6/15

Day Twenty

WONDERFUL day. Absolutely fantastic! Brilliant! Molto bene!*

I started off the day with another late wake-up, and had my toast for breakfast. Then we headed out at noon and left Jean's house, all of our bags packed up and squeezed tightly in the car. It would take about 20 minutes to get to Cardiff Bay, where we were heading. We walked around, exploring the area to kill some time until 2:00. We ate ate Eddie's American Diner, and I had some fries (notice how I said fries and not chips). It was funny to see what the American stereotype was in Cardiff. Pretty much a 50's diner. But it was good.

AND THEN AT 2:00, THE TIME CAME. Doctor Who Experience time, to be precise! It is a guided tour for about 20 minutes, where you pretend to be in the actual TARDIS and help the Doctor land her safely. It was really great how the rooms were decorated to look like the TARDIS walls and the central core and everything.... It looked very real! And there were many TARDIS life-size models that you walked in. And many dalek and weeping angel statues, all very life-like! When the group tour ended, you walk into a museum that you can roam around in your own time. There were two floors. There were many things about the revived Doctor Who series at first; it really did go into detail about the old series, as well. I'm extremely glad it wasn't just all Matt Smith stuff. Anyway, there were replicas of a lot of baddies and things the Doctor has come into contact with throughout his travels. And it had little info boards about what the figurines were, what episode(s) they were in, and what they did in relation to the Doctor. There was even a dalek that you could walk into and control the arms and eye-piece!!! One of my favourite things was that at the end of the room, it had a section that was built to look like the inside of Ten's TARDIS. Now, I don't really like to pick favorites, but if I had to choose I would say that David Tennant did the best portrayal of the Doctor. And they had Ten's TARDIS interior that you could walk into, and it was really sad... but bittersweet, almost. It had a few things about Rose in it too, which also of course made me tear up! But the whole place was absolutely PACKED with stuff. I had a wonderful, wonderful time. And then the gift shop was rather extensive, as well. I only got a keychain, because I have to watch how much I bring back in fear of being over the weight limit in the airport. But I like it. It's nice and simple. And it's a good momento of the great time I had. Ah, what a wonderful day. It re-inspired my love for the fandom entirely!

Well after all of that excitement, we walked around Cardiff bay a bit more, then drove to Sutton. Yeah... that's a good 3 1/2 hour drive right there. Not fun, but when you've got an iPod full of deadmau5, Pink Floyd, and Alanis Morissette, it isn't as bad. We arrived and got settled, then got takeaway from an Indian restaurant. I had my usual chicken tikka masala, which was really good.

Today was just.... it was absolutely wonderful. These days don't come often for me, really. For anyone, I'd bet. When they do come, I try to embrace how good I am feeling as much as I can. Days like these are the days that you remember for a long, long time. Whenever you find yourself in one of these blissfully happy situations, make the most of it and try to remember exactly how well you felt. It'll make for a better memory, and you'll enjoy yourself much more in the end.

*Italian: "Very good!"

6/14

Day Nineteen

Had a rather odd start this morning, waking up a bit early and then getting the news that a baby bird was in the kitchen. Frances had found it because one of her cats brought it in, and it was alive, so we put it in a box and fed it small worms every once in a while. We're keeping it until an animal shelter can come 'round by the house and pick it up to care for it. But after that strange occurance, I took a shower and did my final packing. I can't believe today was my last day with my grandmother. I'll miss her, and my other family, and the dogs, and all of Devon... Ah, well.

I'm in Cardiff now, staying with Jean, my dad's step-mother. When we arrived, we unpacked a little bit and got settled, and then we took a nice walk around the neighbourhood. It was a nice chance for my dad to see what had changed since the last time he had been here. The last time I was here.. Well, that was a long while ago. I think I was about seven... around there, yeah. 

After our walk, we came back and settled in the house some more. I spent most of the time on the computer, getting ready for the blog entry tonight and checking everything so I wouldn't have to later... basically just killing time. But when it came 8:00, we went out to the local pub. I was going to have a caesar salad, but the dressing was not G.F. so I ended up asking for honey mustard instead which also turned out to have gluten. So I had dry, think chicken breast strips thrown on top of a few lettuce leaves. It wasn't the best food ever, but I had a nice time talking to everyone and seeing the pub and the surrounding area.

With full bellies--well, most of us-- we went home and had coffee and biscuits and chatted for a while. I had to escape the conversation after about half an hour to write today's update. Annnddd now it is raining! I'm starting to hear the pounding of rain on the window before me. Such an oddly lovely sound...

You know whenever you meet someone, and they change your life? That can be a really good experience, or a really bad one. It depends on how the relationship goes. It's never good to end a friendship on a bad note. Even if you feel like you're getting even, staying on bad terms won't do you any favours in the future... and it might also leave you in a very awkward situation. So no matter how good it feels to ignore someone or be rude to them, please treat everyone kindly and don't leave your problems unsolved. It sucks when it catches up to you. Merci.*

*French: "Thank you."

6/13

Day Eighteen

With ANOTHER late start this morning (this one even later than yesterday), I had my brunch. After that, we headed into Ashburton to shop around for miscellaneous goods, and I got some chips as an after-brunch snack. Not from the special G.F. fish-n-chip shop, but the chips--at least I hope so--were G.F.

I went with my Nanna to pick up Jess today, and we went home with her after that. We waited for Frances to pick up her and me to go to Vikki's house. Jessica went to see her friend, Isla, who is Vikki's mom... but I went to go see their kitten, Bubble! That cat... that kitten was the absolute softest, melt-iest cat I have ever, EVER held. It just was designed for cuddling. And after a while, it would start to nibble your fingers and lightly scratch your hand... ohmygoodnessgracious it was so cute! I want him. I NEED HIM.

Well I didn't feel very well tonight, so I didn't eat much of tonight's tea. But, we had liver casserole, new potatoes, mashed potatoes, and veg. And then I ate ice cream for dessert. Yes... strangely, I felt well when the ice cream was brought out... Hmm....

Many things lately have tested my patience. I know I should keep calm and carry on and not worry about it, but I am one of those people that worry about absolutely everything (although I have been getting better about it). I can be what people call a "worry-wart." It really SUCKS to be like this. If you feel like you are the same, try to relax a little bit. I know how badly you feel like you need to know everything all the time and make sure that that person didn't message you back two minutes ago or if you forgot to pack an extra carrot in your lunch this morning or if you unplugged your phone charger before you left the house.... RELAX, S'IL VOUS PLAÎT*!!! Really! It's okay! You're going to be fine. If things aren't perfect, that is completely alright. Not everything can be perfect, and NO ONE can be perfect. We're human and we must try to live like we are. And if that includes making mistakes, then so be it.

*French: "Please"

6/12

Day Seventeen

Rain, Rain, go away. Come again some other day.... or just don't come back at all; that'd be nice, thanks.

Late start today, so I had brunch rather than breakfast. But, I still had my usual buttered toast. I didn't do much in the morning today because of my late start, but I did end up watching Les Mis. Gosh, I forgot how extremely wonderful it truly is... I think I've sparked my obsession again. That's okay; it deserves attention. Well after the movie, I went to a cream tea at Jessica's school. I, of course, didn't have anything, but it was nice because she gave me a little tour around her school. And they raised a BUNCH of money there! I think it was something like £250!

After that, I went home to get ready for dinner tonight. We went the The Mogul's Palace again, except this time, my dad, Frances, and I went. Nanna stayed home to put Jessica to bed. I had my Chicken Tikka Masala, as I always do in Indian restaurants. We got some complementary orange slices and chocolate squares this time, as well! Yes, yes, I ate them both. Of course.

Sleep... Sleep can be good. Yes, it can. When you sleep well in a comfy bed with no troubles and warm sheets... it's like utter heaven. And sleep is important, no matter how busy you are. And if you can't sleep, try to find a way to at least get some rest. Sit quietly, try to empty your mind, and maybe play some light music. Relaxation is the next best thing. So, my fellow blog-readers, Dormez bien!*

*French: "Sleep well!"

6/11

Day Sixteen

GUESS WHAT. JUST GUESS.... What I had for breakfast this morning was... NOPE NOT TOAST! It was bacon! What a change. And it actually rained today! I'm just full of surprises, I guess. After my delicious bacon breakfast, we drove into Totnes to shop around for various things. I looked in a whole bunch of charity shops, as I usually do, but didn't find anything. *insert Thrift Shop tune here*

We were walking around, and my dad spotted a store with a kitten in it! Of course, I HAD to run up and see the cat... and it turns out that it was a place where you could GO IN AND PET KITTENS.... for a donation that was sorta unreasonable. So, we didn't get to go in, sadly. Although I would have paid a lot to go in, my dad thinks differently. Anyway...For lunch, we found a cafe, and I had a chicken caesar salad that was so good. And then I got some ice cream: one scoop of strawberry, and one scoop of coffee. I took a risk getting the scoop of coffee-flavour, but in the end it worked out because it was SO tasty. Glad I took the risk. After walking by the river, me eating my ice cream, we went home. I had Toad in the Hole for tea again, and my dad went out to the kebab shop for his. After tea, I went over to Frances' to pet cats and say goodnight to Jessica. I actually ended up reading a few pages of a story to her while she was in bed. It was really nice, because I could tell how genuinely happy she was. I really do love making people happy. I really really do.

Making people happy is important. You shouldn't do it because you expect something in return, but because you truly want to help someone. People all around you are suffering. I bet one out of two people are in some sort of physical, emotional, or spiritual sad state. Give them a few encouraging words. Help boost their confidence. And maybe, in the future, they will return the favor when you need it most.

No French phrase today... I just really want everyone to reflect on that last paragraph.

6/10

Day Fifteen

Nice slow day today. A lazy day, if you will.

Today was the first day it wasn't sunny in about a week and a half. Il pleut!* That's why eating breakfast under sort of a dreary sky didn't feel as bitter this morning. Although, I didn't feel very well; I haven't felt well recently actually, but I'm sure it'll pass in time. Anyway, after breakfast, we headed out to look for a few things, and I went into many antique stores around the town. I'm really surprised at how many there are here! There's one every two buildings, at least! I didn't get anything, but it was nice to see all of the old items they sold. Makes me think I was born in the wrong era...

We went to pick up Jessica from school after that, and drove home and watched some TV until tea time. For tea, we had neck of lamb, mashed potatoes, and veg. It was soo gooood. I loooove lamb... I ate too much, as always. But like I said, when I come back it is gonna be DIET DIET DIET!

So I didn't do much today... but I really don't mind. Having a nice break is wonderful sometimes. Don't get too busy! You can't expect yourself to function when you have absolutely no time for yourself. Take five minutes and just sit and stay still once a day, or more if you wish. It'll benefit you in the end!

*French: "It rains!"

6/8~6/9

Day Thirteen/Fourteen

DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT... YOU try typing a blog on a tablet. It's pretty freakin' difficult; I can tell you that.

I couldn't type this blog on a tablet, so I couldn't publish one yesterday. Very sorry. I'll do another double-one, like last time. Yesterday, I had breakfast, then drove to Bournemouth to see my dad's friends John and Dan Coulson and their families. They're very lovely people! Once we arrived in Bournemouth, we dropped our stuff at the hotel and went to le mer*. There were SO many people there. I mean, like, a thousand at least. It was PACKED full of people. But we still managed to find a spot, nonetheless. Most of the Coulson family met us there, and we stayed on the beach for a good 3 hours, I think. It was such a nice day... Woulda been a shame to not make use of it!! And I think I maybe-sorta-might've-kinda-not-really gotten a light tan! At least, I tell myself that.

We went to a barbecue at John's house that night, which was great fun! I went to talk to the Coulson kids for a while before the parents started grilling. It was awesome, because we played with their bearded dragon and explored their room and put on masks and played Slender... I wish that night never ended! We even went home from the party around midnight, I think!

The next morning (this morning), we woke up, had breakfast, and took a walk with the family at Hengistbury Head around the English Channel. It was a nice day, and a fun walk. We took the ferry to this pub, which had a car show going on. There were SOOOO many awesome cars there; it was amazing! There were also a lot of ridiculously loud motorcyclists showing off, as well. But I had some nice chips there, and I still had a good time, despite the mid-life-crises-like men. We went back on the ferry, and then walked back to the car park. We said our sad goodbyes, and then drove back to Devon, where I am typing my blog once more. SO THERE. HAPPY NOW?!

Actually, before I took the walk, I went to one of the many piers on the beach. It was like a game room in there! I ALMOST won a stuffed Dalek toy in the claw machine.... but I didn't. When I was walking back, I found a pound coin on the ground, and then tried to win it again, but still didn't. Sad part of the day. BUT, in the parking lot, there was this man coming out of the lift singing a very happy tune, and practically bouncing with glee. I could tell he has been here before, and probably even went here as a child. He was just so full of joy... To see someone like that makes me ecstatic. Make sure you find something that makes you happy and joyful in life. Do things that bring that mile-wide grin to your face, making you feel like a kid again. Have fun while you still can! Make the most of a situation.

*French: "the sea"