I started 2007 in pretty much the same way as a large proportion of the 38 others I have started, i.e. hung-over and full of good intentions. As I suspect most people do, I often get a bit introspective during January probably due to the long nights and lack of cash. The introspection is often interspersed with periods of reflection in the year just gone and a bit of forward planning for the year ahead.
This time round I spent a lot longer reflecting on 2006 as it had been a particularly exceptional year. It started with a large voluntary redundancy cheque which was swiftly followed by a new job. Additionally, it included the purchase of a 2nd property for investment and finished with my marriage to Lynne, my partner of ten years, in a ceremony that can only be described as the greatest day of my life.
In fact the only downer on and otherwise exemplary year was a minor motorbike accident at Mallory Park at a track day with some friends in July, but more of that later. January was passing a pace and this year had the added bonus of a trip to Dublin, courtesy of my new employers, for our annual Christmas do at the end of the month. The reason for mentioning this is that it is the last time I can remember actually feeling healthy.
