Roll on 2015

So we've made it to 2015. I'm not really sure how it happened. One minute I was going to party like it's 1999, and the next thing I know I'm in my thirties and have a mortgage. Three years ago today I moved to Salisbury. Inevitably at this point in the calendar we tend to take stock of our achievements over the last 12 months, and then make some sort of notional plan for the next year, usually resolving to do various things that we didn't have the will power to manage at any previous point in time: "THIS year it will be different, because I'm older and wiser and more committed to (insert unrealistic ambition here)". Though I tend to ridicule resolutions, I can see that they work for some people. More than that it's impossible not to reflect on how well we perform against our self-imposed goals and ambitions. So how did I do in 2014?

This time last year I was in New Zealand. I was having a genuinely incredible time with a group of fantastic people working in a stunning location and forgetting about all my worries and my strife. I'd just come out of a relationship and was contemplating career options. My sabbatical was intended to make me take stock, to refresh my appetite for work and rejuvenate me. And it worked to some extent. I realised that, although I never cease to find an opportunity to complain (you may have noticed a certain degree of cynicism in my writing too!), I have a very good job. It challenges and develops me; it's flexible and largely enjoyable; I get to work outside much of the time; and I'm still passionate about what I do. So I came back reinvigorated for the work side of things, and stone-curlews had a good year too, with the population bouncing back after a couple of years in decline.

A stone-curlew chick

Having determined to continue with the job for a while at least, it made sense to consider finding my own place. I won't run through the ins and outs of the process, since you can read about that here. The thought of buying a house hadn't even crossed my mind at this point last year, so I can't claim to have succeeded in one of my annual ambitions. But in reviewing the year, buying a house seems to be quite a notable moment for me.

But there have been many notable and memorable moments this year. Last new year, being away from home, I recall thinking that 2014 would be a year for friends and family. With two family weddings coming up the Tomalin clan had cause for celebration, and I think we managed it in style. I would never have predicted that a group of Tomalins and associates would end up dancing together on the steps of the Ambassadors house in Sofia, Bulgaria. Definitely one of the highlights for me in 2014.

Tomalins dancing - apparently!

And shortly after that, we all got together again to celebrate my sister's wedding. Two Graham's gained and two Tomalin's lost! Massive congratulations to Fran and Graham and Dot and Graham, and also to Saz and Dipak, Verity and Harry, Charlotte and Ben, and Els and Brian. 2014 was the year of weddings - six in all and more to come in 2015!

Charlotte & Ben

Brian & Els

Dot & Gray

Fran & Graham

Saz & Dipak

Harry & Verity

Between all the weddings and the work, we even managed to squeeze in a promotion in hockey, and the club continues to provide a weird and wonderful assortment of activities, social events and people to entertain and amuse.

SHC Men's 2nd XI - the Xmas edition

2014 provided a number of challenges too, and it wasn't all skipping merrily through the fields singing and holding hands. But looking back at the year it will be far easier to move on from the challenges and remember the good things when so many good things were happening. I think the notion that it would be a year for friends and family was right, and I'm grateful to everyone who shared the highs to help me get through the lows.

So what about the goals for the next 12 months? Much as I'd love to learn Spanish and to play the guitar, I think I'll stay realistic and keep them on hold for now. I'm still enjoying the photography, I'm playing the piano again, the hockey club takes up much of my free time and work is not going to be any less busy. I also have a house to stamp my own authority on. I think some kind of trip is very much needed. After the joys of New Zealand a year ago it would be great to head off for an adventure somewhere in 2015. 

But I remain resolute that resolutions are not for me. After all, I had none last year and all sorts of unexpected things have happened! Although I've spent some time looking back, the best bit is contemplating what comes next. I have no doubts that 2015 will develop in much the same way - spending time with friends, moaning about work, more weddings. And despite being a thirtysomething homeowner, I'm rather looking forward to it!