Looking back on 2012

So did I keep my New Years resolutions, did I achieve anything I wanted to. did I do anything at all in fact?

2012 was a year of ups and downs, there were some high points, some low points and some incredible ones!  I had some experiences of a lifetime, and some I'd rather not have to go through again for a lot of years.  Some would have made great blogs if I'd been more on the ball...... some still might!

 A very good friend of mine got married last year, on her 50th Birthday!  She looked amazing and it was lovely to have something to celebrate.  This meant there was also a hen night, which was great too!  It goes to show, its never too late!  In fact one of the happiest couples I know married well into their 50's!

We went to Cardiff in January for Hubbs 50th and stayed in the St Davids, 5 star hotel!  I've wanted to stay there since my first trip to Cardiff Bay.  It was made all the more memorable by the fact that we were sharing it that weekend with the BGT judges, and met most of the team.  Only Dec eluded us!  My new best friend Simon Cowell even told me all about the dog that went on to win the show!  They were all lovely, and David Walliams is much thinner in real life.

February brought our trip to new York, once again for Hubbs 50th!  What can I say other than AMAZING!!  I loved it, we all loved it.  We did loads, Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Rockerfeller, Central Park, shopping, more shopping, Times Square, tour buses, 911 memorial (words can't describe the experience) and so much more.  And best of all we stayed in the Waldorf Astoria.  It truly was the experience of a lifetime!  Which I would very much like to do again. 

We also had a lovely holiday in Malta.  Even after returning there so many times we did some things we'd not done before.  It was great to have such a relaxing holiday after quite a hectic year or two.  It really does feel like going home.

My daughter aka The Teen made me very proud on lots of occasions this year.  She was elected Chair of the school council, chosen as one of the top 15 most gifted kids in her school, won an achievement award and got really good grades amongst other things.  Then on her awards night, without giving the slightest hint about what she was up to, she stood up and sang a solo.  She has the most beautiful voice, and we didn't have a clue. 

All in all I spent far to much time at the local hospital last year!  Not just for myself either, I'm used to that.  My Step-father had a number of admissions, and spent quite a portion of the year there altogether.  I did quite a lot of arguing with both health and social care workers, but he was still with us, and as well as he's going to be at the end of the year.  To be fair there were a few times during the year we thought he might not be, so that in itself is a breakthrough.  Hubbs also had a bit of a scare.  Had a big GI bleed, and was flat out on the landing floor, I spent a long night with him in resus, but it all turned out well in the end.  Just not an experience I'd like again in the near future please.

I had lots of lovely times with my friends last year!  Some fantastic nights out, and fabulous nights in!  Some lovely coffee shop times, and generally just being with special people.  I managed to see a couple of old friends who live the other side of the ocean when they were over to visit.  One from Canada and one from America.  I was Bridesmaid for my American friend when I was 2, so when I say we go way back, we really do!  I am lucky to have some wonderful friends and they will never know how much the support I get from them all means to me.  I managed to spend some real quality time with one old friend last year. in some old ways and new.  This time was really special to me and I will always treasure the memories.  

My lasting memories from the year are of course of my holidays, but also of my friends.  So my closing words have to be to say Thank You!  Thank You to all the special people in my life, family and friends, who have been part of my life for the last year.  Even if we don't see each other often, does not make you any less important!  You have all added something special!

Thanks for the memories!

C xx