2014: Year in Review

I wrote a 'Year in Review' post last year, and it was really fun to look back on- so I thought I'd do one for 2014. Enjoy- my 2014!

January

I entered 2014 dressed as a unicorn, which pretty much set a precedent for a whole year of weird and wonderful things! In the early days of 2014, I held the final part of the Christmas festivities, in the form of 'WombBudMas'! I had a very cultured week, with both stand up comedy and a Shostakovich concert. I also faced one of hardest moments of my life, when I found out that my ankle problems were not fixable, meaning that I had to say goodbye to my life as a swimmer. However, there was also a beginning- our AS Music class started up 'The Great Music Bake Off'. Hilarity ensued. Finally for January, I was very pleased with the school's new display, and with my new top, and with the combination of the two!

February

In February, the folk band I play in held our third ceilidh, which was great fun. The Winter Olympics began in Sochi, resulting in a post on my views around the issue, as well as a performance by myself and BB to raise awareness of the situation. I 'treated' (I think that's the word?!) the blog to a 'week in the life of ScribbleDuck'- mostly banana costumes, cake and Cat Family. I then had a very busy half term, involving a Musketeer reunion, a YCV trip on the Matthew and a (picture-heavy!) Bristol trip with the WombBuds.

March

In March, the blog became a bit bare. I thought that I couldn't possibly have had a quiet month, and checked through my Facebook stuff. It's true. I had a quiet month! March mainly involved making big decisions/ranting at Gove and going away with the WombBuds and the youth group that BKPS is part of! Umm, I also got reflective, and wrote about a murderess. Fun fun fun!

April

As if to compensate for March, April was busy busy busy from the off! At the beginning, I went to Cardiff Open Day with the WombBuds, which was great fun! Then there was the recital evening to contend with (the less said on this the better!), as well as a chance to party for YSD's 18th. In fact, March was a month filled with the Cat Family- we had a 'composition day' (please note the quotation marks!), made the most of a revision day, genuinely held a Beethoven party (with not much Beethoven), and had a revision picnic. It was beautiful. It was also a really good month for my mental health (pretty sure there's a strong correlation between Cat Fam and positive mental health!) as I finally had 'a good term' and opened up about my mental health. More (!) important things that happened in March revolved around becoming me- I claimed the title of 'Ms' and got my rook pierced (which, I would like to add, I am still utterly in love with). However, that's not all! In addition, I went to the Land of Books, tried out some graffitti, chilled with the little cousin and helped out at a craft fair. April was a good month :)

May

 May was just as busy as April, and just as good. Although I has AS exams, they only lasted a week or so, meaning that I was very quickly free!! I used my time to enjoy the beautiful weather and to make a start on redecorating my ceiling. Other highlights included meeting Sunetra Sarker (she was lovely!), going to Barcelona, taking some time out for myself and spending an evening at BB's abode (with BB and GS!!). Speaking of GS, May had some sad moments as our Music class went from four people to three... :( May was also a big month in terms of the world in general, with the awful kidnappings of the Nigerian schoolgirls, Mental Health Awareness Week and IDAHOT (for which I posted a beautiful piece by BB). Lastly, I wrote a guest blog... Woo!

June

 Whilst we're on the subject of big months... June started out tamely enough, with a family day out to the Wallace and Gromit exhibition. Things got busier from then onwards- for example, the very next day was a WombBud day out! One of the biggest parts of June (for me, anyway!) was turning 17. I celebrated by going to Bath, and having the world's fabbiest picnic. Thinking back, June was pretty filled with landmark events: it was a year since I shaved my hair off, the ceiling redecoration was completed, I challenged my body image- and I joined the team at PBG!!! Oooh, and I went to the Young Carers Festival!!

July

July was one of those months that blog readers hate. A couple of pretty big things happened in July. Pretty big things which, aside from saying that they were definitely positive and life-changing, I'm still refusing to blog about. (Though having been back through my July posts, I chuckled greatly at some of my 'subtle' references). Anyway, July! School finished for the year- and I made a pretty big education decision. Some of my friends performed at the National Theatre, so we went to London to watch them (and I took touristy pics!) With the absence of school, I did work experience (which involved lots of vegetables) and took my Level Two Swim Teaching course. I was disappointed that the course was held on the same dates as three of the biggest celebrations in Bristol; however, I still managed to spend some time at both the Harbour Festival and Pride (which was the bestest!). There were celebrations all round as the WombBuds celebrated my birthday, and PCH turned 18! Speaking of the WombBuds, we had a great day out exploring Bristol, made all the better by the beautiful sun. Other notable events from July include this blog's second birthday, and my first encounter with the Playground Cafe. I had a lot to be thankful for!! However, July wasn't without it's sadder moments, such as my reflections on heroes, and saying goodbye to the Cat Family as we knew it. On the other hand, July also involved me meeting one of the best people ever... (Caitlin Moran, as featured above, but if the shoe fits...) (I swear that wasn't a reference to anyyyything).

August

Another huge month! I took part in the NCS scheme, which involved a residential, meeting Bristol-based charities, media training, volunteering, and- most importantly- holding a 24 hour sponsored sleep-out! Another very very exciting event was going back to Efteling (one of my absolute favourite places ever!). As well as the bigger events, there were plenty of smaller ones- such as the Cat Family barbeque, more adventures in hair dye and a trip to the Balloon Fiesta. August was also a pretty big month in terms of developing as a person- I spoke on the radio about mental health, and finally shared the less pretty parts of realising I wasn't straight, and blogged about the #JustHuman campaign. There were other more serious moments, such as results day and the death of Robin Williams. Finally, August ended with one of the best experiences of my life- my trip to London, which was touristy, feministy and just generally bloody amazing. OOOH, also, COLOUR ME RAD!

September

In September, I returned to sixth form for my second year of studying. In the time I wasn't at school, I went back to the Playground Cafe, took a trip to Clevedon and got a paragraph of writing published. In addition, I did the impossible (hehe) and enjoyed a night of (very good!) comedy. Autumn arrived- and I had a super duper trip to London!!!

October

 October began with reflection- both on friendships, and on my grief over losing swimming. However, it was just as busy as the rest of the year, with World Mental Health Day, for which I helped to organise a major event. As well as this, I took lots of pictures, both of my half term, and of Bristol by night (of course!). During half-term, I went to London to speak to decision-makers within the NHS about Young Carers, and went to both Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, both of which were fabbity. Finally, my absolute highlight of the month was going to see Caitlin Moran with CF- and getting to meet her after!!

November

November. Ah yes. This month just so happened to contain the absolute best ever night of my life: seeing Heather Peace at the Thekla, and hanging around to meet her (and cry on her...) after. All in brilliant company! Other highlights from November include Reclaim the Night, BB's birthday thing, the Disney themed fancy dress party, and Mentality's trip to London.

December

Lastly, December! This has been a harder month, something I elaborated upon a little earlier in the month. However, there were still good moments, such as all of Bristol (or something like that!) turning out for the Clifton Suspension Bridge fireworks, our trip to Clothes Show Live, and the Midnight Fairies fourth ceilidh. Even the festive period kept up with the year's theme of business, with plenty of Christmas fun, a great Christmas Day, a trip to the Zoo and some time in Manchester!

Whew! Just looking back on that I feel pretty exhausted... I hadn't really realised how busy my year's been until now. Busy, but also very good. Thank you, 2014. Here's hoping that 2015 will be equally amazing (or better!). Sending love and wishes for a very happy New Year!

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A Month of Conflict

Dear November,
You've been an interesting month, haven't you dear. You brought me the best night of my life, as well as some other truly great times. However, you've also been a month of trouble and illness, and I'm afraid it's all I can do not to hold that against you. I don't really want to dwell here, November. It wasn't your fault, we've just never got on, and old feuds are hard to lose. Thank you for the good times, though, November, for they were far beyond words.
My first goal was to put some exciting plans into action. I am so pleased to say that all systems are go on this front November (though I realise that nothing has been released to the blog at large). Lots and lots of work still to do, but I am hugely excited, November.
Secondly, I wanted to look at universities. This hasn't happened as of yet, due to being incredibly busy. However, I have no worries that I will do this at some stage; thinking about university has been a good thing recently.
My third goal is another where I haven't made as much progress as I could- to get back into my musicianship. My goals were to practice three or four sessions a week, and to hand a theory paper in weekly. I'm sad to say that I haven't done this, November. However, I have changed my lesson time (for the first time since I began lessons, all those years ago!), and I am more committed to my music than I have been, so I'm taking that as a success.
Penultimately, I set myself the goal of getting all my schoolwork on track. Due to the trials we've faced, this one hasn't been possible. Instead of beating myself up about this, I'm accepting that it's been a difficult month, and that I have time yet to achieve this before it really matters!
Lastly, my self-care hasn't been as good as it could have been. I know that, and I've faced the consequences of that. There's not much more to say on this front, November, aside from that I have been trying, and that I will continue to try.
That's it for 2014, November. I hope to see you next year, and that we will part then on better terms. Farewell x

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November.

Dear November,

I'm slightly late in writing to you, and I apologise for that. However, you have already been extremely busy- even now, I am fighting the want and need to go to sleep after an overwhelming day.

Anyway. Five days together, November, and you have already given me the best evening of my life. What an evening that was, November. Far, far beyond words. Since then, you have not been so great- partly because nothing could be, and partly because it is hard to come back to earth after such a high. However, I am doing my best, even in difficult situations, and that is all I can do. I know you are unlikely to be easy, November, if just because you are already set to be so busy. However, not being easy does not mean you cannot be good, and I have much to look forward to. In addition, I have the golden memory of Saturday and yesterday's new beginning to hold on to.

Onwards to some goals, November. Firstly, I would like to end this month having put some exciting plans into action- both getting things sorted, organising a lot of things and then being in a position to get the ball rolling.

My second goal is to have made further progress with looking at universities. Hopefully, this will involve looking more closely at courses and booking some open days.

Thirdly on my to do list, I want to continue with last month's goal of getting back into my musicianship. I wish to make determining my success in this easier, so am setting myself the goal of handing in a theory paper every week and managing at least three or four practice sessions per week. This may not sound like much, but it's a big jump!

Fourthly, I am going to set myself an umbrella bracket of concentrating on school work. Underneath this, my more specific goals are to revise all the content we've covered until I'm fairly confident, and to be happy with my English coursework.

Lastly, I am going to throw a self care goal in. Being busy is great, but it is also tiring, and to be the person I want I must make sure to look after myself. So, in terms of self care, I am aiming to take time for myself every day, and to do my best to get my eating and sleeping on track. In addition, I want to make a point of having 'proper' social interaction at least three times a week- making an effort to see and be with people.

So there we have it, November. Doesn't that look good?! My eyes are closing slowly and I really must sleep, so it is time to go. But here's to us November!

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Of Pumpkins and Ghouls

Dear October,
We have parted company now, you going your way and I going mine. I have much to look forward to, much to think about. For now, however, I wanted to take the time to write to you, to recognise the work we have done.
At the beginning of the month I set myself- the two of us, really- five goals to complete. I'll begin my reflections on our time together by looking at these, to see how I am doing with them.
Number one was to have sorted out my driving lessons. I am in the same place as I was when I last checked in on this, that I need to send off both a letter and an email. I will try to do that as soon as possible, so that though we did not complete this together, it won't be far off.
Secondly, I resolved to spend more time with the world's greatest dragon, my adorable little sister. Having spent three days away without social media, just focusing on her, I feel that this is one I've achieved. I want to continue with this, October, to ensure that she always knows that I have time for her and care about her, no matter what.
Thirdly? I wanted to get back into the habit of piano practice. This has not happened as it should have, October, and now we are here I am wishing I had made more of an effort. However, it is too late now. All I can do is strive to complete this goal in the future.
Moving on, the fourth goal was to start planning for 2015. I've been doing this both subconsciously and proactively. There's work yet to be done, but I should have an exciting announcement and details around this in the near future.
Lastly, to enter into the world of work. Without wanting to jinx things or preempt anything, this is a possible, and I have quite definitely completed my goal of at least getting the ball rolling on this one. Keep your fingers crossed for me, won't you, October?
Overall, I feel that we have made progress. There is a great amount of work yet to be done in each of these areas and more, but we are getting there, October. I am on my way, and I am grateful for our time and work. You have not always been an easy month to deal with; there have been some real challenges. However, as ever I cannot complain, for there were some beautifully sweet times too. In addition, memories mean that you will always be a month of unease I'm afraid, and I feel that I have done well in surviving our friendship, littered as it is with potential bad tastes.
Thank you, October. I hope to see you well next year. Until then, goodbye x

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Mid-October Reflections

Hey there October,

I had planned to get an early night; however, I've ended up staying late, working on the goals I have set us. Therefore, it seemed to be a perfect conclusion to the evening to write to you, letting you know how things are going.

The first goal is to have sorted out my driving lessons. Due to being so busy, this has been harder than it should have been. However, I am finally on my way- I need to send off both a letter and an email, and wait for the results. Driving lessons won't be something I've started by the end of our time together, but so long as I get things in action they will hopefully begin in the not too distant future.

Our second goal, if you remember, revolves around my ray of sunshine- my little sister. We have conflicting timetables, and it often feels like I am only home when she isn't, and vice versa. However, this week it should be easier, with us both being on half term. Next week we are also going away, and I am hugely looking forward to some quality time with her then.

Thirdly, I had aims to get back into the habit of practising the piano. As I said at the time, it is hard to practise a piano residing at home when I am so rarely home. Again, half term should make this one easier. I have also changed my piano lesson time and day, which should also make practise easier. Lastly in regards to this one, I am determined to finish as many theory papers as I can get my hands on before my next lesson!

Onwards to point number four, some planning for 2015. I've been doing quite well with this- I've made the most important decision, and I've started to sit down and look at a calendar, something I've been doing this evening. There's a way yet to go, but I have time, and I think this aim is accomplishable.

Lastly, in September I started thinking seriously about entering the world of work. I decided that when we part, October, I want to have 'gotten the ball rolling'. This is the one I've been focusing on this evening- I've sent contact details to one company, and spent a considerable time working on my CV. I'm currently getting feedback on a first draft, and will then re-draft somewhat. Hopefully, come Monday, I will have a CV I can send off to apply for other jobs. That would be a very big, positive step in the right direction.

To finish, I want to make some general comments about our time together, October. You haven't been an easy ride, and you know that, I'm sure. However, I do not regret anything that has happened, both with you and in previous encounters with other months. The future is uncertain, and may well be rough, but I am sure in the decisions I am making. I am happy, October.
I must admit that, over the past few days, I've spent a lot of time in thought of our previous times together. There's been a lot of nostalgia there. At times I've wanted to fly away, to the past and to the future and to somewhere entirely different. I'm trying to take that in a positive way.
In addition, I can hardly say you've been bad. We shared the World Mental Health Day event, and that was a true highlight of my life. Recently we have encountered dark nights and bright lights- one of my utmost favourite combinations. There has been plenty of beauty, and hope, and love.
It's been good so far, October, and I truly will be sorry to leave you. I'm glad that we have another week together; especially glad as I have so much to look forward to this week. Let's make it rock October x

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Half Term Pictures

I've almost reached the end of the first week of October half term, and it's been a nice one. Remarkably quiet compared to life usually, which has been weird, but it's been good to take a step back. With life being quieter than normal, I've had a chance to be really grateful for the little things that sometimes get overlooked in my hectic life. I thought I'd share them with you.

'The End'

This week has been the first week I've been able to experience one of my favourite autumn/winter things- walking to 'The End', which is near where I live, and looking out at the lights of Bristol. It's incredibly beautiful and calming and makes me feel really free and happy. It's one of the few things that is guaranteed to make the world feel like a better place, no matter what.

Hot Bubble Baths

A chance to get warm, and clean, and to de-stress and to smell fab!

Curling up in Bed

This is where I have spent most of my week. To be fair, I have been ill. This one's particularly good when it involves a onesie and Netflix. My bed and I have a love affair that will never be broken.

Autumn in the City

The leaves have been changing colour and falling to the ground- I love stomping through them, so crunchy under my feet. Autumn brings a colder breeze that feels just right, not too cold, not too hot, and that seems to make the world feel different.

Dark Evenings, Bright Lights

Anyone who knows me knows that I can't get enough of city lights, or of walking through the city in the dark. I've had loads of opportunities to do this recently, and I've loved each and every moment.

Jumper Time!

 It's finally acceptable to wear a jumper- perfect for cuddling up in. Not just that, but I got this raccoon jumper yesterday (or badger? Not sure, I'm calling it a raccoon) and I absolutely love it.

Toffee Apples

 I had my first toffee apple of the year yesterday! Definitely my absolute favourite Halloween-related treat, and up there in my list of favourite things in general. I have a great memory of an extended family holiday to Disney at Halloween (I was around 9) when everyone else got candyfloss and my aunt and I went off in search of toffee apples!

Hot Chocolate, GS and the Playground Cafe

Today I met up with GS and we went to my favourite Playground Cafe (featured previously here and here). I had my first hot chocolate of autumn/winter 2014, and we played really intense Monopoly for ages. It was super good!!!

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October Goals

I am sat at the bus stop as I write this, though doubtless it won't get posted for a while. In five minutes the bus will arrive, and life will go on. For now, there is a lull: a perfect time to gather some thoughts on October.

There are leaves in front of me, mostly crushed into the pavement beneath, but still beautiful. The weather can't quite make it's mind up, and I have spent the day taking my jacket off, then putting it on again. Even now, I can feel a breeze, yet I am still quite warm. Beneath the smell of exhaust fumes I can detect autumn in the air; totally indescribable, but a scent wholly unique to this time of year.

October. You are a month of nights drawing in and life getting ever more busy. You have a lot to remember this year; the last time we were together the month was lit up by fancy dress and wonderful music. Times have changed, October, and our time together will be nothing like the last. I like to believe it will be better.

So, as with September, where would I like to be by the time we have parted company? Well...

1- Firstly, I would like to have sorted out my driving lessons. This will require some work just to get started; after that they will be a mixture of terrifying and exciting, I feel. Something to look forward to.

2- My second goal revolves entirely around my sister- the centre of my universe. I feel like I've barely seen her recently, and I'm missing out. This month, I am making it a priority to put aside time just for her every single week.

3- Another, lesser important, thing that has been pushed to one side of late is my piano practice and theory. As I often say, it is extremely hard to practise a piano that resides in your home when you're rarely at home. Nevertheless, I would really like to get back into the habit of practising- and I'm sure my teacher would appreciate this one too.

4- A look to the future with this one, October. 2015 has the potential to be very exciting in all sorts of ways- but I need to sit down and sort out what is happening and when. Getting a calendar together and making some important decisions is goal number four.

5- Lastly, a continuation of the work September and I did together. By the end of this month, I want to have made a considerable effort towards getting work, whether that be having a complete CV, having advertised a potential venture or having reached the stage of actually having a job. It doesn't matter how far I get, I just need to get the ball rolling, so to speak.

There we go, October: doesn't that look good! I'm excited already, actually, especially when I realise all the other goals I have to complete this month. October, the main thing this month will be remaining on an even keel- but I have faith that even that will be possible. Onwards :)

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(Wake Me Up) When September Ends

Dear September,

We've parted ways now. It seems like one moment you were just arriving; the next you had gone. It was nice to catch up, though. With the advent of the new school year and the beginning of autumn, you are all but synonymous with change, and at times that can make you a hard contact to have. That was no different this year, and we had our rocky moments. However, you left happily, quietly, and I am almost sad to see you go.

When I set my five goals, I wasn't sure what I was really setting myself up for. The last time we met, they would have been near impossible. Though I cannot say I return victorious in all, I can say that I have tried, and that is plenty.

My first goal was to extend my writing outside of this blog, through guest blogging. This month, I was published on PBG, as expected. I was also published on Paragraph Planet; it's not a guest blog, but it is a chance to have my writing out there, so to speak. Aside from that? I have plans for a guest blog very soon, another at some point, and I contributed to a PBG collaboration. All is well with my first goal.

My second goal is another in which I have wholly succeeded. My aim was to survive the initial 'assessment period' in my two new subject. It is the first of October now, and I am still a student in Law and Sociology. Victory.

Time played it's part against my third goal, which was to get a move on with applying for swim teaching jobs. I haven't had a chance to get my CV together yet. However, it has been at the front of my mind, and I have begun making steps to achieve this. It's not a goal I will drop, merely one in progress.

The fourth goal I placed in you, September, was to sort out my month bus pass, something that required a series of steps. Well, I now have an NUS card, and I should have both student bus pass and month bus pass by the end of this week. I am happy with that.

Lastly, but by no means least in importance, I wanted to get a difficult conversation over and done with. I might not have completed this one well, but I have completed it, so I can take comfort in the fact that at least it's done, if nothing else.

So you see, September? We have got along very nicely indeed, and I thank you for the pleasure of your company. It is time to move on now, away from the chatter of summer catch-ups and the smell of fresh pencils. Just around the corner I can see candles in pumpkins, and dark, beautiful nights. What a beautiful transition.

It's been a pleasure, September. Until we meet again x

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Hey There Autumn

When I emptied my school bag last week, I realised that the bottom was a sea of conkers. A load of them fall near my school, and I pick them up each day on my way to and from. When I reach school, a boy in my tutor hands me the ones he's collected, and they too get tossed into my bag. I didn't realise how many I'd collected until I took them out, and realised how much lighter my bag was. I left them in a pile in my room until I tidied, when I found a container. It's around two thirds full now, and I'm determined to fill it.

On Monday I found a top that I hadn't worn before, and wore that with leggings and boots. A teacher at school told me I looked summery, and I said 'no, this top is autumn'. It is made of a million shades of brown, interlinked with golds and oranges, the colour of leaves and sunset. It is a summer top in the way it is cut, but aside from that it is autumn.

Yesterday when I caught the bus home from my friend's I had to wait ages at the second stop. It grew chilly, and suddenly I found myself craving hot chocolate, which I don't usually drink. When I finally got on the bus I was surprised at how much easier it was to read my book- it was only then that I realised how dark it was.

Today I wore my multi-coloured jumper again; the one that needs chilly weather, because it requires a top underneath or it's too scratchy. It wasn't quite the weather for it today, a little too hot after all, but once I'd rolled the sleeves up it was fine. It's second-hand from a charity shop, but initially handmade I think- no label and a little shapeless, but beautiful and unique and something people always compliment me on. It's a good jumper to wear, even if it's scratchy.

All of these things might seem isolated, but they're not, they're part of a much bigger picture. The seasons are changing, the leaves are falling. Autumn is rolling in like the mist by Cassandra's castle, except it isn't really sad. It's hopeful- it speaks of jumping in leaves and puddles, and the world as seen through oranges and browns and reds. It's the nights drawing in, meaning long evenings to read and cuddle up and admire how beautiful artificial lighting can be. Soon there'll be the soft glow of candles in pumpkins, and then the brilliance of fireworks above our heads, sparklers in our hands. Autumn is here and it is beautiful.

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September

Dear September,
I'm well aware that I'm late in writing to you. We're six days together now, after all. However, belated is always better than never, and it just so happens that I want to talk.
I will begin with an ode to the past. August was, quite simply, beyond words. It was full of amazing people, fantastic happenings... I'm quite sorry to have left it. At the same time, however, I'm excited. I believe, like Augustus Waters, that I'm on a rollercoaster that only goes up. If that's what August brought, then I'm excited to see what you, September, will offer.
Currently, my diary looks strangely empty. I have quite a bit planned for next week, but after that it goes blank. However, I know from experience that this happens, and that come this time next week the following week will be pretty full, and so on and so forth. I am not really worried about having nothing to fill my time with. What I am more worried about is getting nowhere. Although I do a lot, I often forget to sit down, to look at where I've come from and where I'm going. It's far too easy to get caught up, and to leave no time to evaluate. This is the main reason I'm writing to you, September. I want to set some goals, to decide where I want to be by the time we part.
To do this, I'm utilising the 'SMART' framework. Each of my goals is going to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. This should make it easier to look back at the end of the month, and to decide whether I've completed my goals or not. Here goes, September!:

 1- By the end of this month, I want to have increased my 'Branching Out' page to have five posts. One of these will come from PBG; the other two will require looking for other blogs that accept guest posts. This is important (and relevant) because it will increase my experience as a blogger, and will mean that my blogging presence expands slightly. I really want to make this blog into more of something, and guest blogging is one way to do that.
2- Come the beginning of October, I want to have survived the initial 'assessment period' of A levels. The first few weeks are used to decide whether all students are competent to take the course- if not, then transfers and dropping becomes relevant. I'm not seeing this as an option, and I'm determined to take all four of my subjects onwards. This is important for my future studies as it affects what I do for the rest of this year, and, ultimately, how many A levels I end up with.
3- Having literally just received my Level Two swimming certificate, I can now plan using this! I've found a website that will allow me to look for swim teaching jobs quite easily. However, this does require some work on my part as I'll need to have my CV up to date. Therefore, by the end of this month I want to have a working account on this website. I also want to have specifically applied for two jobs, though they needn't necessarily be swimming related. This will mean that I am on track to getting a job, which will hopefully eventually give me more independence, mean that I have a small bit of income and be my entry into the world of work.
4- As I'm catching the bus A LOT at the moment, I really need to sort out getting a monthly bus pass. This will be cheaper if I have a student bus pass, which requires a student card. Therefore, by the beginning of October, I am going to have definitely applied for my student card and, if that's come through, then also have applied for my student bus pass. It would be amazing if I could also get my monthly bus pass by then, but that's really dependent on how long things take to come through really. This will save money, and make my parents that little bit happier.
5- Sometime this month I'm going to have to have a bit of a difficult conversation with someone. I both want to have this conversation, and really don't want to have this conversation. Therefore, I'm putting it as one of my goals, so that I can be proud of myself for getting it done, even if I don't feel great about the rest of it. This is important for lots of reasons that I'm not going to go into, and it will be a weight off of my shoulders when it's done!

So there you go September. Be nice to me, won't you? x

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2013: Year In Review

As I recently said to someone upon realising we were almost in 2014: bloody hell!! How did we get here?! It feels as if 2013 has lasted both seconds and centuries- I can't believe it's time to leave it yet. I wanted to take time to look back on the happenings, month by month- so here goes :)

January
Song of the month- Be Still (The Fray)

Picture of the month- my dog in the snow

The year started with a bang, as proven in my first post of the year! In the first part of January, I went to the zoo, took the dog for a lot of walks with my family, and took lots of pictures of Bristol! I read lots of really good books, including Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky), Wonder (R J Palacio) and The Fault In Our Stars (John Green). As usual, there were a range of weird and wonderful quotes, as seen here and here. I had lots of fun both looking at and playing in the snow, and I went to a sleepover which involved the cutest of cute kittens.

February
Song of the month- Chop My Money (P Square)- not suitable for younger listeners!

Picture of the month- the amazing Gambia group

In February I went on a fairly disastrous English trip- it began with losing a student, and ended with the minibus getting a parking ticket! However, it was a lot of fun! After that, most of the month was taken up with the totally phenomenal Gambia trip. I know I talk about this a lot, but it was a truly beautiful two weeks, and definitely a huge highlight of my life, never mind just my year!!

March

Song of the month- Fairytales (Heather Peace)

 Picture of the month- paddling on Easter Sunday!

In March I discovered both Heather Peace and Shane Koyczan. I got to drop Maths, which made me very happy. It was also slightly full of clothes, as I got my prom dress and finished my Textiles coursework. Mid-month, the Music department went to see Dame Evelyn Glennie- I not only met her, but got her autograph as well! There were lots and lots more good quotes, as well as more nice pictures of Bristol. Finally, the month ended with a really lovely Easter Sunday!

April

Song of the month- Angel (cover by Boyce Avenue)

Picture of the month- the beginning of the French Fancy jokes

At the beginning of April, I went to Funderworld with my friends, which was great fun! April heralded the start of many things, including my voluntary announcing job and the HairAffair. However, there were also some endings, both universal- Margaret Thatcher died- and personal- my ankle problem made it necessary for me to quit swimming, and the end of secondary school began. I wrote a lot of very personal things, including an angry rant towards Hollister and a letter to my experience of swimming. Finally, there were some fabulous quotes, relating both to Doctor Who and folk band.

May

Song of the month- Perfect (P!nk)

 Picture of the month- the Signing Thursday gang!

May started off with a trip to see IG in Chess- I also met (for the first time) someone I now consider to be one of my best friends. The school took a risk and included myself and BB on a trip to Westminster, and I enjoyed the beautiful weather during a day out in Portishead. I got quite nostalgic about leaving school as the process I dubbed TheBigChange began. Another ending happened as my friend moved to Belgium; we went out for a meal and I took- guess what?!- yet more pictures of Bristol. There were lots of 'lasts'- but also some firsts, such as marriage equality in France. The month ended with two amazing events- Leavers Day and Prom, both of which were fabulous.

June
Song of the month- One Friend (Keb' Mo')

 Picture of the month- the musketeers in Cardiff

This was a very mixed month. I was ill throughout large parts of 2013, and June was probably one of my worst months. I'm not going to link anything relating to this, because I don't want to be reminded of it as such, but I did feel it was important not to sugar-coat this year. Anyway. In June, we went to watch the school's production of Grease. Then, of course, there was the small thing where I shaved my hair off for charity. The month then became very busy, with the end of my GCSE exams, finally getting my nose pierced, going to Cardiff with BB and IG (I was in the same building as Charlotte Salt!!), and doing a swim teaching course (alongside work experience).

July

Song of the month- Travelling Song (Passenger)

Picture of the month- Amsterdam!!

July began with the Summer Music Concert, which was fabulous, of course. I also read My Sister's Keeper, and spent a lot of the month trying to recover from that. I then finished my two weeks of work experience, and had fun with henna and face paint. There was a bit of blog silence as I went to Holland (and fell in love with Amsterdam!)- but I did still celebrate the blog's first birthday :) July was a big month for the country as MARRIAGE WAS EQUALISED!! (Also some kid called George was born, so congratulations George!). Finally, there was the traditional visit to the Harbour Festival, which ended with very bad weather! Ooh, also, my friend and I organised a fun gala. That was good :)

August
Song of the month- Amazing Grace

Picture of the month- myself and Ajna

This was a hugely busy month, beginning with an amazing jumper and a Gromit trail- I never officially blogged about this, but three of me favourite pictures are Bunty, Bumble Boogie and Poetry In Motion! Next was a short trip to Devon (it served as an escape from Bristol due to how ill I was at the time). From then on, a lot of August was taken up with BOSNIA. When I got back, there were some really good days (alongside some truly awful ones, but I'll leave that there). I got my GCSE results back, and was pretty thrilled with them. At the end of August, I found one of the most beautiful pieces of writing ever. Sixth form began with enrolment, and August ended with lots of water!

September
Song of the month- Get Lucky (Daft Punk)


Picture of the month- my painted wall (as it was then!)

September was very school-based, as I started sixth form. It started off with stationery shopping, and also contained a lot of reminiscing over my secondary school time. I also went to Drayton Manor, painted part of my wall and the Canadian cousins came over, though I didn't blog about those! I had some realisations about recovery, some of which are still current now. As sixth form started I got very busy; events during this time included speaking at the Year 6 Open Evening, which was a huge thing for me! I settled into sixth form quite well (considering)- and we began dressing like this on Thursdays. Finally, the month ended with a bang as I realised how much I'd raised for Mind!

October

Song of the month- Is There Anybody Out There? (Laura Mvula)

Picture of the month- me with the costume for Nympahdora Tonks ^.^

October began with an ending, which was hard for me, though I am now so glad all of that happened. Moving on, the rest of the month was very busy with sixth form. There was also LAURA MVULA <3, a phenomenal night. However, as a knock-on effect of that (I was very tired) I was quite ill, resulting in having no laptop for quite a while. In October, I began the Access to Bristol scheme, which was very fab, and posted about cats and also strikes. Finally, I went to London for the HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR <3

November

Song of the month- Yellow Flower (KT Tunstall)

Picture of the month- Halloween!!

My Halloween celebrations this year actually took place on the 1st November, so that's how my month started! After that, I had an argument with a skating company. Ummm... Also saw fireworks :) The highlight of my month was probably my two concerts in two nights, when I took lots of Bristol pictures. Finally, November became more musical as the Music department went to see a Benjamin Britten concert, and R and I spent a day exploring Bristol. Ooh, and BB and I performed at a celebration thing :)

December

Song of the month- When The Thames Froze (Smith & Burrows)

Picture of the month- ice skates!

At the beginning of December, I decided to undertake a challenge called StarSpirit2013, which is still going well! :) I completed some fairly big 50 Things challenges- but, as a huge contrast, at least for me, Mandela died, which was a huge sadness for the world- he was such a great man :( I completed Access to Bristol, and went ice skating with the two great friends I've made on the course! Nearer Christmas, there was the Winter Concert and other Christmas things. Music-related, the Music department did a flash mob, which was absolutely amazing!! Over the last weekend, I finally got my room sorted, then recently it's been ruminations and Christmas!! The year finished (or, as I'm writing now, will finish) with a trip to Manchester, and a post-apocalypse themed New Year's party!! Woo!!

Wow! It's definitely been a whirlwind of a year, with some of the best and worst things happening, all at once. Despite the low points, however, I'd still say it's probably been my favourite year. So much has happened, both big and small. Thank you so so much to everyone who has been part of this year <3 I don't know about you, but I'm really excited about 2014!!

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