With not a lot new to say I am finding myself not blogging much of late and instead popping in just as the month is about to close with a quick update. This is one of those. Two factors have played a big part in my lack of narrative at the close of the year: illness and weather. The weather has been unbelievable but for us it has been a spoiler rather than anything major as it has been for so many on this little island. A real tragedy at any time to be flooded but more so this time of year.
The other is illness. The boy was first. A couple of weeks ago I was called an hour after doing the school run to return again to pick him up after he was sick in class. The girls followed, my wife and then me. The kids are resilient. They were over it quickly but my wife and I have found it hard to shake it completely and we are not alone. At least not as bad as it was and expected this time of year. Its weird. I was at the window yesterday and there was an insect on the outside of the window. I saw a squirrel disappear into a tree the other day. Its so mild there is no snow and the water continues to rise.
Not a lot else has happened in the last month except I went from being 43 years old to 44 but because of the bug there was no birthday meal. The weather and shorter days has prevented alot of walks and drives and to be honest any desire for either. So its a slow cruise into the new year.
But this year of all years I really do need to look back. This time last year I would not have believed what lay ahead if someone had told me. I was making progress but still nothing like what happened this year. If it had been suggested I would get on a bus I'd not quite have believed it. On a train, no chance. I did both. A meal was a massive thing. Going to lots of different places I never imagined possible. Places I had not been in over a decade which were fast becoming vague memories have now been revisited. But by far and away the biggest of all was an overnight at a hotel with my family. Never ever did I think that was possible until the week before I did it. I haven't done it since and to be honest it was not enjoyable but its a step in the right direction.
This is the first year since before the kids were born, oldest now 12 years old, that I can actually look ahead with some plans. There is still a long way to go and even just keeping myself where I am is difficult to be honest but worth it. I should by now have made a list of resolutions. Every other end of year I have never done that as there seemed little point. I was so restricted. 2015 has proven that anything is possible. I hope 2016 can be at least as good and hopefully better.
Wherever you are I hope you and those you love have a great 2016.
