NEW BLOG!

Hello everyone! It's been a very long time indeed hasn't it! That's because I've been working with the lovely Abby to design a brand new blog and I have just posted my first post up there. I would love it if you popped over for a look and let me know what you think! 

Here it is: http://whatrachaelwrote.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you all so much for sticking by me.

Rachael x

Reflection

Dear 2013,

You have been a funny year to me, you started off wonderfully and I was probably the happiest I've ever been. I realised how lucky I was, I was making time to do nice things and was very content with life. July treated me well, it was the best month by far this year with my 18th, a surprise weekend away in the Lake District with Lee and getting to live with him for 11 days whilst my mam was on holiday. I feel like I had one of the best summers this year spent with my friends and Lee doing lots of fun things and totally relaxing. July onwards was a very bitter sweet time, August kicked off with a girl's holiday to Kavos followed by a week in Dubai at the start of September and then straight after that freshers began and I started university at Sunderland studying psychology which was all very enjoyable and I have met some really great friends. However, after July mine and Lee's relationship took a turn for the worst and we really did have an awful few month at the end of this year so that was always getting me really down behind all of the fun and partying. It brought me back down to earth, realising that I was living in a perfect little bubble completely oblivious to the fact that things could go wrong. I think it has definitely taught us that being without each other is a huge struggle and I'm happy to have him back in my life for us to bring in 2014 with a fresh start in mind. Looking back at my reflection post from this time last year I have realised I haven't actually accomplished much at all. Yes, I passed my A levels but I could've done better. It's a little disappointing having not been able to tick off the majority of last year's  New Years resolutions but I know that I was busy having fun instead which in my opinion, is equally important.

Saying that, although I was tempted to skip the whole New Years resolutions thing this year following my failure last year I have decided that most of all, I want to be more self motivated this year. More motivated to succeed at University rather than just settling for average, more motivated to get out of bed and do something decent with my day and more motivated to try new things. As well as this, I may as well carry over some of my goals from last year; pass my driving test, learn to cook, do lots of fun things such as travelling and finding nice things to do nearby (as much as money allows me too any ways), do one or more charity events, finally find a job or start volunteering, add some finishing touches to my bedroom and most importantly, document 2014 with words and lots of photographs. 

2013, you have taught me that, as selfish as it sounds, focussing on my own happiness is most important. You have also made me realise that I have some pretty amazing friends and that life is unpredictable and things can change within moments, therefore nothing should be taken for granted. Happy new year everyone, I hope 2014 is good to you.

Rachael x

Life since last time

You know when life seems so calm and serene, close to perfect, and then suddenly things begin changing, disrupting the life that you're so used to. It was certain that this year was going to come at me full of change, with turning 18 and starting university and I suppose I am someone who likes routine and gets a little bit scared by change but I decided to try and embrace it. It's been a while since we last spoke and since then many great things have taken place, and some not so great happenings, here's a super quick run down...

 I embarked on my first girls holiday to Kavos, I'm not ashamed of it's awful reputation because I bloody well enjoyed it okay. Then came results day, BBD was what stared at me on the piece of white paper after spending a while being too nervous to peel back the envelope, I was okay with those letters. That's all they are, letters which can determine the next step in your life, crazy isn't it. I was one grade off getting into my number one university, Northumbria, and although they spent the day deciding whether to let me in or not I had accepted an offer from Sunderland University, my insurance choice, before they could confirm their decision. A few phone calls later, I managed to not only change University but change course too, to do psychology.

 Not long after that another holiday greeted me, a more relaxing week compared to the crazy night life of Kavos, I spent it desperately (and safely..) trying to tan beneath the scorching sun in Dubai. Next on the agenda was of course freshers week, consisting of a Willy Wonka themed night, a UV party, 90s night and many more, considering I live at home an hour and a half away from my University (on public transport, always takes twice as long as a car journey!) it was easier for me to spend most of that week at my friends flat, who attends the same Univerisity but decided to move away from home. So, yes, I have had a pretty fun filled few month but I suppose you're wondering what the not so great happenings have been that I previously mentioned.

 Basically, all of this change took a toll on mine and Lees relationship which I guess is understandable considering I was here, there and everywhere. Of course this is a private issue so I will not say too much, the past few months have been so difficult for us, we even decided a few weeks back that it was best to go our separate ways, but it's me and Lee, best friends since 2010, we are stronger than that and giving things another go just felt right. We're doing good again, finally we're back to the old us and I could not be more grateful for him not walking away or we would've never gotten back to this point, thank you Lee.

Change is inevitable, life is bitter sweet sometimes and it gets rough, but time is a healer. 

Rachael x

P.S. I'm eager to launch myself back into blogging right now, but first I'm looking into a redesign which is so exciting as I'm eventually going to let a pro do the job. As soon as that's all good expect more posts from me, hopefully I'll be back soon!