Brighton Beach Break!

Holla!

 (for those who don't know, I'm trying to bring holla back, it's going swell.)

So last week I was lucky enough to have 5 days off and rather than sit and fester in my room watching reruns of the US Office I decided to take myself away for a mini beach break in Brighton.  I wasn't able to go abroad this year (insert sad face), firstly because my bank account is constantly looking bare, secondly because I had too many bits and bobs going on over the summer that finding the right time would be challenging and thirdly because, well, there wasn't really anyone to go away with.  Oh and my passport has expired, great.

When my Aunt first moved beside the seaside I would visit regularly, however I hadn't been since before I moved to Nottingham (I think subconsciously I was still getting over the disappoint of being 2 marks off the required grade to get into their Uni.) Regardless of that it had been a looooooong time so it was so lovely to go back and it definitely reaffirmed my love for the South and now I am adamant that at some point in my life I will move down there.

I went on my own and stayed with my Aunt and it was so lovely just to have some time on our own without all the other family members around (not that I don't love my family I must point out, but when we're all together it's sometimes hard to get a word in edgeways!)

Here are a list of fun facts about her.

1) She is the director of a fancy art gallery.

2) David Dimbleby (the guy who presents question time...also the guy who got that weird scorpion tattoo at the age of 75... I think he's most known for the latter) is the chair of said gallery.

3) She was invited to David's for dinner and her dog and his dog got a little bit frisky and now there are Dimbledogs!

(said culprit)

4) She once told Morrissey to never sell out...which he did.

5) (This is my favourite.) Her flat used to belong to Lewis Carroll...amazing.  It is said that the entrance to her garden is the inspiration for the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland (see below.)  My inner book worm was squealing!

She is the coolest.

Anywho.  My mini break consisted of plenty of beach walks, catching up with an old friend, shopping around the little independent shops and going to a cinema which served wine.

We started off the week with a long walk along the beach stopping off at a bar with the most amazing sea view (my phone died so I was unable to take a photo but believe me it was just incredible.) Feeling a little boozy and tired, we headed back to her flat and decided to chill and watch a film.

We then woke up and decided to hit the lanes. For those who have never been to Brighton, the lanes are a maze of alleyways which consist of little independent shops and cafes.  It is so cute and I could have spent hours and plenty of money there.  I restrained myself and only bought a couple of bits and bobs...my inner student is still going strong. I did, however, come across the best named shop ever, and I had to do the typical touristy thing and take a picture, well, because those who know me how much I believe in sass within a person.

Amazing.

On the third day (God created land...haha...ha) we went to Hastings which is a half  hour drive from Brighton, it's much quieter. Similar to Brighton town it's full of small vintage shops and it was just nice to wander around (stopping for the BEST fish and chips I have ever had along the way.)

Ooo look how cute and pinterest that bunting is!

We then concluded the day with a trip to the Duke's at Komedia cinema to see Pride which is an absolutely incredible film, I cannot recommend it enough.  Perfect cast, perfect soundtrack and perfect mix of laughter and poignancy. GO AND WATCH IT!

And alas that ended my mini getaway! The last day was spent roadtripping back to the Shire with Kate Bush blaring and lots of bad singing and traffic.  It's safe to say I had the best break and felt fully relaxed on my return, it's at times like these that I wish I was spontaneous enough to pack up my things and move down there, but reality kicks in and that just isn't possible at this point...maybe someday!

TTFN!

x

Mystery Diner?!

So I have just seen that I haven't posted anything for over two weeks.  This has bothered me more than it usually would, simply because I had set myself a simple target to write at least 3 times a week.  It takes 20 minutes out of my day and I enjoy it so WHY have I been so bloody useless?! 

I think the main reason is because I have been working RIDICULOUS hours recently.  As I have previously mentioned, I work at a roadside cafe, those who are friends with me will already know as I complain about it on a daily basis.  Bank holiday weekend meant that the British public in their entirety were travelling and all decided to stop off at the specific time that I was working (or so it seemed.)  I think I worked out that over 4 days I worked 50 hours...and those 50 hours were full of chaos, running around like a headless chicken and dealing with some of the rudest customers I have ever come across.  Because of this, it meant that when I was back at home I literally just crashed.  Similarly, on my days off I slept in till way past midday and didn't want to do anything.

Tiredness + long hours meant that I needed a break to get away and just chill so I popped back up to Nottingham which is where I studied to visit one of my closest friends. 

This is one of the very few photos I managed to take [pretty much every single photo taken of us is to this standard.] Great success. The night consisted of getting myself locked in a bathroom, lots of wine and having my purse stolen. Sounds like a bit of a nightmare but all in all I had a great time and it was just what I needed.

ANYWHO. After that long ramble, I will cut to what I had actually set out to talk about [I tend to get easily sidetracked.]

Amongst the aforementioned rudeness of some customers there was this one lady who came in that managed to shift my mood and attitude completely. This woman comes in occasionally and everytime I serve her she has the ability to make me realise that there is much more to life than a crappy waitressing job.  

I have no idea what her name is, where she's from or what she does as a living, lets call her Mrs X.

About a year ago Mrs X came in and we got talking about my future plans, I had told her that I was interested in music journalism and she urged me to apply to NME for work experience.  When I told her that I didn't think my writing style or my musical knowledge was to the standard they were looking for she replied with 'f*** it, they don't know who you are, they've never seen you're face, if they don't believe you're good enough then you can apply again, or for other things, there is literally nothing to lose.'  That evening I went home and applied and as I have mentioned in previous posts, I got it!  

Mrs X came in again this year,  I must mention at this point that she comes in with her daughter who has severe learning difficulties, she is unable to talk properly and her mother has said that there is no way she will improve.  This year the daughter came running in with a scrap book that Mrs X had made for her consisting of pictures that were taken at her 18th birthday. Mrs X had organised a mini festival as a celebration and many local bands had offered to play and lots of local businesses offered their services to make this day special for the daughter.  It looked incredible.  When I expressed how much effort had gone into this Mrs X replied with 'well she's never going to be able to drive or marry so we might as well go all out' this broke my heart. However, it wasn't said with sadness or poignancy, it was said with joy and energy. Mrs X looks for positivity and making the best out of any situation.  It was with this visit that I realised how much I stress over really inadequate things. There are much much bigger things to worry about and a lot of people who have it worse than I do so there is really no time to worry about money or work or what my future plans are.

So thank you mystery diner [I really wish I knew your name!] You're words of wisdom and positive attitude has stuck with me and I vow to start taking chances and refuse to stress about stupid hiccups that occur. Thank you for dissolving bank holiday stresses and calming me down [also thank you for the very generous tip, even though I'm pretty sure I should be tipping you for enduring my long rants and rambles.]  You rock.

TTFN!

x