I went for a very very very important interview today - and in the process possibly changed my complete outlook on life. I’ve grown through the years into a very self conscious young lady. I worry about what people think, say and feel about me. I can’t walk down a single street without worrying someone might laugh at the person that I am. My curvy hips or the way I’ve styled my hair. Not ever would I imagine I could stand in a room in front of 35+ people and present myself in the manner that I did today.

It was an assessment centre - a completely new concept for me. I walked in to 30 odd people sat around tables, thinking I was going into an interview with a maximum of three or four people. But no. Silly naive Laura, didn’t think to ask when offered the meeting over the telephone. So my first task, to find out about the person next to me. I was to stand up and give a few minutes speech on her and her interesting facts. Now that was scary - but I did it with a shaky voice and wobbly legs.

Second task was to sit with an allocated group and build a paper aeroplane. The managing director of the group had to present a speech about the product (give it a name, slogan, advertising campaign, choose the colours and co-ordinate the group). Of course nobody wanted to do it. So silly me, I stepped up and offered to play the main role. I had to launch the plane too - which - if you’re interested in knowing - flew less than a metre. The goal was to make it fly for 10, ha ha. But I took charge and did my best to keep my group intact.

The final task was to stand up and give a short presentation on customer service. I also had to go first. But I did it and survived. I then had a one to one interview and told them just how passionate I was about getting a job there. There are 70+ applicants and 15 roles to be filled.

If I’m not one of them, it will break my heart. But I plan to write them a letter, if I don’t succeed. Thanking them for letting me attend their assessment centre. And thanking them for helping me find myself in this world. For helping me find my voice. It’s not something I could ever say I’d do - but I did it. And I’m proud of myself for that

I’ll find out if I got it by the end of the week. Wish me luck. This is the job of my dreams. I’ve crossed every single part of my body for this. If I get it - everything will be perfect.

It was my boyfriend’s birthday yesterday and I’m certainly feeling the effects from last night. Bleh, hangovers are the devil. But at least I only went out because it was a special occasion. Apart from that I’ve been doing really well with giving up the binge drinking. Five years of non stop partying certainly takes a toll on your health and general happiness. But last night was lovely. We spent the day together and did some random stuff, then went to a few bars, stopped in at the pub I work in and then off to the biggest nightclub in town. It was packed too now that the holday makers are all coming down for the Easter season. Hurrah!:)

So my first real shift in the pub was Friday night. It seems my manager was very very impressed with how well I coped. Can’t really grumble about that The music they play there is good too, kept my mood up. They don’t play music during the week though, which sucks bum. But hey… next shift is tomorrow.

I also have an interview for a job at The Grand Hotel. It’s a very smart establishment. It’s literally a 10 minute walk too, rather than 35 minutes to the pub. If I get it I’ll be ecstatic. The wage will be much better too, I’m assuming. We’ll see. It’s on Monday 18th Feb - so I’ll let you know how that went

Lots and lots of new articles appearing everywhere, keep an eye out!

So I got myself a new fella - he’s lovely. We spend a hell of a lot of time together and can talk about literally anything. We click so well - it’s crazy! He can literally finish off all my sentences for me. It’s sweet. He’s sweet. Dark hair, bright blue eyes, strong, mature. Everything a girl needs really! As for attachments, I’m trying not to fall too hard or too soon. Keeping my distance is a good bet at the minute and he knows this simply because I don’t want to be moving here for a fresh start then get hurt by the first guy that comes along and be tempted to move back or run elsewhere.

But on another positive note, I also found myself a job finally. It’s at a wetherspoons pub in the town centre, the most popular start off pub of them all and a fantastic career opportunity. The guy who interviewed me was talking about giving it a few months to prove my worth and then putting me through a manager course which would be excellent. Fantastic, in fact.

My mum visited me today with her partner and my niece. My niece clung onto me all day, she’s only 3 but so wise for her age and an absolute cutie to boot! It was lovely to see them, especially my mum. We are the best of friends and I’ve all the time in the world for her, it’s awful to know I’ve moved 63 miles away from her and don’t have a car to just jump in and visit when I’m down. Not to mention the fact that she’s moving to Wolverhampton in a few years - which will make us triple the distance apart. Poo.

It’s really funny though - how things have just worked out so well. I’ve lived here for two weeks exactly today and there’s not a thing I can grumble about in my life right now. Apart from the lack of a car and my money situation being a bit sticky at the minute. Nothing bad at all

…and having an amazing time. I am so pleased that I decided on this new move. Everything has fallen into place perfectly. The two ladies I’m living with are the nicest people I’ve met in a very very long time. The guy I was chatting to from this town is gorgeous and such a sweetheart, he’s shown me all around the place and well… who knows what could come of it! I’ve found a part time job and a full time job is looking very promising over the next week. Tamsin (the younger housemate) is letting me buy her car from her over installments so I’ll have that sorted very soon.

I’m so pleased that all has turned out well. My debts are still piling up and money is extremely tight, but with a job and an awful lot of hard work that can all be fixed. I’m so happy to have finally found somewhere I enjoy living. I feel so lucky to be me right now, and that’s a very odd thing for me to feel. Give it a few months and I’ll wish I never knew my old life in the old town.

I just miss my mum and my best friend, a lot. But… it’ll be okay

So I did what I said in my last post - I found another job. The bar was fun, don’t get me wrong. But to cut my hours back so much just to train a new girl. I wasn’t going to take that. And what makes it even worse is that this girl didn’t show up, so they asked me to cover her hours (which were actually MY hours). Yeah - right. I told them exactly where to stick that job. I’m working in another bar now on a much higher wage with better hours and more respect from other staff. Excellent!

So I plugged VERITY lots up there. I’m hoping to recruit more new members. We’re starting to grow a little more rapidly now and activity is doing well. There are many contests for cash/domain prizes open at the moment and the members are amazing. Just take a look - see what you think!

I’ve been adding content regularly over the past few weeks. My mum bought me a new laptop for Christmas (I know - another computer!) so I need to get all my programs back before I can do much for content. A few new articles are up though. I’ll be focusing mainly just on the tutorials when everything is back to normal with the computer. Just until there’s a nice selection up.