I was browsing twitter this evening and saw a tweet from this lady tagging @GlasgowMummy in an end of year meme post. Now, as a long time user of blogging platforms like Livejournal I am familiar with these posts – and yet, my more and more sporadic posting meant that I almost clicked away. Something about Kate’s writing style reeled me in though, so here is my entry.

If you read this, I would be so happy if you could leave a wee comment even just to say hello.

I’m going to specifically tag Rachael, Julie, Bob, Neil, Josie, Sarah and Blondie but if you’re reading this please feel free to do it too.

My highs and lows of 2012

1. What was your happiest event?

I was very lucky this year to share many happy events with my nearest and dearest. Turning 30 in March was surprisingly easy to bear surrounded by friends and family. My first ever solo adult holiday to Alicante on a fantastic hen weekend celebrating my dear friend Lesley, with friends old and new. Immediately after that, my second ever solo adult holiday to Turkey with my amazing friend Pauline. All of these facilitated by my fabulous, continuously supportive hubby and gorgeous children. A relaxed and loving Christmas at home with my babies. Lots to pick from.

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

We were fairly lucky to avoid sad things this year, possibly because Christmas 2010/New Year 2011 was enough for a lifetime. I’d say coming to the realisation that blood isn’t that important in deciding who gets to repeatedly hurt you – but for me, that was a relief rather than a sadness.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

My bungee jump! Still can’t quite believe I did it, I was utterly petrified and tried to back out whilst on the platform. Kind of desperate to do another one, now

4. Who let you down?

I’d say myself. I let myself get bogged down in things that aren’t important, overwhelmed by things that are important and could not prioritise. 2013 will be a very different year for us.

5. Who supported you?

As ever, my amazing Bob and the kids. Special mention to my sister Steph, my Dad & StepMum and Bob’s parents who have all been a source of strength through the year.

6. Tell us one thing you learned

I have actually learned lots of valuable things, most in part to starting back at college this year to study. I’m learning a lot about MANY different things!

7. Tell us one thing that made you laugh

Grumpy Cat

8. Tell us one thing that made you cry

Feeling utterly helpless about where we live. Renting is such a horrible way to exist, especially renting privately.

9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.
I can only pick three?
1. Being generally cohesive as a family. It was remarked upon by a medical professional that our family as a whole presented as an extremely close and loving unit. That made me very proud.
2. Each coped exceptionally well with new transitions this year. Greer into nursery, Erica into school and the boys into a new year group. They’ve all had excellent reports from their education institution and I’m delighted.
3. Celebrated their (admittedly low-key) Christmas gifts with gratitude and gusto. They received a very small amount comparitive to their friends and were happy to have received anything at all.

10. Tell us one thing that made you proud of yourself.

Going from being the boss of an organisation to a student – the lowest of the low! – and coping for the most part.

11. Tell us one challenge you overcame

Realising that self-employment wasn’t the golden ticket for our family that we thought it would be, and moving away from that into a different realm.

12. Tell us three things you would like to change about your life in 2013.
1. My weight – an ongoing issue which impacts on my energy and my health. I need to lose 2-3 stone and I believe I can do it.
2. My busy life – I read blogs like Posie gets cozy and Soulemama and feel an overwhelming sense of jealousy at this calm, nature-focused life. I feel so busy, all of the time and just filled with stress. That has to change for my own mental health and for that of my family.
3. My time management – I want to be more focused on things that need done (like work and study) so that I can make more time for my babies and my hubby.

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