So here we are again, the end of another year. I say it every year about how I am not a fan of New Year. That being said I cannot deny that this year has actually been kinder to me.

I admit I am still grieving for Max. It’s gonna take a lot to ever feel somewhat normal, and perhaps I won’t. One thing I do know is that there hasn’t been a single day that has gone by without us talking about him. He is always in my heart and that just keeps his memory going. My little tinky-boy. I will talk about him forever more.

I remember ending my ‘2021‘ blog post with these exact words “Big things happened for S&O, achievements were made, goals accomplished and well I’m just super excited to see where 2022 takes this little empire of mine.” Never in a million years did I expect that 2022 would take my little empire to an actual bricks and mortar shop! Even just typing it now feels quite surreal still. The year started like many others, my hatred for Jan & Feb. I was proper getting stuck into my lead vol role with OCD Action – I threw my absolute all into it.

Things moved steadily, markets started again and I was just loving what I do. I had recently enquired about viewing a shop in the Old Town. It used to be a chemist, the interior is beautiful with all old interior and such. I don’t know why I did it to myself because viewing a place was just a bit of a dream really. I never did get to go for a proper viewing because someone had already applied and I was told they’d get back to me if the application fell through. Gutted. I always wanted to have a little shop in the Old Town.

I remember my mum saying to me “Don’t worry, it just means that it wasn’t meant to be and there will be something better around the corner.” I don’t think either of us anticipated that the something better wasn’t actually around the corner but more a few steps across the road! She was right!! (Though to be fair mum usually is!). It was perfect. It IS perfect. I am beyond happy and blessed to have achieved a little shop that I can call the home of Sissy and One. A truly big thank you to DD too – your encouragement has never gone unnoticed.

One incredible highlight was just before opening the shop I won Theo Paphitis SBS. In which I get to accept my certificate and meet the man himself in February 2023. That’s a bonus to look forward too!

The summer was filled with lots of good vibes, decorating the shop, filling the shop, creating new products and talking with lots of new customers. Billy became the boss of the place though, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Except maybe not getting on the window now that I have stock on there!

Along with the journey of a new shop came added friendship. You know when you think that you’re probably too old to make new friends now? (or is that just me!? Haha!). I didn’t realise I would meet so many wonderful people in the Old Town, so many who have welcomed me onto the street immediately with open arms, love and kindness. So many who support my business and who want to work together to make the street a booming lil success. Both businesses and residents of the area I am truly grateful for.

I’d list a bunch of people I am super grateful for in that area, but you guys know who you are. Though I will say – LJ you are a gem of a new friend. A truly wonderful soul who I connected with instantly. Thank you for being there for Sissy and One but also for me too. It’s rare (for me especially) to open up to new people, but you gave me your ear and constantly checked on how I was. Now it is my turn to do the same for you. 💜

This year my brother got married too! It was a beautiful day, they even asked me to make the cake which obviously if you know me know that it wasn’t going to be something small and simple. Ya gal wanted to put in all the choc and effort she could! So I did. Mum made the little people on top and again, why go for the traditional little plastic husband and wife? Nah, she made two characters out of cork and wire with skeleton heads – LOVE it. It truly was a special day, a lot of love was thrown around and not only did I gain a sister in law, I gained an extended part of family too. (Pretty sure M only married R so that she could be related to me though – not gonna lie). 😉 Haha, nah those two are so well suited it is unreal. I didn’t think anyone could match my brother’s daftness or clumsiness but now…. well… 😂 

This year has gone so fast, blink and the summer had gone! Towards the end of the year was quite a funny one. Odd is an understatement. Ugly things re-appeared but at the same time died too. How can something go as easily as it came? I’m not sure and I am still baffled by that. I face a tough time ahead, I know that. I keep telling myself it is worth it for the ultimate feeling of relief.

One thing I learnt from that though is to always say how you are feeling, no matter what. You are entitled to express your feelings even if it does bother some people. Bottling my feelings and emotions up last time led me to a bad place – I refuse to ever do that again. The way I have dealt with the last couple of months I feel I’ve done pretty darn well considering. Do I regret how I have dealt with things? No. Would I change anything about myself in the last couple of months? No. Well, maybe to stand up for myself more and to actually put myself first for a change. I guess going forward that is a goal to aim towards. Easier said than done!!

Thanks to those family members and friends who have once again supported me in everything, shown love and care and accepted me for being the irritating lil gal that I am! Haha!

This year has been about NEW things. I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve been happy. I’ve been sad. I’ve been absolutely livid. I gained weight. I gained a sister-in-law. I lost love for myself. I found friendship. I won opportunities. I laughed. I made. I supported. I missed out. I cried. I loved. I took risks. I experienced.

But… I was me.

Happy New Year all.

Keets x