Dreams and Ambitions

Plain and simply, Life is too short. 

Life is too short to do everything we hope, dream and think of. Imagine if we could accomplish everything we've ever dreamed of since we were three years old.

When I was younger, my dream was to be a dolphin trainer, or at least swim with dolphins. And at the delightful age of sixteen, I accomplished my childhood dream. 

My other ambition was to get accepted and attend University. At the subtle age of eighteen, I achieved this and started my degree at Loughborough University. 

So what now? 

What else do I have to achieve? Without ambition, where would I be?

So I've sat down and created my list of ambitions and dreams for the next ten or so years. 

In simple terms, I just want to travel; as far and as wide as I can. I want to cover the breadths of the earth, exploring new cultures and meeting people along every step of the way. Obviously, this is ridiculously vague so I've got a list:

• Work at Disney World
• Inter-rail
• Work at Camp America
• Volunteer i.e. in an animal refuge or building schools
• Road Trips: America, Europe and Australia
• Visit Australia 
• Visit more areas of Britain
• Visit the Nordic region (See the northern lights!)

Once again, some of these are still very vague and also generic. But these sum up what I hope to experience and cover in the next ten or so years. As a result of being stuck in the education system for the entity of my entire life, I am itching for freedom and experience. 

Don't get me wrong, university is possibly the best thing I have ever experienced and I do not want it to end. But then again, I can't wait to earn some money and let a plane take me wherever I want to be. 

Life is too short to let little things get in the way of your happiness. Do what makes you happy. 

February

February. Oh February. I cannot wait to see the back of you. You have given me some of the best, and worst, memories and feelings of my whole entire life. I don't know what to make of you if I am honest.

February has been an interesting one and yes, I do realise it is not yet over! But since the very beginning of February my life has taken twists and turns that have thrown me into emotional storms and spat me back out again. 

Don't get me wrong. I have had an absolute blast. I have had plenty of stupidly drunk nights, I've travelled to Amsterdam with some of the best people and experienced things that I never thought I would. But it hasn't all been pretty. I've learnt that people aren't always who they seem and to not let my guard down easily to those I think I can trust. 

Throwback to a month ago and I would have never imagined any of these things happening. I've let my guard down more than I should have but regret absolutely nothing, surprisingly. At the end of the day, I believe everything happens for a reason. If things are meant to be, they will be. You can't change fate for anyone unfortunately. And if that means people treating me like an absolute fool, I guess I'll take it. 

The end of January saw a change in my ordinary manner. I let my guard down for someone I thought dearly of, and then did it again and again and again. Truth is, I'll pretty much do anything for the people I care for and think highly of. I'm an emotional person and I get attached to those who show affection and care. It had been a while since anyone had shown me that amount of affection and sincerity and I fell pretty much instantly. 

Things haven't turned out how I wished. But it's just another learning curve, right? Once again, my favourite quote comes into play: 

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” - Marilyn Monroe

This quote could not be more appropriate right now. I think I need to have it printed on my wall, just to remind me each day!

Why so serious?

I am often told that I look 'too serious'. Apparently I walk around looking rather disgruntled and upset. The actual reason behind my serious appearance is that I'm deep in thought. 

I spend the majority of my days day dreaming: imagining situations, thinking about people and dwelling on past events. I often find myself lost in thought mid conversation with people, causing myself to look rather ignorant. 

I am one of those people who think way too much about things. I over-think everything: people's messages, behaviours and actions. For some strange reason my mind wants me to believe that a month of talking and flirtatious behaviour means someone actually likes me. When in fact it means nothing of the sort...apparently. 

The reason behind my thoughts is that I care far too much. I believe that the people who flood my mind are the people I deeply care for. I fear that one day, the people who fill my mind with emotion, won't be there in the future to drown my conscious self with the feelings I feel now. 

One minute, I will be completely focused in a lecture. The next, I'm causing my eyes to burn with emotion through the thought of an action. "But how do they feel?" "Do they feel the same?" "Why did they do that?" Every question has a million and one answers. 

My mind disallows me to believe what I feel is right. Every possible solution or answer has a loop hole: nothing is ever simple. 

But don't get me wrong. My jungle of a mind can sometimes create positive thoughts which stay with me. I wake up from dreams and smile as if reality is somewhat more bearable. Sometimes my thought make the see the best in people, "perhaps they aren't as bad as they once seemed?".

At the end of the day, people aren't always what they seem. Your mind can convince you that they are the complete opposite of who they truly are. They can act like a total idiot to you and you still think the sun shines out their arse (pardon my French)Trust me, it has happened to me. 

But the main thing is to try and stay true to who you are. If someone cannot make the effort to be in your life, they do not deserve to be a part of it. Do not change yourself and alter your life for them. Simple. 

Goodbye 2014. Hello 2015.

If you had asked me what I thought of the year 2014 during the year 2014 I would have answered with a simple Rubbish. But looking back has completely changed my perspective...

I felt like very little was accomplished during the year, however retrospective thoughts present otherwise. I have accomplished more than I ever could have imagined: I passed my a-level exams with decent grades and got into my first choice university.

I travelled to London, Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam with some of my closest friends. From touring Parliament to climbing the Eiffel tower, I accomplished things I never thought I would. Oh, how could I forget my trip to Orlando, Florida! I cannot even begin to explain how happy that place made me; the things I would do to go back! 

2014 may not have been the year I expected but it turned out to be one of the best years of my life. I feel as if I am finally discovering myself as an individual. 

So what does 2015 bring for me?

Well at the minute I have absolutely nothing planned for this year. So, I'm hoping this year brings spontaneous adventures, friendships and happiness. 

Resolutions?

My main resolution is to be happy and healthy. Every single year I make the promise to myself that this time next year I'll look like a Victoria's Secret model. I'm determined to increase my fitness and decrease my waistline at the same time. But most of all to feel confident in myself.

I want to be more spontaneous and adventurous. I want to travel more with friends and see parts of the world that I could only dream of. Obviously with a student bank account this may be limited but we'll see what happens! 

Lastly, friendships. I want to spend more time laughing my nights away with endless amounts of food with the best people in my life. I don't put enough time into the relationships that really matter to me and have been there from the start.

I hope 2015 brings you all the happiness in the world! Happy new year! 

x

BLOGMAS: Day two, Lunch with the Parents

Being at University has made me realise that I am actually quite a home bird (I always thought I was the complete opposite). I mean, don't get me wrong here, I love exploring the world and being my own individual person, but I am highly family orientated. 

It's completely bizarre to wake up and not see my sisters each morning moaning and yawning their heads off. It's utterly nuts to not get lectured by my Mom to clean up my stuff and help around the house. You get the picture? 

Yesterday, my parents came down to Loughborough to visit me for a spot of lunch and shopping in the town. Even though I only got to see them for a little while, I really appreciated it! I showed them around the town and gave them a little tour; I felt so grown up. The strangest part was having them round for a cup of tea afterwards...

Even though I know I'll be going home for three weeks in just over a week, it was hard seeing their car pull away and disappear into the distance. I just wanted to go home and celebrate the month of December with family and friends. 

However, cookies and milk back at my flat made everything a little more bearable! I've realised that it's the little things in life that make everything worthwhile; I'd rather sit in with close friends than go out and be shoved into a room of people I barely know. 

(P.s. My posts will get more interesting, I promise)

Christmas Picture of the Day: Throwback to 2010 with my little sister

BLOGMAS: Day One, Liverpool

Have I ever told you how much I dislike trains? No? Well they are not my best friend.

I took a last minute trip to Liverpool to visit my friend at university. The train tickets were pretty hefty at £34.00 return with a rail-card! The trip was just over two hours each way with changes(aaaah!) 

I pretty much experienced a whistle-stop tour of Liverpool and was feeling completely and utterly drained after the short 24 hour trip. Nonetheless, it was a nice change of scenery!

I arrived in Liverpool, in the darkness, at around 21:00 feeling confused and lethargic. After some much needed food, I fell straight to sleep! The next day came with a much awaited lie in and a trip into the main area of Liverpool for some shopping. 

I would love to show you my haul from Liverpool but unfortunately there was no chance of shopping and browsing the Christmas aisles.  Even though Liverpool felt lovely and christmassy, the hoards of people said the opposite; the city was exceptionally busy! The cobbled pavements were bustling with shoppers, musicians and more shoppers (Oh and the occasionally weird looking mickey mouse)

The shops in Liverpool looked absolutely immense and I'd love to visit again so I could experience a relaxed shopping atmosphere! However, it wasn't all negative! Liverpool looked absolutely stunning dressed in twinkling lights and decorations; I felt the excitement of Christmas absorb me in all its glory. 

Let's Get this Show Back on the Road...

Hello!

Rewind back to a whole year ago; I had just applied to University and received all five of my offers from across the country. However the possible inability to achieve sufficient grades loomed for the next nine months.

So lets fast-forward back to the present day; I am currently sat in my room at my first choice university studying the course of my dreams. The past year has proven that sheer determination and hard-work can get you to wherever you want to be. 

Of course, nothing comes easy. Over the past year I've dealt with a poor excuse of a social life and multiple phases of stress and anxiety. But I would not change the past year for anything; I've leant that you cannot expect anything without putting something in, which is applicable to nearly every situation. 

If you want success, work for it. 
If you want people to be nice to you, be nice to them. 

This year is definitely up there with being one of the best years so far; I feel as if I have accomplished so many things in such a small amount of time. 

University has opened my eyes to who I am and the world around me. I have developed some of the closest relationships in my life in a mere two months. I have learnt to become independent and deal with a range of situations that before I would have never wished to encounter. I have explored the importance of work and academic life. And, most mornings, I jump out of bed ready my next challenge, not just breakfast.

University is a strange yet enjoyable transition. I feel as if I have not stopped since the day I arrived and said my emotional farewells to my parents. University feels like a whole new world, completely different to anything you have ever experienced before. 

Magic Kingdom: Day One

Kitted out in my Minnie mouse ears, I was ready to take on the world. I'd been dreaming of this day for a little over a year now and I was ready, prepared and hungry. OK. Slight exaggeration, but you get the picture. 

The whole square was buzzing with excitement and soon enough I became overwhelmed by pretty much everything. The castle, the characters, the music, the parade; the list went on and on. I hopped into the line to meet Marie the Cat; the cuddliest (and probably hottest) character in the whole park. After cuddles and pictures, we headed to the main shop within the park and my oh my was I spoilt for choice. Everything you could possibly imagine was there in Disney form, everything!

Our first ride of the holiday was the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride; we sure know how to kick things off! It was the only ride with a justifiable queue and to be honest, I love a bit of Winnie the Pooh. Other rides of the day included Under the Sea: journey of the Little Mermaid, the barnstormer and splash mountain. I've just realised how little that sounds but seriously, there is so much to see and do that you get distracted from the rides!

Splash Mountain was by far my favourite ride of the whole day, even though it was an hours wait. It was fun-filled and cooled me down after standing in the Florida sun for an hour!

But then we decided to say Goodbye to Magic Kingdom for the day (since we were still jet-lagged) and head back to the hotel room for some food and well deserved sleep! 

Guess who's back...

 Hello! 

I'm finally back off my holiday (well actually I got back last Monday but unfortunately I've had to work every single day since I've been back) I've got loads of posts lined up about my trip to Florida and all the lovely goodies I brought back with me.

One thing that I purchased in Orlando, Florida is this lovely black fedora hat from Forever 21. It was on offer for $10 so roughly £6.00; I love a bargain. I've wanted a hat for ages but could not justify spending £15.00 plus for one, so when I saw this I had to grab it. 

I also ventured into the Mac store at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando and splurged a little on some foundation. I brought the studio sculpt foundation broad spectrum SPF 15 in NW15 and it fits like a glove. I have never tried such a good, long lasting foundation ever before in my whole entire life. It feels amazing and makes my skin looks airbrushed and I just love it (I'm wearing it in the pictures above). 

The lady at Mac also recommended investing in a stipple brush to apply my foundation rather than a flat foundation and it's worked wonders! I feel like I'm painting my face and actually enjoy doing my make up! (I picked up an elf stipple brush from walmart for $3.00) 

So that's just a start to my American purchases and adventures...I literally had the best time ever...here have a picture of me and Mickey Mouse!

Speak Soon Lovelies! xxx

Orlando, Florida

Have you ever realised how big the roads are in America? Trust me, they're huge. 

I've been in Florida for just over a week now and I am absolutely loving it. At the moment, I'm travelling down to a place called anna maria island on the gulf coast for a spot of relaxation after non stop fun in orlando.

I think I may have found my favourite place: orlando, florida.  A place where it's socially acceptable to act like a child and wear minnie mouse ears all day every day.  Aswell as it being acceptable to eat doughnuts for breakfast and to eat double your calorie intake.

So far, I've visited magic kingdom, epcot, animal kingdom, typhoon lagoon, universal studios and island of adventure and they've all been insane. Of course, I'm absolutely exhausted but the atmosphere (and sugar) keeps me going. 
Whilst being out here, I've seriously considered my life choices like travelling.  Visiting the disney parks ignites a magical feeling inside me and a voice that screams 'this is you!' I think I would happily jump at any opportunity to work at walt Disney world.  I know, I know, it would ruin the magic etc etc but
...imagine! But not just that, I have experienced massive urges to travel and see the world.

Anywho I'm having a fabulous time and I still have a week left! (Wish it was longer. ..)