So long 2012 - you've been a good friend

So long 2012 you’ve been a good year.  Challenging – of course, dramatic – certainly, emotional – you bet, stressful – at times, enjoyable – constantly, educational – definitely, exhausting – of course (but that is more Alby’s fault than yours).

This year saw Alby’s first teeth, first steps, first hugs, first sounds, first giggles, first birthday.  This will sound really stupid but it’s very odd to think that with 2013 will, eventually come Alby’s second birthday.  I’ve barely got my head around him being a one year old, two sounds incredibly old.

This year saw 7 of our friends tying the knot and one very special friend getting engaged.  Friends who we’ve worked with, studied with and grown up with.  And ultimately, who we’ve partied with.

In addition to bringing romance we also saw the arrival of even more bundles of joy – most significantly to me with the birth of my wonderful nephew and my friend’s darling little girl who took us all by surprise with her early appearance but who has quickly shrugged off her premature entrance to be a right little trooper. 

And of course, 2012 marks my love’s second tour of Afghanistan.  As I type they have just shown footage of some of the serving troops celebrating the arrival of the New Year over there.  No sign of Mark but the footage still put a smile on my face – it warms me to know how happy they all look.  And how well.  Whilst I’m in no denial about the difficult and challenging circumstances he is in, any worries I have are always negated by how proud I am of him to be doing a job which gives him purpose, enjoyment, development and pride.  2012 has certainly been the most challenging for us career wise but I’m surrounded by plenty of others sharing this bizarre reality and really it’s not so bad. 

True, I wasn’t saying such yesterday – but with the morning comes a whole New Year.  The ultimate clean slate.  I love Mondays because they give my a fresh start – you can only imaging therefore how much I love New Year.  Admittedly, late nights lead to a slow start meaning resolutions generally aren’t written until the middle of January, but that doesn’t matter.  I’ve lost by the end of February anyway. 

This is the time for inspiration.  This is the time for self-review, improvement, development and good intention.  I will do my best to grab it with both hands, to be the best wife I can, the best mother I can and the best friend I can.