As you may be able to tell from my previous post, the end of 2023 is not the relaxed and restful time that I had hoped for. We’re in the process of moving house, we’re up to our eyeballs in boxes, and I’m more than a little anxious about everything that we need to do over the coming week. 

Consequently, and after everything else that we have had to deal with, it’s difficult not to look back on this year with a level of negativity. 

2023 has been tough. My mum spent the first four months of the year in and out of hospital, The Bloke’s auntie passed away, my father died, my workload has been insane and on more than one occasion I have had to start putting my foot down and set boundaries with a few people who have made constant demands on my time and energy while being rude and dismissive in the process – something that has gone on for far too long. The year has felt like a constant battle and I’m tired. 

However, in times like this I turn to the opening pages in my Bullet Journal, titled ‘Memories and Highlights.’ It’s one of my favourite things – a double page of all the great experiences that The Bloke and I have had throughout the year. 

And despite the nonsense, the double page is filled. 

This year we’ve seen over thirty shows at five different theatres. My favourites were Rock of Ages (which I think we’ve seen four times now), SIX (which has been on my list for a long time), Sinatra at The REP, and The Bodyguard. 

Along with the shows, we have had some incredible individual experiences. In January we started the year in a beautiful hotel suite in the city. In May we went to The Makers Central event at the NEC and met Nerdforge, who we have followed on YouTube for years. We were lucky enough to be able to bag last-minute tickets for Elton John’s final tour, we saw comedian Tim Minchin do a one-off performance at The Alexandra Theatre, and I took The Bloke to see Nathan James on tour with Vampires Rocks for his birthday. On a few occasions when things have got too overwhelming, we have booked a last minute trip to Blackpool and walked along the beach. 

In June, once Mum had started to recover, she came to visit. A Titanic obsessive, I took her to see the replica anchor in Netherton and we went for brunch. In July I took her for a weekend in London. We had afternoon tea at Sketch, saw We Will Rock You at the theatre, walked around Highgate Cemetery and went to the British Museum. In October we went to Worcester for the Titanic Exhibition. 

I’ve also been able to indulge my love of great food and experience some fantastic things. The Bloke and I went to Orelle (my favourite meal of the year), I enjoyed breakfast at Sketch, and Digbeth Dining Club (street food vendors from all over the Midlands) hosted an event at the park next to my house and we ran around ordering everything we could carry before the crowds arrived. I ate brunch at The Attendant Cafe in London, and had lunch with my friend at Dishoom. In September, I took my friend for breakfast at The Medicine Bakery to celebrate her landing a huge book deal. At Christmas, I met my friend for mulled wine and had dinner at Damascena. When the Christmas Market arrived, The Bloke continued our annual tradition of eating a massive German sausage (I can practically hear the smutty comments from here). 

And while I’m glad that this year is coming to an end, I’m beyond grateful for the ever-present support of those around me. I couldn’t do it without them.

Thank you for sticking with me for another year, and for your comments and social media messages. Wherever you are in the world and whoever you’re with, I hope that you have a very happy and healthy 2024.