{"id":255,"date":"2023-12-08T20:08:55","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T20:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/roblsmith.co.uk\/blog\/?p=255"},"modified":"2024-01-24T18:17:07","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T18:17:07","slug":"2023-a-year-in-reveiw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/roblsmith.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/12\/2023-a-year-in-reveiw\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 – A Year In Reveiw"},"content":{"rendered":"

So this blue marble has completed another cycle around the sun, and I am another year older. And now in last year of my twenties…<\/p>\n

I’m not much of a diary keeper, and I did try and attempt at using one second a day<\/a> to record a second a day of my life, but managed it for about two weeks before realising how mundane my day-to-day really is. But let’s see what memories of this last year I can pull up…<\/p>\n

January – March: Homeownership Adventures and Spa Surprises<\/h1>\n

The year kicked off with a hefty \u00a3500 bill to rectify the guttering, only to see it leak again, not once but twice. Ah, the joys of homeownership! Amidst these challenges, I found solace in attending a moving memorial gig for my girlfriend’s dad’s former bandmate, raising funds for Leukaemia Care.<\/p>\n

Surviving a couples’ IKEA trip and conquering the flat-pack challenge marked a domestic victory.<\/p>\n

February brought a fresh start with the decoration of my home office and an unexpected wall breach during a radiator replacement. Again, yay, homeownership!<\/p>\n

March, however, was a month of indulgence.
\nA spa day at Ramside Hall promised relaxation, but an untimely 1 am fire alarm tested my tranquillity. Note to self: even Premier Inns offer better post-alarm apologies!<\/p>\n

April – June: Co-Working Trials and Sun-Soaked Escapades<\/h1>\n

April marked the commencement of back-bedroom decoration and the exploration of a new co-working space. Farewell, Commerce House, you served us well.<\/p>\n

May brought a touch of democracy as I exercised my right during local elections, brandishing my newly acquired adult passport in lieu of my driver’s licence – a victim of a now won fight with the DVLA.<\/p>\n

May’s climax, however, was a magical evening at Sunderland Empire, where my girlfriend and I immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of The Lion King musical.<\/p>\n

June ushered in a week of bliss in Lanzarote – a welcome escape filled with sun-soaked days, leisurely reads, and exploration hand-in-hand with my wonderful partner.<\/p>\n

July – September: New Office, Anniversary, and Pondering Surgery<\/h1>\n

July marked a professional transition as we moved into a new office.<\/p>\n

August saw us utilising the Christmas present I had bought my partner – an Arctic Wolf Feeding experience at South Lakes Zoo, a venture to remember, proving that experiences often make the best gifts.<\/p>\n

The month ended with a milestone \u2014 our first anniversary, a celebration of a year filled with shared adventures and laughter.<\/p>\n

As September rolled in, home improvements continued with the arrival of carpets for the back bedroom and the assembly of a pool table in our office. Amidst these practicalities, serious discussions unfolded with my consultations with maxfax to explore further surgery options.<\/p>\n

October – November: Home Office Upgrades and City Adventures<\/h1>\n

October witnessed the addition of a standing desk to my home office, a final touch to a space I spend a good amount of time in.<\/p>\n

Personal victories continued as my car triumphed in its MOT, a sigh of relief for any vehicle owner.<\/p>\n

November brought a blend of practicality and nostalgia. A missed green waste collection turned into a bonfire night spectacle, and a visit to Hull unearthed the serendipity of revisiting my hometown, and a place exactly a year later.<\/p>\n

Oh and a fantastic work gathering in Manchester.<\/p>\n

The verdict?<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a good year after all.
\nI did many fun and exciting things, and spend it with the most wonderful person.<\/p>\n

What’s for 2024??<\/h1>\n