2012 - a year in review

So here we are, the very last day of 2012.  The closing of a year always makes me stop and think back to what has been achieved or endured over the previous 12 months. 2012 has provided lots of good moments, milestones and new experiences too.

We've completed a full year with Miss K18 living away from home, Master B15 has been to Victoria to play in a school cricket competition, Miss K12 has been to Sydney and Canberra and has waved goodbye to primary school forever.

We celebrated my Dad's 80th birthday and Master B's 15th - they share the same birthday.

We've been on a cruise for the first time (which turned out to be the trip from hell due to a severe gale which, had it been summertime, would have been called a cyclone and which chased us around the South Pacific).  Only Miss K12 and I would be brave enough to go again!

Port Vila - the only place we got to see - we arrived after dark in Noumea & didn't think it was worth disembarking and the extreme weather conditions meant it was too dangerous to launch the tenders in Lifou

Last summer's soya bean crop was surprisingly good, given very wet growing conditions but the building industry has taken a distinct nosedive, meaning our earthmoving business is very quiet.  

I have been following the concepts of Dave Ramsey and for those familiar with his seven baby steps, I am pleased to say that I completed baby step 3 this year - my fully funded emergency fund. 

2012 was the year for new household appliances too. Its funny how it happens that appliances need replacing all at once!  We bought a new fridge, TV and microwave and I chose to buy a Thermomix (my Latest Big Thing that I mentioned yesterday).  I must tell you more about that ;)

It's been a year which has trundled along with no major bumps in the road, a year of consolidation in fairly ordinary economic conditions. I have a sneaking suspicion that 2013 may  be more of the same, but I'll be very happy to be proven wrong.

So no complaints, but no real cause for excitement either :)  How has 2012 treated you?

Today's stats:

Min 16.1 Max 29

Rainfall: Nil

Eggs: 4

Til next time,

Kath