Goodbye 2021 hello 2022

As we get ready to say goodbye 2021 and hello 2022 I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back on this year.

I started this tradition with my goodbye 2018 and hello 2019 post and my goodbye 2019 and hello 2020 post I thought I’d do the same again.

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Goodbye 2021 and hello 2022

And just like that 2021 is over – does anyone else feel like they’ve blinked and the year has gone?

After the rollercoaster of 2020 I didn’t have a lot of aspirations for 2021 but it’s actually been alright.

Elsie is still thriving at nursery and enjoying herself.

Our little girl is no longer a baby that’s for sure, she’s an absolute character and it’s a pleasure to watch her grow.

She turned two in July and is growing and developing every single day.

Although she still has problems with her foot she doesn’t let it hold her back and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me seeing her running around!

I’ve worked hard to find a balance when working from home rather than living at work and I feel like I’ve managed this much better this year.

2021 has also see. some firsts for Elsie, including a trip to the dentist, getting her haircut and lots of new shoes!

This year saw me leave a job and take a leap of faith – in myself more than anything.

In July I returned to the NHS this time as a communications and engagement manager and it has been an honour and a privilege.

Although we’ve remained cautious thanks to covid we have enjoyed seeing family and friends more than we were able to in 2020.

When Steve’s parents visited in June we had our first visit to Hall Hill Farm which Elsie absolutely loved.

Just before I started my new job we had a visit from Steve’s sister and family and we all enjoyed a day out at Hamsterley Forest.

Steve and I enjoyed a special treat of a day date to The Stables at Beamish Hall as well as a dining in at the Crown and Crossed Swords.

In September we managed to get down to Lincolnshire and spend time with Steve’s family.

We enjoyed a return trip to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park and Elsie loved seeing all the parrots and even some tigers!

Elsie really enjoyed her first visit to Potter’s World at Lanchester Garden Centre. 

In October I said goodbye to my old car and welcomed Marco Polo.

I’ve wanted a VW Polo since I passed my driving test so I’m thrilled and being able to listen to podcasts in the car is an absolute joy.

Our garage was converted into a much-needed playroom/home office which is well used thanks to the money we saved in 2020.

I’ve also managed to enjoy live gigs again, Chris Ramsey’s long awaited 20/20 tour and Chris and his wife Rosie’s Shagged Married Annoyed live podcast tour.

Our first family holiday was postponed last year and covid meant we had to return early after being pinged!

Steve and I have managed to have all three of our covid jabs (thank you everyone involved in making it possible) and we’ve continued to be cautious.

We had a really lovely Christmas, you can catch up with my festive favourites from 2021.

It was brilliant to be able to see more family and it not just be the three of us for the majority like last year.

We’ve enjoyed having some time off with Elsie over the festive period despite having to work in-between.

So all in all 2021 hasn’t been too bad for us.

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What am I looking forward to in 2022?

Like at the end of 2020 I am keeping my hopes and aims at the lower end of the scale as I know that things are still far from normal.

I hope to spend more time with family and friends next year, I don’t feel like we saw enough of each other again this year!

And I’m also hoping to enjoy more family trips out and exploring with Elsie.

I managed to read 45 books in 2021 and now I’ve got my reading mojo back I’m aiming for at least 50 in 2022.

Self care is still high on my agenda and I want to look after myself even better in 2022.

I’m really hoping that 2022 is bright and better than 2021.

And I wish you all a happy and healthy 2022.

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