There are plenty of things to be said about New Year’s Eve. Or about the new year. Any new year.

I am very bad with resolutions I might have to add. Not just keeping them, but making them … I am even worse at that. All those old-me out, new-me in kind of things feel … well odd really.

I like myself and while there are certainly things that I would wish for – being able to run (any distance really) without looking like I am going to die any minute, having the willpower to NOT unravel a knitting project (for once), a little less winter protection layer around my waist (I am a bit fluffy around the edges) or even having my herbs survive at least a week under my care. But I don’t think we should place a time limit of 365 days on any of them.

If you want to change something in your life, why not hit the breaks (or the accelerator) on March 27th? No one will know except you. And no one will care that you haven’t started with January 1st. Friends will encourage and applaud any time of the year.

To awesome inbetweens …

But wishes, those I have. Loads of them in fact.

When I was a teenager, I started a 10-point list. When I accomplish something of it, I think of something else to be added. It is a lifetime list if you so will.

It started out with getting A-levels (did that), study journalism (did that), move away from Mom&Dad (did that), see Prague (did that too), don’t date weirdos (still on the list) and learn Gaelic (also still on the list), …. and plenty of other things.

As I crossed off 2 things in 2015 (renovate my kitchen and visit the Louvre in Paris), I was contemplating about what to add.

• write a children’s book
• learn Gaelic
• don’t date weirdos
• learn how to waltz
• knit a dress from a 1969 pattern
• canoe in the Skärgården here in Stockholm
• complete the Kortvasa (30km cross-country skiing) in under 4 hours
• climb Kebnekaise (a mountain here in Sweden)
• become proficient (mother tongue fluent) in Swedish
• visit Amsterdam

And there you have it.

To “didn’t I say so” endings …

So, to all of you … a happy 2016. May some of your wishes come true (all would be way too boring), may others inspire you to reach for brighter stars and let health, true friendship, love and care be your daily companions.

Bottoms up to “wonderful beginnings, awesome inbetweens and didn’t-I-say-so” endings”. Cheers.