Life as a Mum and Student; the good, the bad and the downright ugly!

The End is Nigh....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 19:35:00 +0000

So I'm almost at the end of my 4 year university journey. Tomorrow will officially be my last ever lecture at university. I really don't know how I feel about this as I have really mixed emotions. These past 4 years have been a crazy roller coaster, with some major highs and some major lows. However, last Friday, I finally submitted my dissertation! Yaaaayyy! 33,589 words of hell, which caused a lot of blood, sweat and tears but it is finally done and dusted and I can begin to relax (until results time that is!)

So glad this bad boy is finally finished!

It was great to share the glorious moment of freedom from dissertation with my two close friends Jasmen and Karen. We started our journey together 4 years ago so it only seemed fitting to end it with them also. These girls have honestly been my rock throughout university and I don't think I'd have got through half of it if it wasn't for them. They've been there through all my wobbles, stress and craziness and I have definitely made friends for life there!

These last few weeks have been crazy but 3 weeks ago our special little girl got christened, which was a wonderful day spent with close friends and family. It had been a great day to let my hair down and forget about uni for one day. Although it really tired me out planning it and running about on the day, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and had a great day. We managed to get some beautiful pictures of our family and I'm really glad we went ahead with it, even although it was in the middle of the most stressful period of my life!

The weeks that followed were just full of work, work, work with me not seeing my pillow until at least 1am every night. There have been many arguments in the household when stress has just got too much for both myself and Mark and it can take it's toll on the family, but we knew these last weeks would be hard. By the time last week hit I was physically exhausted and wiped out that I didn't think I'd make it to the end of the week. I did though, and after working my butt off I finally finished! The minute I finished it was like a huge weight off my shoulders and I felt instantly relieved. I'm still sitting today thinking of other things I should have included in it, but I need to forget that now and just be happy that it's finished with.

I really cannot believe I have arrived at the moment that my university adventure ends though, it really is the end of an era. I cant believe I'm not going to see Jasmen and Karen each week to have a gossip and a moan but we are all about to start off on our new career paths, onto the next stage of our lives. It's so scary, and even although I'm almost 30 and have two kids, I'm finally just starting to feel like an adult, haha! I've been through so much throughout my time and I really have came out the other end a different but stronger person. I have learned so much both academically and personally and know that having made it through this, having a baby during my studies, that I can make it through anything.

I am so nervous thinking about my new career but I also want to embrace it too. I've worked hard and now it's time to reap the benefits and while I know that developing my career will not be easy, I now have confidence that I can do it.

I'm really looking forward to the summer, spending quality time with the family and making up for all that time lost over the past year especially. It's time to live a little again and enjoy myself before starting my full time job in September.

I'd just like to finish by saying a huge thanks to everyone who has read my blog so far and sent me messages of kindness and support. It really has meant a lot and helped me out in this last final coursework.

Emma xxxx

Sick as a Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:41:00 +0000

What a week it has been! Unfortunately for the last week I have been very ill, yet again. It honestly couldn't be worse at this time of my studies.

I began feeling very ill last Thursday and it just escalated from then and I unfortunately had to take another trip on Easter Sunday to hospital where I was diagnosed with yet another viral infection. I've had ulcers covering my mouth and throat and I've been unable to eat or drink for a few days. This was making me feel so sick, weak and lethargic.

The doctor has told me that I am putting myself under too much stress and I need to start looking after myself a bit better as my body is beginning to burn out because I'm trying to do too much at once, i.e be a final year student, be a mum and work! How is it possible to slow down though? In order for me to get my degree (which my job offer is relying on I might add) then I have to work on my dissertation and coursework!

Over this Easter holiday I had planned to cram in a lot of work for my dissertation, but that just wasn't possible due to my illness. I was literally in bed for 5 days. This has made me so emotional and I think I've cried every day due to the stress I now feel under as I'm way behind in my work with only 3 weeks until the hand in date. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do! That taking it easy I'm supposed to do? Not going to happen!

From a mother's point of view, this illness left me feeling so guilty as I felt that I ruined everyone's Easter and felt terrible for Cerys and Isla-Rose. Cerys was desperate for an Easter Egg hunt on Easter morning (which I almost forgot to do), so I had to try and sort out a quick hunt for her. I felt awful though and really felt it was such a half-hearted effort from myself. Cerys was up at 7am the next Morning to start her hunt and I couldn't even lift my head off the pillow. I literally had to drag myself out of bed and normally I would be filming and taking loads of pictures of the girls but I honestly couldn't find the energy to do anything. I felt so guilty and like a terrible mum that I couldn't put any effort into it.

My wee mini Easter Bunny

I also felt really bad for Mark, he was running around like a headless chicken looking after the girls and looking after me. I really felt like I'd ruined his Easter also. They managed to visit the family on Easter and going by the pictures had lots of fun, while I was stuck in bed, so that made me feel slightly better for them.

Cerys seemed to be having fun on Easter night anyway! Haha!

On Monday, Cerys also had her dancing exams which I wasn't able to attend. This just made me feel even more awful (I'm certainly not going to get the mum of the year award this year!). I had to rely on Mark and the other Mum's at the dancing to help her out, who were all amazing but I just felt terrible that I couldn't support her properly.

My big girl ready for her exams on Monday xx

Getting an illness at any time is horrible, especially when you have kids to look after but this time has just felt extra pressured due to the short time I have left to complete all my uni work. I've really found this past week so tough and again it has made me question why I have put myself through this in the first place. But that's just the negative part of me coming out due to feeling down at the moment.

I'm hoping over the next couple of days I feel better because, oh yeah I forgot to mention, I also have Isla-Rose's christening on Saturday! I'm not organised for it at all as I should have got loads of things for it last weekend but the illness scuppered my plans! Can I just run away now please?! I really am a glutten for punishment. I mean who even thinks that this would be an ideal time in the semester to book a christening for?! I don't know what goes through my head at times. Say a wee prayer for me guys! Lol.

Emma xxxx

A Mother's Work is Never Done

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:02:00 +0000

So it's been a busy few days being a mum and student for me. On Tuesday I was working all day and then had to rush home to get Cerys organised for a Dance Competition she was taking part in which was for all the school's in the district. I had 20 minutes to get in the house, do funky hair and makeup on Cerys and try and shovel some dinner down. Mark was unfortunately away for an overnight stay for work so wasn't there to help. I never even had time to change out my work outfit or even have a wash (how lovely). Mark's dad helped out with lifts which was a lifesaver as I'd have never got to the competition myself without a car!

Ready for her competition!

The competition itself was great and I was really proud of Cerys and her school friends. They came 2nd in the competition which was an amazing achievement and Cerys was so happy to get her medal.

Mummy and Cerys with her medal xx

Isla-Rose's gran watched her this night as we weren't going to get home until 10pm, so that was waaayyy past her bed time. Once I had settled Cerys in bed at 10.30pm that night, I then had to begin studying for a university presentation which I had the next morning. That really was a struggle, trying to apply my brain after a 9hour shift at work and a further 3 hour dance competition! When I was running over my presentation I was talking a load of gobbledygook and just couldn't concentrate. I eventually stopped working on it at 1am and went to bed to try and get some sleep for the next day.

Yesterday morning I had my presentation, I was so nervous and my stomach was flipping so much that I genuinely thought I was going to vomit! I absolutely hate presentations as I hate that "all eyes on you" feeling. I get so self conscious and start to stumble my words. My favourite words are definitely "eh" and "em" when I'm presenting. Bleugh, I just hate it! I got through it though which was good, although I was only allocated 15minutes to talk and I think I talked for 25minutes! Haha.

After my presentation I had to head to work. I really couldn't concentrate the full day though as my head was mush from the presentation and I hadn't slept much the night before. I had to work on an extra hour and felt so guilty as by this point I hadn't seen Isla-Rose for over 24hours. Her granny must have been shattered having her for all that time. She has also been ill again the past few days with heavy cold symptoms, so she's certainly not been in the best of moods the past few days. I had to collect Isla-Rose then pick Cerys up from dance class so I eventually got in at 7pm and I was then tasked with decorating an Easter Bonnet for an Easter Parade Cerys had the next day in school!! OH MY! That was just the end of me.

Seriously?!

In amongst trying to decorate the Easter bonnet, Isla-Rose proceeded to keep climbing on to our coffee table and have a wee dance (check out the vid). Where did I get this girl? Haha!

We've got a climber! from Emma Knox on Vimeo.

It took over 3 hours to complete and I eventually finished it at 10.45pm, once Cerys was in bed I might add!

The finished article

Ready for her Easter Parade

I still had uni work to then try and do but there was no way that was getting completed! My head was bursting and I just wanted my bed. The kids always come first, but it really is hard to try and get any of my own work completed in amongst all these things.

I did get some good news today that I got 82% for my presentation, which was a great wee boost to hear this. There's still loads to do though and only 5 weeks left! So much to do, so little time!

Emma xxxx

Forever Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:49:00 +0000

Being a mum and student means that my social life has pretty much went out the window over the past 4 years. So it was great to have a break away from everything at the weekend to attend the christening of one of my best friends daughter.

Beautiful baby Emily xx

It felt great to let my hair down and catch up with all my friends, some of whom I haven't been out with for well over a year! It was so nice to forget about my dissertation and coursework for a day and I felt relaxed for the first time in ages (the Gin may have helped towards that though!) I think Mark was really happy to see me like this also, as all he sees these days is a complete stress monster.

Me and one of my best friends Paula xx

I have suffered from REALLY terrible hangover's since having Isla-Rose so I rarely drink these days as the thought of a 6am rise with a baby just screams hell to me. But, my wonderful mum stepped in and agreed to keep the kids overnight for me and Mark so that we could join in on the celebrations for once, which went on until the wee small hours!

Some of our gorgeous kids xx

It's times like these that I really cherish as they are few and far between. Since I've been at university, I really feel like I've become a bit of a recluse as I've been so determined that I stay focused and do well in my studies. Obviously this is very important, but I've also realised that it is vital to keep in touch with friends and make the effort to go out. In reality, university only lasts for a short time of your life so you certainly shouldn't sacrifice friendships for it, god some of my friends I've known now for over 26years (how scary is that?!) My friends are fabulous though and realise exactly what I've went through the past 4 years, especially since having Isla-Rose. They are so understanding and don't hold any grudges, I hope!

The drink's certainly gone to our heads!

I was never going to have the typical student life, pubbing it every weekend because I'm a mum and have responsibilities, but am I going to regret not going out just a wee bit more throughout my time? Well who knows? All I know now is, I cannot wait to finish my studies, start earning money and make up for all the lost time with my fabulous friends. There are still plenty more years for many memories to be made and I can't wait to start making them!

Emma xxx

I GOT THE JOB!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:09:00 +0000

So yesterday I went for a Graduate Assessment interview with a company that I've been keen to work with for a while and maybe you can guess from the title, but today I got a phone call to say that I got the job!!!!!!!!

Girls are happy mum got the job!!

Right now I am in such a little bubble, I cannot believe that they gave it to me because, let me tell you, I really did think I bombed it yesterday! I've had a horrendous time since Saturday, as I ended up in hospital due to a bad sinus infection, where the whole left side of my face had swollen up and it felt like someone was continually punching me in the face. It really wasn't good. I was given antibiotics, but couldn't believe this could happen to me 3 days before the most important interview of my life!!

Anyway, when I woke up yesterday I still felt awful but there was no way I was cancelling this interview, it was too important and my family's future depended on this (no pressure then!!)

The Graduate Assessment consisted of 4 parts; firstly I had an hour long competency based interview, which I felt was the most positive part of my day as I had tried to study a number of examples I could give, prior to the interview. However, the last 2 questions were not ones that I could have studied for and didn't have a clue what to answer! I had that sinking feeling in my stomach that from here on in the day was just going to get worse.

Secondly I had 60minutes to read through a scenario which included 4 pages of data which I had to analyse, in order to come to a conclusion. This for me was by far the worst task of the day. Analysis is normally my strength, but the fact I was under so much pressure, and of course still not feeling well, meant that my head really didn't feel like it was taking in any information and I continually doubted myself the whole way throughout it, which was a horrible feeling. My legs were also constantly shaking throughout due to nerves.

This analysis led on to the third part of the day which was a presentation to the panel on my findings from my analysis. Doing the usual Emma thing, I literally opened my mouth and let my words spill out. I was allocated a 15 minute slot and finished my presentation within 5 minutes due to talking so fast! God it felt so horrible! The panel were so nice though and when they asked me questions I began to relax slightly, they really weren't as scary as I thought they would be! I was finished my presentation before any other candidate, so at that moment I felt for sure I had bombed it.

After lunch, the final assessment was a group exercise, where I had to work alongside the other candidates to come to a decision based on a scenario we were given. I did feel this was a good exercise but then I started to over think and didn't know if I was speaking too much or not speaking enough. It's really hard to know what an employer is looking for. I didn't want to appear over bearing but I didn't want them thinking I couldn't hold my own either! So much to think about, no one warns you of this!

Needless to say at the end of this day I was completely drained, emotional and my brain felt like mush. I was so glad that it was over! I can't believe how much you have to go through to try and get a graduate job, but I also do understand that these companies are going to be investing a massive amount in you over 2 years, so it is in their interest to get the best people!

A massive positive of the day however, was meeting the other candidates, there was such a variety of people from different countries and backgrounds and it was so interesting to hear all their stories. Also rather daunting too though as they all seemed way more interesting than myself and far more intellectual! They were a really nice bunch and I had the thought in my head that I wouldn't mind losing out to any of them as they were all lovely!

But the shocker of a phone call came today to say that I had been successful! I burst into tears on the phone, soooo embarrasing, I really need to get myself together haha! This means so much to me and my family though, I had so much riding on this as it's been a tough 4 years which has put all our lives on hold.

I could not be more thankful for this opportunity, it hasn't quite sunk in yet but I am absolutely over the moon! I still have a lot to do over the next few months and don't start until September

Emma xxxx

Happy New Hair Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 19:34:00 +0000

Why do we do this to ourselves?! Haha, not the best selfie!!

The struggles us mums go through to try and remain youthful! So I'm not long back from a 4 hour appointment at the hairdressers, to try and beautify myself a bit for my interview on Tuesday and get rid of those ever increasing grey hairs!

It's 4 hours out the day (and money out my bank) which I can't really afford but since I had roots like a tree, I thought I better go and get it sorted. Better try and make a good first impression I suppose, they do say they always count, don't they? ! I decided to go for a wee ombré number for a change.

I don't ever have time (or money) to pamper myself these days, so even although the usual guilt that I could be doing something else was kicking in, it was nice to be treated like a princess for a few hours.

My new hair xx

Cerys went away to school in her Dorothy outfit this morning, looking great I might add! What an effort those types of mornings are though! I'm used to Cerys just having a quick ponytail in for school but this morning, in true Dorothy style, I had to do French pleats with the ends all curled. Thank god that's not an every day occurrence, too much stress for me thanks very much! I really envy these mums who have time to send their kids out to school like they've just stepped out a salon. I'm forever chasing my tail!

Cerys as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz xx

This weekend will unfortunately have to be dedicated to my presentation next week and of course my interview, so I have my hair all done with no where to go :-( boohoo! Nights out for me are a real thing of the past at the moment due to time and money constraints (AGAIN!) I really can't wait to be able to let my hair down and start getting nights out on the tiles with Mark and my friends again. These past 4 years have been a long slog and I've turned into a hermit while I've been a student. Surely that's the complete opposite of what a student is supposed to be though?!?! I really am not your stereotypical student, but I suppose with kids, no one would expect me to be!

I often wonder what it would have been like to go to uni straight after school before kids and responsibilities, but to be honest I don't think I would have been able to cope and the party lifestyle would have probably swept me up!

I'm glad I waited to be a mature student before going to uni, even although it's been hard because I do have lots of responsibilities, I know that I've been able to apply myself better as I have family to work hard for and plenty of support around me!

Emma xxxx

Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boo!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:53:00 +0000

So, I've not been blogging for the past couple of days as my schedule had been so busy and I really feel like I've been meeting myself coming back!

My Godson Austin xx

We had some great news two nights ago though, my best friend Paula gave birth to this wee handsome man. Meet my GODSON Austin!! Yes I'm saying Godson as I am so honoured to have been asked to be this wee ones Godmother, how lucky am I?!?! Paula asked me the night he was born and of course I accepted! I am absolutely delighted and over the moon about this! Tuesday had been another one of those days where I felt really stressed, anxious and annoyed and I was getting really emotional over things. So when this happened it was like a little ray of sunshine peeking through. Needless to say the waterworks started with me again, only this time it was happy tears! I've turned into such a blubbering wreck since I've had Isla-Rose, I really need to calm down!

Anyway, aside from this great news, I've been running around like a headless chicken trying to get loads of different things organised. Cerys has to dress up in school tomorrow for World Book Day (yes I'm aware it's a week late, but that's a story for a different day!) So between Tuesday and Wednesday I've been trying to organise something for her to wear, which really is a job in itself!

I wish I was one of those mums who can whip something out the wardrobe, stick it under a sewing machine and create a masterpiece, but no, unfortunately the bank card has to come out and shopping on Amazon we go, desperately trying to find something that has next day delivery, because in typical Emma fashion I've left it to the last minute AGAIN! Anyway, due to the wonders of the Internet it has arrived today, yaayy, so Cerys will get to go as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz rather than attempting some creation with a black bin bag lol!

I don't have time for this!

Today I've had to sit and try and make red ruby slippers for Cerys' costume. The actual sparkly red numbers were way too expensive, so I bought a pair of flat red pumps for £7 from New Look and bought red glitter and prit-stick and attempted makeshift shoes. I'd say my attempt was not too bad, and cost less than £10, woohoo!

Before

After

So in between all this I've been working and trying to study. Next week could play a pivotal part in my life as I have an interview on Tuesday which is a full day assessment for a Graduate position. The closer it gets the more my belly aches and I have so much material to study. The following day I also have a presentation on my Honours project so far, which is a 15 minute talk on my progress. This scares the hell out of me as I'm not one for presenting. I'm also worried as I haven't received all my feedback from my primary research yet so I may not have anything to even present on.

I have Cerys' parents evening tonight at school AND it's the last appointment in the whole night, so this is another night we are out the house and my studying is disrupted. It's always the same when I have so much to do!

If only I was a FAIRY Godmother, I'd wave my wand and have it done in a jiffy!

Emma xxxx

Emma and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day(s)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:00:00 +0000

What a strange couple of days it's been. There has certainly been a major mix of emotions over the weekend.

So firstly, I've not been very well over the weekend, suffering from fluey type symptoms. It's been one of those weekends I've felt really sorry for myself and have had many emotional breakdowns. I always feel so emotionally unstable when I'm unwell, lol it's quite funny actually! Mark thinks I'm such a drama queen at times but I really cannot afford to be unwell just now, there's just too much to be done! So Saturday afternoon I spent in my jammies feeling rather sorry for myself, doing dissertation work.

A spinning plate which Cerys made me xx

Yesterday I woke up to a beautiful bunch of flowers and some home made goodies from my 2 girls for Mother's Day. This was fab and made me feel much better getting so much love from my girls. I had a few things to do in the afternoon and rushed around getting them done, thinking that I was beginning to feel better. But oh no, life had other plans ofcourse and all of a sudden I felt so ill again, I took a slump and the flu had hit me again, which felt twice as hard this time!

Beautiful flowers, card and picture from my girls xx

We were going to Mark's mums for dinner but an hour before we went, Mark gave Isla-Rose tomato soup, who subsequently decided to rub her hands in it and get it all over her face, hair and brand new outfit!! So it was stripped, bath and new outfit on, grrr!

Messy monster covered in Tomato Soup!!!!!

We had a quick, but lovely dinner at Mark's mums house and I had to give my apologies and leave. Then it was back home where I was in my bed for 7.30pm! I've got to say, it's been a very long time since I had done that.

To make matters worse, I had a 4 hours assessment in university this morning which I was supposed to have studied hard for over the weekend, but I only managed 2 hours last night when I was in bed and even then I didn't retain any information, my head was thumping and my nose was running like a tap.

Then this morning, Mark only went and put his back out! You really couldn't write this stuff. He literally bent down to pick something up and when he stood back up, craacckkk, his back just went, so now he can hardly move and when he does he looks like John Wayne! So the great help that he normally is, has all but disappeared, poor soul!

After all this, my 4 hour assessment was absolutely horrendous , I really didn't feel like I knew what was going on and all I could think about was my PJs and my bed.

When I finished, I came out to the sad news from my mum that her wee cat, Cleo had to be put to sleep this morning. I was so sad hearing this as we have had the cat since I was 10, so she had been a lifelong family pet! I know how sad my mum is and it's just a horrible thing to happen. Pets are definitely like children in the family. Seriously, could this day be any worse?!

Me with Cleo the Cat when I was 10 xx

On a much more happier, positive note though, I have just had word that my best friend has been taken in to have her baby! I am so glad to be having a new wee addition to our group, so hopefully the baby is born before midnight and we can turn a pretty terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day into a joyful, happy one!

Emma xxxx

Eyes on the Back of Your Head!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 17:40:00 +0000

Baby's on the loose! from Emma Knox on Vimeo.

Mark filmed this wee terror 3 nights ago climbing up on the sofa, on to the window ledge and opening the window! I had been out collecting Cerys from dancing and when he showed me the video on our return. my heart was in my mouth!

Now, it's not that Isla-Rose was in any danger this time as Mark was there the whole time, however it could have been much worse. There is roughly an 8ft drop from that window on to our decking in the garden so she would have certainly seriously hurt herself!

Thinking she's Queen of the Castle!

Today, Isla- Rose fell asleep on the couch and while she was sleeping I went through to fold some washing and tidy up before getting my study material out. The next minute I heard "Dada, Dada, Dada" and realised Isla-Rose had woken up.

That innocent "who me?" face!

When I got to the living-room, imagine my shock when I found her standing on that infamous window ledge!!! Now her new party trick obviously! I honestly got such a fright, and was so thankful that she had shouted. Any longer she could have fell from there and hit the table or floor. Luckily this time we had locked the windows, but the thought of the possibilities of something happening is horrible!

We got a climber!!

It's this stage of childhood which I feel is the most tiresome and hard to concentrate. I was going to say worrying aswell but I reckon the majority of that comes in the teenage years! Isla-Rose hasn't even hit the "terrible twos" stage yet and shes already into everything and causing havoc!

You really do need eyes on the back of your head

Emma xxx

Granny Daycare

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 10:39:00 +0000

So, I couldn't do a blog about being a mum at university without mentioning the people that have played an integral part of my journey. I really could not do everything I do without two very special people; my Mum and Mark's Mum, yip it's the grannies! We really are blessed to have mums who have good health and are able to watch our girls for us.

My mum and her girls xxxx

I would never have been able to do this journey through university if it wasn't for them, it has meant we don't need to pay for childcare and I know my kids are happy when having granny time.

I salute all you parents who need to pay for child care, it's awful that some people can't work because childcare is more money than their earnings are! Isla-Rose was 2 weeks when I went back to uni and these two very special people stood up to the plate and looked after wee bubs for 3 days a week, sometimes more when I had to study at home.

Mark's Mum and wee bubs xxxx

I understand many people don't have the luxury that we have of having two available family members to watch their children and this can be the make it or break it decision for parents thinking of returning to study or even going to work full time. Being at uni, it isn't just the time spent physically at uni, but it's the time required to study out with.

Each module you take at uni states 200 hours of self study is required over a 12 week period, out with your days in university, that's 16.5hours a week per module. Now, you have 3 modules a term so that works out at around 49hours per week for study alone, then there is the physical time you are in uni and of course any part time work you may have, which for me is an additional 17hours. You're really talking in excess of 72 hours per week! And of course not getting paid for any of it! Breaking it down like this has given me the realisation of the effort that is required throughout the time at uni and the time that is spent away from my girls.

This is why my super sitters are so very special to us, I would never have been able to do this journey without them, especially then falling pregnant during my studies. It was a full family decision that had to be made about whether I could return or not. Luckily they were happy to do this and I've been fortunate to be able to carry on my studies.

I really do think all universities should have childcare facilities though, it's not fair that some people could be held back as they don't have the access to babysitters or affordable childcare.

Emma xxxx

World Book Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:28:00 +0000

Isla-Rose starting her Harry Potter obsession young!

Since its World Book Day, I'd thought I'd have a short post about, my favourite pastime; reading.

Unfortunately these days the only books I'm reading are technology textbooks and research material but I cannot wait to have time again to have some me time and do some reading. It's when I feel the most relaxed and can just slip into another wee world for a short time. Right now if I get a chance to read, it's after midnight and I literally get two pages in and I'm snoozing!

Not only am I an avid reader but so is Cerys, who is the biggest Harry Potter fan, just like her mummy. Yip this is a Harry Potter obsessed household! I've read the series 3 times and Cerys, at the age of 9 has finished all 7 books! We were so excited to find out that a new book will be coming out and we are counting down the days until it's release! I love that we have this in common and I'm hoping Isla-Rose is the same when she grows up.

Cerys so excited getting her Harry Potter wand last Christmas!

I'm so happy that Cerys loves reading, in this day and age it can be so hard to keep the kids off of technology. I'm just so glad she would rather still pick up a good book than the iPad! Mind you, the only time Cerys has peace to read is in her bed as Isla-Rose is constantly trying to pull the book from her hands!

I've started reading to Isla-Rose and she is so interested in books already which I'm so happy about as I think it is so important to help their learning.

The only one we need to turn in this household is Mark, he is obsessed with the Harry Potter films but has not yet read any of the books (blasphemy in my eyes!) we'll work our magic on him yet though!

I've promised Cerys that when I graduate and hopefully get a good job that we will save up and go a big family holiday to Florida. Most young kids would be most excited at the prospect of Disneyland, however Cerys is most excited to go to Harry Potter World, and to be honest so is mummy!!

This is a huge dream of our family and once I get a job I will save my wee ass off to get us there!! They've put up with my studies for 4 years so it's the least I could do!

Emma xxxx

Blogging Obsessed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 18:19:00 +0000

Blogging is taking over my life! As I’ve previously mentioned, this blog has been created for my Digital Marketing module at uni, however I do have other coursework that I need to do AND of course the main one, my dissertation.

This blog is only supposed to be a small part of my module but has completely hijacked my life. The extra time I should be spending writing up my research, I’ve taken to tweaking bits of my blog and uploading my posts! It’s obsessive! No one warns you how addictive it can get, constantly checking your number of views and wondering why you haven’t just quite reached the same amount as you did the night before. It’s sad really!

This made me giggle! It's so true!

But then isn’t all social media?! We’ve become a society obsessed with pouring our hearts out on social media, detailing every moment in our life and get unhappy if we don’t get enough likes on our posts! It’s crazy. Or those who give half a story and tell those who comment they’ll “PM” them the other half of the story, oh so infuriating! From what we had for our breakfast, lunch and dinner to filtered, unrealistic selfies, we’ve become a right infatuated bunch! Oh and of course there’s the crazy, obsessive parents like me who just bombard everyone’s newsfeed with their children! Queue the rolling eyes of non-parents. Lol. Social Media makes me procrastinate so much from uni work at times that I keep threatening myself to delete it…..but that never happens!

Cerys is also getting to that age where she's desperate to be on Social Media, but I'm trying to keep her away from that stuff for as long as possible, I want to keep her my wee baby and don't want to risk her seeing things she shouldn't. That scares the hell out of me! I don't know how long that will last though and she's forever seeing mummy on it. She's too innocent for all that palava yet though! Although she is already obsessed at taking selfies and looks good doing it!

There is also the positive side though, the power that Social Media can have is unreal. On Monday afternoon I had around 1000 views on my blog which had been built up over the space of around 3 weeks. On Monday night I shared it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and as I’m posting this I’ve got almost 8,500 views, that’s 7,500 views in just two days! How crazy is that?! And also very heart-warming that people have taken the time to even bother with it. A huge thank you to you!

I’ve found through my time at uni you get the modules you enjoy and the modules you really detest and doing the typical thing, I put my heart and soul into the coursework that I enjoy, like this blog and bury my head in the sand with the ones I hate or that I’m struggling with, like my dissertation! Then sh*t hits the fan and I realise I'm behind with things!

I really need to stop letting this blog and social media take over my life and get my head in the game. Only 7 weeks left!!

Emma xxxx

Shape Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 19:58:00 +0000

I want to get back to this, I want a toned tummy again! This picture was taken nearly 3 years ago, pre baby number 2. I was coming to the end of my first year at uni and life felt like a breeze (even though I remember thinking it was soooo stressful, oh how wrong I was!!)

I remember being able to come home early from uni and fit a run in before picking Cerys up from school, or when Cerys was at her clubs at night time I'd get a run in then. Back then I also had the motivation to do work outs in the house when I couldn't get out running.

10 months after the above picture was taken I fell pregnant with my wee bubs and my body has never felt the same since. I know this is normal and it can take a long time to get back in shape but I'm missing having the time to even try. Now it's rushing home from uni to pick up Isla-Rose and cram in some studying before making dinner, taking and picking Cerys up from dance class, putting Isla-Rose to bed and then cramming in some more studying.

The night before I had Isla-Rose

Me when I was pregnant (excuse the face!!)

After having Isla-Rose, I lost my baby weight pretty quickly which was great and to be honest the weight thing has never been a major issue for me. The issue has always been the toning and shaping that all my exercise done for me.

Since I started my final year especially, I just have not had a minute to even think about a training regime, but I can feel my baby pouch that I had lost, creeping back slowly but surely (thank god for tights in the winter) and my usual jeans are just becoming that wee bit too snug around the butt and thigh area! I've heard ALOT of people can put on weight when they enter their final year at uni because there is simply no time to do anything

I know for a lot of people it isn't important, and it is waaay down the priority list for me at the moment, but not only did exercising make me feel great physically, I felt mentally more prepared and focused. I really am missing this side. And no matter how many times you hear "aww you look great!", I still know where all my extra squishy bits are and which bits jiggle a lot more than they should!

I know now I'll probably never get back to the shape I was in in the top picture but I'm looking forward to graduating and summer coming so that I can get into a routine before I start working full time and it all goes upside down again!

Emma xxxx

Believe in Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 21:07:00 +0000

So tonight I started to finally try and promote my blog which felt really scary and embarrassing! All of a sudden I realised that people I know are going to start reading this and I'm beginning to wish I had blogged about something a little less personal! I start thinking that I'll probably get laughed at and panic that people will think I'm really cringey for doing this. I find I often think like this at different times, seeing the more negative side rather than just embracing the situation.

In lectures I can be scared to shout out an answer incase I'm wrong and feel stupid so I'd prefer not to say anything, even when a lot of the time I knew the correct answer right enough! I'm OK in a smaller setting but when it comes to a large group I can get so embarrassed at times!

I have two interviews coming up over the next three weeks for big companies and rather than embracing that I've even got this far, I talk myself out of it and think the worst "what if they don't like me? "what if I say something really stupid? " I bet I'll embarrass myself in some way". Why don't I think "Emma you'll be great, you've come this far"? It can be really draining sometimes being so hard on myself! I know that I can do things and have accomplished a lot while being at uni the past 4 years but there's still a nagging thing in the back of my mind holding me back!

I really need to start embracing that I've come this far and that actually, yeah I'm doing alright! I've managed to get this far in life so far, doing alright. My grades are good, I'm getting interviews and I have a happy, healthy family, so why not be confident?

Always supporting me xx

Sometimes I think it can be so hard to be confident because there are always people there waiting for you to fall, but on the other hand, I look at the people who are waiting to will you on and want you to do good. Just tonight I posted my blog on Facebook for the first time and although I was embarrassed, the positive feedback I've got from people wishing me well, even those that I don't know, has been amazing! I think we definitely need to promote that positivity more and make people more confident in the decisions they take, whether it's in something as big as an interview or someone who's willing to bare all on Social Media! We need to be good role models for all our children.

Id like to thank everyone who's wished me well tonight, you've given me an extra boost of confidence which I didn't think I had! I really need to start believing in myself, other people can, so why cant I?

Have faith xx

Emma xx

Family Time One - Studying Nil

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 18:30:00 +0000

I've found that through my years at uni, the hardest part is the weekend and choosing whether to study or spend time with the family. It is difficult because in the long term it's a small sacrifice I will have made to better my family but sometimes I feel so guilty if I've not spent enough time with the family and Mark can give me that glaring look as if to say "I will throw that laptop out the window if you don't stop looking at it!"

Being at university can definitely put a strain on your relationship at times as the normal day to day stresses can be heightened as there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything. It can be hard as I know while I'm at uni the house is always that bit messier and quality time spent with the family decreases. I suppose it's about making that extra effort when there is extra time.

Best Friends

Today I chose to spend time with the family, even although I really should be working. It was such a beautiful, sunny day in Scotland today which are so few and far between that I just had to take the opportunity to enjoy it.

We went a lovely drive to Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch, and as you can see from the pictures, it was absolutely beautiful. We ended the day with a lovely fish tea from one of my favourite places, Palombo's Fish and Chip shop in Balloch, which I'm sure has done nothing for the baby belly but oh my it was lovely!

So even although I'm sitting here feeling guilty for not doing the work I could have done today, I know that these are opportunities I can't get back with my family. So, Family Time 1 - Studying 0 today I'm afraid.

Emma xxxx

No More Drama!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 20:17:00 +0000

So yeah, apparently a messy baby is a happy baby, but it certainly doesn't make a happy mummy!

This was the mess that my little monster left for me today! She decided to ransack her big sister's cupboard while I was downstairs doing some university work. I honestly could have cried when I saw it!

This kind of thing is a regular occurrence in this household, however that certainly doesn't make it any easier. I had been trying to spend a wee half hour trying to study but this was totally scuppered when I saw this! Her big sis had supposed to be looking after her but she ended up with the music on dancing. Stress, stress, stress!

My wee messy monster

I also bought this little lady's christening dress today. It's so beautiful and can't wait to see her in it on her big day but that shopping trip wasn't without drama either. I realised when I turned up at the shopping centre that I had forgot her pram so had to carry and occasionally walk with an 18month year old, which, for any of you mum's out there, you will know is a hell on earth experience! Between pulling clothes off the rails and running into every second person, it certainly was eventful. To top it off I had also forgotten the pram bag, so yeah I had no nappies, no wipes, no nothing! By the end of the trip she had a nappy that had swollen to the size of a beach ball and looked like it was about to burst. Needless to say the shopping trip was cut short and homeward bound for us it was! I really don't know where my head was at today!!

Why can't I just have a day without drama?!?! Is this just the life of being a mum? I suppose life would be a bit boring without all the drama, I just ask for a wee bit less sometimes.

Anyway, Saturday night and I'm away to study since I didn't get much done today. See ya!

Emma xxxx

Delightful Dinner to Brutal Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:39:00 +0000

So I've been trying to blog every day since I set this up, to keep the content relevant and up to date. However last night I took some time out and had a lovely meal with the family in a new restaurant called "The Old Plane Tree". It is one of these restaurants which have all their main meals on a 2 for 1 deal, so it was ideal for our wee family. I had this gorgeous calzone pizza and the girls enjoyed their dinner too, as you can see!

I thought the rest of the night was going to be nice and relaxed, however I was wrong.

I had been persuaded (basically torn apart) by my lecturer yesterday to create a more professional looking blog, I decided he was right and uploaded a new template to try and make my blog better looking.

What a disaster it turned out to be though! This blogging millarky certainly isn't straight forward. Big up to all you bloggers out there who do this every day! I'm a computing student and still found the manipulation of the code really hard! When one element of the page looked nice, another looked horribly wrong. It's sooo time consuming.

I thought this Digital Marketing module was going to be ALOT more straight forward than it actually is. Turns out this is taking up more time than my disseration!! Time is definitely my enemy here but I also think I'm slightly obsessive when it comes to uni work. Last night I kept telling Mark, "I'll be done in 2 minutes", fast forward 5 hours later and I was still sitting staring at my screen.

I do this alot, and while it's OK to always strive for perfection, I really need to realise I'm never going to get there! Nothing's ever perfect so I really need to stop being so hard on myself and stop getting so frustrated when things aren't going exactly to plan.

Hope you guys like the layout of my blog so far, it is still a work in progress though!

Emma xxxx

Life as a Mum, Life as Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 20:39:00 +0000

Being a mum completely changes you, your life isn't your own any more, you don't think as you used to, you don't eat like you used to, you don't go out like you used to and your body develops extra squishy bits that were never there before, but honestly.......... I wouldn't change it for the world!

To have these wee creations who are totally dependent on you is a bit mind blowing. Everything you do, they copy, everything you say, they copy so I feel it is so important to be a good role model for my kids.

I remember watching this video that my friend sent to me when I was pregnant with Isla-Rose and it just made so much sense.

Even when my babies were still in my tummy, they were experiencing EVERYTHING that I was experiencing, living and breathing every moment with me. It's amazing to think of the journey they go along before they even come into this world.

My girls are my life. I love Cerys being the age she is as she's starting to develop some independence and be able to think for herself, but isn't too old yet for mummy to still tuck her up in bed at night. Having 8 years between my girls has been a blessing as I now get to re-live all the crazy baby years with Isla-Rose while enjoying Cerys' next stage in life.

Even if I do get moments where I haven't washed my hair in 5 days, have dirty nappies coming out my ears and I'm getting back chat from the bigger one who's independence is just stretching a little too far, it's all worth it.

Being a mum is what I'm meant to be and whilst I am about to graduate and become a "career woman", no matter what, my babies and family will always come first. I can't wait to stand in my graduation gown and be presented with my graduation certificate and look down at those faces and know it's all been worth it!

Emma xxxx

Christening Shenanigans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:52:00 +0000

I must be pretty crazy but we've decided to get this gorgeous girl Christened in 4 weeks time, just 4 weeks before my dissertation is to be handed in!

It's been one of those things that we've been putting off and putting off due to time and money but we've decided to just bite the bullet and do it or we never will! We've chosen April as this is the Easter holidays (Spring Break!!!) and Mark and Cerys are both on holiday then.

Instead of doing a quiet family thing (which in hindsight sounds like heaven), we're hiring a hall and having a party after the service, which consists of a DJ, buffet, face painter to name but a few. I honestly don't know why I do this to myself. I think we felt pressure from family also to have the big party but really it's just getting out of control and the numbers are growing arms and legs! It really is crazy, I mean it's a christening! Not a blinking wedding!

Tonight I've been trying to organise invitations, decorations and the cake whilst trying to attempt to type some of my primary research for my dissertation. Needless to say that has fallen at the waist side! I really need to get my priorities in order, but I have so many priorities now I don't know which is the priority!

So to add to my already long list of stresses, I've piled on a few more just for fun. I know the day will be really good and it will be great to catch up with family and friends but trying to organise this in the midst of my hectic study schedule is just a wee bit mental! If I'm not in an insane asylum before these next two months are through then I will be so shocked!

Emma xxxx

Money, Money, Money

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:54:00 +0000

R.I.P my little black boots, I'll miss you! Yip the zip has burst and it's finally time to throw these wee faithfuls in the bin! I've probably worn these boots every day, through Autumn and Winter for the past two years! That's the thing with being a student, money can be really tight so I've had to learn to just make do.

We bought a lovely house in 2013 which really is a beautiful family home, but with this house came consequences and we knew for the next 3 years we'd be scraping the barrel for money. There is only really one wage coming in to the house and I do get a SAAS loan which has been a lifesaver at times, but this mixed with my part time wages still isn't much when you are a family of four with a large mortgage and many bills to pay.

Out with paying bills, I have two daughters to feed and clothe and activities can cost an absolute fortune at times. I've mentioned before that Cerys goes to dance class. She attends on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday, so it can be a lot of money at times but I wouldn't take this away from her as its a healthy hobby, she has made great friends and I also think she's pretty damn good at it! Cerys helps me so much with Isla-Rose aswell so she is definitely worth it!

I've never really been money orientated, as I grew up with my mum who had not a penny to her name but I have always been adamant that I'd try my hardest to provide a comfortable life for any children I had.

Money through my time at uni has been tough and Mark and I often go without to make sure our girls have what they want but I am looking forward to earning a bit of money when I graduate so I can finally spoil myself!

Emma xxxx

Where does the time go?!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:40:00 +0000

Ok, I know I've already posted today but I've just been browsing through Facebook and the "You have memories" section popped up. This was the status that I had posted four years ago to the exact date!

I honestly cannot believe where the last 4 years have went and can't believe I'm now at the very end of my university journey. Reading this status has made me feel both proud and sad; proud because I can't believe how far I have come in these 4 years but also sad because it really does feel like the end of an era.

I don't often like these Facebook memory posts as most of the time I've found myself saying "why did I ever post that?!?!" but this one tonight really has hit me hard, wow I really have just blinked and 4 years have passed by me!

Time does go by far too fast, you really do have to cherish every second and make sure every moment is made into a memory!

Emma xxxx

It's Pressure Time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 17:07:00 +0000

It's at this time of year that I normally begin to feel the pressure rise slightly in terms of my uni work. I'm just about to enter week 4 of my final term and it's from here on in that the work normally begins to get really tough and time begins to be my worst enemy.

Weeks 1 - 3 are normally more laid back (even although they shouldn't be) and then week 4 hits and suddenly it's panic stations!

Today I've been working on my dissertation for around 7 hours, holed up in my bedroom as it's the quietest room in the house. I haven't showered, I'm sitting in my PJs, I've had a packet of crisps and twix for my lunch and I'm typing my life away like there's no tomorrow - a massive amount of krap I might add! These are the days I get really annoyed and frustrated if I get disturbed, hence the reason for not showering or making a meal! When I'm in this room, I normally keep a good train of thought and get really mad if I get interrupted with anything.

Mark's been doing some DIY in Cerys' room today and my wee superstar Cerys has been entertaining Isla-Rose for me all day. I honestly couldn't do half my work without her, she really is like a second mummy to Isla-Rose. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, but she seems to really enjoy it and the girls have such a close bond, it really is lovely to see.

I need to make these small sacrifices at weekends at the moment just until I get my work completed. I need to shut myself away in order to not be disturbed. I hate doing it but I know it won't last forever.

I think Mark gets a bit peed off about it at times, like today, once he'd finished his DIY he was asking when I'd be finished and looked disappointed when I couldn't give him a time. I told him to take the girls out if he wanted some time out of the house but unfortunately I was unable to go. I'm aware it's rubbish and it really does suck when I can't join in on family time but this is all for the greater good and it just adds more pressure on to me when I see Mark get annoyed.

I know it can be an additional stress on the family just now and that can make me feel awful and guilty at times but then, at the same time I think "No!" The only reason I've put myself under this stress the past few years is for my family, so that I can provide them with a good life and we can live comfortably, an environment I never really had growing up.

8 weeks tomorrow will be my final week at uni, I honestly cannot believe it. I just need to knuckle down and get through these last 2 months and all will be OK!

Emma xxxx

Reflecting on my Journey so Far

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 18:43:00 +0000

In typical Scotland style the rain is pouring down from the heavens today, I honestly don't think I've seen so much rain through the winter than this year, it really has been miserable. On days like this we're normally stuck indoors and I can often find myself reflecting on life. Today I have been thinking about my journey through university and the roller coaster it has been.

It really has been a crazy 3 and a half years so far. Even although I had only just turned 26 when I started, I remember being so anxious as I thought everyone else on my course would be really young and straight out of school and I wouldn't have anything in common with them. I was totally wrong though, the first day I remember telling my now very good friend, that I was 26 and was a mum and she couldn't believe it, she thought I was only 19! This made me smile and still does today. Although I have met many people throughout these years, I have a very close bond with two very special girls, Jasmen and Karen.

These girls have literally been my rock since day one and I honestly couldn't have got through a lot of my time at uni if it wasn't for them! I never in a thousand years thought I would develop such a close bond with anyone while studying, they are definitely friends for a lifetime!

My uni journey has been full of highs and lows, I remember getting my very first set of grades back after my exams and being absolutely over the moon when I found out I had got 3 A's. I honestly never thought that possible! I've been so so lucky to have had these same grades throughout my whole time at uni and remain a straight A student, although must say I have worked bloody hard for it! This can also have it's downside though. With me setting the bar so high from day 1, I've felt that I've had to keep that momentum going, putting myself under a LOT of pressure at times. My friends and family have told me that I don't need to constantly chase these marks, as in the end we all still come out with the same degree but I think it must be the drive and determination in me to prove I can do it. At the end of first year I won an award due to my marks and this was such a great achievement for me, going from having no confidence to this was such a boost for me.

There have been many times I have felt like giving up though. In 2013 I suffered a miscarriage and moved house in the space of 6 months. And while the latter should and was a positive experience, the stress it put me under whilst studying and working was unreal. My emotions have been up and down ever since then and of course I then fell pregnant in early 2014. This was the most joyous news we could have received as myself and Mark were so desperate to give Cerys a wee brother or sister, but the first 12 weeks I was very severely nauseas and sick which affected my concentration during lectures and study time. I didn't think I'd ever get through my exams in May 2014 as my hormones were everywhere but somehow I managed it.

Ofcourse I then had my little Isla-Rose in October 2014. The feeling of leaving her after just two weeks to get back to uni was horrendous and broke my heart but I quickly realised that in order to succeed and do the best for my family, I had to do this! Isla-Rose has had her fair share of illnesses last year which has had an affect on my uni work and attendance at times but the support I have received is second to none and when at times I have felt guilty for not being at uni, my friends have quickly picked me back up.

Although my friends have also not been without their fair share of grief, stress and worries, we seem to have worked as a perfect wee group and our friendship has grown, supporting one another if need be and being able to have a rant when we've been having a bad day. If I can take at least one thing from this experience then it will be the fact that I now have two more very special people in my life. Thanks girls!

Emma xxxx

Working From Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:12:00 +0000

This is what it can look like when your trying to write your dissertation. I have paperwork coming out my ears and really don't know where to start. I really do feel like I am drowning in information! I have research articles, notes, books and folders lying everywhere and it's hard trying to keep them in any order. This picture is from my bed today, a sea of paperwork!

Being overwhelmed is generally the feeling that comes to mind when I think of this final year. It has been a huge step up from third year and it isn't that I'm not capable of doing the work, as I know I am and my grades in the past are proof of this. However, at times I just can't seem to sort the thoughts in my head into a logical order so that I can actually get my work done. Is it still OK to use baby brain as an excuse for this?!! Cerys is 9 and I still say I have never lost it from then, lol. My thoughts can be constantly interrupted when I am trying to work in the house though, either by the kids or by Mark. I know they don't mean it but it's hard for them to understand that I'm trying to get away from my mummy duties when I'm working from home.

I'm lucky enough to have a Friday off at the moment but at times I don't feel like it helps me to get much work done as I don't feel like I can switch off from my mum and household duties.

I seen this photo on Facebook yesterday and it made me laugh, this really is the story of my life right now. I take a break from my work to do the dishes or a bit of hoovering and it can feel like a real achievement but then I turn round and a mountain of mess is awaiting me.

I take my hat off to people who can work from home and can concentrate the full day without being distracted by normal household tasks. I find it sooo hard to switch off and because I often have Isla-Rose to look after I literally can't switch off as she needs my attention.I find the sayings that I normally have on repeat are "No, put that down" or "leave it alone" or worse I end up being distracted and singing along to the Peppa Pig or Mickey House Clubhouse theme tune, lol!

Most of the time she is great and plays away and she does make me laugh so much which is good therapy but at the same time it is difficult to get any work done. The rest of the family then come in after school and there's absolutely no chance of getting any work done then! Oh well, there's always tomorrow!

Emma xxxx

You Shall go to the Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 21:13:00 +0000

It's time to dress shop!! We just got news our graduation ball has finally been booked for June of this year!! I'm not going to lie, this is one of the things that I have been looking forward to ever since first year of uni. I left school when I was in my fifth year so didn't get to my school prom and to be honest 13 years ago they didn't really celebrate it in the way everyone does now, so I am mega excited for our graduation ball!

I'm really excited to celebrate with my two best friends and all the other students I have met in the last 4 years. It's been a hard 4 years with lots of ups and downs so we deserve to all have a great send off, party hard and celebrate all our achievements

It's time to lay all the chocolate and crisps to rest and start clean eating and exercising again. I WILL get rid of this baby pouch and fit into a beautiful ball gown!

Let the dress shopping commence!

Emma xxxx