A Decade

Friday, January 03, 2020



At the beginning of the last decade Andy and I had been together for 7 months. I was working in a job I didn't particularly enjoy. I was renting a house, living alone except for two young cats - my first pets as an adult - Socks and Tinker.

It's been a period of change and growth, but the last few years of the decade have been tough. We've suffered loss, and I've struggled with the aftermath. But I'm healing and among the crappy memories, the memory of giggling with Andy in our darkest moments is one that still makes me smile, because we survived and we're stronger for it.

In the intervening years we moved in to our forever home and started on a long list of improvements, we got engaged and said our vows 99 days later.

I'm working freelance and don't miss the office politics one little bit. And I'm happy to say my two cats are still with me, waking me up far earlier than I'd like.

This blog was started in September 2010, and has been a place to reflect, share my thoughts and ideas, and I've made some wonderful friends because of it.

I visited Nairobi and fed giraffes, I flew to Zanzibar to watch my best friend get married.

We honeymooned in Zurich and Paris, and I slept under the stars in the Sahara.

I've gone to two college reunions.

I was part of a fundraising group who helped to raise £4.3M for a new cancer unit at our local hospital. And my fundraising continues on a smaller scale.

I was one of a small group of people who organised two world record attempts locally. We didn't become record breakers, but it really didn't matter in the end.

I tried, and failed, many times to get into running, but I have developed a love for yoga that I think will last a lifetime.

After years of drinking tea, strong but with a lot of milk, and no sugar, I've switched almost exclusively to green tea, but still consume several cups a day.

I've started a process of reducing plastic consumption as much as possible, and have changed my spending habits drastically.

I gave up on western medicine and dealt with my allergies using natural methods, ending a struggle with sinusitis that had plagued me for decades.

I discovered a haven in the form of my greenhouse, but have so far been unsuccessful in growing forget-me-nots. Spinach, chives, potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce leaves are recurring produce.

And I've finally realised the importance of self care.

I'm hoping that the next decade will be one of growth, excitement and adventures.

Happy New Year everyone!

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14 comments

  1. This was such a lovely post to read x

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  2. Such a lot can happen in a period of ten years. I like how you've looked at the big changes, like getting married, and the smaller ones too, such as the type of tea you now drink. A lovely post.

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    1. Thanks Jo. It had been a decade of change for me. Life is made up of big moments and little things, and it's most often the little things that make us who we are.
      xx

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  3. What an interesting decade. Some sad moments but also a lot of awesome things. Hoping the next decade is even better!
    Out of interest, what natural methods did you use to clear your sinusitis? Not that I suffer from it - I'm just curious.

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    1. Thanks Bev. I hope so too!
      For sinusitis I tried acupuncture which really helped, and then I had natural allergy testing which showed some intolerance to certain things that caused sinusitis - dairy for example. The NHS told me to stop eating dairy, but I wasn't comfortable cutting out an entire food group! Having taken the remedies, I can now eat dairy again, but have to be careful not to eat too much cheese - especially brie. But it's worth it not to have to deal with sinusitis time and time again.
      xx

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  4. What a lovely post and recap of your decade. It has made me look back at everything that has happened in my life over the last decade, the good as well as the sad things. I may be 10 years older than in 2011, but I'm certainly feeling more confident in my own skin. Bring on the next decade! xxx

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    1. I can't believe Andy and I have been together for over a decade now, it doesn't seem like it can be that long, but then, so much as happened and changed.
      So yes, bring it on!
      xx

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  5. I've wondered how long you and Andy have been together- now I know! I am glad for all your achievements- you have done a lot- well done!
    What IS Sinusitis!??! I'm not sure what it is!? But well done for curing it!
    I'm very glad you started the blog and that I am privileged to know you in real life too!x

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    1. Thanks Kezzie.
      Sinusitis is inflammation in the sinuses, it causes headaches that feel like a build of of pressure behind the eyes and forehead. In some cases it can cause sensitivity to light, temperature, toothache depending on the severity. So you'll understand why I was pleased to get rid of it! I do still get it occasionally but it's an improvement on getting it over and over and over again. At it's worst I felt like I had it non stop for most of 2009/2010, it was ridiculous!
      xx

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  6. Lovely to read your positive cheerful post - good luck for 2020 and beyond! Betty x

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  7. I've been loving reading everyone's round-up posts. Happy New Year to you, Hazel x

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Thank you for taking the time to comment x

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