2016

                                

• There will be scheduled content every three to four days, which will be adapted should anything that was not planned for arises 
• Exciting collabs with previous and new people and organisations and variations to the usual methods of I'm NOT Disordered's collaborations (if you'd like to work with I'm NOT Disordered in 2016 please email aimeewilson@live.co.uk or tweet @aimes_wilson )
• I'm NOT Disordered's 3rd Birthday 
• The possibility of a new layout and design
• The first planned Series for 2016 will be '10 Things You Should Know About...'
• A new, Seasonal Bucket List posted on the first day of the beginning of each season 
• More publicity/media work
• Lots more fun and exciting events
• Facilitating blogging workshops at two local colleges
• Ideally, I'd love for my views to be near 200k but based on my usual statistics, that might be a little unreasonable. But yeah, that'd be my dream. 

                                                       

Blogger Privacy

Those who know me, will know that I've followed Zoella (Zoe Sugg) for quite a while (admittedly nothing compared to how long she's been YouTubing/blogging for. I can't even remember why I began following her but it was not long before she became a household name after launching her beauty range. I look up to her for many reasons; the most obvious being the success of her blog/YouTube, but I also admire that she too entered this industry as a total novice and has learnt as she went. Admittedly I do sometimes question whether opportunities are handed to her on a plate, but watching her vlogs you can see how hard she works on both editing her videos and writing her books/attending meetings to plan new products. And so, I fully believe that she and Alfie Deyes (PointlessBlog) have earn their million pound home.
I think that there was a mention of fans finding their home in one of their vlogs but the internet exploded two days ago when Zoe tweeted 'Really starting to lose my patience with people just turning up at our house & peering in or ringing our doorbell 😔 makes me hate my house! 😢' and around the same time, Alfie also tweeted 'Parents who drive their kids to our home & put them on their shoulders so they can lean over our walls to try and take pictures of us without us realising... I see you! I'm on the sofa in my pyjamas relaxing. Go away. If you want to meet me, I'd love that! Come to a meet up just like everyone else who wants to meet me does! You can't just drive to my house & climb our walls, that's really not fair.'
Of course there was a surge of responses with such a variety of opinions. Everyone who expressed their views was immediately jumped on by others who either agreed or disagreed. As I read through some comments I formed my own replies but resisted posting anything at fear of starting drama.
The most popular point of those who weren't on Zoe and Alfie's side, was to say that filming their private lives had made them and famous and so they should've realised what they were getting themselves into. 'Welcome to the famous life. Didn't you see this coming at all?' Zoe and Alfie promtly pointed out (correctly, in my opinion) that in beginning their YouTube channels, they'd never set out to become 'famous' and that even still, that shouldn't mean they should tolerate an invasion of their privacy. I feel that in some ways, I can relate to this. I don't mean to sound big-headed in saying this, but I'm well known in mental health through my blog and if readers started showing up at my little bungalow I'd be mortified. However, I am very grateful that it is almost solely in that area that I'm known so there's little chance someone will stop me at the shops as they regularly do with Alfie and Zoella. But like them, I started my blog to document my recovery for myself to look back on. There are many bloggers out there who begin their blog or YouTube channel in the hope of becoming well known and making some money. Alfie and Zoe were never those people.
One aspect of this entire debate/incident/Twitter war, that I can completely relate to is that people assume that because you do disclose aspects of your life that some may view as private and personal, then you must be sharing everything. Many YouTubers regularly point out that their vlogs are edited and a twenty four hour day is often condensed in under twenty minutes, never mind that they rarely vlog whilst having a bad day.
I think that perhaps discussing my mental health, the abuse I've suffered and feeling suicidal, makes me more vulnerable to this. But the amount of important things going on in my life that I can't discuss is probably unbelievable to readers. And one reason that I never discuss one aspect is that the person involved wants to maintain their privacy. And I respect that. Because I believe it is an individual preference.
Finally, a lot of people are arguing that the two never complain about the money they make but neither do the footballers who are paid ridiculous amounts per match. At the end of the day, no matter how 'perfect' you may deem someone's life to be, they will always have something that they aren't happy with in their life.
No matter tear what your occupation, everyone deserves privacy and to feel safe in their own home.

                            

Christmas Q&A with Adios to Anorexia

Note: these questions are that of Angharad May who is a blogger and featured in C4's documentary: On The Edge and Online
@haradmay
adiostoanorexia.blogspot.com

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit]

            
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
First of all at the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in church (I sing in my church choir) and then mainly at Midnight Mass which is one of my favourite events of the year.
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
I haven't had an Advent calendar for about eight years (damn Anorexia), until this year. My Uncle up to visit me and brought me a huge advent calendar this year. It is a Snowman and the Snowdog advent calendar from Thorntins and it has my name personalised on a slab of chocolate.
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
Anything and everything because I love movies. I think my favourite comedy Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It's just too funny, I love it. You know it's Christmas when you watch this film,
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
I do have a story which others might find funny, and I think in the future I will find it funny, but it's still pretty traumatic for me. One year, our turkey went off and smelt really bad when we got up on Christmas Day. My Mum and Dad were in the verge of a divorce and I remember it being an absolutely horrendous Christmas. The rotten turkey was the last straw and I remember my Mum (because it was her fault the turkey went off) just standing there wailing and banging her head on the wall. This is where I got the idea to self harm by whacking myself against walls. Actually maybe this isn't such a funny story after all but you could imagine it being made funny in a scene in a film or a soap opera or something.
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Getting up at a reasonable time and going to church. This is one of my favourite services of the year, after Easter, because it is such a special time knowing that Christ has been born to set us free. After church I walk home and put the dinner on for my Mum. She eats her dinner and I have a bowl of soup (damn Anorexia again) but I do allow myself some bubbly to share with her. In the afternoon, Mum and I open our presents and maybe go for a little walk, depending on the weather. Well, I walk and Mum comes along on her scooter because she has MS and can't really walk. In the evening, we either play a board game or watch Christmas TV.
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
I have Anorexia so Christmas dinner is a huge no-no for me. I haven't had a Christmas dinner for about 8 years and even then, at the start of my illness, I was force fed food so had no choice but to eat a full Christmas dinner. It was hell on earth! This year I will have a bowl of soup and maybe some mulled wine or Buck's Fizz. In previous years I have eaten some sprouts.
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and then going to church on Christmas Day. Midnight Mass is my favourite, it's so special to me.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
I have too many to choose from!! I do love In the Bleak Midwinter and O Holy Night though, they are scrumptious.
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
My friend from Church once bought me a teeny tiny little pink gemstone Angel. I take it everywhere, just clutch onto it and it really helps my anxiety. I know if I've got my angel then everything will be ok.
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Chrismax tree?
Real because I love the fresh pine smell, but at home I always get a fake tree because it is just let bother. And I get scented candles to make it smell like a proper Christmas Tree!!!
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Haha I have no idea!!!!!! I'm too good to be naughty but I'm too evil to be nice!
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Listening to wonderful carols.
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
I much prefer giving presents. I love getting a whole load of little things for my Mum and watching her open them!
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
At home, all nice and cosy.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
Annoyingly I'm such a perfectionist that I'd have to say yes to this!
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
I usually get up about 9am on Christmas Day, so that I get to Church in time. This is loads later than when I was little! Haha I'm such a lazybum now!
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
I was about 10; I don't really remember how I found out, I think of the kids in school told me?
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
To get better from mental illness.

Christmas Q&A with ITV Fixers

Note: these questions are that of Emily, a Young People's Coordinator for Fixers UK
@Emily_FixersYPC
fixers.org.uk

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]

1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?I'd say November. Or even October, but I guess November is more acceptable!
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
NO. This is the first time in 24 years that I haven't had my own advent calendar. Only because we forgot to buy one though! My mother-in-law has a huge one with lots of treats in for each day. So every time I'm around at hers, I stock up on the days I've missed haha
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
POLAR EXPRESS 110%
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
It was probably Christmas around 4 years ago when we were just about to buy our first house. We decided we would be 'efficient' with our Christmas presents to each other and get things that would be useful for the house. I didn't realise EVERY present was going to be house related. I got a kettle, cheese toastie machine, pans, utensils, a utensil holder, a chocolate fondue set, a George foreman, toaster, egg cup and plates. Fair to say that was our kitchen sorted.
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Up early, but not too early, husband (used to be Dad as a child) would go downstairs to check if Santa has been. If he had been, the Christmas songs come on. Pressies are opened. Breakfast is usually chocolate! Then make a start on Christmas dinner. This year will be a by different as we're hosting for the first time! And obviously Polar Express will be on again and again.
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
I LOVE ROASTED PARSNIPS. My Grandma is the best at them. This year we're having smoked salmon and cheese crackers to start (not really an acceptable starter but easy!), turkey, beef and gammon as the main meat. It would normally just be turkey and something else but there will be lots of us this Christmas Day. Roasted pots, mashed pots, carrots, roasted parsnips, sprouts (they're growing on me), pigs in blankets (I hate this name but don't know what else to call them) and cabbage. Then for dessert we will be having Christmas cake, good old vienetta, macaroons and cheese and crackers!
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Someone always has to check that Santa has been first thing in the morning!
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Fairytale of New York andddddd Freiheit - Keeping the Dream Alive.
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
Hmmm. I'm really not that sure. I love giving at Christmas and seeing everyone's happy faces.
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Chrismax tree?
Real ☺️ Ours is so big this year we had to chop the top off so we could get it in the house.
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Nice. Always.
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Well the Quality Street and Celebrations always make an appearance! I love Malteaser Christmas bunnies, Cadbury snowballs and TERRYS CHOCOLATE ORANGES!
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Giving.
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
I'm not sure location wise. I'd love anywhere that would accommodate our whole family.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
I Wouldn't say I'm bad. Usually I'm so excited that I rush to get everything wrapped.
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
7/8am-ish
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
WHAT?! He IS real.
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
Just to have everyone I want in the same place, around the table. And also a puppy. But that's probably a no go because of our kitties. My Mum's dog will be joining us on Christmas Day though.

Merry Christmas!!!

When you feel like everything is changing, it's lovely to find that some things stay exactly the same. Dolly, my constant 

Merry Christmas

Lots of Love

Aimee & Dolly

Christmas Q&A with Northumbria Police

Note: these answers are that of Superintendent Barrett, the Supt for Northumbria Police
@NPCSuptTPL
@northumbriapol 
northumbria.police.uk

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]

       
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
Mid November... Love Christmas
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
No I don't - I stopped having one when I started buying them for my son - I still buy them for him - he is 22 years old!! But I eat the chocolate in it... I buy one with chocs in so I can eat them... Obviously!!
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
The Holiday, Toy Story 1, 2, 3 Shrek 1, 2, 3 & all the old romantic ones!!
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Having a huge dog run after me whilst at work & bite my bum on Christmas Day... Was memorable!!
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Normally at work but I make up for it on Boxing Day etc. Lots of my favourite food & drink... Particularly chocolate.
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
Traditional Turkey Christmas Day dinner... If I'm working I still manage to have a dinner at some point. I love sprouts... They're my favourite veg... Yum
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
I like to go to church for midnight mass on Christmas Eve & enjoy trying to do lots of traditions if work doesn't get in the way too much.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Love all Christmas sings!! Fav carol is ding dong merrily & fab pop song is Last Christmas by Wham. Love a bit of Mr Crosby's White Chistmas and other old Christmas songs!!
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
A puppy when I was 10 years old. He was a very naughty dog & got worse the older he got.
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Chrismax tree?
Real.... Who wouldn't??!!
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Eh nice!!!!
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Chocolate, champagne & more chocolate!!!
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Giving.
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
Caribbean
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
I am a fabulous wrapper of presents.
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
It depends if I'm working but probably about 7am... Used to get up very early as a child.
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
What??? What do you mean he isn't real... Of course he is real.
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
Another puppy would be fabulous, preferably one who wasn't as naughty as the last one!!

Christmas 2015: Blyth Christmas Market | 'Ad'

This year, I was kindly invited to my second Christmas Market (I've only ever attended the Newcastle one around two years ago). Originally, the market was planned to be held in our actual market square that is right in the middle of the town centre and its shops, but the wind meant it had to be hosted inside the little shopping centre.
Personally, I like Christmas markets for the homemade food! The cupcakes, shortbread... Yum!

There was also a stall that caught my attention which was more savoury and meat goods:

www.croweandatkinson.com

croweandatkinson@hotmail.com

01670 352287

The handmade jewellery etc isn't my kind of style but for those who it is, I think there are some great pieces available.

Betty's Handmade

07990014230

bettyshandmade@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/bettyshandmade 

I didn't end up buying anything from the stalls as I picked up some bargains in the new Pound Shop, but I did eventually find mulled wine which was absolutely gorgeous!

The decorations and inflate able snow globe bouncy castle and Santa's Grotto were really lovely touches for the children! ... And those of us are yet to grow-up when it comes to Christmastime!

If you'd like to attend a Christmas markets then most of the larger towns will host them, if you keep an eye out on Facebook, local newspapers and other advertisements dotted around the town. However, if you're willing to travel then the Birmingham, Manchester, Hyde Patk, Edinburgh, Nottingham and Belfast Christmas markets, are said to be the greatest in the UK. For more info: www.christmasmarkets.com>UK

Christmas Q&A with Launchpad

[Note: the answers below are that of Alisdair Cameron, Team Leader at Launchpad]
@AlisdairC
www.launchpadncl.org.uk

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWgI like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]
 

A note from Alisdair: my answers today are very much coloured by the fact I have two young children, aged 3 and 5. Had I been asked the same questions 15 years ago, say, my answers would have been very, very different.
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
From Boxing Day onwards, it's all one long journey of building excitement to the day itself, that wonderful melange of celebrating the entry to the world of our Lord and saviour as an ickle baby, and insane, rabid, turbo-consumption. With tinsel. Um, "excited" is probably not the word, though I guess panic is a form of excitement. Probably the week before.
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
We have two, one for each child, but otherwise, I don't remember having them much beyond the age of 12 or 13.
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
Bad Santa. Unusual Exports. And oddly, Elvis movies like Blue Hawaii, because I dimly recall them being on when I was young, as a daytime filler on TV in that period between school breaking up and Christmas Day itself. That's a great wee spell of time, by the way, when you're a kid, and it deserves proper recognition: the frazzle-your-folks-with-fevered-frolicking-few-days. Maybe that name needs a bit of work...
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Not funny ones, particularly. Well funny/bleak, like getting sent upstairs in disgrace from the dining table at Christmas lunch in front of the whole family and guests, maybe 20-odd people. I was about 26 years old at the time...
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Presents, food, family
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
The usual Turkey stuff. And I do really like sprouts.
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Not really, unless avoiding traditions is a tradition. So don't do the Queen's speech, or the TV bit.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Slade "Merry Xmas Everyone." Don't especially like it, but they were a much maligned band, who wrote some belters.
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
Three some childhood come to mind: a red bike (with stabilisers) when I was maybe 5 years old. A Han Solo gun thing when I was 7 or 8 (old-school, first generation, original run Star Wars, so that dates me) and a mini pinball table toy thing which I'd still play with today, if I knew where on earth it was (answer: landfill, most likely)
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
Depends. In our home, fake, because those needles are a hugger to pick up. I get overruled on this though. Elsewhere, real. Basically, whatever means I don't have to sweep up tiny green shards.
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Nice. Comparatively speaking.
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Rest. Don't see much of that though.
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
These days, giving. So long as the recipient is appropriately thankful... (joke)
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
I've never really countenanced not being at home at Christmas. I mean it has happened, but while there are many places in the world which I'd love to visit, I've not thought of going anywhere specifically for Christmas itself.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
Yes, in as much as I can cover the object to be gifted in paper, and seal it up with tape. No, if any aesthetic considerations are brought in to play.
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
Nowadays, it's about the same (see beginning note for reason)
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
Ooh, not sure, I'd guess about 6 or 7 maybe. And it'd have been via chatter and mutterings at school.
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
Strewth, I don't know what to say. Something shallow and materialistic that will satisfy a transient craving but leave a hollow feeling lingering somewhere deep inside? Or a trite, Hallmark-greetings-card level wish such as Workd Peace which is unmeasurable and undeliverable by any gift-giver? Let's just say: survival.

Christmas Q&A with Educating Essex

[Note: the answers below are that of Vic Goodard, Principle of Passmores Academy - the school which Educating Essex (a channel 4 documentary) was centred around]
@vicgoddard
passmoresacademy.com

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]
       
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
When we put the school Christmas tree up. Normally around December 1st
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
I have a refillable wooden reindeer. This year it's full of Kinder Bonbos
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas. How old and boring am I?!
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Huge numbers. One that always sticks with me s that of my brother Malcolm (8 years older than me) used to poke me on Christmas night/morning to wake me up and then pretend to be asleep; knowing that once I was awake I'd be too excited to go back to sleep and would wake everyone up and he could then blame me.
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Presents, cooking, visitors arrive, keep cooking, more presents, eat, eat, eat, after lunch walk, play a game together and sleep on the sofa watching whatever is on!
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
A bit of everything. It's like the biggest Toby Carvery in the world! Favourite part is of course the crackling from the roast pork.
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Literally 100's! From where we buy the tree to who makes the pickled onions.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Fairytale of New York and the original Band Aid, despite the dodgy lyrics!
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
Original Atari as a kid
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
Real
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Definitely nice
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Cheese footballs!
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Definitely giving
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
Probably skiing somewhere posh but with all the family there
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
Truly awful
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
Between 5 and 6 now, but it used to be between 3 and 4 after Malcolm poked me!
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
Quite old, start of secondary school. Just worked it out I guess...
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
To have my Dad and Brother back for one more. In fact, for loads more!

Christmas 2015: Reindeers | 'Ad'

This post is a little different to my usual content but it's Christmas! And having the ability to enjoy something like this, is just a testament of my recovery.

On November 28th, I went along to a nearby coastal town called Whitley Bay with my Mum to meet some reindeers! My Mum had taken me to meet some back in 2011 and to be honest, before then... Well I'd thought that reindeer didn't actually exist! I soon found out that they are real but the imaginary part, is that they don't fly.
Back in 2011, it was bang in the middle of the really bad years, as far as my mental health was concerned, and so I didn't really appreciate the experience or make the most of it. But this year, Mum and I were on our way there and I was asking all these questions about where you actually get reindeers from and things.
So then when we got there, I decided to ask the team who'd brought the reindeers and were looking after them, and it was so interesting! The reindeers there are called Caribou and are the same species as Reindeers except that they are separated by continents. In the wild, reindeers lose their teeth and as a result, are unable to eat, which causes their inevitable death. In captivity, however, (and contrary to popular belief and precedent) their life span is lengthened because their carers are able to provide them with the relevant vitamins and minerals etc to main aim their dental hygiene, so that in captivity, the reindeer are most likely to die from old age. And in terms of their healthcare, they see a vet specialising in large animals.
This was just the information gleaned from my questions but there is so much more information in the leaflets that were available. For more info you can go to their website: www.rentareindeer.co.uk.
There's also the opportunity to adopt a reindeer, where you pay a certain amount each year for their upkeep and are able to visit them twice throughout the year, which is an amazing opportunity as the only other way to see them is when they are brought to events etc. You'll also get a cuddly reindeer toy, so I thought that reindeer adoption would also make a very unique Christmas gift for absolutely anyone! More info is available here: http://www.rentareindeer.co.uk/adopt-a-reindeer

Christmas Q&A with NTW Head of Communications

[Note: the answers below are that of Will Green, the Head of Communications at Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS]
@willgreenNHS
ntw.nhs.uk

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]
       
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
Usually before the end of November; when Christmas adverts start appearing on the TV. Deep down I know it's too early but I can't help getting excited!
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
We don't have an advent calendar, but we do have a Disney countdown ornament which we use. We have a very Disney themed house at Christmas!
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
Scrooged, Die Hard and Muppet's Christmas Carol. Hard to pick a winner, but perhaps Scrooged, I love the musical ending 'Put A Little Love in Your Heart.'
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Lots of funny memories of Christmas Day games like charades; always more amusing after a festive tipple or two!
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Up to walk the dogs (we have two Basset Hounds called Poppy and Daisy) and then Bucks Fizz and bacon sarnies while we open our presents. The rest of the day is usually a blur of festive over indulgence!
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
All of the usual things, but my favourites are the sausages wrapped in bacon. Mmmmmm
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
We have a list of Christmas movies we try to watch every year, but otherwise I'm afraid not!
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
As well as the usual festive pop, I have a soft spot for carols; especially The First Noel, Oh Little Town of Bethleham and Good King Wenceslaus. All of which I sing at a very loud volume on car journeys, despite being completely tone deaf.
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
A box. No, really. I was about three or four and I got some toy I can no longer remember in a big cardboard box. The way my parents tell it, I then spent the rest of Christmas Day playing with the box and ignoring the toy. I've always had an over developed imagination and the box could be anything I wanted it to be (a castle, an airplane, a train). Today I'm slightly harder to buy for!
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
I think either is wonderful; it's all
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Nice, hopefully!
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
That would be the sausages wrapped in bacon!
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Definitely giving.
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
Anywhere my family is.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
I can't even wrap a book.
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
I really like a sleep in but that doesn't happen on Christmas Day. When I was a kid I was usually up and hyper by 4am. My parents must have been saints to put up with me!
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
Santa's not real?! But then who eats all the mince pies and leaves a Chocolate Orange in my stocking?
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
World peace. Or a really big box.

Christmas Q&A with Mental Health Cop

Note: answers below are that of Inspector Michael Brown
@MentalHealthCop
mentalhealthcop.wordpress.com

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]

1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
Christmas Eve, in the evening usually.
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
No, haven't had one for decades!
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
This year: Star Wars! Otherwise, I admit to liking Love Actually, actually
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Being a police officer, I've worked many Christmas Days and one year, I actually worked 16hrs on Christmas Day because someone went sick. One bloke I remember used to be a constant nightmare all year 'round: turning up drunk to A&E, abusing or assaulting staff, and being arrested once or twice  a week on average. The NHS called 999 because he'd turned up at A&E, but when we arrived he was as sober as a judge and he had only gone there to take in a box of Quality Street to apologise to the staff for his normal behaviour!
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Some family get invited over for Christmas Eve, breakfast of croissants and Bucks Fizz, opening presents, Christmas lunch, Queen's speech, and relax with whoever is there until bedtime.
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
Traditional: turkey and all the trimmings.
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Not really; just our routine.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Anything except modern Christmas songs, which I generally DETEST because they are played months ahead of time! I do love 'Gaudete' - a fifteenth/sixteenth century Christmas carol: youtu.be/WbKWk6RzaiM
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
There is a place I go in Cornwall every year, which I love - it is my escape place. There is a particular view over the bay which I adore and a few years ago the friends we have there bought us a picture by a local photographer of the very view, taken on a beautiful day and the present was a total surprise. I actually shed a small tear because it was a wonderful, unexpected gesture that means I can see that view every day in my living room!
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
Fake - far less mess.
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Probably nice: I tend to keep any naughtiness quite well hidden from view!
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Bucks Fizz and a Terry's (dark) chocolate orange.
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Receiving, because I'm entirely hopeless at deciding what I should buy for other people.
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
You may have already gathered from earlier answers (!), but I'm not a massive fan of Christmas, to be honest - I'm not at all religious and it's took much of a consumer-oriented binge. It's nice to spend time with my family, but otherwise, it's just Friday and a welcome extra day off work.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
Good enough to mean they're actually wrapped! My wife would say I'm not that good!
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
Between 6 and 7am. My son is better than me at sleeping in; I used to struggle to sleep and wake up by 4am!
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
I really can't remember; probably about 9 years old?
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
All I want this year, is a replacement 3x3 Rubik's Cube - I gave mine away to a Namibian prison officer when I was working there earlier this year. I also like reading, so an Amazon voucher never goes down wrong.

Christmas Q&A with Cygnet Healthcare

[Note: the answers below are that of Cygnet Healthcare's CEO, David Cole]
@cygnetceo
Cygnethealthcare.co.uk

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]

                              

                          
       
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
I don't really. It doesn't mean as much now that the children are grown up.
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
Sometimes I get given one by a supplier, but I don't buy one anymore.
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
Has to be The Great Escape, every year.
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
Like when my brother's dog stole all of the pigs in blankets (raw) and then gassed us all out with its flatulence?
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Walk the dog. Open presents. Cook lunch. Fall asleep in front of the TV. Walk the dog again.
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
The last few years I have cooked a Turkey on the BBQ. The best part is cold meat and bubbles!
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Miss Piggy instead of an angel on the tree.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Step Into Christmas, the Wedding Present version
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
Oooooh. I couldn't choose
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
Fake
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
Nice, of course
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
Peanuts
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Giving
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
Cape Town.
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
No; I'm a bloke!
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
Depends what sort of Christmas Eve I've had. It's probably different because I hadn't discovered red wine when I was little!
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
I'm afraid I really can't remember
18. What is your dream Christmas present!
Christmas happening only in December. Not starting in September. 

Christmas Q&A - my answers

[These questions were taken from Zoella and Joe Sugg's yearly Christmas YouTube videos, namely: http://youtu.be/1j9ro77HxWg
I like to think that my blog gives a rounded view were possible, in that I publish posts from a variety of people and on a variety of topics that I might not have experienced or have the ability to write about. And so, every day until Christmas, there will be a new post of a different person's answers to the same questions. I hope it helps to get you all into the Christmas spirit!]

                              

      
1. When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?
December 1st because everything starts getting Christmassy; people start putting their decs up, all the shops have their Christmas jumpers, and advent calendars begin
2. Do you still have an advent calendar? If yes, which do you have and if no, when did you stop having them?
Yes. I have a Cadburys one and then I really wanted a beauty one but my Mum couldn't find one so she made me one! I get so excited to open it because it's always something I like/want.
3. What are favourite Christmas movies?
My top 3 are Home Alone: Lost In New York, Elf and The Santa Clause
4. Do you have any funny Christmas stories/memories?
No, but I'm sure I will have after this year because I'm cooking Christmas dinner for the first time!
5. What's your typical Christmas Day?
Wake up earlier than usual, get all dressed up, open presents, give my Mum and cat their presents, open the ones in given and have Christmas movies playing in the background through Christmas dinner and for the rest of the day
6. What do you eat for you Christmas dinner? And what is your favourite part of it?
Usually lamb, mash, Yorkshire puddings, veg and gravy. My favourite part is having sweetcorn!
7. Do you have any Christmas traditions?
My Mum and I have new pjs and slippers for Christmas Eve.
8. What are your favourite Christmas songs?
Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody
The Pogues - Fairytale Of New York
Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
9. What has been your best Christmas present?
Urm... I couldn't decide; I love everything I've ever been given.
10. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
Ideally real but I couldn't be bothered with the needles dropping and having to water the tree and then it eventually dying.
11. This year, do you think you'd be on the naughty or nice list?
For the first time since 2004 I'd like to think I'll be on the 'nice' list
12. What are your favourite treats at Christmas?
I like to eat chocolate for breakfast!
13. Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Now that I'm in recovery, I feel that I'm less selfish and so, the last two years, I have really enjoyed putting thought into everyone's presents. So, giving!
14. Where would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
DisneyLand Paris
15. Are you good at wrapping presents?
I can do basic wrapping, which my Nana taught me, but this year I have learnt to add ribbons and bows.
16. What time do you usually get up on Christmas morning? Is this different from when you were little?
When I was younger my Mum would say I couldn't get up until a particular time, it was usually around 5 or 6am. These days, I get up earlier than on a normal day, maybe 9am-ish
17. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? And how did you find out?
I don't remember.
18. What is your dream Christmas present?
My dream home. But this year, I'd quite like some things for my home but I've left it too late to ask for them!

When They Say They're Innocent...

What is it like when the person who made you wish you were dead, denies ever causing any harm to you?
One of the many reasons it took me so long before I disclosed what this person had done to me, was that I wouldn't be believed. I had a bad reputation and the other person was very powerful and well respected. He didn't have to tell me in his threats that I'd be labelled a liar; I knew I would.
When it finally came to disclosing what had been done to me, my entire concern was filled with fears of how the people I loved would react. How upsetting it might be for them. How angry they might be  that he'd done this to me, that I hadn't told them sooner and that it'd caused me to go to such drastic lengths to cope with and forget it. I find it so ironic that for two, almost three years I hadn't told anyone at fear of not being believed but, when I finally talked, I had no concern that I would be doubted. And I wasn't. I went through the process with the police that is largely routine when there is an accusation of such a crime.
I can't begin to explain or articulate how I felt when I was told he'd claimed to be innocent. I had all of the easily assumed thoughts and feelings; I was angry and scared that this would mean either more in depth and personal questions, or a lot of people angry with me and calling me a liar - worrying they'd never know when they could trust me. I wasn't prepared for the police's response; they told me and my mum how frustrating it was to know someone has committed a crime but being unable to prove it for lack of physical evidence. That being said, if you're ever been hurt or abused sexually, please, please, please report it ASAP, ignoring any reservations your head may conjure up. Ironic that I took so long to report the abuse at fear of being doubted, and because of that, my claims couldn't be proven. (This bloddy post is full of irony at it's worst!)
The police also revealed that during their investigations, they'd obviously spoken to people who'd been within the vacinity (this is so hard to write without disclosing too much!) during the abuse and they'd all admitted that although they'd never witnessed the crimes, hearing my claim meant that a lot of things made sense and that they weren't surprised to hear my claim; they could believe he'd do such a thing. Surprisingly, this meant more to me than I'd imagine any prison sentence ever would.
I think that the worst part of him claiming to be innocent was that I interpreted this as what happened between us had absolutely no importance to him. No affect on him. Wasn't memorable. It meant nothing.
At this point, I'd just like to say that I realise there are different situations or types of abuse which may cause mental health problems or have a life changing affect that can result in the person to blame denying responsibility. This, is my experience. But I'd imagine there'll be some sort of similarities in your thoughts and feelings in such a situation. It's probably common that in such a situation, there'll be a negative, detrimental effect on your life/mental health. But it's important to keep things in perspective; your abuser etc denying things will not change the fact that it did happen and the effect it had on you. It's understandable for the claim of innocence to upset you and for there to be a period of time that it'll take for you to come to terms with it. You will though; eventually, you will. If I managed to survive the sexual abuse and everything I'd subsequently done to my body then I'll be damned that his cowardliness would destroy me. And that's how you have to think about it.
I guess, I just want you all to know that whatever thoughts or feelings you have in such a situation, they're normal. And you're allowed to feel them. And, you aren't alone (sad thought, but true). I guarantee there's another person somewhere in the world in the same predicament and having the same thoughts and emotions. For you to feel your feelings makes you so much more brave than the person who can't even accept responsibility for their actions.

Am I a 'Blogger' now?

I've been thinking a lot recently about blogging and labelling myself as a blogger and the opinions this provokes in others, and how I feel about it myself.
A lot of times recently my Mum has been asked what her daughter does and she's proudly announced that I'm a blogger; she said she regards me as working. Firstly, hearing how proud she is of what I do is heartwarming, probably because blogging means just as much to me too. Secondly, I never thought something like this would ever end up being classed as 'work.' Not just in society but to my family and friends. This was a place to rant about hospital staff... And now? Wow...
I suppose I feel that I'm NOT Disordered is at a junction now; I believe my blog is at the stage where it can only go up and I have the faith in it that it will, so I've been considering all that might entail. And whether I'm ready for it.
Lucy Watson on Made in Chelsea was with her sister discussing a work opportunity offered by a fashion blogger and Lucy said (no direct quote as I don't remember the exact phrasing) that everyone has a blog and it isn't hard. I do agree that it sometimes feels, these days, that everyone has a blog but that's due to it becoming a bit of a trend, and so, not only does this mean that everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, but that all of these people are calling themselves bloggers because that, is also the trend.
Personally, I believe it's like only just starting a Law degree at Uni and referring to yourself as a Lawyer. When I first began I'm NOT Disordered, I'd tell people that I had a blog; I didn't feel that I could already take on the label of being a 'blogger.' But everyone is different of course. I think also that 'labels' have been a hugely negative part of my life; I've either been the 'attention seeker,' 'the victim,' 'the patient,' 'the sufferer'... Never mind what I've been called out of my earshot! So I think that all of this has made me incredibly cautious to adopt a label myself because for some, 'blogger' does still have a negative connotation.
After over two years of this, I've learnt just how passionate I am about blogging, how much I love I'm NOT Disordered and how proud I am to be a blogger. For such a long time I believed that my greatest achievement was passing all of my GCSEs. That was in 2007. So all these years it's felt harder because it felt like I'd achieved nothing for so long. My proud moment was slipping further and further away which each day that I self-harmed. And I think that my party on November 14th to celebrate over 100,000 views was the night that I decided that this, my blog: I'm NOT Disordered is my greatest achievement. I finally feel that I deserve to be labelled a 'blogger'. And I guess, my belief, is that being a 'blogger' isn't just about having a blog. It's so much more. It's about loving being a blogger. It's about the significance that blogging brings to your life, and it's about being content at the thought of 'blogger' being your only label.
Now, back to Lucy Watson's next comment; that blogging isn't hard. If you'd asked me that a year ago, I would've agreed. Purely because at that point, my posts were mainly personal and therefore about my day-to-day life in hospital and eventually, into recovery. The only exceptions were guest posts which I didn't decide to begin publishing until February 2014. Admittedly, writing what you've done or what has happened in your day, isn't exactly a challenge. Neither, is asking someone to write whatever they'd like and then copying and pasting it and clicking 'publish'. I can pinpoint when I began putting more effort in and working harder on the blog by looking back over posts, and predictably, it seems to have been when I first began attending events and working with organisations. Namely, YoungMinds at the very beginning of their Vs campaign and attending the Crisis Care Concordat event. It inspired me to begin thinking of new ideas for I'm
NOT Disordered, always with the aim of giving my readers and followers a reason to come back to the blog. I respected the amazing popularity of the blog and believed I should offer something in return. Better the blog. Better myself as a blogger. This first began with The BP Series, an idea of mine to create a more intense pattern of posts that were all centred around positivity.
These days, I'm travelling all over the country, being commissioned to attend mental health events and I use a book called 365 Blog Topic Ideas, it is aimed at lifestyle/beauty bloggers so I've worked even harder by adapting the ideas to make them more appropriate to the style and content of I'm NOT Disordered. But, I have to say, that right now, I don't think I ever worked harder on the blog. I'm looking at new ideas for posts from the book, I'm building on those to think of more content, I'm deciding which external projects I'd like to prioritise for my time and space on I'm NOT Disordered, evaluating the past year by means of blog statistics and imagining where I'd like myself and my blog to be by the end of 2016.
My only hope is that you all know, both how much I love blogging, and how incredibly hard I'm working.

Can being treat for an overdose do more harm?

This title will no doubt cause a knee-jerk response of 'no!' And possibly a few 'how could she even ask?!' But stay with me guys...
When I first got poorly (mentally), everyone was concerned. The first two times I overdosed, I was sectioned. The second, in a dramatic fashion that involved six police, leg restraints and sedation. People were worried. Scared. They cared.
I couldn't pin point exactly when that stopped happening, but I'd guess that it was probably around the tenth or fifteenth overdose (my notes show I've taken over 70 since 2009). After ruling out psychosis, inpatient mental health cared less. After causing scene after scene in A&E, hospital staff cared less. After going AWOL every chance I got, police cared less. I understood. I wasn't a nice person during those years. I didn't understand what was happening to me so, because I couldn't explain why I'd do the things I'd do, I allowed professionals to assume. And the majority of assumptions were that I did what I did for attention. But looking back, yes. Yes, I wanted attention. I wanted people to pay attention to my hurt and my anger and realise it wasn't aimed at them. I wanted someone - anyone, to pay attention to what had happened to me. But my feelings around my trauma: that I was to blame, was intensified by the new attitude of professionals. I felt that I deserved to be treat that way and to punish myself, I hurt myself. It was a hellish cycle. I can't help but wonder whether if staff had continued to treat me with the same original care and attitude, if the self-harm would have continued for so long and escalated to the point it did...
The reason this is on my mind?
Back in September, my psychosis escalated and I took an overdose. A senior Consultant in A&E became involved when I was struggling to accept help. He was abrupt and cold and although it put me on edge, I understood it was probably his demeanour and had nothing to do with his attitude towards mental health or what I'd done. When the little smart arse remarks began, I started to doubt myself. When it got to the point that I found myself wanting to be out of the hospital in order to be away from him, I knew he'd made things worse. And after restraining me so hard that he left fingerprint bruises and then slapping a Doctor on the back for 'filling my head with lies' I really... Lost my shit! In restraint, I was close to kicking out. When he tried to enter my room, after, I kept the door shut. I then requested that he not return to my room. And when he ignored my request, I confronted him about his attitude, comments and hitting the other doctor and was surprised that he admitted to everything. In front of a healthcare assistant. I cried because I felt that the feelings of uncontrollable aggression and anger were part of the Old Aimee. I'd always told myself that even if I was still self-harming, at least I wasn't treating professionals the way I used to. I was sad to feel that this one Doctor had set me back.
If I'd had the Consultant who took over in the morning that entire time, I'm sure that things would've gone differently.
And this, is my point; if professionals treat you so badly when all you need is their help and support then how could this possibly aid recovery? For me, each incident with staff was just added to my collection of bad memories that rapidly grew after each hospitalisation.
It's no secret that mental health service users have sometimes been known to self harm or succeed in suicide because of the way they have been treat by professionals. So how can you be sure that admitting someone to hospital or having police involvement will not worsen the persons mental health?

My 1st Year in My 'Forever Home'

                              

Today is the one year anniversary of me properly leaving hospital and moving into my 'forever home' as we fondly named it. Here's 12 points to symbolise each of the months I've spent in my wonderful home.

1. My home didn't feel like a home, nor complete until Dolly arrived 7 days after I'd moved in and I never get tired of having her toys dotted all over the house. She makes the house a home.
2. I had an 'unconscious' childhood in that I remember next to nothing so technically, I have never - in my life, felt at home. During the abuse years, I didn't feel safe anywhere and found it hard to be in the house when I was unable to tell my Mum what was happening. And then I was in and out if hospitals so often that Mum's felt like a hotel. Then I literally lived in hospital for three years. Finally, I have a home which I enjoy being in and returning to.
3. Being able to decorate it the way I want, have it look how I like and being completely responsible for everything that surrounds me, is an overwhelmingly proud feeling.
4. Being able to have people 'come to mine' never gets tired and I'm very house proud where guest are concerned. Although, Dolly's attitude towards some people does remind me that I have to live alone!
5. This is the first home that I haven't been scared of the noises during the night. Because finally, rather than my Mum reassuring me, I know they're just the noises of the house!
6. Having hiding places but no searches. In the past, this meant places to hide sharps that weren't found during searches by hospital staff but these days, it doesn't matter that I have a gazillion hiding places because I have nothing to hide and no one to hide things from! I keep myself safe now.
7. Holidays! Recently I've discovered how having a whole home means you can go crazy with decorations for various holidays. So Halloween was fun! And I'm counting down until it's socially acceptable to put my Christmas decorations up!!!
8. Dolly's first Birthday was so lovely! She means so much to me that I threw her a little tea party, decorated the house and bought her a birthday card and presents! Even everyone I met with that day had to bring a card and present!
9. Living alone means I spend lots of time in my own company and I've come to enjoy it and learn more about myself (I know that sounds stupid) because I have the opportunity to think through my thoughts and feelings, understand them better and learn the best ways of coping with each one. I have to rely on myself to get me through difficult moments.
10. There's no rules! I can do what I like with my days. I can watch what I like. Go to bed when I want.
11. Owning everything that surrounds me is the most amazing feeling. Sometimes I just sit there thinking about how surreal it all is and how happy I am with my life in general.
12. Bungalows are The Greatest!!!