Well, it's new year (nearly).
All the routines and rituals of the season can serve to highlight what has changed over the year, and what has stayed the same. For me, my "baby" turned three on Christmas Eve and we spent Christmas Day at the in-laws, just like we did on his first Christmas. This year, unlike his first Christmas, wasn't a white Christmas in Cheltenham. There were a few other differences too - I'm, thankfully, not still breast-feeding him, for one.
Some things haven't changed. Last year I was planning a good tidy-up and clear-out of the toys. This year the problem is the same (actually it's worse - since we have amassed more toys, more pieces of plastic crap, and more of the children's "art"). Will this job still be on my list next year, I wonder?
Last year one of my New Year's Resolutions was to run. I attended the first Cheltenham parkrun on 16th February http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cheltenham/
I have now completed 39 parkruns - only 11 more until the legendary "50" club. This should be something I can tick off my list for 2014.
One Resolution I don't want this year is to lose weight. I'd like to improve my cooking, effortlessly creating healthy (and easy) family meals. Ideally the family will eat them. Happy to take any tips or recipes on this topic - as fussy eaterdom is a fact of life around here.
I surprised myself this year by writing a novel. That was fun - but slightly frantic (involving lots of late nights, which those of you with early-waking children will know can be a struggle). I was hoping to publish it by the end of the year - however it looks like I'm not going to meet that deadline. Another goal for next year.
So now another year is over (nearly) what have we got? Those of us with children can often more easily see what we've gained over a year - for example I now have a school-boy and a (nearly pre-schooler). I don't want to live through my children, though.
Next year I will achieve things for me.
