At the start of the second week of 2012, there will be plenty of New Years Resolutions that have already been broken (it’s almost as traditional as setting the resolutions in the first place).
This January I am going to take inspiration from the Roman god ‘Janus’ who is said to be the ancient god of doorways and beginnings. Janus is usually represented as having one head with two bearded faces back to back, looking in opposite directions (one into the past and the other into the future). So in my first blog post of the New Year I shall be looking at the highs of 2011 See a photo of me this time last year.
My next blog will look forward to 2012.
2011 Best Bits
January
- Spent a fantastic week in France with family and friends, lots of cheese, wine and snow!
- Also published my first range of Greetings Cards – see blog post here.
February
- Spent a wet Sunday afternoon learning how to decorate cup cakes. My blog post has photos, but I did this for several reasons, a) to take time out for myself, b) to see what all the fuss was about with cupcakes and c) to meet some new people. A bit of fun, but the enjoyment far outweighed the cost and time out of my day.
March
- I raised £270 for the Julian House ‘Big Bath Sleep Out’ by sleeping rough (only a sleeping back and cardboard bed) for one night.
April
- Started taking part in a twice monthly local pub quiz at The Richmond in Bath. Our team ‘The Charlie George All Stars’ named after our mascot (our dog) has finished first or second every time since the start. Still going strong in January 2012.
- April 29th also saw the Royal Wedding of William and Kate most people remember this as they got a free day off work/school etc.
May
- Carried out a bit of consumer research by using Groupon extensively for a while, to see how it worked, how it would work for other businesses and how it could work for me. My blog post here was very positive, an update should follow as my views have changed/evolved some-what.
June
- Ran in the Bath ‘Cancer Research Race for Life’ only 5km and only raised £39.90, but it started off my running passion.
- Also took part in the Bath Sky Ride - a cycle around Bath for all ages, on closed roads.
- And attending a ‘Breakthrough Breast Cancer’ charity Twenty20 cricket match at Bath Cricket Club and won a signed shirt in the silent auction.
July
- Went on holiday for 2 weeks to Corfu with the family. The first time I have taken 2 weeks out without phone or email. Practised what I preach and had all my calls and emails managed by some-one else, one of the new members of the team, Hannah who joined us in the summer.
- Also went to see ‘Take That’ at Wembley Stadium. Amazing show and wonderful day out.
August
- This was the month that I decided I wanted to run a half marathon, so (without any training) I entered the Bath Half marathon 2012 and to tie in with the event I was organising in September, decided to run it for the Forever Friends charity. Pledged to raise £175 – and even if I have to pay the rest myself, I will get there.
- My daughter got her GCSE results – 2 A stars, 7 A’s and 2 B’s – very proud Mum.
- My son got his first full-time job, enrolled on a college course and applied to re-sit his A Levels, equally proud Mum.
September
- Helped to organise a reunion at Kelston Park, Bath for the ex-employees of The Andrew Brownsword Collection, Andrew Brownsowrd Gifts, Gordon Fraser Gallery and Classic Card Company (all latterly Hallmark Cards). Raised £250 for the RUH Forever Friends Appeal.
- Also spent a fantastic week in New York. The same weekend as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 – will never forget that trip.
October
- Had a weekend away in Wales and took my husband to the Black Mountains Falconry Centre for a half day hawk and owl experience. If any ‘townies’ want to spend a day in the country and learn lots, see beautiful creatures in a wonderful setting, I can recommend.
- Also remembered that the world hit 7 billion people.
November
- Spent a fantastic weekend away at Dartington Hall in Devon. Walked around the beautiful gardens, ate and drank at the White Hart (on-site) pub and restaurant and had a tour of the incredible conferencing/wedding/venue facilities. Was also interested to hear about their commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice.
- Got some photos into the Bath Life magazine ‘By Invitation Only‘ event page.
- Sponsored a few men in the ‘Movember‘ moustache growing appeal to help raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
December
- Created a Facebook Page for AMPMPA Ltd
- Ran the longest distance in one go that I ever have attempted – 9 miles – all around Cambridge. Feeling confident that the half marathon is attainable. Decided that I needed to run a Marathon by the end of 2012 as a result.
- Took 2 weeks off work and spent it with family and friends, a lovely warm end to an amazing year.
I think that just about sums up my year – I am sure I have forgotten a few things, so will update/edit as and when I remember.
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