It's see you later, not goodbye

Now I know I haven't written in a while, and I really have no excuse. Since leaving university for the summer I have basically been working 24/7 in order to save money for my trip to South Africa which is meant to take place a week today, however, after this weekend it is probable I won't be going just yet.

This year has not been the easiest year for my family what with my Dad's accident so to have him on the mend is great. This past weekend we headed up to Norwich to visit my Dad's family for my grandma's late 80th birthday. Norwich is about 4 hours away from where I live so we don't get to see my grandparents here as much as possible, maybe about twice a year, along with my aunt and cousins who also live in Norwich. Also there this weekend were my cousins, aunt and uncle from New Zealand were here, this kind of family gathering happens maybe once every 5 years or so. Everyone was there, we had photos and lunch at the local country hotel before heading back to my grandparents' house about 5 minutes away. Whiling away the afternoon in the sunshine was lovely while the children were playing games and the adults were chatting. 

It really was a beautiful day.

Just after dinner something happened, something that in my 20 years of being alive has never happened to me before, my Grandad who was 85 years old, quietly passed away. Although like any elderly person of 85, he was on many medications, he had diabetes and various health problems, yesterday, he seemed healthy and happy. The paramedics came and tried to revive him but it wasn't any use, he had the best day surrounded by his family, and although I don't know if you can choose your death, I'm pretty sure if Grandad David could, that would have been the perfect time for him. 

It was such a heart-breaking moment, my dad and his younger sister and younger brother, along with my Grandma losing their dad/husband. I've never had a death this personal, so close to me, I've been very lucky in that respect. Nothing could have prepared me for it though, it feels like I am stuck in a bad dream and just can't wake up. Now all the talk of coroners, post-mortems and undertakers seems to be so surreal and it's all happening so fast. 

This year has probably been the toughest year for my dad especially, having a traumatic brain injury to recover from and now losing his dad. 
Death affects us in different ways, and although Grandad David's death couldn't be more perfect if it had to happen, the aftermath, this limbo that it has left us all in is something that no one can really explain. There is so much admin and paperwork that must be done, yet in all this, we cannot forget that he is now at peace. I know this is a very personal moment for my family, and some people may criticise me for writing this so publicly, but I say, everyone grieves in different ways and to share how I'm feeling will comfort me in the knowledge I can start to make sense of what happened this weekend.

Anyway, it's not goodbye Grandad David, it's see you later. Rest in Peace. Forever and Always.

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

End of First Year

I know this post it a little late as exams finished two weeks ago but I thought its better late than never.

So exams have finished, the partying has begun along with the endless Netflix marathons and days that seem to drag on with deciding what to do. The luxury of doing nothing wears off pretty quickly, but I'm not going to complain anything beats revision.
Reflecting on the end of first year is strangely overwhelming, I can't believe how fast this year has gone. It seems only yesterday that I was getting on a plane to go travelling for my gap year. It's crazy that this time last year the people that I now count as my extended family and best friends I didn't even know to exist. First year was brilliant, and although second year is going to get harder, I am already looking forward to it knowing I am going to spend it with some of the most amazing people at such a great place.

On Tuesday I had afternoon tea and cake with these lovely people at a fancy hotel in Windsor overlooking the castle. It was beautiful but hilarious as we all came underdressed and of course, clumsy me managed to spill tea all down myself - I don't expect to be allowed back anytime soon! We followed this with some shopping and a well-needed cheeky Nandos - we couldn't walk past it and not go in.

 Although this party was last term, the picture says it all, the flat parties have been awesome and hopefully, we can top it all tomorrow night!

Note to self: Never leave the lads unattended with my phone in Nandos - Mad Max: Fury Road was a pretty good film though I have to say, not something I would normally see but on the boy's recommendation I would give it a solid 8/10.

One of the many number of midnight trips to M&S and Budgens led to the discovery of the Shaq drinks - hoping for some magical powers from drinking them, Sina and Matt were optimistic, but really they just tasted like water and cream soda.

We were all about that colouring lifestyle for a while, so much enjoyment was achieved from a colouring book, and it made a good revision distraction too.

...And there was lots of yummy food...

...And very drunk selfies...

...Hungover dates to London to feed our sushi obsession...

...And people just being general creepers...

...Terrifying faces were pulled...

...who knew so much happiness could be gained from a giant box in the kitchen...

...And my car found a twin.

This place has been so much more than just university, it has become a home, making it all the more painful to leave and say goodbye to everyone for four months. 

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx