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End of decade round-up

My family didn't grow in the way I thought it might, turns out it was only ever meant to be me, David and Zachary. Instead, the pitter patter of tiny feet came from our guinea pigs, Wally and Percy, and our feline friend, Clarence. I gained a niece, a nephew, a god daughter and a promise daughter and a host of special little people who I hope will always call me Auntie Kate.

Zach started and finished primary school and adjusted well to life at secondary, making new friends to add to those he already had. He has gone from being an exuberant livewire tot to an exuberant livewire preteen, which only goes to show that some things don't ever change.

We started the decade in a house I loved with great neighbours, ending it in one that's served us well but has never really felt like home, surrounded by boxes ready for a move in January. Bring on the bay window!

In 2010 I'd been poorly for a number of years but given no diagnosis, by 2019 I'd officially been a Crohnie for five years and ended the decade in remission. My weight has gone up and down, partly due to diet and partly medical issues, but I'm determined to not be held hostage by a number, either on a weighing scale or on a clothes tags. The decade ends with me reunited with Sertraline to fight my old enemy anxiety.

Teaching assistant. Lunchtime supervisor. Pre-school deputy manager. Author. Work that, in the main, I've loved (even when it stressed me out). Nine short stories, two novellas, three novels! And another coming in January, my first published by Quercus and my first working with my superb agent.

This was the decade of holidays to Madrid, Florence, Lisbon, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Valencia, as well as countless gigs and theatre shows and time spent with wonderful people. The decade of Irish dancing and jigsaws and getting an allotment. The decade I converted to Catholicism. Of walking a marathon. Of becoming vegan. Of seeing my book on a shelf.

When the past ten years are laid bare, joyful memories sit alongside some of the worst moments I've ever faced, which makes sense - this is a quarter of my life! I'm sure the '20s will be much of the same.

Thank you to everyone who's supported me so far - publishers, bloggers, author friends and readers.

To those who've been the wind in my sails helping push me forward, I only hope that, in return, I can be your lifeboat if ever you need one. 

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