Next Please!

After numerous screening processes, I finally reached the Interview stage with Next. I was so excited! Because recently I have been feeling like a little human on a downward spiral to depression. So, when I got the call that I was offered an interview I was happy. I went to the Interview preparation session which helped me prepare for the real thing. On the day of my interview I practiced a few answers and thought up some questions. On the way there, I felt a little nervous. The interview was in two parts, the first was a 1:1 and then a role play. I had the 1:1 and it wasn’t as bad as I imagine, there was a total of 10 of us in a big hall and we all had 15 minutes with the interviewer. My interviewer, Darren, was a friendly guy. I got the impression that my Interviewer was impressed with me as he told me no one had mentioned certain aspects I said. I felt good from what he said. There were some tricky questions that required me to think quickly and today I managed to think quickly and give an accurate answer. After this, we went into the other room for the role play. We first had to talk about ourselves. A little about our background and one thing that was interesting about us. I already had my answer as I knew it was unique and I wasn’t lying. When I said that I customised trainers, the interviewers “oohed”. It was going ok I thought. Then the interviewer told us to pick an object from the back of the room and sell it to them. I didn’t know what to pick but I probably picked up the cheapest object, even though the interviewer had just reminded us that a business is to make money. (I realised this in hindsight) I managed to sell my object to them but I didn’t know how well I did. After the interview, I was confused as I had no idea how I did. I did feel I did well on the 1:1 but I wasn’t too sure for the role play. 

On Friday 17^th June 2011, I received the call. It was the call that told me I was successful in the interview and that I would receive a letter in the post. I was over the moon. I had finally got a job. Even though it wasn’t my ideal job but nevertheless it meant that I could earn money and start to plan my life and future and what I need to do. I was so happy. I am so thankful.

However, they never got back to me after stating that I got the job. Luckily, I found another one so I wasn't bothered. 

NHS Training

DATE Monday 13th June 2011 - Monday 27th June 2011

TIME 10am - 4pm daily

LOCATION Charing Cross Hospital

So I applied for something that suggested that we would get a job after the training with the  NHS in admin in one of their departments providing we passed the training. Now, the case was actually, do the course, you then have to register externally with Brook Street which then they will help you apply for jobs within the NHS but nothing is certain. It was a waste of life but I am glad I didn't quit!

Registration

Just come back from the pre employment registration. I was feeling really wary about it, especially at the start as it wasn't what I had expected it to be. Everyone was so much older than me, expect maybe a few. I wasn't feeling 100% great about it and starting doubting. The registration was supposed to be 1 hour but we finished about 12.10. After, having some time to think, even though I really would want to quit I know that, that would be a mistake. When I was with blue Peter, I hated the first two days but then fell in love with it. So I won't quit before I've given it a chance. The other people seem friendly and I'm just hoping this will lead me to where I hope to be and not a deadline or a waste of time. Hmph... And it's only 2 weeks, well 11 days. I'll have to survive. Somehow.

Day 1


Today was my first day at my pre-employment training session. I was a little dreading it as it wasn't what I had in mind from the application I completed. The Job description was so misleading and I didn't like that aspect. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. I got there in good time. However, I took the wrong turning and got super lost. I ended up rushing and when I finally found my way, I realised the whole class was already in there! But according to my phone, I was just in time. 10.00am. So, we started the day with a brief introductory session by playing a 'game' by asking questions with each other and to shout 'bingo' once you got all the and answers. The game itself was so flawed but it sounded fun, so off we went. After that we went through out booklets - the welcome section. It was just outlining information about what was to come. It didn't sound too bad but neither did it sound exciting. It felt like I was back at school but difference was I didn't really want to be here. We learnt about the history of the NHS and the structure and I participated, and it was actually quite interesting. Just before lunch I told Lynda I had to go to an interview in Tuesday. Initially, she didn't seem too pleased as it was late noticed but as I explained that I only found out recently she said it was ok and not to worry. I'm not sure whether she meant it 100%. But as I wasn't even enjoying the course I couldn't care less at this point. I bought a sandwich from Sainsbury’s and took it back to the room to eat. It was alright. In the afternoon we had someone from the ICHIS information computer hospital information system, explaining about the program. She explained about data protection which made me realise now how important it was back at Blue Peter. As the day drew to an end, I headed to the station. And two other people walked with me, one explained how she felt the information was misleading and that she thought about quitting twice. So it made me think. On my way home I really wanted to quit. My younger sister said she would quit which made me feel like I should. My phones random yes or no said I should and even when I flipped a coin. I was quite certain I didn't want to do it. When my older sister returned, I explained my predicament. She said to stick it out because I already started and it's not even that long. My friends also said stick it out which then completely switched my mind frame. I decided to stick it out. I have an interview tomorrow so I can't go in but on Wednesday I will go in like my life depends on it! I'm going to stay positive. 

Day 4

We had to presentations today and I wasn't nervous much because the lady said it wasn't about the content neither was we going to get marked for it and that it was purely for practice and using our voice. However, as the majority of the class was nervous about it, it made me feel like I should have been too. When I was called up to do the presentation, I felt a little nervous but as I got started it was fine. What I found most surprising was that the louder people in the class had frozen during parts of their presentations! I was shocked, how can that be! Anyway, afterwards the lady had told me, something that no one else has ever told me and it made my day. She said, “I love your voice, I could listen to it every day”. So, it really made me laugh and I ended the day on a high.

Day 10

The last day of the Pre-Employment. Even though I wanted to quit day 1, I have to admit, I am so glad I stuck it out. I made some really good friends and one person in particular who I actually got on really well with. During the first week, I spoke to people but there was no rapport, it was more of a friendly gesture, small talk that kind of thing. But at the second week, I managed to open up and I became comfortable with quite a few people, to the point we would make fun of each other and just being comfortable with them and not needing to think up a conversation. I really enjoyed meeting new people and sharing our stories. The course itself has been a load of ****. I hated learning about common sense most of the time. There has been some (very few) times where the topic was actually interesting, but apart from those few topics, the rest has been a bore. Even though, I won’t know how well or not I’ve done until Monday (Day 11). I can say that if nothing comes out of this (job wise) I did have fun and it was a good break from my depressed routine. I learnt a lot about myself and learnt a lot about what kind of career I do wish to pursue, so hopefully I will take a lot from doing this training. I am thankful for the opportunity and so glad I stuck it out. I don’t think I would have, if it wasn’t for my best friends and my sisters. Thank you. I have been so much happier.

Where the training was held

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth

I arrived promptly for my wisdom teeth extractions at the Nightingale clinic. I wasn’t feeling at all nervous but I was just apprehensive of the effects after the extractions. After a short wait, I was called in. He explained what he was going to do, and pointed at my x-ray whilst doing so. My bottom left wisdom tooth was growing at a 30 degree angle from the gum and it looked worse than what I see in the mirror. I wasn’t panicking but again, just felt that the pain may last longer than the weekend ahead. He told me the tooth was close to the nerve and I could see it was almost, if not touching according to the x-ray. He said, 1/10 it will feel numb for 9months and for 1% of the population it is permanent. Despite reading about this yesterday, with the dentist pointing it out again was a little nerve racking for a second. Then I thought, as if I am that lucky. So I didn’t think any more of it. He then asked if I had any questions, so I asked about speaking wise, he said it would depend and asked whether I was a teacher. I said, no but I had an interview next week. He said it should be ok. So I was slightly more reassured. He said because my tooth was growing at that angle, he will need to drill the middle and pull it from there. He made it sound like a complicated issue. I wasn’t too scared and just thought, let’s get on. I had to rinse my mouth for 60 seconds using this mouthwash thing to aid healing process. I thoroughly rinsed. Afterwards, he lowered my chair and got ready to pierce some injections in my mouth. I didn’t quite know what was happening but I could feel a needle going through my mouth, I wasn’t sure if he was already taking out the teeth! But I soon came to realise that it was just the local anaesthetic. I didn’t realise there was more than one needle. The needle that was to the roof of my mouth was the most painful one. I immediately feel quite tense and water rushed up to my eyes. It was a really sharp pain that wasn’t pleasant. Anyway, he after about 4 needles, he said if I still felt pain he would top it up. I “hmm mmh’ed” but in my head I was thinking, I rather have that pain then the needle pain! Anyway, he started with the bottom tooth, and after a look at it, he said there was no need to drill the middle but just a small drilling and sawing something off. I couldn’t hear him properly but he made it sound like it was less complicated then he thought. This was a relief. So anyways, he drilled and I could see saliva particles sprinkling above and tooth extracts (I think). It was alright, until he stuffed his whole hand in my mouth and started doing something. It was really weird, the fact you know something’s happening yet you can’t feel it at all. His wrist started to press against my glasses and I was thinking, oh dear, don’t break my glasses. Lol after drilling a hole in the tooth, he placed, what seemed like a screwdriver into my mouth and started applying some pressure and my heart started to race mainly because I was thinking, if his hand slips it will hit on my tongue and my mouth. I immediately started to think, I must stay super still! It was quite scary, he then tugged and pulled and off it came. He then started to do the top one, and this tooth didn’t seem to want to come out. The first attempt he I could feel a pulling but without the pain, and it didn’t come out. Then he tried again. During the pulling, it was rather scary because of that feeling of knowing it’s supposed to hurt but you can’t feel anything. It was really bizarre. So, after a really hard pull, it finally came out! I was glad that it finished. The dentist told me it went well and that I should be good for my interview next week. He then told me to bite onto the cotton wool for half an hour so a blood clot will form. He explained some post operative instructions and gave me an additional sheet. It wasn’t too bad. I now just hope there will be no complications after this experience. I got on the bus with a blob in my mouth and was quite conscious I wasn’t drooling as my mouth was still numb. It has been an hour now, so I shall go spit out this cotton wool and look in the mirror to see what’s happening! 

The next day, thankfully my teeth didn't hurt at all! It was a little tender but other than that, it went better than I expected.

50 Things To Do

On the 20th January 2011 - I made a list of 50 things I wish to achieve in my life..

It's in alphabetical order, but it doesn't necessarily mean I have to complete them in that order. Some of the them may be near impossible but I'll try my best. :)

1. Adopt an accent for a day
To attempt to speak in a different accent for 24 hours.

2. Appear in a Film
To appear in a film.

3. Appear on TV
To appear on national television.

Completed on Monday 28th February 2011.

Blue Peter does comic relief flashmob freeze style. 

It was one of the most funniest things I have participated in and was glad and honoured to have taken part, not to mention earning a Blue Peter badge! Absolutely brilliant!       

4. Attend the Olympic Games
To attend an olympic game.
Completed on Saturday 28th July 2012.
The Olympics are in London! And it was the best time for me to get my hands on some tickets! I managed to get tickets to Boxing watching the Men's Bantam and Middle weight fights. I watched 12 bouts and even though the tickets were the cheapest (£20), we had great seats with a great view. It was a lovely atmosphere and everyone cheered on Team GB. It took place at the London Excel. Loved it! I also managed to watch the Paralympics at the Olympic Stadium, which was inspirational. I absolutely loved it!!

5. Celebrate Chinese New Year in China
To be in China/Hong Kong and celebrate the Chinese New Year there.    

6. Climb a mountain      
To climb a mountain and enjoy the views from the top.

Completed on 21st August 2014

I went to Greece with my sisters this summer and we did an island hop where we stayed in Mykonos for a few days. We took a boat out to the Island of Delos and explored the sights there. After the tour, which was actually really good we went off to climb Mount Kynthos. This wasn't a high mountain but it was rocky and there was some dangerous areas and steep. It was a good, fun experience and going down was much harder than going up! Great views of the coast and the island. Amazing! I want to try a higher mountain! 

7. Complete the London Marathon 
To run, walk or crawl the London Marathon and get that medal!     

8. Decide on a career and work towards it      
To decide on a career and work for it because I keep changing my mind.
Completed on 31st October 2012.
Earlier this month, I decided that I wanted to get into Mental Health and make use of my Psychology degree. Today, 31st October 2012, I given the good news that I was successful in the Support Assistant Worker Role which involves working with Mentally ill people who are wanting to live their life independently. I'm going to work extremely hard and I know there will be a lot of new challenges and new situations that I will learn and yes I am a little scared but I am so excited and determinded :D 
On 8th September 2013 I applied for a Support Worker Role and was shortlisted and interviewed. On 13th September 2013, I was told that I got the job! Yay! For floating support with mentally ill individuals. 
In March 2014, I applied for Counselling Psychology PsychD and to my surprised I got it! I was initially told I was on the waiting list and set my heart on to possibly try again next year. But at the end of July I was given an unconditional offer! I was so happy! So back to hard work and waking nights for me! I am so determined to succeed. Three years of solid hard work. I am ready! 

9. Earn a Gold Blue Peter badge    
To earn a Gold Blue Peter badge.

10. Fly a Kite      
To fly a kite, something I've never done and looks quite challenging.

11. Give Blood      
To give blood.
Completed on Wednesday 7th December 2016
What a great experience. I had been meaning to do this for a long time and I finally decided I needed to just book it and go ahead with it. I was feeling a little anxious about it mainly because I know I always have health issues and if anyone was to faint or have some catastrophic incident it would be likely to be me. Luckily, none of that happened. The staff were so lovely and in particularly one nurse who was asking how I was before, during and after and not in an overbearing way. They were so lovely. It felt so good to do it for a good cause and I do hope that it will save lives. Amazing experience.

12. Go on a boat cruise    
To go on a boat cruise.

13. Go on a camping trip      
To go camping.

14. Go on a nature walk      
To go on a nature walk and enjoy the views and nature.

15. Go on a road trip   
To go on a road trip with a group of friends.

16. Go on a safari  
To go on an animal safari.    

17. Go watch a World Cup match      
To watch a world cup match live.

18. Have a favourite joke      
To have a single favourite joke.

19. Hold a panda in my arms      
To hold a panda bear in my arms.

20. Meet David Beckham      
To meet one of my childhood inspirations, Mr Beckham.

21. Overcome a fear      
To overcome a fear.

22. Perform in front of an audience    
To perform in front of an audience of at least 30 people.

23. Ride a rollercoaster at 6 Flags Mountain  
To ride on a rollercoaster at 6 Flags Mountain because I have yet to find something that scares me enough for me to refuse.

24. Ride an elephant* Feed an elephant  
To ride an elephant. 
*When I made this list, I didn't realise what it actually meant to ride an elephant and since learning it was unethical and so horrible for the elephants, I have changed this to feeding an elephant. 
Completed on Monday day 4th December 2017
Going to Phuket to an elephant sanctuary was one of the best experiences ever! I learnt so much about the elephants in Thailand. I really hope people can learn that although it seems fun riding an elephant, the elephants are usually abused in order for them to behave and treated not so good. By riding the elephant you are keeping them in business so I plea, don't be maintaining this - do something else! 
(http://chaptertravel.com/is-it-ethical-to-ride-an-animal-at-all/)

25. Ride in a limo      
To take a ride in a limo.

26. See the northern lights      
To see the northern lights in real life.

27. Sleep in a hammock     
To fall asleep in a hammock.

28. Sleep under the stars      
To sleep under the stars on a clear warm night.

29. Stay on the beach all night    
To stay up on a beach all night.

30. Take a helicopter ride      
To take a helicopter ride.

31. Tell someone I love them    
To tell someone 'I love you' verbally and honestly mean it in that way you can't describe.  

Completed on 9th May 2013.

It was late at night, and we (Nigel B and I) was lying on my bed, snuggling up together with music playing in the background. He said to me 'say something' I knew where this was heading but I couldn't tell him. He then said 'I think I love you' and my heart fluttered. I replied 'I love you too'. We kissed. After he asked me to say it again, I told him 'I love you'. It was such a relief I could finally tell him. I knew from the moment he left for Philippines that I loved him, I just didn't have the nerve to tell him. 

32. Test drive a Ferrari      
To test drive a ferrari or to drive a ferrari.

33. To be earning or paid Per Annum
To earn or be paid per annum, because it means I will be on track with a career plan.

Completed on 22nd November 2012.

I have finally recieved my first paycheck that states I am being paid Per Annum! WooHoo!      

34. Travel to Every Tube Station in London [STARTED: 27th Jan 2011]
To travel to every tube station in London according to the Oct2011 map and to explore the areas, taking a picture of the tube sign when completed.

35. Try jet skiing      
To try jet skiing.

36. Try out surfing      
To try out surfing.

37. Visit Alaska & snowboard    
To visit Alaska and snowboard while there.

38. Visit Australia & Scuba-dive in the Great Barrier Reef      
To visit Australia and scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

39. Visit Canada - Niagara Falls      
To visit Canada and get a picture by the Niagara Falls.

40. Visit Egypt - The Pyramids & ride a camel      
To visit Egypt and get that picture with the pyramids and ride a camel.

41. Visit Florida - Universal Studios      
To visiti Florida and get that picture by the Universal Studios.

42. Visit Japan - eat sushi      
To visit Japan and eat at least a plate of sushi.

43. Visit Las Vegas & gamble      
To visit Las Vegas and place a bet.

44. Visit Los Angeles - Hollywood Sign      
To visit LA and get that picture with the Hollywood Sign.

45. Visit Paris - Eiffel Tower      
To visit Paris and get that picture with the Eiffel Tower.

Completed on 12th February 2014.

The best boyfriend ever took me to Paris for my birthday and we went up to the Eiffel Tower, we went by stairs to the second floor then took the lift to the third floor. Luckily, it was sunny and we managed to get a few good pictures. I had such an amazing time. He is the best! I honestly love him so much.

46. Visit USA - Watch A Baseball & NBA Game
To go to the USA and watch a baseball and NBA game live.      

47. Watch the sunset and sunrise 
To watch the sunset and sunrise together, preferably by the sea.     

48. Win a competition  
To win a competition of any kind.

Completed on 12th May 2011.

I entered the competition in April 2011, I won it in May and claimed the prize in July!

I didn't think I'd win, so I entered and left it and I realised I won a gift voucher of £30 worth of laces. So I have got a mix of colourful and funky laces from Superfatlaces! Awesome!  

49. Win an Award      
To win some kind of award.

50. Win the lottery
To win more than £100 on the lottery will do.