December 31st for me is always about looking back and looking forward. In some ways it is like standing on the middle of a bridge that you are not really sure you want to cross while the bridge behind you is crumbling away.
Looking back on this year makes me realise how packed full this year has been:
Visits from friends and family has meant that for most months of this year we have had guests. This has been a great pleasure for us to share our home and to have fun playing the tourist! Without a doubt the most fun was had with our nephews - Aiden (6) and Ethan(5). We had play days at playmobil - an excuse to return to childhood; took them cycling and saw their confidence grow; went swimming; taught them new songs; built models; entertained and were entertained by them day after day.
Travelling also featured largely in 2011 for both of us, sometimes separately and sometimes together. I had my first visits to Hungary, Sweden and Poland. For business David travelled to India, China, Australia, Canada and the USA. Additionally we made it to other parts of Germany, Scotland, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium and one trip to the USA.
Toastmasters has also played a significant role for us. David was our local Area Governor until the end of June (end of the Toastmasters year) and now spends his Toastmasters time focussed on the 2 clubs where he is a member and in supporting me. Since 1st July I have been involved with education and training responsibilities across our whole district in Europe. This has accounted for much of my travel this year. It also meant that I had to travel to the USA for training in August. David came with me and we both got to enjoy our first Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. Also a first experience of Las Vegas too!
We are looking forward to 2012 with great anticipation. The year starts with each of us making separate trips to India (a first for me) and some tentative visits from family and friends on the calendar. The great excitement for us also fills us with disbelief. In September 2012 we will celebrate our silver wedding. 25 years of marriage?? How did that happen? Where have the years gone? We have decided that we are very blessed and this is certainly something to celebrate. Already some planning has begun. I am confident that much more activity in this direction will follow!
Our recent visit to family and friends in Scotland, especially at this time of year and when we have lived in other places for a number of years, draws us into thoughts of "home" and some sentimental notions.
Just a little song from the bridge of the years.
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