Not Fitting The Mold

Ok, first things first, my hope to start blogging was a massive fail. I haven't blogged in over a year..... how time flew! Its something I would love to do more of,but maybe not the easiest thing to start.

What I really wanted to come on here and write about is the whole concept of "not fitting the mold". Its something that the majority of us try to do, even when we say we're individual and unique. Most of us still strive to fit it. Its something that I most certainly did, but I've been forced to have a rethink.

Last time I wrote a blog post I was in college in Dublin. For years I only wanted to go to Dublin (aside from London which would mean I would have full fees.I thought that might be greedy choice when Dublin would cost significantly less). I saw Dublin as a way from breaking free from the whole small town stigma, and just being able to be myself.

Lovely Dublin

When I did finally get to Dublin however, I found myself trying to fit in more than ever, something I had been sure I wouldn't have to do anymore. I tried and failed. I never settled in, I was so rediculously unhappy and hit such a low point in my life. I tried to stick it out, I was there for a year and a few months, but I couldnt master the art of trying to fit in with all these people who just weren't my kind of people.

It is a very 'Irish' view, that you finish school, go to college, get a degree and get a ''good job''. It is almost frowned upon by many people, to not attend college or to leave. I left and I couldn't be more happy that I did so.

                                                                            The Last time I was in UCD

I hope to start somewhere new in September, in a completely different course (which I haven't a clue of yet!... eeeek!!). In the meantime I have been very lucky to have been working since November when I left Dublin. Although I do want a degree and I hope I choose the right path this time and I end up with one, its funny how I'm far happier in a 9-6 job than I was in the course that was 'perfect for me', 'the perfect college for me'.

                                        Right now I'm happy here, getting copious amounts of cuddles 

There is such social pressure to finish your degree and get it over with. I decided that my course was never a route I wanted to pursue in life, why waste 4 years kidding myself? There is no point being unhappy when you have a choice. Why waste my 18-22 years? they should be some of the best, but they can't be if your trapping yourself in an unhappy situation. Fitting the mold won't buy you happiness. Do what makes you happy, everyone will find their way in life, even if it means not getting a degree and perhaps working your way up the retail ladder. Just because society may hold a Doctor at higher esteem, that doesn't mean you have to be a doctor if you'd rather be a retail assistant, even if you have the capability to be in the medical sector.

Just be happy.

             There have even been scenes like this since I left Dublin ha! (I'm not from a farming family, this isn't my farm!)

                                               

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Only Love

This post is a few months late (roughly 3!) but good music never dates ;) Ben Howard is an artist I've been listening to since his album was released in 2011. Every Kingdom is the perfect chill out album. It fits perfectly with the Summer weather, and on more dreary dull days, its certainly a cheer up record.

I went to see the man himself in November with a friend of mine in The Olympia Theatre in Dublin and he was out of this world. His shy nature was evident yet he still had a very prominent stage presence. For me the highlight of the show was when the tracks of the Burgh Island EP were performed.......they were simply perfection!!

He has the most beautiful tone to his voice, and I think the simplicity of a man and his guitar just works.

Of course I got sucked in by the mercandise and MAY have parted with a bit of cash! At least now when I have a cup of tea I think of the lovely Ben Howard!

 Definitely up there with one of the best gigs I've ever attended....... just pipped to the post by another artist who I'll shortly do a post on.

Anyone else a major Ben Howard fan? Or seen him live?

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Present Wrapping

Present wrapping is something I LOVE for some strange reason. I'd happily spend €5 on wrapping paper and bits and bobs. Although, it's heartbreaking when you see someone ripping your lovely wrapping off in excitement!

 At Christmas time there's such a wide selection of wrapping paper available, that choice is unlimited. However, when it comes to birthdays and other occasions I find that a lot of paper is tacky. I like to try make a present more personal!

 I recently had a gift (Game of Thrones book ;) )for someone who lives in London and I saw an old map of the underground (which could also double as a poster!) and I thought it was perfect! I bought it in a shop in my hometown but I searched the web and it is also for sale here. It is on the pricier side (I paid €3.15), but I think its nice to present something unique! As far as I can gather, the paper I used was a 'Cavallini' product, and more of their designs can be purchased here. 

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A Bit About Me

Its difficult to know where to start writing a blog. I guess I'll try start at the beginning.....My name is Jennifer, I'm almost 19 (30th of March!) and am from a small town in the South West of Ireland. I am in my first year of University in Dublin and I have to say, despite what I thought, it doesn't suit me :/ I love the hustle and bustle of living in the city, but as for the Uni life, I'm not a fan! But hey, that's life! This degree is a means to an end and that the best way to look at it! I took a year out last year and perhaps got too fond  of earning my own pennies.

 I spend far too much time on the internet ( facebook......I'm looking at you!) so I guess it was only a matter of time before I decided to start a blog!

 One of my biggest passions in life is music. I was never gifted at playing it, despite playing the tin whistle, flute, and drums in my school band .(cringe!) but listening to music is all I spend my time doing. There'll be plenty posts on that to follow......I could ramble on forever!

I love all the girly things in life: clothes, make-up, perfume, the lot but I often take a minimalistic approach to life too. Unbrushed hair, jeans and converse is often how I go out.
Personality wise I'm rather shy and have low confidence. I'm improving however, you are you you are, why care what others think?

I guess for the next few months my posts will be more about random little things and opinions, hopefully with one or two adventures fitted in!

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