Well 2015 was quite something! I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that it has been the busiest year of my life so far. Everything I set out to do, I did, and boy did I set out to do a lot. I don't like to mess around, I'm very much the type who makes the most of the time I have, and I grab life with both hands. All of this makes my 2015 year review pretty exciting to write, and remind myself of just how much I've managed to squeeze into one year...
Travel - Last year I was extremely fortunate to have been able to travel a fair bit, and experience travelling as a group, with a friend, and on my own. In April I embarked on a crazy two-week trip stateside around Utah, Nevada and Arizona with my uni, which was so much fun and I made so many memories. It was a life changing experience and I wish I could do it all over again. At the start of June, Emily and I ventured to Edinburgh for a couple of days of castles and crazy pubs, before we headed to Brighton for a festival. The end of September to the start of October was spent in New York City with my Mum as I celebrated my 21st birthday. It was easily the highlight of my year, I had so much fun being there with Mum, and I'm longing to go back. Finally, I travelled to Parma, Italy, a couple of weeks ago on my own, to visit my good friend Steph for a few days. It was such a busy year. I've been on 10 flights, crossed the Atlantic four times, and been on an inconceivable number of trains. I wonder what my personal mileage for the year would be...
(Me at Zion National Park in April)
Music - 2015 has been a very good year for music. Picking a musical highlight for me would be impossible, I've seen so many incredible artists live this year. From being front row for my absolute favourite band in the whole world, Florence + The Machine; to seeing Disclosure close their debut festival Wildlife in Brighton, there's been so many memories. To name but a few more of the bands I'd seen in 2015, among the best there's The Script, Twin Atlantic, Eliza And The Bear (who I've seen three times already this year!), and the wonderful Megan Washington. I'm already lining up gigs for 2016, and hopefully a festival or two!
Landmark Moments - Firstly, I hit the grand age of 21! The last 'celebrated' age before 30, which from where I am now, looks a long way off! I also started my last year of uni, of which I am currently halfway through completing. My university adventures seem to have flown by already, and I can't believe that in less than a year it'll all be over. I got another tattoo, the insignia for Florence + The Machines latest album, on my wrist. I often forget it's there, but I absolutely love it and all the personal meanings I have behind it.
(Turning 21 in New York City with my mum was one of best moments of my life, yet alone my year..)
The not so brilliant - The painfully obvious submission for this, was putting my faithful companion of 11 years, Lucy, to sleep in September. It was a heart-breaking decision, but that's life for you. What also may not shock you, considering all the adventures I'm constantly embarking on, I've been pretty broke all year. All of my money seems to be split between what I want to do (travel, travel, travel!!), and all the adult responsibilities I have to do (rent, rent, rent, and food.) Hopefully in 2016 I'll be able to strike a good balance between funding the two.
(My little Lucy was my world, I miss her so much)
I have had a very memorable year, which really wouldn't have been anywhere near as fabulous without my friends. They've been brilliant, and we've got upto many things, mostly stayed out of trouble, and had multiple drunken antics! My family are the absolute best, I've been spoilt this year, especially with my birthday, and I'm ever-so grateful for everything they've done for me last year, and throughout my life. Ah, the New Year makes me a reflective, emotional mess...I just love everyone in my life right now, and I wouldn't change it, or who I am, for the world!
Thank you all for sticking with me and reading my blog this year. I hope you have had a magnificent year, and that 2016 is bloody wonderful for all of you.
Much love ♥
