Whirlwind. Transformative. Growth. If I could condense 2021 into three words, I pick those. Whilst 2021 has seen me neglect my blog as a consequence of studying hard for my degree and taking my first footsteps as a graduate into the dizzying corporate world, I still wanted to write my annual reflection post to look back on the past year. I may have changed a lot over the last 12 months, but my love for writing certainly hasn't gone anywhere and in fact, it's as strong as ever and I have consequently decided to dive right back in where I left off. You haven't seen the last of me!
2021 started for all of us just as 2020 has prepared us nicely for ... in a national lockdown. Although this forbade me from celebrating in my usual style, it did enable me to spend more time pondering, reflecting and re-centring myself, which proved to be the fundamental R&R I didn't know I needed after a gruelling winter revision period (no, I hadn't actually done my exams yet, but the self-care was still necessary). Instead of setting myself rigid resolutions like I habitually do, I decided to make my degree my ultimate priority and let everything else essentially go to shit (after all, isn't that what a degree is about anyway?).
Whilst this may seem like a questionable approach to some (myself included), I am thrilled that I got myself a first-class degree in a subject I am incredibly passionate about, from a University that I was so proud to be a part of. Everything else may have fallen to pieces (OK, I may be over-inflating the dramatic-ness), but I was so proud of what I had achieved, especially as my final year was spend in a global pandemic, attending lectures from my sofa in my pyjamas (not a very stimulating set-up, let me assure you).
2021 has been the year that I shed my student skin (goodbye, student discount... you'll be sorely missed) and transitioned into the working world, which I thought I couldn't be more ready for. As much as I would describe myself as a highly motivated and driven individual who is fortunate enough to know the direction I want my career to take, I must admit that I have found the adjustment quite difficult. Essentially, being a grown up is harder than I thought.
That said, I am so grateful to have found a job as soon as I finished my exams, and I am now carving my path into the world of luxury and embarking upon one great, big learning curve. Although I fall victim to focussing so hard on the future that I sometimes forget to be present in the moment, I am truly thankful for the situation I am currently in and I am a very proud PR & Marketing Executive.
Abundant with life-changes, personal growth and one-too-many hangovers, here is the highlight reel of my 2021:
A White Birthday
When I saw the forecast for my 22nd birthday, I felt like a child at Christmas, wishing that the weather people were correct and that it would snow that day. To my delight, their predictions were entirely accurate, and we received a hearty dusting of snow in the late morning. With the shitshow that the pandemic has caused, I have dedicated more time to being grateful about the little things in life and this was one such moment of gratitude. I am aware it's just a dusting of snow (maybe I should calm down a bit), but to me it was a very cheerful moment as we regressed into our childhood selves, went outside and started having a snowball fight, laughing and shrieking as we went along. It was a glorious birthday.
Did A GoBoat In London
Experiencing unusual activities across London is one of my favourite ways to spend my time, after all, the city is abundant with fun-filled things to do. For my sister's birthday, we rented a GoBoat on the Grand Union Canal to celebrate in true nautical style (even though she actually kind of hates boats). The day was gloriously warm, which was a lovely surprise for April and it felt amazing to be spending time as a group after the third national lockdown that saw us coop up, away from loved ones and the outside world. We drank a heck of a lot of champagne, played Uni-style drinking games (the best kind) and laughed until our bellies hurt. It was so much fun and I would recommend to anyone.
Got A Puppy
As a family, we have always been massive dog-lovers and since the passing of our two childhood four-legged friends, we never found the right moment to introduce a new furry family member. Alas, when the pandemic hit (reminder: puppies are forever, not just for lockdowns!) and the family were all spending much more time at home, we felt that the time finally felt right for all of us to get a dog. We decided to get a Lhasa Apso and named him Nobu (no, we haven't actually been to the restaurant yet... #fakefans). We have absolutely fallen in love with him and his cheeky demeanour, incredibly long eyelashes and silky soft fur. We couldn't imagine our lives without him and he has been the best decision we collectively made as a family this year.
Got A First-Class Degree
As mentioned previously, all of my energy in the first half of this year went into my degree and ensuring I worked as hard as I could, but also enjoyed the time left as much as possible as I knew the end was looming near. Achieving a first was something I really wanted to do, although I never really told anyone this during my actual degree as I wanted it to be a very personal journey that I embarked upon (and I also felt a little embarrassed, to be quite honest, because I didn't really believe it was truly achievable). However, when I opened the email with my final grades and classification, I was stunned. It has probably been one of the most proudest achievements of my life so far and I feel incredibly grateful to the lecturers, family and friends who supported me throughout my studies, without whom I don't believe I would have achieved my goal.
Had An At-Home Graduation
Celebrating my graduation at home was not exactly how I had envisaged the day, as we'd had a large ceremony planned that unfortunately was cancelled at the very last minute. However, the celebration that we had at my house with my family and loved ones was actually so much better than a traditional graduation ceremony, as I had more than 2 people there to enjoy the day with (the ceremony would have only allowed 2 guests) and I felt so grateful to be able to share the celebrations with all the people there. Wearing the customary cap and gown was something I had manifested for so long and I felt so proud that I had done it!
Celebrated The End Of Uni With Friends
Finishing Uni was a real whirlwind of emotions. I was simultaneously the happiest I had ever been and genuinely quite gutted to have reached the end. My degree has been the most transformative, beautiful and intriguing years of my life and I couldn't be more grateful for my wholly positive experience. Having an incredible bunch of friends who cheered me along the entire way and celebrated my successes with me is what makes the whole experience so special, and I felt so loved when my friends celebrated the end of my degree with me. It's moments like these that remind me that friendship and strong, loving relationships are the foundation of a wonderfully happy life (and friends that buy you personalised cupcakes are the best ones - hold onto them tightly).
Got A Job
When I was at University, particularly during the long slog that was final year, I had never felt more ready to shed my student status and join the working world. I have always had a pretty solid idea of what industry I wanted to go into and being the very ambitious and motivated person that I am, I was raring to go by the end of my degree. I received the offer for my job the day before my final exam, which was a surreal experience and I don't think I had quite realised how fast that turn-around would truly be. That said, I am so grateful to be working in a such a formative role that is teaching me so much so quickly. This is just the beginning!
Had Afternoon Tea At The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Channeling my inner Queen Lizzie, afternoon tea really is one of my life's greatest pleasures. There's just something so delightful about the miniature jars of clotted cream and jam, along with the tiny teaspoons they give you, as though you were a borrower. I tend to enjoy a few afternoon teas throughout the year, but this one was truly special as it was in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel - a destination I had been desperate to go to for a very long time - perhaps its my commute through St Pancras Station that ignited that interest. We had an absolutely wonderful time from start to finish, with our waiter offering the most fantastic, amiable service and ensuring our Champagne glasses were full to the brim at all times. A real treat.
Had A Staycation In The Cotswolds
With global travel still somewhat of a question mark, staycations were all the rage this year. For my birthday, my boyfriend took me to the beautiful Cotswolds so we could explore that neck of the woods together. We were absolutely blown away with how beautiful each village and town was and the sheer fact that they looked exactly how you would imagine them. Even in the pouring rain, Cirencester was really charming and we enjoyed moseying around the market stalls and independent shops. My favourite place we explored was definitely Bibury, a total chocolate-box village abundant with quaint cottages and little corner shops. We were lucky with the weather on this day and could therefore enjoy the village and its surroundings with blue skies above and little rain showering us. I would absolutely recommend a staycation to the Cotswolds for anyone who may need a reminder of how beautiful England really is.
Games Day With Friends
Whoever invented rounders deserves a big fat medal in my book because let me tell you, that game is elite. My boyfriend arranged for a big group of both his and my friends to get together for a day of fun and games (quite literally). There was rounders, beer pong, zorb balls, cricket and every other game you can think off - all topped off nicely with a little bit too much alcohol. It was an absolute blast, spending quality time with some of my favourite people playing games that took us back to our childhoods. A wonderful blend of nostalgia and enjoying the present, we all has such a laugh and are planning on turning it into it an annual event.
Travelled To Croatia
Although our Cotswolds staycation was a real treat, the travel bug inside of me was itching to voyage overseas. With travelling having been somewhat of a distant memory given the dire state of 2020, boarding a plane and watching the cabin crew perform their safety demonstration was much more emotional than it should have been, I must admit. Although there were many more hurdles to jump to cross the border (I can safely say I am now a passenger locator form mastermind), it felt so refreshing to be abroad, soaking up the golden sun and switching off completely from work (although can you ever really switch off if your job involves dealing with social media accounts?). Without a shadow of a doubt, the best part of our trip was the day we travelled to surprise one of my best friends at the Neilson resort she was undertaking her summer season at. She had absolutely no idea we were in the country let alone planning on paying her a visit, so the look on her face when she saw us was an absolute picture. It was very, very special indeed and probably my favourite moment from the entire year.
Watching My Friend Compete In A Fight Night
I must admit, the premise of watching one of my best friends sport a big pair of boxing gloves and spar another fighter scared me a little. Whilst I had absolutely no doubts in my mind that she would absolutely smash it, I was still slightly nervous at the idea. However, she blew us all away with her fabulous right hook and incredible stamina, it came as no surprise to us that she had won! We had a truly wonderful evening watching her do what it is she loves most and supporting her very vocally from behind the ring. I went with my best friend and my boyfriend and we had a right old giggle together, from the first sip of Champagne getting ready to the messy ride on the way back home, we enjoyed every minute of being in our best clothes and watching our best mate channel her inner Anthony Joshua. Sublime stuff.
Went On A Day Trip To Paris
Returning back to what feels like my motherland was a complete and utter joy. To be quite frank, I actually felt a little nervous about stepping foot back in the city as a non-resident, because I knew the nostalgia would err on the bittersweet side. That said, travelling back just for a day trip with my mum was such a wholesome experience and, despite her hurting her ankle true Granger-style (clumsiness is a shared family trait), we enjoyed beautiful weather, glorious food and even better champagne. Spending time in my favourite place on earth with my favourite person was a sheer pleasure and just reminded me what it truly feels like to be unequivocally happy. It's safe to say, I didn't want to come home!
Bought Myself My First Louis Vuitton Bag
To me, a bag is more than just a nice accessory that can add the perfect finishing touch an outfit. I know it might seem a little silly and materialistic, but there's something about a beautifully-crafted bag made from one of France's most iconic luxury fashion houses that makes me go weak at the knees. Having worked at Louis Vuitton in Paris for 6 months during my year abroad, that particular brand now carries very sentimental weight in my eyes and I yearned for my very own bag that I purchased myself. I decided to save up my last month's salary from France towards treating myself to my first Louis Vuitton handbag - a pretty full-circle moment, if you ask me. So this year I took the plunge, waltzed into the gloriously large Louis Vuitton in Westfield White City and bought myself the New Wave Chain Bag in Ivory. To be able to buy it for myself, using money that I had worked for at that very brand was so surreal to me and a real, genuine highlight of my year. I walked out of that shop with so much pride and excitement I nearly spontaneously combusted right there on the second floor.
Did My First-Ever Bottomless Brunch
For some, a bottomless brunch may not seem like a very big deal. At this point, they're a rite of passage for the youth of Britain, it seems. However, I had never done one before this and I had been so desperate to remove my bottomless brunch virgin status because breakfast food and bottomless prosecco genuinely is my idea of heaven. We arranged it with all of my best friends (except one who was at Uni) and all of our boyfriends (except mine who was on a friends holiday) and we had a right old giggle together, drinking endless supplies of prosecco and cocktails until we got a little bit too drunk and had to have our friends call our parents to come and collect us because we were too much of a state to get on the train back home (oh wait, that was just me. tolerance levels = -10).
Went To The Pantomine At The London Palladium
Having become somewhat of a tradition, my family and I went to see the Pantomime at the London Palladium in celebration of my mum's birthday. With my sister and I performing in a pantomime when we were much younger, I vowed never again to participate in one, however, this particular Pantomime is an exception and I absolutely love watching it. Featuring witty jokes, adult humour and a hilarious euphemism or two (slightly uncomfortable when watching with your father but nevertheless, we move on). Julian Clary is a real star and has the innate talent of being able to make you smile simply by gallivanting across the stage and being his usual, wonderful, ostentatious self. I loved every second of it.
Another evening of firsts, this December saw me sharpening my bingo skills and my pencil. I had heard friends rave on about Bongo's Bingo for years and it was only just this year that I put their theories to the test. We went to the London Bridge iteration and I can safely say it was one of my favourite nights of 2021! What's not to love - cheesy music, dancing on tables, bottles filled with prosecco and the chance to win some seriously bizarre prizes (genuinley gutted I didn't win the cardboard cut-out of Michael Buble, I won't lie to you). A night filled with belly laughter and a lot of alcohol, made even better by the surprise appearance by East 17, we had an absolute whale of a time.
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