Blog Wrapped

As the end of this module and year approaches, I'd like to share a few short updates with you all!

I can almost feel in the Christmassy mood as deadline season is almost over- and I've got my Christmas nails done! Which is why I haven't got around to posting as regular as I'd wish (the deadlines, not my nails).

In my welcome post I mentioned how I wanted to use this blog to help learn more about myself. 

So, in true Spotify Wrapped manner, lets dive in!

(btw Spotify Wrapped was 100% rigged)

You experienced worse sleeping patterns after writing 'Sleep's Perspective'

This one is harshly ironic, sometimes its too hard to switch off my phone and brain. Take last night for example, after living off of 5 hours of sleep to meet my group report deadline on time and heading to bed at the big hour of 9:30pm I still only got around to sleep before 12am!

I actually felt too tired to sleep last night which I never realised was a thing until now. So, I was prepared for the best lie in of my life - instead I got workmen at my house since 8am. You can't always get what you wish for!

If you can relate don't worry, we will figure out a great sleep routine eventually (maybe).

You spent even more money on concert tickets

Last week, I had the privilege to see Sam Fender and the unreal Wunderhorse at the 3Arena! For 2025, I have Stereophonics and Inhaler lined up with more to come! 

I could only dream of seeing Fontaines D.C., and wish I got tickets for Gracie Abrams and Clairo. Incase you missed it, the Eras tour is officially over :( now time for me to watch the movie.

100 days and counting

for Headspace streak! I'm proud of this one even though its usually just 5 minutes before I fall asleep. Now, time to use more features on the app rather than just for 'Sleep'

Classical music?

This one has surprised me but while study and coursework stress has built up I can't afford for any lost time doing karaoke. The playlist I've been listening to also has soundtracks from Little Women which I LOVE. My concentration has definitely improved along with using 'Flora' to grow trees and stay off my phone.

You lied.

I bought a kindle. The newest kindle paperwhite after specifically saying I prefer physical books. I haven't got to read much on it yet but wow I love it already. Nothing will replace real books but this will definitely be handy on the go and later at night.

100% recommend and can't wait to explore what to read!

Your kittens have grown

Jesse and Teddy now look so big. They love exploring our garden each day and afternoon naps. I love them so much <3

Exercise...

This one has been a struggle for me. Balancing time between work and uni, I barely have any time for me. And I certainly don't want to spend this time in the freezing cold. Over Christmas I plan to go out on more walks. Its difficult to do workouts now as the kittens occupy my space, so maybe its the time to join a gym again?

Your screen time went....up and down?

I spend a lot less time on my phone and more time working, however Christmas present shopping and FaceTime dates with Caolan skew this slightly. I feel like I have a far better relationship with my phone and I don't really feel the itch to scroll on TikTok that often.

I'm going to try give YouTube a better go - I started to catch up on Zoella's Vlogmas. And Christmas movies are well underway now.

In short, I've mostly learned now to be as hard on myself for how I choose to spend my time. It's impossible to do everything. If my coursework is perfect its almost certain my room will be not.

High stress with deadlines has meant I've had less time to spend with my loved ones which is my number one priority over Christmas!

I hope it has been fun reading my blogs so far and you have a happy and relaxing Christmas!

Until next time

- Orla