It's my birthday and also the last day of 2015. I have had a lovely day. When I went in to Davie's room to wake him he sleepily held out his arms to give me a hug! Then I went for a really nice lunch in The Bothy in Ruthven Lane with James, Ally and Davie. I laughed at what Ally said when James asked him why he had walked from Exhibition Centre station to Byres Road instead of taking the Underground from Partick to Hillhead. Ally replied "£1.40 mate!" My boys are thrifty! While we were at the restaurant Jamie phoned from his ski holiday in France to wish me a happy birthday; it was good to hear his voice; he is having a great holiday and has enough snow to ski on - just enough!
And so the year 2015 comes to its close. It has been a busy year, and like most years has had its ups and downs. The main issue for me continues to be work / life balance. On the other hand, at least my job is not boring! Although I am beginning to realise that a more boring job could be very attractive. So I need to address this. I really, really have to address this.
There have been lots of good things about 2015. Most importantly the fantastic people in my life who have supported me. James is always there with advice which is not always welcomed by me, but is often exactly right. My three boys continue to be a joy to me, and I have a marvellous sister and some brilliant friends. I have had the amazing experience of visiting Uganda, which has made me re-evaluate my life. And I was so lucky to be part of the school Music trip to Germany in June. Our holidays have also been excellent - skiing in France in the spring and then our amazing road trip with Davie to the USA in the summer. And of course two fantastic weekends with Alison and Hugh in Boat of Garten and hill-walking weekends aplenty. I loved our trip to Amsterdam in August with Heather and Ewan - part of our 30th Wedding Anniversary celebrations. Many people would probably not have expected James and I still to be married after 30 years, including us! And I should mention our gorgeous kitties, Tom and Ruby who are such fun - just watching their antics cheers me up. My health has been a bit bizarre though! A detached retina, a cataract operation, and several bad falls culminating in a broken ankle! I would never have guessed that all that lay ahead of me this time last year! The good news is that all of this was well treated by the very kind people I have met in Gartnavel and Hairmyres so I am all patched up and ready for the New Year.
I wonder what 2016 holds in store?