The Christmas Letter 2017
Hey there,
Would you look at that, I came through and I’m writing a Christmas letter for the second year in a row. Sometimes I amaze myself. Truly. Anyway, hi, how’s it going? 2017 was A Time wasn’t it? I am unsure whether to be grateful it’s over or to be terrified of 2018 being worse. Of course, I am talking about the world at large here; my personal life has been up and down, sure, but for the most part my dramas are so small scale compared to the fresh hell we seem to wake up to every day. Honestly, I have had more than a few anxiety attacks about everything, I just don’t get how we as humanity can continually mess up, time and time again, and never learn from it.
Anyway, let’s not get bogged down in the mire that is modern day society and focus on me. This time last year I was in Spain, freaking out about Canada so one year on and I’m happy to report that Canada was great! Montreal was a great city to spend a few months, if only for my improved instagrams (I know it, you know it, my insta was fire this year). I learnt a lot about what a real winter is because THERE WAS SO MUCH SNOW! It was super fun and my childhood fantasies came true as I trekked through the city during a snowstorm, freezing my ass and nose off and listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, just for the hell of it. I loved Canada so much, from its colourful money to the stereotypical friendliness and inclusiveness. Montreal is such an international city and it’s difficult to see why people want to limit immigration and stall diversity when Montreal is so vibrant and exciting. Oops, I got political again, it’s almost as if it’s inescapable nowadays… Post-study travels took me to my spiritual hometown of Edmonton (I have always said that my soul is Canadian), and to the Rocky Mountains, which have been a dream of mine to visit for many years. Despite most of the lakes still being frozen (in May I might add), it was still breathtaking and incredible and exceeded all expectations.
When I arrived back in the UK after my little Canadian jaunt, I had only three weeks in which to prepare for another crazy summer at camp. What could I do in this time, I thought to myself. Relax? Recuperate? Nah, I went and got some work experience in a primary school didn’t I. Kept me on my toes that’s for sure and what’s more, I have never been so sure about becoming a primary teacher. I can hear the kids now, “Mr Richards, Mr Richards… Can we do a Nativity as cool as the one in the 2009 motion picture Nativity!” (that’s exactly how kids talk, trust me) and I would reply that of course we couldn’t as that’s impossible, the nativity play in the 2009 motion picture Nativity! is simply the best nativity play, period, not to mention the fact that I’m a terrible songwriter. Anyway, unimportant. I now find myself at the beginning of applying for teacher training next year and guys, I forgot how much effort UCAS is, but I’ve got to do it. For The Kids.
This summer marked my third at camp, and once again I found myself making incredible memories, meeting new people, strengthening existing friendships etc etc. I learnt so much this year by being senior staff, like I can organise stuff now. I can organise moderately well. It showed me how important teamwork is and reminded me how unpredictable but rewarding working with kids can be. I loved it, and am proud I accomplished things I never thought I would, like organising stuff (how many more times am I going to say organise?) Unfortunately the summer came crashing to an end when my Lyme disease resurfaced in the last week or so of camp. That last week was the worst, I was so tired and angry that it had come back and I didn’t want to pay american prices for medication, luckily I had already changed my flights and was going home early (1st class, best thing ever btw), it was like I *knew*…
So now I find myself back in Exeter for my final year (btw, horrific lack of snow here, moving up north ASAP), struggling with my health, both mental and physical. The anxiety is real, but even more real is the fatigue. I now have a whole system in place to help me and I couldn’t be more grateful for how understanding and supportive my University has been. I am trundling along, trying to get that 2:1 that is still possible thanks to a surprisingly good year abroad grade (hey, remember when I went on a year abroad?), I was genuinely shocked by that 2:1. However, 20th Century Spanish Feminism and French Sociolinguistics could still trip me up in January exams so #pray4Nick. I also need to do skills tests in maths and English and I am extremely worried that I have forgotten everything, which isn’t ideal when you kind of have to teach everything at primary level.
I think that’s about it for the round up, I still have plenty of pub stories though, most of them involve either Canada, camp, lost luggage or missed flights or a combination of two or more of those things, so if you want to, get in touch, I want to hear your stories too! My goal for next year is to give more: give to charity, to friends, to strangers. I might not have much but what I do have I want to share more.
Ugh, too deep, soz. Now I’ll give some of my 2017 favourites, try to find a nice little quote (perhaps a Richards original) to put at the end with all my social media handles so follow me… word.
Movies Watched (as of 10/12/17 (British date guys)): 198
Favourite Movie: Thor: Ragnarok or Hidden Figures
Favourite Book: The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Phillip Pullman
Favourite Album: Hamilton soundtrack, obvs.
Favourite Colour: Green (some things will never change)
Favourite Socks: Stripy odd ones
Favourite Original Sims 4 Character: Marco Noriega: a Space Ranger and single dad of 5 (4 boys and a girl) from three mothers (2 ex-wives) who live in what can only be described as one of the most beautiful houses I’ve ever built on Sims 4. I have played a lot of Sims this year you guys and I’ve become seriously invested.
Favourite TV Show: Stranger Things 2 or Orange is the New Black.
In a world of pessimism and destruction, be the optimist and creator.
insta: @nicko.richards / twitter: @nicko_richards / snapchat: nickorichards
