2016 – The review

Seems like everyone in the blog universe is reviewing their year, so I might as well do the same.

Two thousand and sixteen, you have been good to me. 

This year has been exceptional and I have truly been blessed. Obviously it wasn’t always  plain sailing but I got into shore safely  and had my fair share of large cocktails.
The best parts were completing my placement, my holidays, going to several concerts, gaining more of a direction of where my life is going and exploring what my real passions are.

Placement:

Completing my placement has been my most meaningful achievement so far. Life after university is tough, so enjoy uni  and take all the opportunities presented to you.  At work you have so many deadlines,  people are depending on you constantly and there’s always some sort of competition with other teams which is expected. Proud to say I finished it and I excelled. I am so grateful that I am always worrying about my future (even though it stresses me out), otherwise I would not have thought of doing a placement.

Holiday fever:

I went to Miami this year. Best. Holiday. Ever. As I reminisce now I can feel the Miami blues gully creeping back. Everything is better across the Atlantic except for public transport  and the way we present our tax (they add tax after shopping, so backwards if you ask me).

The food was sublime, I had pancakes almost everyday and they were mouth watering, soft like a mink rug without all the hair.  Makeup shopping was glorious, there were so many places to choose from but Sephora and Macys were my faves, had to stock up on some  Estee Lauder and Fashion Fair. Miami outlets were the best outlets, they had  mind-blowing  deals. Clubbing was an experience (VIP all day woop).  Waking up everyday to look at the ocean is awe-inspiring, really made me appreciate life. I love seeing natural beauty in the world which is why I watch nature shows like Planet Earth religiously (God bless David Attenborough.) Did you know giraffes fight with their necks? No? Neither did I.
Anyway, I digress. Miami was probably the best holiday I have ever been on or at least top 3. I had the time of my life and I didn’t want to come home. Only thing I regret about Miami is not going to Wynwood Walls because of the Zika virus (which isn’t even in the news anymore, but hey safety first.)

I went to Portugal twice this year and it was lovely. Celebrated my last few days as a teen in Albufeira with my friends, the spa lady  at our hotel changed my life. She gave me a full body massage and I fell asleep. I was knocked out until she whispered it’s time to wake up and afterwards I felt like I was walking on air, that’s how relaxed I was.  In early August I celebrated finishing my placement in Porto with my family. Porto has a  rich history of architecture and  football if i recall correctly. I would definitely go back to both.

Albufeira more than Porto though.

Shake ya music maker:

I went to 4 concerts this year: Bryson Tiller, Beyoncé, Wireless and most recent being Skepta.

Beyonce was the best hands down. I love her, she’s so talented words cannot describe how Priya and I were after it finished. She’s a force to be reckoned with and I would love to see her again, no questions asked. Worth every penny and I spent a lot of pennies.You know when a musician plays your favourite song and you scream the lyrics? Yeah? That was me at  Beyoncé, specifically when she sang Survivor,  Formation and every other song on her Beyoncé album.

Bryson Tiller  was good he can sing really well, performed his whole album and didn’t miss a note. SKEPTA has exceptional energy he’s such a performer. He literally shut it down.
In comparison to the other three Wireless was alright, Future was great though.

Last but not least:

The last major thing I did this year was buying this domain last night.

apieceofsarah.com and it’s all mine! I thought “let me put my money where my mouth is” so I bought it.  I enjoy writing my thoughts and saying how I feel so why not be professional about it and take it to the next level. I have some major plans for the upcoming year so keep tuned.

This year made me realize/reminded me of the the following:

1.  I would rather spend money on experiences than material things.
   • Yes Miami was extremely expensive especially without the help of the bank of mum and dad but I don’t regret it, I had a blast, great way to spend my summer
2. The importance of focusing and planning 
   • If you don’t have a plan you won’t focus and lose sight on what your doing. Which is horrible once time has lapsed and you’re left wondering where the time went.
3. I am responsible for my own success
4. Holidays are good for stress levels
   • I want to travel minimum twice a year from 2017 onward even if it is to Scotland, just anywhere peaceful
5. I have a very ambitious group of friends and an even better family
6. Working far away from home is draining
7. Health is wealth
8. Watching movies on the train is not the best use of my time
   • I traveled roughly 4 hours everyday to and from work, I’ve watched nearly every movie came our this year and  the last. I probably should have been reading instead.
9. My mum is the best
10. I need to become a prudent saver.
    • All Missguided clothes shopping needs to cease
11. I spend way too much money on food

In conclusion, 2016 you have been so wonderful to me, all glory to God in the highest.
I did some things that I have never done before and  took risks which is what life is all about.  I am genuinely excited for what 2017 has in store for me. 

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