Summer starts for me when I can’t go a day without checking the weather forecast. It starts when I have to put my heated blanket into it’s yearly hibernation. When I realise it might be time to finally re-paint my toenails. Despite the snow showers at the start of the year, I feel like we’ve been really lucky with the weather so far. Lucky in one sense, but also feeling quiet saddened about the reality of why we started having hot, summer-like days in February.
Summer 2018 was a good summer for me. Whilst I didn’t go on exotic holidays, or ‘find myself’ whilst traveling through India, it was the first summer I could enjoy since having surgery and dealing with the major cockup that the hospitals caused, delaying my recovery.
This year, I still don’t have any exotic holidays planned (Bali was on the cards at one point, and then the realisation of how much it actually costs to fly over hit), but I still have a pretty packed summer. Festivals, trips away and a whole lot of barbecues are on the cards.
Oh, and before I forget, if you happen to see me at any festivals this year, please come and say hello! I’ll be the one drinking Red Bull by the litre and spending the majority of my time by the portaloos since my friends have the bladders of a heavily pregnant women.
JUNE
13th June // My Birthday
Why do I feel like 22 is the age where I actually need to semi sort my life out? 21 to me felt like it was a ‘practice’ at adulthood. “Yeah, but you’re only 21!” was the quote that made me feel a little less of a failure for eating a packet of hobnobs for breakfast and wearing the same bra for two weeks straight.
I’ve never really been someone to celebrate my birthday. Obviously when I was younger, birthdays were the most exciting day ever, but since myself and pretty much every single family member I have all have chronic illnesses, it’s difficult to really plan anything. Let’s just say we didn’t get the healthy gene.
This year, all my plans are is to pack for the next day (I’m a ‘pack-at-the-last-moment kind of gal), and then get my duvet, snuggle up on the sofa and watch documentaries (you’re all invited – pyjamas necessary).
14th June – 17th June // Isle Of Wight Festival
Last year, myself, Mikey, Phil, and nana (Phil’s godmother – Karen) sailed over to the Isle Of Wight for their yearly music festival and it did not disappoint. Even after the first day, we knew we were going to return in 2019, but buy a whole weekend ticket over two day tickets.
This year I’m going with the same group, plus Cal. It’ll be his first ever proper festival experience, and I can’t wait for him to experience it all (even though he does have the tendency to go walk-abouts when he’s had a few beverages).
Instead of actually camping onsite, we’ve hired out a lodge cabin, equipped with its very own hot tub. You have my word when I say there’s going to be a few late night/early morning hot tub sessions. What better way to end a dance fuelled evening?
The line up this year is incredible – Biffy Clyro, George Ezra, Tom Walker, Madness – and it’s crazy to think how close it actually is now. 3 weeks to go until I’m pasting myself in glitter and gems!
JULY
The month of July is actually super quiet for me. Whilst I don’t have anything set in stone, Cal and I have been talking about having a little break away as a late birthday present for him. His birthday was back in April, but both of us weren’t able to get the time off work. The joys of working together.
Since July is bang in the middle of two festivals, we know it’s not going to be anywhere fancy, so we’re hunting down a nice Air BnB in the UK. We’re pretty easy when it comes to trips away. As long as theres a pub near by, and the accommodation is okay, then we’re pretty much good for anywhere. If anyone has any recommendations of cities or places to stay, I’m all ears!
AUGUST
1st August – 4th August // Wilderness Festival
If you’ve been with me for a while (bonus glass of wine for you), then you would have seen that I also went to Wilderness festival for the 3rd or 4th time.
Luckily for me, I can literally see into the festival from my back garden, so with it all being so close to me, of course I have to go. It’s almost like waving a tub of caramel ice cream in front of me – it’s too much of a temptation to miss out on.
I’m not going to pretend I’m a huge festival expert, but by far, Wilderness will always be my favourite. It’s so carefree, there’s something for everyone, and every year I seem to end up spending a good part of the night with random groups of people who definitely won’t even remember that they told me I was their ‘best friend in the whole wide world’ (you’ve got to love drunken festival goers). If you’ve never been before, I highly, highly recommend it. No other festival will top it. There. I said it.
SEPTEMBER
September // Bournemouth
Every year, my boyfriend’s family go down to Bournemouth for a little family weekend away, and they’ve kindly invited me to go along with them.
Despite having pretty much all of my childhood holidays down in Weymouth, I don’t actually remember spending any time in Bournemouth (even though mum assures me that I’ve been there a good handful of times), so I’m almost seeing it as my first time away there.
Whilst it’s not going to be absolutely scorching when we go, I’m still making it my mission to swim in the sea at least once. It’s got to be done, hasn’t it?
A RANDOM COLLECTION OF THINGS I ALSO WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS SUMMER
- A DIY project I’m actually proud of.
- Get rid of clothes I always tell myself I’ll wear one day, and then never actually do (including pyjamas I’m pretty sure I’ve had since I was 12).
- Explore my stomping ground.
- Try not to blow all my money on the 2p machines when I go into the arcade (last year I managed to spend £100 on one of the buggers).
- Spend as much time as I can outside.
- To stop giving myself lists of things to do.
