Moving & Updates

I can officially announce that I'm moving to Ipswich in 6 days! This is my last week on the island.

My life at the moment...

Excitement doesn't really sum-it up. There is so much to look forward to about it. I will be glad to live on the mainland and feel closer to easy transport links, more job opportunities and look forward to exploring somewhere new. I don't know much about the southern part of the country, and feel this year has expanded my knowledge of places including Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, London and now Suffolk!

Here are just a few things I've learnt from about Suffolk as an area:

1. It has a place called Bury St Edmunds,which has a hotel which was frequented by Charles Dickens; it is now a boutique inn with a trendy underground bar. I hope to visit there!
2. The Suffolk coast is a 50 mile stretch of heritage coastline, and situated just 2 hours from Central London. I am sad I've not seen more concerts this year, so hopefully being close to even London will mean I see more in 2017!
3. They say it is the best place to visit if you love food, seaside life and world-class culture. I can't wait!
4. There is a fairytale style village called Thorpeness. It is famed for its Peter Pan inspired boating lake. Sounds interesting!
5. Ipswich itself is known for the maritime festival with lots of things that happen during it. Hopefully go and find out more about this to write for the blog!
6. Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in the country and has a fascinating history, with a cutting-edge arts and culture scene. I really hope to find it all!
7. Ipswich is a prime trading port with Europe for hundreds of years
8. Many things to do including performance art, theatre, museums (oh how I love to visit museums), fab restaurants for foodies and galleries
9. It boast the Suffolk Food Hall, which includes a market and restaurants which is described as the Best Local Food Venue in the UK & Ireland. 
10. Ipswich's most famous historic figure is Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. They even have an art gallery in his name - Wolsey Art Gallery. I WILL visit

This is where I'd use pictures, but I don't like including photos I've not used (unless it's related to a film or TV series).

This year has been a year of moving and learning about myself, which has been tough, but something I've needed to do. I refuse to be negative! Despite starting off the year living in Dundee, and due to difficult circumstances moving to Isle of Wight. Then about two months later, moving to another part of the island, which had more to it. Then of course we are moving again. I don't think Isle of Wight was for me. I'd recommend it for a holiday as there is lots to do, but if you asked me to move back - I'd kick, scream and fight against it!

This year I learnt some body confidence which I plan to write about (and link here).

I've learnt how much fundraising means to me, and how much I've missed the third sector to work in. Break ups are hard and upsetting, but losing a career you adore and means so much to you is heartbreaking. Maybe that changes due to who you date though! Fundraising was what I breathed; it made me confident, taught me to promote, was something I was regularly praised on and something I loved to do as a hobby. What is that quote? "Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." (I don't think this is the correct way to say it, but feel free to correct me!)

I've learnt who my friends are. Sometimes we don't talk everyday, but it means so much when we do. To know that my friends are the opposite end of the country hurts me as I deeply miss them, but love how they still play a strong part in my life. They come up with ideas to meet up and make a roadtrip of it; involve me in their weddings, and are there whenever I need them - to cry, moan or talk to. Thank you so much guys! Not sure if a dedication would make you feel awkward, but will do it anyway - Hannah, Lisa, Jools and Fi I love you so much!

I've learnt how much volunteering can build my confidence, and teach me more about the world of fundraising. Another post idea - the power of volunteering. Watch out!

I've learnt the joy of writing again with this blog. Not sure that many people actually enjoy it, but it's a good outlet for my creativity. So far since starting in July, I'm proud that while writing this I've seen over 6000 visits the blog site. As I learn more, I hope to start selling advertising, work with different brands and get my own website. However this is just a hobby so I am in rush and am taking it all very slowly.

Finally I've learnt the things I like to do for my hobbies. Almost a year ago I split up with someone who told me I have no interests, which really stuck in my head. I do, but stopped doing some things and am determined to do more. Take up yoga classes again, go to gigs (aim to see at least 3 acts in 2017), learn something crafty, watch more films I like, keep going with the blog and expand ways to write. Most importantly, I hope to take up fundraising again (if no jobs, at least as a hobby until something comes up).

2017 is fast approaching, and I have so many hopes for it, which I will save for some of my Blogmas posts! Doubt you want to hear my entire life story or every blog idea though... I would love to see links of others taking part in Blogmas though! I will be sure to promote them at the same time I'm doing my posts.

Picture credit to: Typoweblog

Hope you enjoyed reading! I'd be interested to hear from you. What have you learnt from this year? Have you visited Suffolk and have any recommendations for my visit?