Journal

General journal/diary entries

April Outings

Published on by Violetsteel
Sternum Microdermal
Sternum Microdermal

April was a busy month for us. After having a very quiet start to the year it almost seemed hectic. We were away from home for 3 of the weekends of April, and of course it was filled with a lot of bank holiday and therefore long weekends. It was fantastic. Sunday the 17th Pete had a Nin-jutsu grading that he had to go to Brighton for, and I took the opportunity to visit my dear friend, Beth, who lives there. We decided to head down the night before and booked a last minute hotel in Lindfield to save us the long drive down very early on Sunday morning. Pete dropped me off at the famous Pier and went off to Nin-jutsu, and I hooked up for a wonderful day with Beth. We walked around the pier and then Beth showed me around the gorgeous gardens around the palace and then treated me to the tour inside. It’s so incredibly breathtaking. If you are ever there, I urge you to visit. I’ve never been in such awe of interiors, especially the dining room. The entire palace is decorated in intricate oriental design and details. Hundreds of dragons, everywhere!
We then wandered around the bohemian shops of the lanes and  I took the opportunity to have my sternum microdermal done at Punktured. We had lunch, mango beer and had a great time catching up and chilling out. Great fun 🙂

Berwick Beach
Berwick Beach
Berwick Town
Berwick Town

The following weekend was Easter weekend and Becky and I road tripped up to the Scottish border to Berwick upon Tweed to stay with her sister (my cousin) and her family for the weekend. My Mum was born there and I’ve never been before, so it was great to finally go up. We were there for 2 night and got too see the lovely town, have a night on the piss, and spend a sunny day on the gorgeous beach taking in the stunning scenery and coastline. Such a beautiful place.

 

The last weekend was also a long weekend because of the Royal Wedding, and the May Day bank holiday. We watched the Royal wedding on Friday which I loved! Saturday Gemma and Neil joined us for some drinks, then Sunday we went up to Whitchurch to see Bergitte & Steve. We helped them out in the garden a bit, braai’ed in the evening and spent the night over. It was fantastic!

Ruins nr Whitchurch
Ruins nr Whitchurch

Pete and I also managed to find a few Geocaches while we were out and also stopped to walk around some WW2 Bunker ruins in Prees Higher Heath, which I’ve been wanting to do for ages.
So after the flurry of activity that was April, we’ve had a pretty relaxing May. Mostly staying at home. I’ve managed to get some important things done though. Plans have been made for Pete’s 30th next month, nothing I can mention though; and I’ve made a start of getting our wedding “Save The Date” cards sent out. I think I’m realising I need to start pulling my finger out and get going with plans for the wedding now though. Even though it’s over a year away, the more I can get done now, the less there will be to worry about later.

 

April was a busy month for us. After having a very quiet start to the year it almost seemed hectic. We were away from home for 3 of the weekends of April, and of course it was filled with a lot of bank holiday and therefore long weekends. It was fantastic. Sunday the 17th Pete had a Ninjutsu grading that he had to go to Brighton for, and I took the opportunity to visit my dear friend, Beth, who lives there. We decided to head down the night before and booked a <<<<last minute hotel>>>> in Lindfield to save us the long drive down very early on Sunday morning. Pete dropped me off at the famous Pier and went off to Ninjutsu, and I hooked up for a wonderful day with Beth. We walked around the pier and then Beth showed me around the gorgeous gardens around the palace and then treated me to the tour inside. It's so incredibly breathtaking. If you are ever there, I urge you to visit. I've never been in such awe of interiors, especially the dining room. The entire palace is decorated in intricate oriental design and details. Hundreds of dragons, everywhere!
We then wandered around the bohemian shops of the lanes and  I took the opportunity to have my <<<sternum microdermal>>> done at Punktured. We had lunch, mango beer and had a great time catching up and chilling out. Great fun :)
The following weekend was Easter weekend and Becky and I road tripped up to the Scottish border to <<<Berwick upon Tweed>>> to stay with her sister (my cousin) and her family for the weekend. My Mum was born there and I've never been before, so it was great to finally go up. We were there for 2 night and got too see the lovely town, have a night on the piss, and spend a sunny day on the gorgeous <<<beach>>> taking in the stunning scenery and coastline. Such a beautiful place.
The last weekend was also a long weekend because of the Royal Wedding, and the May Day bank holiday. We watched the Royal wedding on Friday which I loved! Saturday Gemma and Neil joined us for some drinks, then Sunday we went up to <<<Whitchurch>>> to see Bergitte & Steve. We helped them out in the garden a bit, braai'ed in the evening and spent the night over. It was fantastic! Pete and I also managed to find a few <<<Geocaches>>> while we were out and also stopped to walk around some <<<ruins>>>, which I've been wanting to do for ages.
So after the flurry of activity that was April, we've had a pretty relaxing May. Mostly staying at home. I've managed to get some important things done though. Plans have been made for Pete's 30th next month, nothing I can mention though; and I've made a start of getting our wedding "Save The Date" cards sent out. I think I'm realising I need to start pulling my finger out and get going with plans for the wedding now though. Even though it's over a year away, the more I can get done now, the less there will be to worry about later.

Relax

Published on by Violetsteel

I often take creative iPhone photos take and edited with one of the few iPhone photography apps I use. This was taken with camera+ and then edited with Instagram.

Sternum Microdermal

Published on by Violetsteel

So I finally bit the bullet and had my Sternum Microdermal done!

My friend Beth lives near Brighton and she had previously mentioned a studio called Punktured. I’d looked them up online a while ago and was very happy with what I saw, and most pleased that they do microdermals using the punch method as this was my preferred method. Circumstances had it that I was able to visit her today (I live 3 hrs away) and decided to take the opportunity and inquire about getting it done. After a bit of a chat I decided to go ahead and they had time to do it right then.

J did it for me and the procedure itself was smooth and quick. She marked me up, erased, remarked and showed me. I asked for it to be moved a smidge to the right, which she happily did, and I gave the final approval to go ahead. She had me sit on the chair and then lowered me into a reclined position. She explained she was going to have a quick feel of the tissue in the area, which was very brief, then got the punch and asked if I was ready. She had the skin pinched and had me do the usual deep breath and punched on my slow exhale. The punch itself was fairly similar to getting pierced, a very quick pain but over as soon as it’s started. She held gauze on the new hole for a few seconds and dabbed the blood away. She told me she would do some gentle testing with the jewelry (she had in one of those purpose-made microdermal holders) to find the best position for the foot, and this was quick and I hardly felt it. She asked it I was ready for insertion and again had me take a deep breath. On my exhale she inserted the jewelry, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. I felt a very intense pain that radiated out to my armpits and lots of pressure, but again it was over as soon as it started and I didn’t even really have time to wince. A split second and it was in, and I think she may have put mild pressure of it for a few seconds immediately after to eased that brief sharp pain. She announced I was done and let me chill for a bit before slowly tilting the chair up again. After checking it out and grinning madly for a bit I thanked J and tipped her which she seemed genuinely flattered about.

The entire procedure from marking to “Ok Gina, you are done!” took exactly 5 minutes, I know from the photos’ EXIF data 😉 and I would do it again at this wonderful shop without hesitation. Seriously, if you ever in the area just pop in even if only to say “Hi!” to the friendly staff. I’ve been to numerous piercing studios and this is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The staff were happy to chat and answered all my questions before hand, and once I committed and had signed the forms they make a point of using your first name, which I found to be a warming, friendly and personal touch that made me feel like I was their main focus while I was in their services and that they actually cared about me. I wasn’t rushed at all after the procedure and could take all the time I liked gathering myself and coo’ing over my new jewelry, and had a bit of chatter and a good laugh with J afterwards. All round fantastic! I’m very very happy with it 🙂

List

Published on by Violetsteel

Clear spare desk & re-arrange lounge?
Share daily list publicly
link about.me page
Start getting addresses together to post “Save the Date” cards.
recreate intro page to violetsteel.com , reupload old version of website and link.
Journal about lists
Start 30 day song challenge
Sort contacts on iPhone
Paint nails
bring comedy to work for Malc

Lists, lists, lists

Published on by Violetsteel

Most people don’t know but I’m a list freak. I make lists of everything because I know if I don’t write it down I’ll forget, and even if it’s unimportant, knowing I’ve forgotten something will irritate me and play of my mind for hours, which is very counter-productive. Notepad is almost always open on my PC at work (where I’m writing this now actually), and I have multiple places I keep notes for various purposes. (See below.)

Writing is pretty cathartic for me anyway, and I feel like I’m clearing out my brain when I write things down. Especially when under stress. I journal most of the time when under stress of some form. It also ties in to my general hoarding habits. I digress. Lists yes…

I write lists on a daily basis. Be it ideas for food, things I’d like to get done of the weekend. entertainment recommended to me (my lists of books, TV shows, movies and music are extensive!) I list everything.

I’ve decided that in the quest to Get Things Done, I’m going to make some of my daily list keeping public. This will give you a glimpse of the ransom things that pop into my mind during the day, any maybe it’ll draw in further inspiration and ideas for me or start a conversation.

 

List keeping mediums:

Evernote: Brilliant as it synchronizes between by PC, iPhone and online. So I always have quick and easy access to it at work, at home or on the go. I initially came across it as an iPhone recommendation on lifehacker and once I got into it, it very quickly replaced all other note/list keeping apps and methods I’d tried. Best part is, it’s free, but I would definitely pay for it even if it wasn’t.

Things for iPhone: mostly for grocery shopping list and little things I want to get done the same day, or do for someone else. If something stays on there for an extended period, I’ll move it to Evernote (possibly never to be seen again, but then at least it is LISTED and SAFE! LOL!)

Notepad: (always open at work for throwing down ideas that fly into my brain)

Simplenote: I use for temporary lists that will eventually be removed quickly or transferred to Evernote.?

Do you keep lists?

Nail Varnish Review: Barry M – Nail Effects

Published on by Violetsteel

I went out with my friend Amie on Friday night and she told me about this interesting sounding nail varnish that creates a great “crackled” effect with black polish, called Nail Effects by Barry M. She brought it around on Saturday, and I instantly knew I had to get some. Sunday I went to the large Boots store in my town but they were sold out. I got then to ring the branch on the high street to see if they had it, and they said they had plenty. When I got to the branch in town there were 3 ladies picking the same stuff off the shelf! Thankfully there were just 2 bottles left. I also bought a bunch of other “lighter” colours to use it on, as I tend to favour dark colours.

I opted for bright red. I used a base of Barry M – Bright Red & then topped that with Barry M – Red Glitter, for a striking sparkly red. link

Red Glitter on Bright Red
Red Glitter on Bright Red

Then the fun part. Nail Effects, is applied in one quick coat. It’s starts to dry and “shrink” almost immediately. It dries with a matte finish, so applied a top coat to smooth a little a restore shine.

Nail Effects
Nail Effects

I’m in love with this polish, the effect is wild and fun. I can’t wait to try it on silver and create a cow-print effect of white! On orange or gold you could create a leopard print effect. Lots of fun to be had!

To procreate or not to procreate? That is the question.

Published on by Violetsteel

I’ve always thought I would have children (at age 28 to be precise!), but I sometimes wonder if I should rather go through life without having kids. I always thought being a mother was my _purpose_ in life. I’m not going to be famous, I’m not going to change the world, I’m just another little fish swimming in this vast ocean we call life. So is it so important that I bring more little fish into the already overcrowded world? Sure I could raise a future nobel peace prize winner, but the chances are slim.

But if I don’t procreate, THEN what will I do with my life?

Just one of the random thoughts that goes through my mind on any given day…

Mind mash

Published on by Violetsteel

I’m having a day where I feel like I have a lot to say, but really it’s all inconsequential.

I think I need to get one of those light therapy lamps for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s that time of year where I get nihilistic and wonder what the point of life is.

We are going into town tonight for drinks with some of Pete’s work mates, which should be good. Then tomorrow night it’s my Uncle Jimmy’s 60th birthday party. It’ll be nice to see all the family again, and I have a nice dress I’m going to wear. Becky and I have also planned to have a session on a sunbed during the day before to try get some of those vital UV rays to make me happy again, and a bit of a tan will do me good too! It’ll be my first sunbed session in my life so I don’t really know what to expect.

I finished reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Interesting and memorable characters, with a gripping plot that twists and turns. Now to find my next book to read so I can get out of the awkward in-between-book phase. That floaty place like an addict searching for my next hit. 🙂 I might try one of the books my friend Belinda recommended.

Next weekend Becky and I are going wedding dress shopping. She’s making bookings at 2 bridal shops in town to try dresses on. I’m pretty darn excited. I have a rough idea of what I want to wear but think it might be a bit casual (I know, who cares right); but I’m excited to try on some “traditional” gowns and really find out what I do and don’t like.

2010 in Summary

Published on by Violetsteel

2010 was certainly a year of high highs and low lows for me.

January

We brought in 2010 in South Africa will all our friends and family @ Julian & Belinda’s house for a fantastic casino night.

A group of my friends, family and myself all got tattooed together. My Brother, Mum, Myself. Belinda & Sis-in-Law Haylie all had tattoos done by Gav at Electric Eye Tattoo in Umhlanga.

We chilled in the Sunshine and drank with loved ones before returning to England on 11th Jan.

Gig 1. My first gig of the year was Emily Autumn @ Wolverhampton Civic on 29th Jan. I went with my colleagues Gemma & Faye B. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it did go on for a bit too long.
Gemma and I had a disaster on the way and accidentally got on an express direct train to London! Thankfully the lovely staff arranged an emergency stop for us in Rugby to catch a train back to where we should have gone.

February

Gig 2. Rammstein! Pete and I went with my colleague Liam, we booked really late so ended up right near the back, but we still had an incredible time. Rammstein are amazing live. Breathtaking pyrotechnics and lighting. It was awesome.

March

I found out I was going to be an Aunty!!!

April

Pete Proposed! I woke up on Easter Sunday to a post-it clue on my iPhone that began an Easter egg hunt! The eggs got larger and larger finally led me to my engagement ring 🙂

While on a Company night out with Pete colleagues we spontaneously decided to do a reverse bungy. I’d had just the right amount of alcohol to overcome my panic attack inducing fear of heights, and I bloody loved it.

May

I bought my lovely little bike, which I named Ethel, for going to work on.

I voted in the General Election. The first time I have voted in my life.

I got an iPad. The most awesome device of 2010 by far. I love it!

June

My Aunty Sandra was diagnosed with cancer. & my Mum flew over to be with her for a while as she didn’t know how long her sister would have.

July

Becky, Jane & I took part in the Race for Life to raise money for cancer research. We did it in honour of those we knew affected by cancer. I did for my cousin Ange who passed in 2008 & now her Mum, my aunty Sandra diagnosed the month before.

August

My 30th Birthday! My parents flew over and surprised me for my birthday. It was the best surprise of my life, I’d had no idea they were coming thanks to Pete and my parents sneaky planning 🙂 Pete and Becky threw a party for me at a local Irish bar and it was the party of my life. So amazing!

We did some travelling with my parents and drove to Lincoln, York and Sheffield visiting places that we knew and used to live in. This was the pub my parents got engaged at in 1971.

Aunty Sandra passed away on 29th Aug. My parents were still here which I was grateful for; my Mum got to say goodbye to her sister and be here for the cremation.

Septemeber

My Aunty Tracey & Uncle Andy got married after being together for many years and having children. It was a gorgeous wedding and fantastic party afterwards!

My brother became a Father and I became an Aunty!! Little Macayla came into the world on 27th Sept happy & healthy 🙂 Certainly a highlight of the year 🙂

October

We saw Sean Locke @ Wolverhampton. I prefer him on telly to be honest. His live stand up show varied from hilarious to unfunny.

With the money I got from my 30th Birthday I expanded on my shoulder tattoo. My biggest tattoo so far and I couldn’t be happier with it. Done by Cesar @ Body Garden Tattoo in Birmingham.

We also saw Dara O’Briain in Stand Up @ The Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton. Truly hilarious throughout. I would definitely see him live again.

November

Not much happened, I had my should tattoo touched up, but that’s all that’s really note-worthy.

December

Gig 3. Becky, Pete and I went to see 30 Seconds to Mars. They were ok. I wouldn’t see them again. I think Jared came off a bit arrogant and over-did it on audience participation. I can too see you sing, not with Beautiful Lie all by myself. I’m still glad I went though, we had fun.

Gig 4. Faithless in Manchester with my Colleague Gazz and his wife Kerry. Generally this kind of music is not my normal cup of tea, but Faithless are fantastic live! I only recognised 3 songs but the entire gig was brilliant. Highly recommended.

Gig 5. The Pretty Reckless in The Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton. Probably my gig of the year. I danced and sung my heart out to every single song and they covered Audioslave, Muse and Oasis which I loved. They sounded amazing live, and Taylor is a pure sex kitten on stage. I loved every single minute of it.

We ended of the year with an amazing holiday to New York City to bring in the new year. We stayed in 2 hotels in central Manhattan and took in so many sights. I can now understand why those t-shirts that say I ♥ NY and can’t wait to go back one day.