Memories of 2013

It's easy to get lost in the clutter of everyday life and lose a sense of the bigger picture. New Year is always a time for reflection as well as making new plans for the next 12 months. There are lots I hope to achieve in 2014 but for now I'm just thinking back over the year. Here are some of the things I've done...

Went to my very first burlesque show (and loved it!)

Won a healthy and nutritious cookery class in London

Worked as a stylist on a Christmas shoot

Dared the heights at the newly opened Shard (and had an impromptu lunch in José Pizarro's restaurant)

Went to a fantastic exhibition on wool and took part in a crochet-a-long for a charity

Attended a traditional game fair and watched knights jousting

Enjoyed a family christening

Had lunch in Paris

Visited Nottingham for the first time

Feasted on crab and samphire in North Norfolk

Watched new born tiger cubs and big cats being fed at the zoo

Took the ferry to the Isle of Wight and stayed in a vintage Airstream

Explored fields, forests and beaches by foot and mountain bike

Relaxed in sunny Spain and watched the sun rise on the beach

Learnt lots and met some wonderful new friends at a Guardian Masterclass

Lost a very loved feline friend of 19 years and adopted a new boy from a rescue charity

Watched the play 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' (before the ceiling fell down)

Stayed in London dog-sitting and explored Hackney

Organised four very large successful events for work (phew!)

Flew a barn owl, hawk and American bald eagle to my hand at falconry school

Learnt how to make samosas and other Pakistani street foods at a cookery class

Found a long lost cousin and caught up on missed years

Knitted and knitted, finishing some long overdue projects and starting some fun new ones

Cooked, ate and drank with friends and family

Started and almost finished an extension on our house

I hope you also have lots of memories and great future plans too.