10 Things you will only understand if you work in Retail or Fast Food

1. Saying "aaah its time for me to go home ay!" to the customer every time you mess up, even if you only started 10 minutes ago.

Yeah, I'm really good at what I do I swear... It's just been a long day and my heads just everywhere! 3426 times a day. 

2. Wanting to kill parents who bring their family of 12 inside the shop just to buy a bottle of water.

You are taking up the entire shop floor... just make your missus and your brats wait outside. 

3. Sprinting like Forrest Gump when a customer asks you for help when you're just about to go on your break.

Not today Satan.

4. Trying to explain that you..a measly team member.. who is bottom of the company's hierarchy did not set the 5p per bag law in place.

I DON'T MAKE THE RULES LADY

5. Freaking out when a customer tells you to surprise them with what pasty/sandwich filling they should buy.

Please, don't do this. I would rather hold your child than chose your lunch for you.

6. Sounding like your nan when a group of kids sit inside and buy one thing.

This isn't a damn youth club, buy something or get out.

7. Having to count to ten when someone says "Do you work here?"

No I just wear this hair net, hat and apron to pick up the fella's. 

8. Feeling like your A-Level certificates are being ripped up when someone walks on the floor you've just brushed AND mopped.

Why would you want to do that to a person? Why????

9. Trying to hold back a sarcastic comment when a customer makes a stupid remark but talks to you like you're the stupid one.

At least once a shift someone asks for a chocolate cookie. We sell two different types of chocolate cookies; white chocolate and triple chocolate. So then I say "what cookie you after?" and they reply "...The chocolate one?" as if I'M stupid. THEY ARE BOTH CHOCOLATE. JUST BECAUSE ONE LOOKS MORE LIKE THE AVERAGE CHOCOLATE DOESN'T MEAN THE OTHER ONE ISN'T CHOCOLATE. Its bloody irritating,

Moral of the story kids: don't discriminate.

10. Having to force a smile when parents send their kid to the till to pay.

Its not cute, its time consuming.

Hope y'all enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Let me know what pisses you off about where you work, I'm sure you have plenty.

Cass x

Follow me on IG: casssrattray

Follow me on Twitter: @cassrattray

Another Post you might like: Art or paedophilia? | Sia - Elastic heart

Art or Paedophilia? | Sia - Elastic Heart

Recently, Australian singer Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, better known simply as Sia, released a music video to her single ‘Elastic heart’. The breathtaking dance routine was performed by 12 year old Maddie Ziegler and 28 year old Shia Labeou. Since it was released the video has gained as much praise as it has criticism. I have to admit, when I first watched the video it didn't even cross my mind that people would relate this to paedophilia, but then again I can sometimes forget how closed minded and negative people can be. I was so drawn in by this video and think that its so open to interpretation that everybody could relate to the video in some way if they let themselves. I think the intention Sia had was that everybody could have their own opinion on what it’s about which I think is the best way to view art. However, she did say that her intention was to create an emotional piece and that Shia and Maddie where both suposed to show a different side to Sia. Even when I watch this video back I don’t see this as glorifying paedophilia, I see it as a highly skilled and artistic way of getting Sia’s feeling/message across.

When people first started to criticize the video, Sia took it upon herself to apologise via twitter. I personally don’t think she needed to apologise because as I said its open to interpretation and they can view it how they want to, that's not Sia’s fault. I know some people reading this might disagree and that makes me sad, because if people see all things in this way then they are going to miss out on so many beautiful things in life.

When Sia apologised she said “All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play these two warring 'Sia' self states." And I completely agree. I think they both have a fantastic connection in the video, the two interact with physical and emotional integrity and I really couldn't imagine it being with any other actors. I do appreciate why people may be concerned about the age but I think that if a 12 year old can dance like that then we should definitely embrace it. I think the age difference and then skin coloured costumes are crucial in the performance and without both aspects it wouldn't have been as powerful. I've always been a fan of Shia Labeou, he’s been acting from a very young age and I remember being quite young watching him in something and my brother saying to me “He’s going to be a fantastic actor when he’s older, I guarantee it” and I've always remembered that and kept one eye on him. I think it’s great he’s expanding from films and doing something interesting like this, it would be great to see more actors trying new things out.

When Maddie was asked about her view on the video she said “I've never danced with a much older guy like that before -- and it wasn't like we were actually dancing together because we were fighting each other. We were battling. I'm supposed to be portraying a werewolf and pretty much Shia and I have been just living in the cage for a year and I'm the strong one and I'm trying to pretty much kill him,"... If a twelve year old can see that why can’t we?

I’ve watched this video so many times now and still can’t comprehend how beautiful and powerful it is. I was first shown this by my friend who has the same opinion as me and we discussed it before and after the critics came out with the idea of it having paedophilia undertones and our opinions have stayed the same. We are both strong enthusiasts of emotion and stories being shown through art and think it’s a great view to have. If you do think this is wrong then try to open your mind, push away thought of it being wrong and try to think of what else it could mean to you. Not all things are bad!!

Let me know your take on this video; Do you think its art or paedophilia? All opinions are welcome. I’ll leave a link to the video for those who haven’t seen this. And remember... keep an open mind!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWZGAExj-es

Cass x

Follow me on IG: anunorganisedlife

Follow me on Twitter: @cassratt

Another Post you might like:  10 things you will only understand if you're in a group chat

10 things you will only understand if you're in a group chat

1. Realising after two minutes of talking in a group chat that your friends are morons. 

Morons. Absolute morons. Just when you think you are in a group of intelligent, well rounded people..someone comes out with "what you reckon a ten bag of bud was called in the 60's?".

2.  Making plans is harder than finding out who 'A' is.

Too many people..that chat too much shit. Everything is made into a joke so when it comes to deciding on a time or place everyone just ends up doing their own thing or messaging each other individually. No amount of nagging will get the group to shut up and actually make plans.

3.  Small things really do amuse small minds.

I've never realised what fun people can have with emoji's, gifs and memes. If we had to have a conversation using no words then I feel like we'd be just fine, communication through Ainsley Harriott meme's is all that is needed. 

4. The joy you get from coming up with the perfect group name and then feeling crushed when somebody has the nerve to change it. 

Please don't change the name I set.. mine was funnier and more relevant. So back off. 

5. Realising what your mates actually think of you because of the new 'nickname' update.

I don't think I've had one nickname in any of the group chats I'm in that isn't insulting. I look forward to the day I have a name like 'King Cassie' or 'The Hulk' ... I'd much prefer them to 'Specky little git'. Thanks but it's a nah from me.

6. Then taking forever to find out who's saying what because you've all got absurd names instead of the standard 'Cassie Rattray'.

"Gary an a plant pot please mate, says: Anyone fancy meeting at mine for 9?"... You know what I'd bloody love to if only I knew who the hell you where.

7. Having to explain to your mum that your phone constantly buzzing is your group chat when she says 'ooooo somebody's popular'.

Yeah, I'm really not that popular mum... its just my mates discussing who was at the boot last night.

8. Muting the chat and feeling like the constant stress that is your friendship group has gone away forever.

No more buzzing. No more Stress. I am a free elf.

9. But then un-muting it because you don't want to miss out on anything juicy.

What if there's a kick off and I miss it?

10. Coming out of work/uni and have to scan through all the messages to catch up on what's been said. 

1028 unread messages... er I think I'll pass thanks.

Hope y'all enjyed this post and related to a few things in it. Let me know what annoys you most about your group chat...

Cass x

Follow me on IG: anunorganisedlife

Follow me on Twitter: @cassratt

Another Post you might like:  10 Things All Students Will Relate To

My Trip To The Birthplace of Harry Potter

I'm currently in Glenrothes in Scotland with one of my closest friends. She used to live here before she moved to Liverpool, so we thought we'd take a trip up here, see the sights, go on a few nights out and just to take a break from work, uni and just reality really!!

When taking a day trip to Edinburgh we did the usual.. seen the castle, visited the grass market and old town, it was beautiful. I think Scotland is such a pretty place, so quiet..but too quiet for me! 

     

     

Then,when looking for places to eat we realised that the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling sat and wrote the first and second Harry Potter books was only around the corner! Its called The Elephant House and its so cool. I'm a maaaaajor Harry Potter fan (Potterhead if you will) so when we realised we where only a few minutes away I freaked out. I literally ran there! Apparently, when she was writing the first two books, she was so poor that she found it cheaper to buy a cup of coffee in this cafe and write, rather than paying for her heating bill at home.. I bloody love that haha, think I'd do the same if I lived in Scotland, its baltic up here.

Anyway, I had a ball. I was so over the mood to even be outside.. it was magical. I'm actually getting a Deathly Hallows tattoo tomorrow whilst I'm still here. Been such a nice trip, so lovely to clear my head!

Anyone else been to The Elephant house? Or dreams of it?

Cass x

Follow me on IG: anunorganisedlife

Follow me on Twitter: @cassratt

Another Post you might like: Purple Smokey Eye Makeup Look | Makeup Tutorial 

10 things all students will relate to

This year is my first year studying Media, TV and Film at Edge Hill university and boy has it been terrifying. Not so much the course but everything that comes with being a student.. moving out, having roomates, student loans, OVERDRAFTS and everything else!

Me thinking I'm hilarious, I often text my mum things about being student that I know will make her laugh, so I decided to gather them all together and make a little post for all you fellow students or anyone who just wants to have a laugh at just how glamorous the student life is.

1.  Spending your student loan within the first week and then regretting it a few weeks later when you can see your ribs..

Who's idea was it to give an 18 year old all that money? I mean I'm not complaining but lets face it, not many people my age will actually budget their money. Most of it will be blown within the first few weeks, especially after freshers week. Having your student loan after a month maximum is a shock to any student, to the point where if you still had some left people would say "what the hell?! you still have your student loan left?? How did you do that?!".

2. Sitting in the bank thinking an overdraft is the scariest thing in the world but then abusing it the second your loan is gone.

I remember sitting in the bank having my account changed to a student account and then being told about overdrafts and thinking "Hell no, I'm definitely not touching that, overdrafts equals debt and debt equals beiNG AN ADULT SO NO THANKS" but at this very moment in time my current balance is -£480... so yeah, things change.

3. Missing a lecture and feeling incredibly guilty or actually going to a lecture and wishing you'd stayed in bed all day.

This is a daily struggle for me. Possibly the hardest decision of the day, but whatever decision I make I end up feeling bad about.. although it's better to feel bad wrapped in quilt watching suits on netflix all day..

4. Missing the taste of meat and/or solid foods.

I cant tell you the amount of times I've been looking for food in our flat shouting "I miss chicken, I need meat!!".. its bloody tragic. When I first moved out, my mum bought me several jars of sauce but no meat. I have no idea why she did this but she did and they now sit in my cupboard mocking me because every single one of them cannot be made into a meal without meat.

5. A night out or three days of eating???

Being so low on money that its either a night out or afford food. Get your eyebrows done or food? New shoes or food? Buy everyone a shot or have dinner tomorrow night? Double vodka and red bull or afford to get the train to uni? The decisions of life hey folks.

6. Having the local kebab house staff know you by name.

This is sort of a lie, when I first moved into the flat I went to the kebab house at the top of our road and the owner finished everything he said with "gorgeous" in a very strong Greek accent. And I mean after everything he said. I took my flatmate and she found it equally as funny. However, we went in a very hungover state and some lads in there must have been thinking "they are not fuckin gorgeous mate" but hey its nice to be nice. Turns out this is a known thing in Liverpool and people actually go to see "The Gorgeous Man".

7. Resisting the urge to steal your flatmates food.

My flat mates mum often buys food for her so her cupboards are always full, so fighting the urge to be "that" person sometimes becomes very hard. Lets face it, her cupboard is closer than Tesco and I'm hungry.

8. Only having liquid substances in the fridge.

Before we got another flat mate all that was in our fridge was alcohol, water and pure orange juice. It was only till we got a thirty year old nurse who actually cooks that our fridge had ever seen food.

9. Realising you never really needed bread and milk, you only used it because your parents bought them.

I think I've bought milk once whilst being at uni. I've realised that I don't use it enough to buy it so I can do without. Although when I go home I will be drinking pints of milk and eating bread like there's no tomorrow... but I still don't need it.

10. Having to sell a kidney just to buy fucking cheese.

Who knew cheese was so expensive? Cheese has now become a luxury in my life. I've gone from having it in every meal to having it in one a month. Didn't realise being an adult meant spending more on cheese than on a pair of fucking shoes.

Cassie x

Insecurities, Low self esteem and Body positivity

"If you talked to your friends the way you spoke to your body, you'd have no friends left"

Every girl has self esteem issues. Whether it be one thing they hate about themselves or 100. I've had self esteem issues since I can remember. And this isn't an unusual feeling, its quite common. People tend to care too much about what people think of them (I am extremely guilty of this) and any nice comment that comes their way is knocked back:

"Oh she's just saying that because she doesn't want to upset me"

"Why wont they just say what they are really thinking?"

"I may look okay today but she looks beautiful everyday"

"She's saying that because she has to"

"That's bullshit and she knows it"

The closer the person is to you the more people ignore the compliment. I used to do this a lot. In my eyes I wasn't being negative I was being realistic. I was just facing up to facts and it never really bothered me. However, my views have recently changed. For the past three years I have been watching "My mad fat diary" - a Programme on E4 about a girl called Rea, she in the past had mental health issues and is now back at school and has gained new friends. I think that most girls can relate to at least one character in the show. For myself , I relate to Rea, never the pretty one.

In one episodes Rea had a conversation with her councilor about herself. He told her to tell her younger self the things she tells herself today. She reacted badly and said she couldn't. You cant tell a child she's fat or ugly or needs make-up. Her councilor then told her that if she couldn't tell her younger self things like that then she shouldn't tell her self things like that now. 

So i ended up trying out this technique and kind of changed it slightly. I imagined my two nieces and thought of the things I say to them:

"You will never need to wear make-up because you're beautiful without it"

"If somebody doesn't like you for who you are then they aren't worth it"

"Always be yourself because you're fab how you are"

"You don't have to wear make up and have your hair nice and be in love to be a princess"

"It doesn't matter what people think of you its what you think of yourself that counts"

And then I said these things to myself and I just thought that this is what my auntie or my mum must have said to me. And I didn't listen and I hope to god that my nieces do. So I take it in and somehow it makes me feel a bit better, I like myself a bit more. I don't know whether I'm getting my point across or not but what I mean is find ways that make you like yourself that little bit more. You would never tell your younger self or somebody you love the things you say about yourself so why do you need to do it? Love yourself. How can you expect others to love you if you don't love yourself? This often said but never taken in. All very cliche, cringey things to say but doesn't mean they aren't true.

I realise this all sounds very cheesy and its easier said than done but I promise you, the happier you are with yourself... the happier you are in your everyday life. I strongly recommend watching "My mad fat diary", it really has changed my view on body positivity. And anyone who knows me personally, knows that I am the most negative person ever, so this is a massive change.

Its okay to dislike something about your body but it is also okay to love something about your body.

I'll leave you with this slam poem by a youtuber called Savannah Brown called "What guys look for in girls"

Hope this has helped anyone in any way what so ever. So please comment and let me know whether this has helped you, what advice you have for other girls with self esteem issues and also if you enjoyed this post. Please share this post to your friends so more people can love who they are and feel body positive.

Cassie x