The Nature Of Surprise

Surprise is one emotion that does not have positive or negative connotations. It’s not like anger which is obviously a terrible feeling, or happiness which is entirely positive.

That’s why you usually have to describe a surprise, e.g. ‘What a wonderful surprise!’ – which, in fact, it was.

Indeed, my friends and family had been plotting and scheming behind my back over the last two months to arrange a surprise party for my 22nd birthday last Friday.

I think it was such a good surprise because everyone was making an effort with each other and mingling – older people, younger people, family, friends, the good, the bad (not the ugly, there were no ugly people at my party thank you very much).

However, some people would not enjoy a surprise party being thrown for them. Looking rough compared to everyone else as you enter, feeling the pressure as the centre of attention and hoping everyone gets on is quite stressful.

But I loved the stress. And I loved the party. Thanks everybody.

Baby It's Cold Out There

Those bloody winds have been keeping me up at night. SO ANNOYING! Most days last week, I had to watch Peep Show on 4oD into the early hours of the morning to block out the howling.

As the weather gets increasingly cold, I, unsurprisingly, feel colder too!

I really need to stock up on some warm clothing.

I came across a website selling really funky cardigans including the ones below:







I love the ruching on all the cardigans pictured above. I can’t believe the khaki one is only £8! The red one looks quite Christmassy.

I can't get both... can I?

It's Driving Me Crazy

I'm 21 and still can't drive. Sad times. But on the plus side I passed my driving theory today. Yeah baby!

5 things I will do when I pass my practical test:

1) Add 'Full Driving Licence' to my CV

2) Get myself insured on a car

3) Buy myself one of those iTrips to play tunes on my iPod out loud while driving

4) Probably give my younger brother a few lifts to his friends' houses

5) Road trip(s)!

And once I've done those 5 things, I'm going to rent a car abroad. I want to experience the beauty and charm of Ireland and reckon it'd be fun driving over there. I've already found a site offering good deals on car hire in Ireland.

Just gotta pass my driving test first...

Could 'Jedward' Increase Tourism In Ireland?

Could the X Factor contestants John and Edward promote tourism for Ireland like the comedian Rhod Gilbert does for Wales?

The cheeky Dubliners capture an outsider’s perception of Irish people – fun and blessed with the gift of the gab.

Personally, I’d love to wander through the streets of Dublin, have a few drinks and maybe even an Irish sing-song.

When I can legally drive, I would drive from Dublin to Cork to see the latter's amazing coastline. I haven't even done my driving theory test yet (it's later today), but I've already checked out Dublin car rental services online.

I reckon Jedward could strengthen one's desire to visit Ireland. However, while I admire their spirit, they have got to be voted off The X Factor so they can pursue careers either promoting Ireland or presenting kids' TV, and stop hurting our ears with their “singing”.

Danyl Johnson to win!

A Birthday Dilemma

I’m turning 22 on the 22nd November 2009. 2009 is the only year where my date of birth and age will be the same. Joy!

Birthdays are a hassle to organise. Although I’ve had a fair few memorable birthdays, the pressure to do something good always takes over my life beforehand. And of course, the same girly question plagues me each time I celebrate getting older,(men look away now): what the HELL should I wear?

I came across a great collection of evening dresses online and have shortlisted three of these. All three are reasonably priced, but only one of the fabulous futuristic numbers pictured below will be my birthday dress. Hmmm...







At the moment, I'm thinking Dress Number 1. I could wear a red rose in my hair with Dress Number 2 though. Dress Number 3 is probably a bit safe. Let me know your thoughts!

Introducing The Boxman

While I’m on the subject of new graduates (check out my previous post), feast your eyes on the self-proclaimed ‘boxman’ below:



This jobseeker stood in Canary Wharf on Friday, wearing a huge sign urging employers to ‘think outside the box’ when hiring staff. He was getting a large amount of attention from passers-by when I saw him, and lots of them were asking for his card.

The young lad, who graduated from Oxford University this year, told me of his disillusionment with applying for jobs online.

I think he showed creativity in his approach to getting a job, not to mention a great deal of commitment by advertising himself in the cold. Legend. He can speak a ridiculous amount of languages too.

He gave me permission to take a photo of him – what a nice guy, I hope he gets a job soon.

If YOU want to give ‘the boxman’ a job, email him at hiretheboxman@googlemail.com.

And if you want to give me a job, email me at anisak1987@hotmail.co.uk.

Get Sally to Ghana!

It’s a tough time for jobseekers but Sally Greenwood is one recent graduate determined not to let this year go to waste. In January, she is off to Ghana to volunteer in an orphanage for six months.

Sally’s worthy work in Ghana will be unpaid but she is raising money to cover the cost of her accommodation and flights - a wise decision in this time of economic uncertainty.

She has secured funding from various sources, including a charity called the Hazel's Footprints Trust who sponsor dedicated volunteers doing placements abroad. This trust was set up in memory of Hazel Scott Aiton, a much-loved young girl, who had a life-changing experience volunteering in Namibia before she tragically died in a car accident in 2004.

People also sponsored Sally to run 10 km dressed as a safari car. Sally gave her view on this challenge, saying: “The cardboard boxes around my midriff made the run even harder, but it was worth it for the donations and the photos up on Facebook.”



So far, Sally has managed to raise 26% of her target.

She is now looking forward to her next fundraising event - a barn dance with a live band in Derbyshire’s Hartington Village Hall.

Please visit Sally’s JustGiving page to see more details about her barn dance and her other fundraising.

Good luck Sally!