That one annoying person You will meet

I am talking about that one annoying person you will ever, EVER meet in your life. 

You know that person (or will meet them one day in your life), who simply irritates your very soul, their presence screams at you, so much you want to throw something at them. They are dirt to your white shoes; rain on your picnic and potholes to your car. I hope you get the idea...

This piece is mainly to highlight the annoying characteristics these people possess. Hopefully, it is not just me being a complete grumpy old woman and that some of you have come across these BUMS.

1) They will patronise you. 
Suddenly being a few years older, that automatically makes them wiser, more experienced and thus, smarter than you. You could have a debate/argument, what have you, and they would end it with "you are young still, I'm right, trust me and take it from my experience and knowledge". 

WTF. 

I have met people who have remain stagnate for the past 5 years; life hasn't changed for them. They wake up, eat, work, eat and sleep. They may occasionally take up a hobby but ultimately, they won't 'move' or gain much from this routine. Unless, routines and rituals mean evolving into a mindless machine?

2) Being spiteful. 
In contrast, to their 'maturity' explained above, this person will remember the most, minuscule thing and will do things just to give a taste of their idea of 'your own medicine'.

Example: You invite friends over for some gaming, movie whatever, this leads to sleeping around 2am on a non-work night.This person decides to seek revenge by vacuuming at 7 in the morning.

They've never vacuumed before. 

That person is not being funny, they're just pissed as you messed up their beauty sleep. 

He/she will remember that night and keep it in his/her bank of grudges. When you bring it up the following day, he/she explodes and all those little annoyances he/she remembers pours out.

(This blog was inspired by someone I know. Due to my laziness, lets give that person a sex... a male it is! The least masculine man you would know.)

3) Only gives if he receives. (Oh sounds naughty!)

This person will never offer their seat or tell someone that their phone has slipped out of their pockets.

Why I hear you ask? As previous situations like those, have left him feeling bitter. THEY FORGOT TO SAY "THANK YOU." 

And now, this person will never do anything nice as he won't get a pat on the head. Poor him.

4) Only does the cleaning once a year.

This is more relevant to a housemate but this bum will rarely take the rubbish out or clean the bathroom. Even if he admits those poo stains are his!

The justification for his laziness is...

"proportionately, I only contribute to 10% of the mess in this house, therefore I shouldn't have to do it that often."

That was a genuine response I got once. That one still makes me chuckle a bit. Ish. 

5) Plays Japanese pop songs in the morning. Loudly. Then pops into the shower.

6) Arrogance. That person is full of the stuff.

They claim to be this sensitive person deep inside but really, it is just to pretend they aren't as shallow.

This person will think, that every glance they have gotten is because they were being 'checked out'. That when a girl walks slowly in front of them, it is so they can catch up with them.

Another example, when a girl holds on to a door handle just a little too long, so you, her knight could 'accidentally' touch her hand. 

It's so heart-wrenching romantic.  

7) Lives an expensive lifestyle.
Soon as money rolls in, it's spent. Or perhaps, when promised of a job that will give him a 6 figure salary in half a year's time, that person would rent a city high-rise apartment in anticipation. You will hear all about 'living the dream' in their over-priced box room. Oh the dream indeed.
And when the pounds don't roll in, he continues to live beyond his means until he admits defeat. Oh no but it isn't his fault; his employers lied. Well, you have to be good at your job for a start. A sales position needs sales. 

8) The world owes me and poor me. 
This person likes to blame the world for his misfortunes. They are always the victim.        'WHY MEEE??','WHYYYY?'
There is always a reason for his flaws. 
'My parents never supported me growing up'
'I went to a state school'
'I was never pushed to try'
'I have scars on my chest, so I'm body shy'
Man up? Everyone and anyone can relate to one of those points.
What excuse do you have for being an arse? 

9) Updates Facebook/Twitter status twice a day.
I think one of the reason why I hardly use Fb anymore is because of the constant updates on trivial matters.
This person loves updating their status. Whether it be ' I love Anime' to ' My hand hurts - can't come into work'.
(The latter being because a football slapped his hand...sigh)

10) Only friend is his Mother.
Or his girlfriend is a complete blank who is stuck in their own world. 
Ok, having good relationships with your parents is fine. I am pro that. However, if she spoils you and just smothers you with kind words, and 'its never your fault' advice. Then screw that. Perhaps this annoying person characteristics is all down to their parents? There is some substance to it but hey ho. I can't bitch about their parents now - that'll be crossing the line.

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Gone Girl Review...kind of...not really.

So I was late to the party and only have just read 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. I generally have exam books to read but this book, I couldn't put it down. Took it and read it everywhere with me. EVERYWHERE - tube, lunch and toilet breaks.

The book was a surprise. A shocker. I guess that's why it was on the Top Ten list for ages. 

I'll try and not spoil the ending for those who haven't read it. 

The basis of story is Woman meets Man, Women goes missing, Man is accused. The chapters are split between the diary of the Women(Amy), and from the view of the Man(Nick). 

Now both characters are obnoxious, delusional, arrogant and perhaps, unlikeable. Or so say my friends. I on the other hand, quite like them. Written in first narrative, really gives us an insight into their thoughts and reasons behind their actions.

It's different from the usual plots and normally, you will have a preference; Team Nick or Team Amy. First half of the book, majority will favour Team Amy. However, upon discovering she is a MASSIVE crazy, your flag will turn to Team Nick.

I was on no team until I found out how manipulative she was and was Team Amy from then on. 

The amount of time and focus she possessed. Cant' really say much more but honestly, I wish I had quarter of that determination - I would get so much done!

She had this ( as many therapists will say) 'God Complex'. A puppeteer and she could win over anyone by assuming certain personalities traits. She thought she could predict people's next steps, that she was always one ahead. (Must be so tiring.)

Nick also mentions how there was a period where he felt dead; nothing was real and that people acted in a certain way due to watching TV, movies, books etc. 

That made me think. Who is truly themselves? Do we react to situations because we know how and is it really how we feel? 

Everyone presumingly fits into a box, whether it be 'the cool girl/guy', 'the geek', 'the goth', 'the sport fanatic'. I myself, hate labels. Such a quick lazy generalisation to describe someone...

The ending was hmmm...people that I have spoken to thought it was unsatisfying and 'no justice for XXX'. Personally, I agree. It was lukewarm. I felt Nick was a wet wipe and should grow larger balls. I did say I was Team Amy.

I hear they are making a film from this and Ben Affleck is cast as Nick. I'm just looking forward to seeing how they translate Diary Amy from the real one.

I would definitely recommend for some light reading or if like me, reading on the toilet seat.

( Apologies. I did warn you that it wasn't a review as such, more just me writing...)

Current Fashion Trends that Annoy Me

As most people living in England will know it is bloody hot right now. Travelling the tube to work is unavoidable disgusting. I sweat, drip, curse, melt and add some hay fever and you have me being in a foul mood. However, I was inspired one morning during the rush hour. Looking around the carriages and at the commuters not able to get on to the tube, I realised there are some current fashion trends that simply annoy me. I know it is a trend and thus will pass but ... annoyances are irrational behaviours/thoughts so I'll continue ranting...

(By the way, I am far beyond someone you would call 'stylish', I simply like to point out wearing something similar to your favourite celebrity, will not mean you will look like them!)

1) Shorts on guys. 
Where did this come from?! Most men have skinny legs and to wear shorts just emphasises how slim your legs are. It emasculates them. I don't believe anyone finds it attractive especially if you have a round stomach and cocktail legs. Not a good look.

2) Leggings trousers. 
Why oh why have they become replacements for trousers? Material on leggings are thin so we can see everything! EVERTHING. *Ahem camel toe* 
I can see your bottom move as you walk, I can see your underwear (or lack of), I can see bottom sweat stains, and I can clearly see that your legs and thighs are not toned like athletes. 
This trend is quite old and doesn't look to be disappearing anytime soon. Leggings at gym? Yes. Leggings with your work T-shirt? No. 
Please just end?

3) One button done up on a shirt/ drawstrings on hoodies are tied just at the top.
Idiots. Is that their cape?

4) Wearing no bra.
Now, I personally don't like to see any boob movement. You know when you see someone walk towards you and you notice watermelons bouncing at each step? It is distracting and perhaps means, everything is going to head south a lot sooner. Surely those well-endowed females should know a good fitted bra is vital advice alongside always carrying an umbrella with them.
I am quickly going to move to those females who have chests like an ironing board. I am fine with that. However, if you have large dark obvious nipples - please don't wear white. I counted two females today who rocked this trend. Attention for all the wrong reasons.

5) Crop tops.
Yes, all the shops are selling them and yes, it is hot but stomach exposure? No. It looks okay on some people but on the majority of the female population; it makes you look fat. The rolls that are created when one even sits! Plus, there is an air of arrogance with those that wear crop tops. 

6) Girls that hold their bags on their arm. This freaking annoys me. Celebrities do it. We should all burn OK magazines and the like for encouraging this trend. It looks unnatural to carry with one arm up. It looks painful and you guys take up too much room! 
Surely it must be like, doing weights for an continual period? In a couple years time, we'll see that the general population of females have larger biceps than the left!

7) Thick black rimmed glasses. Yawn. 

8) Flips flops. This is a more personal gripe of mine. I just don't like seeing feet. Those piggy toes. Never been a fan and in this hot weather, everyone has wore them. I apologise in advance, if I accidentally step on them. :)

Strawberries and Creams at Wimbledon

So Wimbledon tennis has arrived again. Means another year has passed since we saw Murray cry. The  final in 2012, between Federer and our only chance, Murray. That match or rather since that match, my personal view of Murray has changed. I only saw him as this moody teen, who constantly looked like he was having an argument with himself. But that intense final (admittedly, I didn't mind who won. It was a good match regardless), when Murray cried when he didn't win that £1million-odd prize, I almost cry. Almost. First time, I felt his pain. I also began to like him.

Being under that huge amount of pressure from the UK public must be terrible. Every year, we have this huge expectation and hope, 'this is Murray's year' and when he fails us, we are such shit losers and supporters; we completely denounce him. The minority will argue that Murray was born in the wrong generation, being up against the best right now and to be even in the final is a huge achievement. Blah blah. The majority want him to give us that win.

This year may be different. He has won the US Open, so any doubt of us thinking he wasn't capable of winning a Grand Slam has gone. So why do I feel he must now win Wimbledon? My hope of him winning is greater then before. Hmm. Just win Murray? Then the UK public will forever be happy. This could be your last win in your career but you will be seen as a legend (most likely eventually knighted). You can see how the honours system works - quite predictable. Also, quite typical; one last win and we will hold that win for the next 50 years. We should strive for continual success but most don't; most hold onto that past happiness which defines them until they die. (Opps, enough about my loser of a housemate!)

What I am a bit confused about is, Wimbledon holds one of the four Grand Slams; it offers the highest prize pot; has all the traditions yet we don't 'produce' enough numbers of good tennis players?? We pin so much hope on a few and yet, I don't hear much on investment into the future players. When Henman retired, I thought that would be it. No more UK representatives. Then Murray came. Yay. Henman and his bad teeth was quickly forgotten and Hill became Murray Mount. But that was 5/6 years ago. We need more. I know I am forgetting becoming a tennis player starts at a ridiculously young age but all we need is more than handful of hopefuls. ( You can clearly see I am a tennis watcher than a player!)

I am watching Robson play right now and I can see the pressure we have piled onto her shoulders. She has already reached her personal best this year so any progress, is an achievement. However, many friends and media have pinned her to win this year. ha ha. My money is on Serena. Even though, I don't particular like her dress sense but she is a beast on the court!

I tried to watch Wimbledon this year by attempting to get some ground admission passes. I queued for 3 hours and I hardly moved. In the end, we decided we would only catch the last hour of play, so skipped to the pub instead. That was a good choice as we managed to see the Federer match. Ugh - the pub was tense as Feds lost. I was clearly Team Federer.

Another question I have for the LTA, why are your staff (those in the green polos) all pretty hot and look like they came from the A&F factory? They have the looks, yet completely lack any personality. I queried to an Liam Hemsworth lookalike, why they didn't give live updates on their website about 'The Queue'. He started blankly at me. Rude. Or either they didn't program him correctly.

One last thing, Wimbledon Tennis (once inside the grounds) need to sell whipped cream. Strawberries and dripped cream isn't good!! How can one eat the cream? By licking the bowl? Classy.

Let me know if any of you manage to watch Wimbledon live at the grounds and do tell me if you see that Liam Helmsworth lookalike. Slap him for me?

So I started running...

My trainers aren't that clean now...

I started this whole running business after my exams (doing some professional exams, just to add to more study time straight after University. Yawn) in December 2012, and have been quite good by my standards. This meant I actually went once a week. This progressed to twice a week. Go me.

Have I lost any weight? Has my body changed? You do assume that from doing no exercise to running averagely 20km (13ish miles) a week will do something to you. Those newspapers and professionals LIED. Wait, my calves have become slightly wider. Completely went the wrong way for me. Even my sister noted I 'looked bigger'!! So in conclusion, running does nothing.

That being said, I have become a tad addicted to a good workout. Your sweaty hair, front, back, bottom and your trainers emitting its own perfume, I love it. I probably look shit but every time I walk back home, I feel more alert, adrenaline is running through me still, I could run more. First time in years, have I felt running could become 'my thing'. I never excelled in sport, although I play Tennis and Badminton occasionally, so to find out that I could outrun (stamina wise) most of the people at my gym is a really good feeling. Makes me all tingly inside. 

I do those annual 10km runs and because, my calves have gotten bigger, I decided to register for the Great North Run this year. This probably will be a bit challenging because training such as running on a treadmill for 2 hours or so, really doesn't appeal. I hope my willpower will be enough to carry me.

Strangely, there is a KFC right next door to the gym. The smell always catches my nose; it's like a greasy cloud of juicy chicken hovering over the gym. You want it but shouldn't. Similarly to the fact you see the hairs on their chicken wings but still eat it.

Anyway, I thought I share a few pointers to those starting to run or interested. Probably not as helpful but hey ho.

- Try to poo before a running session. You heard that right. Poo. There have been a few occasions where I am passed my 5km, and all of a sudden, you need to go toilet. Really badly. It really isn't a pleasant feeling. I just turned 25, you'd think I have good bowel control, but there is a distinct feeling you could crap yourself. But I haven't yet. Why didn't anyone tell me at the start?!
Also, if you are generally constipated, running really encourages you to poo regularly. It helped me. (Sorry, too much information?)

- Do not wear T-shirts. I never understood those people at my gym wearing short sleeves. My armpits need to breathe. I feel restricted in short sleeves. However, don't wear crop tops or just your sports bra. OK, some of you have a good flat stomach but please, don't show it off. It's off-putting and I'll judge you
as a bit of an attention-seeker. Its a gym, not bloody dating club!

- Do not wear makeup. Why would you do that? Does your face not sweat, do you not cry tears of salty goodness? I have seen too many ladies at the gym with their face slapped on. 

- Invest in good pair of trainers. My first cheap pair kept giving me blisters and it never has the time to heal as it is always in socks! Also, don't tie your laces too tightly.

- Don't look at other people's monitors. Most gym-ers do. I feel this should be gym etiquette along with if I am stretching in awkward positions, look away! I am probably in the minority - I just hate people looking at my time, speed or how far I have ran. Focus on your own running! I went yesterday, and this woman eventually stops running, pauses her treadmill and turns to face me and occasionally drinks from her bottle. This went on for about 5 minutes. Awkward for me, less perhaps for her but I still beat you. Ha! 

Even though, running didn't transform my body into that of a goddess, I do enjoy it. It balances out the amount of junk food I eat and somewhat given me a boost of body confidence. Plus, I can't get out of it now - I have my 20km in a few months to look forward to. :/