Farewell 2012

As another year passes, everyone is reminiscent of times gone by, of the regrets they have, the people they've met, and of the memories that have made these 12 short months. So, like many others, there shall be much sentimentality entwined in this post.

My year, on the whole, has been really quite great. Of course it's had its downsides- but I'm very, very lucky to have shared it with such amazing people. And I think that's what is really important; it's not particularly what you're doing, but who you're sharing those memories with.

I'm lucky to have shared moments with old friends, who have always been there, who I hope will always be there. Even as we go our separate ways, I couldn't ever forget you guys.

I've also been lucky to meet new people, who have entered my life in the weirdest of ways, and who may not stay in my life, but have meant something to me nonetheless.

You see, I think every person you meet has something to show you about yourself, these may be but fleeting encounters - months, weeks, days- or even just hours, but I do think there's something to be learnt. Talking with people can help you understand who you are as a person, they can highlight flaws, encourage your talents and ultimately show you the people who you really should cherish. Because not everyone will be nice, but that's the point.

So, be merry, be adventurous, love freely, encourage happiness. All that kind of stuff.
And I hope you have a very, very "Happy New Year".

Festive Times

I've not felt particularly "Christmassy" this year. Partly due to the fact it's just not as much fun when you're no longer a child, but also because I've finally come to realise it is really just another day.

It would be nice to celebrate Christmas with loads of relatives, but that's something I don't have. We're a small family, that's just the way it's always been.

However I've had two really rather fabulous meals out with my friends. The first meal out involved a group of  25 of us taking over pretty much the entire restaurant. My friends are really quite amazing. We also had a Secret Santa planned, and with a group of us that big, it's always interesting the sort of presents you will receive. Now, the idea for the Secret Santa was that it was to be "a £5 jokey sort of present". That didn't happen in some of the cases. There was candy underwear, jewellery, chocolates, a cardboard cut-out of Harry Styles, lube, hair removal cream and even a vibrator.

As I said, I love my friends.

Here's a few pictures of our meal out:

Party hats, cos we're cool.

Hey there.

Me and my best friend.

Just being Santa.

Secret Santa

Panoramic view, oh yeah.

The gifts I received from my wonderful best friend!

That's how we do it in Essex

Matching shirts, the best way to express love.

And of course, can't have any fun without one of these...

They're certainly a strange bunch, but I really do love them all. I also went out for another meal with another group of friends. It was a buffet. We ate copious amounts. I don't regret a thing.

You make me happy, you beautiful people. Merry Christmas!