11 Things I Loved About November

I find inspiration and blog ideas from others, and hope they don't mind too much! I saw at Claire's Comfy Corner, that she had been writing things she loved about each month - big or small. Because I loved this idea, I thought it would be nice to look for 11 things this month as it's the 11th month. Here is my list:

1. I moved to Ipswich

As you will know from previous posts, I had been living in the Isle of Wight for the last 7 months. The island was a very different way to what I was used to. I wasn't excited to move again, but feel more positive since moving here. I feel there is lots to look forward to.

2. I began volunteering again
I love volunteering and think everyone should do it at least once. You learn about yourself, help others and do something fun for a good cause! This month I started volunteering for a local hospice on the island. I am working to volunteer again.

3. I received more presents from my birthday
The great thing about my birthday being the end of month is it means I can decide when is best to celebrate. Because of Halloween, I sometimes organised things at the start of the month. Because all my friends live far away (insert sad face here), most of my presents were posted. I will discuss them in more detail as I love talking about birthdays and want to write something specific about it (yes, it will be VERY late).

4. I started to gather ideas for gifts I could get people for Christmas
It's hard to remember what I did for November (Christmas shopping-wise), but by the end of November, I usually have my entire shop done. Not this year! It started off well with me buying personalised gifts in September for friends. Then, I kinda waived. That being said, all my friends gifts were sent off by this Saturday. It's just a case of getting my parents and grandparents sorted! I've got little bits for each now.

5. Gilmore Girls started!

I was so excited for Gilmore Girls coming back, and have now watched all the episodes. I thought about reviewing it, but having read another blog that spilled it all, I didn't want to do the same for anyone else. I did write about my excitement and what I hope for the new episodes here. All I will say is, I believe the last four words make sense for the journey that the gilmore women have gone through. I believe it was just how I remembered - funny, quirky and full of characters you can't help but relate to. I won't say anymore. I feel anymore will spill it. For those who haven't seen Gilmore Girls, you can watch all the episodes from series one on Netflix. There are also the new episodes there too!

6. My dogs started to love me more!

It sounds daft, but I feel more connected to my dogs. They always got excited to see me, but now they expect me to kiss their heads or by their cheeks. It's funny. They love me walking them and generally making much more of a fuss.

7. Watched heaps of films

As you will know from reading my recent post, The film list, I LOVE films. New or old; I love them. I have watched heaps of films this month including: Bride of Chucky, Before Sunrise, Two for the Road, Brighton Rock, Big Lebowski and am sure there is much more!

8. Places visited

Truth be told, I've not seen that many new places. Far enough, I've moved to Ipswich, but it's been a case of getting used to what is nearby; testing bus routes, walking to see what's close-by and signing up to the doctors. It has been the normal dull stuff. I have enjoyed learning about all the shops that are close by, and happy that I live a 15minute bus journey from the shopping places. I've also seen a bit of a nearby town called Martlesham. I will keep you updated as I learn more on Ipswich and Suffolk. The picture above is one I took just by the shops. I thought the building looked beautiful!

9. Things I've learnt
I feel like I've really reflected on my life this month, and realised I need to stop being as hard on myself. Things happen, and sometimes you can't help it. I've found the last year I've beat myself up for not being as close to friends (when they haven't made the effort), not trying certain things, my weight gain and a lot of things that happen to people. I feel from being less hard on myself and accepting that things will never be 100% perfect, I've felt more relaxed and more motivated to try harder. I reflected on this in my moving post here.

10. The Blog
This month celebrated 4 months of writing for this blog, where I still have a lot to learn. I've done Blogtober, plan to do some of my Blogmas posts starting tomorrow and have even done my first collab post. Including this post, I've written 52 blog posts, set up a Facebook page in the past week (please like) and continue to learn how to promote my posts. Love to hear any tips from those who have been blogging longer!

11. I've made positive steps for a career in fundraising again
I love the blog, but want to be a Fundraiser and make a difference to charities. I feel it is where my heart is, I miss it when I'm not doing it and love that I might not be able to care for people but can make sure I raise funds for the best support a charity may offer. Hope that explains it in the best way. I hope by volunteering and getting into employment, something will come along again!

If you enjoyed the idea of this post, let me know as I will consider doing them for other month ends.

Blogtober16 - Where would I most like to visit?

Not meaning to sound cheesy, but life is one big adventure. It has many straight roads, where things go well and therefore you know it's meant to be, but other times where are lots of twists and things don't go right.

There are many things that make me feel happy such as my friends, parents, dogs, watching old films or something on Netflix, going to see live bands or writing this blog. However, I love doing something new. That could be anything from skydiving, seeing a new museum or going somewhere different.

Travel has always fascinated me. Maybe it's from moving around growing up, and being able to reinvent myself. I could pretend to be less shy and more confident. I would do that until I believed I was more outgoing than  I was.

I've only been abroad twice, which is a truly depressing thought. The last time was two years ago, and from there I vowed to go on holiday once year. Unfortunately for different reasons, I have not, but maybe 2017?! I had an amazing trip where I visited Italy (my favourite place), France, Amsterdam and Germany. Here are a few pictures to sum-up my trip:

Ok, I admit that I wasn't entirely good at taking pictures!

I have a long list of places I wish to explore, but I know I'd be gutted if I didn't get to go to Australia.

I don't know why I want to go so much. Maybe it's because it's basically the other side of the world. Maybe it's because of the interesting animals they have. Maybe it's because it's one of the biggest countries in the world. I honestly can't explain what it is, but I just want to go and know I've done it.

You hear of people going to Australia to skydive, bungee jump or do something adventrous. That doesn't appeal to me. Been there and done it! I don't need to do it somewhere nicer. I am too wimpy to do it again.

However like anywhere I wish to explore the markets, shopping, museums, parks, take in the beautiful views and walks. Most of all, in Australia I want to be one with nature - snorkelling, holding koala bears, daring to see a crocodile and meeting kangaroos. I don't have a set list of things I'd do because I know how vast Australia is. I'd mainly like to go to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, but not afraid to go and see the outback.

Where would you most like to visit? I love to hear! Most likely give me a longer list of places I wish to see...Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed the post!