Goodbye 2012

Yet another year is ticked off and like those that preceded it the year had its high points and its low points but few exceptionally notable points. Somehow we have all managed to retain full time employment which means that we have been able to buy those things we have wanted, socialise with our friends and take the holidays that enticed us to places we'd not visited before. We have managed to save for the future and clear most of the debt that we had taken on in previous years.

Both our boys - now young men - have been fortunate in their career choices. Mark survived the purchase of BMI and secured a job within British Airways which saw him having to fly out to Tokyo as part of a small team consulting with Japan Airways on a collaboration piece. Andy was rewarded for his decision to take up an apprenticeship with Rolls Royce in Derby by being selected for a role in the Maintenance Division which he absolutely loves, and being recognised as a craftsman without having to complete the full 3 year term of the apprenticeship.

But 2012 has definitely been the year where Suzie and I have given up ever larger chunks of our time to others. Getting away on holiday together has really been the only time when we have had time to ourselves and while we have continued to function well as a team we need more time for us.

So what for 2013? Well it starts with father's cremation service on 2nd January, and with that out of the way John and I will have to cover off the legalities that are his stipulated by his Last Will & Testament as British law dictates. After that there is the on-going caring for mother but 2013 will be a year where we do more for us and less for others. My Deauville has been sold and I will be buying a newer motorbike to fill that gap in my life (not sure what it will be right now). Suzie will be 50 in March and we will be marking that with a trip (with friends) to China. Mark plans to buy his first house with his girlfriend while Andy's girlfriend starts the 2013 by collecting a Mini she has put a deposit onto replace her failing Ka.

So we have plans, they represent a change in direction, and we can say Goodbye 2012 as we welcome in 2013. Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2013 brings new light and more than a glimmer of hope into your lives.