This Saturday is my 32nd birthday so I thought I would reflect upon the last year.
Firstly, I can't think of anyone who actually enjoys getting older. What makes it slightly worse for me is I barely have any memories of the last two years, so in my head, I am actually turning 30, or 31, as I can't remember my last two birthdays. It certainly doesn't feel like I'm turning 32. I'm turning 30/31, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
Not that there are any certain criteria for turning 32; it's not like when you turn 18 and you can legally buy alcohol. There are no major milestones associated with the figure 32. What I do find slightly sad, without trying to sound depressing, is I feel like I have actually lost the last year-and-a-half/two years. Life around me has carried on: my friends are starting families, changing careers and getting promoted whereas I'm celebrating being able to tie my own shoe laces.
As a sports journalist, you can't help comparing yourself to the people you write about; so it is only natural to look at what you have achieved at the same age as sporting stars.
Unfortunately I can't see myself being called up to the England rugby or football team anytime soon, but I don't think it has anything to do with my age!
It seems to be a sign of the times when a professional rugby/football player reaches their 30s, they are considered closer to being put on the scrap heap, or close to the end of their career, but I hope this is not the case with me.
I certainly don't feel close to anywhere near the end of my career as a sports journalist, and I still have plenty left I want to achieve, especially with the Rugby World Cup in this country next year.
I have been in Gloucestershire since 2008, and apart from the last year-and-a-half; I've loved every minute of it, so I certainly have no plans to go anywhere, just yet!
Plus I now have the added bonus of living with my amazing girlfriend Amy here, who is studying for her PGCE, which makes things even better.
I just can't wait to show her living with me is not always this difficult.
As I've mentioned before, she does a heck of a lot for me, which I'm incredibly grateful for, so I can't wait to show her she has bet on the right horse in me, if you pardon the sporting analogy!
As I get older, I can't help looking around at those close to me and admiring all they have achieved. Firstly, some of my closest friends have got married, and bought their own house, so those two things are definitely up there on my "to-do" list, but don't worry I won't be making history by proposing to Amy via a blog, I'm a lot more romantic than that! Although that does sound pretty cool now I mention it, and I'm sure she would love that seeing as she is a big blog fan.
I keep trying to remind myself these last two years have not been lost; they have just not turned out the way I planned. I can still achieve all those things, it just won't be tomorrow, and in all likelihood it won't be easy, but I'm not sure it ever is. If I have learned one thing through all of this, it is I know every birthday is precious, everyday must be cherished because life is..... unpredictable.
Anyway I already have the best birthday present in my health, and Amy!
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