JANUARY may be a horrible month (we've been through this) but I do like the idea of it being the doorway to a new year of possibilities.
There's something special and exciting about having a blank page laid out before us - what will our story be?
That's the thing about a new year, anything is indeed possible.
Looking ahead, I do have certain hopes for 2022.
First of all, in March, the baby of the family, our little James, turns six and then, later in the month, we have another special event, when Abbie makes her First Confession.
It's hard to believe we have reached this point but then again, she turned seven in December.
That said, I do have a few goals for our little princess this year.
Finally, after months of debate, Abbie will hopefully get her ears pierced and, I'm also hoping that 2022 might be the year I get to take her to her first pop concert.
I was having a think the other day about my first gig and honestly, I can't remember any concerts before seeing The Corrs in 1995.
I must have been around 17 or 18 and the gig was at The King's Hall and I just loved it.
However, many years before that I had the biggest crush on Rick Astley and I just loved Never Gonna Give You Up.
I have a very vague memory of my daddy taking me into Belfast city centre when the lovely Rick was making a personal appearance.
My dad hoisted me on to his shoulders so I could see my idol and my life was just complete. I was mesmerised.
Over the last year or so, Abbie has found the music of Little Mix.
Despite not knowing what the group's songs are actually about, she belts out the lyrics (or close enough) and dances around her bedroom and in the car and the pair of us perform duets.
The group are due to perform at the SSE Arena in Belfast in April and I would love to take her.
The problem is, Darren thinks Abbie is too young and in addition, feels Little Mix are a little too mature for her, but I disagree.
Yes, they are older girls and their wardrobes may be a little on the little side sometimes but the point is, Abbie loves their music.
At Christmas, Santa surprised her with the band's greatest hits album and I'm sure it is close to being played out already.
So, alas, Darren and I find ourselves on opposing teams and the issue could be moot anyway as the tickets are probably long sold out.
I just think Abbie would love seeing the girls up close and being around other young Little Mix fans but maybe I'm wrong.
The thing is, the band has now announced they are to split so it could be Abbie's last chance to see them.
Oh, why is this parenting lark so hard?
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Some things never change.
Yes, we've entered a new year, there's most likely a host of new challenges and adventures on the horizon and with Covid-19, who knows what's in store, but for some, the oldies are always the best.
Despite coming up against a former One-Directioner and a US Grammy award-winning singer, Cliff Richard has topped the 2022 music calendar sales chart.
The 81-year-old and his famous hips led the way ahead of Elvis Presley, Harry Styles, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Robbie Williams and Queen.
Now that's impressive.
Great job Cliff, keep up the good work.
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It's been a while since we've seen them but at long last, the lovely Jersey housewives made a very welcome return to our screens for a second season over the festive break.
I had enjoyed the first series of The Real Housewives of Jersey last year but let's face it, if it had been cancelled, I wouldn't have lost much sleep.
Like many fans, I tuned in for the premiere after Christmas and that was me hooked - I binge-watched the entire series in a matter of days.
Two of the faces from the first series have left and two new faces have arrived and boy, oh boy, is there drama.
Accompanied by a tin of Quality Street, I sneaked off to the bedroom at home and got stuck in and I have to say, this series is 10 times better than the first.
While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that while the sunshine is once again out, so too are the claws.
So strap in people, this is going to be one bumpy season in Jersey - and I love it.
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the 56 Days competition are Ellen McKenna from Donaghmore, Lily Devlin from Portaferry, Fiona Terrins from Armagh, Eamon McGrath from Omagh, Eileen Barry from Tralee, Terence Doherty from Portstewart, Grainne Layden from Downpatrick, Eilish Walker from Keady, Mary Coney from Omagh, and Paula McCormick from Magherafelt.
