2010 is done.

I invited you into my world around this time last year, when I was heartbroken but not downtrodden, about to embark on (yet another) adventure of a lifetime. So, how did it go?

Shopping in Dubai.

2010 has been a year of two halves. It began with me at my brightest and shiniest, clutching my passport, capsule wardrobe organised, as I stepped out into the south east asian yonder. I was living my dream, no borders, no routine, no major budgetary restraints, a pack full of fab yet practical outfits, sunshine, sand, food, drinks, shopping, and boys! I never wanted it to end.

But it did. I skidded, scowling back into the UK on 1 April, yes April Fool’s Day, I think this should have been a sign, no biggie, I had a plan. Before my return, I had already begun applying for all kinds of far flung jobs that I thought would satisfy my desire to be anything but ordinary, Emirates and Celebrity Cruises among my hoped for employers. Back in Birmingham, I waited by the phone, checked my email, repeatedly, attempted to believe one of these jobs was mine. Despite my best efforts, it wasn’t to be. 

Sunset on Ko Lipe.

By now I could already feel the sun setting on my “life” as my trip became a bunch of photos, some fairly distributed gifts and a set of entertaining pub stories. I clung to every lunch, dinner, drinks date as if my life depended on it, something had to be done.

Statue at the MoD in Bs As.

“If the work won’t come to me, I’ll go to it!” I proclaimed as I returned to yet another city of my broken dreams, Madrid. My heart said no but my sensible, grown up mind, said a job in Spain is better than no job in Birmingham. Only I continued to fail to secure gainful employment and as my bank account dwindled, I began to panic.

Drinking mate in Bs As.

Slipping into total darkness was not an option, there had to be some shiny to be had somewhere! I know, I’ll do what I always do, which is, to do one. Where? WHERE?! South America, the plan was hatched, my bags were packed, the Universe worked it’s magic. I’m saved! I thought as I grabbed my passport and boarded the dilapidated TAM Boeing 777. All the same, I didn’t feel shiny on the inside, “it’ll come”, I told my self, "once I’m settled in and organised". Only it never did, so I came back.

So here I am, XX years old, unemployed, single and living with my parents. On the plus side, I have my family and friends nearby and my many boxes of crap at my disposal. I can’t think of a better place to scrub, buffer and polish myself to restore my shine ready to tackle a whole new year.

Merry Christmas one and all, may your dreams come true in 2011.