So, my birthday is tommorow (or today, depending on when i finish this post) and im sort of looking forward to it. I've talked to my parents, and they're gonna give me £100 extra for me to take to Japan. And i've got a few cards and presents to open.

I think this has been the first year i have actually had no idea what to ask for, the number of requests i have had for my presents has slowly declined as i grow older. So, i ended up asking for money. Which means i can dish out on some souvenirs and stuff on the trip. I think its a little bit of a shame theyll be no wrapping to tear open, but i'm gonna have to get used to it. It wont be long till my birthday presents consist of 2 books on DIY and a bottle of shower gel.

But its not just the presents i miss, i miss the excitement, it was the same for christmas. Going to bed the night before and trying to get to sleep so the morning would come faster. Then waking up in the morning and getting the parents up so i can start opening the gifts. I didnt always get what i wanted, but it was always fun. It used to be a fantastic event, and while i still enjoy the time period, it just isnt the same.

Its all part of growing up, you begin to take more responsibility. Even though i dont think people expect it of me, i try to buy a few gifts at christmas. I bought some for the nieces/nephews last christmas. And im hoping to buy a few things at japan for most of my friends and family. Its almost surreal, because when your young, you dont think you'll ever reach that stage, it always seems so far off.

It will be my birthday in 5 minutes, so i'm off now!

Yet again i have forgotten my blog, so yet again im going to try and keep it going, especially since someone new has commented on my last blog post (Retro_Guru).

So, since last time, i have finshed my A's, and am hoping to take four A2s, Maths, Chem, Phys, and Biology, but ill have to see my results. My exams went well, but im a bit worried about one or two units. I will however be suprised if i get below B in any of the subjects. But ill talk more about stuff like that in some other post.

Last week i came back from a biology field trip to Wales. It has to have been the most exhausting holiday i have ever been to, working day was 9 am to 9pm, and we probably had about 2-3 hours free time a day. But it was enjoyable nonetheless, and interesting. We would go to beaches, shores, and forests etc and study various animals, plants and algae. It may not sound very interesting, but when your teachers are good, and you understand whats happening, its really is. I can now travel to places and instead of making assumptions, etc, i know whats happening. It's a bit hard to explain really, so just to imagine ive put it accross perfectly.

The best part of now, is that schools out for the summer, so, no work (almost). Im gonna try and full it with stuff to do, im fed up of ending a 7 week holiday and wondeirng what the hell ive been doing. The biggest chunk is going to japan this sunday for 2 and a half weeks. I am so excited, if not a bit nervous. I know a bit of japanese, but not enough. But, theres plenty to look forward to, Mt fuji, tokyo, kyoto, hiroshima, studio ghibli's museum. I cant think of anything i wont enjoy. I wont be able to post much during that time, but i'll try and write a summary when i get back.

Thats it really, i think, at least, in brief, oh, and its my birthday on friday, ill be 17, at last, im one of the youngest in my year. So, looking forward to then.

Anyway, adfa, signing out!

Well, im sure lots of people in education do this, but i have had this rule since i went in to secondary school. Every friday when i get back, i go straight to the computer and relax. I wont work at all. Its my day off. I think its fair. I mean, if i work hard the rest of the week, i should be able to look forward to something.

So, in the past few days i've been trying to arrange my japanese trip in the summer. I'm going with a good friend, and i hope ill enjoy myself.

Most of my holidays tend to be either a short distance or a long way away. There is a huge void space that i havent visited yet, and it seems a shame. One place i want to go is india. My mum tries to convince me, but i just havent gotten round to it.

But, i have a backup plan. At the end of my A-levels, i am definetely going to take a gap year. I have been in education for a long time, and i think it is about time to take a break. Many people dont like the idea, maybe because they want to get education over and done with, but it is a chance to experience something which you will probably not be able to do for a very long time. If you go to uni, there is a chance you will get in to a relationship, or go in to a job. Basically, you will usually end up with some sort of responsibility which will prevent you from taking a year off. Sure, you will get holidays, but it isnt the same.

I plan to work for half the time to raise money. Then i will travel the world. Ill likely get a world ticket, and i hope to frequently change between working for charities and just taking in the sights and culture. I also hope to travel with friends, its a long time away, and i dont think i could stand meeting all these new people, etc, without someone around to support me. So, during this year, i hope to visit india and get to know my mums side of the culture. A side of culture which i havent really experieced so far...