Looking Back On 2016
I’m going to start with the obligatory is it 2017 already? Didn’t David Bowie die just a little while ago? How has another whole year passed. All joking aside 2016 has been a pretty good year for me. Here are some of the best bits.
I’M A GRAPHIC DESIGNER
I spent quite a lot of time at college. It took me nearly a full year to accept the fact that I’m a graphic designer and actually be brave enough to add that to my Twitter profile (it sounds silly but it was a big deal to me).
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD
During the summer I went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London. I think Cursed Child ended up being one of the most controversial things of the year (maybe that’s not a good word for it). I actually ended up really enjoying the play, but I totally understand why people didn’t like the script.
BULLET JOURNALLING
I started really using my bullet journal this year and I’ve found it to be a really good way to stay organised. I tried a few other different planning methods throughout the year (the Iconic Planner being one). But the bullet journal turned out to be my overall favourite. I think it has something to do with the fact it is so customisable. My Updated Bullet Journal Method also happened to be one of my most popular posts this year so I think a bunch of you really like the bullet journaling system too.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
It’s been a weird year for me health wise. My CFS continues to slowly get better. It’s hard to quantify how much better it is but I can do more and I have less bad days so that’s always a good thing. I ended up needing minor surgery during the summer as well.
On top of that my anxiety has got to the point where I had to start seeing someone about it. I haven’t really got much to say about that so far, I’m still in the process of finding something that will hopefully help. I might do a blog post about that in the new year. So far all I know is that the NHS isn’t exactly great when it comes to mental health.
THE RAINBOW BOOKSHELF
I read a whole bunch of books this year. My goal was to read 52 books which I didn’t manage but I was still read 43 books. As much as I enjoy reading I definitely haven’t read so much this year. Partly because I’ve been much busier with college this year and partly because I’ve not been finding books I enjoy. I’m pretty sure that’s more a problem with me than the books. It’s also probably part of the anxiety thing. In fact I’m almost 100% sure it’s because of the anxiety thing.
BLOG AND LIFE STUFF
Blogging wise 2016 has been a good year. The blog has had 30,000 views, a massive 1400 comments and 700 followers. That makes 7000 in total, then with the 14,000 people on Instagram and 4000 people on Twitter that makes quite a number of people following me now and that’s just wow. I really don’t say this enough but I want to thank every single one of you for following, liking and commenting. There must be someone more interesting for you all to follow but yeah, thanks for picking me. I hope you all have a great 2017.
If there was a specific type of post you enjoyed over the previous year please let me know in the comments so I can do more of those.
23 Comments
Ritu
Happy new year 🍾
bluchickenninja
Happy new year!
oawoodward
Sounds like you’ve had a great year doll! Can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you!
As for posts, I love all your posts about your college/design work. As a distinctly Non Arty person I love seeing other people be creative!
bluchickenninja
Thanks. You too! And I shall definitely try to do more art things.
Chia
I’ve always loved your post about harry potter and the cursed child <3
bluchickenninja
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Aoife
I wish I knew how to use a bujo. Maybe this will be the year,
bluchickenninja
That would actually be a good thing to write a blog post about. I think I may do that. (also yes you should totally learn, I love my bujo)
Travellinginmybookcase
In love with your bookshelves ❤️
bluchickenninja
Thanks 🙂
Alice
Happy New Year!
bluchickenninja
Happy new year!
Magpiemakingdo
Sounds like overall you had a pretty good year! I feel you on the anxiety thing – it’s awful how it can really take the joy out of things that you love. But there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel when you keep at it. Here’s to an even better 2017! (also look at that pupper! What a sweetie!)
bluchickenninja
Yeah it was good. The thing with the anxiety is it’s hard to tell how much my mood is being affected by than and how much is the CFS. Problem is my CFS is bad because of the anxiety and the anxiety is getting worse cause the CFS is bad. It’s weird and confusing.
Magpiemakingdo
That sounds so frustrating! Anxiety alone is bad enough – I’m so sorry that you have to deal with both!
bluchickenninja
Eh it’s fine. My doctor has actually been really good with it. Didn’t even need to tell him I was having a crap time. I’ll just be happy when I find something that helps.
Magpiemakingdo
Well I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you! It always helps to have a good doctor.
bluchickenninja
🙂
Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}
Your book shelf looks awesome. I totally understand the discomfort with the title “graphic designer.” I’ve been painting and drawing for years and still don’t feel comfortable with artist or illustrator. When I first became a graphic designer (20 years ago 😱) I always corrected people when they said graphic artist. And it was probably the title on my business card that allowed me to accept graphic designer. If you haven’t done it yet, make yourself some business cards! 😄
bluchickenninja
I’m in the middle of trying to set up an online portfolio so thanks for reminding me about business cards. Will definately need them too!
ragdollart
That’s great! I hope 2017 turns out to be better, and you get well soon 🙂
bluchickenninja
Thank you 🙂
ziggy5939
Yeah but that’s just waay too bad about David Bowie