Bubbles' Blog

Brace is a bitch

2008-10-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah.

I got my brace on yesterday. It doesn't actually look that bad... but makes up for it by stinging like a bitch. It HURTS. It feels like I've got half a prison fence strapped to my teeth. I can't eat and it SUCKS. All I've ate has consisted of painkillers, painkillers and more painkillers.
Apparently, it takes about a week to get used to. ROFL. It'll be long gone by then. I'll have ripped the sucker off and chucked it into next door's garden.

Ok. I'm done moaning.

It's rained so bad in England today... I mean, it's non-stop terrential rain. The MEADOW behind my house is covered in water thanks to the river flooding. I haven't been able to go outside. Seriously, you open the door and end up getting soaked.

Damn this damn brace sucks. Damn it all.

I'm also completely addicted to this song: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jVf4_WglzWA

St. Elmo's Fire = LOVE

It is THE life song :3

New Start

2008-10-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

Haven't updated this thing for almost a week O_o

Okay, I'm generally making a new start for myself.
I'm a different person now, trying to have a more positive outlook on life. I'm back into the swing of being my crazy old self that enjoys making people laugh.
Sure, I have my downs; but now I tend to just put a smile on it and laugh.

I've just got back from a driving lesson and it went great! It really shows how trying to be more positive and happy with yourself works wonders for different aspects in life. Being miserable and complaining all the time gets you nowhere; and it annoys people no end.
Heck. I annoyed myself.
I've finished everything; and I'm just practicing for my test now. Wow.

I know deep down in my heart that I want to be a marine mammal trainer; even if it isn't in a big place like SeaWorld. I'd LOVE to work with Orcas, Belugas and Dolphins... and Seals and Sealions too XD
I'm really making a go of it.

I've really looked into marine mammal facilities; and facts and figures related to their behaviour and welfare in these places. I'm really at ease with myself know that I have proof that it isn't cruel in any way. At the end of the day, none of those animals HAVE to do behaviours. They are all completely voluntary.

Anyway, KH-wise:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rYRXf5DDrn8 - That made me squeal SO loud when I saw it.
All Organization XIII, in their chairs - with their hoods off. And smug Saix at 1.45 made me squee even louder XD

8D

2008-10-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

I just had my interview and it went great!

They're happy to have me!

Good thing is, I know I want to be a trainer now.

Fran, the woman that interviewed me, has trained numerous animals; and she has friends that train animals for film and TV!
She said that she'd put me in touch with them! Which is fantastic!

I told her about my concerns that training Orcas for shows is cruel, but in fact, Fran said they're eager to please their trainers... and it keeps them occupied. She told me not to let anyone else influence my decision and that it's not cruel... simply a matter of opinion.

Fran's also worked with Orcas and Dolphins; done parrot shows, you name it... and her husband's a falconer! 8D

Wow. I'm so high right now XD

Anyway, I start on the 1st week of November, Mondays and Wednesdays. I'm trying to look for a part time job so that I can earn money for Uni.

Whoop! 8D

Post 11

2008-10-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well I have my interview tomorrow! ^^

I hope all goes well. I'd be fantastic if I got to work at the zoo!

Anyway, I'm going to turn myself around. After having a pretty bad day yesterday; I know that I can't let myself get so low again.

I had an aspiration in the car while going for interview clothes for tomorrow (yes, I like to look nice XD). Mum was driving; and as per usual I talk 'til the cows come home. I got onto the subject that I've been finding it really difficult having to make decisions about what career I want to go into...

Well, I'm probably going to get flamed if anyone sees this blog post; but my conscience has really been getting to me about working with the orcas and dolphins at SeaWorld one day.
True, I think it'd be an amazing career to get so close to those animals; and I know they're really well looked after - but the warning bells were going off big time in my head.
Yes, my conscience. See, deep down I think that it's cruel. I love those animals so much, they're magical to me. I know that I want to work with them, but I think I'd rather work with the animals in the wild than in captivity where they have to perform.
I've noticed a few things about captive Orcas recently that's made me worry.
Firstly, if Orcas fail to perform behaviours properly or are badly behaved; discipline is given in the form of separating said Orca from the resident pod and lack of feeding.
I know that in those circumstances something has to be done so that it hits home with the animal that it has done something wrong, but I think this is a little too much.
Orcas are social animals, separating them; to me, is wrong.

However it was this that really hit home for me:

I was reading over some of the histories of captive Orcas, and I found that above some of their names it stated "Captured DD/MM/YY"

That is what has done it. I don't care what anyone says. Taking a wild Orca from the ocean and its pod is wrong. As I said before, Orcas are social animals. As such, it would be like forcefully taking a family relative away from their family. Not a nice situation I'm sure.

I am in no way against SeaWorld, Marineland or any other establishment that holds Orcas captive. I love those places with all my heart. They're magical parks where I get to see these wonderful animals up close. I've always wanted to work in such places - they're what I look forward to most when I'm off on holiday!

I think training is fantastic for simple behaviours like veterinary checks etc. but it's now become clear to me that making Orcas do flips and unnatural behaviours in shows isn't right.

So, I've decided to listen to the warning bells in my head. They're there for a reason; and it's took me a long time to realise that I'm supposed to listen to them.
Doing so, I think I've finally found what I want to do.

I want to work with wild Orcas (wild Orca conservation).
I'll take the Animal Conservation Science course at my local Uni and I'll go from there.

Ooh! I forgot to mention!
I saw Helen and Lynn today! 8D
I haven't seen them for over a year! It was so awesome! ^^
Helen's selling Grace apparently due to a loss of confidence but they're keeping Smartie.
Smartie's such a lovely little pony. He was so awesome on the beach last time!

Peace out ;)

I got an interview! O_o

2008-10-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yup!

I got an interview at the zoo. Wednesday the 15th at 10.00 am

Now I'm terrified. O_o

I'm not the quickest thinker, so I'm dreading it to be honest.

Also, I got a response to an e-mail which I sent to SeaWorld today. They said that both the Animal Behaviour Course and the Animal Conservation Science course were useful degrees to get my hands on.

The stuff they said was really inspirational; and it's giving me the motivation to carry on which is great ^^

In other news, I'm off swimming tomorrow for the first time since I was in Florida 3 years ago O_o

Yes; and I want to work with Marine Mammals... XD

Post 09 ... for lack of a better title XD

2008-10-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

Okay...

So... went out for a drive this morning. Went to Keswick and drove fast 8D (without speeding for once XD).
Apparently I can take my driving test soon O_o

DO NOT WANT. I will fail first time. I can see it coming XD

My letters got posted off and I still haven't heard from them ... and everytime the phone rings I have a minor heart attack. Nice.

In other news, some tard noted me on dA today comissioning me for horse/dog or cat pictures. He said he would pay a maximum of $8. He also wanted to sell my work on for a profit.

I don't think so.

The cheek of some people. Sheesh. I couldn't believe the guy. Selling other people's artwork and paying a crap price for it ... dewd. Wrong right there. I'm so mad I don't even know what to say in my note back XD -

No not interested. You are made of fail. Now if you don't mind...

GTFO.

Seriously.

Have a nice day! ^^

What? Manners cost nothing ^^

Post 8 ... My lucky number! ^^

2008-10-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hope it means something! I could do with some luck.

WAH! I posted off my work experience/job letters this morning. Damn I'm going to be biting my nails waiting for phone calls and rejection.

It's rained all day today. I've been caged inside. Yes the rain is that bad. There's a river running down the road outside. -_-

It makes me SO emo. Another reason for me to move countries and get the heck out of England. I'm really depressed today. Bah.

New Stuff...

2008-10-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

So I've been out with Emz all day.

I've found a swimming buddy! 8D

We're going to go once a week and then to the gym afterwards ^^

Anyway...

My dad just showed me this course that's taking place close to where I live.
It's a Marine Mammal Medic course and I'm really interested in going. It'll work wonders for my personal statement and it'll look good to any future employers if I've taken a course in Marine Mammal Medication. It focuses on cetaceans and pinnipeds which makes it even more awesome.

Bad thing is it costs £90 -_-

It'll be worth my while though, so hopefully I'll get myself on that course.

www.bdmlr.org.uk

I kinda had a little epiphany today. I'm having a lot of those lately huh?

Emma's also a horse person... and she's not going into an equine career at all. It just gets you nowhere. I've heard from loads of people in the industry that you shouldn't opt for a career with horses; no matter how much you love them.

Also, I just found a course in the closest university to my home that focuses on animal conservation science. But I'm 10 points short -_-
Bah.

Yeah... Random Post... What Number is this? ... 4?

2008-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Felt like posting in my blog ^^

I went and got my ears pierced again today. I was one of those crazy spur of the moment thingies where you just think 'Yeah. I'm gona go get my ears pierced cuz I feel like it'.
So there we go. 5 piercings ^^

Now I just need a tattoo XD

Anyway...

I've been focusing a lot more on career stuff this week. I've practically filled in my Uni/College application. I just need to write a personal statement and go get myself a reference. Which means... back to school for a meeting with ex-head of year. Dun dun DUN.

I've got all my letters and CV's done. They're out in the post on Monday. My last weekend of freedom. Now I'll be working AND worrying all the time.

I need a holiday.

I still can't decide what I want to do either. I KNOW I want to work with Horses or Marine Mammals. That's something I suppose.
It's weird. I was listening to the Waterhorse soundtrack... and that music automatically makes me think of the ocean and the whales and dolphins. I love it. I love swimming and breaking above the surface to take that first breath of air and flinging your hair back behind your head as you do it. It makes you feel alive.

Then there's the horse side of things.
I love horses. Always have done and always will. It's just ... argh. I don't know if a horse specific career is going to be enough for me. No. That's not it. It's... the careers involving horses here in the UK aren't exactly thrilling. I want to be in the saddle galloping across plains, feeling the wind in my hair, that sort of thing.
What I can see myself doing in the UK is either being a groom, which is fine; or working in the medical side of things.
Horses are seen as business. I read somewhere the other day that if you want a career with horses, you have to understand that you have to make money out of them.
I hate money.
It ruins everything. Bah.
If I was working with horses, I would want to spent more time riding... which you barely get to do working as a groom etc.
Even if you do ride; it's in a school. An enclosed space where you go around in circles. The poor horses must get bored out of their minds. I always used to think it when I had lessons. You could see it in their eyes. Yes I love them that much ^^

I even thought about going into racing this week... but *sigh* I just don't know.

I'm applying for an equine course and animal behaviour to be on the safe side. I'll choose when the time comes.

Wow. I'm going to college next year O_o

Heh. Wonder if I'll get in thanks to this credit crunch thing. Everything's WAY too expensive. They're trying to convince people to share baths here in the UK.

...

No thankyou.

I'm meant to be going out tomorrow with a friend that I haven't seen in over a month. I'm so sad... I can't wait to ask what the hell she's doing at college next year XD

Nah I'm only joking. It's fun meeting up though ^^

Then I'm off out on a bike ride with one of my best buddies next week. We were meant to be going today (she called when I was going for my ears done) then she texted back saying her tire was flat. She's done better than me. I don't even know where my bike is XD
Dude I haven't cycled for years. FUN FUN FUN 8D

After a chat with my dad... well, more like him telling me I could never do it and putting me down all the time - Horses are going to be the better option for me I think...

Career Stuff and Chain of Memories OwO

2008-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog in a while ^^;

So I'm still going through the whole career dilemma thing. It doesn't help that they keep showing things on the TV that affect my choice. For example; Free Willy was on the other day... which obviously included Orcas... then Lord of the Rings was on last weekend... with all those horses.

Thing is; I did originally want to become a stunt rider... like double for actors in movies and stuff. I looked into it a bit more... and it's totally screwed up my brain. I just don't know what to do.

For now, I'm just trying to keep my options open.

I'm trying to get back into the saddle; but most of the riding schools around here have closed. Which in one word sucks. I actually cried today. Things are just so difficult... and I can't move forward because Cumbria is so damn isolated!

Then there's swimming. I'm going to get back into the water asap. Lessons or no.

I've just hunted down a scuba place in Exeter that offers a gap year programme; perfect for when I'm in college:

http://www.essexschoolofdiving.com/

At the minute, I've been looking for diving lessons; as in board diving. Low and behold... there are none in the Lake District, or anywhere near it for that matter.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?!

EDIT. I just found a diving pool. All is not lost... though it is one of the last in Cumbria LOL... and I still don't know if they do diving lessons. FAIL.

http://www.copelandbc.gov.uk/main.asp?page=2876

Then I got a phone call from this damn woman to check up if I had a job yet. I have my CV's and cover letters done... I just haven't sent them off yet. I don't really see the point in it. I doubt they'll take anyone on at winter right? That doesn't mean I won't try though. I'm desperate for a job... and people calling me all the time only for me to keep telling them I'm unemployed does not do my ego any good at all.

In other news... this has nothing to do with careers... but whatever.

North America gets Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories in December. Not FAIR. ;A;

Living in Europe is epic fail. We get everything LAST -_-

In this case though, I'm not sure if we'll get COM at all. *hopes* I wana see Marlu! ^w^

Dilemma

2008-09-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I've had a bit of a dilemma today...

I'm going through one of those phases where I'm having second thoughts about my career choice. It's not that I don't want to become a marine mammal trainer... it's the fact that I don't want to walk out on my life with the horses forever either.
The college where I'm going offers great equine and animal behaviour courses... and when I started my UCAS application this morning and I had to choose the course I wanted to study, it felt like someone had dropped a fifty tonne weight on my shoulders.
It was like my consciense was telling me

"This is it. This course you choose will determine what you're going to do for the rest of your life. Should you pick the wrong course... you'll regret it forever..."

Sometimes I really hate my conscience.
I know from experience how terrible it is when you make the wrong choice regarding classes. It's a horrible feeling.
If I chose an equine course... it pretty much rules out the possibility of animal training for me; and I really want to work with a variety of animals, primarily cetaceans.
If I choose animal behaviour... I'm ruling out the possibility of working with horses and getting somewhere in that industry. Particularly competing at big competitions. The equine course would even give me the chance to go to the Olympics... which is in Britain in 2012.

I don't know. I just don't know...

The thing is with British equine success, you only get somewhere depending on your history and the amount of money you have. Which is pathetic to say the least... and I'm rather embarrassed about it. It shouldn't matter where you come from or who you are, if you've got talent and you're good enough for big competitions then you should be given a chance. Taking a look at Britain at the Olympics this year, there were so many poles knocked down in the show jumping I cringed every time I heard one drop. I was sat there thinking to myself "and they're the best in the country..." I honestly think I could ride as well as them with a bit of practice. I've been told I'm "a nice little rider" by a few people that have watched me over the years. It's kind of pulling on the back of my mind that depending on my course choice... I could be walking out on it for the rest of my life. Not only that, but the bond you build up with the horses is incredible. Fair enough, you get a few bad eggs ... but it's exactly the same with people. Whenever I'm with the horses, everything just takes the back seat in my mind. It's fantastic.

The same kind of bond is built up between animals and their trainers though. It'd just be a whole different kettle of fish with cetaceans. (Excuse the pun).
I read a story today that involved the Killer Whale attack in Seaworld San Diego. I think it woke me up a little and made me realise that they're wild animals. Even in captivity, they can still revert to the ways they would use if they were free. It frightened me a little, but at the same time; it's amazing to think they still know how to act like wild Orcas.

I honestly don't know what to do. Being an indecisive person is a curse. I'm having little arguments with myself in my head. I'll have regrets whichever path I choose.
If I choose the equine path... I'll never be able to become a trainer.
If I choose the trainer path... I'll be walking out on my life with horses... which has been day to day for me for the past 7 years. Either way, I'm going to be heartbroken.

Well, I completed my cover letter for the zoo this morning. I just need to get my CV done and it'll probably be ready for the mail tomorrow. Now I just need my veterinary practice cover letter done and that'll be it.

I noticed a pitfall in my chosen college... they don't allow pets.
There goes my plan of getting a Leopard Gecko... XD

Degree Decision

2008-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today I made a decision regarding aquiring my required qualifications.

I'm going for an honours degree in Animal Behaviour. It's a 3 year course at a college that's a couple of hours away from where I live.
It looks like a nice place... the only worry I have is if there's a swimming pool nearby.
It sounds rediculous, but to keep fit and strengthen my swimming skills it's essential that I'm in the water as much as possible.

The college offers a gap year inbetween studying... so I'll use this to my advantage and go for an internship at a facility that houses marine mammals in the states.
Either that, or I can use the time to obtain my CPR and Scuba certifications. I'd much rather use the time to intern though.

Everything's stationary at the moment though... and it'll remain that way until I get my blasted CV and Cover letters sent off...

My procrastination is a curse...

Blog Post 1

2008-09-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

So I went and got my own blog O_O

I'll try and use this to track my progress on my quest to become a Marine Mammal Trainer.
I think it'll be useful for others if I ever become successful (*hopes*) and it'll be sweet to be able to reflect on my life, regardless of whether I achieve my dream or not.
Something I've come to realise is that dreams are getting harder and harder to achieve these days. Money being the root of the problem - and the fact that there are a lack of positions in my chosen field makes it even harder. I'm stubborn though; and I've got a LOT of determination. I just hope things work out. If things don't go as planned, I've always got the horses. ^^
Wow. That makes me sound like a prude... I'm not. Honest ^w^

Anyway, this being the starter post, I haven't started anything yet. Just looking into things.

I've started writing my CV's and Cover Letters for job applications... or more likely... volunteering at the local zoo and veterinary practice if possible.
Which means, in the long run; I have to apply for job seeker's allowance until I go to college next year to study Animal Behaviour... since I'm 10... count them, TEN points short to get into Chester University to study Zoology. Life is not fair.

Then there's swimming. I can't start it until I pass my driving test because no-one will take me.
Yep. Loved child right here.
Hopefully I'll be able to get myself back into the swing of things and physically fit as soon as possible. I'm already doing sit-up's every night (which I now have half dead muscles since their rather rude and abrupt awakening after not being worked for so long XD

I'm really going to have to look into getting Scuba and CPR qualified too. *headdesk* I have absolutely no idea where to start with all that stuff. Getting back in the water is my first priority though. Hopefully, getting Scuba and CPR qualified shouldn't take too long.

I've found a few internship opportunities in the US with Marine Mammals that I may apply for during a college break. Whether I door not is anyone's guess XD

Anyway, hopefully, by my next post, I should have sent off my application letters to the vets and zoo. I just feel like nothing's moving forward at the moment.