I'm hoping that blogs have some kind of vinyl record style revival and that I'm at the forefront of it, because I've decided to start putting my spare* time into writing silly things again.
*that's a lie, I don't have any spare time anymore, but it means I don't have to do the washing up.
From my days on Tumblr (talking about things way too personal), trying to be cool re-blogging hipster-esque images of galaxies and cats, to previous blogs here, which were just as cringy, I've always loved writing things down and have plenty of unfinished drafts to get me started. I must admit though, in 2019 there's something very terrifying about the thought of writing your feelings out into a blog. It used to feel a relatively private, safe space, but now there are so many more social media channels, everyone has their own 'brand' and people are poised at their keyboards ready to become keyboard warriors 24/7. I feel like it would be impossible to start writing about all of these weird and wonderful things, without first filling you in on a few things that have happened.
1. I graduated (yay!)
This seems like a very long time ago now, but something that felt impossible when I was in that 'uni bubble' of stress. But it's all done now, and all that I'm left with is a piece of paper (location unknown), an anxiety-inducing student debt and three years of absolute life experience that I would never have accumulated without university. AND I got to throw the hat. Something that I previously only thought I'd be doing on The Sims University.
2. Became a graphic designer
I no longer process naked photos of people in the photo centre and am very happy in a graphic design job. No more boobies being developed to be sent off to prison husbands, images of hunters and their trophy deer or crying in the stock room cupboard.
3. Quarter-life crisis kicked in
I like to call it the 'post-grad blues' where everything wears off and you realise that life is very routine-based and revolves around money and boring things like taking the bins out. Oh and throw in Donald Trump becoming president, Brexit, the rise of racism and prejudice, climate change, social media and Facebook trolls in the comments section. Some parts haven't been fun at all, particularly the anxiety and depression riddled days which viciously feed off one another, but despite the down times and the struggles, I know each bad day has made me who I am today. I'm not yet over this hurdle, I may not ever be - but it doesn't feel right to only share the good bits.
4. Became a fully fledged member of the 'Self Care Club'
As a result of the above I have tried my best to become a self-care guru, putting terrifying face masks on, reading self-help books, spraying lavender on my pillow at night, burning essential oils in my house, meditating (occasionally), drinking less alcohol, drinking more water and watching minimalism videos on YouTube, oh and I do gardening now, apparently? WHO AM I?
5. Rented an allotment
I have an allotment, and I'm basically Charlie Dimmock but with a bra and a hair bobble. Two months ago I got an allotment, partly due to being sick of not having a garden in our flat and just wanting to be outside. So far, it's the best move I've made for my mental health and today I got very excited because my cauliflower has started growing a head. It really is so rewarding so far, as well as tiring, and has taught me to appreciate the food we take for granted. It takes months to grow carrots that cost 40p in most supermarkets.
6. Learned heaps about myself
I learned lots of things about myself (some of it wasn't cheap!) through therapy sessions, but some of it was from watching TedTalk videos, reading books and doing personality quizzes, which I am now obsessed with. I learned that I'm an 'overly sensitive person' (this is an actual thing) which is probably why I tear up and get a lump in my throat when I see live music or get overly concerned about seeing an old man walking at 0.5mph down the road with shopping bags.
7. Saw a bit of the world
I travelled to Poland, Budapest, Porto, Norway and Seville. Cologne was supposed to be on that list but we only got as far as Bristol Airport departures (thanks snow). Some of these places like Auschwitz have shaped me as a person, and some have just been amazing experience like kayaking down the Norwegian Fjords. Some less so, like getting my bag stolen in Seville and being an immigrant without a passport for a few days, all with minimal Spanish lingo except 'Bolsa robado' (bag stolen), 'Tengo hambre' (I have hunger) and 'Muchas gracias' of course.
8. R.I.P metabolism
After countless years complaining that I couldn't put weight on as a tiny lanky teenager, I have plumped out a bit. I eat the same amount, exercise less and basically now I can get fat. Sadly none of the fat went to my boob region and just stuck to my bum and chin, and my hips got wide, making clothes shopping really difficult. I'm sure this is a second puberty. Shout out to all the small boobed, big hipped ladies out there. I feel for you. Also, can basically no longer fit my hips into anything in H&M anymore. Size 10 my arse.
9. Started driving again
If by the time I pass my driving test cars have been phased out I won't be surprised, and will maybe be a bit relieved. This year I started driving lessons again, after a good 6/7 years not behind the wheel. It still terrifies me, but I'm just about learning to breathe when I drive around roundabouts.
10. Gave 'Dorkfeatures' a brand new swanky look
Back in May 2018 after a lot of deliberating I decided to get to work on a new brand identity for my card packaging and other branded bits like business cards. It now feels a lot more me, and a lot more inky. Card-wise my cards have also been sold in Paperchase, Scribbler, Oliver Bonas and many more wonderful places across the UK and even The World (so I'm told!). With all of the above going on my cards have taken a bit of a back seat lately, but I will be on it soon!