31 Facts.

So I have been blogging for a while and I think its time to tell you some random facts about myself! Hope you enjoy them and understand them all :)

1. I love making people laugh

2. I love fashion and all to do with it yet don’t make a big enough effort to dress like I care (or the money to afford it!)

3. I have an irrational fear of all animals. ALL animals.

4. But I want to ride an Elephant and stroke a Giraffe.

5. I want to and WILL climb Machu Picchu in Peru.

6. I can be very indecisive when it comes to food, I never know what to get and freak out.

7. I love going to the Theatre

8. I love watching something then breaking it down to understand it deeper.

9. Favourite movies are: Safety not guaranteed, 500 days of Summer and Drive.

10. I am 5’11 but would love to be 6 foot

11.I always have my nails painted and own over 60 different nail polishes.

12. I want to travel the world!

13. Even though I don’t like animals I collect animal necklaces, I have; a bear, butterfly, elephant, fish, fly, owl and more!

14. I am a gymnastics coach and have been for over 3 years now.

15. I have big dreams for the future, and I know if I stick to it I can achieve it.

16. I am a clean freak. I feel disorganized if my surroundings are messy. My room is always clean

17. I enjoy cleaning and organising. A LOT

18. I have this weird thing that if someone touches one arm or side of my body, they HAVE to touch the other, I like to be symmetrical, and it really bothers me and I notice it if I am not.

19. I am really good at hairstyles and enjoy styling it.

20. I am a really awkward person in some situations. Ha I make it worse and feel awkward at really awkward times.

21. Really shy people make me feel awkward, as I never know what to say to make them talk! But I always seem to get them to talk in the end!

22. I am very outgoing and love people, meeting new people and I am very personable, always having time for everyone

23.I am spontaneous, I always want to try new experiences and go to new places.

24. I over think situations a lot and think of all possibilities.

25. I love baking, and cooking in general. I have a GCSE in Catering

26. My best friends are my siblings

27. When my family are together we are loud, hilarious and have fun!

28. We have always had an open home, I would love to carry that on when I am older and be very hospitable to people.

29. 29 is my favourite number!

30. Funniest people I know are my family.

31. I want to be a TV Presenter

So that is 31 really random facts about myself and I hope you enjoy now knowing a little bit more about me!

Em

Why Worry?

So, this week has been busy, to some they would say stressful but I don't like that word as you can always overcome stress with a balance of relaxation, friends and of course, food. I had a wonderful weekend with friends it was so fun and eventful. We have a lot of people staying with us this week and something going on every night so it has been very busy, but LOADS of fun! 

Yet monday morning rolls around and I have essay after essay, some due in for that same week. But why stress? How will that solve anything? This is one thing I am learning to do as I am normally so anxious, always stressing about getting things done in time or if something it is good enough. But I need a balance. Balance is good. I think. So yeah I have had a fun week, but I have also really cracked down and worked hard. Is my work done? No. Will it be done in time? Yes. 

I am a sort of person who rarely leaves things to the last minute and is very organised so I will be fine. 

Ok thats it. 

Sometimes you have to put life in perspective. Then, and only then do you realise what is important to you.

Em

Remember Remember the Eighth of September

Talk about hard goodbyes. We drove to the hospital the night before her operation. It was unsettling as we were saying goodbye but we knew we would see her again. It had to be short, which made it even harder, we had to go in one at a time. As we took the elevator down after saying our 'goodbyes' I couldn't help but cry. We started to walk out and were met by our Pastor and another Pastor from India (who is with us right now! Exactly 2 years later) I met him for the first time crying my eyes out! They comforted us separately and I can't remember what they said exactly but it was what I needed to hear! 

On the journey home we posted on Facebook to pray for Naomi, and this I remember so clearly. It was extraordinary and I don't think our Facebook friends realise! 

As we drove home We were checking our Facebook and our ENTIRE NEWS FEED was FILLED with posts about Naomi and praying for her and us. I remember this so clearly as I was reading them out in the car and we all were just amazed and crying a crazy amount! Name after name, comment after comment it built us up and encouraged us more! People who we didn't know would comment on friends post about how they were praying. 

To all who are reading this and posted about Naomi that night thank you. You may never have realised how much it meant to us but it did. What everyone wrote was beautiful and uplifting and made our family feel SO loved! I remember dad saying he couldn't drive as his eyes were filled with water and couldn't see anything! The whole car was a complete CRY FEST! 
Words cannot describe what it was like reading everything from ALL over the world (literally) about Naomi and us. 

As I went to bed that night I felt lonely as I normally share a room with Nay and I couldn't stop thinking about her in a hospital and me in our room. It didn't seem right. 

I awoke that morning to our dear friend and her daughter at the door with breakfast for Nathanel and I. Mum and dad were at the hospital and Verity had to work. Those small acts of kindness really speak loudly. As it was just two of us we didn't really know what to do and it was nice to see our friend with Starbucks coffee and a muffin! 
 I took the day off school as I probably wouldn't have concentrated at all and, at times like these you want to be surrounded by family. 
To be honest I can't remember what I did that day as I didn't know what to do. I mean what ARE you supposed to do when your sister is in a 12 hour operation? Well me and Bud (brother) did what we knew. We prayed we worshipped we spent time with God and waited. A lot of calls to mum and dad for any update and there wasn't. 
The strangest and hardest thing about the day was knowing that while you are at home, there is serious surgery being done not too far away for your sister. And that was hard, I couldn't help but think what part of the surgery they were up to or what they were doing at that exact time.
And it made me think, everyday we enter, somewhere someone is in the same position as me. Waiting, waiting for news about a dear person, who may be in surgery. It happens everyday, so much happens that we don't think about.

Anyway as time rushed by without our notice, Verity got home and we did what we knew to do. At 5 we got a call from Mum who said that as her and dad were pacing corridors waiting they just had to ask a nurse to see if all was ok. I mean 9 hours later and no news? She had to know something, so the nurse went away and came back telling her that Dr M said " tell her not to worry! I told her if she doesn't see me then that means all is well. She does not  have to worry everything is fine" those simple disjointed words were such relief! SHE WAS FINE! Not done, but fine. And for that time, that was enough. 

That night at 8:04pm we got the call. "Naomi has come out of the operation all is well, the doctor saved all of her nerves, she is fine" umm so that equals the BEST NEWS EVER!! 
We were able to see her that night two hours after the operation so our pastor came over who would then drive us to the hospital at 10, which turned into 11pm. 
Anyway it was just us 3 at home and we were told to ring everyone and let them know. That was a joyful experience with the amount of tears and joy over the phone, it was ecstatic and all were so pleased to hear. 
As there was no food in our house we ordered Dominos and ate it with our pastor. 
We drove to the hospital and the next hour was the hardest hour of my life.

It was strange, and really there are no words but I will try my best. She was in a different place and we weren't allowed to see her straight away. We were greeted by our parents who told us all they knew, and then they told us that we will be going in one at a time to see her. We would need to wash our hands and wear a throwaway apron as the place we were going was for serious patients, and there were only three people in that ward, they didn't want disease or bacteria to spread. 
So Verity went in. Nathanael went in. Then I went in.

If anyone knows me they know that I cry, a lot. Dad told us to try not to cry in front of her but be supportive and encouraging. As I waited to see her I did not know what to expect.

So I walked up the corridor, my heart in my throat. I washed my hands, put on the apron and then Dad opened the door. I saw her. Lying there. Not being able to move. I glanced around. Saw what she was wired up to. And turned away and burst into tears. Dad tried to push me in, but I needed a minute. I normally can just pull it altogether, but I couldn't this time. 
All I saw was a half shaven head, a beautiful, young girl listening to her siblings and then around her this white, sterile, white room. Emphasis on the white as it was dully clean and hospital like. The kind you see in movies, that they put on, but no. SHe was hooked up to everything imaginable, the beeping sound and everything. 

As I turned and sobbed, you can understand the need for a 15 year old girl to 'take a minute'. I sucked it up as I knew I had to and 'thought' I would cry no more. I took a deep breath and entered. Because of the 12 hour operation she couldn't turn her head to the right  I held her hand tightly rambling on to her about things I can't remember. The nurses surprisingly let all 3 of her siblings to surround her and talk. We laughed, encouraged her, made jokes, what we always do. But she was tired and at this point it was about 12pm so we had to be quick. The nurse came round and checked her so often an thats when it hit me, that I am standing around a hospital patient who is my sister. I NEVER thought I would be in this position BUT I had (and have) Grace for every situation life throws our way.
So I was fine, my cry turned into small whimpers as I tried to hold in my tears. But the moment that stopped me and seriously flipped everything around was when we had to go.

As I type this I am tearing up just remembering this unforgettable moment. We had to go, I was holding her hand. I gave her a gentle, light hug and was ready to go when she clutched my hand so tightly whispering
"Please don't leave"

Don't leave. I turned to look at her and broke down into a puddle of tears. It hit me that she would have to stay in this sterile, white, beeping room all night, alone. It pained me to leave, I love her, she is my sister, my best friend, I would have done anything to take her place. 

After a prolonged goodbye we left. It was the hardest goodbye. I knew I was going home to our room and she would not be there.

She didn't remember anything from that night. It is always good to remember it as it was a poignant moment that won't be forgotten. 
The Eighth of September 2011.

From Facebook, the day we saw her after the operation.

Heads Up

Hello! So my sister has a blog: http://naomimay19.blogspot.co.uk 

And it is about her journey two years ago when she had a brain tumour.You can read all about it on her blog. 

She asked me to write a post about the day of her operation and when we saw her that night as she doesnt remember what happened. So I am featured on her blog over there, but I thought I would post the same post over here so you can all read about this very personal and emotional event for our family.

Hope you enjoy it! And it is very long so I will post it separately to this! 

Here are some pics from when she was in hospital:

Em

Rain Rain Rain

As I sit writing this post the rain continues to water the ground. 

Last week in London, the weather was lovely, meaning we saw the sun so yay! I thought to myself I can start the next year of school with the remnants of summer. Well that changed as, Monday morning graced us with rain, Tuesday rain, Wednesday...well you get the picture! And as I have finished my first week of school (woo) the rain continues to change everyones minds to staying in tonight.

 But you know what? I'm a fan. I love this weather because that means Autumn is around the corner and that can never be a sad thing so yay :)

As I ventured back to College this week I took my annual pic across Hampton Court Bridge (Next to Hampton Court Palace as I pass it everyday) I love the view from the bridge and snap a pic almost everyday as it shows the difference of weather and is amazing to look back on as the landscape and backgorund stands still while the characters in front change everyday, us.

Hampton Court Bridge- I love the 'Boat Trips' sign on the left! 

New Season. New Fashion.

As school is starting it means seasons are changing which ALSO means fashion is changing. Have you been into H&M recently? I love their collection this season, when I walked into the store there was a lot of black and white. Such a classic, chic combination that anyone looks good in whether you are dressing it down or for a night out. A black and white combo also is very sophisticated and is great for job interviews or important meetings. 

They also of course have many other colours but I was definitely drawn to the chic outfits which were portrayed on mannequins all round the store. I'm not one to wear just black and white but from seeing how they put items together it looks fantastic so I will be shopping soon! You know what else is great about H&M? It's affordable! woo! Make sure you go and check out this season online or in store.

From the  fashion show for the new collection

Its that time of year again...are you ready? A whole other year of school and all the joys it brings. Thankfully I worked out it is only 30 weeks (excluding British holiday time) till June which is exam season. So not long AT ALL. Some may be worried about that, yet I am looking forward to it. 

Bring it ON!

Em

See ya Later Summer

September. It's here. I guess that marks the end of summer as school starts back up again and the weather is morphing into autumn. This summer was brilliant. 

I explored new places,  went on holiday, tried new things and met new people, 

all the while making new memories <<the best part!

I worked 5 weeks of my summer, at three different places, which was a new experience that I actually enjoyed a lot. I realised just how ready I am to be done with school so I can start to work. I like work. I like how there is no 'homework' and that if you are working somewhere its because you want to be, and chose to be there. That really appeals to me strangely, I am really excited for what the future holds.

Anyway...back to the end of summer...how quick has it gone!? I was surprised when August rolled around as I couldn't believe that 2013 is nearly over (Guys, its only 17 weeks till Christmas. 17 WEEKS!?!?!) 

As much as I love summer (I really do) there is a special place in my heart for autumn. The smell, the leaves, the fashion, the weather, the colours, the build up to Christmas, argh I love it all! Therefore I am really looking forward to what this next season holds.

The new experiences and adventures are quietly waiting in the wings for autumn to break out and take centre stage! 

How inviting do these colours look? (Autumn 2012)

Em