A LOOK BACK ON 2018

2018 has actually been a really difficult one for me and I am pleased that, without sounding too cliche, we get a new start today. I need it. I’ve really struggled this year. At home, we had the loss of my Nan who had lived with us and dementia for the last few years, changing life as we knew it. I’ve had to deal with grief in a completely new way whilst still trying to keep everyone afloat. Home for many other reasons became a place of love again but at the same time, there has been too many arguments and tears – big and small. Home is slowly starting to feel like home again now and I know next year we’ll be okay, we’ll be better.

Work has been an odd one. This year I started to feel trapped and all of a sudden became anxious about getting up in the morning and when I did get up, spent too many hours in the bathroom crying, wondering how I got there. I’ve spent my entire life wanting to do well and it’s the first time in my life, I’ve genuinely wanted to quit. Luckily, things have turned around and I’ve spent the past two months approaching everything completely differently – making sure I’m putting myself first and remembering it’s only a job. It’s amazing how your mind makes such a difference and with the exception of a much needed cheeky pay rise, I do feel happy there again.

Despite the hardships this year and not achieving a lot of the things I wanted to, it’s definitely been a year that I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. It’s given me a kick up the arse to want to do better which if you ask me, is a pretty good way to go into a new year and despite it all, I have had some of the best memories to take into 2019. I am closest to my friends and family than ever, I have the most wonderful (and pain in the arse) boyfriend that makes everyday worth it and going through all of my photos from every year, its difficult to feel sad about anything.

Here are a few of the things that made 2018 a good year.

SEEING KHALID AND HARRY STYLES

Last Christmas I got Charlie and I tickets for Khalid so we spent Valentines night watching him at Hammersmith Apollo which was so so lush. Then obvssss me and my best friend, Gabrielle went to see our fav Hazza at the O2 in April and he was incred.

SETTLING MY BAD DEBTS

Not the most exciting of highlights but anyone that has stinky debts hanging about on your credit report from when they were a teenager, will know how much of a relief it is to get rid of them.

GETTING TO KNOW THE BABIES

I have spent this year loving being an auntie to all of my babies but also two beautiful new ones. Amelia and Riley are now one years old and they are gorgeous.

KARAOKE THURSDAYS

This year at work has been so good for social nights out, spending far too many Thursday nights out in Epsom, making the cutest work friends and singing Jolene more times than acceptable.

GOING TO OXFORD

Gabs and I went away for a night in Oxford earlier this year where we wandered the town, did some cute shopping, enjoyed the spa and experienced night life in Oxford which was the best laugh. Such a cute bank holiday and I definitely want to return.

HOTEL STAY AT THE DE’VERE WITH CHARLIE

At the charity ball this year, Charlie got so drunk he bid for a night stay in Croydon and won it… Despite his slight regret in the morning, it was actually so lush to have a night away and the hotel was beaut, we spent some time in the spa and went for dinner and drinks and was so nice to getaway for the night just ‘because’.

THE ROYAL WEDDING & LONDON DATE DAYS

I’ve had so many good date days in London with the girls this year, fine dining, exploring Kew Gardens both in the summer and at Christmas, going to the museums and going all out for a picnic in the park for the Royal Wedding. Cayutee.

AT DADS FOR THE WORLD CUP

Had such a good bank holiday weekend in the summer at my Dads with Charlie – going there feels like my peaceful place and loooved it being hot enough this year to get on the beach and have lots of drinks for the world cup.

GOING TO THE MAMMA MIA WORLD PREMIERE

Such a highlight which is weird as didn’t have it planned until a couple of hours before when I ditched work to make it in time. The best night walking the blue carpet, eyeing up the celebs, laughing (and crying) to Mamma Mia Here We Go Again. As my first premiere, it was such an experience.

A WEEK CAMPING IN PLYMOUTH

In August, I made the drive to Plymouth to spend a week camping with Charlie’s family and absolutely loved it. We were so lucky with the weather (for most of the week), completely chilled around the tent, went on a few outings, had lots of campfire bbqs and it was the cutest break spent with family.

GETTING MY NEW CAR

A huge highlight this year has been treating myself to a new car. It’s still my baby and it’s worth every penny.

BUDAPEST

Me and Charlie made sure we got on a plane this year and booked a mini break in Budapest for 2 nights in November. The weather was insane, we had such a good touristy few days and was so lush to do something different together as it was our first city break. One of my biggest highlights for sure.

***

You’ll hopefully have seen my last post listing everything I want to tackle next year and I really mean it. I am looking forward to change and excited for what’s to come.

I hope you have had the best year. Merry 2019!

lovelove,