Look back

I know everyone says that we shouldn't look back because the past is the past for a reason, but sometimes it is good to look back.

I think as women we focus so hard on where we want to go, and what we want to acheive that we sometimes forget to look back at what we have already done.

We think, I haven't lost that stone I wanted to loose, I still haven't got a boyfriend, my job sucks, my house could be nicer, I want better hair, etc etc etc

We forget to see that every single step we take along that road gets us further than we were before.

Yes I didn't lose all the weight I wanted to this year, in fact I only lost about 1/2 stone, but I did get fitter.  I can lift more weight than I could at the start of the year and I can now do push ups and am getting much better at pull ups (assisted ones still at the minute, but I'm getting there!).

I have made some lovely new friends this year, and strengthened some relationships.I didn't fall out with anyone.  So thats GREAT!

I learned new skills.  I joined the Magnus Vikings, so I learnt how to row a viking longship, I am learning how to fight with a sword and sheild, I learnt some battle training, I learnt some self defense/fighting skills, I learnt how to make a sheild wall.




The Magnus Vikings out on Strangford Lough

 

I passed my archery leaders course, and can now teach archery.

Archery!  Look at me go!!

I travelled a lot this past year too.  I went to America, to Portugal, to Majorca, to Scotland.

DunCarron Village in Scotland





Portugal

   



Chicago

 





  

The Caves of Draque, Majorca



Portugal




Majorca



I celebrated my second wedding anniversary.

Cheers

I watched my daughter grow up and secure herself a permanent job, and thrive at that job.

I completed my first 5k race, then learned that I shouldn't run as I have problems with my knees.

I completed the Color Run.

I went to Sunflowerfest (the best festival in Ireland).



Facepainting at Sunflowerfest

 

Lets play dress up

I spent a weekend a few weeks ago in Scotland, playing dress up with a whole bunch of other people who like to dress up, play with swords and shields and shoot with bows and arrows.

And it was fun!!

Yes, there is an element of being embarrassed when the general public (the ones not in full kit) see you, but that gets old pretty quick.

The kids have so many questions, and its a blast to encourage them to think about the past, and why the world is the way it is now.

It was a Viking weekend and after passing my Archery leaders course last week I was finally teaching 'officially'.  I have been taking "have a go" archery for a few months now, but its only this past week that I have qualified!

There was camping for those who wanted it (but not for me, I stayed in a friends house) and plenty of socialising.

What do you do for fun?