vickygr

Hello,

I Pledge to Rate

I find this site highly addictive and enjoy all three types of swap, though I particularly like getting nice things through the post. It feels like a rolling Christmas. I enjoy swapping Kawaii, chocolate and books (among others). Also, I've already got a couple of penpals off this site!

I live in a town centre, small flat with my boyfriend, Joe.

Back in summer, I graduated with a 2:1 in Creative Writing and I plan to take a postgraduate course in 2013/14, possibly in Journalism. Even after my degree I am still a writer, I think I even enjoy it! At the moment I have a very scrappy notebook, which I am frantically writing down my ideas in. It is a case of... let's see how this goes. Almost exciting, but I don't want to jinx it.

When it comes to politics, I support the Green Party even if they are seen as alternative. Recently I came across their four pillars, which are social justice, grassroots democracy, nonviolence and ecological wisdom, and discovered I believe in all four. I read their manifesto online and agree with that as well; I have finally found a party I actually believe in.

Some of my favourite things are anime programmes, writing activist letters, Postcrossing and Xbox gaming!

My avatar is a picture of one of the lions (Chete) I worked with while volunteering in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Vicky xx`

As a member of Amnesty International I often write pressuring letters to various MPs and governments, lobbying for human rights. I recently wrote to the Zimbabwe Ambassador in London demanding that members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) be free from harassment when demonstrating their international right to peaceful protest. As it stands they are maltreated by local authorities, sometimes even beaten by them.

I also write letters as part of Born Free's ongoing Activate Campaign. A few times a year they email me about a specific cause and give me the address to write to. The most recent one was about an Italian aquarium that does not meet the needs of its turtles. They live in small tanks and are riddled with illness. My letter demanded that they be returned to a rescue centre and rehabilitated back to the wild.

I believe there are many good things about people and this planet but I am also concerned by many issues that still need work. Rather than just complain about them to no one in particular I try to make my voice count towards making the change. Whether or not I actually make a difference I do not know but I feel I must keep trying. I also try to only write with regards to causes I really care about, that seems important – though I find that most causes I read about touch me in some way.

I love South Park because it is hilarious; Death Note because it is interesting and thought-provoking; Dexter because it is thrilling and unpredictable. Others include, Brothers and Sisters, Sex and the City and The X Factor.

I went through a major Twilight phase and still like the movies. I think the Lord of The Rings trilogy is the best set of films of our time. I also like Thirteen, which is about two girls experience with sex, drugs and life in general. The Hours and The Village are both great films; I like anything that has a twist or makes you think.

First and foremost, I love to read. If a book is good I can "swallow" it in two days and I always have a book in my bag. It goes hand in hand with being a writer. I write therefore I read. I read therefore I write

As I've already mentioned I have a bit of a thing for the Twilight Saga... I read the books slowly to savour them. Twilight is my favourite of the series and I really enjoyed Breaking Dawn until the last 50 pages, which were a bit of an anti-climax. I've also had the pleasure of reading The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak (I thought it was well written and very clever) The Hobbit (even more amazing than people say; the imagery integrated into my dreams) and Lucky, by Jackie Collins. I've read everything she has ever written and my favourite character is Lucky, strong, feisty and gorgeous.

I recently finished reading Cheryl Cole's autobiography. I had no idea how much I liked that woman, she is so genuine. Currently, I'm reading The Life of Pi, very far removed from my own reality so fascinating.

I love using bright colours and making collages. My paintings are often very abstract - I just enjoy the experience of painting, but as I don't think I'm a very good drawer I experiment with patterns and just getting something on the canvas. When I do draw it is in a cartoon-like style. I recently used an old felt-tip to draw a Tim Burtonesque face. I also enjoy making friendship bracelets and add beads to them, occasional scrap-booking and origami.

I plan to try mandalas and scrapbooking (which I have done in the past and enjoyed).

30/06/2011 -- I made my first dotee toady!! He is all poppies and big eyes and smells a bit of lavender :-)

I love a good cup of tea, perfect to wake up to, relax to and get through the day with: red milk and two sugars please! I'm also a big Ribena fan. I've tried Sake, which was warm and watery, but nice and smooth at the same time.

I love candy! I have a major sweet tooth and let myself indulge. I am looking forward to joining in candy swaps so I can try sweets from other places in the world, especially CHOCOLATE. ^_^

Likes (brands): Cadbury, Galaxy, Lindt and Pocky (Want to try more flavours of this).

Dislikes (general): dark chocolate, anything nutty, fruit in chocolate, sour sweets (though I don't mind having a few).

My favourite bands are constantly changing, but at the moment I LOVE Florence And The Machine, Stone Sour and School of Seven Bells. I recently got a Nokia Lumia (replacing both my old slide phone and my iPod Touch), which I'm constantly plugged into... headphone's on street noises out.

I also like Maximum The Hormone, The XX and White Lies. I went to Reading Festival 2011, which was fun. I'm hoping to see Linkin Park or Robbie William in 2013. My taste is quite eclectic!

I discovered Kawaii the summer of 2011 and fell in love with it instantly. ^_^ There are so many times about the Japanese culture that I love.

Likes (inc. Brands):

Alice in Wonderland themed items, Berry Puppy, Hearts/Flowers/Rainbows, Rilakkuma, Fairy Tale!!! Kamio, Crux, MindWave

Dislikes: Skulls/Poo!!! ^///^

As I am still new Kawaii I will be happy to receive anything... except skulls and poo (eww! gross!) They aren't cute so I don't see how they are kawaii!

I would be really happy if someone sent me a SWEET CHEESE CAT Phone Charm/Key Ring!!!!

Things I like:

1) Moomins 2) Japanses anime 3) Gothic items

If you send me any merchandise to do with the above, such as jewellery, note cards and other stationery, journals, diaries, then I will be very happy! :-D