RIP Alan

I, as was many others, devastated to learn of the death of Alan Rickman. When I got told about his passing, I was in class, and I was genuinely speechless, which believe me, doesn't happen very often. I kept thinking about that photo about how, at eighty years of age, he'd finally read the Harry Potter novels, but he never got to do it. Alan Rickman was immortal in everyone's minds, his death never even seemed physically possible, so the actual accuracy of this event shook the world.

But you want to know what scared me the most? My childhood is dying. I'm a teenager, and some of the most influential figures who actually helped me start to become who I want to be are dying already. My biggest fear is being alone; I'm not afraid of death at all, really, I would is much rather die tomorrow than watch the people I love leave me, and no, I don't have suicidal thoughts, but if it came down to it, I'd rather die than them. In some ways, it's selfish, and in some ways, it's courageous. Guess that explains why I'm Gryffindor quite ironically, though precisely. Nevertheless, one of the celebrities I looked up to from such a young age has died, they're all leaving us behind, and that's the scariest part of all of this. Not only are our childhood dreams and favourites leaving us figuratively as we grow up and leave them in exactly that, our childhood, but  they're actually leaving us behind. And that actually scares me. But having Alan go first (besides the first Dumbledore) is what makes it a whole lot worse. He was invincible, he was Snape, he was Judge Turpin, he was Absolum, his character always died, but he was there, as a constant. And now he's not. All these constants and regularities we relied on earlier on in our life are literally leaving us. 

Welcome to My Paper Life. 

Watch this space!

Hello! 

I'm so sorry for my absence, but my phone broke and that's where I primarily blog. However, now I have a new one, I plan on blogging a lot more in the new year. But for now, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

100 Questions Nobody Asks Tag

Hello!

When searching for blog ideas, I stumbled across this tag, and thought it a rather fun post to do. I know I've done a fair few tags, but I honestly couldn't resist this one and I promise I've got plenty of original posts lined up. Anyway, on with the questions!

1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

Normally they're closed just to give me extra space, but I can sleep with them open if I forget to close them.

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?

No, but I steal the biscuits and 'milklets', the mini tubs of milk for your tea. 

3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

Out, because I know they'll only end up that way while I'm sleeping. 

4. Have you stolen a street sign before?

No, and honestly I don't see the appeal, you can just buy one in Ikea. 

5. Do you like to use post-it notes?

I sometimes stick them to my TV to remind me that a shows on, but other than the occasional 'kick me', not really.

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

I don't cut them out, but where I live you can get McDonald's ones on the back of bus tickets, and I normally end up throwing those out. 

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?
Ummmm... Neither really, but I guess a bear? You'd look at bit pathetic if bees got you and made you all puffed up, but surviving a bear attack makes you look a bit more heroic. Wait, I would survive, wouldn't I?

8. Do you have freckles?

I do! Not many people know this, because they only come out when I've been in the sun, and lets face it, I never go outside.
9. Do you always smile for pictures?

Depends, really, it varies massively.
10. What is your biggest pet peeve?

I didn't think I had one of these up until recently, but it has suddenly came to light how much I hate people interrupting. I know it's incredibly cliche, and something your nan would say, but it really does annoy me. It's basically telling the other person that your opinion is more valid than theirs when you interrupt. So yeah, don't do it.
11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

No. I used to as a kid, but it just meant that it felt that the journey was taking longer.
12. Have you peed in the woods?

No, I've never 'picnic wee-ed'.
13. Have you ever pooped in the woods?

Definitely not!
14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
I'm always dancing! I'm always behind the counter at the shop I work in and whether the radio is on or not, I'm busy embarrassing myself with my dance moves.
15. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Nope! I get scared that people will judge me :/
16. How many people have you slept with this week?
None, thank you very much.
17. What size is your bed?
Single, but it's a wide single. My bedroom isn't big enough for anything else.
18. What is your song of the week?
Irresistible by Fall Out Boy, since it's been stuck in my head since I went to their tour.
19. Is it OK for guys to wear pink?
Of course! In fact, back when Peter Pan came out, Wendy was wearing blue and John was wearing pink, because back when the story first entered the world, those were the stereotypical gender colours.
20. Do you still watch cartoons?
Since I have three younger siblings and the mental age of a five year old. I obviously still watch cartoons.
21. What is your least favorite movie?
Good Burger, It's on Netflix if you fancy torturing yourself, but I hate every second.
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
In my wardrobe, because I would forget about it otherwise.
23. What do you drink with dinner?
Pop, normally Summer Fruits or Orange.
24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Ketchup, I'm not insane.
25. What is your favorite food?
*Peter Kay impression* GAARLIC BREAD!
26. What movies could you watch over and over again and still love?
Anything Tim Burton.
27. Last person you kissed/kissed you?
My two year old cousin, because I'm forever single.
28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
No, I'm too lazy.
29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
No way, my hips are too wide to fit onto a magazine page anyway.
30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Only the other day! I sent a load of wristbands to my internet friend and included a note.
31. Can you change the oil on a car?
No, I'd probably set fire to it if I tried.
32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Since I can't drive, no.
33. Ever ran out of gas?
My dad has while I'm in the car.
34. What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
Spicy Italian from Subway, with lots of salad, cheese and salsa.
35. Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Bagels. Mmmm....
36. What is your usual bedtime?
I'm normally asleep by half ten, but it varies.
37. Are you lazy?
Incredibly.
38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Mostly a witch, I was quite original.
39. What is your Chinese astrological sign?
I'm the crossover day of Virgo and Libra, but I normally say Libra.
40. How many languages can you speak?
I can just speak English, but I am taking French GCSE.
41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Nope, I'm too poor.
42. Which are better: legos or lincoln logs?
Lego! I spend days building all my brothers' Lego.
43. Are you stubborn?
Very, I can hold grudges forever.
44. Who is better: Leno or Letterman?
I don't know who either or these people are...
45. Ever watch soap operas?
I sometimes watch Eastenders, but that's it.
46. Are you afraid of heights?
Only if I'm high up on a structure that's not very secure.
47. Do you sing in the car?
Constantly, I'm always being yelled at for singing terribly over songs so you can't actually hear the proper artist.
48. Do you sing in the shower?
I'm always singing along to Spotify in the shower.
49. Do you dance in the car?
All the time, often resulting in injuries.
50. Ever used a gun?
Nope, I wouldn't be trusted.
51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
My birthday, when the school photos were being taken.
52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes, but I love cheesy.
53. Is Christmas stressful?
Only Christmas day, the actual time leading up to it is magical.
54. Ever eat a pierogi?
A what now!?!
55. Favorite type of fruit pie?
Classic Apple Pie.
56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
A vet and an actress.
57. Do you believe in ghosts?
No, or at least none of them visit me anyway.
58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
All the time!
59. Do you take a vitamin daily?
No, I'd only forget.
60. Do you wear slippers?
Not normally, but since Winter's slowly creeping in, I'm currently wearing a pair.
61. Do you wear a bath robe?
Bath robes in the morning. hoodies in the evening.
62. What do you wear to bed?
Pyjamas...? Normally that means a plain cotton top and a patterned pair of cotton trousers.
63. What was your first concert?
Fall Out Boy, two weeks ago.
64. Walmart, Target, or Kmart?
Asda, because I'm British.
65. Nike or Adidas?
Neither, I'm no chav.
66. Cheetos or Fritos?
I don't know what they are...
67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Peanuts, but flavoured ones.
68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
Have now.
69. Ever take dance lessons?
I can't remember whether I did or whether it was a dream.
70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
No, they can do what they want, even a carrier bag black market.
71. Can you curl your tongue?
I can!
72. Ever won a spelling bee?
No, because the UK doesn't have them and I can't spell.
73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Many a time, on my birthday, when I found out I was going to see Billy Eliot in London, etc.
74. Own any record albums?
No, but my grandad does.
75. Own a record player? 
See above ^.
76. Do you regularly burn incense?
My dad does.
77. Ever been in love?
Only with Colin O'Donoghue.
78. Who would you like to see in concert?
My Chemical Romance. *sighs*
79. What was the last concert you saw?
Fall Out Boy.
80. Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot chocolate!
81. Tea or coffee?
Neither..
82. Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles?
Sugar cookies.
83. Can you swim well?
Only enough to stop me from drowning.
84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes...Can't everyone?
85. Are you patient?
Sometimes.
86. DJ or band at a wedding?
As long as they do the Macarena, I'm not fussed.
87. Ever won a contest?
I won a cooking contest when I was 13.
88. Have you ever had plastic surgery?
No, and don't plan on it.
89. Which are better: black or green olives?
Green.
90. Can you knit or crochet?
No, because I'm left handed and would have to do it backwards.
91. Best room for a fireplace?
Living room.
92. Do you want to get married?
Maybe one day, but I definitely want a family.
93. If married, how long have you been married?
I'm not married.
94. Who was your high school crush?
Colin O'Donoghue.
95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
No, but I know a few who do.
96. Do you have kids?
No, because I'm 15.
97. Do you want kids?
I do!
98. What is your favorite color?
Black.
99. Do you miss anyone right now?
I do, my best friend from primary school, and my mum.
100. Who are you going to tag to do this blog next?
Anyone who fancies it!

Anyway, that's the 100 Questions Nobody Asks Tag! Feel free do to it yourself, if you had ran out of blog ideas, like me.
Welcome to My Paper Life.

August & September Favourites

Hello!
I'm back! The laptop is finally letting me on, however Origin and Sims still aren't working properly. But, at least I'm able to blog now! Do any of you know what to do when you get a pop up saying something couldn't be located in the dynamic links library?
Anyway, onto the actual post:
Although it's officially the distant(ish) past, I didn't do an August Favorites. Therefore, I've decided to mush both August and September into one; prepare yourselves for a long one! I couldn't resist not doing August, since I've came across and rediscovered so much stuff this past two months, especially since there was quite a bit of it where I was unable to blog.

TV Shows:

Admittedly. I  caught on to this a little late, having only started watching it after the series finale, but I finished it pretty quickly and loved every minute of it. The show was unconventional in the sense that it didn't follow the common stereotypes that people expect of robots, and explored all the other areas that would exist if synthetics were real. Even though I, Robot gave me a fear of most robots, I was able to understand that not every difference in them would make them killers- although this may not be true in terms of Niska. Overall, I found the programme surprisingly enjoyable, and really appreciated the darker path it chose to pursue. Definitely one to catch up on before Series 2 airs.

Obviously, I can't do a TV section and not mention the Great British Bake Off. The skill! The patriotism! The mouth watering, stare-at-it-until-there's-a-puddle-of-dribble food! Every aspect of this show is perfection in the eyes of any Brit, hence the fact that I've been waiting for it since March. No joke, I was desperate for a show that makes me truly believe the only way to advance human life is to add Smellivison. With the finale next week, I have to admit that my money has got to be on Nadiya.

Fitness:

Now, before you all start having heart attacks because I hate sports and have made that quite clear, this type is quite different. You'll probably have all heard of Zumba before, but just in case you're a hermit, the best way I can describe it is by saying it's the way you dance when you're home alone, only it's choreographed so you feel totally kickass. Still not convinced? How about the fact that only the front row can really dance, and the rest are flailing around like whales? Subsequently, you'll never be the only fool who gets their lefts and rights muddled up. In my class, there's a man at about 60+ years, who - bless him - comes every week in a Stoke City shirt, and just bends his elbows, moves his arms in little circles, and runs on the spot for a full hour. There's just a great atmosphere, catchy songs, and generally, it's addictive. 

Food: 

Since I started my Food Tech GCSE course this month, I've gained a bigger insight into the world of cooking and all the technicalities involved (not going to lie though, the teacher couldn't make Uncle Ben's rice).

 As our first project, we're making an assigned type of bread, which we have tailored to suit certain needs and then altered to fuse different cultures of food together. I'm going to be doing a Gluten-Free Mexican Soda Bread, and because it's full of cheesy goodness and spicy flavors, I can't wait. Even though it will probably be the biggest tragedy since the Titanic and sink like it too. 

However, in the incredibly unlikely chance it goes well, I might consider posting the recipe. But it's only a consideration.

Side note: Is it a bit sad that I ended up mentioning this? Probably.

Place: 

I'm not going to go into too much detail, but the Little Dessert Shop is the best thing since the wheel. Seriously. As I said, no elaborations or anything, but I will leave you with one photo to entice you for when I do a full blog post on this little miracle. 

Films: 

Until recently, I regularly mourned the fact that Hugh Grant had hung up the heartwarming rom-com coat, but his fairly recent film, The Rewrite, saw him pick up said metaphorical coat once more. His character was a divorced, once famous screenwriter who is forced into flying to the States to teach a screenwriting class to make end's meat. The film focuses on his adaptation to the lifestyle he now leads, and how he reacts to politely being told his writing skills are old news, with only one blockbuster under his belt. As with any Hugh Grant film, there's romance - some a better choice than others - and a soothingly entertaining plot. However, the new concept that is used within this film is that the romance is left open, with nothing sealed or confirmed. The audience are fully aware that the only thing holding these two individuals together is the hope they share. Hope that they will work, that they will be the Happily Ever After they thought they had the first time around.

Just as a sidenote, I loved how the film managed to be unconventional, whilst also ticking all the boxes of a classic '90s Hugh Grant. It is extremely plausable that the events of this film happened after Notting Hill, for example. I just thought that was a really impressive way to displaying how a different angle or perspective can entirely change the course of a film. 

I know this is rather short, but I've got posts from my birthday and some Halloween blogs lined up, so keep an eye out!
Welcome to My Paper Life.

Update

Hello!
Recently, my laptops decided to pack in on me and get a virus, and since my dad lacks enthusiasm to get it repaired, I may be unable to edit blogs for a while.
Fear not! For when I return (totally feel like a knight of the Round Table), I will have birthday hauls all ready to post for you.
Until then, I strongly recommend you watch Watch We Did On Our Holiday. It's got an all star cast, big laughs and such a light and homely tone with simultaneously dealing with very real issues. It's on UK Netflix and I'm sure the DVD is cheap online and is worth every penny just to witness Norman the Breeze block confront his lack of arms.
Welcome to My Paper Life. 

5 Reasons to Survive the First Week Back

Hello!

Since this week holds the first week back to school for most people, I thought I'd try and prevent you from hanging yourself with a rope from a ceiling fan by giving you a handful of reasons why you should survive the gruelling first week.

1. Gogglebox

Brits, the nations favourite and weirdest telly program is back on to our screens Friday night, and I for one couldn't be more excited. Months have passed since we last watched people watch TV, and I've actually felt heartache from the absence of Steph and Dom and their dancing. With an abundance of new and old shows for them to sit and review from the comfort of their living rooms, it will undoubtedly  be another series of top notch comedy.

2. Bake Off

As with the past five weeks, Wednesday night has been full of bakes, ranging from the falling apart to GBBO history, and this week is no different. The remaining Bakers are being challenged with an array of pastry tasks, and I'm positive it's one to catch. 

3. Christmas

As of this week, there's only 15 of them left until Christmas! Surely that's enough of a reason on its' own, right?

4. Stationary

If you're anything like me, the idea of a new set of pens and pencils makes me feel like Christmas has come early! With that said, it's kind of obvious that one of the many highlights of September for me is the new stationary. Just don't let anyone else near those WHSmith fineliners and you'll be fine.

5. Netflix and Chill

And if all else fails, at least you know that that you can go home at the end of the day, get into bed with a share bag of Malteasers, and watch whatever you fancy on Netflix for as long as it takes to repress the memory of the sweat marks under your Maths teachers' arms. 

And with those five reasons in your mind, I hope you all have a satisfactory first week (because lets face it, it won't be much better than that, unless Johnny Depp turned up to school to ask you on a date), and that you all get good grades and don't have a metal breakdown over the seven life processes or anything like that. 

Welcome to My Paper Life.

Monsters Inc. Merchindise

Hello!
Whilst trying to busy myself in order to forget that school is starting again on Wednesday, I ended up binge watching the Super Carlin Brothers, where their newest video series is Pixar Fast Facts, caught my attention. I've watched all of them to date, but one fact in particular that was new to me was that before Monsters University was decided, it was going to be called Lost in Scareadise, and it entailed Mike and Sully getting lost in the Human world in search of Boo.
I'm not going to lie; I cried. Ever since seeing the last scene of Monsters Inc., I've waited - rather impatiently - to see what became of Boo and after watching the Fast Facts video, I think I've came up with a worthy headcanon.

So it's years after the events of Monsters Inc., and Mike and Sully are still making people laugh to collect energy, and one day a purple, blue and green door is locked in for Mike to enter. Inside, although the lights are out, Mike manages to spot that the room is full of weirdly familiar stuffed toys. Later on, when the floor is empty, both Mike and Sully go to check out the room again. On closer inspection, the room is a little kids bedroom, and it's full of stuffed toys of monsters! Most of which, are actually the two of them! Sully accidentally walks back into a dresser, causing the items on top to come crashing to the floor. Having heard the noise, lights come on in the hallway and a parent walks in and turns on the light. She's got long, black hair tied up in a top knot, and a fringe. Turns out, Boo was isolated for believing in monsters for far longer than she should have. As a result, she created a line of stuffed toys that resembled all the monsters she remembers meeting but was told she had imagined, all for kids that were being told the same thing. As her company became more popular, she advanced her merchandise. Randall lamps that change colour and pattern, a comic book series where the antagonist is Mr Waternoose, a George Sanderson laundry basket, a replica of her monster costume and many, many more Sully and Mike Toys. Boo takes great joy in finally being able to show her only true friends what they inspired her to do. And the entire time, she never corrects them when they call her Boo, because it was the one thing that she missed the most when she was growing up alone.

Anyway, let me know your thoughts and comment a question for a possible Q&A.

Welcome to My Paper Life.