2018, the year of change, loss and new beginnings. I have to say, I really did enjoy 2018, despite some extremely low points. It allowed me to really open my eyes and see the things that matter. I finally feel bright and I'm very content with my life, this is the best situation I've ever found myself in and I couldn't be happier.
I'd like to do a roundup of my favourite moments of the year before move onto any current posts. I am feeling extremely positive about 2019, and am really looking forward to what adventures the year brings.
2018 highlights;
A city break to Berlin
In February, myself and James took ourselves off for a little city break. We had such a fantastic weekend of drinking beer, eating, laughing and all the walking possible. I hadn't been abroad since 2016 so this trip was definitely overdue. My personal highlights were; having the best burger ever at Burgermeister, going to the top of the Tv Tower and seeing the East Side Gallery. I thought Berlin was great, but I probably wouldn't return. Although I would definitely recommend it for a city break.

Moving in with James
On Valentines day, I received a house key in my card from James. I was absolutely over the moon, it's something I'd wanted for a while as I was starting to get bored of living on my own and was ready for change. I handed my notice into my flat and I moved in with James in April. I have lived with James for 9 months now and we've had the best time. Our house is our happy place, where we can eat all of the biscuits, be absolute weirdo's and spoiler, play with our dog.
Friendship: old and new
I can safely say that I really discovered the true friendships in my life. I know who I can count on when I need a shoulder to cry on, or to cheers my glass of gin with. I've made new friends and created more memories with my existing gal pals. I know I'm going to have so much fun with my friends in 2019, whether that's meeting their newborn baby for the first time, going to a festival or exploring somewhere new.
Making the most of my city
I always bang on about it, but I bloody love Wales. I've now lived in Cardiff for over 6 years and I never want to leave. It's the place I became an adult, met so many of my favourite people and made the most of my life. I love how much Wales in evolving, at an extremely fast rate. Living in the capital is great, from street food pop up events, to seeing bands in the grounds of a castle to shopping in arcades full of incredible independent shops. I like to think I've really made the most of where I live, I've been on various day trips, weekend cabin breaks, beach walks and attended local events. Some Cardiff based highlights were, Depot in the Castle, Inside Out festival, Pride Cymru andBlanche Bakery becoming one of my go to coffee shops.

Majorca
In September, myself and James went on a week long break to Majorca. It was our first beach holiday together and we had an absolute blast. We did have an accommodation nightmare at the start but following that, the week was spent getting drunk, loosing at bingo, swimming in the sea, getting a little burnt, winning a music quiz and walking until we needed a cocktail to revive us. It was the perfect break where we could forget about life and just relax in the sun.
The Wallich - Volunteering & employment
In April, I became a volunteer at The Wallich, Wales's leading homelessness charity. Homelessness is something I've been passionate about since I was younger. I've always wanted to do something but never knew what. Volunteering allowed me to help in a way that fitted my lifestyle, rather then giving money, I gave my time. Something much more valuable in my eyes. I volunteered in the Fundraising and Communications teams, I helped to create a fantastic campaign and learnt so much. I very quickly discovered that I wanted to work in the third sector, for a charity like The Wallich. I volunteered for 13 hours a week, alongside a full time job. At the end of August, my hard work paid off. I was offered a full time position within the communications team. I can honestly say, taking a risk and saying yes to that offer was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I love my job and am so passionate about what I do - I've learnt so much, I'm surrounded by the most incredible and inspiring people on a daily basis and I get to be extremely creative in my role. I am so excited for my career with The Wallich, I've got a feeling I'm going to be there for a very long time.
Concerts and festivals
If you've read my blog for a long time, you will know that I used to adore going to music festivals, my average was 6 every year. But my anxiety took over and I could no longer face going but I absolutely pined for the feeling of being at a festival. 2018, I rediscovered my love and went to RiZe festival and Inside Out festival. I had so much fun, myself and one of my fave gal pals, Polly have made a pact that we will go to one every year. I'm already looking forward to where we end up in 2019. I've also attended some pretty awesome gigs this year, Paramore, Foo Fighters, You Me At Six, Jess Glynne, Justin Bieber, Lower Than Atlantic and Music 4 Mental Health event where I saw Anne Marie, Ed Sheeran, Olly Murs, Ella Eyre and Nothing But Thieves. Definitely a fantastic year for music.

Getting a dog
An absolutely life changing moment happened in December. We got a puppy. Introducing, Mr Biffy Barker. Possibly one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. Getting a puppy is hard, although we were completely prepared and ready to get Biffy, I didn't realise how much harder it was that what people said. I basically have a child. I wake up during the night to him crying, have to cuddle him to get him to sleep and am currently dealing with him teething. He is a bundle of joy, and the craziest little pooch. As of next week, we can take him outside and I cannot wait to show him the world. He is the best addition to our life and we are beyond happy with our little family.
I hope you had a great year and you have lots of exciting things to look forward to this year. Here's to 2019
