Image via WikipediaWhat can be said about 2011, that is positive, upbeat, heart warming and inspiring? Did I hear a groan from somewhere? Shame on you if that was YOU!OK, there have been some moments when it looked as if the whole world, or at least parts of Europe, might just cave in. A number of members of the Eurozone have ridden perilously close to the wind haven't they? I took that as a 100% Positive happening. Why, 'cos the exchange rate Pound Sterling/Euro went in my favour when I holidayed. The rates I got were higher than they would otherwise have been if all had remained on an even keel. To be honest, I almost "stalked" the currency sites, striking at the point when I thought I could make the most gain. In fact, I have my holidays booked for 2012, and am again keeping a watchful eye on the currency markets.
Staying on a personally positive note, I remained, broadly speaking, quite healthy. Who do I thank for that I wonder? Is it me for being a good boy and taking every tablet the medical profession prescribed for my various ills? No, I thank the NHS for being aware that I was there and chasing me up to attend check ups and monitoring clinics. If it wasn't for their persistence I would have blithely sailed through the year without a pill to my name. Not a good move I must admit. So, thank you NHS.
On family note, I have disabled son of 34 years, who is a permanent resident in a care home, although we can have him home from time to time, take him out shopping and on the occasional trip across the Channel. He has been very unwell, having a number of falls and receiving some unpleasant injuries and needing quite extensive dental restoration treatment. What has been positive about all this in 2011? His determination to manage his problems, keep a smile on his face, keep taking the tablets as the saying goes, and teach me that he is The Best! I wish I had his courage and attitude-I whinge like I don't know what when I get the least little twinge. I am proud of him.
What else went well? Mr Cameron came back from Europe, having not become one of the Euro Leaders that had signed on the dotted line. Right or Wrong? Your call really. My view is that he was right. It wasn't long before Angela Merkel was being quite reasonable about the whole thing. Not Mr Sarkozy though. He is too much like us Brits. Right when he is right, and damn it, right when he is wrong. So, what was good about this happening? For me, it was standing up to the big boys in the class and saying NO!! They need us. They also needed us to help them out cashwise, when sorting out Greece, Italy et al. Sorry chaps, it won't happen.
On the down side, I lost a very dear friend in July. He was a Chelsea Pensioner, very well known in Military and social circles. His military career, while not seeing him rise to the top in terms of rank, saw him rise to the top in many peoples estimations for his ever cheerful and helpful attitude toward others. His friends were across all the ranks, from Private soldier to Major General. When I say friends, I really do mean friends. On a positive note though, although I lost a dear friend, I still have the memory of having known him for so long, having him as a friend of my family and be a frequent visitor to my home in the latter years of his life. All of it is Positive.
I could think of a many more things to cheer about in 2011, but won't take up more of your time at this point. I do hope that you are in a position to spot the good things about 2011, and not feel too bad about it all. I also hope that some good will have come of even the darkest moments of the year, as it has in mine.
Just before I go, best not forget my wife and all she has done for me and put up with from me in 2011. Thank you.
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