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!

Blogtober16 - Alltime Favourite Music

Today marks my birthday, so that's why this post went live at midnight. I hope to keep up my usual birthday traditions - lovely continential breakfast, something fun (visiting the Owl & Monkey Haven on the island) and presents. I can't wait! I will probably post all about it and the importance of birthday and their traditions after blogtober is over.

Today is also the 26th day of blogtober, and asks what are my 10 all-time favourite songs? Unfortunately I think this is too difficult, and feel that it changes upon every year. Instead I thought it would be more fun to include my all-time favourite bands/singers, so here goes (they come in particular order).

This is music that I could listen to time and time again! It is music that I love time and time again, even when time passes.

1. Fall Out Boy

I've loved FOB, since I first listened to them as a teenager. So many favourites from them, and I love them all the more from seeing them live last year.

2. Biffy Clyro

I listen to their albums repeatedly on long travels, during good times and bad. I've listened to their songs countless times. Favourites include Opposites, Pause It And Turn It Up, Glitter & Trauma, Eyelids... I could really go on!

3. Nirvana

Who couldn't include this 90s favourite?  I love their music so much, and it's a damned shame they weren't around longer to create more great songs. There could be much more than Come as you are and Smells like teen spirit. I love 90s music too and often listen to many songs that make me think of growing up such as songs from All Saints, Wheatus and I can't even think of others just now...

4. Foo Fighters

One of my favourites live and have an obvious passion for their art. I love their music so much! Even the old stuff is good to me.

5. Pink

I could listen to her over and over. When I'm cleaning the bathroom or doing anything that requires concentration I listen to her songs. I love songs like Family Portrait, Stupid Girls, U + Ur Hand, Just like a pill, get the party started (that's where my love for her began).

6. Sia

A new favourite, but long may it continue. Sia has been a long unspoken songwriter as well as showcasing some beautiful songs. Her songs are known for their controversial music videos and her inability to show her face on page; it's what make her all the intriguing. She is truly talented!

7. Twenty One Pilots

This is a fairly recent one, but as my recent review of the Blurryface album indicates a lot of their songs mean something to me. To read this review, click here.

8. Eminem

Perhaps the only rap music I've ever truly liked. My name is, Lose Yourself, Stan, Love the way you lie, Berzerk and many other favourites have put a smile to my face or got me humming.

9. Bullet For My Valentine

This is my angry music. I listen to it when I'm in a mood and just need time to think things through. I love the fast music. Favourites include: Tears Don't Fall, 10 Years Today, Cries In Vain, All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me) and Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do).

10. Gwen Stefani/ No Doubt

I love her cheery voice to her solo songs and wish she'd come out with more music. She evolved from it's my life and many other amazing songs from No Doubt to create Sweet Escape, What You Waiting For? and Cool.

Hope you like my list, some are a bit lame but they make me happy. What is your all-time favourite music? I'd love to hear it! I'm always looking for new things to listen to.

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!

Youtube Review: Twenty one pilots - Blurryface

I love music, and quite often listen to different albums on youtube. They usually start with something to listen to while I clean or have a shower. Then if I like them, I listen to them more throughout the day.

Blurryface is like any other album I've heard because it combines so many different genres. According to Wikipedia, they describe it as reggae, rock, pop, hip hop, pop-rap, alternative dance and electropop. This seems very accurate because there is a definite rock element to the album, but it has been shaken up with a dance and rap style. 

When I first listened to the album I adored 13/14 of the songs and liked the other (Tear in my heart). Even with the best of albums, it is difficult to like every single song. Having listened to the album repeatedly, I would say my true favourites are Heavydirtysoul, Fairly Local and Lane Boy.

Listening to Stressed Out was what made me interested in Twenty One Pilots. It made me want to know more about the band. It sounded cheerful while also being serious in it's lyrics. For instance, did you know that their music label is Fueled by Ramen? This is the same label to represent Gym Class Heroes, 3OH!3, Panic! At The Disco, Young The Giant and Paramore. This is their second album with the label, but it is their fourth album. I feel like I was just a bit late to the party in discovering this amazing band. It brings me back to being a teenager when I felt so lucky when I discovered a great band before they made it big. I no longer seem to have that exclusive knowledge.

That being said, now that I have discovered their music, I'm in absolute awe and can't help but listen to more of their music. One of my favourite songs by them, Fairly Local is about the lead singer and how he refuses to let people label him. He makes reference to his depression and angst. "They say I'm evil to the core" or "emotional". These are feelings that I'm sure many of their fans are experiencing, and he is sending the healthy message to accept these problems with the determination to work through it. This is a song that makes me want to dance, but has a much deeper meaning to it. 

I also like Heavydirtysoul because the words seem to resonate with me. A lot of their songs are realistic and go into real issues with a positive sound. It makes you think deeper. Here are a list of the songs with some of the lyrics that mean something to me:

• Lane Boy - "Don't trust the perfect person"
• The Judge - "Best friends with my doubt"
• Doubt - "Shaking hands with the dark parts of my thoughts" and "Scared of my own image" all describe dealing with depression and anxiety perfectly
• We Don't Believe What's On TV - "Learnt to kill our dreams" 
• Message Man - This makes me smile before it begins and has meaningful lyrics such as "you don't know my brain" and "release me from the present."
• Goner reminds me of the perfect song to listen to going through a break up or something.

Rating: 10/10

I can't fault this album at all! I've listened to it non-stop for like two weeks and even went to bed listening to it. This is the kind of album you listen to until the end, and then repeat because you love it so much! I think I haven't been in love with an album like this since I was at high school.

Since listening to Blurryface, it has encouraged me to listen to more of their music. So far my favourites off the album are Heathens and Car Radio, which are part of their new album, Suicide Squad (great since Blurryface only came out in May). I hope that sometime soon I will see them live, I just need to find someone to go with...