What to Do When You're Sick; PEDIM Day 16 // Emile

Hello. I have a cold.

But I have spent all day nurturing myself with tea, so I am feeling a bit better now.

If you feel sick, you could do some of these things:

*I'm not a doctor, this is just what works for me.*

• Drink tea. Green tea is the best because it also contains antioxidants. 
• Drink lots of water! This will help get rid of your headache and prevent your body from dehydrating. 
• Eat soup. Soup is good. 
• Have a nap (if possible).
• Read.
• Watch a movie.
• Read some of my blog posts ;)
• Pamper yourself with a bath. 
• Colour in a colouring book.
• Have some pain relieving medication if you want. 
• Eat some honey to sooth your throat.
• Drink honey and lemon water. The lemon will split the mucus in your throat and honey is a natural antibiotic. If you can't stomach honey and lemon, have a spoonful of honey. 

If staying at home isn't an option. Take a water bottle with you, and drink. If you want take some paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and take some strepsils or some sort of cough sweet to sooth your throat. 

Get well soon!

Be Your Own - Gender and Sexuality Types; PEDIM Day 15 // Emile

I just watched a video by Ingrid Nilsen about gender equality, it's great,  watch it before you read this,  get involved. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9t9XvB8b-w

At one point she mentions gender fluidity, and it got me thinking about types. Categories of gender, categories of sexuality, categories of race, and so many more.

There is so much pressure to be in one of those categories. Many young people stress about fitting into a gender, race or sexuality type. I think that "types" shouldn't be seen as necessary. Be whoever you want to be, and be who you are. I know that race isn't quite the same as far as expression, but what I mean when I say racial categories is people who are mixed race. Technically, every person on Earth is mixed race, so if, like me, you are, don't feel pressured to say that your are a certain race. I am very proud of my heritage. I come from all over the world, and I love that.

You don't have to say that you like men or women. Personally, I have pretty much always been attracted to boys. There have been a few girls that I have thought also looked attractive, but I don't think I've ever had a crush on a girl. I am pretty sure that the person I marry will be male. It's a personal preference. To me it would feel a bit weird to marry a woman. Not because it's wrong but just for me it's not really the way I swing. Saying this though, I am completely open to the idea of marrying a girl if the person I love is female. Or maybe they aren't male of female but identify themselves as a different gender. As long as we wholeheartedly love each other. If you asked me what my sexuality is, I would say I am straight. Another person on Youtube I really like is Dodie Clark (check her out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5EDEk9vvI ) and in this video she says a quote that goes: "I don't fall in love with men or women, I fall in love with people". I have never been in love (honestly I'm a bit young for that) but I know that I will remember this quote for a long time. To me it is a beautiful quote and something worth remembering. When I do fall in love, it will not be necessarily with a man or a woman, but simply with a person. And I think that's beautiful.

I just want to say that it's not the description of sexuality that I have an issue with. If you are attracted to men and women and you choose to describe yourself as bisexual I have no problem with that. I say I am straight. I do however have a problem with the pressure people receive to place themselves in a category. What if you don't fit in a category? That's fine. What if you do? Also fine. Because we have these "main" categories people who don't necessarily fit in them feel like they are different. And some people feel that there is something wrong with them. We need to stop this. There is nothing wrong with having categories. Just make them all equal in society. Make them all equally known about and so that people who identify as something other than straight or gay can feel that they are included. We are all people and no one should ever be put down wether it is intentionally or unintentionally because of their sexuality or gender.

So how can we make a difference? Teach your children. I don't have children, I am far too young. But when I am older and I (hopefully) have my own children, I will teach them that you can have any sexuality. Children are taught to assume that they are straight, so that if the child finds that they don't fit into that description it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, also paving the way for another generation where not all genders and sexualities are widely accepted. I am going to teach my children that you can love anyone, it doesn't matter if they are male or female or transgender or androgynous or any of the other genders that exist. People are people. Children are taught that everyone is unique but it is not extended to sexuality or gender. I'm not saying that you need to tell your three year old everything about sexuality. But we can say to our children that some girls love girls and some girls love boys, and vice versa. I want to make it clear that I am not saying that everyone apart from a few are not tolerant of all genders, that is not true. But we all know that not all genders and sexualities are widely accepted, and this needs to change.

You are you. There are so many different things to identify you other than your race, or gender, or sexuality. Maybe you are amazing at playing the violin, or drums. Maybe you are really kind and generous, and a great friend. Maybe you are really good at Maths, or Science, or English. Or maybe you are great at football or horse riding. Why should anyone have to fit into a particular box based on the people they are attracted to, or how they identify compared to their biological sex.

Don't worry about your sexuality or your gender. Just go wherever you want, whatever you feel like at the time. Instead, think about how you talk to people, the way you treat them and the way you carry yourself. Think about enjoying your life, and helping others that need it. I have this very basic philosophy that as long as what you are doing isn't negatively affecting anyone else, it's fine.

This was a very long post, but I had a lot to say and there is no way I could fit everything into a reasonably sized blog post anyway. I have so much more to say than this, but I think this is a good place to start.

I'm sorry for how rambly this got. I felt like I needed to say this. Let me know what you think on Twitter and Instagram and in the comments of this post. I was slightly scared to put this up because I was worried that I would accidentally offend someone. I'm really sorry if I've said something wrong about gender, or race, or sexuality. That was not the intention of the post and please let me know so that I can change it. It's quite a delicate topic, but I'm writing this as an attempt to try and help change that.

No matter your gender, or race or sexuality, you are a beautiful person. There will never be anyone like you ever again, and there never had been anyone like you before. Embrace who you are because you are the only you there will ever be. And embrace everyone around you for the same reason.

The End,

How to Tidy Your Room; PEDIM Day 14 // Emile

Whoops I missed a day. Or two. Or maybe a few more than that.

Today I am going to teach you how to clean your room! Because I have to clean my room and I like to look up these things so I thought maybe you would too.

Step 1: Take a plastic bag or a bin around your room and pick up any rubbish.

Step 2: Pick up and put away any clothes. For me this is the bulk of the mess in my room. Separate out your clean and dirty clothes. Put the dirty clothes in a hamper or in a pile near your door, and put the clean clothes away.

Step 3: Choose a point in your room, for example your desk, or your dresser, and start tidying put things away and put anything that doesn't belong in your room on your bed. Work around your room from this point, tidying everything.

Step 4: Finally, take everything that doesn't belong on your room and put it in it's rightful place in your home.

There you are! Simples. I hope. I know that tidying your room can be difficult, but you never regret it when you do.

The End,

Thumbs Up to Authors; PEDIM Day 10 // Emile

Good Morning,

Today is a very important day. It is the title reveal for the 5th Throne of Glass Book!

This got me thinking about how I don't really consider the author of the book I am reading. I read a book, and I think about the characters, and the plot, and how it made me feel. Which I'm guessing is what the author wants me to think about. It shows that they've written a good book.

But I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate authors. Thank you, for all the work you put into your novels. Without you, we would have no "book tube" or "bookstagram". There would be no English literature courses, or libraries. Without you, there would be a lot of ignorance and many people would be very bored. So thank you, authors, for doing what you do, and doing it very well.

The End,

Currently Reading; PEDIM Day 9 // Emile

Good Morning,

Actually, if you look outside where I live all you can see are clouds and rain and grey skies. Oh well.

Right now I am reading Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. I am actually enjoying it much more than I thought I would given how cheesy the cover is.

See the cheese. It is a good book and I would recommend it. It would be a really good read for the summer. There is a lot more to the book than you first realise when reading it, and it's not so happy go lucky as it appears. I also own Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson which apparently is a much more cheerful read if you are looking for something light hearted. I'm saving it for Summer.

I was trying to play my guitar the other day and I realised that my fingers were just too small. Which is a shame because I own a really nice classic guitar and I would love to learn to play it. So for my next birthday I am going to ask for a ukulele. 

I can't forget to mention that Lady Midnight was released yesterday! I am going to read it as soon as I have finished this. I am very excited for it because I think that Emma sounds like a great main character. Unfortunately though I'm saving up my pocket money at the moment so I'm going to have to buy it on Kindle. But I still get to read it!

The End,

A Happy Poem; PEDIM Day 8 // Emile

I like it when the sun shines,
And the flowers peep above the grass.

I like laughing with my friends,
When you smile,
And look at each other,
And it's a great feeling.

I like it when I get into bed,
After a long day,
And I drift off to sleep,
Where I am utterly content.

I like singing really loud,
And making my own music.

I like sitting down,
With a cup of tea,
And a good book,
To just spend some time in another world.

This is just a silly little poem I came up with when I couldn't sleep last night.

The End,

Happy Everything Day; PEDIM Day 6 // Emile

Happy Mother's Day,

I would just like to take a moment to say that mothers are the most amazing people in the world. They do so much for us and we should take this day to do something special for them in appreciation.

I was thinking about the fact we have Mother's day, Father's day, Women's day, Children's day etc. There are also some really weird days. So today I have put together a collection of my favourite random days of the year.

1. No Pant Subway Ride Day - January 10th

2. Answer Your Cat's Questions Day - January 22nd

3. Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day - January 25th

4. Working Naked Day - February 5th

5. Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day - February 11th

6. Fill Our Staplers Day - March 14th

7. International Day of Awesomeness - March 10th

8. That Sucks Day - April 15th

9. National Macaroni and Cheese Day - July 14th

10. Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th

Be sure to write these in your calendar.

The End,

25 Facts About Me; PEDIM Day 5 // Emile

1. I always brush my teeth before and after breakfast. I don't like eating food with morning breath.

2. My favourite food is raspberries.

3. I have a scar on my tongue from when I was twelve.

4. I also have a scar next to my eye from when I ran into the corner of a table when I was two.

5. I have always wanted to be 5 foot tall. Haven't got there yet.

6. Sometimes I randomly sing "Bear Necessities" from The Jungle Book.

7. I don't like beetroot or celery.

8. I don't like English lessons.

9. I learn Mandarin Chinese in school.

10. I really want to visit Vietnam and South America one day.

11. I find it really hard to concentrate with my hair down.

12. Once in reception I stole a heart shaped block off a girl and I cried when the teacher told me off.

13. The idea of anyone wanting to go out with me blows my mind.

14. In year 2 I got my skirt stuck on the climbing frame and the teacher had to come and unhook me while all the boys stood by and laughed at my underwear.

15. If you dog ear one of my books I will kill you.

16. My favourite flowers are tulips and peonies.

17. It really bugs me when displays are asymmetrical.

18. I can't wait to go to University. I have to wait a few years though.

19. I take selfies about once every 6 months, look at them and then remind myself to never take a selfie ever again. Then the cycle repeats.

20. My bed is one of my favourite places.

21. I have two kittens who are really cute.

22. I am incredibly determined. I think that that's a good thing.

23. I feel uncomfortable wearing my swimming costume around my friends.

24. I like anything almond or rose scented.

25. I keep a few little flowers in my room. They make me happy.

The End,

The Woman In Black Theatre Trip // Emile PEDIM Day 4

Good Morning,

I went to see The Woman in Black theatre production last night; and it's scary. Oh my goodness it's scary. I went to sleep with my lamp on.

It was really cool the way they did it. There were only 3 actors, one who played Arthur Kipps in the main show, one who played the "real" Arthur Kipps, and of course, the Woman in Black. At the beginning it's the "real" Arthur and a director trying to turn his story into a production. But the director ends up playing Arthur, and the "real" Arthur plays all of the side characters.

It was a very minimalistic way of showing it and what they did with the resources they had was impressive. A huge element of it was sound. And some of them were awful. People screaming and drowning noises. Do not go if you are really easily scared. I am quite easily scared, but I managed to deal with it. The jump scares weren't as bad as I expected it to be, because when the play got really quiet, I knew there would be a jump scare so I prepared myself for it.

I am so tired now though, and I have to go to school. I am going to sleep so well tonight. I can't wait.

The End,

Best Thing I've Ever Done // Emile PEDIM Day 3

Good Morning,

I'm going to try writing these when I wake up so that they are there all day (depending on where you are in the world) so I apologise if my grammar goes a bit funky.

I was just thinking about what the best thing I have ever done would be. I was thinking about things like meeting someone, or taking an exam, or anything like that. But then I realised that probably the best thing I have ever done is accepted the fact that I deserve to be happy. I don't know why these posts are so cheesy! But still, that is definitely the best thing I have ever done.

I know it's difficult, but it made such a difference to my life. I'm not saying I feel happy all the time now. In fact, the past few days have not been so good for me. But I woke up this morning and I felt happy. Probably because the sun is finally up when I wake up. I love it at around 7 o'clock when the sun is coming up and I can relax in bed and write posts like this! This shall become post writing time.

I also wanted to mention that instead of PEDIM posts on the days where I normally upload I will just post the regular posts, so  that those people who don't like these can still have something to read. I also want to try and keep these posts short and sweet, so they don't get super long and boring.

The End,

VEDIM (or PEDIM?) Day 1 a bit late... // Emile

Hello everyone (again),

Sorry if you're sick of me.

I have decided to do VEDIM (Video Every Day In March) but it shall be PEDIM because I write blog posts, not make videos. Some of these may be really random posts, but I would like to try it. And I am also starting a bit late, but I have always seen myself as someone who doesn't go with the crowd. So I'm going to do whatever I want. Also, I want the style of these posts to be more chatty and casual than the rest.

Today's post is about music.

Why does music have such an affect on us? Or does it? Is it only a few people?

Whenever I listen to music I cannot stay still. Even if I don't like it at all I tap my foot in time or clap a rhythm that goes with the beat or something. And it's not even a conscious decision. I just do it.

Music has a really profound effect on me. I can feel it all the way through my body, like it's coursing through me. I know how cheesy this is but I swear I'm not making it up for the sake of it.

Some music I listen to makes me want to melt. It just makes me feel so relaxed and happy inside. Soft piano music especially makes me feel like that. I love playing piano in a way that I could never explain, it's part of who I am. If you play an instrument I'm sure you'll understand. I love the feeling of creating the music, of bringing it to life. I love it when I've been practising for hours and I get it right and the sense of achievement is so wonderful. And music is such a personal thing to me.

There are some piano pieces that I cannot play to other people because it feels like I am sharing something deeply personal and private. I sing all the time. I'm not kidding. I sing around the house, and during lessons and when I am walking. I sing in my head and under my breath. And sometimes when I'm in the house with just me and my brother I sing out loud, and I do it everyday, and it makes me feel so good. I don't even think I'm that good a singer, but that doesn't matter because I love it.

Music is something that I love, something that I cannot explain my love for in a way that would give that love justice.

The End,