Charity Hair Cut, the result

So after returning to Bangor Thursday evening and a fantastic night out in Base with some friends I went to the Glamour Room Friday afternoon for my charity haircut.

I so nervous, having never had short hair nor having visited a hairdressers for years. However, the hairdresser totally put me at ease and double checked this was what I definitely wanted to do before cutting 13.5 inches off my ponytail. 

I was so pleased with the result (more so than and cannot thank my hairdresser at the Glamour Room (and Jess and Marcus for coming with me) enough. 

So what do you reckon?

EmJx

The final challenge (kind of)!

So as I hinted in my initial and latest posts, I'm going to be cutting about 10" (25.4cm) off my hair... for charity. As it has been over a year since I last had my hair cut in Canada (thank you Alex!) I thought it was time for a change, especially as I will be going to the Caribbean for four months where it's going to be, well, rather warm to say the least!

Therefore, this Friday I'll be getting my hair cut by the Glamour Room in Bangor, who have kindly agreed to do it free of charge as it's for The Little Princesses Trust, a charity that helps children suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment. Those who know me well will know how much I hate going to the hairdressers (I'd rather go to the dentist, at least you get a sticker!) so although this is not a bungee jump, a marathon or hideously long bike ride, it's still a pretty big thing for me!

Although getting a haircut certainly doesn't require any training (unless I'm late for the appointment in which case I'll run there), I have been deep conditioning my hair every 2 -3 days, piling on the reconstructing serum and avoiding the hair dryer and straighteners as much as possible (it's looking the best it ever has)! The hair that I have cut off will then be used to provide a realistic looking wig for someone aged between 2 and 18 suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment. Just watching some of the videos on The Little Princesses Trust's website highlights how much these wigs mean to these children and how it boosts their confidence tremendously.

I have already managed to raise nearly £50 in sponsorship to help cover the costs of making the wigs (thank you very much to all those who have donated) however if you're feeling generous, and wish to donate to this for this fantastic cause you can do at my Just Giving Page, it would be greatly appreciated.

Before and after pictures to be uploaded once it's done... eeep!
EmJx

Penultimate Challenge, with love!

So for one of the challenges I had to declare my love to someone, not necessarily romantically but just to someone that means a lot to me. I know I've now passed the 21 mark but I'd already half written this and have only really just had the chance to finish it off!

I have been so blessed in my 21 years of life to have made some truly amazing friends, from my sandkastenfreundin (literally sandpit friend) in primary school, my friends I made in highschool that I still keep in touch with, those I have met on my travels and of course my three homeslices, bezzie mates at uni and the OTC girls and boys.

So my challenge was to tell someone how much they meant to me who I hadn't already told and who may not necessarily realise it (although he does because I let it slip that I'd written this blog post before I left to go to Martinique) haha!

So Will Lamping this is for you! 

You never fail to make me smile and in the few days I spent at yours before annual camp I don't think I have ever laughed so much! Despite your best efforts you are definitely in the 'gay-best friend' territory - although I know this is certainly not the case after witnessing your multiple attempts at chasing women (with varying success) and your sheer devastation at being turned down (May Ball dramas anyone?)

You have to be the most hilarious, shameless, ridiculous person I have ever met (who specialises in Animal Reproduction as part of their degree!?) and even when you're taking the mick I can never be mad at you because you're still capable of making me laugh til my stomach hurts. I don't think I've met one single person who doesn't get along with you (apart from Baz, oh dear) and I've even let you meet my family at my 21st Birthday (although it was noted you were on best behaviour, thank you)!!!

I've been so lucky enough to share so many 'special moments' with you. From sitting with you in some darked box in full uniform whilst some hippy sang a song about peace and ending war, to the 'Dizzee Rascal incident' at Radio One's big weekend, to spooning (in separate sleeping bags mind), our 'date' at the new café in Bangor and of course the numerous nights out, you're deffo a true friend Squeak (only a true friend would clean your room and do your washing the day before first year's annual camp... I wasn't doing it two years in a row)!

I know I'm going to miss you like crazy and every time I hear Vanessa Carlton I will think of you (although why you and Pinhead know all the words to that song will always remain a mystery). I have never got off the phone to you without smiling so please, please actually use the internet for something other than porn from time to time so I can Skype you, and I look forward to seeing you again at Lincoln Christmas market!

And maybe after I've written all these nice things about you, you could think of one, just one nice thing to say back!

Love, Em xx

Challenge 21... revisited!

As I'm sure many of you are aware (if not, please read previous posts) I have been in Korea for the majority of the summer vacation and consequently have not had a lot of time in which to complete my challenges. I have currently completed 9 (and a half!) of the 21, and as it is my birthday tomorrow I feel it's time to have a rethink regarding the remaining challenges.

So far I still need to: 

• Tell someone I love them (that I haven’t told before)
• Visit someone you haven’t seen in a long time
• Go hitchhiking
• Pass my driving test
• Read Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (NB: I have started I'm on page 58 - poor effort I know)!
• Get a tattoo
• Make up with an old friend
• Knit a scarf
• Run 5 miles in less than 45 minutes 
• Paint a canvas
• Learn a new song on my clarinet
• Cut 10 inches off my hair

Before midnight tomorrow. I'm not going to lie to you guys, I don't think it's going to happen! I do however, have exciting news regarding getting my hair cut/additional challenges etc. Will post soon when I get half the chance!

Until then,
EmJx

I had a dream...

Last night, I had a dream. A disturbing dream. I was driving my car through my home-town and every time I used the brakes I could slow down but never stop entirely, no matter how much I pressed them or even if I used the handbrake.

I think this is another sign. I might add it to the list of reasons I have so far not passed my driving test, which currently includes:

1. Leaving my paper counterpart in Wales when I returned to my parents house to take the test near Leeds.

2. The DSA being on strike.

3. It was too icy on the morning of my test so it was cancelled.

4. I was on crutches after messing my knee up.

5. I reversed the wrong way up a street during the only test I have actually ever taken. My bad.

I'm definitely starting to think that someone is trying to tell me something... and seriously thinking I may have to replace challenge no. 9. 'Pass my driving test' with another more realistic task. Especially seeing as even if I do pass my test, I'll be leaving the country (again) in less than three weeks and wouldn't be driving for the next 10 months at least.

Any suggestions anyone? If I've configured my blog correctly, you should be able to comment below without having to sign up :)

Until next time,

EmJx

Mon 21ème Anniversaire

Ever since I was a little girl, my Auntie and I have always said we'd have a joint 21st and 50th birthday party seeing as our birthdays are only two days (and 29 years!) apart. So last night, over 60 friends and family descended on the Jones' household for an 'oriental' themed party, so chosen because of my recent travels and the fact that I'd already had a Caribbean theme for my leaving Bangor party!

As well as decorating the house and the whole garden with what felt like 101 balloons, lanterns and candles, my friend's Mum made me the most beautiful oriental birthday cake and once it got dark we set off 21 Chinese lanterns which thankfully this time were a success (no chasing burning paper bags over windy Welsh fields this time)!

I was so grateful that so many people made the effort to come from near and far to make my night special. Despite sleeping under the gazebo in the garden (there was not a single room in the house that didn't have at least one person snoring) I had such a fantastic time and only wish I was capable of being in more than one place at once so I could have spoken to everyone for a bit longer.

Thank you so much to everyone that came and helped out in any way with the organising and of course to my parents for letting me take over the house and bearing all the stress involved in organising a party!

I think my Auntie Shirley enjoyed it too!

EmJx

P.S: Please note I still have just over two weeks until my actual birthday (and therefore the same amount of time to complete my challenges)!

Ahn Nyeong Hah Seh Yo from e-FM 90.5!

So as if being on StormFM (Bangor University's radio station) wasn't enough, this morning I was asked to go on e-FM, Busan's English language radio station with five other international students from the program to talk about our experiences in Korea! Do I get extra points if I complete a challenge twice? :)

EmJx

Apologies for the lack of news recently... being a student and a tourist is so exhausting! Was lucky enough to have my first quiet night in after three weeks on the go last night (the two week annual camp prior to flying here was just as tiring) but was so sleepy I just headed straight to bed with a cup of tea (I've finally found English Breakfast here after what felt like an entire search of Busan) and a snug with Heffs :)

So at the weekend we were lucky enough to travel to Seoul on the Korea Train Express or the KTX as it's more commonly known (according to the website, the high-speed train reaches a max speed of 190mph or 305km/h for you modern folk) and a group of five of us did the usual tourist thing; hopped on the City Tour Bus which dropped us off at Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace where we were lucky enough to see the changing of the guards, Itaewon Shopping Street and a personal favourite, Insadong (a traditional area with loads of tea houses, market stalls, craft shops and art galleries) .

After such a busy day we were glad to stop at an adorable pizza place before heading back to our luscious apartment (more on that later!) as we had to be up early on the Sunday morning for our trip to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea (will write more on this too when I get the chance as I think it deserves a post of it's own). However, this did mean I could fulfil another one of my challenges: no. 17, go underground.

The week then started again with more Korean lessons, lectures on the Hangul writing system, a discussion on culture shock (some of the answers to 'What has surprised you the most since arriving in Korea?' were most amusing!) and this afternoon we were at The Culinary Institute of Kim's for a lesson in Korean cooking. We had a fab time and thankfully this meant we could control the amount of spice were putting in our dishes so I could actually taste the flavours (food over here is usually so so hot)!

After class was over, we headed back in to town to complete some of our 'missions' - challenges set by the university such as having our picture taken next to certain monuments and trying certain foods. We also got chance to go up Busan tower which had some fantastic views over the city as night fell.

And now, time for a little more sleep before another busy day tomorrow. Need to make it to breakfast for 'cereal Wednesdays,' hurrah for normal food!

Nos da pawb :)

EmJ x

Challenge down!

2 challenges down and no time to update! Eaten my faggots and gone skinny dipping (the pics being the before and after photos, the inbetween is not particually suitable for the internet!). Hope you had an amazing bday Sarah!! xx

Blame it on the a a a a a alcohol

The picture says it all...

Thanks guys for a m̶e̶m̶o̶r̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ amazing send off. Challenge no. 3 complete. Once and never again! I'm sorry I can't write more but I appear to have suffered a mild case of amnesia between the bar and getting home... haha.

Good job the OTC isn't a drinking club!
EmJ x

Hey man look at me rockin' out, I'm on the RADIO!!!

Not quite with sweet Danny and Lisa but thank you so much Lindsey Redhead, Dominic Vince and Amy Peirce for having me on your afternoon show. I had a fantastic time and can now check another challenge off my list =)

Now just another 19 to go...!

It's like Gollllld Duuuuust

Ya hear me coming through your spe-ea-kers, You see me mashin' up your air waves. I know you can't get enough of my sound... Indeed. Yes folks, I'm going to be on the radio tomorrow from 3 for Skive Time with Lindsey-Jane Redhead!
Tune in at www.stormfm.com.

Be there or be square.

EmJ x

Challenge 21… let the fun begin!

Big thanks to Alex Price for the inspiration behind this. Basics, I've compiled a list of 21 things to do before I’m 21 and seen as it’s in exactly 99 days I think I better make a start! Thanks to everyone for their ideas (the good, the bad and the downright ridiculous) and any volunteers to help me achieve my goals would be greatly appreciated. Let the fun begin!

1. Start a blog.
So here we are. After previous failed attempts I hope to keep this one going for longer than a couple of months to keep you updated whilst I’m away. And this time you can all know who everyone is. So far so good.

2. Catch a fish.
Unless taking the goldfish out the pond in the back garden with a children’s’ fishing net counts I’ve never actually been fishing! I’m hoping for something along the lines of this but if it’s not as impressive I’ll just have to hold it close to the camera and lean back a bit to give the impression that it’s bigger than it actually is (sneaky trick I learnt from my ex – ha-ha, just kidding. Not about the fish pic though). Prepping and cooking it will also earn bonus points :)

3. Top shelf in a bar
Sorry Mum, but it’s written in the ‘101 things to do at university’ book you gave me. Although you will be pleased to know that I have not urinated in the university fountain or got banned from the Student Union Bar (no coincidence with the fact that we currently have neither). A shot of every drink on the top shelf in a bar? Good job I’m not a lightweight or anything…

4. Get on the radio
Somehow. Anyhow. I've been told I have the face for it... Maybe I’ll become an agony aunt! Problems anyone?

5. Go skinny dipping
Self-explanatory. It better be dark. And not too cold.

6. Tell someone you love them (that you haven’t told before)
Not necessarily romantically. Just because I don’t think I say it enough.

7. Go hitchhiking
With pepper spray and a friend. And credit card to pay for train when I get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Maybe I’ll do this to achieve number 8. Although it is quite a trek…

8. Visit somewhere ‘down south’
If it’s beyond Birmingham it’s definitely south.

9. Pass my driving test
Eventually. Maybe. Once I’ve got my new glasses at least, especially now we have to know where we’re going as well. Uh-oh.

10. Read… Ulysses – James Joyce, Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen, Nineteen Eighty-Four - George Orwell, War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy or something equally long and pompous.

11. Get a tattoo
Any volunteers to hold my hand whilst I cry like a massive girl?

12. Go to a football match
Is it even the football season over summer??

13. Make up with an old friend
Because I’ve been lucky enough to meet some amazing people in my life and unlucky enough to lose contact with some of them.

14. Knit a scarf
No-one says I have to wear it. But who knows? It might get cold in the Caribbean.

15. Run 5 miles in less than 45 minutes
Stranger things have happened. Now where’s my Doctor’s note?

16. Paint a canvas
Maybe I’ll paint a picture of me holding a giant fish, wearing a brilliant scarf and running. Artistic licence and all that.

17. Go underground, ie: caving/mining
Because sky-diving and giving blood wasn't quite scary enough.

18. Visit someone you haven’t seen in a long time
See 13.

19. Eat haggis/faggots
Because there are very few things I won’t eat. Bin cheese anyone?

20. Learn a new song on my clarinet
Benny Goodman eat your heart out.

21. Cut 10 inches off my hair
Explanation to follow.

I also read the other day (in a magazine of course) that by the time you're 21-years-old you're likely to have met the person you will eventually marry. I think I need to add another one.

22. Meet more guys.

Wish me luck folks! x