cvuk: 2013 - My year in review

Haven't posted in ages, why not?

Often I don't like to review the past, I can be far too self critical and it drives me mad.

However this year I've had a lot of good times and it would be a shame to forget them.

From a national point of view, despite popular media, I think things are looking better. Economy is growing, and I'm definitely noticing an improved optimism for the economic future.

What did *I* do this year? Forgive my self indulgence, but this is my blog. My time to talk about me.

I started the year in uncertain terms. I'd been in my current job for just over a year and was starting to get itchy feet. To cut a long story short, after many negotiations I staid put and joined the board of my current company. I have no doubt I made the right choice and I am very excited about the future. I also rejoined the IoD and joined the DMA's Mailing House council.

Ok, that's the work bit done.

I've had a lot of fun this year. A lot.

In February, after the government decided that my relationship was a valid as most people's, I proposed to David and he said yes! We have yet to set a date for our wedding, but it's likely to be a fairly low key affair so don't be upset if you don't get an invite.

So what did I do for fun this year?

As you probably already know I have a little bit of a thing for Bon Jovi.

In 2013 I was lucky enough to see them play 3 times.

Once in Stockholm (Stadion) in May, once in Birmingham (Villa Park, yuk) in June and in July at Hyde Park.

One of my favourite Bon Jovi songs is Dry County, I'd only ever seen them play it live twice before.. they played it all 3 times this year. Win. Although in Stockholm the vocals weren't great it has to be said.

Bon Jovi aside, I also got to see David Guetta

Plus Rihanna, Elvis Costello, Ray Davies and few others.

A few foreign trips, Stockholm in May (see above) and again in November, and Dave took me to Berlin for my birthday in April.

We also had Luisa and Teseo over from Stockholm for a few days!

I did a few things for the first time (ever!) this year...

Segway Ralley with Dave and Claire

Day in the royal enclosure at Ascot (thanks Asendia)

Day at Old Trafford for the Ashes Test (thanks Virgin Trains)

Ran my first ever competitive race. Followed that up with 2 more by the end of the year, achieving a PB of 56 minutes for 10km in one of them and was privileged to run around the olympic stadium in one of the others.