A slightly belated Happy New Year. I gave myself a little extended break to start the year, so I could spend time with the family properly without staring at a screen too much…
Everything festive in our household was delayed somewhat anyway thanks to the most god awful bug that started working its way through the family in the early hours of Christmas morning, and culminated in a dropped (and smashed) case of wine on top of the (now temperamental – can’t say I blame it) hoover, when we were all healthy enough to leave the house finally to make the journey to my sister’s. Thankfully we managed to recover enough to celebrate the New Year on time at least, and make up for a little lost time with friends and family, but it’s not a festive season I would like to repeat. If for some reason I have to revisit Christmas in a Scrooge like manner one day, I hope the Ghost of Christmas Past forgets that one!
As we are now back and trying to catch up before school starts on Monday, it’s given me a little time to actually think and reflect that tomorrow marks an entire year of life back in the UK. One year here already. The picture above is one of the last that I took as a Munich resident, and I miss it much more than I thought I ever would.
2017 was a strange year for a lot of reasons. There are days I find myself unable to understand my own country given that I am still quite used to someone elses, which I am sure is normal in the course of repatriation…It’s strange when you invest your whole life somewhere for a long period of time, then suddenly have to forget it all. I am a bit German now in a few strange ways – automatically waiting for the green man to appear before dreaming of crossing a road for example. My inner German Oma can’t help but wince at English babies without hats on in the cold, and recently at a break in Center Parcs (more on that weird week soon!) I caught myself thinking so many people were going to get sick as they left the swimming dome thing with soaking wet hair. I am not going to lie people, there are definitely days I wonder whether we have personally made the right decision in coming back. Nothing is forever though obviously, and I am sure we will all feel a lot more settled when we move to a more familiar area of the UK in the next few months (sorry Cambridge, it’s not you…)… There’s still the large possibility of another expat move in the next couple of years, so I have decided to try to focus on all the good things about being back (friends, family, Waitrose to name but a few), and try to make the most of it, as of course as fickle as I am, the chances are I will miss this little island of ours with all of my being again one day…
So 2018, what do you hold? I am hoping you are going to be kind to the lot of us? Can it be a positive year in so far as all the big stuff is concerned? I also have a favour to ask, as well as a new house to put down some roots for a while, some travel would be much appreciated obviously (we have a list of ideas, along with a few excursions closer to home to show the Small People some more of their own country. And Scotland. I have never been, how shocking is that? If anyone has any suggestions on that I would be most grateful! My mother also recently suggested that I accompany Mr R on a business trip or two this year and leave her in charge, boy is she going to regret that one!).
So until I get back on top of things properly, it just remains for me to wish you a Happy New Year properly now that it’s official and all, may it be good to you. I hope it’s started off on the right footing so far…
Trish says
It’s a shame we’ve not managed to meet up more than that one time – just a bit too far away to make it a regular thing. We need to sort out a halfway get-together before you move. And, of course, you know where to tun if you need some suggestions for Scotland. xx
Emma says
We definitely do, and thank you. I will be annoying you with a big list of Scottish questions soon enough! :D xx
Jen says
Oh dear, your Christmas time sounds like it was rather challenging. Well done for getting to the other side and surfacing again.
I say focus on the positive for sure, and go with the flow. 2018 could be a wonderful year, we just don’t know it yet, but it could be exciting to find out all the same. All the best for good times ahead.
Emma says
Thanks so much Jen. That’s really good advice. Hope 2018 is a great year for you too! :) x
Folakemi says
Wishing you a happy new year with lots of new adventures and hopefully you settle back in nicely anywhere you choose to call home x
Emma says
Thanks so much! (: x
Olivia says
I am the worst at not wrapping up in the winter and I always go out with cold hair. I love this post, I’m excited for 2018 and hope it’s great for both of us :)
Emma says
Thanks so much Olivia! I hope so for you too! :) x
Super Busy Mum says
I am excited about this year – I have a good feeling about it and hopefully, you do too!
Emma says
Thank you… At least we have figured out where to move to, that’s a step in the right direction. Let’s hope it’s a good year for everyone! :)
Linda says
Oh you lucky thing to have the offer of childcare while you go travelling – I wish! Make the most of it!
Emma says
I probably get away with one trip realistically, my Mum is busier than I am! :D Thank you…
Elizabeth says
Happy New Year!
Emma says
And to you too Elizabeth. Hope it’s a good one! :)
Kacie Morgan says
I recommend visiting Wales. There is lots to see and do here, and it’s often extremely affordable. I might be biased, but I particularly like Cardiff ;)
Emma says
We love Wales, but do you know I have never been to Cardiff! Would love to get to Wales at some point this year! :)
Kayleigh McManus says
Nice read! I hope 2018 brings you much success in the UK x
Emma says
Thanks Kayleigh! :)
Alan Moore says
I also lived in Germany for several years, near Hanover and miss the place and culture. This year I am intending to move out to France, as close the alps as I can get and what work will allow. Glencoe, an absolutely gorgeous part of Scotland and also a drive from Aviemore to Edinburgh down the east coast road stopping at various lookouts. Amazing drive.
Happy new year to you too :)
Emma says
Thanks Alan, that’s great Scotland advice! Hope your move goes well! :)
Midlife Singlemum says
Happy New Year Emma, I wish you a healthy, and successful one in which you settle in to your new home comfortably and completely. xxx
Emma says
Thanks so much R. Hope 2018 is really good to you both. xxx
Lorelle says
Better late than never, Happy New Year Emma. Wow, one year already, time does fly. All the best for a wonderful 2018 for you and your fam. :)
Emma says
It really does fly doesn’t it. Scarily quickly! Hope you have a wonderful 2018!
Krista Bjorn says
Your holiday sounds so stressful! I’m very glad to hear you’re all feeling better now. Hoping you find a great place to settle in that feels like home to you.
Emma says
Thanks so much Krista! I hope so too. Hope 2018 is a great year for you both. x