13th March

And just like that, I'm 50! 

In the lead up to this, I'd kind of kept my head down. Not because I was having some age crisis, mostly because birthdays haven't really been that significant in the last decade or so. However, as the big day approached I found myself getting a bit excited. Life has been a bit complicated across the last couple of years but it eventually occurred to me that maybe it's time to actually take a moment to reflect and enjoy the moment.

When I stop to think about my choices in life it's fair to say that I've made some controversial ones, depending upon your viewpoint. I'm proud of some, not so much about others. Lingering on the poor ones isn't going to help anymore, so it's time to accept them and crack on, no better time to do that than a milestone. Very deep eh? Not exactly groundbreaking but hey ho. 

I've woken up on my 50th birthday, sailing on the world's last ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2. How the hell did that happen? Well it did, I'm here, I made it happen and that was my choice. One of the better ones.

Emily presented me with a pile of envelopes containing a bunch of messages from those I love. If any of you are reading this, thank you, it meant a LOT!

The Bury St Edmunds gang sent a card full of lovely words. My friends on board signed another and Em wrote her own words in a separate card. I was genuinely touched by all the kindness.

I'd made it clear that I had earmarked Darwin as a day to celebrate in my own way, a bar, some beers and not a ship in sight. However at 4 pm, I had a briefing on the bridge, returned to my office where my colleague informed me he had to escort me to one of the nearby lounges. On our arrival I was greeted by my team to the tune of Happy birthday and a delicious cake!

Working on ships is challenging but is also very special. We all work on board together and share those challenges. I love my team, we're all a long way from our respective homes and that's a burden we all share so celebrating one person's milestones can be very special indeed.

Earlier in the day I was presented with an insight into my future by medical via Em! Thanks for that!!

My daughters sent a bunch of messages pointing out my age and my hair colour. By the way, the grey in the above image is as a result of the overhead lighting!!!!

Messages from home came through with their best wishes. It was lovely. I felt very loved across the whole day, so thank you to you all for that. I'm very grateful to have you all in my life.