I hope you all had a lovely, fun filled and safe New Year. ♥

This effing snow. I am fed up of it. It was a novelty for a few days, now it's just annoying. We've had snow on the ground for over 2 weeks now, that must be a record for down these parts, normally it lasts 2-3 days and then vanishes. And getting about is a nightmare. Not so much by car/bus, because the roads are pretty reasonable. But walking anywhere is like being on a skating rink, the lack of grit/salt on pedestrian areas is a scandal. And it's to be like this for at least another week! *hides under her warm duvet*

I've made a start on my Christmas books. I've already finished one of them, the diary of Jade Goody's battle against cervical cancer. It changed my opinion of her for the better and I was crying so much by the end that I gave myself a headache. Now I'm on to a much more light hearted one, a story about a city girl who inherits a dog sanctuary from her deceased aunt and how she gets on matching dogs with suitable new owners. I love reading books but am hopeless at choosing them for myself, so it was great to get some new ones as gifts.

I get the distinct feeling that I'm going to get addicted to Celebrity Big Brother, even though the lineup has reached new levels of pathetic. And I think Dancing On Ice starts again in a week or so, YAY. What a hopeless reality TV addict I am.

Now I need to go and make a cup of tea and try not to freeze to death. *turns up heating full blast*

[diagnosis| cold]
[background noise|Do You Mind - Robbie Williams]

LET'S HAVE A FUCKING PARTY, BB'S.

I think this image found on ticcyyy's journal sums up my feelings perfectly.



2009 actually started out quite nicely. Then at the end of April my life was changed forever when I found out my aunt had terminal lung/brain cancer. The following 5 months were the worst thing I've ever been through in my life, I wouldn't wish what my family and I went through on my worst enemy. I still miss her every day and I doubt the hollow ache of losing her will ever fully go away. At the stroke of midnight I'll no doubt shed a few more tears for her and then happily kiss goodbye to the most horrible year I've ever known.

On that note, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for the support you gave me throughout the year, and still continue to give me every day just by being my friend. I've never met any of you but that support means more than I'll ever be able to verbalize, when I was at my lowest points, coming here and reading everyone's kind words and thoughts really gave me a much needed boost. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart and I love you guys. ♥ ♥ ♥

So here's to 2010. May it be a better year, one full of fun and laughter and love, of family and friends and joy and life. Not just for me, but for every single person out there reading this. You all deserve it.

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[diagnosis| relieved]
[background noise|Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Jefferson Starship]

Ugh, pardon my absence recently. I've been battling an awful cold, the main symptoms being a very sore throat and a bad cough, and have just been feeling very drained. I get out of breath easily because it's messing with my asthma. The cough is getting better *knocks on wood* but the rest of it is still annoying me.

Enough of my complaining. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, and that Santa was generous to all. I got some great gifts and spent a lovely few days with my family, it was quiet but very pleasant. We all definitely felt the strangeness of my aunt not being with us, but she was with us in spirit and we wished her Merry Christmas all the same. Now a week of semi-normality before New Year, I'm really looking forward to a fresh start in 2010.

Dragging my tired body off to bed with one of my new books now. Love and hugs to you all. ♥ ♥ ♥

[diagnosis| sick]
[background noise|She's Out Of My Life (Demo) - Michael Jackson]

I have never seen snow like this in my little corner of southern Scotland in my life. It is coming down HEAVY. I look outside and literally see a sea of pure fluffy whiteness everywhere. All bus services have been canceled and as a result of this, there's hardly a free taxi to be had anywhere either. My parents went shopping 4 hours ago and still aren't back yet, mum just called from the car to say the traffic is nose to tail and moving very slowly due to the treacherous conditions on the roads. I am now eternally grateful that I didn't accept the offer to go with them and am here in my warm house instead.

In non-snow related news, I woke up this morning with a sore and scratchy throat and am currently talking with a croak that would put Kermit to shame. I sound like a chain smoker or something. Very attractive - NOT. I hope this disappears before Friday.

[diagnosis| impressed]
[background noise|Meet Me Halfway - Back Eyed Peas]

I was watching a show on some random music channel earlier that was talking about the best songs of 2009, and it got me thinking about mine. So I'm posing the same question to my lovely flist, but with a little twist. Instead of listing a whole bunch of songs, pick your ONE favourite song of the year, one that will always make you think "that was 2009" etc. Just one. And of course comment to this post with your answer, explanations for your choice are entirely optional.

I didn't have to think all that hard about mine - I choose Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.
♥ CLICK HERE FOR THE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING VIDEO ♥

So, over to you flist!

[diagnosis| curious]
[background noise|Bad Romance - Lady Gaga]

"He put his arm around Hermione's shoulders and she put hers around his waist, and they turned in silence and walked away through the snow, past Dumbledore's mother and sister and back toward the dark church and the out-of-sight kissing gate." ♥

Today we put up our tree and decorated the house and everything looks so lovely. It's finally starting to feel like Christmas.

[diagnosis| lethargic]
[background noise|Heartbeat - Scouting For Girls]

If I were to recommend a place in Scotland to anyone, it would be Edinburgh. There's the dungeons and the beautiful castle that sits high above the city for those who like history, the fantastic Princes Street for shopping where I'm sure you could find anything you ever wanted, the Edinburgh Festival which runs through August and September every year, 3 sports stadiums (2 football and 1 rugby) for sports fans, and last but not least some spectacular medieval and Georgian architecture that make it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Oh, and let's not forget the infamous New Year celebrations which attract visitors from all over the world. It's everything you'd imagine Scotland to be, packed in to one city. There are many spectacular places in this country, but in terms of sheer variety and having something for everyone, Edinburgh is the clear winner.

[diagnosis| calm]
[background noise|The Rock Show - Blink 182]

GAGA ON THE X FACTOR TONIGHT - FIERCE BITCH KILLED IT. ♥ I know I have a few major Gaga fans on my flist, so I thought I'd post the video just in case anyone hadn't seen it and wanted to.



That is probably the prettiest I've ever seen her look actually. I was LMAO when Dermot (the host) asked her where she got the bath and she was like "I stole it from Simon Cowell" or something - awesome. Seems like she came over from the States just to perform on the show and nothing else, which was awesome of her. And I LOVED her answer when Dermot asked her what advice she'd give to the semi-finalists, she comes across as a genuinely lovely person. ♥

The other performer was Janet Jackson, who I must also mention because she was pretty fabulous IMO.



The looks, the moves and the mannerisms all screamed Michael to me. Not going to lie, I could have watched her for much longer, I didn't want her performance to end. I'd never really watched her perform before and I was SERIOUSLY impressed.

This week was actually Michael Jackson week on the show, and I have to post Joe McElderry singing She's Out Of My Life, because it was so stripped down and beautiful that I got a lump in my throat. This boy must win the final next week, because he's been consistently brilliant every week and very few people could nail one of the most iconic Jackson songs of all time like he did, even more amazing when you remember that he's only 18.



Seriously - JOE TO WIN. You know it makes sense.

[diagnosis| chipper]
[background noise|She's Out Of My Life - Joe McElderry]

SPOILERS FOR HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS FILMS AHEAD, SO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED, LOOK AWAY NOW!!!!

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Alright, can't say I didn't give you fair warning, but I'll cut the juicy bits just in case. The quote source is here.

( First reason to SQUEE very loudly )

( Second reason to SQUEE very loudly )

It's an article translated from Spanish to English, hence why the grammar is a bit off, just fyi.

DAVID YATES CAN HAVE MY FIRST BORN CHILD, TRUFAX.

Now excuse me while I dance around the room while trying to contain my squeals of joy.

[diagnosis| ecstatic]
[background noise|Just Say Yes - Snow Patrol]

I've had a new love/obsession for a while and earlier I realised I had not posted about it here. So I'm doing that now, whether anyone wants to know about it or not. :P



I absolutely adore Taylor Swift to pieces. I got her Fearless album for my birthday in September and I've been utterly hooked ever since. With most albums there's at least one or two songs that I'm not as keen on as the others and I'll usually skip them, but that's not the case with this album, I love every song equally and can listen to it straight through at least twice without getting bored. And every time I listen I take something new from the album, relate to different parts of the lyrics than I did on previous occasions. I usually have a new favourite song after every listen as well. I'll get around to her self-titled debut album at some point, but right now I'm loving this one too much to play anything different. My favourite album of the year without a doubt.

And it's not just the music, I love her crazy amounts too. For a start she comes across as incredibly humble for a girl of only just approaching 20 who has achieved what she has, the most notable being the youngest ever winner of the CMA Entertainer Of The Year title. She's bright and bubbly and happy and so incredibly cute, her smile makes me smile too. She comes across as a very ordinary and down to earth girl who just happens to successful in a career doing what she loves, she doesn't consider herself any different from anyone else at all. And she really, truly appreciates all of her fans and how much they love her and gives as much love back to them as possible. Like last week she played shows in Manchester and London, and at one point she left the main stage and walked to areas nearer the back of the arenas and sang three songs from there, so the people at the back got to experience the same as those at the front. And as she was walking through the audience she would hug random people as she passed them, I cannot explain how sweet and amazing I find that.

I've already managed to find a favourite quote from her too:

"Fans are my favorite thing in the world. I've never been the type of artist who has that line drawn between their friends and their fans. The line's always been really blurred for me. I'll hang out with them after the show. I'll hang out with them before the show. If I see them in the mall, I'll stand there and talk to them for 10 minutes. I don't care. I'm just a senior in high school who has a better job. Who am I to think I'm better than talking to people?"

♥ ♥ ♥

SO MUCH LOVE, SERIOUSLY. And like Lisa E she reads about herself online and was the unpopular girl who got picked on at school. She has Twitter and her tweets are absolutely adorable. She's been writing her own songs since she was 12 years old. The first thing she did when she turned 18 was register online to vote while still wearing her pajamas. Her favourite food is cheesecake and her favourite subject to write about is love. These are just some of the facts I've learned about her which I find beyond adorable, there are many more. And randomly, her song The Way I Loved You is THE song that reminds me of the current Lucas/Cuddy/House situation on House.

So yeah, love this girl very much. ♥

[diagnosis| relaxed]
[background noise|The Way I Loved You - Taylor Swift]

I had a shit day and am in a fucking horrendous mood. Just want to burst in to tears about everything in general. 2009 has sucked and I want it to be gone right the fuck now.

Please spam me with anything that you think might cheer me up a bit, because my face has forgotten how to smile and I think it needs a reminder.

Hope you're all well. *big hugs and kisses*

I'm going to mope in the corner now. Call me when life has stopped sucking.

[diagnosis| depressed]
[background noise|Love Ain't Here Anymore - Take That]

Dear rain.

Please fuck off now, we've seen quite enough of you.

No love, Cat.

SERIOUSLY. It's done nothing but rain since the start of November. We had flood warnings last week and some places have had a month's worth of rainfall in the space of a few days. RIDICULOUS. I can hear the rain pelting off my window as I type. *sigh*

In other news, getting the swine flu vaccination tomorrow. Bring on the fun. But needles >>> stupid pig flu.

[diagnosis| annoyed]
[background noise|The Best Day - Taylor Swift]

Idea shamelessly stolen from lissie_pissie but with a twist. Instead of things that have pissed you off today, I'm in the mood for you to tell me things that have made you HAPPY today. Because the world always needs more happy!times I think.

Poll #1487678 The poll of happiness <3
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 5

Tell me something that made you happy today.

Tell me another thing.

Go on, tell me one final thing.

Please do comment as well as taking the poll. :D

And random, but I am sadly addicted to I'm A Celebrity..Get Me Out Of Here right now. In particular, watching Katie Price getting covered in gunge and having cockroaches poured down her bra gives me a strange feeling of satisfaction, I am evil. Team Andre FTW.

[diagnosis| awake]
[background noise|Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls]

Is there ANYONE else out there who doesn't like this whole Cuddy/Lucas thing? Because even thinking of them together makes my heart hurt, I absolutely cannot bear the idea of them, I can't even properly describe why but it's just how I feel.

However, I'm starting feel like almost the only person on Earth who has this opinion. Please someone tell me I'm not alone. *gets down on her knees and begs*

I don't like this current angst at all, it's pulling me back down into sad and pessimistic mode. :(

ETA: Just to clarify, I'm aware it's not going to be a permanent thing, but I'm still not going to like it while it's happening.

[diagnosis| morose]
[background noise|Bad Romance - Lady GaGa]

Wow, you know your life is incredibly boring when you don't update for over 2 weeks. But given everything that's gone on this year, I'm quite content to have a boring life these days. Rather that than constant stress and worrying.

I'm fast becoming obsessed with The X Factor. I've watched it every year but this is the first time I've been totally hooked, and it's Jedward's fault. It wasn't until I read this morning's paper that I realised Calvin Harris was the one who jumped onstage with a pineapple during their performance on Saturday, lmao! Loved them on the Sunday show - "We met Queen!"/"The band, not the Queen." Hahaha, bless them, they're just so cute.

I must have set a record for the number of times I've watched a certain scene *wink* from last week's House episode. EPIC, THAT IS ALL. ♥

[diagnosis| bored]
[background noise|You Are Not Alone - Michael Jackson]

Check out what passes for "talent" here in the UK on The X Factor (sort of a British version of American Idol). I present to you Irish twins John and Edward Grimes, also known as The Terrible Twins and most commonly Jedward.



You must watch this for sheer hilarity, I have never seen anything like it in my life. They can't sing, they can't dance and they can't keep time with the music OR each other. They're a walking disaster, yet they're so bad that they're actually also rather brilliant. I find myself looking forward to watching these two every week more than any other act, I just can't wait to see what the hell they'll come out with next. And the public seem to agree, despite being the most talentless of all the acts in a talent competition, these two scored the highest number of votes by a sizeable distance last weekend. They win for sheer entertainment factor, I can't help it, I actually kinda love these guys lmao!

Here are a few other Jedward "classic" performances that I highly recommend for sheer hilarity, particularly the former:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnfs6Gs-Fxg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxyg8Lv6lN4

I should point out that this is in no way the norm for The X Factor and all the other acts this year are actually talented, albeit some more than others. John and Edward are absolutely a one off, they're TV gold! I'm quite sure Louis Walsh must have been high when he put them through to the live shows though. But I watch TV to be entertained and they damn sure entertain me, so rock on Jedward!

[diagnosis| very amused lol]
[background noise|Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon]

"Being an unmarried woman with no children is opening yourself up to judgment. As if I were making a statement! But no man I've been with is "the one who got away". My character on House shares some of these issues typical of women in their 40s who are unmarried: "What do I do next? Why don't I have children?" There is no grand plan. We're individuals. What does being a woman mean? One boyfriend or five, or no boyfriend; have a career; adopt, have a baby, or don't. There's so much mourning that goes on when you don't fit the picture you were handed, so much pain that comes from a false idea of what life looks like. I'm letting go of all the ideas I've been handed of what it means to be a woman. I'm on a different path."

She makes me SO proud to be female and single. People around me who are my age or even younger are moving in together or getting engaged or having babies or are never content to be without a guy, and I often feel that people look at me like I'm a freak because I'm not doing any of those things and have no desire to, they can't understand that I am the way I am and it suits me just fine. There IS all this pressure to fit in to a picture of what people say you "should" be doing with your life, no matter what age you are, and it does indeed make me feel a bit miserable at times because I wish people would back off and stop making me feel bad that I don't fit that picture. But look at Lisa, she's shattering all those expectations and is basically saying "This is my life and I'm perfectly happy with how I am and will do it my way" and that's SO uplifting and inspiring and refreshing, so few women are like that these days and I salute her. Once again, I love her that little bit more still, I can't even explain how much. ♥ ♥ ♥

[diagnosis| mellow]
[background noise|I'll Be - Edwin McCain]

Being alone inside a warm and cozy house on an incredibly rainy Sunday, with all the lights on and your favourite radio station playing in the background, while you lay on your bed in your big fluffy dressing gown and think of nothing in particular. Total and utter relaxation.

And now I'm going to further relax by going for a very hot and soapy shower, using my most favourite lavender scented shower gel. And then get back in to said dressing gown. This is why I love Sundays. ♥

Love to everyone, hope a great weekend was had by one and all. *hugs*

[diagnosis| peaceful]
[background noise|Softly As I Leave You - Michael Buble]

Putting the word out to everyone who has Twitter, Facebook or any other type of blog.

#beatcancer is a popular topic on Twitter right now.

EBay/Paypal and MillerCoors are donating a cent per hashtag (via tweet, Facebook update, or blog post) to cancer research organisations/charities. The campaign is aiming for a Guinness World Record “for the distribution of the largest mass message through social media” in one day.

A cent may not seem like much, but if enough people participate it could end up raising a lot of money. I now support any type of cancer research campaign more than ever, for obvious reasons. So tweet or update with #beatcancer as many times as you can today and help make a difference. Every little bit helps.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend bb's. *hugs* ♥

[diagnosis| contemplative]
[background noise|Fascination - Alphabeat]

I aplogise for being a crappy LJ friend. :( Things have just been really crazy for me right now, but finally everything is starting to settle down and the whole family has pulled together and we're getting through it. When I get online these days I just feel like surfing around and relaxing. However I'm still reading everyone's entries when I can and should be back to normal flisting soon now that things are calming down a bit. I swear I haven't forgotten about you wonderful people. ♥

Random things I just felt like mentioning since there's no real point to this entry:

+ My throat was a little sore when I went to bed last night and when I woke up today it was hard to swallow, it's still tender now. I hope I'm not coming down with something, there's been a nasty virus doing the rounds recently.

+ I was just looking through LJ's virtual Halloween gifts and had to chuckle when I saw Team Vampire and Team Werewolf badges, obviously referring to the whole Edward or Jacob debate in Twilight fandom. Not hard to figure out which side I favour. ;)

+ I totally approve of the name Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie have chosen for their baby girl - Charlotte Grace Prinze. ♥ Beautiful choice, and better still, normal. Congrats to them! I used to be SUCH a BtVS fangirl and I still have the odd poster on my wall. *geek*

+ How bad is Joe Calzaghe on Strictly??? It's like watching a robot trying to dance, bless him, he's such a sweet guy as well. Talking of people with that name, Jo Wood isn't much better (although I thought last night was her best yet). Had to chuckle at Brendan getting stuck into Craig last week, hee.

I'm off to watch The X Factor now, before I come up with even more boring and pointless nonsense. Just wanted to check in and let everyone know I was still around. *hugs*

[diagnosis| listless]
[background noise|Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap]