It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

Yes, today I'm 26. No, it's not old. Since I plan to live to be at least 100 it is only just over a quarter of the way there. But, as it's my birthday it does mean that I can spend a few moments thinking about what has been good about the last year - what I have managed to achieve in one form or another. Sometimes achievements are simply managing to get round to things we should have done ages ago. Sometimes they are learning something new (or something you've been afraid to try).

My achievements in the year are some selfless, some personal achievements, some demons beaten (I can drive!) and some simple things which have changed my day-to-day existence.

There's lots more I want to do, and while my "to do" for next year might still be about hanging pictures and baking, I'm beginning to distil a sort of idea of what I want from the future. To be honest it's not really what I expected, and I don't know whether I can do it. However, one thing which will never change is my desire to prove I can do things, especially if other people don't think I can. I want to iron this out into a plan (which will probably begin with sorting out the money, again!)

So anyway, here they are:

1. Donated to a charity each month by DD
2. Learnt to knit
3. Joined pilates classes
4. Recommended Leon for his job
5. Bought a new computer (when the old one blew up…)
6. Knit my first pair of socks!
7. Bought another car
8. Got back down to a size 12 for my holiday
9. Learnt to crochet
10. Learnt to drive
11. Played frisbee on the beach!
12. Hired a car in the US!
13. Joined ravelry
14. Ran in the Race for Life again
15. Went to Florida and visited the family
16. Discovered sweet potato and smoked mackrel (not together)
17. Got a promotion at work
18. Participated in Secret Pals
19. Came 2nd in the PTH
20. Read a poem at James and Rachel's wedding
21. Completed the "medium" level on Guitar Hero 2
22. Created 24 knitted items, including 9 gifts
23. Discovered the joy of wearing flat shoes sometimes
24. Fancy Dress twice (or 3 times if you count the overdressed Xmas curry)
25. Got measured for a properly fitting bra (trust me ladies, it will change your life!)
26. Learnt what a "French seam" is