As we get into the final days of the year, I thought I would take a look back at how things have been this year. The good, the bad and the other stuff in between.
First thing I have to say is what a year! Wooo! I really can’t complain about much at all, and the things that do make me want to moan are results of my own doing so I have no one to blame but myself ( in a kind and self loving kinda way). Spinning the clock back to Jan 2025, it was a heck of a start with me having all my teeth taken out within the first couple of weeks of the year. That in itself has formed a huge part of what 2025 became. With the recovery and ongoing treatments spanning over seven months. From post op healing to temporary teeth. Right up to getting my final permanent teeth just in time for my trip to Florida. It was quite the commitment both physically and financially, but almost a year later I am so glad I decided to take the plunge. It really has proven to be life changing in so many ways.
I raised my drone game a level, taking delivery of my DJI Flip just after my dental surgery, so that was perfect timing for the distraction I needed immediately after the procedure. I have had a great time with the drone this year, and am really happy with some of the images and footage I have created this year. Some if it being truly personal and tragic, and other bits just documenting changing and events. Sunrises and sunsets are still my absolute favourite thing to capture, but seeing places from the skies really does change how you see things. Literally and figuratively. Over the year I have decided that closed prop drones are the only ones for me, and any ideas of getting anything more fancy lost its appeal quickly. The convenience and user friendliness of things like the Neo and Flip fit perfectly into my usage. The big question currently is do I get the new Neo 2?
Speaking of the drone and tragedy, I can’t carry this on without mentioning the horrible fire at Finches Emporium this year. Having seen it from the sky as well as the professional perspective I have to say that one has hit me hard. Seeing such a well established business, that is such a pillar of the community be devastated in such a cruel way it horrible. I cannot even begin to imagine how they are all feeling right now, but hope and pray that their recovery from this is swift and mighty.
As far as the rest of the year, I am sitting here trying to work my way through the months in my head and weed out the highlights of it. Getting myself back to fitness was a big achievement for me. Coming off the back of 12 weeks of training for the new role late last year, the spring and summer of 2025 have been great for me getting back on top of things. However if you looked at me right at this moment, you would be forgiven for thinking I am talking utter rubbish. To jump forward in time quickly, the last 10 or so weeks have been horrible for fitness. But we stand strong and wait for the opportunity to shine once again.
After the surgery the year started well, lots of running, a fairly good start with cycling, but the main focus being on work and developing myself. Towards the middle of the year the bike riding was taking a back seat, but the running remained strong. Even when we flew to Florida for our summer break I managed loads of running, covering around 30 miles. Which for me, over around 7 days of running in high temperatures, was epic. But I loved it. However shortly after returning from the USA I started to notice heel pain, which sadly has remained with me for the rest of the year. Stopping me doing lots of activities, and really not helping with my weight (poor excuse I know)
Work has been amazing. If you have read any of my other blogs over the past 8 months you will have seen the confidence building and the enjoyment in the role skyrocket. I can genuinely say without hesitation that I LOVE this job, and am so glad thing went the way they did with the last place. For the first, OK maybe second time in my life I actually want to succeed, progress and achieve greatness here. Given the battles I have faced over the years, I never thought I would find myself saying such things, but it is all true.
Working overtime is a joy for both the company/ interactions and of course the money. I have earned my annual salary in the first 8 months of the year, and an really not burning the candle at both ends. Occasional overtime when I want to do it. No pressure, and certainly not getting exhausted from it. Spending extra time with work colleagues, paid or not was a non starter at the last place. Now I enjoy it, and even partake in activities outside of work with my watch.
Late summer, my luck took a turn when my bike was stolen by a prospective buyer, who actually turned out to be a prolific bike thief. Sadly after a great first response, the police seem to have lost interest, even though the guy and his partners seem to be having multiple victims a week, and their haul running into the £100,000’s now. But hey, I know the police are stretched. It is just painful watching others fall foul to these arseholes. In a strange twist (as you might have read in a previous blog) after putting my bike up for sale and it being stolen, the insurance payout was 3x what I had the bike up for sale for, as it was new for old replacement. Still sucks to be a victim of a crime though.
Two days after the bike was stolen, my new bike which I had ordered a few weeks prior arrived, so I was not without for too long. Not that I did much riding at that time. But the plan was always for the new bike to see some good use next year. All part of my Plan for 2026 haha!
As the seasons changed, and the doctors and hospital appointments came and went I have slowly returned to running, got the gravel bike out and finally started to get some exercise back in there again. Something I want to build on as we move into January. I now know my foot injury is not going to just get worse, I am not doing any damage to myself by running on it. I have a bike fit planned for mid Jan to make sure I am in the best position possible on the bikes, and hopefully avoid injury and rebuild some stamina. I absolutely MUST do a 100+ mile ride again next year. It has been way too long.
The coming year is not going to be a revolution, maybe not even an evolution, but a definite journey in the right direction. With Ann losing lots of weight, while I sit around feeling sorry for myself, the new year is an opportunity to try and make some changes. Seeing others around me slowly overcome their own issues and be the best version of their selves, the time is right for me. Mentally in the right place, physically ready to be in the right place again, and determined to be a fitter version of myself for 2026. What more do I need.
Anyway, I have rambled enough. I will summarise with this bold statement. 2025 has been one of the best years of my live ever. And 2026 could be even better. I just have to stay strong, show determination, and overcome the voices of doubt and failure.
I got this…. You ready??
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