2015

On Adventures (the old blog), I have done round-ups of the past two years- 2013 and 2014. I really like doing these- they're lots of fun, and I like looking back at everything. It feels like the right thing to do, on the last day of the year- to pay tribute to the year that's passed. Sadly, I don't have enough time to do a fully comprehensive one, as I'm going out in a bit and am still nowhere near ready! However, I do want to do a bit of a round-up, so I thought I'd write a little about each year in turn...

The year did not have a great start; January was not the best of months. Looking back, it just feels dark and bleak- an accurate reflection of my mental state at the time. There were mock exams that were stressful; there was a trip to stay with people that was difficult. It was not really a good month. It ended with a fantastic quiz night, though, and was the beginning of 2015in2015. There are always bits of blue sky to look for.

February was also somewhat difficult. I went to Gambia, which was lovely and amazing and wonderful, yet tinged with stress and sadness. It was a weird experience, though one I am incredibly glad and thankful for. When I returned, the world was incredibly bleak. There was a break-up, in February. A break-through. The world started to get a bit brighter. I haven't harmed myself since then.

In March, I cooked a lot. There was glitter (lots of it!), and laughter, and dressing up. The Wombies went graffiti hunting, and almost ended up on television. I went to see Wicked, and had a fantastic haircut. I started to find myself again; more importantly, I started to like what I was finding. There was a lot of self-care and healing. Sometime around this time, I found Freedom. It sounds like an innocuous find. It wasn't. It was one of the most important discoveries of my life.

April came, and brought more Wombie adventures. The filming for a new Mentality campaign happened. I saw Heather Peace; she was beautiful and amazing. There was Easter, which was filled with wonderful family (and a near-incident with a river and my body...). There was lots of revision, but also lots of sun and happiness and friendship. We played in the bubbly fountains, and we laughed. The Cat Family (or part of) got together, to be us, and to be wonderful, and to be attacked by hungry dogs. I got new glasses, and we had a day of hair-dyeing and friendship. My camera roll is full of Bristol in the sun.

May!I took time off social media, and we looked after baby mice that were in the piano (we think I might have orphaned them, but that's a story for another day...). I wore onesies every day for a week, and saw S Club 7 (in a onesie). There was IDAHOBiT day, which was challenging but teaching. More times with friends. Hilarity ensued thanks to a sunny day and a skateboard. There were parties, and we danced a lot. I spent two wonderful days in London, and saw some of the people I love the most. There were hugs. We watched the amazing phenomenal Andrea Gibson, who stole my breath, my mind and my heart. We went to Gay's the Word- my new favourite place. One of the most wonderful people in my life and I danced around their kitchen to Karma Chameleon. It was an incredible couple of days. Also exams, but they're not important.

In June, there were more exams, but also the end of exams. I dyed my hair a lot, it was beautiful. There were parties, and laughter, and a lot of gold paint. Lots of smoothies and fruit. Plenty of long walks. I turned 18, and felt beautiful. More sun, more happiness. The Wombies got together to celebrate the end of exams, and laughed to the accompaniment of the sun. I got my beautiful Athena- the bear tattoo on my arm. There was another party, with lots of dancing. There was a goodbye to youth group, and another to the rest of my year. Red lipstick became more prominent. I continued to find myself. I went to London Pride, for a wonderful, incredible, technicolour day of happiness. My sister had her First Holy Communion, and the family celebrated. More sun. More walks.

With July came yet more celebrations- firstly, a picnic for my birthday, full of hilarity. We went Out, for the first time. We went to London. I went all-out on a school project, which I'm still proud of. Rainbow hair happened!! I went to prom, which sucked- but Bristol Pride, which was incredible. I saw so many of the people I love, all in one day. We sang to Proud. It was wonderful. So wonderful. I revisited Clevedon with my family, and fell in love all over again. It was the Harbourside festival- I met new people, and spent hours chatting and being happy. We went away, to France- to Disney, which was spectacular, and then to Paris. Oh, so wonderful!

August started still in France, with a very hot day in a onesie. When we came back, I spent the rest of the summer seeing friends, going out, dancing and chatting. Balloons rose across Bristol, and so did my heart. I started work! I also house-sat, and the Wombies came over for an adventure, which was fantastic. Exam results came, and I was happy. Friends came, and I was happier still. I got a new tattoo! We went to Manchester, for family. I saw Freedom friends, and the ongoing, all-encompassing love for life continued, as we danced in the rain. I experienced Shelter... I saw other friends- went for meals, explored charity shops. We went skinny dipping! It was incredible. All of that time is sunshine and happiness and love, and thinking about it makes my heart burst. We walked to Bath, too!

With September came back to sixth form, and the struggle of being left behind. I shaved my hair off. Wombbuds went out for drinks, and then for goodbyes. I sorted out the den! I went to Brighton, and did an important presentation. There were bus stop parties, and other parties, and we danced a lot. There was a party for Freedom, and it was wonderful!! News broke about David Cameron, so we watched Black Mirror. I went on HOPECamp, which was so so good, and met some truly incredible people. University came up as an Actual Thing.

In October, we had bus stop parties, and bra-burning revolutions, and went to a roller derby. We marched! I saw some of my favourite people, and we watched an amazing play, and met an amazing woman. I went to a demonstration, and we made a stand. There was a day out, which was so much fun! Playground Cafe was revisited, with my faves, and I hung out with wonderful beans. I saw one of my biggest loves live, which was beyond phenomenal. We went to London again, for a mental health workshop, and then to Gay's the Word. We handed out lemons!! Halloween dress up happened, and was hilarious. We celebrated, with balloons and games and friendship. I went away with Stonewall, and met wonderful new people, felt empowered and supported.

Come November, we created new traditions, with fireworks and sparklers and bloody failures of lanterns. I saw the Wombies, albeit individually. We adventured on buses, by which I mean we got lost. There was also sadness, as things looked bleak, both close to home and further out. It was a fully old time. There were tears, and it was difficult. And yet, there was a lot of glitter, and games of cards, and yet more laughter and friendship. We marched more! And went to the museum!

December started with a cake sale, and sadness. My uncle passed away, and there were dark days. It was a difficult time. And yet, there was so much love- people were so supportive and kind. There was still just as much love and friendship. I still laughed, and we marched again. We went Christmas shopping, and enjoyed life, and used glitter. There was a funeral. There was Brighton, and family, and both of them saved me. There were. more adventures. I had successes, with nominations and university offers and 2015in2015!! There were important decisions to be made, but I did the right thing. We did lots of Christmassy stuff! The Wombbuds went ice-skating, and my Jeffrey Weeks family did Christmas. And then there was Christmas itself! And sales shopping, and Manchester- and now back, for more family stuff, for more time with my Jeffrey Weeks family.

Oh, what a year it has been. So so hard and difficult at times, with such huge loss- yet, to describe it simply, 2015 has been one of love. So much love.

I love New Year, and I am full of hope. I am so excited to see what 2016 brings. So excited and hopeful. The new year is a beautiful thing.

I wish you all the best.

With all my love xx