Goldfish Eating Bass, Circus Tricks (and a bit of Spenser for good measure)

Today was a busy day indeed with positive thinking and yessing galore. Okay, I might be exaggerating a little bit, but not entirely. Today was the first day of my volunteering experience in a local primary school. I had a few doubts about going as I was getting into a bit of a stressed out state over the amount of uni work I have to do. And I didn't really think it was such a good idea to be around young children when in a bit of a mood. But, I knew this would be a different and, most likely, a worthwhile experience (working with younger people usually is, even if it's tough going). Conscience urged me to go. Next thing, there I was in the volunteer office (standing beneath a bloody hot heater!) with a newspaper in hand (no relevance, I'd just bought The Independent on my way down there) and a volunteer t-shirt. The t-shirt would subsequently be put on with some amount of pride.

So, we journeyed over to the primary school, did the usual 'wow, I'd forgotten what it's like to be in school', and made our way to the classroom. We were soon greeted by a class of small, lively, smilely children. Us volunteers probably looked more nervous than they did. In fact, they looked like they were raring to go. It was so exhilarating being surrounded by enthusiastic, bright and lively youngsters. I admit I momentarily put aside all the study work and absorbed myself (okay, I didn't completely loose myself in the moment, I still acted like a responsible adult) in the imaginative mini-universe of young people delved into art (in its broadest sense) and play. It just confirms for me one of the possible career paths I would like to pursue: working in a theatre education department. The idea of school children being able to benefit in a fun and exciting way from theatre - both doing it themselves and seeing it live - is brilliant to me, and I would love to be a part of that experience. One of the pupils came out with a line which completely cracked me up - in a very good way - about goldfish eating bass. It was all at once so random but so imaginative. It's something only children can do. It brought a smile to my face for hours afterwards. I'm still smiling at it now.

If I hadn't already exhausted myself for the day (actually, I felt rather refreshed after my volunteering) I decided I would say 'yes' to a departmental seminar about Edmund Spenser - that abandonned contemporary of Shakespeare. That's all I knew about him before I went. That, and his having given name to the Spensarian sonnet form, his having written The Fairie Queene and... some other things. I really do know very little about him. I came out enlightened. It was a thought provoking, interesting, really nicely delivered seminar - some great questions asked too. It made me want to delve into the world of letter writing - from the Renaissance right through to more recent writers. There's something about letters which I find absolutely fascinating, and often beautiful and exquisite (read some of Charlotte Bronte's letters and Keats's letters and you'll see what I mean). It's an area to look into once my first degree is finished, along with Shakespeare, Batman and Spooks. - I really do have a bizarre range of tastes where literature/culture is concerned. Afterwards a group of us went to one of the campus bars for a drink and a chat. Another 'yes' in my book (and well worth it too).

I refer to the circus tricks in the title because I forgot to write about my friend's 21st birthday night out. Tut tut to myself. 'Tricks' is perhaps a bit far fetched. There weren't any involved. But we were dressed circus-style, amongst us: a clown, an acrobat, a ring master, and various other brightly clothed figures. It was great fun. Although, I occasionally had to question the D.J.'s music choice. It was well worth saying 'yes' to that, even if I did have yet another tiredness hangover the next day, or days. I say 'tiredness hangover' in absolute honesty. I had very little alcoholic drinks that night.

Hmmmmmm. I've wound down my rather exciting but tiring day with another episode of Spooks. Wonderful programme that it is.

For now, goodnight to all. Much love,
xxx

The Gothic, Shakespeare, Batman, and Spooks (can you spot the connection?)

To say 'yes' to a lecture may seem a strange thing to many people. Why go to yet another lecture when you've already got compulsory ones to go to? Well, I did. Technically it was a compulsory lecture, but it's one of those ones that's not exactly essential to the course your studying, it's just an added extra, to do with 'careers'...what you can do with your degree after university. Hmmm. Very few people tend to go. In fact, I'm one of the few who does usually go. But this week, it wasn't on an area that I'm interested in. So, I had decided not to go. Until I said to myself (okay, so I didn't actually say this out loud) you're being a bit dismissive of this, thinking in a negative way. Just because this lecture is on the gothic (the one area of literature which I'm not really that interested in) doesn't mean that there won't be something interesting in it. I went along. It wasn't what I'd expected at all, it happened that it was very interesting. The lecture was focused on gothic in popular culture. I've never really been a big fan of contemporary popular culture - I'd rather be reading a classic novel, watching a Shakespeare play (or another play of some kind), watching a period drama (okay, so that sort of falls into pop culture), I'm not big on celebrity (especially those who seem to be celebrities for no apparent reason - that just bemuses me - those I do like are mostly stage actors and period drama actors). I'm sure by now (I can't half ramble) you've got my drift.

However, as I was listening to the lecturer speak and watching the powerpoint slides changing over, I began to think that maybe there is something I do find interesting about contemporary pop culture: the way it relates to, or is influenced by, literature/art/music/fashion of the past. Of the few contemporary pop culture things I have recently been or currently am interested in I questioned myself as to why those things really got hold of my attention. One is Christopher Nolan's Batman films, the other is the BBC ongoing series Spooks. In the first, the character of Batman screams Hamlet at me (the character - and in part the play). In the second, Spooks, there seems to be an array of possible connections, Shakespeare being just one, and possibly Byronic elements too. You're probably wondering what the hell I'm on about - and think it's right that you are. Out of all this drivel the point I'm trying to make is that from this lecture on gothic in contemporary pop culture, I discovered another different, unexpected interest of my own. If I ever decide to stay in academia this is another quite exciting area which might be interesting to explore. As I was watching Spooks Series 5 episode 1 (whilst I've been typing this) my ears pricked up at the very sound of 'Something's rotten...'. I LOVE IT! That's right I am entirely loopy. I think I have lost all sanity. But there you go: Shakespeare, Batman, Spooks... the world is my oyster. All from that little word (but very wonderful word) - yes!

Much love for now
xxx

(Image taken from flowtv.org/.../uploads/2009/03/spooks002.png)

'Papers, Donations, and Volunteering

For the first time in a while I actually went out and bought a newspaper yesterday. Not that I don't keep up with news, I just tend to pick it up in bits and pieces. It was a bit of a positive thinking moment, a bit of let's-try-something-different moment. I should buy 'papers more often really; I like the feeling of turning the pages. There's something I find so satisfying in actually seeing words printed on paper as opposed to on-screen. Not that I don't like reading stuff on the computer, I wouldn't be a blogger if that was the case.

Several pages of the paper were given over to the situation in Haiti. When such events occur it really makes you stop and think about things, all the different things which go on out there in the wider world. I admit that I find news scary sometimes - especially when there are articles about war and natural disasters spread across the front page, or the first headline on television (which often seems to be the case sadly). As I flicked through the paper, I stumbled across an advert for donations. I didn't hesitate. I gave a small amount of money which I hope will contribute in some way.

Later in the day I signed up for (or, in my own phraseology, said 'yes' to) two volunteer dates for a project I'm part of. I have no idea how it will turn out. It consists of taking creative activities into primary schools to get children active and using their creativity and imagination, as well as (hopefully) learning something. It seems a really fun opportunity and I hope I'll gain something from it. And I hope the children do too! There's nothing like seeing them laughing and having big smiles on their faces. I love it!

Much love for now
xxx

A Squashed Frog, Was It?

Yes, that's right. A squashed frog. I had a squashed frog. I was asked if I would like one and, as might be expected, I said 'yes'. It sounds little gross, right?

Well, let me explain. I didn't actually eat a squashed frog; I drank one. Okay, that still sounds pretty gross. It wasn't technically an actual squashed frog. It was a shot (I'm sure you're all relieved now). I'm not quite sure what was in the shot, but it was a shot of some kind. This just goes to show my extreme lack of knowledge about alcoholic drinks.

This was all part of a night out for my friend Martin's twenty-first birthday (this is one of the things I originally said 'yes' to). We were all in some form of fancy dress based around the theme of 'French'. Most dressed as mimes, faces all done up - they looked really good. I was just in blue and white, with a dash of red. Keeping up with the French flag and all. I remember saying that I hadn't said 'yes' to anything, so right on cue, Naomi (another friend) invited me to her twenty-first night out. I, of course, responded in the affirmative. The theme for this is circus, or cirque du soleil. I popped out into town yesterday to kit myself out. I will be an acrobat - or something vaguely like that. I have leotard, bright blue tights, and a tutu skirt. I fell in love with the tutu skirt thing, and could not resist buying it. It's a shame that I can't do acrobatics anymore - my limit is the splits on my right side - not that I would ever do acrobatics on a night out anyway. I might look a bit weird.

I was very disappointed with myself after my trip to town. I had a brilliant opportunity to say 'yes' to a free tour of Fitness First, and I didn't. Now, clearly, I am not someone who goes to the gym, or ever has done. So, even if I had said 'yes' it would have been very strange, but I still felt very disappointed with myself.

Today I tried out The Long Poem reading group run by a member of staff in my university department. We read the opening chunk of Tennyson's In Memoriam A.H.H. If you've read the poem, you'll know it's major topic is grief/grieving. Not exactly the most uplifting of literary texts. Still, with tea and biscuits and a bit of a literature-based natter, it was good fun. It's lovely to just read something in the company of others who are interested in literature, and without needing to analyse it in detail. Poetry can work wonders!

Aside from saying 'yes' to a cup of tea and biscuits, I've not really had any opportunities in the past couple of days. It's a little disappointing, but I'm on the alert for when the opportunity arises. Positive thinking! Definitely the way to go.

Much love for now.
xxx

Terribly Tedious Tidbits - All about me!

As a way of revealing a little more about myself to you other lovely bloggers and readers out there, I thought I would provide a few amusing, possibly interesting, facts about myself. When I started thinking about it, I realised that there are none. That's right, none - none that are remotely amusing. This, you might understand, is why I am on a mission to say 'yes' to more things.

So, here you have a few unamusing, uninteresting tidbits about myself (Warning: you may be positively bored by the end of this):

I...

1. was introduced to Yes Man on Christmas Day 2009 (check out www.dannywallace.com)
   
2. fell in love (not literally) with Toby Stephens the day I saw him play Hamlet with the RSC - I subsequently went to see it another three times (here he is as Edward Rochester - BBC's Jane Eyre)
3. love rice - it is my staple diet at university, occasionally I'll make something different
   
4. want to hurl at the smell of sea food - this is no fault of the sea food itself, just my unaccommodating senses and stomach
   
5. love Winnie the Pooh - marvellous old bear; he's very much a 'yes' character too!
   
6. cannot resist Spooks - that is the programme, not the real things. Who does not want to watch a programme with Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Penry-Jones and Richard Armitage? (Well, I'm sure not everyone)
   
7. support Rafael Nadal - I just need to see him live
   
8. love Spain and and things Spain related - the language, paella (more rice!) and dance are all fantastic
9. have never been drunk - I seem to have avoided it so far (I don't mind being tipsy though)
   
10. love split leaps - this might sound strange, but they're one of my favourite things to do in dance
11. have a soft spot for Gossip Girl - it really is a guilty pleasure with my conscience always saying 'you really shouldn't be watching this'
12. share the name of a Beatles song, a Thomas Hardy novel, and Mr. Law - but clearly I'm female
    
13. love panda bears - I am still unable to fathom where this love came from
14. once listened to The Texas Chainsaw Masacre - I couldn't bear watching it!
15. like trees - it's not as weird as it sounds, honestly! I love watching them in places like the Lake District or Yorkshire or Stratford, and taking photos of them
16. like empire line dresses - bring them back please!
17. am fascinated by mythology and legend - the stories are so damn exciting
    
18. love quoting Shakespeare - at times a little too randomly
    
19. would love to dance the Argentine Tango in Argentina
20. think Star Wars is awesome! - I want a Yoda!

So there you go. You all know a little more about me. I'm not sure that's a good thing though!

Much love
xxx

A King for a Day

Today was the day for the beginning of something completely new to me: it involved a crown, some tennis balls, and Shakespeare (no obvious connections). This new (and what I like to term a 'yes' experience) goes back to last year when I signed up for a module (as part of my English Literature degree) called Ceremony and Performance in Shakespearean Drama. Now, I am not someone who has ever wanted to act, in fact the very idea of reading aloud in front of people makes me nervous. My voice tends to go all wobbly, my face goes stupidly red, and my hands shake, along with the book I'm holding. So why, you might very well be asking, did I sign up for this module, which in its very title impies that performance is involved? Well, even whilst I'm not comfortable acting, I love theatre and I have become increasingly interested in how the text translates into performance - in other words, I like the behind-the-scenes bit. So, it was to gain experience in this area that I initially signed up.

In my positive thinking yes mode, it seemed like a brilliant opportunity to be adventurous. Well, adventurous for me. And there I was, offering myself to play the part of Henry V in a short section of the play. Considering I'm short, fairly slim, and female, I probably wasn't the most kingly of people. But there you go. If you can imagine me sitting upon an imaginary throne, with a prop crown on my head, holding a tennis ball (it was the tennis ball scene) and attempting to convincingly speak Henry's lines, then you've got the picture. My hands still shook like crazy with my paper noticeably moving around. It must have been a funny sight, but it was also fun and a totally different experience (especially as I got to chuck the ball across the room - it's not every day you get to do that in a seminar).

I also almost forgot to record my 'yes' moment the other day. Having seen posters in the English department and having been sent an e-mail about it, I have decided to venture into the world of the Long Poem reading group. Yes, that means I will be reading aloud some more, this time Tennyson's In Memoriam and parts of Idylls of the King. All very exciting as Tennyson is marvellous and I love Arthurian legend. Apparently tea and biscuits are involved which makes it all the more exciting.

I'll be venturing off into the wilderness of Friday night nightlife tomorrow/tonight, dressed in fancy dress. I still can't quite work out what the actual theme is, something along the lines of 'French'. Thus, I will be donning blue and white stripes, with a bit of red thrown in the mix. I resisted the beret.

Much love for now
xxx

The Bard and the Yes Country

I had to work my brain very hard tonight, trying to fathom what on earth I had said 'yes' to today. That's what university does to you - leaves your brain incapable of remembering things which aren't related to work. When I finally remembered, I realised it was study related anyway: I answered in the affirmative when invited along to watch the upcoming Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) production of King Lear in Stratford-upon-Avon. How could I not? King Lear is my joint second favourite Shakespeare play, second only to Hamlet. -Yes, I am sad enough to rank Shakespeare plays.- So, even whilst it is study related, it's a not a bad kind of study related, it's bloody marvellous! I think I should calm down - I can get very excited when Shakespeare is involved. My only reservations about this production is that I'm not a great fan of the guy playing the lead, and considering he's on stage for a lot the play it could be an issue. But, with all my positive thinking, I will put my reservations aside.

The play itself is not a very 'yes' kind of play, especially considering one of the most famous lines is: 'Nothing will come of nothing'. It is a tragedy, so it's what you'd expect really. Along with Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet it is one of his most heartrending plays, it's virtually impossible (unless it's a disastrous production) to not feel sad and on the verge of tears by the end. Despite all this, though, the actual experience of going to the theatre and watching a good production (of any play, ballet, even musical) must be considered a 'yes' experience. In my book, it's one of the best experiences in the world.

Just yesterday I was asked if I would like to go to Spain during the summer. I don't think I need to state what my answer was to that. It got me thinking about different countries, specifically countries which give off positive vibes (on the whole). Now, I haven't been outside of Europe, so I'm not the best judge, but of the countries I have visited (and live in - Britain) Spain definitely gains the title of 'the Yes Country'. There always seems to be so much energy and life. I love that the cities come alive at night with all sorts of people (not just drunken youths - not that I want to stereotype too much). I love the dance, I love the language, I love the scenery! All those positive vibes. And what I find truly remarkable is that this energy is present despite the dark past which lies beneath and occasionally rears its head. Truly a wonderful country. It makes me want to smile.

If Spain is my 'Yes Country', what would be yours?

Much love
xxx

4000 Word Essays and Keats Watching

The last couple of days have been pretty busy (a poor explanation for me not having blogged). The return to uni is looming so there has been a bit of rushing around in an attempt to get things ready and packed - I always mean to be organised, but it never works out.

This headless chicken act does not mean neglect of my positive 'yes' moments. I ate a cup cake today, a lemon flavoured cup cake. I rarely eat cake, so this was a bit of a change. It was rather nice, and probably would have been even lovelier had I not just stuffed myself full with two beef burgers (without bread buns - I can't eat that much) and a load of potatoes. I also continued with my tea drinking (with a very small amount of sugar). After my younger brother had made me a cup he tried to catch me out by asking if I'd like to write his 4000 word chemistry project. I said 'yes', of course. In reality, it is not humanly possible, for several reasons: firstly, I will be in a different part of the country; secondly, I remember zilch about chemistry (other than that it was the science I most liked at school, despite having a complete pillock of a teacher); thirdly, - I can't think of a third reason. But I think the first two are valid.

One of the most brilliant things I've done this weekend was going to the cinema with my parents to watch 'Bright Star'. Okay, so it's perhaps not the lightest and brightest film to watch (considering Keats died young in real life I don't think a happy ending was possible), but it is one of those films which makes you realise the greatness of life. It does it in several ways: through the life of Keats himself, Keats's poetry, and the actual sights and sounds throughout the film. It is what I would call a feast for the senses - beautiful butterflies, bluebells, light through windows, the voices of the actors... and so on and so forth. It really is worth watching (if you weep at sad films, have a whole pack of tissues at the ready). But I won't ramble on too much about the film now.

This coming week will be my first back at uni for my second term of my final year. In amongst the mass of work which is already building up, I hope there will be some interesting/exciting opportunities... For now I will revel in my tea drinking.

Much love
xxx

Time for Tea

That's right - time for tea. The first time in approximately ten years. I can hardly believe it's been that long since I last drank it. I'm not even sure of the reason for me not drinking it. I think I just got into the habit of saying 'no'. But today was different. When asked if I would like a cup, I hesitated before realising that this was a brilliant opportunity to say 'yes'. And so I did. I said 'yes'. That wonderful three letter word. And next thing I had a cup of tea placed in front of me. I sipped it - I wasn't too sure about it, so I added a bit of sugar, and......I realised there and then what I'd been missing for so many years! Maybe now I'll become one of those obssessive tea drinkers.

And if saying 'yes' once hadn't been enough, another opportunity arose which I very nearly missed. Thinking I should check what had been going on during the start of the tennis year, I decided to have a peek at the ATP tennis website. Just as I hit enter and the website loaded, there, on the screen, appeared A BOX. Yes, that's right A BOX. A BOX asking me if I could spare a few minutes to answer some questions about my experience on the website. And the most fantastic thing was: there were TWO BUTTONS. One for YES and one for NO. Now, naturally I moved the cursor over the no button, ready to do what I usually would do: click no. But then I stopped, and moved the cursor over the yes. And clicked YES! I actually got excited about this, which may seem very worrying. But it was just such a different experience for me clicking YES, I could not help but be a little excited. The questions, as it turns out, were relatively uninteresting, but still I smiled, knowing I had clicked YES.

Sadly, I then missed a final 'yes' moment. Perhaps it was a good job I missed it too. Out with friends, I went to the bar to get some food and a drink - a glass of coke. The bartender asked me if I would like ice, and considering it was so bloody cold inside the restaurant I automatically said 'no'. My friend kindly pointed out to me what I'd done. I was disappointed, but only mildly so.

Much love

xxx

And Already a Day Without a Yes...

Yes. It is true. I have had no 'yes' moment today. Well, I had one big opportunity which I have yet to respond to. The reason I haven't yet responded is because I remembered that I had already said 'yes' (last night) to a night out whilst Martin is back from the land of Europe. And if I say 'yes' to both there would be a whole number of difficulties.

Sadly, my other possible 'yes' opportunity today has not happened, due to the icy weather causing problems on roads and rail tracks. None of us could make it to the bar very easily, especially considering Ali was stuck on a train for much of the day. So, drinks were not had. But hopefully they will be had tomorrow, or at least before we go back to uni.

Considering how much I am enjoying reading 'Yes Man', I am seriously considering buying and reading other books buy Danny Wallace. Shortly, I will be heading off to read some more of the book, and to laugh a little.

I hold out hope that tomorrow will bring even a small, tiny opportunity for me to say 'yes' to.

Much love
xxx

The First 'Yes' Moments of 2010

New Year's Day: I find it worrying that I can barely remember what I actually did on this day - it wasn't even a week ago. Clearly I did nothing which was significant to write on here.

Saturday: Now, this day had an awesome 'yes' moment. Seeing as I've been writing uni essays for more or less the entire holiday I agreed - with a little reserve at first - to go and watch Cinderella (non-panto version) at Warwick Arts Centre with my parents. It was brilliant! Totally different from seeing a panto or watching Disney - no fairy godmother or Buttons - but both funny and dark. I wasn't expecting toes to be cut off and eyes pulled out, but there you go! Absolutely worthwhile.

Sunday and Monday: When I checked my e-mail on Sunday morning I had received a message from a penfriend (yes I still write letters!) in Brazil who has been on a European tour asking me if I could meet her and her friends and family in London this week. I debated, and then realised I should just say 'yes', which I did. So, Monday, I was off down to London for part of the day. It was both a lovely and slightly bizarre experience. London, I admit, scares the hell out of me. In fact, any big city does (hence why I went to a small city for university, and also why I love Granada so much). It worked out okay, though. Meeting was fine. We took a look in The National Gallery and then headed off to Westminster. Both of those parts of London are beautiful - cold but beautiful with the icy weather. The main difficulty was that my penfriend kept asking me where places were in London and where they might find places to eat nearby - to be honest I had no idea. My knowledge of London is extremely lacking, and my sense of direction is terrible too. So, as you might have guessed I was pretty useless. The other minor barrier was language. My penfriend spoke very good English which was great, but her family and friends (there were five altogether) did not speak much English, and I speak no Portugese at all. We got by fine for the most part though. Had it been Spanish, or even French, I could have made some attempt at communication - that's why learning languages is such a bloody good thing, then I can actually communicate with people. Anyway, overall, it was really nice to meet them all and nice to be in London too, if only briefly.

Tuesday: I had a very cool 'yes' moment yesterday: I drank some Moroccan mint tea! That might sound extremely sad, but it has two reasons for being bloody brilliant. Firstly, it was the experience of actually saying the word 'yes' when my Dad asked me if I wanted some, and secondly, the drink itself was amazing! I had initially said 'no' when Dad asked me, which I fairly speedily reversed when I realised what I'd done. He got out his little Moroccan tea pot-thing and gorgeous little glasses, made the tea, and then we sat and drank some. I then realised what an amazing drink it is - and I am convinced it is what I drank in Granada, which brought lots of lovely memories back.

I have not had any 'yes' moments so far today. Although I'm going out for a few drinks tonight which is a kind of 'yes' in my book :D

Much love
xxx

WELCOME...

...to my 'Diary of a "Yes" Girl'... In no way do I profess this to be an original idea. Reading 'Yes Man' by Danny Wallace, a Christmas present from my older brother, has driven me to do this - I mean start a 'yes' diary. (I am an avid reader of the classics, so reading 'Yes Man' is somewhat of a departure for me). It probably sounds crazy, which it is, really. But it's a good kind of crazy, a positive kind of crazy - the kind of crazy that I need.

I have a habit of saying 'no' to things - not to everything, but often to the little things which probably matter a lot - like going out for a quick drink as a break from work, or trying a new kind of food, or even drinking tea. Yes, tea. I don't drink it. But that's only because I've always said 'no, I don't drink tea' when people ask me if I'd like a cup, not because I don't like it. I have no idea whether or not I like it. I haven't drunk a cup in about ten years!

So, in this 'diary' (I almost typed dairy, which would provide an interesting spin on things) I intend to record the things I say 'yes' to, whether big or small, and my experience of those things. Now clearly, I am unable to say 'yes' to literally everything as I am in my final year of university and work is essential, but I will say 'yes' to what is reasonable and manageable, and, if possible, exciting. And I will especially say 'yes' to things for/in the summer months. One significant 'yes' experience I had last year, which I haven't really thought about as a 'yes' moment until now, was going to Granada, Spain, for two weeks to study Spanish. It turned out to be one of the best experiences I've ever had.

Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions, throw suggestions at me, share your own 'yes' moments/experiences, and tell me what you think about 'Yes Man'. If you haven't already read it, go out and buy it, or borrow it off someone you know. And then read it, of course!

I give you all permission here and now, that if I haven't written for several days, or even a couple of days, do leave a comment and badger me, or e-mail me, or facebook or text (for those of you who actually know me). If I don't have a valid reason, then I have let down my 'yes' diary, and myself, and even the world out there - a lot of things really.