Anyway, I may be tired beyond belief and still have a lot to fit into this month before it's over (how am I going to manage in two days?!), but I also cannot stop smiling right now. Here are ten reasons why:
2 - I have a library! Okay, so it isn't totally sorted out and most of the leftover boxes are currently being stored in it, but the majority of my books are unpacked and visible, which hasn't been the case for a very long time. I'm looking forward to setting up my desk and being able to sit in my fancy winged armchair to read.
3 - My sister came for her annual visit, which meant she ended up having to help us move and keep me calm and almost collected while we did. However, she also made sure I didn't spend every day unpacking and organising the house. We spent a few days out and about and got to enjoy sunshine, new places and a fair bit of gin.
4 - After over a year of planning, I finally got my Bowie tattoo! It still needs to be finished and requires a touch-up, but I love it. I also got an anchor on my ring finger, which was painful but is also super cute. My mum hates them (she'll probably hate the Bowie one more when she sees the placement), but I am so happy with them both.
5 - Despite being super busy and having so much to do, I somehow managed to make some time for fun. This isn't something I've ever been particularly good at in the past but I'm making more of an effort not to allow myself to get bogged down, as it is so bad for my mental health. I enjoyed a couple of lush babe dates, one of which was at The Botanist and will feature on the blog soon.
6 - After a few days of morning buses to get over the bruises and aching muscles caused by moving, I started walking into work again. I always feel better when I do, but now I have the added bonus of having a really beautiful route to follow. There is so much more green in my new area and I have to walk past and through parks to get to the city, which is such a nice way to start the day.
7 - As well as making time to see people, I have made sure to enjoy time by myself, which has actually been a real help with my anxiety - especially when it comes to the final thing on this list. I've felt myself starting to panic on a few occasions but have managed to read the signs early and take a break with a book in a quiet place, which has made all the difference. The cake isn't a requirement of this, but I never say no to cake.
8 - This month I managed to fit into a size 16 and a size 14 dress! Considering I haven't been to the gym as much as usual due to the move and couldn't swim due to my new tattoos, this made me really happy. I'm now getting back into my routine, which is far from easy, but seeing that I'm still making progress has made me feel really happy.
9 - Speaking of progress, now I'm back at the gym, I've been pushing myself to not just pick up where I left off, but to improve on it. I started being able to do 40kg leg presses and have now got this up to 90kg, which is fairly big for someone who had no muscle strength in January. I feel confident in the gym now and have managed to make improvements in every part of my exercise routine so am ready to push harder next month.
10 - Last but not least, I passed my driving test! I'm honestly so so proud of myself and still can't stop smiling about this. I'm so excited to get my car and be able to enjoy getting around easier, whether it's going to see family or just going to Ikea. You can read more about how I managed on my lessons and overcame my anxiety while driving here.