2015, to put it bluntly, has been crap. It’s been absolute rubbish both personally and globally. There’s been a lot of tears, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of self-doubt. In the wider world, there’s been a lot of tragedy and a lot of heart-break and the closer the end of the year came, the more and more I heard about how 2015 wasn’t a great year for a lot of people. However, it wasn’t all bad and there was some lovely moments so today I’m going to turn my frown upside down and talk about some of my favourite things that happened last year.
The Lake District: Last year I went on my first proper holiday with my boyfriend to Cumbria and The Lake District and it was just incredible. I love holidaying in the UK and it has so much more to offer than what we think. The Lake District is truly, truly stunning and I loved exploring and making memories there.
Raising Money for Charity: I try and do something to raise money for charity every year – I figure when we’re so lucky and have so much, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do our bit and give back. Me and a bunch of bloggers raised £200 for Readathon Hospitals, a charity that provides books and readings to seriously ill children in hospital.
Spending my Birthday at the Zoo: You all know I love the zoo and this year, me and my boyfriend went to Whipsnade ZSL Zoo and had a fantastic day. Whipsnade is my absolute favourite zoo because it’s so big that you can drive around it. The enclosures are incredible, they have a steam train, a safari and they take their frickin elephants for a walk around the grounds!
Spending the Afternoon Photographing the Typhoons: This is a weird one but my boyfriend originally lives near the RAF base in Conningsby and we were extremely lucky one afternoon to head down there when all the planes were coming in and out and we spent a really nice afternoon taking photos of the planes. We met another photographer there, who was a professional and I’ll always remember when he asked me about my photos and I said, “I’m no photographer, I just like taking photos”, him replying with, “Rubbish, if you’ve got a camera, then you’re a photographer”. He showed us some of his photos which were incredible. I so wish I’d got his email or website!
My Bestie Came to Visit: As most of you know, my best friend is Lynsey James, blogger and author who I met on Twitter on Christmas Day 2 years ago after a brief chat about Paul O’Grady’s, ‘For The Love of Dogs’ programme. She lives at the other end of the country to me, so it’s obviously not easy to see each other and unlike most best friends, we can’t just meet up whenever we fancy so it’s always great to spend time with her.
Being Nominated for Blog of the Year at the Lovestories Awards: I didn’t win, but it was such an honour to be nominated for this amongst so many incredible bloggers and author whom I deeply admire and look up to. It was such a shock and that’s not me being modest! An achievement I am very proud of and one that I’m sure will give me a lot of blogging motivation into the new year.
wow great!
Thanks for sharing some positivity! 2015 wasn’t the best year mental health wise for me either, but there still were some good memories that should be remembered! I won’t let the bad things take away the good things, and I hope you do that too x
– Anne | annesmiles
Absolutely! I like to always try and find good in the bad (: Sorry 2015 wasn’t great for you either. I hope 2016 is better! (: xx
Thank you xx
Hey Jenny, firstly Happy New Year! Now, don’t take this the wrong way but you saying you’ve had a bad year made me feel a bit better. I don’t mean it maliciously, but when every other person I know seems to have had a fantastic year with opportunities and memories made etc etc, it’s comforting to know that there are other people like me who have had an icky year!
I hope you understand I mean lol!
Now, my best moments? Probably Silverstone in July and then the day out in Wales for my birthday. My sister and I got a voucher for Christmas for a tour of Silverstone so I can’t wait to use that this year! :Do
I hope you had a lovely Christmas Jenny and I wish you all the best for a better 2016! Amy xxx
Haha don’t worry Amy I know exactly what you mean! I wish I was one of the people saying 2015 was a life changing year but unfortunately that wasn’t mean to be. I hope 2016 is much, MUCH better for you too! I’m incredibly jealous about Silverstone (obviously). Happy new year! (: xxx
It sucks that you had such a bad year, but it looks like you had some good moments and made some good memories too. I hope you have a wonderful 2016!
Oh definitely! It wasn’t all bad – things that actually happened weren’t bad but mentally, it was quite tough. Thank you very much, happy new year to you to! (: xx
I can’t wait for more blog posts from you in 2016! I hope you have a better year!
I’m over at http://jemmassimplelife.blogspot.co.uk/ x
Aww thank you so much! Been working hard & have lots scheduled and planned! Always find more motivation at the beginning of a year, right? (: xx
It sounds there were some special moments even in a lousy year.
There absolutely was. The lousy part was me! Happy new year! (: xx
The same to you Jenny 🙂
Here’s hoping 2016 is an improvement on 2015 for you.
For me – 2015 highlights? Getting into the RNAs New Writers Scheme —- AND – finishing my first Manuscript on time. Hoping for publication this year.
Seeing the Vulcan on one of her last flights. (they used to build them 2 miles from my home when I was in my teens)
Going back to Cornwall for the first time in 39 years, and still loving it – to the extent that qwe are going back THIS year;
Taking OH to Ireland for a great holiday – the first time she has ever been, and
Continuing to meet, remeet and read writers, readers, bloggers, runners, walkers – in other words you all out there!
Roll on for a great 2016 – and don’t stop blogging!
John
Wow some fantastic memories you have there, John! I’ve been to Cornwall and it really is a beautiful place. Would love to go back! Although when I went, I went surfing which didn’t go too well so would probably give that a miss haha! Happy new year John, hope 2016 gives you everything you hope for xx
I’m sorry you’ve had such a rubbish year. I’ve absolutely loved reading your blog and look forward to more in 2016… Hope you have a great new year!
Aw that’s okay Suzie! It’s just not been particularly riveting and personally I’ve struggled a bit with my mental health but onwards and upwards! A very happy new year to you too (: xx
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie and commented:
not sure if there were any good bits last year. I’ll have a think and get back to you!
Aw I’m sure you can find at least one good thing 🙁 hope 2016 has got off to a much better start for you! xx
not exactly, but hoping for better soon…There has been so much support and positivity from all of our friends and fellow bloggers, the future has to be better!