My Take On 2018!

I can't believe how crazy this is... It's September next week. This year has definitely flown by so quickly and has been somewhat amazing yet odd as a whole. It's like we blink and then it takes off before you're even ready for it, like a plane for your life. c r a z y. 

2018 so for me has been a good-ish one. I mean, I'd be lying if I said there weren't hard times that has arisen because there were, but as a positive, it's been a memorable year to achieving so much & ticking off things on my bucket list! I think putting too much pressure on yourself to "have a good year" always makes it so dull in my opinion, but this year I've taken steps forward that I had really bad anxiety towards but once I did it, that was it. I was a woman on a mission and determined to keep going!

One of my best moments so far is passing my driving test, you can read my excitement in a post here. I managed to conquer my fear of shit examiners, anxiety and the attitude of "If I fail, I'll give up". I mean even though quitting was going to be it for me, my instructor certainly didn't let that happen (thank you, Stuart!). Since then, I've done a few long drives to Hull & Leicester for a few trips out which were also very great as always. The only downside was having my confidence shattered by some numpty on the motorway, but I'm determined to continue driving as all this would have been for nothing & I am NOT giving up as I love driving and it makes me so at peace with so much in life. Can't wait to drive again for sure :)

A few things I've also achieved:

• Got my first passport & looking at booking my first getaway (YAY!!)
• Got an interview for a few jobs!
• Moved into my first flat, I love it. 
• Read more (this is a big thing for me haha)
• Did things out of my comfort zone - driving on the motorways for a start!
• Making a difference at work - my 1-1 has made me a better person. 

How has 2018 been for you? I can't believe August is nearly behind us. It's crazy. I have loved making memories this year and my heart is full. I'm excited to round up 2018 as a whole at a later date but wanted to share some positive points on here :)

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST | 2018

Property of Jaydee Kelly.

I HAVE FINALLY PASSED MY DRIVING TEST. If you read my January favourites you'd know that it took a while for me to get to this stage. The process of getting my driving certificate/license was so overwhelming and very difficult. 

So if being anxious/nervous on the day of your test wasn't bad enough, having nasty examiners made it worse entirely. My first test - the examiner was a complete A-hole (just to put it nicely) and failed me for the most ridiculous things. I felt like giving up there and then because it was embarrassing having to go through all that stress for the examiner to be malicious, costing me my license. 

That didn't stop me; after rebooking another test I was still a nervous wreck and it showed within my driving. I felt sick to my stomach hearing the words "Sorry that you haven't passed" for the second time and cried all the way home thinking "will I ever get through?" - it's hard especially when your family are first/second time passed & then there's me who feels like a complete failure. Although, my mum and step-dad supported me 100%, giving me hugs and encouraging me to give it another go. 

22nd February 2018 - Three years ago my Aunty lost her battle with Cancer, it still doesn't feel real. So to have my driving test on this day, made me feel so emotional and very very anxious. This may sound odd, but it's like she was there to hold my hand throughout my test & I PASSED, I passed this driving malarky with flying colours and held back my tears because it was such a special moment to have passed on my Aunty's anniversary... still so surreal and it makes me beyond happy to know the 22nd February will always be a special day to me, to remember a beautiful woman and celebrating the fact I made her extremely proud, alongside my mum who nearly cried and came to find me just to congratulate me haha. It's definitely a day to remember and to finally say I'm no longer a learner driver is giving me goosebumps. My examiner was so lovely and I can't thank her enough for making this day more special. It was worth going through hell with my driving test(s) just to have this memory. Safe to say I didn't nor will I ever take it for granted. 

ADVICE...

If you're worried about passing the first time, don't be. You'll pass when you are ready whether that's the first time, fifth time or tenth time... you will get there. Please don't put pressure on yourself just because friends and family have passed the first time. Be proud of your achievements because at the end of the day; A PASS IS A PASS and nobody cares how many attempts it took. If they do, they aren't worth being around. 

GOOD LUCK TO ANYONE GOING IN FOR THEIR TEST - YOU GOT THIS! :) 

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

What a year you've been, 2017.

2017... Where do I begin? 

Thank you. Thank you for being challenging to say the least. Throughout I have had good moments and not so good moments but let's just focus on what truly matters. So at beginning of the year, I set myself some resolutions and for once, stuck to them. Not going into detail every single thing I have achieved or what has challenged me so I'll just list a few. 

I Graduated from the University of Lincoln with a BA Honours Degree in Film & Television. It was a great opportunity to have, to walk across the stage within the most beautiful Cathedral, ever. I can say I finally have my degree & my best friend, alongside my family were there to witness it. Forever thankful. 

I met my other half and ever since we went on our first date, we have been together. 10 months down the line and we are about to move in together in our first flat! So exciting yet so scary!! 

If you told me at the start of 2017 I would be moving in with someone I'm madly in love with, I'd have laughed in your face. Look at us now, January 2018 we will be seeing each other every day (help) haha. 

First tattoo actually happened. I kid you not, I barely even flinched. I think this was mentioned in my March favourites but it's a fantastic memory to look back on due to the fact, I had broken ribs at the time and it was so spontaneous. "Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase" if you sang that, I'm proud.

I left a job that was destroying me as a person, literally. I didn't recognise who I became as I dedicated the best part of 16 months of my life to serve the community whilst being slammed to the ground. Let's just say, leaving was the best thing I ever did. Finally have my life back and definitely much happier, healthier and more relaxed.

Had my surgery and battled a tough recovery. As hard as it was, it has made me stronger for the better. I see it as an opportunity to keep myself healthy while still recovering and not to fall downstairs into a brick wall again hahaha! But no, the whole experience was definitely eye-opening and I'm ever so thankful to have gone through what I did.

Achieved amazing things. Such as taking part in a relay drive for Children in Need again for the second time. Although I didn't drive the relay, I drove home and had so much fun in doing so. On roads I've never been on the challenge was gratefully accepted and achieved. I am due to pass on 18th January 2018 after a previous cancellation (due to poor weather) and let's hope I nail it!

All in all, 2017 has encountered so many good memories I will cherish forever. Although going through harder times made me want to give up, I kept going and I'm glad because tonight is all about putting the difficult times to bed, embracing the amazing moments and looking forward to the future. 2017... again, thank you for being a whirlwind of good and bad, I've achieved more than I expected. 7/10 resolutions to be exact which is fine by me. Here's to 2018, let's make more incredible memories and kick ass!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! <3

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

June Goals & Achievements * round-up * | 2017

Hola, everyone! *waves* 

So after not blogging for a month or so, it's about time I posted again, so here we go. 

I always try to set myself some different goals each month. Throughout June I didn't have much on the list to label as a goal really as I'm still progressing on last months which you can find here: May Goals 2017

1. Going in for my theory test... again

A lot of people project a car theory test as 'common sense' and make digs at those who don't pass the first time. I, unfortunately, failed mine by 3 marks and the feeling of utter disappointment is a huge understatement. I revised a lot and did lots of mock tests and got a good score. When it came to the actual thing, Hazards perception was so unbelievably daunting but managed to somehow pass that with 60/75 which to me is an outstanding result. You can do all the revision in the world although remembering it is also hard to do, especially if you're me haha. I got 40/50 on the multiple choice and it encountered 43 to pass so you can imagine how crushing it was looking at my result. HOWEVER, it hasn't and will not stop me from trying again. In fact... I re-booked another attempt and hopefully this time my score will be better than ever. Gotta have a little faith, right?

2. Turning 23 
A new age, new me right? ha no, I'm the same boring old' Jaydee everyone grows to love. Jokes aside, It was my birthday at the beginning of June. I had the best birthday ever, my best friend from University who I spent the entirety of my third year with, drove 2-3 hours just to spend a few hours with me on my birthday! Had the chance to finally introduce my two favourite people to one another which made me indescribably happy. Although on the actual day, going into Meadowhall for some birthday dinner I dropped my 4-month-old iPhone and it smashed at the top corner. Might've been happy on prosecco and wine so oops haha. I could be the only person to see this as an achievement but I've made it to 23... I'll tell you why it's amazing news for me. 
At 4 years old, I had meningitis. If you don't know what it is, it's a bacterial infection which spreads around your body, affecting your hearing, sight and could experience a loss of limbs. Luckily before it could do any of that to me, my mum rushed me straight to the hospital and the doctors/nurses tackled the virus before it spread around my body. 
At age 10, I got knocked off my bike. I guess you can say it was a near death experience as I passed out half way through then woke up underneath a van after smashing my head against the pavement. I was lucky to walk away with a sliced open ear, cuts and bruising and a shattered ankle. So making it to 23 after nearly dying twice within my life, is an achievement and I'm very grateful to wake up every morning to carry on living my life. 

3. Getting back on my feet
It's been a long time coming but I'm just glad the struggle is over. It's taken me since the age of 19 to learn how to budget properly and making sure all my bills are paid on time instead of going silly with my money. My rent is £33 cheaper (was £433) as I have switched to paying weekly and it makes it so much easier. Finding a stable ground with work has helped too, making sure I'm getting enough hours while training for my new job to earn extra income. I'm so close to the end of my driving lessons, when I say close I mean... doing mock driving tests, close. It's such a good feeling to finally be in control of the things that were once brought me down. 

4. Losing weight
Let's be honest, it took me the majority of May to stop dining out. Even part of this month (June), guilty as charged. But, I have started to get more strict with eating better, along with exercising. This week alone I have had plenty bought in to eat throughout the busy work schedule and so far so good. I can continue my journey with slimming down. It's honestly the best feeling keeping your body fueled properly. I ain't doing it for anyone else, just myself - due to certain things started to eat away at my depression and anxiety which, if you suffer from you'll know how infuriating and difficult it is to maintain positive. Since May 29th up until around 15th June, remembered to keep a record of how much weight had been lost. 6 1/2 lbs lighter and it's made me realise that it is A LOT of body fat... see below to see what an average of 5 lbs looks like. It's kinda gross but seeing what you're losing is quite motivating, well it is for me anyways. I've gone from 164.4 lbs to 157 lbs - great achievement for sure. Still, a long way to go, but in order to see results change has to happen.

5. Booked time off work - finally
Never go 10 and a half months without annual leave. Biggest mistake of my life, but did my employer offer it me before? Unfortunately not which has sadly resulted in me losing last financial year's holidays. However, I've stood my ground and actually worked like a dog (lol) in order to book two weeks off which is in fact very much needed. Being a carer is so mentally draining so taking my annual leave for as long as I am should sort me right out as I'll have time to relax, blog, exercise & eat properly - all the things that are usually restricted haha.

6. Became a blood donor!
For a few years now I have wanted to sign up. Due to some health complications like having a low vitamin D deficiency, it restricted into me helping those in need until my levels were stable. Finally, my vitamin D levels are stable and have finally registered to be a blood donor! The first donation is while I'm off work on the 11th July & I'm beyond excited to finally achieve one of my biggest goals! It will most likely make next months favourites ha.  

The month as a whole has been so exciting from start to finish. Although towards the end of the month I did feel a bit run down but the best thing about June was achieving some goals, learning from mistakes and celebrating my 23rd year. All in all, it's been a good month and I'm so sad to see the end of it. Just hoping July is just as good :) 

What have been your highlights of June?

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

2 photo's from google.com - all rights reserved to them.

Unless stated otherwise all photo's are my own.