'Four Things' // Tag Post

I read on the survey results you guys enjoyed reading tag posts, so I thought I'd start taking part in them more, because they're fun and give me something to do when I'm bored. And as I say at the beginning of each tag post, 'they let you get to know me a bit better'. My blogger and real-life friend, Meaghan, did one of these posts so I thought I'd do the same as it was such a good idea. You can read her four things post here.


Four things people call me, other than my real name

1. Grace- I recently changed my preferred name to this as it's my middle name and just find it really pretty. I like my first name, but love my middle name. It's very sentimental for my family, too, as I was named after my Great Grandma Gracey.
2. Liv- People still call me this despite declaring my preferred name is Grace, but I don't mind. It sounds so chilled.
3. Livvy (apparently)- I thought this was completely forgotten and just a childhood name that my teachers and parents called me in primary school, but some people have forgotten I'm not four anymore. I remember when I had been going out with Tom for about a month and we went to this late night shopping thing during November, and the secretary from my primary school walked past and said 'Hi Livvy', it was lovely to see her but I was mortified! 
4. Grack- Something Tom came up with spontaneously, now what he refers to me as when he is in a pleasant mood. 

Four places I have been 

I've always been so privileged when it comes to family holidays to be taken to so many incredible places. And I'm so grateful I've been able to see so much of the World! Here's four of the amazing places I've been...

1. Lapland, Finland- For my seventh birthday my parents took me to Lapland to visit centre, ride snow mobiles and loads of other activities in the space of two days. I loved every moment of it. Although, when I got back to school I apparently ran into the classroom shouting about one of my classmates being on the naughty list because of a conversation I'd had with one of the elves. Mum was very anxious she'd be receiving an angry phone call from an angry mother. 

2.  Turkey- I've had two trips to Turkey, in the same hotel, and they were both amazing. The first trip, Summer 2013, involved me meeting loads of amazing people after a rubbish few years at secondary school. I also got drunk a lot and snuck into the hotel night club with these people and some of the reps. The second time I went, I'd come out of a horrible relationship and the freedom I felt on the holiday was immense (summer 2014)! 

Check that swanky lobby in the background! (2013)

These locals asked if I wanted my photo taken with them and were so lovely (2014)

3.  Aberfeldy, Scotland- This is one of my favorite places ever. I've come here about four times and it is actually the most beautiful place I've ever visited in my life. It is also where my lovely cousins live and I have had many happy memories here, even when things got tough.

The view from my cousin's primary school

4. Barcelona, Spain- I've been here about twice, the first time was a short break with Mum. I'd been offered to go with school for about a week or so but Mum found a better deal so we went for two nights. We saw some amazing things La Sagrada Família and this big park that I forgot the name of (pictured below)! The second time I went to do some wedding photography for a family friend which was an amazing opportunity.

Photo of the big park in Barcelona, taken by Mum 

Four things I don't eat- I'm a really fussy eater so this should be easy enough!

1. Mashed Potato
2. Tomatoes
3. Mushrooms
4. Couscous 

Four things I'm always saying-

1. Y'alright, mate?- I'm aware this looks really chavvy in writing but it's just how I greet people, I've developed a sudden habit of calling people mate, be it friendly or sarcastic.
2. Sorry- I hate making mistakes and apologise for the smallest things
3. Seriously!?- It seems people like to wind me up, so this is my reaction
4. NONONONONO- Bay loading at work is particularly stressful when people go into the wrong bays so I'm forever saying this. 

Four places I've lived- I've never really moved around that much, I've only ever lived in Ashbourne, when I was really tiny, and Clifton, from the age of six until now.

Four things I'm looking forward to next year

1. My new college course and where it will take me
2. Any potential holidays
3. Mine and Tom's 20h birthdays 
4. Having new clothes!

Four films I've watched more than once

1. The Great Gatsby (recent edition)
2. The Devil Wears Prada
3. Mean Girls (cliché white girl)
4. The Fox and the Hound- This used to, and still does, make me weep like an absolute baby.

Four places I would rather be right now

1. In bed
2. In a night club 
3. At Macdonalds
4. Anywhere with people I love 

Four books I recommend 

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky if you've ever suffered depression, especially at a young age.
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (obviously considering I've read it around 8 times)
3. The Curious Indcident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon if you suffer from autism or know someone who does. It really increases your understanding. 
4. Poppy's War by Lily Baxter. This is as far as I go for romance novels and girly stuff. There's a nice love story to it but I enjoy it because it's historical and really interesting. 

Four TV shows I watch

1. Orange is the New Black
2. Once Upon a Time
3. Casualty
4. The Only Way is Essex

Four jobs I've had- I'm only on my first paid job really so I will have a go!

1. I've been a self-employed photographer for events and family shoots
2. Ride Host at Alton Towers (current)
3. Voluntary teaching assistant (unqualified) at my local village primary school
4. Assisting drama teacher at Attic Mice, Ashbourne 

Again, I hope you enjoyed this post and it let you have a bit more of an insight into my life and what I get up to, be it sitting at college wishing I was in bed or slouching in my onesie reading The Great Gatsby for the millionth time.

Stay safe