I started this blog almost 5 months ago now and am so proud of all that I’ve accomplished in such a short time.
But accomplishments aside, my favourite thing about blogging is the community. The community of people I’ve come to know and care about, much more than by just their online personas.
And so the purpose of this article series is to let all my readers get to know me better, in much greater depth than would ever be feasible within the space limitations of an individual blog post.
Before I start, I’d like to thank both Mummy Conquering Anxiety and Dating Bitch for nominating me to continue on the Behind the Blogger Challenge!
And without further ado, here are five things you may not already know about me…
Table of Contents
I’m a musical theatre nerd
In my early 20s, I joined a theatre group and have been performing (singing and dancing) in musical theatre productions ever since! While they’re only amateur productions, performing is one of my greatest passions in life and I love nothing more than belting out a show tune.
I have a travel blog
Another big passion of mine is travelling. In fact, my first blog is a travel blog which I created in 2020. At the time, I found it so strange putting myself out there, so much so that I didn’t even want to give my real name! I actually go by my middle name on this blog so people don’t really know it’s me. I won’t advertise it here (yet) as I’m in the process of rebranding, changing the name and niching down. I’m pretty excited about this so I’ll let you know once it’s back up and running!
I’m a spoonie
What’s a spoonie, you ask? A spoonie is someone who is chronically ill. I have several autoimmune disorders which means that my immune system is attacking my body for no apparent reason, causing inflammation and therefore pain. Because of these conditions, if I push myself too hard, I end up either in pain, exhausted or, from time to time, in hospital. I’m pretty stubborn though, so I don’t let it stop me from doing things. But I do need to know when to take it easy and make time for recovery.
I moved 7000km away from home
In 2016, I moved from Ireland to Dubai on my own, without knowing anyone where I was going. I had one suitcase and my guitar. It was scary, exhilarating, challenging and the best decision I’ve ever made! I’m so grateful for the experiences and opportunities that Dubai has afforded me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. And I’m not opposed to moving countries again!
I play six musical instruments (not very well!)
When I was younger I learned the violin, piano, tin whistle and guitar. The problem was that I was too lazy to learn how to read music, so I used to just listen to my teachers and play it back from ear (much to my mother’s dismay). I regret doing this, because I never did learn how to read music after that. In college, I played the drums in a girl band! I had never had any lessons but I loved to play the drums.
I do wish I had kept learning all of the above when I was younger. But, as of now, I can still play the guitar and I started learning the ukulele recently too.
I’ve really loved sharing a little more about myself with you. But now I want to know something I don’t already know about you, let me know in the comments! I’m not going to nominate anyone in particular, but please feel free to take this as an open nomination and let me know if you write a post!
Musical theatre is amazing! My one regret is not studying film and theatre. Your blog is great! Glad you enjoy it.
Thanks Jamie!
A fellow musician! Hello there! I didn’t realise you are Irish, for some reason (somehow) I always had you down as American?! Not sure why 😂 can’t wait to see the travel blog soon – I love what you write so I know its going to be brilliant ❤️
Haha I think living in Dubai has me sounding more international these days! I never knew you were a musician too, tell me more!
Thank you so much, I’m excited to share it in the new year 🙂
I play the flute and drums (random, I KNOW!)
This was such a lovely and interesting read! What’s one of your favourite musicals?
Thanks Aisling! Ooh that’s a tough one. My favourite that I’ve seen is Anastasia or Come From Away 🙂
I often wonder about the people behind the blogs; it’s really fun to learn more about you! I’ll be on the lookout for your rebranded travel blog as that sounds great too. I often struggle to think about what to share about myself but I may just give it some thought and do my own post (linking back to yours) — thanks for the open invitation!
Oh please do, I’d love to read more about you!
enjoyed this post! it was nice to get to know you better, Voureen! 🙂 You’ve done an amazing job with blogging in just 5 months! what an accomplishment!
Thank you so much lovely 🙂
Wow you a woman of many talents Vourneen! You sound like you’re living your best life and don’t let life’s challenges get in your way. I can’t wait to start reading your travel blog too as this is a big passion of mine.
Thank you Jodie! I’ll be sure to let you know once it’s up and running 🙂
SIX INSTRUMENTS!! That’s amazing! I can barely play one instrument lol. These were some fun facts!
Thanks Seriah! Well I don’t play them all very well haha
We have just a couple of things in common that made me smile (but also made me a little sad…). We’re both musical theatre nerds – I performed for six years and it was one of the greatest joys of my life. I miss it dearly. I’m also a fellow spoonie – gastroparesis and a couple of other unknowns at this time (this is the one that makes me sad because while it’s nice to feel less alone, I hate knowing that others are suffering through health challenges as well). It was wonderful to get to know you better through this post!
Thank you Stephanie. I’m sorry you’re also suffering. It’s especially hard with the unknowns. I do fell my illnesses have made me a stronger person, as frustrating as they are sometimes 🙂
This is a very interesting post! I love that you made the right decision for you when you moved, sounds so exciting x
Thanks Eleanor!
Wow! Six instruments! I can’t even play one, lol. That’s very impressive. I really loved this post – I’m so glad you chose to participate! But now I’m super curious about what your first name is (I get the desire for anonymity though!)
Oh Vourneen is my first name! It’s my other blog where I used my middle name, but will be changing that when I revamp it 🙂 Thanks again for the nomination, I really enjoyed writing this post!
I love posts like this! I love being able to get to know the people behind the blog. Moving over 7000km is such a huge step, and I’m so happy that it is the best decision you’ve made. Dubai is an absolutely beautiful place!
Thanks so much Annie!
So lovely to read more about you Voureen! I’m sorry to heard that you suffer from chronic illnesses, sending love xx
Thank you lovely x
I enjoyed learning these things about you. It’s so cool that you can play 6 musical instruments.
xoxo
Lovely
Love to learn more about you Vourneen! I didn’t know you came from Ireland and had a travel blog, can’t wait to read more about that in the new year! Also, wow, six instruments? I can’t play for the love of things a note on a guitar and a simple flute! Glad to learn more about you and thanks for sharing x