2015 All Wrapped Up

If I had to use just one word to sum up 2015, it would be “change”.

There have been lots of changes this year, not all of them expected or welcome …

2015: All Wrapped Up

• In January, the first chick flew our nest, when Miss 19 moved out.

• In May, the hubster and I celebrated our silver wedding anniversary with the trip of a lifetime – our first visit to Europe. We were away for a month, cruising the Mediterranean before spending some time in Italy, London and Singapore.

• Our son turned 21, and decided that he didn’t want to work in fast food anymore. Alas, he quickly discovered that changing careers at his age, with no prior experience, is not so easy (Mum and Dad really do know what they’re talking about!). However the good news is that it helped him to decide what he really wants to do, and so he has enrolled in a Commerce degree.

• In July, the hubster accepted a redundancy and left his employer of the last 20 years. He walked away from a bullying boss and toxic work culture, and straight into a higher-level temp position elsewhere, although it did feel a bit like our lives were in limbo …

• In October, I participated in Frocktober, a fundraiser to support the work of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. It was tremendous fun AND as a bonus I raised over $500 for this worthy cause 🙂 .
• Miss 19 was in a nasty ice skating accident in October and sliced a tendon in her left hand, requiring surgery and a lengthy healing and rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to work since (she is an assistant manager of a local cafe); but is looking forward to returning to work in the New Year, just a few hours a week until she has developed full strength in her hand again.

• In November the hubster successfully landed the permanent role, that he had been filling. Although it is a longer commute, he is enjoying working in a team after years of being pretty much on his own; not to mention the respect that he deserves.
• Health wise, we were both diagnosed with skin cancer; I had a Squamous Cell Carcinoma on my nose which was fortunately caught early, and was treated with a simple cream. Sadly, the hubster did not get off so lightly; he was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma on the ear, and will be having surgery in January, including a skin graft to reconstruct the area that is being removed.

Other random highlights: we spent a romantic weekend at a cabin on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the huster’s birthday in the middle of the year; saw Irish comedian Dylan Moran (from “Black Books”)  live; as well as 70’s pop star Leo Sayer. Oh, and I discovered the Cat Cuddle Cafe; went to a special luncheon as the guest of Styling You, to celebrate two years’ of #everydaystyle; and even went horse riding for the first time.

Photo courtesy of Rhubarb Photography

As 2015 draws to a close, I find myself content, because despite whatever changes happen, my life is full of love and that’s what makes me happy. Not material things. Not overseas trips. Love!

Thanks for joining me on my rants and rambles this year, and especially for your comments – I love getting to know you better too. Have a lovely Christmas and I’ll be back in the New Year with more Middle Aged Mama madness 😉 !

What were the biggest changes you encountered this year?!