Highlights of 2015

Promise I haven't stolen this idea from a friend at all but it seems like such a fantastic idea to look at all of the fantastic things I've done over the past twelve months...

In February of 2015 I had my 18th birthday, this was important because it marked the beginning of a huge adventure...adulthood. Though I still don't behave adulty enough for it. I was so lucky to spend the time with my family and closest friends and, although my birthday was during mock week, it was lovely to have a surprise evening out with my work friends too. Love you guys x 

And obviously, 2015 was an important year with regards to education and exams. I sat my a levels in May and this was such a huge challenge for me, there were times when I didn't think I was capable of getting though it and there were days and days of crying, stressing and panicking. I'm just so proud that I got through those months and can look back and see how well I did. 

Okay, possibly one of my favourite bits was completing my Gold D of E award. I completed most sections in the previous year but in July I visited Finland, canoeing on some of the most picturesque lakes I will probably ever see. It was a lovely opportunity to colour another country on my travel map and such a fantastic scheme to be a part of. Roll on visiting the palace for my award presentation in 2016. 

Shortly after returning from Finland (like two days) I went on a family holiday to Egypt...

And returned home to a five hour wait for my exam results. It was a stressful morning but I was thrilled when I checked UCAS to find out that I'd been given a place at my first choice university and that all of my hard work had paid off. 

In September I started on my way to becoming a qualified fitness instructor completing a course that I enjoyed so much, just before I headed off to the other side of the country... 

In October I moved to the North East to start my degree at my dream university and so far have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.

Most importantly, I think, 2015 was a year where I had the opportunity for lots of 'firsts'. Lots of chances for me to do things for the first time. I've had the opportunity to start rowing, which has been so much fun and I've had my first time living away from home. I've learnt so much more about what I enjoy and the freedom is exciting. It's been an adventure so here's a few more pictures of the highlights.

With my maths buddy at my birthday

Leavers do

Elise's birthday 

My Nutmeg

Willowbrook Hospice's Moonlight walk 

Playing around with new hobbies

More from Finland

And Durham

Grey fireworks 

Lumiere

BUCS

Watch me fly, it's what I do best

Michaelmas ball

Some of the best new friends that I could ever ask for... 

...and the year of quizzes with people that mean the world to me 

Something to remember for 2016

This isn't a list of everything and I'm sure I've missed out some really important things but it's just some of the things that are important to me. And also, a huge thank you to everyone who was part of my 2015 and will make 2016 fab too! 

What are your best memories of 2015?

Keep smiling, 

Kathryn X

New Year's resolutions

December the 31st has found its way back around far too quickly. And what does New Year mean? Resolutions. 

As a general rule, I don't particularly agree with New Years resolutions. Wait, not like that! It's a great idea to try to better yourself and set goals to achieve. It keeps you moving forward and striving for a better version of you. However, I believe that this is something that you can do all of the time - definitely not just on January 1st! 

Nevertheless, I am going to share with you some of my goals and aims for the following twelve months and I'm sure you'll hear of new ones from me through the year too...

Spend more time outdoors

I love being outdoors, I love the sense of freedom, the beauty of nature. But rarely do I make time to enjoy it

Send more messages

I'm the first person to admit that I suck at replying to texts, to messages on Facebook and whatsapp, but I've learnt that's rubbish and it's good to stay in regular contact with people when you're living away 

Do more of what I enjoy

Life's too short; and those small things, they're not really all that small

Stress less

There are things you can't control, so where's the sense in worrying about them? 

Smile more

Because whatever it is that's making me not want to smile is definitely not going to last forever

Hope you all have a happy new year! And I'd love to hear your views in the comments...What are your views on New Year's Resolutions? Have you stuck to any from last year? Have you set any this year? And are any similar to mine? 

Keep smiling,

Kathryn X