Goal progress in January

I thought it might fun to include how I'm getting on with my goals. When I've read the progress of others in fitness or other goals, I find it highly motivating. Let me know what you think as I might do them quarterly rather than monthly.

1. Passing my driving test

The progress is there. I have already paid for 10 hours, and done 6 hours of driving lessons. I am making great progress. I've noticed more confidence leaving the roundabout and knowing when to go, which is my ultimate fear. I really hope to keep progressing. It is great since it's the first time even been driven around Ipswich. However also noticed new instructors have different priorities and notice new things you're bad at.

2. Go abroad

I really hope to do this, but this is not a priority just yet. I think I may visit a friend who lives in Norway now, but then again it is more costly to visit than to get there. Seen flights for under £100 return but know it is expensive to buy and do things!

3. See at least 3 gigs this year

I've looked a little, but not seen much I fancy. I'm booked to see comedian, Jon Richardson in September and had hoped to see Ed Sheeran. Unfortunately I couldn't get tickets, but hopeful I will think of other performers to see.

4. Start yoga again

I've looked into local classes, but am nervous to start any alone. I have also tried looking at few youtube videos. For anyone else wanting to try yoga, I noticed a fab post published by Saccharine-soul. I've actually tested a few of the routines suggested here. Although I'm not a beginner, I'm not confident enough to move onto intermediate or more advanced.

5. Do a charity challenge

I've enquired about doing the Great Wall of China in aid of the British Red Cross. I love how you will help rebuild it too. However I know the work it took to fundraise for climbing Kilimanjaro and had the resources there: supportive work colleagues, uni support, friends to attend events, and just don't  have that locally.

I'm also considering trying an abseil again. I've seen an abseil for the local hospital which sounds so fun. Anyone who knows me will know how gutted I was to have let down a favourite charity, when I couldn't take on the 160ft abseil off forth rail bridge. This was despite doing a 10,000 ft skydive, a bungee jump and climbing Kilimanjaro in the past. I feel doing this will really boost my confidence again. It will also be something fantastic to really look forward to. I fear I may have an anxiety attack again, but doesn't feature my ultimate fear of bridges.

6. Pursue creative hobbies

I've gone to both a jewellery making and scrapbooking classes. From this, I'm unsure I will try this again as the necklace broke to pieces and didn't make it to feature in this post. I've done scrapbooking before and learnt some new techniques, and would love to go again.

I'm proud that I actually stitched the gold circle...

I still want to learn to make bracelets, but going to look at Youtube to learn that one!

7. Lose weight

I'm really happy with my progress in this. I've had compliments from family members on the look of my skin and how much healthier I look, which is obviously a huge confidence boost. Most of all, I love the boost to my energy and how much happier this has had me.

This has only been from small steps - walking at least 30 minutes a day, drinking lots of water (admittedly I did this well already), adjusting my attitude to portion sizes and actually eating more fruit/veg. Instead of thinking, "oh, I've got a few more of these I might as well finish", I just stop eating when I'm full. Instead of cutting out sweets or chocolate, I eat what I fancy and then don't crave it as much. I've even started craving things like crisps or cheese, which is so unlike me! 

8. See more films from my list

If you like my facebook page, you will have seen that I received lots of DVDs and watched them. Please refer to the review on the films I watched here. This month, I've seen 12 off my list and 13 in all. I hope I can beat this in February as I've watched more DVDs than my usual Netflix.

9. See friends more

There are no plans yet, but this is important to me with many friends living in Scotland. With the closest friend being about 400 miles away, it is essential and especially with friends getting married, having babies and getting promotions, not seeing them as often can feel like missing out.

10. Walk dogs more

I have been walking the dogs on almost every day off, and actively making the effort to spend more time with them.Cuddles are the best!

11. Do more in spare time

This one is still very much in progress. At the moment, my spare time consists of walking dogs, writing for this blog, promoting the blog, reading and anything that might come up. That doesn't sound hugely exciting, but definitely been feeling more positive.

12. Keep writing

I've not looked into alternative ways to write outside of this blog, but definitely want to. I'm really not sure where to begin on that one!

13. Read more

Already I feel like I'm making great progress on this. Most times I read no more than 4 or 5 books in a year. This month alone, I've already read 6 books. Please refer to this post about the books I've read here. I'm looking forward to reading more as part of the Popsugar challenge as discussed here.

How has your January been going? Any tips for me to continue to tick off my goals this year?

Book Review of Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit

One of my main goals this year is to read more, and I can definitely say I'm doing well so far. I challenged myself to complete the Popsugar challenge, as discussed here. Already I've finished one book, Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer. I've also completed a childhood favourite, The tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, started re-reading a favourite book by Jacqueline Wilson - Girls under pressure, yesterday I finished Jane Eyre and have also enjoyed listening to the audiobook, Fool me once by Harlan Coben. This means that I predict I will read more in this month than I did last year alone! Onto the first book I finished and what I thought...

As stated in my recent wishlist, I was desperate to read Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit. For those who don't know I greatly admire so much about Audrey Hepburn from her talent for acting, her elegance, her amazing charity work for UNICEF, her inspirational words and just all the things she achieved in the small life she had.

Scenes from Funny Face (pictures in book)

I find it harder in a way to describe how great this book is because I care more than a typical novel. I have never read a biography either; if I want to know about someone I'd rather read it in their own words. When I was a teenager I read a lot of autobiographies. My favourites were from Julie Walters, Paul O'Grady and Michael Parkinson (probably not the typical books a teen would be reading). However considering Audrey Hepburn didn't want to write an autobiography and died three months after I was born, I knew I couldn't read an autobiography from her. That being said, I was impressed to hear her oldest son, Sean wrote a biography about her. Who better to discuss her life than someone who loved her the most and knew her their entire life?

I think if there really is a heaven, Audrey would be looking down; she'd be proud of the way her son went about illustrating her life. The book was filled with just as many pictures as words, so much so that it almost felt like he was showing a member of the family the pictures. I honestly learnt so much about her too. I learnt that she wasn't just a typical celebrity doing charity work; she genuinely cared and went out of her way to help. Children she met were moved; Sean details stories of children who were transfixed by her, or children she hugged and held. Most fascinatingly of all, Audrey had a difficult start to life and dealt with malnutrition during the war; she knew best of all what it must be like. UNICEF was actually a charity who helped her, and she strongly believed in helping them to continue the support they provide. She was the best ambassador they could have! I was near tears reading some of the speeches she gave that featured in the book. She was incredible and inspirational, and almost without trying. Making a difference with such ease!

Somalia 1992 (powerful picture from book)

The book also featured recipes to her favourite dishes, discussed wise motherly advice Audrey gave to her sons and even quotes she appreciated.

Of course, the book also did what every book did and described her life in all - childhood to adult, and even described how she dealt with her illness and the days leading to her death. I don't want to go too much into that as I feel I might give something away, and spoil the book for you.

The one downfall of a son writing a biography can be that it isn't critical. It won't describe personal weaknesses of the well-known actress, but then again he says that early on. There were no scandals about Audrey Hepburn, so why would he create them? If you hope to hear juicy details about her divorces, you won't. Some harder issues are brushed over, but it doesn't stop the book being a favourite biography; one that I'm proud to have read and one that makes me feel like a better person for reading. How many books can genuinely say they've done that?

Instead of focusing on what you might feel you've missed, I will focus on the good. It describes her relationships with her parents, the warmth she had as a mother that demonstrated just one more thing she took to naturally. I also learnt she didn't initially want to be an actress, and it was interesting how she came to be an actress instead.

Perhaps my favourite pictures of Audrey with son (photos in book)

When I finished the book, I felt a strange feeling of emptiness and sadness which I still can't explain. I also felt somehow motivated to support good causes, make a difference in the life you have and show real love to everyone I care for. I hope if you choose to read, you might get a similar appreciation. This has to be a favourite read for me. Like most books, I'm not sure I will read it again, but that's just me. I've never re-read books unless asked for educational purposes.

Taken during the production of War and Peace (photo from book)

I really feel like my review doesn't give it justice, but these are the only words that come to mind as I try not to give too much away or hint too much about the most interesting parts of the book, or parts worth mentioning.

Let me know if you have read this book, or whether you know much about Audrey Hepburn.

I hope to write a summary of all the books I've read this month at the start of the next month. I think it will be good to help me keep on top of the challenge, and also detail some amazing reads!

Another favourite picture from the book taken in 1991

2017 Reading Challenge & Goal Progress

Just to remind you quickly of my new year resolutions, because I'm not too sure whether I went too deeply into it, while mentioning it in previous posts on 10 things and even more recently on my year review. Here they are:

1. Pass driving test and get car - If I don't achieve much this year, and only do this I will be happy. I've been trying since October 2014. There are much more job opportunities and extra independence with driving! I have only stopped to concentrate on theory test, and most recently while unemployed I just couldn't. I've already started with a new driving instructor, so confident I can achieve this.

2. Go abroad
3. See at least 3 gigs this year
4. Start yoga again
5. Do a charity challenge
6. Pursue creative hobbies
7. Lose weight
8. See more films from my list - I've bought more DVDs and waiting for them to arrive. For more info, read this post here, need I say more!

9. See friends more
10. Walk dogs more
11. Do more in spare time
12. Keep writing
13. Read more - This will be conquered with the following reading challenge.

I've not included a few more personal ones because I'm trying to limit what I put out there a bit more. This blog is not the Jodie blog despite the name. It is about topics of lifestyle and just general opinions. I do occasionally write about fun things I've done such as a recent subcrawl and reviews on things I love.

With all this in mind, I've taken up the Popsugar Reading Challenge 2017. I struggle to read even a few books in the year, which is disappointing. I used to love reading so much at school. I loved when you dressed up as your favourite character from a book at school, used to read whole book series at a time, and I just can't wait to get going with the challenge. Here is a picture that sums up what is involved:

I'm now a much slower reader, and I think I will struggle to do the advanced ones, but am keen to get started with the rest of the challenge. I'm already reading Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. This covers point 32: a book about an interesting woman. Here are more I think I will achieve:

2. A book that has been on your TBR list for way too long

I don't really have a TBR list, as I tend to get books as I want them, ask for them for birthdays/Christmasses. However, I always wanted to read more classic books, so picked a classic book at random, which happened to be Jane Eyre. I've already purchased this.

3. A book of letters

Not sure whether this is an entire book of letters, but the Colour Purple has been suggested to me. I'm keen to hear more suggestions!

4. An audiobook

My Dad has started listening to audiobook more, and suggested reading Fool me once by Harlan Coben.

6. A book with one of the four seasons in the title

I've come across the book, Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones.

7. A book that is a story within a story

This was another recommended book and sounds amazing: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.

8. A book with multiple authors

Being a big fan of Pretty Little Liars, I had to try this book by star, Shay Mitchell; I always find it interesting when celebrities try other things whether it's singing, dancing or just anything - I'm noisy! I can't wait to hear how the book: Bliss by Shay Mitchell and her friend, Michaela Blaney measures up.

10. A book with a cat on the cover

This one was an easy choice for me as it is one in my recent wishlist. I heard about it recently on the news: A Streetcat named Bob: how one man and his cat found hope on the streets by James Bowen.

11. A book by an author who uses a pseudonym

I did not know this, but J.K Rowling used the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith for a few books. I've always wanted to read one of her books as she is a writer I greatly admire. Although I've watched many documentaries about how she shot to fame with the Harry Potter series, I never took to reading the first book as a child and haven't tried since (shocker!). Therefore, I'm going to try The Cuckoo's Calling.

12. A bestseller from a genre you don't normally read

I don't usually take to sci-fi (either in terms of film or books), but the Martian by Andy Weir sounds like a fascinating story. I believe it is also a film too.

13. A book by or about a person has a disability

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby is an inspiring story which is also a movie. This extract from Amazon made me want to know more: "'Locked-in syndrome: paralysed from head to toe, the patient, his mind intact, is imprisoned inside his on body, unable to speak or move. In my case, blinking my left eyelid is my only means of communication.' In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French 'Elle' and the father of two young children suffered a massive stroke and found himself paralysed and speechless, but entirely conscious, trapped by what doctors call 'locked-in syndrome'."

14. A book involving travel

You can probably tell by the title that this one ticks the box: The Vacationers by Emma Straub.

16. A book that's published in 2017

I found this hard to find out since the new year has just began, but looked up ones due to come out. I'm going to try Never let you go by Chevy Stevens.

19. A book about food

I've heard so much about Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks. I would love to be able to cook, but don't have the patience or skill, so help with making quick healthy meals  might be what I need. I also like the exercise element of it too.

22. A steampunk novel

In honesty, I didn't know what steampunk was and had to look it up here for ideas. This is where I chose the classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I've bought this one and just waiting for it to be delivered.

25. A book I loved as a child

I used to read mostly Jacqueline Wilson books. I can't think of specific favourites, so when repurchasing I chose the cheapest I could find: Girls under pressure. It seems to be sold out from music magpie, where I got it!

26. A book by an author from a country you've never visited

This was a lot easier than it might have been for most, as I've only seen a few European cities and Tanzania. I  have chosen to buy Nemesis by norwegian writer, Jo Nesbo.

27. A book with a title that's a character's name

Hausfrau is the main character of Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum.

33. A book set in two different time periods

This one was obvious, but I didn't see it (luckily this was recommended to me). I've seen the film (and loved it), but not got to the book yet: The time traveller's wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

36. A book written by someone you admire

You can't help but admire this lady. I remember hearing about this book, but shameful, I know very little about her journey, and little about her bravery. However I need to read this and share with you: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. I can't wait for my book to arrive!

37. A book that's becoming a movie in 2017

Again I needed to look this up, and there was a great selection. However I felt I'd most enjoy reading: Live by night by Dennis Lehave.

That's 21 ideas out of 40. Not bad for just looking through it properly yesterday. I'd love to hear if you have any ideas for the categories specifically:

• A book from a non-human perspective
• A book with a month or day of the week in the title
• A book with a red spine
• A book set around a holiday other than Christmas

Hope you enjoyed the post, and it encouraged you to get involved in this reading challenge and goals in the new year. If you have any tips for the book challenge, or help achieving my new year's resolutions, I'd be grateful to hear them!

Day 7 of Blogmas - 2017 Fundraising

My Mum said today that Christmas should be more about giving back, and I have to agree. So many people don't get to enjoy it because they can't afford to give or they don't even have a home. This isn't to guilt you, but to make you appreciate what you have and make you realise how important giving is.

As you might have picked up from other posts, I adore fundraising. I haven't done as much as I hoped this year, but I hope that will change in 2017. I always love to look ahead to new challenges and events in the new year, so thought this would be a fun post to encourage others too! I love so many amazing causes so have decided to list some amazing national causes and what they are doing. These causes are very close to my heart. Of course if you know me, I love charities so I found this immensely difficult to choose just 5 charities, but thought 100 might be boring!

I thought it would be best to say what events or challenges you can do with the following charities closest to my heart:

1. Samaritans
I love this charity so much for their continuous support of anyone in the UK struggling. It is amazing that charities like this are around for those in need. I believe everyone needs someone to talk to, and think we've all felt hopeless at one stage in our lives. Looking online, I didn't know that everyday, 16 people decide to take their life; they are there to help prevent.

There are so many events you can do for them including:
Brighton Marathon - 9th April 2017
London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27th/28th May 2017
London 2 Brighton - 27/28th May 2017
London 10,000 - 29th May 2017
Trek Canada Rockies - choose between dates: 10-18th June or 9-17th September 2017
Trek Iceland - choose between dates: 28th June-2nd July or 30th August-3rd September 2017
Climb Kilimanjaro - as you know, climbing Kilimanjaro is the best thing I've done to date, so encourage anyone and everyone to do it! There are various dates for this.
Ride London - Surrey 100 - 30th July 2017
South Coast Challenge - 26/27th August 2017
Thames Path Challenge - 9/10th September 2017
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
Berlin Marathon - 24th September 2017
Bournemouth Marathon - 7th/8th October 2017
Royal Parks Half Marathon - 8th October 2017
Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia - choose between three dates: 7-15th October, 11-19th October or 21-29th October 2017.
Skydiving - can be done in various locations and dates
Tough Mudder - can be done in various locations and dates
Spartan Race - can be done in various locations and dates
Zombie Evacuation Race - can be done in various locations and dates
Swim Serpentine - in London, but dates tbc

2. Childreach International

I first came across Childreach International while at university, and actually climbed Kilimanjaro for them. They work in countries to help children to fulfil their potential working to ensure they have access to education, healthcare and protection, they work with children, teachers, parents and the communities they work in.

There are a whole load of challenges you can do including: climbing Kilimanjaro (of course), Everest Base Camp, Great North Run, Great Wall of China, Amazon Adventure, London Marathon, British 10K, India on 2 Wheels, Euro City Cycle, Edinburgh Half Marathon, Great Birmingham Half Marathon, London to Paris Cycle, Edinburgh Night Ride, Machu Picchu and skydives. Check out their website to discover more about the charity, and how to get involved.

3. Maggie's

I look so miserable, but pictures sometimes scare me!

This is a charity very close to my heart. If you've not heard of them, they have cancer centre across the UK. They believe in the benefit of having somewhere for people affected by cancer to go to, which is beautiful and designed by architects. They are always built on the site of an NHS hospital, so that patients, relatives or friends can go to between treatments or to access support needed. The staff are fully trained professionals and included clinical psychologists, cancer support specialists, benefit advisors and Centre heads to manage the centre.

There are a whole host of things you can do for them, it is best to see what is going on locally with them as you'll find more tailored things, but here are the main ones they do to fundraise:
Virgin Money London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Maserati Tour De Yorkshire - 30th April 2017
MK Superhero Run -1st May 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27/28th May 2017
Moonwalk - working with Walk the Walk, they fundraise for this. This takes place in June in Edinburgh or London.
Culture Crawl - They've done Culture Crawl London for a while, but in the last two years, they've developed to do it in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Swansea and many more cities. It is a great way to learn about a city, and support charity at the same time. It usually takes place in September or October.
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
Royal Parks Half Marathon - 8th October 2017
Skydive - various dates and locations in UK

4. RSPCA
I don't need to say much here. I just love animals - mainly dogs and cats, but couldn't imagine harming even a fly so hurts to think others do. We shouldn't need charities like this, people should be nice to animals. They also work to protect them from their environment such as getting trapped somewhere etc. I did do my skydive for SPCA which is the Scottish version of the charity. Not sure I have any pictures from that terrifying experience!

Their website doesn't tell you a great lot about what events are happening in 2017, but I'd suggest getting in touch with your local RSPCA to find out more:
Brighton Marathon - 9th April 2017
London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
BIG Walkies - I don't know much about this one, but it sounds really cool.

5. NSPCC
Who can't support a children's charity? If asked to name a children's charity, this is the first to come to mind. As a child, I might not have known my number, but I knew Childline (luckily I never used it, but it's amazing to know it's there). I believe I had a near perfect childhood, and feel every child is entitled to that. NSPCC work towards supporting to end cruelty, help support those bullied and generally support children when they need it most!

Here are some incredible events you might consider:
City Fine Wine Challenge - 23rd February 2017
Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon - 12th March 2017
Lapland Husky Trail - 17th March 2017
Brighton Marathon  - 9th April 2017
Brighton 10K - 9th April 2017
Virgin Money London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
London 10K
Isle of Wight Challenge - 29th April 2017
Tough Mudder - 29th April 2017
Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge - various dates between 1st May and 30th October 2017
National 3 Peaks Challenge - various dates between 1st May and 31st October 2017
Machu Picchu Trek - 12th - 21st May 2017
London 2 Brighton - 27th May 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27th May 2017
Great Mancester Run - 28th May 2017
Colour Run - 11th June 2017
Velo Birmingham - 24th September 2017

To find more events on NSPCC, check out the website here.

My top tips to raise or exceed your target:
1. Tell everyone you know - whether it's texting, posting on social media or writing letters to neighbours. I raised a lot posting online about what I was doing and even got £20 from a neighbour.
2. Get your work involved - while fundraising for Kilimanjaro, my work at the time helped so much! They helped me organise a quiz night, held a bring and buy sale in the staff room, sold cakes to the staff and people donated online. One person was even pregnant and held a "guess the baby weight". Remember it makes them look good. Employers look good to other employees and the public too!
3. Do what you enjoy - I love organising events so did a race night, date auction (valentine-themed) and of course the quiz night.
4. Sell online - I raised £200 from selling items online that people either gave me to sell, or I sold myself
5. Ask for help - friends and family always want to help and they all have their own ways.

For 2017, I would love to do a firewalk for charity, but haven't found a charity who do it yet. I'm desperate to do another challenge, I just don't know. Maybe another trek, and then it might help me lose weight too! Killing two birds with one stone, or whatever the phrase is...I'm tired!

Hope you enjoyed reading and feel inspired to give something back in 2017! Having done a lot of fundraising, I'm always keen to help people raise more for charities, so feel free to comment below or like and comment on the Facebook page.

If you missed yesterday's post on being a scrooge, and what I hate most about Christmas, click here.