Wow! What an insane month. As I mentioned last month, December is the craziest month of them all. Christmas mania kicks into full swing, everyone’s finishing uni, lease’s are ending, people are shopping and families require attention. Thankfully, the silly season is over and I can finally take a moment to myself and reflect on the month (and year) that has been.
☂️ Makin Gravy
If you’ve ever seen me see Paul Kelly at a festival, you’ll know I’m a pretty big fan. So you could image my stoked levels when Sophie’s family bought me a ticket to come along with them to his Making Gravy mini-festival in Sydney. Unfortunately, the sky decided to make a huge storm. Luckily we were prepared with ponchos, beers and plenty of good times. It was a great night dancing in the mud and singing along to the one and only, Mr Paul Kelly. I’m so grateful to have shared that awesome experience with the Washingtons and I can’t wait for next time.
⛩️ Japan
Where do you even begin to try and explain the wonders of Japan. Seriously, Japan is one of the most ‘wow’ countries I’ve ever been to. Everything is a sensation overload. The lights, the sounds, the smells, it’s all pretty damn incredible. And it’s a truly beautiful country. The people are so friendly and helpful, the mountains and countryside is gorgeous and the cities are wild with energy. A highlight for me definitely has to be our adventure out to Nagano and the Snow Monkey Forest. The little town we stayed in was called Yamanouchi, which was essentially a winter Wonderland. A full blog post on our Japan itinerary will be coming soon (so watch this space)!
🎁Christmas Festivities
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well I had your not so average Christmas. I was in Japan for Christmas (and yes it was snowing #magical). So I was lucky enough to celebrate Christmas with friends and family before I headed overseas. So thank you to everyone who made these Christmas festivities so memorable.
🎶 Tunes
Bill Murray – Phantogram
Oooh I have had this song on repeat! I first stumbled upon it whilst watching The Bold Type and this song played during a really emotive scene. So naturally, this song just evokes a whole sense the good ol feels.
Prism of love – Blakey Jones feat. JONES
This is another slow, chill and emotive song (maybe I was really feeling in touch with my emotions this month?). Either way, I freakin love this song and think it’s just gorgeous. I don’t really have more to add than just go and get your ears on it.
📽️ Flicks
Dumplin
I must have been in a ‘chic flick’ kinda mood when I watched this because I seriously enjoyed every second! It’s a feel good kinda movie with freakin Jennifer Aniston! Need I say more? The main character (Dumplin) is so likeable and you’ll find yourself rooting for her the whole movie. You’ll especially love this movie if you like country music, more specifically, Dolly Parton.
Nappily Ever After
I really loved this movie! It tells the story of a successful and ‘perfect’ woman named Violet. When her perfect life comes crashing down, her relationship with her hair challenges her further, gives her strength, and helps forge a new identity. I loved how it didn’t revolve around the love story and she didn’t give up her new found identity and independence for a man. This is a great feel good movie, with important messages for all women no matter what their hair status is.
Books
All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr
This book has been on my reading list for quite some time now. And I have to admit, the 500+ pages were pretty intimidating. But there’s nothing quite like a holiday to help you get through a big book like this one. I must admit, I’m not sure it lived up to all the hype (but to be fair, there was quite a lot of hype). That being said it is a gorgeous story that evokes a lot of emotions and senses. Once I started reading it I found it hard to stop.
The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn
My lovely colleague lent this book to me and I seriously couldn’t be more thankful. I love it when you borrow a book from someone because it’s such a good incentive to try and get it done asap so that you can return it to them! This book is based on a number of true stories about a network of female spies during WWI and WWII. If you, like me, love seeing heroines be powerful, intelligent and motivated women, then you will love this book. And um hello – spies!
Burial Rites, by Hannah Kent
I must have really bee loving my female heroines this month when it came to reading. This is a gorgeous book! First thing, it’s set in Iceland! Second thing, it’s based on a real story. And third, the character development is really clever and beautiful. By the end I was nearly in tears and it really pulled on all of my heart strings.
📷 Bloggers, Vloggers and Podders
The Dream (podcast)
Whilst travelling around Japan, I found myself absolutely hooked to The Dream. It’s an investigative podcast into the world of multi-level marketing and strong analysis of pyramid schemes. When I first heard about it I thought it would not be my cup of tea, but the host is excellent and it’s brilliantly produced. I love it when people make you care about something you never even knew about. This podcast has made me question soooooo many things when it comes to MLM’s and the ways in which companies capitalise on people’s desperate dreams to become rich and successful. Would absolutely recommend!
📝 Quote
This month (and next year), something I’ve really been focusing on is looking after myself. It’s so easy to get caught up in everyone else’s drama, lives and mess, and meanwhile, we’re just treading water to keep afloat. In all honesty, I’m sick of constantly sacrificing my thoughts, my feelings, my time and my effort for people who have no respect or consideration for me. I’ve always been that person who’s worried about what someone might think and how they might react, but I’m the one who ends up suffering in silence. I feel like I’m a better person to myself and the people around me when I speak up and stand up for myself. I know that I would go above and beyond for the people I love, but if people aren’t willing to do that for me, well you can forget it. Don’t try and walk over me because I’m walking into 2019 with a whole lot of self-respect and love, and I won’t let anyone get in my way.
December was a truly crazy month and in all honesty, I’m kinda glad it’s over. So many adventures, so many incredible memories and so many days that flew by in a blink of an eye. My blog post for my 2018 favourites is coming soon (watch this space), plus my ‘what I want to achieve in 2019’ post. But for the time being, I’m looking forward to heading into January with some new found peace, hopefully a slower pace and a deep sense of excitement for the year ahead. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and holiday season.
2019 better watch out, I’m coming for ya!
A Worldly Addiction 