I'm off to Oz

It finally hit me that I'm off to Oz!

Australia has been a dream for so long. It's somewhere I can't explain, but I've always wanted to go. It could be seeing kangaroos and koalas; it could be the active lifestyle or the lovely weather. I actually can't remember why it started to appeal, but I have always had this feeling that it's something I just need to do. I am honestly so nervous that I will somehow not get to Sydney to start my tour. I'm also terrified that I will get homesick or not enjoy it. That's why it's probably best that I've only opted to do it for a month, instead of the year I couldn't frankly afford to do.

I know I will miss my dogs, other people's dogs, my friends and family. I know I will eat something I don't like and I know I will sleep while travelling somewhere. However I know this will probably be the biggest adventure of my life. I'm beyond excited. Here is just a quick list of activities I am most excited for:

• Hot air balloon
• Helicopter ride
• Zoo
• Great barrier reef
• Kangaroo island
• Aboriginal cultural centre visit
• Alice spring park
• Sydney opera house

Lots of people have asked where exactly in Australia, so here it is!

My tour begins in Sydney, where I will meet the rest of my tour group (and hopefully make new friends). In Sydney I'm looking forward to just walking around, visiting the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo.

From there, I am looking forward to going to Hunter Valley for wine tasting and continuing onto Tamworth for country living. 

Then it will off to the beautiful Byron Bay for surfing lessons, brilliant Brisbane and Noosa Everglades. I'm even excited to visit the world's largest sand island A.K.A.Fraser Island.

I will also go to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Alice Springs, Uluru, Port Campbell and end in the marvellous Melbourne. If you have any tips while I visit these places, please let me know.

I'm not sure how to end this, I type this the eve before my last working day in the UK. I'm off to a wonderful place. I hope there aren't any Jodie-shaped disasters, get lots of pictures and it's everything I dreamt of.

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 11 of Blogmas - Happy Christmas Eve

In many countries, today is the day to open presents; not tomorrow.

Every year my mum lets me open one present on Christmas Eve; she picks and I open it. To extend on this tradition, I let Dad open his jellybabies. I thought about giving mum a present, but that would leave her with one thing to open, which is due. This year I got her a calendar that she picked and a Laura Geller gift set. While moving, I accidentally smashed her Brighten and Glow by the brand; she was annoyed, so thought it would be nice to replace with some other great products.

Dad tried to say I was too young for this tradition, but like an advent calendar, I refuse to let my mum stop doing it. Total mummy's girl here!

Last night, I had a great Skype conversation with two of my friends, and got to open my presents. We usually meet, have a lovely meal, catch up and open presents. Not this year. It makes me sad, but I'm hopeful we will do it next year when I have more money.

One friend got me a balloon lamp and Body Shop gift set:

I've already tried some of the body lotion since my legs have blistered from chaffing (that's something nobody tells you about putting on weight). I found this lovely, cooling and just what was needed. I'm really happy with this as feel I look after my skin well, but body is actually very dry and neglected.

Another got me two packs of bath salts from Oliver Bonas, book: What would Audrey do? by Pamela Keogh and book: Ultimate Travelist: The Best Places on the planet...ranked by Lonely Planet:

As you know, I love Audrey and she's utterly my idol!

One of the places I wish to visit most!

Back to my Christmas Eve tradition, this year my mum let me open this:

I love a good pair of PJs as of late, so I'm excited to wake up wearing these.

Here are some funny conversations and things to happen on the lead-up to Christmas to end on:

Conversation 1:
A: I hate it when he screws up his wrapping year every year at Christmas.
B: (laughing) why? Everyone does that!
A: It makes it hard to recycle, it needs to be folded. I will just have to do it after he's done because he just won't.

Event 1:
Have you ever tried wrapping presents with pets? They are fascinated by wrapping paper. I was clever to do mine in my room, and away from animals. My mum not so much. One dog got tangled in sellotape and the other managed to trample on the wrapping paper.

Event 2:
As I might have previously mentioned in my post about Santa here, I believed in Santa until I was 11, which is probably quite old. I even believed when friends said they'd seen their parents putting out the presents. I even believed when I saw Santas at department stores or garden centres, that they were fake but help Santa. I fell for every lie my family gave me. The funniest excuse my mum came up with for why kids had seen their parents giving presents...they are naughty children, and the parents didn't want them to be upset.

That leaves me to wish you a merry Christmas. There will be one short post tomorrow, so I won't wish you a "Merry Christmas" just yet!  Not decided whether there will be anymore December posts, or whether it will be in the new year...

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!

Portsmouth - D-day Museum, Hovercraft & the City

My last post promised that I would update more, and I meant it. I meant to put this post up about 2 weeks ago, but unfortunately I've been away visiting friends in Scotland and therefore have been otherwise occupied! Good news is that because of my travels, I've been inspired to write many more posts. Stay tuned.

I'd also like to thank those for commenting on my last post: Do horrible comments affect your confidence in the long-term? To be a total newbie to writing, it excites me to have something to respond to! It was my first post to get any comments, so thank you, thank you and thank you again! I apologise for taking so long to reply, I honestly thought I'd replied, so hope my responses were worth the wait. Any way back to the post...

Recently I've been visiting Portsmouth to take up a volunteer opportunity, which gave me an extra insight into this city. I'd never been to Portsmouth before, and honestly can say it isn't the most exciting city I've been to. I definitely prefer Southampton to Portsmouth because I somehow feel like I'm missing something. There doesn't feel to be a "heart" to the city, like most cities I've seen from Aberdeen, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Leeds...you look and go "Well that's the centre." Maybe someone can tell me different, but I found it to be quite bleak, and I've lived in the granite city (Aberdeen).

Portsmouth seems to be misunderstood to me though. I keep asking myself what am I missing? It is after-all the birthplace to the famous author, Charles Dickens. I was saddened to hear that the museum is closed during set periods, but hope to see it one day as a lover of books. I mean my favourite characters of TV series, books or films are big readers: Matilda in Ronald Dahl's Matilda, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls and many more.

However, as a big lover of history and someone who enjoys visiting art galleries and museums, I was excited to see the D-Day Museum. It is about a 15 minute walk from the hovercraft which gets you into Portsmouth from the island. Walking along Clarence Pier was a delight, and I took many beautiful pictures as I walked over. Here are just some of my favourites:

Somehow love these lampposts, and found myself picturing these more than Clarence Pier! 

Beautiful view out at Clarence Pier

View of some of the city including the famous "lipstick" building

Memorial

As someone with a great interest in World War 2, I was a bit underwhelmed by the D-Day museum. Not because it wasn't good; I was happy to have gone, but having visited amazing sights such as Eden Camp and Anne Frank House, it wasn't the most impressive. I also read some of the displays and realised I knew a great portion already.I enjoyed looking at displays of ration books, remembrance areas and displays of dummies (soldiers) set up how they would have been; really setting the scene.

However I didn't have a great knowledge of D-Day itself, and gave it a chance. For instance, I didn't know that D-Day was prepared and launched from the South Coast of England, which meant that Portsmouth was at the heart of the operation. It also had beautiful embroideries to look at, which gave it a lovely creative aspect to an otherwise history-focused museum. It was also interesting to see the museum combine its focus on the south coast, but also discuss how D-Day affected all the British soldiers who fought that day. 

It is a must-see, but mainly because D-Day should never be forgotten; the soldiers risked their lives and without them, we could be living a totally different life. This museum is about keeping the story of D-Day alive, and the story of WWII. There are also plans for the museum to become the national D-Day hub, and therefore I believe that this is only going to improve to engage with it's audience. The museum plans to create resources and partnerships to help individuals and communities nationally discover their wider D-Day heritage;a new website is due to be set up in time for the 75th anniversary in 2019.

Unfortunately after my little tour around the museum, I missed the hovercraft back home (Isle of Wight), but I was lucky this time; the next one was due in like 10 minutes. Many of my friends on the mainland ask how long it takes to get from the island to the mainland again, so I thought I would briefly say. Portsmouth is new to me. You have two routes to the mainland - Southampton and Portsmouth/Southsea. Getting to Portsmouth is the quickest way. Going to Portsmouth takes a meer 10 minutes, and from there you can get the hoverbus that takes you around southsea to the city centre. Going to Southampton can take about 25 minutes on the Redjet through Red Funnel, and the Quay Connect bus is free if you show them your ticket.

Goodbye and I hope it won't be long until my next post, I hope to write something about my recent travels to Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen...however I promised to not leave it so long last time, so not making promises this time! Over and out, and hope you liked my honest review of visiting Portsmouth. If anyone else has visited Portsmouth and has any recommendations of places to go, or can tell me anything they like, please let me know!