to show life and death and cows cut in half, shelfs with different types of pills all shapes and sizes, surgical tools and even a butter fly house and a large ash tray with cigarette butts and packets. 

We walked around the rest of the museum but found it a bit boring art galleries aren't me really. We got bored towards the end and left and decided to get a spot for the pageant.

We found a spot up a slope and near the 'wobbly bridge' the Millennium Bridge and there was a monitor near us to see the progress and stalls of food and drink. Me and mum stood waiting while kim and dad went to find drink an hour or so later came back with crisps and a jug of Pimms. All of a sudden the crowd got bigger more people were surrounding us and it was a cold day and my back started hurting with standing around. We heard cheers but not for the boat we thought but for another one I don't know which kind and we walked around a bit more trying to get a better view but most places were taken already. Dad thought he could find a spot on the slope of the Millennium bridge not quite. As it was wet it was slippery he slipped in the air and brought a few people with him who weren't happy 'nice one mate' as one said. That was the moment more cheers started and I guess that was the Queens barge so didn't see it. So many arms in the air trying to get a shot I tried but got nothing.

We walked back through what appeared to be a town about wine and wine museum. We found a Tappas bar and sat outside under shelter from the rain and ordered a hot drink I had 2 pots of tea and ordered some food. Not my kind of a food. I had pea soup that was just warm mushy peas and Kim and Dad had some other things like goats cheese and spicy sausage with a stroppy waiter. 

We went back to the hotel and dad showed us his leg he had a massive bruise and lump on his side after a hot shower and that we decided to go somewhere for tea. Kim suggest a place she visited with Paul on her previous London trip. It wasn't far and what a bbq meat place called 'Bodines' Nice kind of place we were downstairs in the restaurant so much to choose from meat wise. Me and Kim decided to share a meat platter of chicken, ribs and pork with chips and coleslaw and i ordered a cosmo.

4 June 2012 - As we were staying near the Tower that day we decided to go there. Kim hadn't before been before or see the Crown Jewels. It was a rainy day again as to be expected we qued up didn't take too long and I bought a guide book for us all to read. While quing up me and Kim were joking and speaking in an Italian accent. We got inside and waiting for the tour guide, most of the guides had a military background. He spoke a while about the history mostly hangings and followed him inside and around and into the chapel where most are buried. The guide said mobile phones switched off and who's phone rang? my mums and made it worse by trying to turn it off. 

The centre of the tower is nice some quant little houses and one house called 'The Queens House' small row of houses with the union jack above and the Queens guard. 

We went into the cafe for a drink which was a nice cafe the food looked lovely. Then it began to rain. Qued up to see the Queens Jewels. 

Around the Tower there were ravens let lose. Quite sweet little birds just wondering around the grounds.

Some of them are amazing. Crowns worn by different Kings and Queens and other objects.

There are different things you can see in the Tower. We walked up some stairs to bit of a museum. Like armor and uniforms. 

We waited to go into a room about torture things pulling your limbs off and crushing you very grim. 

We headed into the gift shop where I purchased a key ring for myself as I try and collect key rings from places I visit and got a union jack key ring for my Japanese friend and a postcard of The Tower. 

Mum wanted to see the chair that was sat on by the last man to get killed at the Tower. A german spy parachuted into England in 1941. He was injured upon landing captured and brought to London for court martial. Evidence used against him included a parachute, a portable radio and a torn up code wheel. Found guilty he was sentenced to death.
 

So not everyone was killed in the early years as that man was killed in 1941. 

Just as we sat down we saw people taking photo's and running out to see what ever it was that was going on and it was the Tower Bridge opening to a large boat.

We headed outside and went up the stairs to the walkway where you get a view of the bridge and London. Its quite a rare occasion to see a boat sail through the bridge.

Got the open top bus to Buckingham palace as I've always wanted to see it as I've never had chance.

That evening was going to be Jubilee concert with famous artists preforming like Tom Jones, Gary Barlow and his Jubilee song, Sir Paul McCartney etc. Months before the BBC advertised that you could apply for tickets the concert you had to fill in a form online which I did unfortunately I wasn't lucky :( Only 10,000 got tickets. We walked through St James' Park which was a nice park with a pretty lake and the cutest little house that was the bird keepers house.Walked up the mall as people were getting ready to view the concert as there were big screens to watch it, it was pretty decorated with union jacks.

We walked out of the Park and found a little pub near Liberties to have a drink as in London a round of 4 drinks cost £25 we sat outside and people watch and peeked in Liberties as I can't recall hearing of the apparent 'famous' store. We went down to Regent street where the big Topshop was. I didn't think it was that big. Filled with more stuff then the Blackpool store. I saw some ace boots that I saw on a mannekin that I'd seen in a email a while before but looked round the clothes first and then went to the shoes and then accessories.

Dad went elsewhere in the Apple store and got the hint they were bored of waiting for us and couldn't look anymore as I really wanted to try the boots I wish I did as now online there sold out, typical. I bought one top a dipped hem leopard print top and a cute little star necklace and Kim bought something else. Hamleys was just near where we were and Kim wanted to get Caleb a present but we were being pressured to hurry up as they were tired of waiting for us. After that we found a 'Bella Italia' to have tea in. It was quite nice I had a starter a bruschetta with tomatoes on toasted ciabatta which was nice and for main I cannot remember but am sure it was delicious.

We went to another bar another Weatherspoon it was quicker service than the one we visited before. The pub was messy with celebrations of the Jubilee we stayed for one and retired.

5 June 2012 - It was the last day of the Jubilee weekend. The Queen had a busy timetable. Unfortunately the Queen would be flying solo as Prince Philip had been hospitalised for a bladder infection they say the pageant he attended made it worse :( at least the Queen had her family beside her, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate (wonderful Kate) as I call her as she's always in the papers. She did nice wearing a red Alexander McQueen dress and a red hat.

We walked across the road where you could get a site seeing tour 'Big Bus Tours' £20 each but you get to hop on and off where ever in London. We used to bus down to Westminster as mum wanted to visit Westminster Abbey. On the way this picture was displayed for the floatilla which she would see as they sailed past during the pageant.

Earlier that morning on the news people had been gathering close to the Abbey to see the Queen as she would be attending the service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral and then Mansion House and lunch at Westminster Hall is where we thought we may have a chance of seeing her.

Last time when we visited London we refused to go into Westminster Abbey as they were charging £13 and a bit cheeky charging when its a Abbey and a place of worship. This time we gave in and was £15. We sometimes see the Abbey on TV as its where the Royals get married. Its quite impressive inside. There's many buried there and have there own tombs including that of Elizabeth I.

We walked around for a bit with a guide where you pressed buttons and it tell you about the thing you were looking at. We walked to the cloister and garth where there were a place to buy food and a little gift shop. I bought a ham and cheese sandwich and a tea, the sandwich wasn't the best as it reminded me of mustard but it didn't say there were mustard on it, it must have been the holey cheese and I bought a piece of cake which cost £3.00 and could have come with cream as it was a bit dry.

We left and thought about getting a good spot to try and see the Queen. There were quite a lot of people there all scattered around.

We found a balcony near some people where we squeezed on that was a bit tricky getting on. The Queen would be going down that route towards Westminster Hall for lunch and also there was sand on the ground for the horses. 12.45 she would be arriving at Westminster before that there were some brass bands type playing and marching down the road.

We heard some cheering and blight flashing lights that of a police escort and a landrover and old car and that was Prince Harry and shortly after the Queen in the car but not with Prince Philip but with some woman. Our waiting had paid off and can successfully say 'we've seen the Queen'.

After that we had to get the underground back to the hotel to get our bags. We tried to march through the crowd as the Queen would be coming back that way but we'd miss that. We had to wait for them to allow people to cross the street and crossed over to get the tube. We got back to hotel where the news was reporting from Westminster Hall where she would be getting in a horse and carriage with Prince Charles and Camilla. Going back up the mall to Buckingham Palace where she would stand on the balcony and a fly over. Which looked the best part of the whole day and we missed it :(

Bonsai

So, as many people who know me already I love Bonsai trees a lot. I don't know where it all started but one day I just saw one and thought they were lovely and I guess it went from there. I have a fascination with Japan and with me Bonsai trees are apart of that. 

I have been through a couple of trees they can be hard to look after but you eventually learn how to look after them but seem to do well so far as I have 6 :) I like when they come in different shapes and sizes thats what I'm attracted too :) 


This picture was taken from a Garden centre close to where my Great Aunty Margaret lives. I have been to this garden centre before but never spotted any Bonsai's and there was a Bonsai exhibition on 'The Accrington Bonsai Society' made an appearance with the trees I have seen them once before at Barton Grange and some lovely trees all different shapes and forms. 


This big bonsai in the picture was surrounded by others,(i like the little crane origami)thats where I got my Japanese Holly :) there was a big rock with a little waterfall and a little Chinese man fishing it was sweet. I wish I could have something like this in my room. 


Not only is the Japanese Holly my latest but for a long time I wanted a Maple I like the shaped leaves and the way they change colour I searched many websites that they were quite expensive and over my price range :( I was on ebay one day and saw some and thought I'll come back and have a think about it. When it came to payday I couldn't resist. So altogether my total is 8 but I'll have to re-arrange all my trees to make room, the biggest one my Juniper takes up quite a bit of room as of its size it is meant to be an outdoor tree but I can't put it outdoors. I like it in my room with me and the others like a little family. 


I think for now I'll give it a rest and not purchase any more as I have limited space as it is, but its too tempting looking on websites and seeing what there is. I'd rather own the tree and it joining my little family than sat in some shop on its own looking sad. 


They are fascinating trees even my mum was surprised when we saw the trees at the garden centre and we had to pick a favorite I chose No 22 the Maple. I wish I had that one but I have one on its way anyhow.

 

Konnichiwa

I signed up to a website to make new friends in Japan. As I had already started talking to a girl in Hokkaido and e-mailed as it was nice to know more about a place I wanted to know more of and I like the sweet pictures she would send and I have received postcards from her so I thought I'll seek other friends :) who doesn't like getting mail? especially from a country they love to know more about.

I message quite a few people and some politely replied and some I email, facebook and this morning I received a letter :)

Cute Hello Kitty stationery and a tiny Japanese Kit Kat. Its amazing how many kit kats there are in Japan we just have the basic ones we did have double chocolate and white chocolate but that was all not like Green Tea or Berry flavour like they do.

I'd love to visit Japan and meet these people I have befriended and shared things with.

I might be a bit too obsessed with Japan but thats just me. The films, the people, the culture, the beauty I could just see myself living in Japan it have to be a traditional house and I'd love a kimono. I love my bonsai trees and kokeshi dolls.

I follow people on her who moved to Japan to teach or what have you and I'd love to do the sam travel all around and blog about my experiences. Take photo's of wacky and wonderful things and experience the things I want to like in Kyoto I'd love to see Geish and do the tourism thing of dressing like one :p visit shrines, bath houses etc. These are on my list of things to do before I die, I just hope I get the opportunity and not forgetting the Ghibli musuem.

Happy Easter!

So for a while everyone has been preparing themselves for the holiday as 'Easter' Since March or probably sooner stores began to sell Easter eggs and Easter themed goodies.

Its quite a important holiday as it celebrates the resurrection of Christ. People celebrate buy eating lots of chocolate although I don't get the connect of chocolate shaped eggs? I have just read that when eggs come to life as in when Christ comes back to life, natural symbol for fertility.

This year seems to be bigger than last year for some reason I noticed. Stores go crazy selling Easter based products especially the one I work in not only is there Chocolate and lots of it in different shapes and sizes but decorations, toys even children's play costumes. I can't believe the amount of chocolate people have been buying as I told my friend in Japan just adds to the obesity problem in this country. The most chocolate eggs I sold to a customer was about 20 :O and I'm just as bad buying them :( Its hard to resist and selling little chocolate bunnies and little eggs 5 for a £1.
Some of the eggs are expensive we went to Booths today and a Easter Egg Kit Kat Chunky was £5.99 where as our shop sold them at £1.99 as I bought one for someone and you get a free mug! I don't know why you get a free mug but still pretty cool and at a good price.

I have done my nephew Caleb a Easter bag. I got him Thomas mini book set, book, train 'Cranky' a Thomas easter egg and a Kinder egg :) oh and a Easter card.

Easter is more for kids like Christmas and for adults to gorge on chocolate.

A year on

Today marks 1 year since The Japanese Tsunami 11,3,11. The other day I watched an interesting documentary called 'Children of the Tsunami' It was both heart warming and sad, heart warming in the sense of these lovely innocent children adapting to a new life of radiation and sad that they have to. There was a lovely little girl who was only allowed to play outside for half an hour a day and only on tarmac as the grass and bushes could hold radiation and the rest of the children having to wear a monitor and some wearing masks, the monitor to monitor there radiation levels when they were at school, home etc. To leave there original home and town to live outside the 'exclusion zone'.

These were the children that survived the tsunami when they were at school. One girl lost her best friend, for someone to lose there friend at that age and in a terrible disaster is very sad and as she said she didn't say 'goodbye'.

It said 1 out of 11 teachers survived, they held a meeting with one of the teachers who survived to find out what happened basically but most of the parents were pointing the finger at this teacher for blame of the deaths of there children which i thought was very un fair. Very cruel. One man was shaking his daughters shoe at the teacher saying 'this is all thats left of my daughter' The poor teacher must have felt awful and to the blame of so many childrens lives was just unfair for the poor man. It was a devistating tragedy that took so many lives and so many children, adults are missing.

Slowly one year on the town keeps getting better, the pictures of then and now are just amazing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17219009

I still very sad for those children who can only play outside for a short amount of time and left there homes and don't know when they'll be able to return. There very brave and adapted well. The government had really pulled the finger out and cleared of the mess, the debris and getting the country back to normal. New Orleans in America is still suffering, seems to be worse than ever. The hurricane that happened there was 2005. The tsunami was just a year ago and so much has changed already.

Japan will always be in my heart. Japan is special, since watching and becoming totally addicted to Studio Ghibli it made me more fascinated with Japan and hopefully one day visit and see this amazing country for myself.

I hope Fukishima returns to normal one day and these children and there families return home and have the lives they deserve.

Not a good start to the year

So January didn't go so well as my dad decided to go through thinks including bank statements and seen that I used there business account to buy 'ching chong' rubbish as he puts it.

Over the past few months it came to one big total I had no idea :( I had become so addicted to that website. Its just so easy to search and bid and then you get billed for what you've bought and paying through paypal takes a minute to just press a button and bought. Its hard to explain but it started when I saw Spirited Away for the first time thats what got me started into Ghibli as I liked what I watched and wanted to watch more. There hasn't been a lot in my life hobby wise, well theres been my activism. Whales and Dolphins I've loved since being in Primary School but thats about it. Ghibli was a start into me loving Japan and what a wonderful country it seems to me and one day want to visit.

After watching the movies I saw the merchandise you can buy related to the movies and that was it, it went from there. It started out to be harmless enough by the DVD a book but then its got wider. Like little collectables, the museum tickets I have to collect and film cels. I discovered a Japanese buying service and once I could see that I could bid on anything it was that easy. Most of my things are from that website. Some I love and treasure some others were just hiding away under my bed.

I had no clue how much this hobby has cost and nearly cost me my family and everything as my dad was so angry at me. Boredom was partly to blame as I go on regularly just search for something and place a bid. I don't know why there business card was assigned to my account maybe mum wanted me to pay for something and I never deleted it. I would try my card to pay but as usual 'card declined' so I thought I better not get into trouble and it won't be that much I'll use the other.I honestly thought it was about a couple of 100 the most not what it was even I was shocked at that.

I guess being lonely and not going out much Ghibli was the only thing I had. It made me happy and all I needed. Now to pay my dad back I have to sell them. They won't reach what I paid for as most probably went to fees, fees for using the site, buying the item and postage.

I thought of getting a loan but with my bad credit history there was only few I could use but wasn't that simple. I need someone to back me up who was a homeowner and there wasn't anyone I could ask and the fees were a hundred more. So probably take me an extra year to pay it all back.

What a spot of bother I'm in. I started to go through my collection to see what I could sell and to see it all out is quite upsetting knowing I have to sell it quite heartbreaking. The few that I like I've hidden, I just can't part with them. Some are what I have scattered around my room like my two robots and my Cells.

It seems a long way of to pay of this debt :( I still prefer a loan to pay him back asap instead of waiting for money to come through on ebay which could do a long time.

Made about £300 so far still a long long way off I don't know how to get the rest of the money.

With all this going on we got into a big argument and I left. I tweeted that I was looking at flats at the time I wanted to move out it was just an idea a upsetting idea. Maybe for the future though I'd love to have my own place. I've found a house in Thornton I have my eye on which would be good for my 1st house.

Dad went to Football and someone who follows me and I follow them on Twitter asked him about the flat thing. He wasn't best pleased that I wanted to leave. Thinking no way could I love on my own he thought that he would put me in the garage to have a taste of it. I was in my room and he came upstairs and went you wouldn't be able to afford lighting and turned the lights of nor the heating so turned the radiator off and said go in the garage basically and have a feel in there a experience of living on ones own and I'd have to buy my own food what ever I could afford once I pay for rent and the bills. This was too much for me to take and I thought he was going a tad too far I grabbed what I could and walked out. It was raining not the perfect night to walk out on. He was happy to see me go but mum wasn't. I dragged myself out of the house and didn't really have anywhere to go its not like I have millions of friends I could rely on who would take me in well not really I don't think so. I do feel out of touch with people. If I didn't text them I wouldn't know if there alive or well. Quite rare anyone texts me out of the blue and asks how I am or invites me to do anything.

Eventually mum caught up with me and told me to go to Nans I was there for a few days. Its always good of Nan to take me in its not the 1st time. I stayed for a few days and mum told me dad had calmed down so I went round to make a list of things to sell I was here for a few hours and heard mum and dad arguing it wasn't a good argument to listen to, so not wanting to, to listen to more I just left.

I rang the doorbell to Nans a few times and no answer so I had to get a key and went to bed.

The other next day I got up around 12 and saw Nans door was closed so I went to see if she was up she wasn't. Thinking she was having a lie in I made a brew and some toast. Mum rang me to say come round and I could list some stuff to sell.

I was at the table and heard Nan coming down the stairs she was a bit un steady on her feet and was spilling her drink. She sat down and didn't seem herself she told me she didn't feel right and her speech was of and the side of her face was a bit lopsided. I said I'd be right back and went upstairs and rang mum I said Nan didn't seem right for her to come round asap. I went back down and waited for Mum.

It turned out Nan went to bed early as she didn't feel well and didn't feel right in herself. Mum thought maybe she had a stroke and best for her to go to Hospital. I said the idea was probably best. She went back home to gather some things and dad came round to see her. Decided to call an Ambulance as to see what the paramedics would suggest. Managed to help her get dressed as she couldn't really help herself get dressed and waited for the ambulance. Once they came just left them to talk to Nan. I asked if I could go with dad to the Hospital and so he did but the whole way it was silence I wanted to talk but just couldn't think of the right words so thought it was best not to speak at all.

We waited with Nan in the hospital for a room to be seen it was a few hours. Waiting amongst others who wanted to be seen there were a few other old people and a couple of rooms with other people in them. There seemed to be nurses around just talking and typing on the computer. Finally got her into a room and Christian came to visit as Jamie came to see Christian and saw the ambulance rang Christian saying theres an ambulance outside ya Nans house. We left before anyone came to check Nan I came home to list items and Christian went back to the house. It turned out she had a minor stroke a little stroke leading to a big one. A blood clot in the brain as she was taken of her tablets a while ago to thin her blood and never put back on them. When I went to see her her speech was still off and she seemed weak and tired.

All we need. Nan in hospital again. She was in hospital for 6 weeks last time. Been to see her lately now she is on the Stroke ward as a bed came available. The stroke had took affect on her left side as if she doesn't move her hand it'll claw up and she won't be able to use it normally and when she walkes her left leg she said feels wobbly and needs the help of a frame.

Mum has gone every night to visit and now were waiting for her to come home but has to be a lot of changes. Our holiday in March has been cancelled and moved to November were pretty bummed and I was looking forward to swimming with belugas on my Birthday but mum thought it was the best thing to do.

Changes are going to be made to her home like a stairlift and a shower with a seat. She needs some more physio then may be able to come home.

Its a sign of her to slow down as she does too much and she's 80 this year. She has finally decided to stop going to the hospice as she has volunteered for years and done her bit.

Now its own turn to look after her.

Goodbye Nanna Watson

My Nanna Watson died the other day and when I heard the news I was stunned. Had learnt for a while she not been well and had dementia.

I think its a shame that her and my dad never made peace and resolved things :(

Its her Funeral on Friday and she be going in style so it be a nice way of saying Bye.

She was a nice nanna she made the best cheese and onion pie ever! even better than my other nans so shh ;=) She be with Granddad now in heaven.

In a way I'm kinda glad I take after my dad and Nanna holding the Watson gene. She always had a nice smile my nan as this pic shows.

Remember, Remember

So tonight is Bonfire Night a British tradition of Bonfires and fireworks.

It all began with a man called Guy Fawkes and plotting to blow up houses of Parliament in the 1600s. He was found and sent to death and since then November the 5th has been known as Guy Fawkes day as his attempt to blow up Parliament with gunpowder.

Just a few nights before was Haloween I just don't see the point of it. Maybe it is fun for kids who dress up knock on strangers doors and ask for candy I never really liked it myself as a kid. When they knock on my door asking for candy I expect something in return like them to mow my lawn or do my grocery shopping but for asking for Candy I found kind of cheeky.
Working in the shop all week people buying sweets and things for 'Trick or Treaters' and I think they shouldn't be really, pensioners buying them with there savings and pension for kids that in this stone age are a nuiscance I think I'm sound like an old person already. It is more of a American tradition they take it more seriously than us. I think I'm just getting to be more miserable every year.
Christmas is the one holiday I like and it is for kids yet I'm still one at heart ;) I used to love it when little. Quite exciting and its gone so quick. One minute your 5 and waking up at 6am and trying to wake the parents up so you can open your presents, next your in your 20s hating Haloween and know there's no Santa and no Tooth Fairy. You do enjoy things more when your a child, you have a big open mind and nobody says otherwise. If you still believe in those at his age people would think you've lost the plot. Its accpetable at that age. Little delicate minds. I have still have a childish mind still I still enjoy watching Peter Pan and love Tinkerbell. I never really knew of these things when younger and found about them at this age and its me. When people ask my age and I tell them they don't quite believe me. I don't believe it. Maybe the wrinkle cream is keeping of my wrinkles or maybe I haven't fully grown and have kept the same life year and year out.

Like most people I went to school with have already moved on more than myself. I kind of knew I wouldn't get very far being me. I never kind of had faith in myself. I wasn't bright I wasn't pretty I had my ups and downs. I'm still at home with my brother and parents and maybe I should be married and have 8 kids a house and a carrer. Kids are not for me, people always say 'you'll change your mind and have them' but I know I won't. If I was told I could have them I wouldn't be upset. There are kind of people who have kids and I'm the opposite. I can see my brother with them but not me and the giving birth part does put me off.

It gets tiring when my sister tells me 'I need a guy' why do I? This was after I was mentioning my Ghibli stuff and my Bonsais. There things I like, everybody has a hobby and I wonder if there siblings tell them they need a guy. I not fussed to be honest. Maybe if the opportunity comes a long but at the mo I'm content and I do have the nack of making a fool of myself and they run a mile :( I'm a guy deterrent I guess.

There was someone at work who asked me out. I accpeted him on facebook, I posted a link to a Ghibli cel that I liked so he replied to it and sent a seperate message on my wall and inboxed me the same thing translating it. God knows why he translated it. I knew what it was hence the note 'Fab!' and been studying them since Spirited Away came out.
There was two reasons why I didn't want to. 1. He was too old (nearly 40) I like them around my age. 2. Annoyed me that the only guy I could attract was someone like him. At the time there was peer pressure. I couldn't really say no with the work colleagues around it would have been un-fair and humiliating. So I just replied with maybe. Then sent him a message saying thanks for the offer but I'll leave it for now as there maybe someone else I like. Been a bit akward at work with avoiding him. He's been talking to another guy I blew off as I'm not that interested telling him that he shown my pics to his mum and dad (I mean really a 40 year old showing pics of me to his parents whom we've only spoken to what once or twice) seems creepy to me and told him of the message I sent him, is there anything he doesn't tell him? This other guy trying to set me up with someone else, can this other guy not ask me? instead of him acting like cupid?

I have been talking to other guys outside work. There nice one I've known for a while and the other I met a few weeks ago when I was out with my friend Laura.

I asked one of them if you finish work to come join us as were in Bluey watching my Brother in Laws band which he did. When people asked who was with me which my sister replied 'Lozzas boyfriend' whats wrong with just having a guy as a friend? This bugged me again of one of her remarks. Its like no one could ever be good enough for me. It gets tiring hearing the same thing.

Why can't people see I'm okay as I am. Not up to them. Yes I would love my own place and there still so much I'd like to do like travel. In high school they would ask us what we would like to do when we left school, I still don't know. As I was out of work for a while I'm a bit behind. Maybe it'll come to me and slow work myself up. I still feel I should be like my high school mates cause thats what is expected of me. They probs look at me see I'm still at home and working in a shop like a teenager and say 'I might have known' If I could go back and do it all again different I would. There are parts I would change. I only I was like this now when I was when I was in High School me being like this now would be completely different. I should have known at the time. I was kind of lame and I guess I kind of still am. Thats how I see myself. Who will knows what will be of me in the next 10 years...

RIP Steve Jobs

The man behind Apple Macintosh passed away the other day October 5th, he had been ill for a while with cancer.

He'd always been an icon with me and my dad. With using and only using Apple Macs he became the hero of the Mac world and to us.

He changed the way in people communicated. Over the years the computers got better from 1984 to the little box computer to the newly modernised faster Mac pro. Its a brand you fall in love with, with the cute little Apple logo and the moto 'Think Different' instantly you don't even think about other makes of computers and gadgets but Apple. I followed my dad into using Macs I had used PCs but couldn't get the hang of them but with Macs they are just so simple and easy to use and typing this on my Macbook to which it brings me joy. My dad is more the Steve Jobs fan than me. Every time eagily waiting for the Keynote speech and wishing he was part of the crowd cheering and applauding as Steve announced the next Apple product and surely enought it was amazing and would be on the Christmas list.

Receiving a brand new Apple product was always exciting. Such lovely packaging, packaged with care and attention. You couldn't wait any longer you simply wanted to tear the box open and look at your brand new product. They always included the cute little Apple stickers too :) With the computers was always fun with a start up presentation. They thought of everything. You don't get that excitment with Windows or PCs.

When Steve would be talking in his keynote speech he spoke as he knew people would be amazed by the product they'd be releasing as he always have a little smile on his face and would pause for applause.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex5znhPotmg

I bet he had lots of satisfaction in what he did. He will be missed and hope Apple continues his amazing work.

Farewell

On Saturday we had a lovely day up at the Lakes on our new-ish boat that my parents purchased. On that day it was the Windermere Air Show. Dad wanted to go and he asked a couple he knows who work at the Brewery he does work for to come and have a day out with us. Got up early well it was early for me like 8.30 on a Saturday! and got ready to drive down. Before we leave anywhere dad has to change his shoes, clean the car, wash the alloys, etc. I thought we were going to be late but actually were there before them. The weather was fair sunny but windy. The new marina is better quieter than the last and a bit more secluded. My dads friend came and met us and we just sat drank and chatted. The Airshow would start at about 2. It was a bit windy. We managed to get out on the lake and park a spot for the Airshow. It was very busy with other boats out on the lake and people in Bowness. There were many types of boats some really big ones. It actually seems to be quite snooty. Who has the most money kind of thing. It was nice to see a good turn out for the lakes. It was quite fun and releaxing sitting with a glass of wine and chatting. The planes finally appeared they were okay there were all kinds. 2 planes with people ontop of them, they must have been mad and I bet it was freezing. That got a tad boring. My dad got numbers to stick on the side of the boat. I was rating the planes as they came past that plane got a 1. Everyone was waiting for the best plane called the 'Vulcon' They saved the best to last. We were floating about in the Lake and decided to turn back the moment we were turning into our spot in the Marina heard a great noise and it would have to be the Vulcon.

After that we decided to leave and get something to eat. Martin knew a place so we drove and walked up to this place.

The food was okay. I wished i had the chocolate sundae that sounded ace.

Mum and Dad had a debate of whether to sleep on the boat or not. Mum wanted to to see if you could do it as with it being windy it was quite swayie. Dad didn't really want to nor did I. We didn't have any provisions. I slept on a boat before 'Arondale' on the canal and I didn't like that, scary and uncomfortable.

If we were going to stay over I would have gone in a hotel. We finally decided to come home. Dad may have returned back on the Sunday with someone we know who was going to sleep out on it Monday to show him the ropes.

When we came home Nan was in our house and told us the sad news that our cat whom we have for 22 years had to be put down. 'Sarah' she was a large tortoishell cat who was our 1st cat and grew up with us. She been poorly the last few years. Slowly deteriating. She was between homes that of mine and my nans who lives 2 doors away in our old house. When we moved she didn't she stayed.

She was happy like that. Stayed at either and ate all she wanted and came and went as she pleased. The only thing was cause she was old she would wee and poo in the house and sit in awkward places like in the doorway.

I remember when we first went to get her. I must have been like 5. She was outside in a kennel and it looked a tad miserable. We kind of grew up together.

This year hasn't been great lost 3 pets in one year. Baby whom I thought would have gone after Sarah as she was less old and Charlie (my brothers snake) Pets bring you joy and its heart breaking when they leave. They all had a good life.

We buried Sarah this morning in the back yard. Truely sad. Everyone crying my brother holding her in a towel it looked like she was asleep. Thinking about it I'm at tears. Christian acts tough but deep down he is sensitive and gets emotional. Dad didn't really show much emotion last night when we got the news but before burying her he was wearing his glasses but behind them I saw his tears. He wrote a lovely speech and was struggling to read it so mum read it instead. It was lovely that made me cry. It was about her being with us when we were little and growing up together and now her being at peace.

We left the poem with her as she was wrapped up on her bed she liked to have slept on when she was at my nans.

Christian did the buying and put her house next to where she lay.

We had dinner at nans and she has a door that swings and I even checked to see where she was before it swung behind me closed as once before she got caught and trapped her tale. Even before that I thought I saw her in the Kitchen sitting where she normally sat in the doorway next to the water bowl.

Its going to take some getting used to her not being around.

RIP Sarah

Pray for Japan

Waking up on Saturday 12/03/2011 morning to hear the sound of my Dads TV (he has it quite loud as he is a little deaf) Heard them speak of Earthquake to hit Japan, my immediate reaction was 'where abouts' as I have made friends with a girl in Japan since November we have been e-mailing and sent our first postcard to one another, she lives in Hokkaido (Northern Japan) I wanted to make sure the place she lives wasn't the place that was hit it was hit in a place called Sendai near Tokyo. I was still eager to hear from friend 'Carin' to know she was okay, I check my e-mails daily to check if she has e-mailed. I received an e-mail later that day which was a relief. There was news of the tsunami hitting her area and went to the 'evacuation site' her grandparents whom lived near the sea managed to get out in time.

The scenes on Sky News was surreal like watching a disaster movie. First the highest earthquake on record then a tsunami to follow. With no little warning at all those who survived were very lucky. Homes/schools swept away cars and boats floating away and a big cyclone. Aftershocks continued. Tokyo even felt the earthquake as it showed images of buildings rocking as Japan experiences earthquakes the buildings are made to withstand the shaking.

Even today several days later not all over some Power Plants have collapsed and some have been leaking radiation. People told to either evacuate the area or stay in their homes. It announced that the radiation leak is serious enough to kill people.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366126/Japan-earthquake-tsunami-Chilling-echoes-Hiroshimas-destruction.html

There been reports saying that there is panic in Tokyo. people queuing to buy food and the essentials but then there are pictures showing people living normally and getting on with day to day living http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366126/Japan-earthquake-tsunami-Chilling-echoes-Hiroshimas-destruction.html I don't really know whats going on.

What surprised me is that when something this terrible happens there is a global plea to help like give donations and send aid but there hasn't been any at all for Japan they are a wealthy country but still every little helps.

One celebrity has donated $1million to Japan which I think its very thoughtful if only more celebrities showed more initiative. Lady Gaga has brought out wrist bands at $5 which I've purchased and will wear alongside my 'Save Japan Dolphins' Footballers who earn ridiculous amounts of money should donate more or start to even I donated to The British Red Cross I don't earn a lot but it was for a good cause £18 could go a long way. 'A spokesman for the British Red Cross said it had not sent any supplies or teams to the country but would, if asked'Why don't they send them anyway surely they would be grateful.

These survivors looking for their families and belongings through the rubble and now in snow its a sad scene. The IRC flew out but then returned. There hasn't been much response from other countries like America. None have shown much response since it happened.

I hope they can rebuild there lives and move on, Japan is a lovely country, I love Japan so much probably why I'm saddened by the tragedy even though I have yet to explore Japan I'm glad I have a friend in Japan she is very interesting and fun to talk to and teaches me new things about a lovely place.

Japan!

Since being introduced by the anime Studio Ghibli I think thats where my interested into Japan started.
In the films they are very traditional Japanese and I have gotten intrigued by it all. It made me want to find out more even about geisha and other towns in Japan. The more I look at things the more I want to visit.

It looks like an amazing magical place and I want to see it some time soon. The top two I'd like visit is Tokyo and Kyoto. To do the touristy things and to find the Ghibli stores where I'd probably buy everything in sight. I'd probably need to take a lot of spending money! and to visit the Museum. I'd have a field day! It be great if Mr Hayoa was there himself. He looks like a lovely man apparently visits the museum now and again so I might bump into him and thank him for getting me addicted to everything Ghibli and buy myself a Ghibli cell thats one thing I must have they sell around £300-600 I think. I better take a spare suitcase with me to bring back all my soviniers.

Kyoto looks absolutely lovely. Especially in Winter and to be present for the festivals and events they have all year round like the Winter Festival or during the Cherry Blossoms.
One thing I'd like to do is the Geisha experience. Where they dress you up like a Geisha in a traiditonal Kimono and make up and a photo session and walk round the town how fun must that be! http://www.insidejapantours.com/fully-tailored-japan-holidays/i-gs3-7/geisha-dress-up#.

A tea ceremony with proper Geisha would be an experice. Also to use the hot springs an 'onsen' and Tokyo looks great too. I like cities theres so much going on could just sit somewhere and people watch.

It isn't cheap to visit Japan a guided tour would be quite good as I wouldn't know where to begin if I were travelling on my own. They cost for like £2,000 for 11 days but visits from all major cities on the bullet train. I better start saving or hope on winning the lottery.

Or uni courses study and learn in Japan I bet people have fun doing that. 40 week course including accomadation £8,000 cheaper than most uni courses here I think and I have been looking at Japan Studies at the local University which is tempting if I could drive kinda pushes me to learn. I guess you can't live without driving in this stone age. Taking the train all the time would be a pain and costly. I'll have to see what happens. I can't imagine working in Retail forever. Its not quite the career. Doing the same thing for years would be un interesting and boring. Most people my age already have careers/kids and family I'm very behind. I'm like at square 1 like being a teenager and starting at the beginning. Everyone around ya moving on and yet your the still the same from High School you kind of question your life and think I need to do more, take the right path. I bet people whom I went to High School with knew I'd be like this now 10 years later.