Happy New Year

It's the last day of the year, that day where you look back on what a year you've had, all the ups and the downs. What you've achieved and who've you spent it with and although right now I'm feeling rather lonely as I'm spending mine alone 100s of miles away from my family, close friends and boyfriend who I've spent every new years eve with, I thought I'd join everyone else and reflect on the year I've had.

I celebrated my second anniversary with my gorgeous boyfriend Khaled and my true best-friend. We act like a married couple, it's extremely entertaining for anyone else around. We got to go on our first little trip together & hopefully will get to fly away together next year!!

 

I successively finished my second year of university, after dragging myself through everyday of exams. And I learnt energy drinks are not the answer. Time and preparation are. Let's hope I don't make the same mistake in 2016, ayyy?

I also managed to get a job in the Levi's flagship store as soon as the new year started, not everyone can say they've done that. And manage to get my job back after leaving for 3 months for summer, I can't be that bad?

I attended my elder sisters hilarious hen do & watched her get married to the love of her life! I couldn't be happier for her or my brother-in-law, Shane. However unfortunately for him, she comes with the package of having me as a little sister. Although I've grown up, I'm sure he'd still vouch he has the oddest sister-in-law he could've wished for.

I became godmother to my precious niece Shakiah, who I love more and more each day!! Her smile is everything! But I can't forget my cheeky niece Ayeisha, who has probably made me laugh the most this year. A proper character, some would say she's similar to me.. pffft. If she is, she's pretty fortunate right?

I went on the best road trip ever with my girl Kathy!! Definitely a high light of this year! And we got to see all our favourite people and explore! I love how spontaneous it was and how enjoyable every second was! As I'm sure most of you could tell from my previous blog posts.

I coached Devon Youth Games and my girls came first!!! I was soooo proud & it showed me why I love netball so much. It brings people together and is so much fun.

I went to Greece for the first time with my university girls! Explored every beach bar and tried every strawberry slushie there was!

I also got to seeeee Michael McIntyre with my boy & Shrek with the parents & Khaled!! And finished the year on a high with my family for Christmas!!

So now it's time to say good bye to 2015 & Hello to 2016! The year I turn 21 & finish my degree!

LETS DO THIS.

The Third-Year Stint

We're edging closer to Christmas and third-year has truly begun. We are no longer at the point of finding our feet. We are now fully delved into what is third year. Some people have already submitted their first piece of coursework, whereas some of us don't have to submit until January (that'll be me). Which I'm extremely thankful for, however don't think I haven't got my fair workload. Dissertation is in full swing. And my ethics proposal has been officially approved so I can start collecting my data! Which I guess is kind of exciting - in a weird geeky way. I'm also preparing for work due in the new year, as this year I feel like we're getting more support and feedback before our final submission dates. Unless I was just completely unaware of this last year? Which could be possible.

 I spend a lot of my time being in denial. 50% of the time I tell myself I can do this & then the other 50% of the time I'm telling myself I'm an idiot and even trying my best will not be good enough. So you could say it's not exactly fun being me. But I'm hoping at this point you're reading this feeling like you're not alone. Last year I spent a lot of time feeling disappointed with my grades, never feeling like I got the grade I deserved. However this year I'm sat in the library at least twice a week trying to stop this from happening again - it's actually where I am right now. I've managed to get the work & university work life style balanced. Or so I feel at the moment. I feel organised and motivated to do well. However getting some feedback on my preparation on my dissertation has set me back a little and I guess this is why I'm writing this. I hate how I can completely set myself back. I genuinely sometimes feel like staying in bed and just not bothering to move, because even if I do move anything I do will be a waste of time. But I need to stop these negative thoughts. I need to remain on my positive path and remind myself why I'm here and that I truly do deserve to do well. At the end of the day I've made it this far, so what's 6 more months. Fuck. That sounds scary. Maybe I won't remind myself of the time I have left.

Regardless of the time I have or don't have, I am truly determined to succeed. I feel like I've been successful so far. I'm trying not to hide away from the facts, for example, deadlines etc. I'm carrying on working even when I feel like shutting my laptop and getting in my bed. I'm going to the library to try even if I only write a paragraph. And that is all I can do, try. So here goes to a crazy, roller coaster of a year. A year full of emotions. Sometimes I'll cry of happiness and I'm sure somedays I'll cry of anger. But one thing is for certain is I'm not going to give up.

If you get this far, I hope you're having a good day and have enjoyed the read. And remember one thing never give up on your dreams and ambitions. Because if you want it, you'll get there!

Muchos love,

Shannon ♥