Rear view

Well, it's that time of year again when it's the done thing to look back at what's been and reflect on it. Far be it for me to disappoint, so here goes...

Actually this year's reflective post has been made all the easier thanks to my best (so far) Christmas present of the year - a complete print out of my 2010 blog courtesy of my fabulous big sis. Reading through the last 12 months worth of my rambling has been an interesting experience - of which more in a moment.

But first I can't resist a short diversion into late Christmases - one of the added benefits of my Canadian Christmas visits is an extended festive season. I hoof it across to Canada, celebrate the joyous day with my sister and her family and then head back to Scotland after New Year to repeat the experience with my mum and dad. Et voila, a 3-4 week Christmas; second only to my birthday month festivities induced entirely by my lack of annual real birthdays.

But I digress. You wanted to hear about 2010. And if you didn't, you should have stopped reading by now because that's what you're about to get.

Looking back, 2010 has been a year of mixed emotions for me (again). I've had lots of fun - with great holidays in Canada, Wales and Spain as well as some great days out in and around home. I've also had some not so good days, although far less than last year mercifully. As regular readers will know, I'm still struggling at times to come to terms with being on my own.

In amongst the angst, however, I've still had time to make some new discoveries, have some fresh experiences and achieve some great things. I've:

• learned to dance the Argentine Tango (and made new friends in the process), 
• found the confidence for solo travel, 
• climbed 8 Munros (including 4 in one day),
• run 10k (in under an hour),
• listened to my entire iPod from A to Z (and realised I need to fill it with more music),
• learned to wear less make up,
• tapped into my silly self,
• started writing a book, and
• made peace with the past

I've also reconnected with old friends, re-learned lost skills and remembered good memories. I've also found time to focus on what is good about life, blog about some amazing people and generally be glad to be alive.

Looking back at things I commented on this time last year, I still haven't found a new feline companion or a permanent home. But on the plus side, I do still have my job - which, on the whole, isn't bad -  amazing friends, supportive family and (for the most part) my health.

For 2010 I resolved to have a quieter, less eventful time and to be less high maintenance. The former is undoubtedly true, but I'm not so sure about the latter. I think I've learned to live and laugh a bit more, to take a few more risks and to act my shoe size rather than my age just that bit more often. In short, I think I might just be picking more daisies these days!

And 2011? Well, you'll need to wait until tomorrow to find out my plans for that...

All that remains to say for 2010 is, thanks for reading my ramblings. Keep up the good work, you're all doing very well.

The roads we travel

It's that time of year when everyone seems to be looking back at what's been and making plans and promises for the future. So I thought I'd join in too.

As many of my friends will know, 2009 has been somewhat of an eventful year for me. To be honest I'm hoping for a quieter time in 2010.

But in terms of a review, in 2009 I have:-

• become single
• moved house
• lost and gained a job
• got a new boss
• cried at the funeral of a friend
• been admitted to hospital as an emergency
• said goodbye to my feline companion of the last 17 years
• been on TV
• learned to snowboard and cross country ski (both after a fashion!)
• spent more weeks with my sister in one year than the last 10 put together (and enjoyed them!)
• made new friends and rediscovered old ones

I've also:-

• climbed a grade 6b (indoors, outdoors perhaps next year?)
• lost weight and got fit
• lost more weight and got ill
• put back on all the weight I lost in the first place
• started walking to work
• remembered that I like cooking
• travelled on a steam train and a paddle steamer
• laughed till I cried
• cried more than is good
• developed crows' feet round my eyes
• survived rumour and gossip
• bought a designer suit
  
• treated my sister to a girls' day out
• discovered Wii Fit and Singstar

I've learned:-

• that good friends are worth their weight in gold
• too much stress can make you physically ill (see hospital admission above!)
• being alone isn't the same as being lonely
• there is such a state as "too thin"
• being single at 40+ is harder than at 30
• exercise does make you feel better
• laughing at good jokes (or even bad ones) is good for the soul

I also know:-

• how to make a Cosmopolitan
• how to put on mascara properly (on the top and bottom of the lash)
• much more about climate change, sustainability and peak oil
• to look up more and see what there is above eye height
• that being an Aunty is a great job
• that my sister is one of my best friends

And as for 2010, my main aim is to have quieter time, and hopefully to be less high maintenance for my friends (thanks guys, for all your help and support this year). I also resolve to:-

• live life
• laugh more
• never act my age
• take more risks
• be as good a friend to others as mine have been to me

In fact, this pretty much sums it up. I don't want to look back later in life and wish it had been different.

See you next year.


If I had my life to Live Over - Nadine Stair

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.

I'd relax, I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live
sensibly and sanely hour after hour,
day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments,
And if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after another,
instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.
If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.