2017: in review

What a year.

There have been some spectacular highs and some heart-renching lows in 2017. When reflecting back I find it difficult not to think about some of these lows (Manchester and London terrorist attacks, the Grenfell Tower fire) largely because they hit very close to home. But I've also thought a lot about everyone who rallied together because of those lows, to help, support and stand up. That is the spirit I want to channel in 2018.

On a lighter note, 2017 was a pretty good year in my little bubble...

I finally got my drivers license! I've not driven a car since my test but we're hoping to do a lesson of motorway driving at the end of the month. Should be interesting...

I started studying for my GCSE in Astronomy. I've only had six lessons so far and it's tough but, I love it! I get to nerd it up about space, and the planets and stars, plus the school where I'm studying has a mini observatory on their roof - what's not to love?

It was one hell of a creative year - crocheting, knitting, sewing and dressmaking. As well as the baby quilt (and winnie the pooh), one of the projects I'm most proud of this year is the lopi jumper I knitted for Mitch. It took about 7 weeks but I think it was worth it :)

I got away from the big smoke, a lot. I know I thought 2016's travel was impressive but I think 2017 has topped it. There were day trips to the Cheddar Gorge and Bournemouth; long weekends in Deal, Brighton and Cumbria; work events took me to Manchester and Hull; and of course my passport saw some action with two trips to Denmark (Copenhagen and the island of Møn) as well as a return visit to Iceland (I didn't think it was possible but it was even better a second time round). We've got some ambitious travel plans for 2018, fingers crossed we'll get to do them :)

Lastly, I turned 30. I know this isn't an actual achievement, just something that happens to us all, but I just wanted to highlight the way 30 has made me feel: the most confident I've ever felt - in my abilities and in my own skin. Sure my 20s were beyond amazing, but I've got a very good feeling about my 30s. So here's to you 2018, I'm excited for all your potential!