Looking Back

Ah the obligatory reflection on the happenings of a year coming to its end. Looking back over the last twelve months I realise that quite a lot has happened as it’s certainly been a very active year. While it’s had a few lows, namely my Grandma’s passing, it’s been a much more positive year. I started the year how I ended it which was New Years in Augusta, WA. From there Cat and I drove round a bit more of Western Australia before flying back to Canberra to begin unpacking our house having just moved in before Christmas. It feels like we’ve been living there for longer than a year now but I think that’s more to do with how comfortable the house feels now we’ve been living in it for a while.

We were soon joined by our first visitors for the year in the shape of Cat’s Dad and step-mum. We managed to fit in some nice touristy things and they rather enjoyed seeing Canberra having never visited before. February saw me visit the state of Victoria for the first time when I took part in a weekend football competition in Sale. We made it all the way to the finals but unfortunately lost the final on penalties. It was an awesome experience and one I hope to repeat this year if I can. March was fairly quiet though we did have a nice weekend away towards the end of the month. April was a pretty good month as far as things goes as I managed to tick something off my “always wanted to do” list as Cat bought me a horse ride for Christmas. It was rather awesome and an experience I’ll never forget and with any luck I’ll be able to find time over the comings years to go back and get more proficient at horse riding. April also saw me complete my first ever marathon in a rather respectable time of 3hrs 41mins 38secs. Whether I’ll do another one I’m not sure but at least I can say I’ve completed one!

May was mostly filled with playing football however June saw us take a trip to the quaintly named Wee Jasper. I also hosted a trivia night for Lanyon United which was really good fun as I do enjoy making up quizzes and hosting them; even if my jokes are rather cringe worthy. July saw us celebrate 7 years of marriage but also discovered the fantastic news that was Cat pregnant! We were, however, going to keep this quiet for quite a while and certainly until we were sure everything was going well.  We also went to see Sir David Attenborough give a talk here in Canberra and I was lucky enough to ask him a question too which was rather nerve wrecking if I’m honest. August is quickly becoming a bogie month for me, at least when it comes to riding my bicycle, as I was yet again knocked off it by a car. Still I did manage to see Professor Brian Cox on stage and visit Canberra’s Deep Space Communications Complex.

September was the start of busy month for Cat as she started her new job which involved three weeks worth of training in Sydney. We also had a couple of visitors over the month so we were certainly kept busy. October saw us visit Jindabyne for some nice walking and then later that month my Mum & Brother visited us. It was fantastic to have them visit not only so that we could show them the life we’re making for ourselves here in Australia but also because they were here to celebrate my 30th birthday. Speaking of which I had a rather excellent birthday dinner with the most awesome of birthday cakes made by one of our wonderful friends. During Mum & Bri’s visit we managed to pack in many of the touristy things to do in and around Canberra as well as a visit to the coast, the Blue Mountains and Sydney. I was sad to see them go but we’ll be flying back to Blighty in June next year so it won’t be too long till we see them again.

November was mostly filled with the usual happenings of an ordinary month bar midwife and doctor appointments which then leads us to December. Earlier this month we went down to Victoria so I could take part in the Mitchelton Winery Ride. This was my first organised ride that I’ve taken part in since moving here and it was quite an epic one to open the account, 85 miles! It did however involve riding with members of the Orica Green-Edge and Orica AIS teams which was pretty cool and I hope to be there next year too though next time I’ll take time off either side as I was properly tired the day after at work. We also had another visit from Cat’s Dad and step-mum and this weekend we’re off to Ulladulla for the weekend before celebrating our first Giftmas here in Canberra.

So despite this year ending in 13 it’s been a pretty darn good one (bike accident aside). However next year is the game changer as we welcome our daughter into the world in February and as many people have already said, parenthood changes everything. I’m sure next year is going to be one helluva ride and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you here on my blog. Have a wonderful Giftmas everyone and I wish you all a fantastic and prosperous 2014!