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Okay, I admit it - last week I was well and truly on my soap box when I blogged about Amy. Yesterday, as I considered what to write about this week, it nearly happened again. The most obvious topic I came up with was recent documentaries I have watched about racism. Inside the Klu Klux Klan and Extreme Russia had made my blood boil, and How to Get a Council House had illustrated quite bleakly how some members of the public have fallen for the Right's scaremongering about immigrants. Naturally, rants on Twitter ensued - and comments on Facebook followed. "Well I went to see Dirty Dancing at the theatre last night. Low brow fun wins every time" quipped my sister after my rage about white supremacy in Russia. "This is why we need Masterchef" noted a friend.  I'm not sure if they were trying to, but they both made a good point. I am guilty of getting caught up in all the woes of the world and getting a cob on when I hear yet another story of ignorance or hate. Whilst it's important, sometimes I need to make myself take a step back from it all. So, I am going to promise myself that for every hour I read or watch something depressing, I'm going to read, watch or do something uplifting. Yesterday I cancelled out all the negativity of the week's TV with a double dose of Come Dine with Me followed by a boogie at a colleague's wedding do. In fact, I boogied so much I reckon I'm in credit for the rest of the week. And I feel better for it, even if dodgy knee is protesting about it today. That said I'm still going to indulge in a bit of Friends later. Just to be sure...
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Happy weekend everyone! My sincerest apologies for not blogging last weekend - my normal blogging slot was taken up by a trip to the cinema. I went to see Amy, the documentary about Amy Winehouse's life and, you know what? I'm still thinking about it. So, without any spoilers (promise!), I'm going to tell you what I made of it all. I imagine that, like me, most of you are familiar with Amy's work, as well as her difficult relationship with drugs and alcohol. Even those of you who again, like me, don't really read celebrity gossip magazines or tabloids, will have seen photos or news stories of her getting into yet another scrape after a night that went a bit wrong. I remember seeing footage of her on the news when she was outside some court or other trying to have a quiet fag - I say trying because, even when going through what was no doubt a difficult experience, the cameras wouldn't leave her alone. Another photo I remember was one of her looking less than happy at her front door. Apparently the singer didn't like paps camped up on her doorstep either.  Amy of course talks about her relationship with the press, as well as with those closest to her. It gives in sight into what really went wrong and how, even as a teenager, she was at significant risk of falling into a pattern of self destruction. It also shows the part other people had to play in her demise, people who I hope have come to realise how harmful their behaviour was for this young woman and have since taken action to make amends with the universe for the damage they have caused.
It's a film I reckon everyone should watch. For me, someone who was worked closely with people who misuse drugs and alcohol and knows more than the average Jo about addiction and why/how it effects some people the way it can, it was like watching a tragedy; her fate was almost sealed from the start. But for other people, especially people who know little about these matters, I really think it would be an education. Hell, I think it should be shown in schools - if it is it could save lives as well as increase understanding and empathy which, in turn, could reduce the pain felt by victims (controversial word I know) when judged so unfairly by their peers, the press, and society at large. So, my message? Go see Amy. And let me know what you make of it. Just don't have a go at me if it makes you feel uncomfortable. It probably will. Good evening my little bloggees! And so, here I am, two weeks after my little gloat about having a fortnight off work... and having to mentally prepare myself for the 9 til 5 once again. It's done me the world of good to have such a long break, and has also given me time to mull over those aspects of my job that don't sit well with me - well, the ones that I can do something about anyway... Upon reflection, many of the things that have been bugging me I can only address by asking for advice and support. So, on my "to do" list for Monday is to arrange a time to receive feedback on my latest unsuccessful interview and to arrange a supervision with my manager to discuss my career progression - something that he has hinted he can help with but I've never really taken him up on. And, having chatted to a friend about some of my other work-based gripes, I will be asking a few other questions of my management team about how we can make the demands put upon our service (and me!) more manageable - and will be offering a few solutions too.  Pretty flowers... just because. I've been deploying this new problem-solving tactic out of the workplace too. Having realised that the diploma I want to study will cost me twice what I expected, I've asked for a loan. And, having had a situation play on my mind for a few months, I've asked the other person involved about it - and was relieved to hear that what I had perceived as a major difference of opinion was, in fact, not much more than a misunderstanding. Within the space of a day, by asking questions of people, I've had two loads lifted off my mind. Happy days.
So, my new motto for life? If you don't ask, you don't get - whether it be a promotion, some support, or clarification on a situation that has been getting your knickers in a twist. And, although it's a new mantra, it's one that I can already highly recommend. |
THE JUICEHere you will find my latest news, including what I have been up to and what I have been writing (and making). Hopefully you'll like what I have to say - and perhaps I will motivate you to get creative too... Archives
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