A look back at 2016

It’s been an absolute roller-coaster of a year. This time last year I had no idea what was in store for me – probably just as well or I’d have started worrying.

Just a few of the big events of 2016:

Jono’s Journey. If you follow the blog you’ll know Jono got invited to play in the Pokemon World Championships which took place in San Francisco. This would never have happened without the blog. My friend suggested a crowd-funding campaign which went viral and Jono got his dream trip. A sincere thanks to everyone who helped make his dream come true.

Lucy moved out. We knew it was coming back it was still a shock. Luckily she still comes back, usually with loads of washing but it’s great to see her.

We moved house. Into a house I have wanted to live in for years. The move happened just before Christmas, a mad time and an exhausting one. We are living out of boxes but already it feels like home.

I started singing. This started as part of my bucket list, I had a lesson with Sinead Conway which was fantastic and encouraged me to join a choir. Singing is a great way to forget your worries and it really gives you the feel-good factor.

Becoming more involved in my local community – both with the choir and with the pop-up cafe. Both really enjoyable.

Seeing Magnum in Belfast in May. I don’t think I ever wrote a blog about it though – I’m slacking!

Getting my hair done at the Sligo Hairdressing Academy. This did me the world of good and it’s actually the last time I had my hair done so I must go back soon.

Halloween in Northern Ireland – two day trips – one to Derry, one to Enniskillen. Both great.

A day in Dublin visiting Epic Ireland and the 1916 Dublin Bus tour. I loved this day so much.

Sharing a boat trip with a load of sheep!! I laughed (and screamed) so much. It was a brilliant day, I’m sure the lads in Temple House would disagree.

The Sligo Food Trail train. A brilliant day experiencing some of the best food that Sligo has to offer.

Speaking at the Bloggerconf. Terrifying and exciting at the same time. Also meeting some of the wonderful bloggers.

Tesco ‘To The Hosts‘ Christmas event. What a wonderful evening that was.

Exploring Hidden London by going into a disused underground station. Again a wonderful experience and one that I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

Running the Ireland Twitter account for a week. It was brilliant, I loved sharing Sligo with the whole world! My favourite week on Twitter.

Seeing the plane arrive in Enniscrone and meeting the man behind it – David McGowan – a true gentleman and an inspiration.

Blackpool on a budget. I loved Blackpool and would go back again.

Things I discovered about myself;  I have a lot more courage than I thought I had, I’m also quite calm and when I put my mind to it I can actually achieve things. I have a very low attention span and get bored quite quickly if I’m not really interested in something. I’m painfully shy in certain situations and I’m getting worse as I get older.

So that’s a brief (ish) look at 2016. I hope 2017 brings you love, laughter, healthy and happiness and thank you all for your support over the last year.