So, it’s now 2008. An appropriate moment, I’m sure you’ll agree, to reflect on 2007.
From the first few hours boogying at Ardeonaig to the last minutes at, erm, Ardeonaig again, it flew past. Did someone speed up time when I wasn’t watching?
A year of great success (and not a little stress) at work but also when I realised I am now on the downhill slope towards oldfartdom. For example, I no longer have any idea what is in the “popular” music charts. OK, maybe I’ve heard that Umbrella song, but that’s about it. I know what I like and I like what I know, or some such other boring cliche.
In no particular order, highlights of the year included:
- 18th March 2007, the day that Hibernian FC walloped the Ayrshire Huns 5-1 to win the CIS Cup. I saw my team win a trophy at Hampden so, apart from all the unfulfilled prophecy in my life, I can now die happy.
- Getting promoted and being given a big new car as a reward. Sorry, what was that you sGeet about climate change?
- An incredible trip to Uganda and Kenya in August/September. So rewarding and so memorable, easily the best trip since 1999.
- Acquiring a new God-daughter, the beautiful Serafina.
- Getting excited about playing guitar again, something I haven’t been for several years.
- A fantastic week in Florence with my family in June. While the UK got flooded, we had clear blue skies, glorious sunshine and 30 degree heat.
- Some brilliant gigging experiences, from Frenzy to T in the Park, Delirious to Rush.
- The SNP coming to power in Scotland. A change at last.
- Getting quoted in the Scotsman.
However, there were some things I really wished hadn’t happened:
- My brother getting too close a call.
- Having the most up-and-down year with God I can remember.
- Realising how deeply the events of 2006 had affected me.
- The implosion of the Johnny Collins’ reign at Hibs.
- The promotion meaning I actually had to work considerably harder.
- Knackering my ankle again.
- The moment of clarity in relation to what Larium does to me.
- The flipping cold that came dangerously close to ruining my Christmas and New Year.
Given that last of these is still rampant, I don’t have time to think about what 2008 may hold. That will follow.
