I cannot express how much of a life-changing year 2018 has been for us all. Having sat and taken a peak through my diary last night I couldn’t believe how much we have done and how much has changed. So without further ado, here is a quick list of some of the many things which we have done throughout the past year.
Updating The Living Room
We began the year by updating the living room furniture. Paul and I spent days out and about around the country collecting Dakota TV cabinets, tallboys, coffee tables and all kinds of beautiful bits and pieces to kit out the living room. As a result our living room looks rather swish and the kids have rather enjoyed having the extra storage space for their many DVDs, games and toys.
Alexa
After almost twenty years I finally said goodbye to my much-loved Sony stereo. We replaced the rather outdated and bulky tech with Amazon’s voice-activated Alexa. We have since added a further two devices to the household and I couldn’t be without Alexa!
Pulling A Final Pint
After two years or more of working behind the bar, I pulled my final pint and said my goodbyes to my colleagues and customers. It felt rather surreal to have finally found myself a new job, it was most definitely life changing and whilst I miss pub life at times, I couldn’t be happier in my new role.
Back To The Classroom
After years and years of wishing to be back in the classroom, that’s precisely where I found myself back in February. I have never loved a job so much in my life!
The Crew
At the very beginning of the year I was truly blessed to come across and to meet the most wonderful couple from Tasmania. Lisa and Paddy became very close friends and together with Vicky and Mike we nicknamed ourselves ‘The Crew’. We spent many happy months sharing banter across the bar, meals both in and out, BBQs, parties and evenings out under the stars camping and such-like.
Many happy memories were made and whilst Lisa and Paddy have now returned to their home town of Hobart, we miss them dearly and smile fondly whilst looking back and reflecting upon our time together. Thankfully Vic and Mike are still close by and although we tend not to go out quite as much these days, we still see them from time to time and have continued to catch up with ‘The Crew’.
Missing Molly
This year has certainly been life changing, it hasn’t however been ‘all smiles’. Paul and I went through one of the hardest and most emotional moments this year as we said our goodbyes to our beloved basset hound Molly. Molly was almost thirteen-years old and her body was sadly failing her. Whilst we did our very best for our hound, it would have been unfair to push her any further and we therefore made the heart-breaking decision to let our little lady fly free.
I miss Molly so much my heart literally aches when I think of her. It’s been almost six months since we lost her and whilst it’s got easier over time, I am still unable to discuss her without welling up. She has certainly left paw prints on my heart which will last for a life time.
Meeting Maisy
Born in February 2018, Maisy (a red and white basset hound) came home with us in early April and has since become a much-loved part of the family. Maisy has melted our hearts and has become my shadow as she follows me almost everywhere (including to the toilet!). The sofa is no longer my own as Maisy insists on sharing my space by throwing herself across me each and every time I sit down. I wouldn’t have it any other way, she is my best buddy and I couldn’t be without her.
Dancing Queen
During the summer E made a start upon dance lessons. From the moment she slipped her ballet shoes on, we knew that E was made for the stage and earlier this month she joined her dance class to perform at the local high school. I couldn’t be prouder of our little Princess, she has come on leaps and bounds this year (quite literally when doing dance) and I’m so pleased with her progress.
Back To Blading
Back in the day Paul and I spent time rollerblading, it has been quite some time since I’ve been on blades but earlier this year Paul and I decided to whack on the wheels and to give it a go. We have since purchased our own blades and have attended weekly roller discos with the children. Blading has become a regular hobby and I’ve just about mastered the art of turning and switching my skating from forwards to backwards without having to stop (or fall over!).
Bring On The Box Sets With Netflix & Chill.
I promised myself that I’d find further box sets to enjoy throughout the year. Having paid for a Netflix subscription I did precisely that. Paul and I have since enjoyed watching the entirety of ‘Orange Is The New Black’ and ‘Friends’.
Burning Bin Bedlam
Having spent quite some time camping with the crew, I quite fancied getting hold of our very own burny bin to have our own evenings under the stars whilst sat cosy by the campfire. As it was our ‘steel’ wedding anniversary my Mother very kindly found a washing machine drum which had been put onto a stand for us to enjoy as our very own burny bin.
Sky Q
Having been a loyal customer to Sky for many many years, I finally decided to update and to add to our equipment by having Sky Q and multiroom installed. Paul and I have had a TV in our bedroom for the past however many years which has been completely useless (as our aerial was unable to find a signal), thankfully we now have the minibox and a full range of channels to choose from.
Loving Lloret
During the summer we spent a week lazing in Lloret De Mar. Whilst there we met up with a family from down south and had great fun together throughout the week riding various slides and such-like. The kids had an absolute blast and already we are looking a booking a holiday for 2019.
Scouring Senior Schools
It doesn’t feel like two seconds since J started Primary School. Already he is year five and beginning to browse his senior school options. Early in autumn, J took the time to look around two local senior schools and made his decision upon where he wishes to go come September 2020.
Double Doors
We are slowly step by step replacing our windows and doors around the house. This year we have managed to have brand new french doors fitted which open out onto the decking and to add to that, we’ve also had a brand-new front door fitted. We are yet to replace the windows but with time and money I’m sure we will make it happen.
Health & Happiness
Having being given a worrying diagnosis earlier in the year, I found myself in surgery over the summer. Thankfully the surgery went really well and I have since been given the all clear.
100 years
Paul’s Nana Margy turned an incredible one hundred years old this year. Family and friends from all around country came along to a family party to celebrate and to wish Margy all the best for her big day.
Farewell Fiesta
We’ve needed a new car for some time, saying that – our 05 Fiesta had done us proud over the years and was still running fairly well considering it’s age and condition. Having discovered yet another issue with the car we decided enough was enough and put our Fiesta forward for part-exchange.
Mini Adventures
I’ve spent years dreaming of owning a Mini, it’s the one car I’ve always wanted yet never been able to afford. This year my dreams came true as we brought home a 16 plate Mini-Hatch in black. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement, I am in car heaven and couldn’t be happier.
As you can see from the above list, it’s most definitely being an eventful and life-changing year, certainly a year to remember. Here’s hoping that 2019 is as productive and as successful.
