2010: My Small Year

In a year when, amongst all the other good and bad news, all of this stuff made the headlines...

-Earthquake in Haiti
-Grecian fiscal collapse/Austerity strike in Athens
-Thai riots
-Icelandic volcanic eruptions
-BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico
-Historic UK election debates on TV
-Con/Demnation
-Derek Bird shooting rampage
-Vuvuzela World Cup
-Raoul Moat stand-off
-Papal UK visit/Child abuse scandal
-Ed Miliband beating Dave Miliband
-The Chilean mine rescue
-Aung San Suu Kyi released
-The Chandler's released
-The Royal engagement
-Mega amounts of snow in UK
-UK student protests

...my 'stuff' seems so teeny and inconsequential in the big scheme of things. I mean, some of those headlines seem almost biblical, but really, all of our 'stuff' has impact. I'd bet Derek Bird woke up last New Years Day utterly unaware that his small life would impact so many others so devastatingly. Nor did any of those Chilean miners realise last January how many people, the world over, would be brought to tears the following October, by the sheer force of human resourcefulness and innate goodness in the effort to rescue them.

Not all of us will have that sort of impact, but in our own microcosmic worlds we are all the stars of our own news. The small stuff makes the big stuff. It's Chaos Theory (more prettily known as The Butterfly Effect).

To sum up my year, I'd say it's been about small steps, me flapping my butterfly wings and seeing what happens.

My year began in Madrid, seeing out 2009 with lovely people and being there on New Years Day for my brothers 40th was just lush (apart from the hangover).

There was also a rush of romance at the beginning of the year and though, by spring it had quickly waned, I met some amazing people because of it.

Summer, as ever, was all about hiking, hiking, hiking. A small thing. Just a walk in the country really but the effect on my psyche is immense. Every winter I forget how important getting out and about amongst the greenery is to me. I need it. I'm a better, more energetic, happier soul when I've had a fix of sun, fresh air and a stunning country vista.

In August someone stole my brand new bank account details and took every penny I had, including a brand new and much needed overdraft. I was devastated. Luckily, I was staying with an amazing friend when it happened but it felt like a right kick in the teeth and left me feeling down for weeks. But... I learned that I have to stop letting money and a lack of material stuff upset me so much. (Did I learn nothing form Guru Karl in Guatemala? Lol.) It's people who count and, when I was literally penniless, my brother and friends have been supreme and generous in ways I can't even begin to thank them for. They made me feel less alone in the world and that is the hugest thing any human can give another.

Whilst I've gained new friends I've also lost others. It's sad, but I've forgiven old hurts only to have the perpetrator do the same shit again. So, bye-bye. I have been patient and understanding at multiple cancellations and let-downs when someone said they were scared only to be attacked by that same person when feeling upset, vulnerable and scared myself. So, bye-bye.

Autumn brought a new job and with it... fear. I knew instantly I was double the age of most everyone I worked with. So, I thought it'd be like university all over again but, for the most part, they're a warm bunch of nuts who've welcomed me with open tentacles and made me feel likeable again.

It's a small succinct round-up but the people who my small experiences have brought to me have each had massive impact. They're *my* news stories. I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store... just gotta keep making those small steps cuz they make big journey's. I think my headline story of next year will be flying out to Madrid to meet my little Madrileño nephew when he's born in February. Can't wait to meet you Nico. :o)

To all my long-term chumbles, some of whom I met on my first day of infant school, aged four, thanks for still being in my gang... for sticking with me despite my foibles, eccentricities and stubbornness. You're all amazing and... ah luv yiz... loads like.

Hope 2011 is amazing... for all of us.

xxx

There it is, a world of hope...