Author / ChronicWriter

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Posts by ChronicWriter

a writer, living with Endometriosis
by ChronicWriter

Be serious

I have decided to start thinking seriously about what I do professionally.

I’m getting organised, planning pieces in advance, actively looking for freelance work. I am feeling more comfortable about branching out into areas I’ve not considered writing about before. This way, I hope to develop my writing and journalistic skills.

I mean, I didn’t take Journalism at degree for nothing, right? It’s time to revisit this- as an adult, as a serious ‘post-uni’ person. It’s scary as I’ve always fallen back on my care experience and psychology degree. But, I have always enjoyed writing and I think it’s about time it started being more than just a hobby.

I have to mix things up!

I’m no longer a student, but life is taking me to school.

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Summarise your Dog’s life in fewer than four Paragraphs (as if 4 is enough?!)

Noise? What noise? Oh right, there’s a noise. BARK! Head up. My work here is done, time for a nap! 

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It is no shock to anyone that knows me that I own a dog.  He is an American Bulldog and he sheds. A lot. His fur is short and white with a smattering of dark brindle spots covering his entire body, he also has a spot on his tongue. He’s very big and got a lot of meat, mainly in his head. His name is Harley. He also answers to Harley-Quinn when he’s being a) incredibly cute or b) incredibly naughty. He is very affectionate and will sometimes just plonk! himself down on me.

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He has three (yes, three!) beds in our house, all in different rooms. But he likes ours the best. Imagine a custard slice, pastry on either side and a huge sliver of calorific custard in the middle. Well, me and my husband are the pasty and Harley is the custard, taking up all the room! (huh, I’ve never made a connection between bed and cake before but I like it!) My husband is the cook in our house, and where there’s a cook, there’s food and where there’s food you’re sure to find a drooling bulldog. And this isn’t contained in the kitchen! He follows and sits looking all starved and sad whilst we’re eating. It’s emotional blackmail!

American Bulldogs have a bad reputation which is mostly undeserved. I stand firmly by the “blame the owner, not the breed” notion- it is how a dog is raised which determines his character and behaviour.  Harley is the gentlest dog, his face has been within an inch of a budgie, a baby and a sausage dog and I have no worries. When we’ve been out on walks, I’ve had mixed reactions from people. Most of them are looks of horror as they grab their child/chihuahua and run past us, hoping he doesn’t eat them. When off the lead, he’ll try and play, bounding (like a lamb, he wasn’t built for grace or speed!) over to say hello and they scream and demand to know why this vicious beast isn’t muzzled and on a lead. This upsets me when this happens, he’s completely prejudged and misunderstood. Yes, he’s big and his face is going to cause some questions- so ask them! I’m more than happy for him to sit so you can meet him. Yes, he can be stubborn and greedy, but he’s so soft. And doesn’t deserve the negative reaction he so often receives.
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I have babied my dog, it’s no secret. But with no children and my acute broodiness and with him being raised from a puppy it was inevitable. He is a huge part of my life, and I’m not just talking about his size! Harley has only been with us for a little over 2 years, but I can’t imagine life without him. He offers unconditional love and endless sloppy cuddles and he always knows when I’m not feeling well.
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I don’t know what I’d do without him!

A xo

by ChronicWriter

What do I want to be when I grow up? I’ve no idea…

Lately I have been feeling a little restless. My 20s haven’t started out so good and U’m wondering when it will all fall into place. During this little crisis, I decided it might be time for a drastic career change. I thought the best course of action would be to take one of those silly aptitude tests. I was so surprised to see what it came up with!

This is the result of me taking an online careers test:

Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeler, Judger

ENFJ’s are outstanding group leaders. They try hard to help others be the best that they can be. 5% of the total population.

The ENFJ’s optimistic outlook toward social relationships is a burden to them at times. When external conflicts affect a group, the ENFJ is likely to assume responsibility. Their ability to empathize then turns into a liability. ENFJ’s, when over-identifying with the pain of others, will loose sight of their own concerns and interests. Their idealism can also be the cause of some distress when their assumptions are unable to weather the winds of reality. Fantasized relationships rarely translate into reality and even the best charismatic leader encounters unexpected resistance.

Like all NFs, ENFJ’s will disassociate themselves from stressful situations in an effort to protect their sense of well-being and togetherness. The ENFJ, however, will repress the unpleasant side of life only to have to face it later in an intensified form when it explodes from its hiding place. It can manifest itself as fits of anger, sudden outbursts, or emotional explosions. Often the ENFJ’s body will reflect pent-up stress by manifesting various physical symptoms that will erupt unexpectedly.

And what careers did it come up with?

  • Entertainer 
  • Recruiter
  • Artist
  • Newscaster
  • Writer/Journalist
  • Recreation Director
  • Librarian 
  • Politician
  • Psychologist 
  • Housing director
  • Career counselor 
  • Sales trainer
  • Travel agent
  • Program designer
  • Team trainer
  • Child welfare worker
  • Social worker
  • Alcohol/Drug Counselor 
  • Executive: Small business 
  • Occupational therapist 

For those of you that don’t know, I graduated with a degree in psychology and journalism. I work in Healthcare, closely with patients with Mental health issues. I write a blog. I am over-sensitive and empathetic. I like to assume responsibility and I’m happy to take the lead in situations.

So.. that’s a ‘No’ to the change in career #YOLO

A xo

Find the career test HERE.

by ChronicWriter

Describe a person you see everyday

On my way to work in the early morning, before all the shops open and there are only the bus riders and tired looking people; clutching their coffee cups with intense enthusiasm. I see a man, everyday, in a hurry.
I know what you’re thinking; ‘he’s probably on his way to work or hurrying for the bus’. Which is clearly a likely possibility. Like a little busy turtle, he carries a stuffed-to-bursting backpack, all his treasures inside. What’s he got in there? Being a little odd and on autopilot my imagination runs wild. He’s a spy, he has all his gadgets and “lasers” in the backpack. He’s homeless and that’s where his sleeping bag is- wait… he looks too tidy. It’s full of stationary, he works an office job. Maybe he’s still in school? And on and on…
This man is smartly dressed, middle-aged and always looks cheerful. There’s sort of a skip in his step, like he’s excited for the day ahead.
I tried to be like that, Monday morning, 7.30am and failed.
Maybe he’s not going to work?

Remember when we were little, our mums would pack us up with lunch and a rain coat and extra drinks, snacks for the bus? We’d skip on our way in the morning, faces full of smiles. Where were we going? SCHOOL TRIP. Maybe this happy fellow is off on a trip? I mean, someone’s got to write reviews. He’s got the best job ever! He visits all these exciting places so he can write a review. This guy works for Trip Advisor!

I know what I want to be when I grow up…

 

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Breaking the Habit

Ever since I was little, I have bitten my nails. I have no idea how it started, my mum bit her nails and so did my dad. So maybe it was a learnt behaviour, who knows?

Over the years, I have tried time and time again to quit.
I’ve tried painting my nails bright shades, and every time they chipped or I got bored, I would re-paint them. That was successful to a point but attempting this prior to the exam period was a mistake.

I have tried having false nails put on, so mine have a chance to grow underneath. This is expensive. Also, usually the growth would last 2-3wks, after the 1st week mine would start to look a little shabby with gaps between the nail and cuticle. It would also make my cuticles really dry which would make me want to pick and chew them. Fail.

I am now 25. I so want to have my nails sorted by the time I’m 30! I’ve researched online, read a few blogs and got some pointers from wikihow. I’ve mentioned these on my Twitter account @aimee_finlay
I have now put a plan together- operation #breakthehabit is a go!

  1. When I’m at work, I put post-its on my computer screen, or my desk that says: “DON’T BITE YOUR NAILS!” This is important for me to acknowledge this all the time- what I struggle with the most ‘mindless nibbling’. I’m not even aware I’m biting my nails sometimes, like when I’m watching a movie (dramas and thrillers are a nightmare!).
  2. I apply a coat of Sally Hansen’s Maximum Growth every other day. This can also be used as a bottom coat. I have also tried Sally Hansen’s Miracle Nail Growth whilst I was at university and I saw a definite improvement and my nails felt stronger.
  3. Then, I apply a layer of nail biting solution which is available at Boots. This comes with a nail brush for easy application. I have also tried Pretty Quik Nail the Habit dip & dry solution- really fast and handy for your handbag or when travelling. The only issue with this is that I found the solution transfers to food (ie. crisps, sandwiches etc)
  4. I have also enlisted my husband to prod or tell me when I’m biting them or like I might.

So, this is the first stage of my nail growth regime. I will share my triumphs and failures- what works and what doesn’t!

This is after a couple of days of abstinence (don’t judge):

You have to start somewhere…

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Home made Fish PIE

There is no greater comfort food than PIE. It doesn’t matter if it’s sweet or savoury, it just seems to hit the spot every time. Completely satisfying. Among my favourites are Apple & Blackberry, Chicken & Mushroom and the classic Fish Pie.

Tonight, I made my own fish pie.

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Instead of buying a standard pie mix, I bought different fillets of the fish I like best.

In this pie I used: Smoked Basa and fillet of Basa, squid, prawns and mussels. Plus, mashed potatoes, cheese and parsley sauce! This can be put together in advance and oven’d at the last minute!

Cut the larger fillets into cubes, roughly the same size. Place in a pan with milk and water and bring to the boil until fish is cooked. Drain and leave to dry a little.  The prawns, squid & mussels can be put in afterwards as they take less time to cook! mix these together with the cooked fish and parsley sauce. Place in an oven dish and dollop mashes potatoes on top.

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees and put pie in the middle. 20 minutes later, sprinkle your favourite cheese on top of the mash and return to the oven. Cook until cheese has melted and become golden.

I served my fish pie with carrots, peas and green beans. My hubby is from Yorkshire and so has to have bread and butter; yum!

Absolutely stuffed now!

A xo

p.s. (( I cheated a little and bought pre-made Parsley sauce but here’s the recipe if you have the time! ))

by ChronicWriter

Chick Lit.

Like any enthusiastic bookworm, I have a pile of books on my bookshelf that I turn to when I just want a care-free, stressless comfort read. These are books that I’ve had in my possession for years, probably that cost about a quid from a car boot or charity shop. They feed my desire for happy endings, and romance. They all get 5/5! This entry is basically a guide to some of the best go-to heart wrenching, terrific chick lit’s.

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  1. The first is Bet Me by Jenny Crusie. I bought this book from a used book sale at my local library, it was 20p! It follows the blossoming relationship of straight-laced Min and her charming new beau, Cal.
    She’s curvy, aggressive and loves food. He’s charming, handsome and eager to please. And it all starts with a bet; “I bet you can’t get her to go to dinner with you…” Lighthearted and sassy, this story is the ultimate feel-good.
  2. Then, it is First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. This was the first story I read of this author before I went on an obsessed rampage on eBay and Amazon. The president’s widow goes on the run and hitches a ride with a family of 3. Single father and his 2 daughters; the ideal hiding place – or not.
  3. Christine Feehan’s Dark Prince is the first one of the Dark Carpathian series and an awesome love story. Raven attempts to find some peace of mind in the mountains but she finds so much more. Mikhail is the dark prince of his people, mysterious and powerful, Raven is helpless to resist him. Romance with a little bit of fantasy. Brilliant. This book is great, but any of this series are great reads.
  4. In The Duke & I, Julia Quinn writes a beautiful story about a strong, young woman who finds passion and love in the strangest way. Set in the picturesque Austen era, where debutantes are many and chaperons are essential, Daphne and Simon’s lust grows into love.

So these are just a few of my favourite love stories. They have the best plots, with just the right amount of sweet and sour. All of them bring something different to the table and each leaves you begging for more. The dynamics in these books are so realistic, it makes you feel like part of the drama. Enjoy.

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Am I a grown up?

I’m 24 years old. I’ll be 25 in January. And yet, it doesn’t quite feel like I’m grown up enough to be 30 in 5 years.

I look at my friends, my colleagues, my ‘Facebook friends’ and they all seem to be a bit more ‘put together’ than I am.

It takes me forever to know what to wear, I never wear make-up; preferring to have an extra half hour in bed that to drag my ass to the mirror. I get my eyebrows waxed every couple of months when the regrowth looks like a caterpillar has crawled onto my face.
I don’t wear matching underwear sets. I prefer my husband’s t-shirts as PJ’s and there’s no way I’d cope in high heels. My jeans always have rips in the knees- I buy them that way! And instead of blouses I buy band or slogan tees – usually 2 sizes too big.

I was never a girly-girl growing up and I’m certainly not a girly-woman now but is that a bad thing? Just because I’m no longer at uni and I’m married and work for a living, I should drop all my principles and comforts and adopt new, more boring ones? Definitely not. Maybe they just need to be updated. My style should reflect my age and my tastes in a manner that expresses who I am.

I can still wear my band tees, still wear my ripped jeans, but in a way that will still be taken seriously in the adult world. Even though my maturity might be a little stunted, my values and prospects are very much adult. It goes back to that old saying: “Never judge a book by its cover”.

On first impression, I may look like a school drop out or a student that’s had too many all-nighters and not enough of her 5 a day. But I hope that once you speak to me and learn a smidge about who I am, it will become clear that I am a reasonable force, someone to be taken seriously, and someone who knows her own mind.

 

A xo

 

 

by ChronicWriter

Nigella’s prawn & squid supper

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King prawns
Squid (we used basa white fish!)
Chili
Garlic
Lemon zest & juice of 1/2
Marjoram
Parsley
Black Rice (we used rice noodles)

This was a recipe from Nigella Lawson’s Nigelissima tv programme. We were sitting watching it the other evening, wondering what to have for tea and this looked quite easy to make- and it was! A quick trip to Morrisons and I was stood in front of the hob cooking!
We made a couple of substitutes as not all the ingredients were available but it was still really tasty! Fresh, light and yummy! A great meal for the evening, and even greater with a glass of wine! I chose sparkling Prosecco!

CHEERS!

A xo

by ChronicWriter

Happy Sunday!

It’s time for steak.

Being married to a chef isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – late nights, long hours, weird shifts. But we have had the past week off together, we’ve both been more relaxed and have seemed better able to manage things. I think we were well overdue for a breather.

My husband is a man of simple tastes, he hates going to restaurants where the chef is trying to say something with food, he hates fancy over-the-top flavours. Give him a plate of pie & peas and he’s happy- I married a classic Yorkshireman!

One of the things that we both have in common is a love of good food. In place of our Sunday roast this week, Nick cooked me a surf ‘n’ turf. Rump steak, mushroom/stilton sauce, scallops, crabcakes and fat chips! We overindulged to the max today!

Here are the sneaky cheats!
Scallops-
leave in shells! mix butter, fresh parsley, 1 clove of crushed garlic – 1 tspn on the scallop, a few drops of lemon juice and put in the oven 200 degrees for 5mins

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Mushroom/stilton sauce- (I made this! If I can, you can- it’s so easy!)
1/2 onion finely chopped, mushrooms finely chopped, sautéed in butter and a little oil, double cream. Add fresh parsley, season to taste – add milk if too thick.

Crabcakes-
Mix mashed potato and crab meat together with 1tspn of milk. Shape into rounds. Seal in a pan of oil (gas mark 6) and place in the oven for 10mins.

Steak & the chips are self explanatory; cook it how you like. I have my steak cooked BLUE and prefer proper home cooked chips (from the deep fat fryer- I know! unhealthy!) But it would also be ok with oven chips or baked potato!

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The sauce is rich and the flavours in this meal are tasty but not too overpowering. Simple ingredients but extremely satisfying!
I applaud my husband to be able to co-ordinate such a feast! That’s why I married a chef! Nom!

Happy eating,
A xo