Is it a sign your getting old?

We've all had those great nights out. Those where we have drank too much. We swear we are never going to drink again. Until we start the vicious circle all over again. Well my sign of getting old didn't come in the form of alcohol. Oh no. MUCH WORSE. In work yesterday I noticed my first few grey hairs. Right at the top of my head for all to see. At 27 I'm far too young to be getting grey.


So my question to you guys is this, are you showing any signs of getting old? (Or is it just me :(  lol).

Have a good Sunday guys :)

Top 5: Things I Look Forward To At Christmas!

(Christmas Market in Manchester)

No 1. Christmas Dinner & Opening Presents.

All that Turkey and stuffing is what makes Christmas so good. When else can you not feel guilty about stuffing your face all day. I also love sitting round opening presents on Christmas morning. It reminds me of all the Christmas' I loved as a kid :)


No 2. Christmas Shopping.
Some people hate Christmas shopping with a passion. I on the other hand love it. I love buying presents for other people and looking what I can get different people.


No 3. Christmas Market in Manchester.
Ok so it might be jam packed but it has become part of what makes living in Manchester so great at Christmas.


No 4. Listening To Christmas Songs.
There is nothing like some Christmas songs to really get you in the mood. I must admit that as I was shopping last week and listening to all the Christmas songs on my i-pod.


No 5. Snow, Snow, Snow.
By living in a country that is cold most of the year I can't imagine Christmas without snow. Snow and Christmas always just seem so magical to me.

Happy Friday everyone and have a great weekend!

18 Days Till Christmas

As you all know I love this time of year. There are only 18 days left until it's time to open presents, enjoy spending time with the family and we can tuck into our turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. On Friday I managed to get most of my friends and families presents. I am disappointed though that my mum isn't letting us put the tree and decorations up today!

(Our Christmas tree from 2008)

I can't believe how quickly this year has come and almost gone. This time last year I was not happy. I was so ill and in so much pain that I was able to enjoy it at all. I think that's why I'm even more happy and excited about this year.


Hope you guys are doing well with your Christmas preparations and are looking forward to it as much as I am.

World Aids Day!

(Image: roxannewilson.com via google images)

Every now and again I like to show you my readers, my views on a subject that I feel passionate about, or I feel needs a voice. Today is World Aids Day. Many men, women and children all over the WORLD are effected by HIV and Aids.


Even in 2010 Aids and HIV is still a taboo subject. Its not something people like to talk about. We have however moved on from 80's when it was still a new illness and one many were ashamed to talk about. (Though some people are still embarrassed and ashamed we now have a better understanding of the different ways people can be infected, its not just the gay community.) We have more resources via the internet etc to find out information on the matter.

I was looking at the World Aids Day website to get some information to share with you guys here are a couple that jumped out at me:
1.Myth: Only gay men get HIV: Over 34,000 gay men in the UK have HIV but there are also many heterosexuals living with HIV in the UK. And a third of people with HIV in the UK are women. Anyone who has sex without a condom or share needles when injecting drugs is at risk of HIV.
2.Myth: You can get HIV from someone who spits on you or bites you: There is no risk of HIV infection from spitting and the risk of infection from biting is negligible. With over 60 million people infected with HIV worldwide over 25 years, there have only ever been four reports of HIV being transmitted through biting, both instances occurred in extremely specific and unusual circumstances.
3.Myth: There is no benefit to getting tested early if you think you have HIV: Knowing early if you have HIV has two vital benefits. First, you can be evaluated for treatment even before symptoms appear. Generally, the earlier you start treatment the more effective it will be. Treatment today means that most people can live long, healthy and active lives. Secondly, if you know you are infected, you can help to prevent passing the virus on to others by practising safer sex.


For more myths and Stats click on the link to the website!

If we all just take a few moments to better understand this worldwide illness it can only be a good thing.

Let it Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Hey there guys. Hope your all excited about Christmas fast approaching. I know I am. With only 24 days away. I'm hoping to get the rest of my Christmas shopping done this coming Friday. By rest, I do mean ALL of my Christmas shopping done. :)



While other parts of the UK having been starting to get snow since the end of last week. Us here in cold Chadderton woke up this morning to our first lot of snow.


Here are a couple of pictures of the snow in my back garden:

So fingers crossed I get all my shopping on Friday. If you have snow near you hope your enjoying it.

39 Days Till Christmas!!

As I mentioned a couple of month ago I am starting to go into Childminding along side my mum. Well this last week I had someone who wanted me to start looking after her two children asap. This couldn't have come at a better time. With Christmas just around the corner, this extra income is really gonna help me out.

(Albert Sq - Manchester Centre German Market - Image from manchestereventsguide.co.uk)

I'm glad to say that I've got around half of my friends and families Christmas presents. I have always LOVED Christmas. It's the only time of the year that I love the cold weather :). I love walking through Manchester (our nearest city centre) in the winter. With the German Market, being all wrapped up from head to toe and Christmas music playing in the shops and on the street.


I may have turned 27 (I know I'm getting old lol) last Monday, but I still enjoy some of the same things from when I was younger. How are you guys doing with your Christmas shopping? Do get into the spirit of Christmas? Or are you a Scrooge?
Speak to you guys soon and remember its only 39 days till Christmas :)

Sometimes It's More Fun Being Single!

As my 27th birthday is fast approaching (next Monday FYI :) 8th Nov), I have come to the conclusion that my life is not all bad. I'm certainly in a better situation than I was 12 month ago (although not financially) and happier. - On the work front.

(Pic from a night out with old work friends for another friends b'day Oct '08 I think)

Unlike some of my friends I'm not tied down in a relationship that's going nowhere. Sure I'm single and would love to have that special guy in my life, but I'd rather be single than settled and unhappy.


For the first time in a long time I'm in a job that I actually enjoy and I'm happy to be working part time. Because this leaves me we some spare time to do the other things I enjoy like blogging and writing. - I find I'm much more creative when single :)

I'm seeing my friends more often. Be it just hanging out on a Friday night, Wednesday night quiz night or as something different this past Monday (as well as tonight) going to a comedy club in Manchester (more on this later in the week). - When in a relationship this is usually one of the first areas we tend to miss and we shouldn't, at the end of the day our friends have been there long before and will be long after any guy.


So next time you think everything in your life is pulling you down think about three things that you are able to do that you couldn't do before, or can now do 'cos you have so much more time.


-x-x-x-

Chester October 2010

Yesterday I spent the day in Chester. Was visiting my brother for his birthday (only 2 weeks late woopsie and only a 3 hour drive away). We had a great time I miss not having my youngest brother not at home. Here are some photos of our day.

xoxo

F is for Freezing

I'm currently sat freezing my ass off in my living room. We have no heating or water 'cos my parents decided to have a new boiler put in, when its ffffreezing. So I decided to update my blog.

I realised that I've not posted on my blog in almost a month and was starting to miss it. A lot. But I will keep this post short and sweet. As you will be aware I have recently started some training to go into business, Childminding, with my mum. This has resulted in me having to do a hell of a lot of paperwork, a five week pre-registration course, as well as a paediatric first aid course. Needless to say I've been a busy bee. Added onto that I've also been working part time, which has resulted in some things slipping. Mainly my blog. But with only a risk assessment of the house left to do I'm glad to say that by the end of the week all should be finished.


So thanks for sticking around and baring with me :)

xoxoxo

Labour 2010

Every Tuesday is politics Tuesday here at 'Inside My Head'. This week's blog post is my thoughts and feelings on what has been a long few months. The race for the Labour Leadership.

                                                      (Photo Credit: Zimbio from Day 2 of conference.)
As I mentioned in my blog last week there was still 24 hours to cast your vote (if you were a labour party member or union member). Well everything came to an end on Saturday evening. The time was 5pm. The place was Manchester. A couple of months ago I had every intention of applying for a ticket to conference, however a new job and training course, made me have to cancel that thought. So at 5pm on Saturday my phone starts to vibrate in my pocket at work. Just as I am about to open the message a handful of other messages comes through. The new leader of the Labour party has been announced. It is a Miliband. However it is not the Miliband I had voted for. It was his younger and slightly less well known brother Ed Miliband.

I was a little disappointed to say the least. For a while I have believed that David Miliband was to be the future of the Labour Party. What is even more disheartening is that there was 1% difference in the votes. It wasn't until I finished work at 10pm that I would find out how close margin the votes had come. Ed Miliband was now the party leader thanks largely to Ed Balls and the Unions. It wasn't until Ed Balls votes were spread out that Ed Miliband had the majority he needed.

So with the Labour Party Conference in full swing David Miliband's future is still not been made public. Nobody should blame him if he chooses not work under his brother. I hope he does though. I still believe (and so do most of the MP's and members of the party since he won more votes in these two very important areas) that he is still an asset to the party. The thing all labour party members need to do now is put all of our support behind Ed Miliband. He is the future of the party. He needs us to join together. So come the next general election the man in number 10 is Mr Miliband.

So hope everyone is having a good Tuesday.


****Special thanks to Liza Harding for her tweets the last few days and months. She has been a great supporter for the Labour Party (as well as making me feel that I've been at Lab10 :) with her pics and tweets.****

Top 5: Things I'm Looking Forward To About New Job

Every Friday here at 'Inside My Head' is Top... day. As anyone who follows me on twitter will know I'm half way through my training to become a registered childminder. So this weeks Top 5... is what I'm going to look forward to about that.



No. 1: Its going to be the most rewarding job I've ever done.
As I have been warned. Working with children is one of the hardest jobs your going to have. That is almost always followed up with. Its one of THE most rewarding jobs you can do. This is what I'm most looking forward to about my new job.


No. 2: Get to work from home.
This one pretty much speaks for its self :). Its a job I'm not going to have to pay any travel costs to, to go to work. All I have to do is go downstairs and walk to the local school (which is like 10 minutes away tops.)


No. 3: I can pick and choose (to a certain extent) when I work.
As long as I keep to the right ratio's of children, I can pick and choose how much time I work. My own hours, how many weeks a year and how much I get paid!


No. 4: I get to spend my days with kids who can't talk back at me :).
One of the joys of looking after other peoples kids is that they don't talk back at you like your own children do. I've seen this first hand from my mum (also a childminder). Plus the added joy of working with babies is its a great way of looking after kids and being able to give them back to there parents at the end of the day.


No. 5: The money and being self employed.
For the first time in my life I'll be making a career out of my job rather than just working. There is a difference. In this new job I can decided how much money I get paid. I will also be my own boss. I won't have to answer to anyone (well except being inspected by Ofstead every 3 years).


So these are my five things I'm looking forward to. Does anyone else work with kids and can share any hints I'd be much appreciated :)


Happy Friday everyone!
xoxoxoxo

The Final Countdown

Every Tuesday here on my blog is political Tuesdays. Here I give my views on stuff that has been written heard or watched in the press. As anyone who has read my blog will know I have been following and voting in this years Labour Leadership race.

I've been having somewhat of an 80's feeling day today. After watching OTH (One Tree Hill) this morning and there homage to John Hughes, I've been listening to some classic 80's tracks. I find it kind of ironic and in no way planned but, for some reason I've not been able to get the following track out of my head. What does this have to do with 'Politics Tuesday' I hear you ask. Well. With tomorrow being the final day for voting I thought this was a rather fitting song :)


So for anybody who has yet to still vote you can so off the website on your ballot paper. So weather you have voted David Miliband, Ed Miliband, Andy Burnham, Dianne Abbott or Ed Balls the wait is almost over.


Happy Tuesday everyone :)

Top 5... Books I've Read (So Far) This Year.

Every Friday here at 'Inside My Head' I do a Top 5... . This weeks Top 5... is a collection on books I have read so far this year. I love reading. There is something so good about sitting back and getting lost in a good book. I love different kinds of books, depending on my mood at the time. So here are my picks:

No. 1: Poor Little Bitch Girl – Jackie Collins.
As you may remember if you read my book review last month, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on holiday. This is Jackie Collins at her very best. I can't wait to read her next book.

No. 2: Chelsea Chelsea, Bang Bang – Chelsea Handler.
Chelsea Handler last weekends host of the VMA's and nightly host of E! 'Chelsea Lately' is a comic genius. Not afraid to say whatever the hell she wants. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. I honest to god could not put this book down. After taking me 2 days to read I wanted to read it again.

No. 3: Young Wives' Tales – Adele Parks.
I was first introduced to Adele Parks after seeing her book on a recommended book list a few years ago inside the Manchester Waterstones store. If you enjoy a good girly read then Adele Parks should be on your bookshelf too.

No. 4: Living Dead In Dallas – Charlaine Harris.
This is book two of the Sookie Stackhouse books that the TV series True Blood is based on. I would recommend you read the books in order. Anyone who is a fan of the tv series is going to love the books.

No. 5: A Champions Mind – Pete Sampras.
This book is a must read for any tennis fan out there. Long before Roger Federer was braking records Pete Sampras was making them. I grew up enjoying watching Sampras play. Some of my all time favourite matches have featured this guy. In this book you can hear Sampras' version of his career.

If any of you guys have read the above books I'd love to know your thoughts too. If you love reading as much as me then you know that coming across across new authors is exciting. So if any of you guys can recommended some good reads I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Friday everyone!
xoxoxo

Gordon Brown's Next Chapter.

Every Tuesday at 'Inside My Mind' is politics Tuesday. Now then I've noticed as of late I seem to have been doing a little bit of moaning. My apologies. I was reading online today about what plans Gordon Brown has since May 2010 he stepped down as Prime Minister paving the way for the Cameron/Clegg fiasco we have been living through since :(.

It seems Gordon Brown is going back to the education side of politics. From 20th September he will be guest lecturing at Harvard University. I personally think this is a good thing for Gordon Brown to do. I know he was never a popular labour leader, however it seems from interviews and programmes I have seen, he has a good political mind. Here he can share his views on international politics, to the newest generation of political minds.

Gordon Brown was never going to follow in the footsteps of Tony Blair as they seem like very different people. Gordon Brown it seems is instead following the educational and charity route post Prime Minister.

I think this is a nice story of a Labour Party Member in a positive manner.

(As a side note any Labour Party members who have yet to vote for the next leader remember David Miliband is the face of the future :) none of the other's in the running will give Cameron a fight in the next General Election.)

Top 5... Albums I Have Listened To This Week!

Every Friday is Top 5... Friday here at 'Inside My Head'. All week I have been sharing with my 'tweeps' albums I have been listening to. Well today you will understand why. Today's Top 5... post is Albums I Have Listened To This Week!


The contenders were a varied variety. On the list I've had the following: Maroon 5, Ke$ha, Black Eyed Peas, Dashboard Confessional, Michelle Featherstone, The Script, The Killers, Katy Perry and BonJovi.

No. 1: Dashboard Confessional – A Mark, A Mission,, A Brand, A Scar.
I was first introduced to this band when there music on 'One Tree Hill' I now own all of there albums. This is my favourite one. Favourite tracks: Rapid Hope Lost, As Lovers Go, Ghost of a good thing, and Several Ways To Die Trying. Where did I listen to it: While out shopping.

No. 2: The Script – The Script.
I'm not sure how long ago it was when I first heard about this group. What I do know is that this is one of my favourite albums on my i-tunes. Favourite tracks: We Cry, The Man Who Can't Be Moved, Rusty Halo, The End Where I Begin, and I'm Yours. Where did I listen to it: On the bus home from shopping.

No. 3: Katy Perry – One Of The Boys.
I really like Katy Perrys music and this album is no exception. Favourite tracks: One Of The Boys, Hot 'n' Cold, If You Can Afford Me, Self Inflicted, and I'm Still Breathing. Where did I listen to it: In my bedroom.

No. 4: Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D (The Energy Never Dies).
This album has been one I've enjoyed for a while. I go through stages of liking the Black Eyed Peas though this album is definitely one of the better ones. Favourite tracks: I Gotta Feeling, Meet Me Half Way, Alive, and Missing You. Where did I listen to it: In the living room while helping my mum.

No. 5: Ke$ha – Animal.
I'm not sure when I was first introduced to Ke$ha I do know that I was introduced to the album by my best friend K. Favourite tracks: Your Love Is My Drug, Tiktok, Take It Off, Kiss N Tell, Blind, and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes. Where did I listen to it: Sat in the kitchen doing some work on my laptop.

Phone-Hacking The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Every Tuesday here on my blog 'Inside My Head' I'm going to share my views on a political story. This Tuesday is all about Andy Coulson and his phone-hacking.

                                                     (Photo Credit: rex Independent.co.uk)Many people are comparing this phone hacking with now infamous 'Watergate'. Now then I am by no means old enough to remember 'Watergate' but just the sheer mention of that 9 letter word people of all ages know what you are talking about. This story is not as globally infamous. At least not yet!

Instead of recycling this story, thanks to a New York Times news article. The bigger question people should be asking is how Andy Coulson was able to get a job under the new government. The fact that Andy Coulson is 'willing' to meet with the police on the matter voluntarily doesn't really help his case, at least not from a public perspective. Many people found that his resignation from his post as Editor of the News Of The World was a strategic decision. Both by the newspaper and the Conservative party.

During a time when public opinion on the Conservative party could be a lot better for a new(ish) party in power. They 'should' still have that winning glow and likeability, however not many people seem to have been since they came into power. The Tories just seem to be the gift that keeps on giving. Not a day goes by that one story or another is coming out showing them in a less than favourably light. It makes you wonder who is doing the hiring over there.

Now then I agree with MP Michael Meacher (and my local MP for Oldham West and Royton) when he tweeted that only a public enquiry will clear the air. For more on this story check out fellow blogger and twitter friend :) 2me2you2me.

Hope your all having a good Tuesday.

What Does Your Fave Shows Say About You?

My mum turned to me the other day while I was watching tv. She asked me if I watched anything 'Normal'. It got me thinking about my favourite tv series. I'm definitely a fan of the crime solving drama. Here are some of my favourite programmes that according to my mum means I am NOT normal :(

Criminal Minds

Bones

The Closer

(New Edition) Dexter

NCIS

Lie To Me

If you look at my favourite shows it either looks like I'm really sick and twisted :) or as I like to think of it, I like a good who done it. As I mentioned above my mum thinks my choice in tv is not normal. But this is coming from a woman who's favourite show was 'The Golden Girls' lol.


What are your favourite tv shows? What do you think it says about you?

Top 5... Pictures From My Photo Albums!

Every Friday is Top 5... day here at 'Inside My Head'. This Friday I have been looking through my personal pictures and have chosen my five favourites and why they're so special.

(Left to right: Chantelle, Me, Michelle & Lisa)

No. 1: Night out with my old work friends. Chantelle's 18th Birthday.
It was a great night one of the few nights us girls all went out together.

No. 2: Me age 3ish sat in my gran and grandads garden.
This picture I love of me. It really sums me up with biscuit crumbs around my mouth.

No. 3: Top of Tandle Hills.
I love living where I do. Not only do I live close enough to all the great shops in Manchester, I also live only a stone throw away from some great countryside views.

No. 4: The Beach in Wales from my holidays this year.
This was the view of the beach on the last day of my holiday this year. I had a great time and the view was lovely.

No. 5: My brother sat in an armchair on holiday.
My brother absolutely loved sitting in this chair reading his book with a cup of tea. Being so unbelievably English ha ha ha.

So these are 5 of my favourite pictures.

Why David Miliband Should Be The Next Labour Leader!

Every Tuesday (well starting from last week) I have decided to share my political views every Tuesday. This Tuesday's post is my personal views on why I think David Miliband should be the next Labour Leader (and hopefully the next Prime Minister).


I have said this before and I will say it again. Ever since there were rumblings that Gordon Brown was going to step down as party leader my first thought was David Miliband has got to be the guy for the job. I think David Miliband can be a strong party leader. David Miliband currently has more party endorsements.

You can hear what David Miliband's vision for the party is here.

I think David Miliband will be great as the next party leader, and god willing, the next PM for the following reasons:

He has experience on foreign policy.

Is the only person in the leadership running who can give David Cameron a run for his money.

As shown above he has clear views of where he wants to move the party forward.

He is youthful which will hopefully increase more younger voters voting Labour.

I'm sure other Labour voters all have there own views on who they think should win the leadership race. My vote is for David Miliband. For a brighter future.

Looking For Mr Right... Now!

I was recently watching something on the tv, and it got me thinking. Why do so many people settle for people they are too good for. All around us we have tv programmes, movies and books throwing at us unrealistic expectations of finding 'Mr/Mrs Right'. In most movies the girl and guy always end up together. In life though that's not always the case. You grow apart, the things you had in common seem to change and you become different people. I too have fallen into this trap. It doesn't make me big headed to think that I'm too good for someone. More learning from my mistakes. After all as we get older isn't this what is suppose to happen?


We all deserved to be wooed by that special someone. We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes though do we need to have different interests than that of our partner? After all we all need our own space. Next time you are looking at a guy stood at the bar, listening to someone who is making you laugh. Just look at them a little more closer. Instead of thinking 'is this the person I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with?'. Think 'is this person gonna be a fun person to be around?' We should all just live in the moment and not get so caught up in the future. After all living in the moment can be so much more fun.

Ok so I'm writing this post after having a thought the other day. I was thinking how six years ago I mentally made some thoughts of where I would be in ten years. Who I would be with. In this dream scenario I was happily settled down and professionally stable. But somewhere life got in the way and my wants and needs changed too. Someone you think might be great and the love of your life, might disappoint you. Suddenly your Mr Right has gone. So what I'm saying is this. Enjoy your life as it is. If some guy/girl is good to be around now just enjoy it. Eventually . 'Mr Right Now' will turn into Mr Right. And you won't have missed out on any of the fun along the way.

Top 5... West Wing Moments

I recently started re-watching some old episodes of 'The West Wing' from my DVD collection. So this Fridays Top 5... is 'West Wing' inspired. My Top 5 Moments from The West Wing.

No 1. The very end of season 2. The press has found out President Bartlett has been hiding that he has MS and they are all gathered to see if he is going to run for President for a 2nd term. The press are all wondering, the staff are all wondering and Bartlett puts his hands in his pockets. Through Leo his best friend and Chief of Staff we know Bartlett is the man we all love. Had any other song been added over the footage I'm not sure it would hold as much weight at it does. But every time I see the end of this episode I get goosebumps. Amazing how with two words can bring chills (and sad as I might admit a tear or two. God I'm such a softie.)

No 2. When President Bartlett tells Leo “I'm the guy in the office Leo. I'm the one going to be judged.”

No 3. Josh drops everything to be with Donna after she was in a car bomb accident in Israel.

No 4. The first season cliffhanger/ second season opener. Guns going off. The President has been hit. What's more when we come back we find (my fave character) Josh has been shot. Cue tears!

No 5. President Barlett's daughter Zoe gets kidnapped at the end of the forth season.

That was hard. If any of you guys enjoyed the programme what were your favorite moments?

How Far Does Nick Clegg Want To Slip?

I have been reading some newspapers and blogs over the last couple of days as well as talking with some friends. It seems that a lot of people are sharing my feelings. That is the joke that is Nick Clegg.

                                                                (Photo Cedit: Independent.co.uk)
Six months ago the LibDem's were being viewed as a party with promise. A party with a strong and charismatic leader. A party going somewhere. What a difference six months makes. This once strong individual is now reduced to laughing stock and punch line. He is seen as being David Cameron's lap dog and weak side-kick. The Robin to Cameron's Batman, so to speak.

Now Clegg is hated more so by his party members and supporters, than he by people in opposition parties. The days following the election he was seen as the guy with all the power, now he is hated by almost everyone. It seems the only person happy with Clegg is Cameron. How ironic is that?

I've said it before and I will say it again. Following the election I always thought that Clegg was going to merge with Labour. Looking forward six months maybe even 12 months from now I think Nick Clegg will have either forced many of his party members to switch party loyalties, or will be forced out of his job.

***** In addition you might want to check out the following blog from Liverpool Lefty. Inspiring blogger ******

Donate Today! Save A Life!

                                           (Photo Credit: FotoSearch)

Its been almost 12 months since I last gave blood. Last September I gave blood for the very first time. I have not been able to give blood again before this time after I was so ill at the beginning of this year.
I have been looking back at my reasons for giving blood from last year to this year. After someone I knew died of cancer this year I know she was happy to hear that I had donated blood. Cancer patients are some of the people who benefit from you giving blood.

More and more eligible people need to donate. This is one way you can give back and not have to pay a penny. When I was looking up online before writing this post I was interested to find what different areas of hospitals use blood. After all when you watch ER or Greys Anatomy they always seem to have a huge amount of blood at there disposol. So here is what I found out: Anaemia (Medical) 23%, Orthopaedics 14%, Haematology 15%, Gastro intestinal bleeding 11%, General Surgery 10%, Cardio thoracic surgery 6%, Obstetrics & Gynaecology 6%, Vascular surgery 5& and Urology 3%. That's a lot of different people all needing blood.


For anyone who wants more information or wants to find out where they can give blood follow the links provided. For UK donors. For US donor.

So here's hoping I don't faint again :)

Rain Worked In Murray's Favour

Sunday night Murray Mania hit Toronto in the Rogers Cup. Another Murray v Federer face off saw Murray come out on top.

                                                          (Photo Credit: Xinhua/Zou Zheng)
While rain delayed the start of the match it obviously worked out better for Murray than it did for Federer. The Rogers Cup along with Cincinnati this week are really important weeks on the ATP tour calender. They are the big lead ups to the final grand slam of the year.
It would be unfair for anyone to say Murray isn't one of the favourites for this years US Open. Last week in Toronto not only was he the player we saw in Australia, but also beat two of the best guys out there to win his first title of the year. Not dropping a single set against Nadal or Federer not many people can say that.

So here's hoping Andy Murray has a good week in Cincinnati and carries this on.

With a little help from my friends!

Ok so yesterday I was having a hell of a day with technology. My sky+ decided it had, had enough and was going to just, well go to sleep. I must admit I did drop a couple of 'f-bombs' along the way. I know, I know shouting and swearing is not going to make it work any faster. But who cares. It made me feel better. Ok it sorta made me feel better.
To make a long story very short it all started Monday afternoon when I was getting ready for work. My sky box decided it was going to go to sleep. So I unplugged it all and prayed that when I got home it would all be working fine. (In the past this has always worked.) Not this time however. Oh no. This time my sky box decided it was going to play silly beggars. Deciding I was too annoyed to deal with at 10.30 at night (and missing Chelsea Lately :( on E!) I thought I'll deal with this tomorrow when I've free all day. But no matter what I tried, and believe me I tried everything the 'help book' (yeah right) told me to do. Its then I saw my BFF K was on msn and since she too has sky, and is a hell of lot more tech savy than I am, decided to pick her brain. She advised to reboot the damn thing. Ok that sounds like a great idea. Have no idea how to that but sounds good. After all that always works with my laptop he he. So she told me what I needed to do. I did it still didn't work. It got to the point where bill in hand I started to dial the number for a helpline when what happens. The bugger decides to come off standby and start working. I swear my box just knew he was in trouble.
So yes in future once you have tried every available option I say start to dial the number of the helpline etc and I bet the thing you thought was broken will start to work. Honestly. Just try it.

Top 5: Places (in America) I Want To Visit!

Ok so I've only just come back from this years holiday and I'm already thinking about next year. But considering I've not been abroad since September 2008, I feel like I need to get on a plane. (This is in no particular order btw.)

No 1. New York:                                (Photo Credit: Terragalleria.com)
Since I haven't technically paid for this trip yet it's going to stay on the list. Next year I'm planning five days in NYC and I'm more than a little excited. I've become a bit of a travel channel junkie for programmes showing New York. With views like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Broadway, and way too many to mention here. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

No 2. California (LA, San Francisco, Vegas):
LA was supposed to be next years holiday until I decided five days in New York would be cheaper than 12 days in LA. That being said I still want to go to LA and San Francisco at some point. They both look like exciting places to visit. Not to mention the sun factor. I don't know why but Vegas just looks so cool.

(Photo Credit: Google Image)

No 3. Washington DC: 
I like to visit places that have a bit history about them and DC defiantly has that. A couple of friends have visited the city and they have all recommended it.

(Photo Credit: Google Image)

No 4. Boston:
When my youngest brother went here a couple of years ago I was more than a little jealous. One of my very good friends is there at the moment. He two thinks its a place I have to visit.

(Photo Credit: artsjournal.com)

No 5. Chicago:

I first wanted to go to Chicago a couple of years ago. I've seen a couple of programmes showing the city and it looks a really nice place.



Hopefully over the next couple of years I'll be able to cross each of these places off my places to visit list. Do any of you guys know of any great places to visit out of the places I have mentioned? Do any of you know of places you would recommended that I have neglected?