Giving Blood

One of my New Years resolutions (yes the ones I don't actually make) was to give blood this year. Giving blood is something I've been meaning to do for a while now, as I'm not someone who's particularly afraid of injections or needles in general. After having to have surgery last year, yes looking at you appendix, I really felt it was important to help others who are in a situation beyond their control. While I didn't have to have a transfusion, luckily this meant I could still donate my blood, if I did I would have relied on a stranger who'd donated out of the kindness of their own heart. This really inspired me to help, even in just a small way, the people who are in hospitals for emergencies that require a blood transfusion. Although after reading the leaflet I'm fully aware it could just go to be tested on and in the words of the infamous Jesse Pinkman:

The process was very quick and easy and it honestly took no longer than an hour all together. The longest part was sitting and drinking my juice! 

I'll just give a quick rundown of what happened if anyone is interested. First of all I booked the appointment on the www.blood.co.uk website, I'd booked it for a few months in advance just so I could check all the information and that I would definitely be able to donate. Not weighing enough was a big concern of mine, but after scrutinsing the website thoroughly I discovered that my low BMI at the age of 15, was no longer an issue. Granted I learnt that 5 years ago while in a science lesson, but its better to be safe than sorry. Also, did you know that you can't donate if you've a had a piercing 4 months prior to your donation date? Well I certainly didn't. Thankfully, because I'd filled out the form before I'd turned up to my local donation centre, when I got there all I had to do was hand in my questionnaire and drink A LOT of lemon juice. 

Then once my name was called, no longer than a few minutes was spent going through my questionnaire and checking my iron levels with a prick to the finger. This seriously hurt more than the needle going in my arm. Afterwards, I spent about 5 minutes waiting for name to be called up again, to which I was then escorted to a bed by a lovely nurse. They then asked me which arm I would prefer to use (the opposite of your writing arm) but since my body is awkward, even though I'm left handed they had use the vein on my right. There was some last minute checks, e.g. blood pressure, then the needle, which was a lot less painful than I expected, was put into my arm. I was told to tightly clench and release my fist repeatedly to keep the blood flowing and before I knew it.. "you're done!" The machine beeped, which I swear was after around two minutes of me laying there. I was unhooked from the machine told you go take another drink and eat a biscuit and I was finished.

It was honestly so quick and really easy, I was quite worried about feeling faint afterwards but thankfully this didn't happen. Then Vicky, minus one pint of blood, left the building.

The experience was actually something quite pleasant and it's something I'd definitely do again. If you're able to donate I seriously recommend you do, as I know many people who wish they could but aren't able to for various reasons. Is this guilt tripping? If it's coming across that way I really don't mean to haha! If you're scared of needles I 100% understand, but if you know someone who is thinking about it I'm sure it would be great if you could support them. I'll get my results back in a few weeks to see if I'm eligible to donate again and I really hope I'll be able to. If you have any other question about my experience then feel free to get in contact!

Victoria ♥

The Coronation Street Tour

On Sunday it was Father's Day and two days before it was my mums birthday, so as a joint present for the 'rents I decided to book tickets for the Coronation Street tour. If you're not from the UK you might be wondering what on earth Coronation Street is. Essentially it's a is really popular British soap opera that has been going since the '60s. It's not the 'coolest' show on television, but it's watched and loved by many families. Last year, Granada Studios opened the old set to the public and since it closes again later this year, I felt that this would be an ideal time to go visit with my family.
(P.S. if you've never seen the show in your life, this may be very, very boring)

The tour starts with interior sets on the show, (The Rovers, Gail's house etc) but unfortunately you are unable to take pictures inside the building. The hilarious Geordie tour guide did inform us however, that pictures of the set in can be found on the website. This lasts for about an hour to which you're then thrust back into reality, well, sort of. Que cheesy the Corrie opening theme and lots of pictures from the day (no honestly, they literally play it as you exit the building).

(Literally loling at my claw hand)

(R.I.P. Kal xo)

(R.I.P. Maddie/Tina xo)

The biggest thing I realised on the tour, is that everything looks so small compared to how it looks on television! I mean that's the backyard of The Rovers, really?! I honestly applaud the actors and extras for making the most of the room that they have, considering if you were to take two steps from Tyronne's house, you'd be on the Nazir's doorstep.

All in all, we had a fab day and even if you're not the biggest Coronation Street fan, I'd seriously recommend seeing it before the end of this year, just for the experience.

Victoria ♥

Learning to drive | Do's & Don'ts

Ah, learning to drive. You either love it or you hate it. When I first started learning, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. This was when my instructor was doing the most of the work in terms of giving me directions/instructions and I didn't really venture further than a small residential area. Now? Well, let's just say some days I'd rather be stuck juggling knives whilst walking on hot coals.. for eternity. Yeah, not so fun. But because I've been driving for a while now, I thought's I'd share some of my thoughts when it comes to being a learner driver.

So here's my tips!

  

1. Pick a good instructor

Yes, you really do want an instructor that has a flying car. No but in all seriousness, pick an instructor who you feel 100% comfortable with and who at least seems to vaguely know what they're doing. It doesn't really matter your learning style, whether you need someone strict/firm or someone who's willing to give you a pat on the back every time you have a mini breakdown, but an instructor who is patient with you and makes you feel at least 1% more confident whilst driving is key. 

2. Don't panic

I can safely say, this is something easier said than done. Whilst behind the wheel, you're probably going to end up in panic mode at some point. Whether it's at home or in the car, you'll probably be left questioning the meaning of life itself. Yep, I've had my fair share of these from when I parked up and may or may not have hit a curb, the time I nearly my knocked my left wing mirror off and another cars in the process, or last week when I ended up bursting my instructors tire over a pot hole.. fantastic. But at the end of the day, you don't learn without a few, ahem mishaps, so just roll with it (quite literally) and remember that even the professionals mess up now and again.

3.Concentrate/stay focused

It's pretty hard not to concentrate when you're driving a car to be honest, but when you've got so much to think about it can all get a bit too much. My best advice for this is just to go at your own pace and try not to let your emotions get the better of you. If you can't deal with the passenger talking to you, let them know before hand to keep the journey safer for you and others on the road, just simple things to keep you fully focused. Also whatever you do, please don't start headbanging to Bohemian Rhapsody while in the driving seat.

4. Have fun
When you've stalled one too many times at the same junction for the third time this month, the whole learning to drive process can seem a bit.. horrible. But I can promise you there probably is one element of driving you'll remotely enjoy. For me, I actually quite like doing maneuvers and you feel such a great achievement when you do something really well. If you feel like you're not enjoying any aspects of your lessons, you might need to take some time off and assess how you really feel about the whole driving shabang.

5. Ignore rude drivers/pedestrians

Yeah so you may make mistakes, you're learning who cares?! Well idiots who clearly think they own the road, that's who. If you're someone who is easily embarrassed you probably won't take well to others judging your driving, but if those same people are still being rude after they've seen your L plates then that's there problem and NOT YOURS. I don't think I recommend driving dirty however.

6. Keep focused on your main goal
Lastly, if you feel all is lost, remember why you wanted to learn to drive in the first place. Keep this in mind when ever you feel like you're having a moment and you everything should come into perspective. Just remember, no matter how long it takes you, whether it's months or years, you'll get there in the end and it will be so worth it.

I've got my theory test coming up soon, so if anyone has any advice/tips it would be truly appreciated!

Victoria ♥