2008: good riddance.

I was going to write a little looking-back on 2008 post, however I decided I want to take the chance here to pay tribute to my mum, who has gone through so much this year, and who is an inspiration to me every day of my life.

It was a chain of events which began in July with my mum going to hospital for a minor operation, she then suffered a heart attack. Two weeks later she needed another (allegedly minor) medical procedure which caused a blood clot, which required an emergency operation to remove it.

There have been other health setbacks for her since then: but despite these she is an amazing, strong and courageous woman who will not be beaten. She has never lost her sense of humour. She is thankful that she has been given a second chance: I hope that 2009 is a happy and healthy year for her. Her experience made me realise that you shouldn't get stressed out by the things that don't matter.

2008 wasn't all bad, there were personally some good things - holidays, weight loss, recognition for Planet Salem; but it would be fair to say that the personal bad stuff outweighed the good. And don't even start me on the credit crunch, the world recession and high street stores going bust one by one. And don't even start me on the broken boiler....yes that's right folks, once again this useless substandard (insert swear word of choice) has broken down meaning we've had no heating or hot water for almost 24 hours, and we don't know if anyone will be out to fix it tonight. EDIT: we had about 72 hours without heating or hot water, but thankfully it's been repaired again (well, till the next time)

This will probably be my last Random Ramblings post of 2008: sorry to end on such a downer, but that's the kind of year it's been. Still...new year, new start...Things can only get better!!!!

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009 everyone. X