Happy New Year everyone! As we’ve closed the door on 2023, I’m doing my annual reflection post which also coincides with my blog-iversary (4 years today!).
I’m going to get a bit deep because nearly dying in 2021 made me reassess a lot of things in life. I think as you grow up you’re almost conditioned in to ‘phases’ that life ‘should’ take – education, marriage, parenting etc. In realising my life phases weren’t going to follow that pattern after all my infertility issues, I really struggled for a while. I became scared when faced with the meaning of my own life without children, and with the prospect of identifying what my next ‘phases’ and purpose would be.
Of course, in time, I have realised these worries are true for anyone, parent or not, and sit at the core of being human for many of us, and 2023 felt like a year of re-setting my own expectations of life. It was a year where I had stability for the first time in a long time, and I realise as I settled in to it that it’s my new normal. Perhaps there are no new phases, or no new huge changes to come – perhaps living this life is me until I die. And that’s just fine, because I loved 2023 and the adventures it brought.
1. January
January was spent at home and quiet, doing some local day trips such as exploring Cambridge Central Mosque and Cambridge University. The weather was cold and the days short so my free time was largely spent working hard during the week and then wrapped in a blanket in front of the fire reading books, and going on long walks at the weekend around the local Fens to explore more of the nature that’s on my doorstep.
2. February
In amongst lots more work, in early February we headed to Brenner’s Park in Baden Baden. It was a really beautiful trip and Germany feels like a second home to me so I was happy to be back. The highlight of the month though was undoubtedly my husband’s incredibly special homemade escape room board game which he gave to me as a birthday present.
3. March
In early March I headed to my parents’ for the weekend and we visited Calke Abbey. I also spoke at a global conference on Infertility in front of 1,000 people. It was very nerve wracking and I cried and spoke for too long, but I’m so glad I did it. Helping educate and raise awareness is something I’m passionate about doing in moderation going forwards.
At the end of March, my husband and I visited Slovenia for an incredible trip. I totally fell in love with this lovely little country, and had a real moment sitting by Lake Bled counting my blessings.
4. April
April saw the sun return and whilst work was really busy for me, at the weekend we did quite a few walks while the weather was mild. I also had a wonderful weekend with my Mum while my Dad was away walking the Pennine Way. We visited Morton Hall Tulip Festival, as well as Coughton Court & Hanbury Hall.
5. May
In early May I had a trip to York with my friend and we enjoyed a warm weekend exploring the city. I’d not seen her in a really long time and it was lovely to catch up properly.
My husband and I then headed off to Switzerland & Liechtenstein for 10 days at the end of the month. Whilst totally beautiful, I do have to admit that this wasn’t one of our top trips – our luggage was lost and my husband really struggled with hay fever and asthma to the point we had to call a Doctor out, plus he couldn’t do too much as his breathing was so poor. We all have those trips which don’t quite turn out as planned and it was still nice to get away (but also nice to get home).
6. June
After our Switzerland trip, my husband headed away to Japan, Korea and Hong Kong for 6 weeks. As I was by myself, my Dad came to stay with me. I’ve never spent a long time with him just the two of us and it was lovely to have him in the house. He laboured in the garden, sorted out my DIY and even shaved my doors down so they’d close properly. It was so lovely to have that time together. I also found out while my Dad was staying that I’d won my female business leadership award which I’m really proud of.
7. July
After a month husband-less at home, I’d had enough and flew to Hong Kong for the weekend to see him. I had the absolute best time exploring between monsoon warnings and look back so fondly at the crazy adventure. Being able to go on trips like this on a whim is a blessing for which I’m incredibly grateful.
After returning from HK, the highlight was my goddaughter’s Christening. I have spent a lot of time with her this year, seeing her at least every month. I get huge joy from being with her and am truly invested in being a permanent part of her life.
8. August
August was spent at home, focusing on work and pootling at the weekends. The weather was nice, so I really enjoyed re-vamping the garden, watching sport and just generally pottering. We also had our annual date day in Cambridge – a day of drinking and eating our way around our home city.
It was also my grandpa’s 90th birthday party and a wonderful day was spent celebrating with all of my family. He is in a home now and suffers with his memory, but I hope we surrounded him with love and put a smile on his face.
9. September
A crazy heatwave hit at the beginning of September taking us up to 34C (95F). It was so hot I largely stayed in an air conditioned office and work, work, worked. Then later in the month, I flew to Croatia to explore the Dalmatian Coast with my parents. I’m so grateful to be able to have lots of adventures with my Mum and Dad.
10. October
I had my first Go Live on my work project in October, so the month was largely lost to work. It was total chaos and seriously long hours but I did manage to make time one weekend to go and watch an NFL game at Wembley in London – each year the league takes a few games on the road, and we were able to see the Week 3 match up between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars.
11. November
November brought the freezing weather to England, so we escaped it by heading on our long haul holiday of the year to Thailand. It was one of the best breaks I’ve ever had and I’m so very grateful to be able to go on trips like this. Whilst I’d trade them in a heart beat to have been able to have a family, I’m sure as heck going to enjoy them given that I don’t.
12. December
Back from Thailand, the second half of November and pretty much all of December was again lost to work. However, just before Christmas I managed to steal a weekend away to Paris with my Mum. We did something truly special and stayed at the hotel attached to the Palace of Versailles.
Aside from my individual adventures, 2023 has been yet another reminder to us all to treasure the small things and practice gratitude. With war raging in the Ukraine, and the horrors of the Israel/Palestine escalation, I have barely been able to look at the news. On Christmas Eve, closer to home, an extended family member died after suffering serious head injuries after a fall at the age of only 26. A reminder of how precious life is, how important it is that we make time, effort and do our best with those we love, and that we practice grattitude for what we have.
And talking of gratitude – a HUGE thank you to everyone who reads or subscribes to my blog. I do it as a hobby and a creative outlet away from a crazy stressful job. This year my blog viewing stats have gone through the roof, and I’m so so thankful to all of you who take the time to read, comment or just scroll through the pictures. This is such a supportive community – brace yourselves for lots more adventures incoming in 2024.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and prosperous 2024.
Barney Travel Technologies
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