Ch...ch...ch...ch...changes

I started writing this post as a look back at 2012. But I got stuck. I was going to write it along the lines of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of 2012...but it just didn't feel right. There was too much ugly for this glass half full girl.

I'm not really one for raking over old ground too much. I make mistakes, I vow to do better and I move on. Sure, I learn from those mistakes. But dwell on them? I'd rather not.

2012 wasn't full of mistakes as such, but it's not a year that I'll be rushing to replicate. Many tears were shed. Far too much time was spent in hospitals. There was a lot of uncertainty and not enough laughter. But that was then. It's time to look forward, to what 2013 will bring.

So what will 2013 bring? A move 600 miles north to our longed-for Hoosie in the Highlands* will be the first big thing of the year. With it will come many changes, big and small. I have to admit, I love a bit of change. Shaking things up keeps life a bit more interesting I like think. A dash of unpredictability here, a dose of the unexpected there, as long as you keep it all in perspective and embrace those changes positively, change can be exhilarating. Frightening too at times, yes. But thrilling nonetheless!

However, we've kept all of these plan secret for so long, that even now, it doesn't quite feel real. Are we in denial? Possibly. Is it superstition? Probably. A fear of living up to expectations? That too. But as I said, I'm not one to dwell. Change is the buzzword for 2013 (see paragraphs above).

So, what else?

2013 will definitely be the year of The New. New schools, new stomping grounds, new friends (and old ones rediscovered I hope), new jobs, new family dynamics, new interests, a new kitchen (swoon), a new garden to plan from scratch (dreamy) and lots and lots of new furniture I hope. Moving from a 2 bed flat to a 4 bed house leaves us with a few gaps in the furniture department and with the nearest Ikea over 3 hours away, I have a feeling we'll be rocking the minimalist look for some time.

So what are my hopes and dreams for 2013? Mostly oodles of fresh air, walks on the beach, running along muddy trails in ancient woods, Sunday lunches cooked by my in-laws, long-lies courtesy of eager grandparents keen to make up for 6 years of being denied sleepovers (they're in for a shock I fear, but we'll make the most of it while it lasts), exploring castle ruins with my inquisitive boys, camping on the west coast, dolphin watching with my eco warrior...but my greatest hope is for family time. Acres and acres of family time.

Some improved health all round wouldn't go amiss either and to see my soul mate back in his running gear, scouring the interwebs for a race to enter would be the icing on the cake. But one step at a time...just to have him fit enough to jog through the woods at the bottom of our new road would be enough to start with.

I do have one thought for 2012. Despite all the stress and heartache, I'm grateful for 3 things:

one...

two...

all three...

So it's onwards and upwards for 2013. I'll miss you London, when the time comes. But you'll always be here for flying visits and trips down memory lane.

Lang may yer lum reek.

*technically not the Highlands, but it's my blog and I'm allowed some poetic license.