Yes, we all enjoy a bit of highly concentrated pain, don't we?

I really did just see this on my Facebook News Feed.

In case you're interested...

This is my weheartit page. It's kind of like Tumblr in the way that you can easily share other people's work, but without the hassle that I tried to express in this post.

Even two months after I last had to carry a ridiculously heavy shoulder bag at school, my right shoulder still aches.

It's really quite odd, and it brings the memories flooding back. I find it quite funny how one little thing reminds me of so many aspects of secondary school, Year 11 in particular.

Formal attire is hard to come by

At the moment, most dresses from the high-street fall into one of just two categories: going out (i.e. partying, which supposedly calls for dresses that offer about as much coverage as a medium sized bath towel), or day wear (read: summery numbers, such as flowing maxi dresses, complete with halter-necks and florals).

Evidently, neither of these dress types will satisfy the brief. I imagine that things will get easier

Topshop

Lace sheer zip smock dress, £50

Corsage one shoulder dress, £40

Ruffle shift dress, £40

Anna frill dress by Yuki, £55

This didn't work at all because the images are far too big, but you get the idea. I think this might be indicating that I like frills, ruffles and lace, which I find quite odd as I usually gravitate towards bright colours and patterns. Mind you, it is difficult to find a bright green dress covered in red polka dots that could be considered formal.

A|wear

Ruffle dress, £30

Chiffon layer dress, £45

Cream lace shift dress, £40

Dropped waist lace dress, £45

Brocade tulip dress, £40

Antique lace dress, £35

That's a novelty

This October, for my aunt's 50th birthday, my family and I are going to a rather luxurious hotel (especially compared to what I'm used to - Travelodge et al.), and the dress code - set by my aunt - is strictly formal.

For a female, formal is of course code for a dress, coiffed hair, and maybe some heels if you can walk in them. This will certainly be a new experience for me, considering that I haven't worn anything resembling a dress/skirt for around nine years. I don't know how I'll fare, but there's really no choice.

I thought the dress would be a good place to start, and while I haven't even gotten round to buying the normal clothes that I'm in desperate need of for college, I can always do a bit of online window shopping.

Topshop and A|wear are as far as my shopping ventures have extended as yet, but after a quick browse it seems like they might have some appropriate dresses. I intend to post some of my favourites, but perhaps not all now as I have a sex education programme featuring the comedian who played Little Cook in Big Cook Little Cook to watch.

The downside of the West End

In terms of entertainment, the West End is one of the best places in London. Full of excellent shows to suit just about everyone, even those adverse to anything mildly musical, it's a must-visit if you're in London.

But, alas, as with every aspect of life, the West End must change. A show is lucky if it survives even just a few months there, and apart from the usual Les Miserables/The Lion King/Phantom of the Opera et al., the line-up changes constantly.

I've grown used to these changes, especially as, despite my fondness of musicals, not every show is on my 'must-see' list. Yes, it would be nice to watch Hairspray, Mamma Mia or Legally Blonde, but I wouldn't centre a London trip around this pursuit. Besides, these musicals are all well-known (mainly because of their film versions), so - unless popularity dwindles - they don't seem to be going anywhere soon.

However, as you may be aware of, there's a particular musical that I have a real thing about: Avenue Q. Completely unconventional and full of unrestrained adult fun, it's not naturally adapted to the West End, but in the four and a half years that it's been there the show has seen unexpected and unprecedented success for a musical of its calibre. Few shows can boast such impressive popularity - let alone modern musicals that are hardly tailored to a typical family. Granted, it's perfect for my parents and I, but the perfect 2.3 children family may not appreciate songs such as 'The Internet is for Porn' and 'Everyone's a Little Bit Racist'.

But, sadly, it had to come to an end. Avenue Q recently posted its closing notice, scheduling its end for the 30th of October, with no plans to move to a new theatre. This is reminiscent of its last planned closing - the show originally decided to end last March, but its popularity resulted in an extension at a new location. However, this time it may actually be the end. The final end.

I plan to see the show at least twice more before it closes, especially as Sam and I tried to go last summer but it was cancelled. I'm going to buy the memorabilia, download the entire soundtrack and savour every last moment of my final visits.

Something that worsens the situation is the fact that my second favourite musical (a recent addition), Hair, will also close soon - on the 4th of September, after only a few months on the West End. I'd definitely like to see this again at least once more; maybe I could pack Hair and Avenue Q into one trip! Gari Davies (whose blog I'm a fan of) has an excellent review of Hair here if anyone's interested.

I suppose when I considered what I like so much about both musicals, I realised that it wasn't just the catchy songs or the constant laughs - it's the fact that both make you think, and are still incredibly relevant and important today (despite the fact that one's set in the sixties!)

Perhaps I should be used to the harshness of London by now, but losing your favourite musicals is still difficult.

Update 2 - Something to fill my time (I may not do these on the actual days)

day 01- a recent picture of you and 5 random facts about yourself

day 02- the meaning behind your blog name

day 03- what you did today

day 04- a photo you took

day 05- something you want

day 06- a photo of you from 2008

day 07- a picture of you and someone you love

day 08- short term goals for this month and why

day 09- a place where you would like to go

day 10- a food you could live off

day 11- a youtube video

day 12- something you are scared of

day 13- your celebrity crush

day 14- 10 facts about yourself

day 15- put your player on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- a picture of you taken today

day 17- something you hate

day 18- the last film you saw

day 19- something you love

day 20- a picture that makes you smile

day 21- something that made you laugh

day 22- something you do every day

day 23- the last thing you ate/drank

day 24- whatever tickles you’re fancy

day 25- what i would find in your bag

day 26- your favorite band at the moment

day 27- a collection you have

day 28- a picture of you last year, how have you changed since then?

day 29- what you wore today

day 30- what you see yourself doing in 5 years time

Update 1 - London

I was in London with my father from the 11th to the 13th. In the end, due to a lack of motivation and energy, poor time management and me being sick (I think it was the bi bim bap that I'd eaten earlier), we didn't actually get a lot done.

However, I saw the Skin exhibition at the Wellcome Museum, which was really enjoyable and quite fascinating; I discovered another great restaurant, Giraffe; we went on a speed boat along the River Thames, and of course that was a lot of fun; I finally saw Harrods, and absolutely hated it (never, ever again - I don't like pretension, as we all know).

Oh, and you can't visit London without seeing a show, so we watched Hair, and it was so good (maybe that's a wanton use of italics, but the 'so' needed to be emphasised). Definitely the best musical I've seen since Avenue Q, and I'm tempted to see it again (much like with Avenue Q). So, all in all, the three days in London weren't as packed as they could have been, and the trip was more eventful than I'd expected it would be, but seeing a great musical made it all worth it.

On a final note, I visited 6 coffee shops in three days (three of which were on the last day), and three M&Ss in that time, too. Quite impressive, I'd say.

More Formspring questions

Where's your favorite place to buy clothes?

Well, as you'll know if you read my recent post regarding this matter, I really don't know because I haven't bought clothes for such a long time. At the moment, I'm browsing all the usual places online: Topshop, A-Wear, Zara, River Island etc. but I hate the idea of having a wardrobe composed entirely of pieces that are owned by hundreds of other people. Consequently, I'll be looking in some vintage/retro shops for quirkier, more unique items.

What did you eat for breakfast today?

I didn't have breakfast because I got up at around 11 (I was awake long before this, though)

If you could be on one TV show which one would it be?

Hmmm... I think it would be fun to be interviewed, so any show like that would be interesting. But I'd really enjoy being in a TV show which involved a lot of acting - proper acting; something gritty and challenging.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Evil. I'm not talking about the religious kind, but the type that the world is full of today: murder, war, animal cruelty, rape, abuse, discrimination etc.

What's the worst show on TV?

Sports or soap operas.

If you had to cook dinner for someone tonight, what would you make?

I have very little experience making actual meals, but I'm fine with cakes, so I'd probably just make a really big chocolate cake. Oh, and the lemon drizzle one that my mother and I made for my granddad's 75th birthday was good, too.

If you could go on vacation for the next month with an unlimited budget, where would you go?

I'd probably spend the whole time in various parts of France (and maybe Belgium) to improve my French. I think that one of the best things you can do to become confident in a foreign language is to completely immerse yourself in it, and there's no way you can do that in England.

Randomly generated questions from Formspring

What's the best place near you to get a pizza?

Well, it's not that near (more than 10 minutes away), but Pizza Express is always a good one.

Who's the most talented person you know?

I don't know if I could pick just one person, but I know so many people who are amazing at art (including my two followers) and quite a few who are very musically talented. But, in terms of an all-rounder, I'd probably say Lucy.

If you had to give up one favorite food, what would the most difficult?

Sushi would be sorely missed, but I could probably just about survive. Also, although I don't love crisps as much as I used to, I pretty much eat them on a daily basis so I think it would be difficult without them, especially when I just laze about the house all day and want a mid-afternoon snack.

Who's the smartest person you know?

Again, I know so many clever people (including my two followers), so I couldn't pick just one.

What's the longest you've ever gone without a bath or shower?

I probably managed for a few days without one when I was younger, but now I couldn't bare to go for more than 24 hours without a bath or shower.

How would you describe your personality?

Wow, this is broad. Okay, some words that I would use: reserved, fairly introverted, light-hearted, funny, dedicated, persevering, passionate, argumentative, cynical, somewhat pedantic, kind, empathetic etc.

Would you rather swim in a pool or the ocean?

I love the freedom and tranquillity of swimming in the ocean, but at the same time there are obvious dangers as you have to go quite far from the shore for a decent swimming depth. Also, whenever I feel something on my feet I always think that it's a jellyfish so I end up screaming hysterically. I'm a worrier, so in general I'd rather swim in a pool.

What's your favorite genre of music?

I'm going to be really awkward and say I really have no idea. I couldn't choose just one genre - it depends on the song.

What are you most excited about right now?

I'm trying to get excited about summer and the various things I have coming up; I don't know whether I should be excited about GCSE results day because I have no idea how I performed in my exams; I'm quite excited about starting at sixth-form and I think that excitement will grow if I've achieved my predicted grades in my GCSEs.

What was your worst travel experience?

Well, initially it was quite awful when our flight back from Barcelona got cancelled during our school trip, but we were only delayed for one day and got to stay in a four star hotel so it worked out fine. But aside from that I haven't experience much travel drama, though I do hate travel sickness during long car journeys.

What was the most interesting place you've traveled to?

I think Dublin, Paris and Brussels are my favourites. Barcelona would be one there but I haven't really seen enough of its cultural side to judge, and the heat just puts me off.

Do you believe in angels?

I don't think so. It's a sentimental thought that must be reassuring for some, but I'm not sure about the afterlife yet.

When was the last time you received flowers?

Never!

Where'd you find out about formspring.me?

That website that I've just been complaining about: Tumblr.

If you won a million dollars what would you do with it?

Give some to my family friends, pay for any treatments that Lucy needs to have privately, buy a large house in London, furnish and decorate it, donate generously to charities, save plenty for university, maybe buy a few things for myself with any left over.

If you could be invited to one person's birthday party, whose would it be?

I'm not sure... I've seen on Perez Hilton that Katy Perry has really extravagant birthday parties, so maybe her's.

What video game have you played the most?

The Sims 2 and 3, without doubt. But I've spent many an hour on Super Mario games, too.

What music are you listening to today?

Regina Spektor, of course :) Oh, and I just listened to this song as well. Interesting.

If you could instantly become an expert at one style of dance, what style would you pick?

I think I'd have to pick the classic, ballet. It's a good basis to learn other types of dances as well.

Cats or Dogs?

Cats! But dogs are also lovely, it's just that cats are extra special to me.

If you could only read one magazine for the rest of your life, which would it be?

A French science magazine would be ideal, I suppose. But I do love the intellectual newspaper supplements; I think 'New Review' is my favourite. It makes great bath time reading.

Do you believe in life after death?

Oh, that's odd as I touched on this in the question about angels. I really don't know at the moment, but, on a purely scientific basis, probably not.

If you could master one skill what would it be?

Well, obviously I want to become fluent in French one day, and since I know quite a bit of Spanish I want to speak that fluently, too. I'd like to master many languages. I don't know if it's possible to master other academic subjects like the sciences and Maths, but I want to become as good as I can in all subjects. Aside from that, maybe a musical instrument like the piano.

Who's the most underrated athlete?

Me. I walk up and down the stairs numerous times each day, for the past five years I've been making daily two-minute trips to and from school, and once there I also have to walk metres between classes. It's amazing I don't collapse with exhaustion!

What's your favorite drink?

Water is the ultimate one, but I also enjoy green tea, coconut water, chocolate milk, black coffee, iced coffee drinks and miso soup (if that counts)

What was the worst movie you've ever seen?

Oooh, I have a selection: 'Marley and Me', 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Twilight' to name but a few.

Who's the most overrated actor?

Probably Megan Fox because I don't think she actually does a lot of acting and is mainly admired for her physical beauty.

If you could go back in time 10 years and tell your younger self something, what would it be?

It's going to get a lot better, then a little worse, then a lot better again, then so much worse, then considerably better, then it will deteriorate, then things will be a bit unstable for a while but one day in more than 10 years you might just smile and never do anything to stop yourself doing so.

What would be the best thing about being a vampire?

SPARKLING! No, noooooo. That's one of the camp-est things I've ever heard. Erm, maybe if you really love life it's good that you can live forever... ?

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Fluctuating, incredibly determined.

Who and when was your first kiss?

It hasn't happened.

What's your earliest memory?

Being in Paris aged two. I vividly remember visiting Disneyland and buying two toy Eiffel Towers: a blue one for me and a yellow one for my cousin who was born just as we returned to England.

What one thing are you exceptionally bad at?

Glaring - my eyebrows just won't stay down!

If you could instantly become fluent in another language, which language would you pick?

I'll pick something that I have no experience in, so I can't choose French or Spanish. Probably Japanese.

How would you describe your style?

As yet, un-established, but it will probably be quite eclectic and bright.

Do you believe in God?

No, but I could be swayed by scientific evidence (which kind of defeats the whole point of 'faith')

What would your perfect day look like?

Wake up in a luxury hotel in London with no worries, get ready, eat a French breakfast, visit some museums and art galleries with friends, have lunch at a Japanese restaurant, go shopping, stop for coffee/frozen yoghurt, see Avenue Q, have dinner at a vegetarian restaurant, meander around London, see the men peeing in the outdoor urinals, pass by the club that claims to have 'over 100 international nude dancers', return to said hotel, get ready and sleep.

If you could eliminate one thing you do each day in the bathroom so you never had to do it again, what would it be?

Going to the toilet - it would just save a bit of time each day, and it's not the most pleasant thing, is it?

If you could ask Barack Obama one question what would it be?

Why did you kill that fly during an interview? I know it was annoying you, but could you not just open a window? Doesn't the White House have windows? Oops, that was three.

What do you think is the best way to defeat terrorism?

Perhaps the US could try to establish better relations with some of the Middle Eastern countries first. After that, we'll go from there.

I'm not cool. I already knew this.

Okay, allow me to explain the back-story. I've been experimenting with Tumblr over the past few days because it's invaded my life over the past year or so. I see the point of it - a 'hip, trendy, cool' site; a younger, more glamorous version of Blogspot, perhaps. And, oh, how I've tried to like it. I really, really have.

I set up two different Tumblr sites, one of which has nothing at all posted on it because I simply didn't get that far. Yes, I like the idea of reblogging and the 'like' button certainly makes it to praise others, but I when it comes to blogging I think I'm a traditional kind of person. A site like this will always appeal to me - one standard post format accommodating text, images and videos. If you want a quote, you type it in and format it yourself. Granted, it may not have the striped background for quotes that Tumblr boasts, but it's functional and I can manipulate it in whichever way I please.

Furthermore, to me it seems that Tumblr is only fun once you have a few followers and people start reblogging you. Although it would be nice to have a few more followers on this blog, I don't really feel like I need it because 'Green nails and pink hands' is a personal expression. Plus, I have two great friends reading it so my audience is somewhat established. With Tumblr I feel like I'd be constantly reblogging photos of indulgent cupcakes and thin, beautiful people wearing effortlessly fashionable outfits. Lovely, but nothing very individual or representative of me in particular. If I want to see that kind of content, I have some go-to Tumblrs, namely haylecakes.

So, in short, thanks a lot, Tumblr for making me realise how uncool and traditional I happen to be when it comes to blogging (among other things). You don't need me with your hoards of users. Have a nice internet life; I'll be here after your popularity fades away like a nauseatingly overused slide transition on Powerpoint.

I really like it when...

I listen to a song that I haven't heard for weeks - or maybe even months - and I still know all the words. This has happened frequently since I finished my GCSEs.