2012 - a look back

As many of you know, 2012 didn't have a happy start with me finding out about the truth about my partner cheating on our relationship and it culminated in him going when I could prove it without a doubt. Previously he had lied to me, told me it was in my imagination and tried to put me down both generally, and emotionally.

In the midst of this, I had my last assignments to do for the PGCE. Needless to say, they were done, but not very well and I had to resubmit one or accept a lower award. Why is it when someone flings a challenge down I feel bound to accept it.. and on this occasion I won through and celebrated it by graduating at the end of October.

I learnt a lot about myself, I went to counselling sessions with a nice lady from Outlook South West and I can really recommend them to anyone in the same position. Turns out I was doing the right thing, setting myself small goals and challenges so the CBT therapy was the way to go.

My teaching I love, and is very rewarding. I enjoy engaging with the students, and there is enough admin to do to keep me happy on that front. I am working longer hours, but that also is good as it means I have been able to retain my independence without having to reliquish my privacy by having a lodger. Time is precious to me, and my task as soon as I get home is to take my lovely boys out for a walk, or run, or to play ball dependingon the weather and they are so pleased to see me.

I have also resurrected some hobbies, left because of time needed for study, knitting in particular and with the aid of SMOG have mastered the art of casting on thumbwise and cabling (not that I am very good at either to be honest) and the cold wet weather we have had has meant that I can catch up on my UFO's (unfinished objects). Somethings I have tried, and not succeeded at, but I will try again in the new year.

We had a quiet christmas, we didn't bother with a turkey, instead the boys and I (and Piran) indulged in a lovely leg of lamb which was recycled as a shepherds pie and am still enjoying as it will be in the freezer waiting for a cold wet night after work to be resurrected and heated up. I came to the conclusion, it is better to be alone, than to be with someone who makes you feel lonely and therefore I am happy that I am where I am today.

To 2013, I issue a challenge... whatever you throw at me buddy, throw it good and hard - it will give me a chance to hit it back even harder