But it's not the Ice bar, audio tours, or architectural wonders that made it a good holiday. They were pretty cool, but on my own they would have only been that. I was lucky enough to spend the week with one of the funniest, kindest, and most loving human beings that I know. You know you have a good friend when you can finish each other's sentences, sit in silence at dinner without it being awkward, and laugh hysterically at inappropriate times. I often joke that I only see him when we are away together, and that's ok because that's how our friendship works - him living at the other end of England means we don't spend that much time together, but when we do it's like we have never been apart. Craig is just one of the rocks in my life who makes me feel truly happy, and I am truly blessed to have him. Not only is he incredibly talented and hard working, but he makes me laugh uncontrollably and talks sense into me when I need it.
Craig is not the only rock in my world, I am very fortunate to have a wide array of friends who mean everything to me. The last year (361 days if I am being precise) has not been my best, in truth it has been one of my worst. Filled with hurt, anguish, and grief. I have not been the bubbly and happy person I like to be, I have cried until my tears ran dry and felt a great deal of pain.
Luckily for me there have been a number of people who have dragged me kicking and screaming through it, and this blog is an ode to those incredible individuals.
One such lady is my best friend, who when I cried and couldn't get out of bed, would come and get into my bed with me instead. She is a beautiful and wonderful woman who is right now doing amazing things in Malaysia, and I miss her every day. She brings light to everyone she meets and is one of the warmest people I know.
Another important person is my surrogate Mum, and one of my dearest friends. She has cooked for me, spent her Christmas and New year with me - building gingerbread houses and wearing onesies. She is always there with a cup of tea when I need it, and good for a gossip. She recently treated me to a trip to Bristol zoo, and a magical mystery tour of Bristol as well. This woman goes out of her way to make the lives of those around her as good as she can, and I am eternally grateful for her friendship.
Then there's the one across the seas, who lives as far away from me as you could get. Admittedly it is often difficult to speak due to time differences, but thanks to Facebook, Skype, FaceTime, and whatsapp, we manage to talk as much as we can. I met this man three and a half years ago in Brazil, thinking we might be Facebook friends - but we are so much more. He knows the goings of my world and he says things in his funny accent to make me smile. Thank God for the internet that has allowed us to stay in touch and to grow our friendship.
There's my "bride to be" who has kept me busy with planning hen parties and looking forward to her wedding next weekend, where it have the great pleasure of being her maid of honour. She is a kindred spirit and we share beliefs and values which make our friendship very special indeed.
I can't forget my main carer, who is soon to be a mum. She kicks my butt when it needs kicking, let's me eat ice cream and cooks amazing cupcakes for me. She helps me out whenever she can and I know she will be an incredible Mum. She's also letting me go on holiday with her husband next year (to the jamboree).
I've also got my crew of lads, all studying at college or uni, but all finding the time to have a good old natter with me and help me at scout events.
My work buddies - the NQTs and the GMs. Where would I be without them? They make going to school enjoyable, and feed me with cake and lunches... Table pie being my favourite. In return I sometimes do photocopying or displays, and at break times we catch up and have a giggle. They have become so much more than just work colleagues and I would be lost without them.
The Y clan, what an incredible group of talented and passionate youth workers, like nothing you would find anywhere else. They inspire me and support me, they share long coffees with me and support my studying. Also, the YMCA dream team who make college that little bit easier just by being there and sharing in the dramas.
The list could go on for hours, but I will stop there.
Life is not about being caught up in events that happen, but rather it should focus on the movement between these events which is supported by the rocks around you.
I learnt this week that the pantheon is an incredible structure that is built on a roman style shock absorber, which is why it still stands after earthquakes and disasters. The only reason I still stand is because I have my shock absorbers all around me, in the form of a text or tweet, to a chat over dinner, or even a holiday. All the people around me have kept me upright and going strong.
All I ask is that those of you reading this, take the time to thank those around you and show them that they mean the world to you. Hold on to the people who make your life great and not the moments that make it hurt.
F.x
