So it’s a quiet New Year in the flat for me. It’s only natural that at the end of the year you think about what’s happened and what needs to change in the next year.
2016 has seen a lot of changes to my life. I’ve had new jobs, new diagnoses, new car, new people, new experiences and new kinds of happiness. Although a lot of my experiences this year have hurt and upset me I have gained far more value to my life that I have lost.
I don’t feel like talking about the bad parts of my year is as important as appreciating the good and remembering that more is to come in the new year.
Here are some of the highlights of my year:
I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. I may have drunk a littler too much but I got to see some wonderful people while I was staying with my parents.
I was completely spoilt. Christmas, in my opinion, is not about doing for things. I can save up money and go buy everything I need. Christmas should be about spending time thinking about your loved ones and tailoring a gift to them. Knowing that they will appreciate it. My mum (and dad, although I don’t think he tried as hard) got me so many of these gifts. I could tell they’d thought about my life and how they could improve it and things that I would love. I try to buy presents like that for others, I led like to think that everyone had the same reaction to their presents as I did. I’m very grateful to all my loved ones for their presents.
In December James and I visited Manchester for a weekend trip. We had a VIP experience with a 3 course meal and watched the Spurs game. I hope he absolutely loved the day. Showing my appreciation to people that do a lot for me is one of my favourite things to do.
He’s now converted into a City fan. (Sssh, I’ll get in trouble if he finds out I’m telling people that.)
While in Manchester we went to The Warehouse Project to see Oliver Heldens Presents. It was an incredible experience, finally something ticked off my list.
Horatio became part of the team. He’s currently out on injury. Trunk sprain probably.
I FINALLY made it to Harry Potter studios. Loved every minute of that trip. No potions or spells needed.
I’ve eaten so much. So many dinner dates that I’ve been treated to. Diet start 1st Jan!
❤
James and I drove some beautiful shiny cars. Shame I can’t keep mine as perfect.
I taught James to play my favourite game – Ticket to Ride. I got taught how to play in my first year at uni and haven’t stopped since. Don’t worry, I’m champ!
I got converted. Not sure that I’m that bothered but my dad (a Liverpool supporter) isn’t pleased.
After watching a whole series of The Apprentice, James and I think that Sugar’s PA needs firing. Using the same jpeg to hide her afternoon naps.
We tried our hand at gambling. Not given up the job and jet setting around the world, so not the most successful visit.
We visited Winter Wonderland. He skated, I fell. Good job there was Baileys hot chocolate to warm me up.
We celebrated my mums 50th Birthday!
I had an eventful V Festival this year. 2017 will bring a new festival, one more down on the list.
I was made to feel so special for my birthday. Charlie and the Chocolate factory and cocktails with James. Ice Bar and dinner with my family and Jess. I’m such a lucky girl to have people to celebrate with me.
I got a holiday with Zoe. Much more travelling will be done in 2017.
Horatio got a passport this year for all my future travels with him.
The two most important people in my life as of now.
I’ve certainly not been any trouble all year. I’m an angel.
So many trips to the zoo have been made. I now hold two annual zoo cards, meaning I get to feed the beautiful elephants as much as I want.
My body is currently 70% ice cream. But cornettos are the bomb, so who can blame me.
I met this guy. Who never shuts up about the slide they’ve built on this…
So we are going in the New Year.
So much of my time was spent watching live bands and comedians with Zoe. She is always such a funny, bubbly girl who will adventure with me. I appreciate every minute I get to spend with her.
I got to come home and surprise my parents. They are perfect and I wouldn’t change them for anything in the world.
I’ve spent a lot of time having adventures with my parents this year and I’m determined to have plenty more in 2017.
This year us taught me it isn’t about the amount of people you have around you. It about making sure that the people you do have always have your best intentions at heart. The people that have left my life this year may have been important to me at one point or another, but the ones I’ve got now want the best for me and are willing to help and encourage me to work to get what I want out of life, they support me on my struggles to manage all my conditions and they love me unconditionally. I couldn’t ask for any more.
I’ve loved many of the experiences I’ve had in 2016 and I know that there are so many more to come!
I hope that 2017 brings fantastic things for everyone in my life. Happy New Year!
Soph
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