Showing posts with label #mondaymotivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #mondaymotivation. Show all posts

Monday, 17 October 2016

Blogtober16 - Favourite Concert

I've seen quite a few concerts/gigs (not as many as I wish I had), but not sure I could eliminate my favourite.

My first gig was Girls Aloud. It was in Manchester and think one of the first of their tours. They were a good first concert because there was glamour, dancing and singing. It was also noted as the last tour before they split. Cheryl then went solo and many of the girls had their own individual successes. I must admit that I went off them due to the performance. While some were good, Sarah Harding screamed. It was like hearing a cat. It's no wonder she didn't go solo! That gig was rumoured to be the time that Cheryl got stage fright hence them getting on stage after 9pm.

From there, my favourites to see have been Wheatus, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Beyonce, Friendly Fires, Biffy Clyro... It's important to note that from every gig or festival I aim to collect programmes (if not I get a T-shirt) and keep the tickets and/or wristband. I'm a big souvenir hunter or collector, which ever term suits.

Fair enough I saw both Foo Fighters and Beyonce at T in the Park, but they were both incredible. I'd always been a fan of both. However while my love for Foo Fighters intensified, my love for Beyonce faded. She was amazing, and couldn't be faulted for her performance but somehow I've gone off her style of music. I'd still dance to all her songs with Beyonce booty shaking style if her song came on while I was drunk, but I'd no longer describe myself as a fan as such. Foo Fighters loved being there and had amazing stage presence. I think Dave Grohl actually outstayed his arranged slot. He played all my favourites and I just loved it! It was a great end to the weekend.

Also while at T in the Park, I saw Friendly Fires but was probably too drunk/hungover to remember it. However I saw them live a few months later. It was the first time I went to Glasgow too! I love them so much, I even have their song lyrics on my back.See yesterday's post to see the tattoo I got.

It sounds really bad, but I spent more time getting annoyed with the crowd jamming situation than enjoying the gig of Biffy Clyro. It was the time when I believe I went with the most set of friends - my friend, Lisa (and about 4/5 of her friends), Stacey (and a whole heap of her friends), Hannah and Suzanne. Somehow it ended up being me, Hannah and Suzanne as we lost everyone else and we had the most annoying girls around us. I remember Biffy Clyro being great, but would do anything to see them again. This time I would actually hope to remember it properly!

About this time last year, I saw my favourite band as a teenager, Fall Out Boy. I even got the T-shirt. Every song sounded like when it had been recorded. They were just how I imagined. They played all my favourite songs which is almost every one they've released! I didn't sense much excitement from them, but I believe it was the first gig in the UK and they could have been a bit jetlagged. Pete Wentz got very deep on stage.

The same weekend I saw FOB, I saw my nostalgic favourite, Wheatus. They were a big surprise to me. I didn't expect them to be quite so good. I went almost as a joke and couldn't believe how cheap the tickets were. How often do you get gig tickets for well-known bands for under £20? I only went to hear Teenage Dirtbag, but realised I heard more of their songs than I knew. I loved them! Best of all, they seemed happy to be there. They still loved their music and said how lucky they were to still being doing what they enjoy. I would definitely want to see Wheatus again and recommend to anyone!

I'm not one to take pictures at concerts, so don't have anything to accompany this post, so I apologise.

So in conclusion, there is no "one favourite". I've been lucky to see some amazing acts, and aim that next year I will see at least 3 gigs live instead of the pitiful one of this year!

Anyway, what has been your favourite gig? I'd love to hear!



Monday, 15 August 2016

20 Things that make me happy

I've got a bit of joy to spread because yesterday marked a month of the blog, where I've had 1685 views (at the time of writing this). Long may it continue. In the spirit of numbers, here is a link to my most popular post: Sun, Fundraising and Good News.

Unfortunately I'm not happy all the time, and sometimes I'm not as positive as I wish I could be. I predict that is something that many people experience. Therefore I want to spread lots of positivity with this post with a list of things that I think make me happy:

1. Fundraising













Anyone who knows me will know that this is one of my biggest passions.

2. Meeting up with friends
Granted I don't have any friends on the island yet, and therefore this is not one I can do as often as I used to, it is still a big one.

3. Being greeted by my dogs
















My dogs are always happy to see me no matter what! It's amazing to have.

4. Eating italian food

















It is my FAVOURITE food to eat. I love pizzas and pasta most.

5. Going somewhere new to explore

















I love adventures, but who doesn't?! I like going to new towns, grabbing souveirs and making memories

6. Writing this blog!
I'm glad I've decided to start writing again as I probably haven't written anything like this since I was in college. I've missed writing but not felt inspired for a while.

7. Trying a Indian
I love trying Indian curries (as long as they are mild). Naan bread is my favourite part of eating an Indian meal though!

8. Taking pretty pictures

















I'm not always patient in doing so, and will often take many photos with my finger over the lense. However if you wish to see my most recent and the pictures I'm most proud of, check out my last blog here.

9. Doing something new













I'm always looking for something new to challenge myself, and ensure that I can have something to look forward to. Previously I've skydived, bungee jumped and climbed Kilimanjaro. Although I think I have more fear now, and have chickened out abseiling off the Forth Rail Bridge.

10. Watching Netflix in my bed












I love nothing more than sitting under the covers and watching a film or a favourite series on Netflix. Recently I've been binge-watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls. Did I mention that I'm excited for the new series coming out in November? I also watch Pretty Little Liars, Orange is the new Black and House.

11. Getting something in the post

















Yes, I am aware that this is pretty sad but I actually love getting mail. I prefer a nice parcel from someone or something nice I've ordered, and even like getting the odd letter. The picture shows the BEST parcel I've received.

12. Going to the cinema
I don't do this often because if I'm honest I think films made are all similar in plots and genre. Although when I do, I love to sit, eat my popcorn and have a nice slush-puppy or something. I tend to buy some of items at the cinema because I don't go that often. In fact I've not been since Easter. The great thing is when I watch a film at the cinema, I actually WATCH it. While at home, I'm doing so many other things - searching for jobs, messaging people on facebook, texting people, checking emails, eating, doing my skin routine, you name it, I do it!

13. Getting kisses and cuddles from my dogs

















Similar to number 3, I just love my dogs. Getting to hug them, stroke them and kiss their heads makes me happy.

14. Seeing live music

















Unfortunately I don't do this as often as I wish I could, but love going to gigs and festivals. Last year I saw two gigs over one weekend. That was the best! I wish that happened more often...

15. Skpe with friends
This is a recent development after moving from Scotland, and most of my friends living there. I might not see my friends regularly but at least I can talk to them and see their faces. At the same time! Kinda the same...

16. Looking at travel websites
I've only been abroad twice, but am always wanting to visit somewhere abroad. Unfortunately I'm nowhere near able to afford it right now. It is my dream to travel around most of Australia and teach English in China or Thailand. I would love an excuse to walk the Great Wall of China too. Until then I will continue to just dream of it happening!

17. Painting my nails and toes

















I'm not that good and often have chips in them after a few hours, but love painting them all the same. It makes me feel prettier, and therefore that inch more confident.

18. Lists
If you've not noticed already, I love lists and live by them! I'm always writing lists of what I want to do with my day. I am always forgetting things and writing them down helps. Writing this post, I've compiled three lists - a list of pictures I wish to add, obviously the list of happy things and my daily to do list.

19. Jewellery

















I just love jewellery. I used to get most of my jewellery from markets and fundraising events I'd attended where I could get lovely handmade bracelets and what-not. Now, my collection consists mostly of bracelets, rings and necklaces that have been nicely bought for me.

20. Animals

















I love seeing animals. Whether it's cows in a field, going to an animal sanctuary or a well-kept zoo.


I was going to write a list of 50, but who can think of that many? I know there are probably more, but this is as many as I could think of. What are the 20 things that make you happy? I'm sure there are more than you think