HOW DID RYAN PROPOSE TO ME?

If you didn’t know, (which is pretty unlikely, as everyone seems to know everybody’s business these days) I’m engaged! I have been engaged since February of this year, when I proposed to my boyfriend Ryan on the leap year. If you are yet to read the full story, you can click here.

It seems that most people get confused when they discover Ryan proposed to me as well! Well, to clear things up I thought I would make this little blog post.

Ryan was planning on proposing since the beginning of the year; as was I. It’s crazy how similar we are. After he plucked up the courage to ask my dad for permission to propose, he was SHOCKED when I had beat him too it. This didn’t stop Ryan from waning to propose in his own way, and I’m glad it didn’t. I always wanted Ryan to propose. I just wanted to be cheeky and get in there first! 

During the month of March, Ryan and I took a trip to Holland. We travelled with our good friends Chloe, Linh and Tom. We stayed with my lovely friend, and Uni flat mate at the time, Sanne. Her house and family were also just as lovely as her! 

It was on the 28^th of March when we took a trip into Amsterdam town. The weather had been pretty shitty for all of the holiday so far, so it was a pleasant surprise when there was actually some sunshine on this day! We began to walk around the charismatic city, on the hunt for the sex museum. Along the way we had stopped to watch street performers, nose around gift shops and snap memories. Anyways...  the six of us had been on the hunt for this famous sex museum for over twenty minutes now. Where the hell was it? Eventually we arrived at this stunning location. There was a beautiful bridge, a canal that sparkled beneath us, I remember saying “This place looks far too nice for a sex museum”. This is when Ryan turned to me and said “Shall we get a picture anyway?” It was a gorgeous location, so why not?

We stood together, with the sunshine in the background. My friends all got out their phones. “Which one are we smiling at?” I questioned. It was then and there than Ryan dropped to one knee. I was in utter shock! My friends began cheering, bystanders began to form around us. I couldn’t believe what was happening. “Alexandra Grace, will you marry me?” Of course I was going to say yes, after all, I already had a temporary ring on. Although nothing compared to the one that was glistening in the box right in front of me. Ryan also presented a golden padlock that read ‘Will you marry me?’ on the front. I didn’t even notice that we were standing on a famous ‘padlock bridge’ in Amsterdam, because I was too busy looking for the bloody sex museum!

After he had placed the ring on my figure and the padlock was securely on the bridge, I wiped the happy tears away from my eyes. I turned to my friends, “did you know about this?” they all laughed. Of course they knew. They had known even before the holiday that he was planning on proposing. I had no idea! Once my adrenaline had settled a little, I remember turning to my friends asking, “Were we even looking for the sex museum?” Surprise, surprise, of course we weren’t.

We sat in the Amsterdam sunshine and grabbed a lager, discussing the humorous attempts of keeping the secret from me all holiday. We laughed for hours about all the little ‘slip ups’ people had made that i had been oblivious too, or that fact that we were never actually looking for the sex museum! Had me fooled. Once we had finished our lagers, and nibbled a nacho or two, we decided it was only right to end the day with a visit the sex museum! And I’ll tell you what, it’s so interesting – I definitely recommend if you’re ever in Amsterdam. (Oh and in case you’re wondering… It’s super easy to find. Right on the main high-street!)

In the evening we took a night cruise around the canals. It was the perfect end to the perfect day. I couldn’t have asked to share my special day with anyone else. It was absolutely perfect, and I wouldn’t change it for the world! I’m incredibly lucky to have such amazing friends, and even lucky to have such an incredible Fiancé.  

Get to know me! Alphabetical Style!

Age: 20

Biggest Fear: Choking/Death of family.

Current Time: 17:25.

Drink you had last: Tea.

Everyday starts with: Scrolling through social media.

Favorite song right now: Toothbrush - DNCE.

Ghosts, are they real: 100%

Hometown: Croydon.

Love someone?: Yep!

Jealous Of: People with their lives all sorted out, & girls with fleeky make up. 

Killed someone: Never have, hopefully never will.

Last time you cried: Today.

Middle Name: Grace.

Number of siblings: 2. Older sister, younger brother. 

One wish: Happy & Healthy family.

Person you last called: My pops. 

Questions you are always asked: Why do you want a boob job? (Because I want boobs! DUH!)

Reason to smile: My Fiance.

Song last sang: We don't talk anymore - Charlie something and Selena Gomez. 

Time you woke up: 5:45.

Underwear color: Orange & Black.

Vacation destination: Bora Bora.

Worst habits: Worrying and answering back. 

X-rays you had: Quite a few, hand, nose, foot. 

Your favorite food: Potatoes! 

Zodiac sign: Pisces

BOOK REVIEW: AFTER ANNA BY ALEX LAKE

“A bone-chilling psychological thriller that will suit fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Daughter by Jane Shemilt, and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.”

Imagine running five minutes late to pick up your little girl from school. It could happen to anyone, right? However, imagine when you get there your daughter is nowhere to be seen. Julia Crowne, mother of five-year-old Anna is absolutely beside herself to find out her only daughter has been abducted outside the school gates.

The school are informed, and quickly followed by the police. How could a little girl vanish without any witnesses? Who could have taken Anna without a trace? Although, this isn’t the worst part. Anna is eventually returned, and that’s when things REALLY get dangerous.

It’s easy to see how Lake’s fictional thriller ‘After Anna’ became ‘The No.1 eBook bestseller’. Right from the beginning of the book I was hooked. Not being a parent myself I was pleasantly surprised when I connected to the storyline as much as I did. If you’re a mother, you’ll be unable to put this book down, although It’s a mother’s worst nightmare!

“A mother’s worst nightmare!”

I was a little put off when I saw the spoiler on the blurb that Anna returns. Even the title is a dead giveaway. If you’re like me and have very little patience, this book requires a lot of it. Due to the fact you know, Anna is eventually returned, you find yourself shouting at the book “C’mon! Return her already!” However, the book is written with such craft you’ll still be on the edge of your seat. It’s hard not to experience an emotionally involved reading with this book.

After struggling to like the character of Julia – due to her ‘who gives a shit’ personality and bitter marriage - it was a surprise when she started to grow on me. A character that once seemed very cold and distant began to show her insecurities and determination to fight for her child. Her relationships with the other characters throughout the book lead to no clue as to who the abductor was, which is why this book has been so cleverly written. I can honestly say I was shocked when I found out who the abductor was, and no doubt you will be too!

Overall Anna is a mystery thriller which is well worth the read. I finished this book in three evenings as the storyline was so chilling it carried me right through the pages. If you haven’t read a book in a while and you’re looking to get back into the swing of things, definitely give this one a go.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

POETRY CORNER: I'd die happy with you.

This poem was written after my first date with my fiancé, nearly three years ago. He had just dropped me home, and I was giddy with feelings, I had to write something down; and this is what was created. 

We stopped at a red light and I wanted to kiss you.

The raindrops raced down the window screen

And I could hear my heart beat.

I got a funny feeling in my stomach when the light turned to amber

And by the time it was green,

I had forgotten who I was

Just that I was happy.

We stopped at a red light and I wanted to kiss you.

The raindrops ran down the window screen

As your hand touched my knee.

I hoped you had the same feeling in your stomach when the light turned to amber

And when it changed to green

you drove a little faster.

We stopped at a red light and I wanted to kiss you.

The raindrops danced on the window screen

As you played the music louder.

You caught my eye as the light turned to amber

And by the time it turned to green

I knew If I died tonight,

I’d die happy with you.

13 ways to make it though your first month of university!

Now I know what you’re thinking. What about the rest of university? Well, making it through Fresher's week and getting settled in, makes the rest of the year a whole lot easier.

1.    Don’t be afraid to make Friends.

Yes, the sound of making friends can be very daunting (especially if you’re an anxiety freak like me) however, every student in the same boat. Being afraid to approach someone can only limit you. Having friends at university can be an advantage as they can give opinions and help with projects. They will comfort you when you’re home sick, and make everything that little bit easier.

2.    Make your room a home.

Being at University can make you a little homesick, especially if it’s your first time away from home. Try to decorate your room with photos of loved ones, ornaments from home, and some artificial flowers – because let’s face it, who has the time to water flowers at Uni? The more your bedroom feels like home, the more comfort you’ll feel. Sometimes you need a little place to escape, so having a homely room will help in this area.

3.    Socialize.

If you’re a shy person and like to keep yourself to yourself that’s perfectly fine. Although, I do recommend that you do try to socialize, even if it’s only for a little. Socializing could boost your confidence and allow you to communicate with a variety of people about topics you never thought you would have. I’m not saying you have to force yourself to every fresher’s event, however on those nights you feel lonely, try and gather up your flat mates to hang out in the kitchen. Nothing is worse than feeling alone.

4.    Check in with the rents.

You must be feeling all kinds of emotions right? Well just imagine what your parents are going through. Their little baby heading off into the big wide world all by themselves. Yes parents can be annoying, and sometimes they just don’t ‘get it’… but they do love you. Just give them a phone call once and a while to let them know how you’re getting on. Even if it's just a quick text so they know you’re still alive, that’s all.

5.    Keep an eye on your money.

With there being so many events in the first month of Uni, It can be easy to splash all your cash at once. The best tip I have for you is to set up a savings account. It shouldn’t take too long to set up, and it does you the world of favours. Transferring your student loan into your current account when you need it, swill save you from spending all of your money on those premium vodka’s and late night kebabs.

6.    Don’t stress.

It’s your first month, you’re here to have fun!  Don’t stress out just yet. You shouldn’t be given that much work to do, maybe a couple of books to read, and even then there’s no need to stress out. Focus on having a good time and leave all the worrying for later. Don’t let Fresher’s week fly by without enjoying it first.

7.    Invest in pasta.

Ok it’s true. After a few weeks pasta can be a little boring, and in time you will eventually need some cooking lessons from mum. However, in the first month, pasta is fine. It’s easy to make, does the job before a night out, and us impatient students don’t have to wait very long before it’s ready.

8.    Be true to who you are.

I know it sounds cheesy, but starting a course in a new town, city or even a country can be the perfect time for a fresh start. An opportunity to invent a new you. However, it could also lead you into pretending to be someone you’re not. It can be easy to fall into a web of lies just to impress someone new. As silly as it sounds try to remember who you are. Just be yourself, and people will like you for being you.

9.    Don’t forget your friends back home.

It can be easy for the friends you have back home to feel ‘left out’ when you go to Uni. Especially with the endless Snapchat stories of you and your new flat-mates having the time of your lives. Arrange to meet up with them the next time you’re home, skype them when you’ve got a spare sec. Just remember to give them a little attention now and then so they know you haven’t forgotten them.

10. Health and hygiene.

Ever heard of the cliché that a student is lazy? Of course you have, it’s true. Most of the time you can’t be bothered to tidy up after yourself, or even cook yourself a proper meal, and why should you when you don’t have mum and dad nagging you? But if they’re not there to look after you – make sure you look after yourself. One thing I can warn you about is fresher’s flu’. Just think, there’s thousands of you students coming from all different parts of the world sharing the same shot glasses, the same bathrooms and living in the same space. You’re bound to get sick. Wash your hands plenty. Stock up on lem-sip, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Don’t forget to take your medication (If you have any) and eat your fruit and veg once in a while!

11. Make a good first impression with your lecturers.

Lecturers aren’t going to be your best-friends, although they are going to be teaching you for the next ten months; so it’s probably best that you get on good terms with them. Being polite doesn’t cost anything, and I’m sure they’ll prefer to help a pleasant and punctual student rather than a student that quite frankly doesn’t give a shit.  

12. Sleep.

Believe me when I say this one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether or not you’ve had a late night out with your friends or decided to stay in, sleeping won’t be that easy. The corridors of your flat will become alive at night, the windows do not have double glazing, and if you want to experience student events, that probably won’t help either. Power naps will become your savior. Eventually in time your body-clock will sort itself out, in the meantime, catch a few blinks whenever you can; so you don’t look like a walking zombie on campus.

13. Enjoy yourself.