The Inevitable

So just to let you know, I have made the inevitable change from using Blogger to Wordpress. I have enjoyed using this hosting website but it was only ever a platform for starting my blog and I feel like the time is right to make the change. Having said that, I'm still in the teething stages over on Wordpress so you will just have to bear with! (Miranda reference intentional!)

Any advice concerning the formatting would be appreciated - I have had a small amount of experience with Wordpress in the past but that was while I was away on exchange in the US last year so getting my bearings again is taking a little while

HOWEVER - the fun bit! - I have a couple upcoming exciting posts regarding Hogwarts letters and The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour which I absolutely promise to get up on Wordpress in the next couple weeks. My third and final year of university has started and I'm doing not one, but TWO dissertations (thesis for those of you beyond the UK) so I'm really rather inundated with work at the moment!

If you'd like to navigate yourself to my new blog and see how things are set up, here is the link. I'm aware the images on the homepage are a little nauseating at the moment but I'm working on it...


Ciao for now,
Carrskid
Rowling's Apprentice

What do you do when even McDonalds won't hire you?

So we're all familiar with the newbie's job experience paradox - can't get the job to get experience because we can't get experience to get the job - and even with various bouts of voluntary work, they just somehow don't seem to help you either.

I'm precisely two months away from starting the third year of my degree and I haven't been hired for anything - and I mean... anything. I got my A levels straight after finishing school and then proceeded onto university like they advise you to do and so at the age of 20 the only experience I have is how to listen, take notes, and with a bit of brain juice, regurgitate the ever-so fascinating wonders of the American dream, postmodernism and narrative techniques in a whole host of books that arguably, most people have either read because like me, they're literature students or have read them because the rest of humanity seems to have read a page of (insert classic title here) - and given up. So it's a little disheartening when summer comes around and everyone I know appears to be working the summer months away, steadily saving up those pennies to blow on alcohol and overly-greasy kebabs in the next 10 or so months - and I, like everyone else, has distributed countless CVs to nearly every establishment out there for quite literally the last 4 years and still fail to get results. And yes, I have applied to McDonalds multiple times and do not satisfy the curriculum of asking "what can I get you" whilst apparently seeming gormless in all other aspects of life itself.

On my previous post I mentioned I was thinking about my career options and not really knowing which route to take. I can happily say I've at least sorted that little nugget out after looking at what I am naturally comfortable doing... and you're looking at it. I can rant when I want to, but I can also be unbiased too. I've spent the last 4 years writing essays to argue both sides of an opinion and feel like I'd be best suited to an opinion writer role. However, I also edit any piece of writing that is put in front of me and automatically correct errors - I just need to learn to do this with my own words and I'd be good to go in starting up my own business! - but until then, I'd much appreciate an entry job into the industry. Preferably starting next July after I have graduated, but before the panic about life after education sets in...

However, the paradox points out one tinsy (but actually massive) flaw. Unless you inherit money or win the lottery, after 3 years at university with quite the hefty debt to our names, having not had a job (ever) increases the financial woes of someone who would enthusiastically relocate for their career as soon as they've taken off that cap and gown! This is my very own issue. I know full well that a career in editing and publishing will require my relocating from the not-so-sunny-or-prospective town of Scunthorpe, into a city - preferably London - and I would do so as soon as the opportunity arose, so long as I wouldn't be homeless whilst doing it. For the time being, I'd happy work for a smaller company to start my path but again, it's getting that foot in the door that appears to be the issue.

My advice: In some cases, if you're just desperate to get money and not so bothered about building a specific career it's best to just look at what comes naturally to you. For example, if you enjoy spending weeks on end playing video games, become a games tester. If you like eating food, become a food critic. There is no point applying for jobs that you're clearly not interested in and the company can tell you're only there to get your hands on their money - unless you're happy to stick to it of course. They want people to care about the work and if you don't, they'll have at least another 20 applications of people that have always wanted to stock shelves or pull a pint while you see that as a "little"job.

My personal next steps are to apply for work experience in every publishing establishment that will listen. Sure, like everyone else I'd like to have one of those "jobs just to get by" and save money, but the fact and the matter is, they know I'll be moving on to bigger things pretty soon (hopefully!) and I wouldn't be studying for a degree if my career plan involved being a store assistant at Asda for the rest of my days but right now, getting an employer's attention is the main priority!

So when all the possible means of attack have been explored and it quite honestly feels like you're attempting - and failing - to swim upstream of the employment river, what do you do? Is it finally acceptable and time to shout from the rooftops "Someone, anyone, please just hire me!?" - apparently not, but it would be effective in releasing some of that frustration I'm sure! Or alternatively look to Adam Pacitti for inspiration. It took guts but I can understand his thinking behind it completely!

*I would like to disclaim here that I do not have anything against McDonalds, Asda or the people they employ, they're purely just the lucky establishments chosen to prove my point*

Missing in Action

Hey there... remember me...?

So I think I've a smidgen of absence explaining to do. I led you right to the cusp of my San Diego experience, aaaaaand then left you hanging. I apologise for that but you'll get details of the whole four months over time - I genuinely and so solemnly promise so.

It has been one big mash up of 10 months that has very literally changed my entire life as I knew it, and no, I'm not exaggerating just to keep you entertained. I think I speak for a lot of people I know when I say my 2012 was far too good to be true - A holiday with my girls in Zante, getting the opportunity to study abroad in San Diego but to name two of the resonating factors... (plus surviving the 2012 apocalypse of which is an achievement I'm personally very proud of!) and I was absolutely correct. Needless to say my 2013 hasn't been going too sunny. They say the number 13 is bad luck, but they never said that applied to variations too!

The beginning of the year actually wasn't so bad - I spent the midnight countdown in some club (who knows?!) in Leamington Spa and shortly after - like 30 minutes - promptly being escorted back through town to my friend's house to sleep the rest of the morning away. I know, I'm wild.

Life resumed at Keele like I'd never actually been away and San Diego very much became a distant memory. Yadda yadda.

Easter - Possibly the worst holiday I've had yet. I'd spent my whole time at uni making sure I got all my work done and submitted so I could go home for the easter weekend. Only for my life to completely explode (momentarily) 3 days later. It's all a bit of a blur and I'll spare unnecessarily intricate and private details but on easter sunday my dad passed away at the age of 54. This is the first time I've written anything about it and it might well be the last. This quite literally shook my entire family and friends to the core but without their support, I don't think we'd be doing as well as we are now. We're a strong clan and this has undoubtedly brought us a lot closer together and that's at least one thing I can't blame 2013's bad luck on! The way I see it though, things can only get better from that - and they have been. To say it's only been 3 months without him is bizarre. On the one side it's felt like an eternity, but on the other... I miss him every single day.

I'm currently on my summer break from university (a typically British rainy and very sporadically sunny 4 months might I say!) and next year is my final year - eek! So I'm spending my days researching possible plans of action ready for this time next year. I know how fast it's going to swing round so it's starting to get to panic stage and since my usual guide on these matters is otherwise indisposed... (I've got to joke in these situations!) I'm very much going on my own gut feelings. I'm obviously asking opinions from others but it's not quite the wizened talks I'm used to and therefore seeking out.

My options so far consist of:

• Graduate Diploma in Law - I have an A Level in it and enjoyed it - job security 
• TEFL - Job security - I want to see more of the world - I'm English...
• Production - I'm both creative AND academic - I've always been interested in media
• Journalism - Only if I have a secure column somewhere giving out my opinion. 
• Publishing - I took a class in the States and enjoyed it - Contacts! - I'm writing this on a blog..!

Basically, I don't have a clue. What I'd really like is some form of current employment to help pay for food next year but that's Britain for you! Unemployment woes for students, studying to enter a less than healthy job market - but such is life etceteras. I'm studying for my degree - If I can write pretty much endlessly on Fitzgerald's repeated use of the American Dream (possible dissertation topic?) I'm pretty sure I can learn to pull a pint or ask someone what food they'd like to order. For now I'll carry on volunteering. 

For now,

A somewhat deflated - but still a bit cheery! - Carrskid,

Rowling's Apprentice.

Sober Chanting, Bigotry and Smooth Flying.

So I've finally grabbed myself a few minutes of time to update you all on how life is going/how my first week has been in the States.

Surprisingly, my flight went with zero hitches what so ever. Immigration was quicker than anticipated and arriving at my hotel in San Diego's Little Italy was as smooth as butter. Until I went to bed and my body clock decided to be jet lagged. But that subsided within my time spent at the hotel. Which, was pleasantly decent, which is more than can be said for Little Italy itself. If you just want somewhere to go eat, it's perfect. When you're alone, know absolutely no one or what to do, it's not that great a place. BUT, I did get my very first experience of frozen yogurt whilst waiting for the other Keelites to arrive.

Getting to SDSU was as equally smooth, just a bit of a ball-ache with my 4 bags, but I did it (with the help of Matthew) and arrived at my new "pad" at VA, number 25D.

So I arrive, only to find I was the first one there. Luckily for me that meant choosing the biggest room with the best bed. So all's well there. This is my side;

So then I knew it was too good to be true. It could NOT be that easy. Upon arrival I noticed the fridge/freezer were warm inside and obviously not working, nor was there a 'cool' setting on the thermostat, so after a couple hours of heaving 4 suitcases to our apartment, the concept of no AC wasn't a welcome one. Naturally I went and checked out everyone elses living quarters and various housemates. I came back late at night to the realise the shower also didn't work. Luckily, our apartment fairy fixed all three things within around 2 days.

To say my week was busy is an understatement. After various welcome lectures and many trips to target, dinners out with the Brits and a couple evenings attempting and failing to party hunt on campus, my feet were the most hated part of myself and I have a feeling it was mutual! I've experienced the delights of one of the most famous zoos in the world and I have also taken a little tour of one of the most expensive areas in CA. (Second to Beverly Hills obv.) I've attended a pep rally, my offical induction to the school so I am now an offical Aztec student (after reciting the declaration infront of a million people. By recite, I obviously mean mumble 2 words and mouth the rest) I've also just returned from my very first American class and loved it. 

Now I've been here a week, the one thing that sticks out to me most of all so far is... EVERY SINGLE stereotype you've EVER heard about california... is TRUE. The Greek system is full of jerks and bitches. If you're not pretty and stick thin, you're not invited to join teams (in this case it was dance but whatever, the principle is the same.) Everyone is clad in either shorts & t-shirts, or the SDSU clothing found in the campus shop. You are absolutely 100% expected to go "cray-cray" and join in with the school "fight song" (really it's just a chant that makes you want to die a thousand torturous deaths. For us Brits anyway!) along with joining in games at mixers and pep rallys. And you're expected to do all of this STONE. COLD. SOBER. yeah. 

So far, the focus of everyone has been to either hook up, hook people up, or party. Not one jot about studying. Not even from most of the academic staff. So it's easy to see why SDSU has been given it's reputation for parties rather than good academic standing, but apparently the academic side is growing. We'll see. Needless to say, I didn't want to believe life here would be so stereotypical, but it was certainly a culture shock. I wouldn't mind so much if the people were friendly. Spending 4 months walking on campus to only get glares and attitude filled responses wasn't my idea of fun for this experience, but I've never been one to let dogs lie when it comes to attitude and unnecessary bigotry. 

The internationals all seem lovely enough regardless of the americans. Obviously not EVERY american is as dimwitted and self centred but I know who I'm making friends with. I already feel like I've been here a month, but life is bound to pick up again now. It has been boiling every day, until about 8pm when the sun sets and all heat vanishes. Not such a silly idea to have packed my jeans and hoodie now is it? No.

For now,

A slow start for Carrskid,

Rowling's Apprentice.

It's the Final Countdown! (Der-der der, der...)

I now have exactly uno week left in the comfort of the UK. (Give or take a few hours) I have started to get the same question repeatedly by every member of both my family and my friendship group...

"When the f*ck will you p*ss off already?!?!" HA. I joke. It's become a regular occurance within my daily conversations to ask "are you nervous?" "Are you ready to go?" "How are you feeling about it now?" and quite honestly, I can say it STILL hasn't hit me. In my mind I've still got months left before it arrives. And then I realise in a few short days packed full of last minute flying visits from family members and get togethers, I'll be boarding my 12 hour plane journey, ready to take on San Diego alone.

Safe to say, f*ck yeah I'm scared!!

I've spent the last week run off my feet getting the last few professional arrangements concreted, amongst organising to see those people I value most. Last night I finally sat and sorted through my things and finally, the proper excitement has begun to kick in. Better late than never. (Not to say that I haven't been excited all this time of course! But now it's becoming REAL.)

As expected, I'm determined to make the most of my 4 months in California extremely worth while and will be taking every possible opportunity thrown at me. (within budget) My university has very kindly awarded me with a £200 bursary to help me along my way. This works out at about $313. I plan to use this money to take a trip to Las Vegas and experience the incredible sights of the Grand Canyon, something which I have dreamt of doing for years for a number of reasons.

I'm sure you'll have guessed by now I'll be blogging alot more (by popular demand by a couple of my close friends!!) to keep track both for myself, and everyone back home, on what I'm doing out there so I have a way of sharing my experiences. Watch this space!

For now,
A VERY organised and slightly excited Carrskid,
Rowling's Apprentice.

One Day I'll Fly Away

How-do Guys & Gals.

It has been an unacceptable lengthy period of continuum I know, but life happens. I went on holiday and what not.

The time has come and gone. June 21st marked the study abroad confirmation day. This basically meant everyone who's signed up to the programme spent the ENTIRE day (actually, 9-5) waiting anxiously to not get a phone call. If we were in receipt of a phone call, that meant the world had ended along with various other apocalyptic metaphors. (ZOMBIES ROAMING THE EARTH - But I won't get into Florida's drug problem here :)

So, I'm sure, as outlined by the title of my post, an ode to Nicole Kidman's Satine, you've all gathered your assumptions. One day I'll get out of this country... One day THIS AUGUST! Yeah, so I'm definitely going. No more having to say "Well, yeah I'm hopefully going to San Diego..." or "If I get the grades."

And now I can actually panic :) woop!

Excuse me while I go look up flights and plan my 4 months of california livin' ;)

For now,
Carrskid,
Rowling's Apprentice.

Non-Lent Update

So, almost a month on and I have not stuck to a single thing on my list. Not one. I kept telling myself while I was at home that I'd start from when I returned to university. Then that turned into when I've finished university. So I'm officially making this a project failure. But, onwards and upwards to the next. This one I'm determined to see through.


I have stopped buying cheese though, which is a plus. At least, until I go back home.


Current failure,
Carrskid,
Rowling's Apprentice.