1 more step along the world I go

One more step along the world I go… It is incredible how much changes in a year, as we travel from the old things to the new…  The amount of things we do, the people we meet, the memories we make – 365 short days turn a year into something rather memorable!

It is scary to compare how long ago the start of the year seems in mood and personal place to how fast the year has gone past.  This year has been a personal journey rather than the travel it involved.  That said – of course there’s been plenty of travels.  Sat in the airport in early July I totted up that I had done near on 40 work flights in 6 months… I’m happy to report that in the second half of the year I only got on a few planes.  Much as I love flying, I am still enjoying the break!

2014 ended terribly and so in 2015 we chose to do a ctrl alt delete on life!  We started on 1st January with retail therapy… Not by booking 1 fancy holiday, or 2, but we booked 3 in a row, because we could and it made us smile!  I was then fortunate to be able to change my role at work into something that motivates me and then more recently Mr P has started a new job that he loves and which makes me burst with pride.  The foundation to the year was rediscovering my love for sailing and revelling in the benefits of time offline, outdoors and making new friends.

As a result we both agree that we feel very fulfilled as 2015 draws to a close.  So I googled it and the feelings of fulfilment are my favourite 2015 memories…

When I was at my most…. engaged – At work 

I am sorry, but it is true – and not just when I’m ice-sculpting or pressing the Boeing 787 window blind button repeatedly (so cool).  Someone once said to me why work hard doing something that doesn’t motivate you and spend all your time dreaming of being somewhere else if you can find something that does? Well I found the job that does and I revel in it – engaging, incredibly hard work and every day is different and challenging (not all fun like the photos suggest). Pushed out of my comfort zone I have presented to hundreds of people, spent time doing studio recordings, scuttled all over Europe (answering passport control questions wrongly and still being let through) and even discovered India (which much to my surprise I loved).

When I was at my most…. hopeful – Visiting Paris in the Spring

When we visited Paris at the end of February the city was recovering from the Charlie Hebdo massacre and the buzz was coming back even though there were police and armed guards everywhere.  I couldn’t have imagined anything worse could happen to this incredible city but it has. So I’m hopeful now, that ‘business as usual’ will resume and people will continue to flock to and support this beautiful city. We didn’t feel unsafe when we were there, I hope that is the same now. I spend a lot of time with work in London and sadly don’t feel safe in the way I used to, and I love London.

When I was at my most…. grateful – My birthday treat at Cliveden House

Mr P knows how to spoil me and a weekend at Cliveden House nailed it.  Just as the painstaking restoration was coming to a close this spring we spent a weekend being spoilt by our friends at Cliveden (they even gave me a selfie-stick).  I’m not sure I have ever stayed in such an opulent yet comfortably relaxing hotel.  I am always amazed in large and busy hotels how all the staff can be able to address me by name from the moment I walk through the door – it is charming.  It’s a perfect hotel – 20mins from Heathrow, relaxed opulence, a winter-friendly outdoor pool, stunning National Trust gardens and a splendid restaurant and some of the best staff in the business.

When I was at my most…. joyful – Weekends with friends

I love those weekends when there’s a social occasion with friends.  Often I’m tired after a long week and don’t actually think I want to go out.  But I do.  And thank goodness I do.  Whether it be a BBQ, a walk in the park, a pub lunch, supper, a raucous party, cocktails, a weekend away (we adore our trips to Vienna), even FaceTime with friends some distance away – it’s always fun.  There’s a quote I love ‘here’s to the nights that became mornings with the friends that became family‘ – never a truer word.  We’ve missed some friends this year – 2 new jobs in a year has made diaries challenging but we will see them soon.

When I was at my most…. refreshed – After our incredible trip to Maine

I remember feeling like I couldn’t find anywhere I wanted to stay in Maine in the run up to the trip then it fell happily in to place and, my oh my, we couldn’t have had a better trip.  I’m not sure that any one trip has ever fitted together quite so well or been so well timed.  During 10 days in the States, flying to and from Boston, we stayed in some amazing places and were truly relaxed, reconnected and refreshed.  There’s something special about Maine – such a laid back way of life surrounded by the most enormous views and stunning scenery and great food and drink.

When I was at my most…. exhilarated – Jumping into a swimming pool

Sounds like nothing to most people but I am terrified of going under water. I do not, repeat DO NOT, jump into swimming pools. I signed up to do my sea survival training which includes life raft drills and jumping into a pool in full clothes and waterproofs. As we can see I am still alive, and I jumped in 5 times, even off a diving board (although if I had loitered longer I would have been pushed).  Good fun…  But imagining what it would be like to actually be stepping up off a sinking yacht into a life-raft – terrifying.  A good reminder to any offshore sailor of the risks we take and the importance of always sailing with trusted crew on a boat we know.

When I was at my most…. inspired – On the water

My best decision this year was getting back on the water.  It is easy to forget that doing more of what you love is good for you and being on the water with the phone switched off is such a privilege.  I remember in the spring getting back onto a yacht I’d not raced on for 10 years and there being lots of new faces.  We had a shaky start but we learnt and became a team.  I have made some friends for life – on the water, in the beer tent and living out of each others pockets. Fantastic fun l – we won our first race to St Malo then did a few days of Cowes Week before the main event – the 600 mile Fastnet Race.

When I was at my most…. peaceful – Running

I don’t think I can run further than 5km but that is ok because I really enjoy trotting round the park for 25minutes. I love pounding the pavements listening to some thumping tunes – it is a real freedom to live in a city and have the outdoor space so near and we had a particularly warm and beautiful Autumn to make the most of. Running is a great escape and keeps my mind in check.  I have learnt though not to answer the phone when running even though it is great multi-tasking!  A while back my boss rang and I wasn’t out of breath so I answered and had a good chat about work whilst carrying on running.

When I was at my most…. affectionate – Time with Mr P

We had a busy year, the flight count between us is in triple figures, so spending time together when we are both home at the same time is so valuable. Busy jobs and hobbies that take is in different directions are fantastic for confidence and independence, but they also mean the value we put on weekends is very high, the same from mini-breaks, date-night and sometimes just having no plans at all. We’ve had some lovely walks and pub lunches in the New Forest and sunny days visiting National Trust gardens too. Cornwall is our go to easy getaway destination – Easter and November both delivered some glorious weather.

When I was at my most…. excited – At Christmas

Can I say now? Right now? My out of office is on until January 4th, I’ve had a storming year of hard work and great fun, the Christmas tree is up and we have lovely plans for the next 2 weeks with friends and family. I am looking forward to kicking back and relaxing, glass of champagne in hand.

So those are my best bits. Thank you for joining the ride, plenty more fun to come next year