One year in pics

Good morning everyone, I hope you are spending the most relaxing and pleasant holidays!

December 31th is probably a good moment to think back about the past year, and I shall admit I have rather mixed feelings about the last twelve months.

I have no complaints at all about my personal life. 2012 brought me more joy and happiness than I could possibly ask for, and was overall one of the best years of my life, so far. I finally completed my studies, got the amazing opportunity of moving abroad and getting to know such a beautiful and fascinating country as Sweden is, I met many extraordinay new friends and went through a number of exciting and joyful experiences. And all of this time I was so lucky to have by my side the most sensitive and caring boyfriend a girl could wish for. For all of these reasons I feel much fortunate and grateful, and I look back to the past months with much joy and contentment.

On the other hand, I realize 2012 has been quite of a harsh year for many people I love and care about. Happiness can have kind of a guilty taste when you are aware that someone close to you is in pain, or facing a hard and difficult situation. So, along with my thankfulness for all of the joy I got, I'd also like to express my wish for a happier and easier new year for everyone who is or has been suffering.

Well, I apologize for this unusually long message. This little blog has become more and more personal as months went by, so it felt in some sense natural to write down here my thoughts and wishes for the new year. 

They come along with a few pics from my favourite moments, from January to December. I thought it might be a nice way to look back and summarize the path of my life during the last year. : )

January: It feels like ages ago! Our old apartment in Padua, very cold weather, hot tea, and a huge lot of  purposes for the new year..

February: last bits of student life, a romantic Valentine and the Carnival of Venice, of course!

March: The very last (and biggest) University rush! All I remember is studying day and night : )

Plus some fresh spring rain and the very first blossoms.

April: after much work, pain and anxiety, I finally got my Master in Automation Engineering!  :)

Such a great joy and relief! :)

(my cat was NOT impressed :P )

May: some relax on the hills, in a lonely and magical place..

June: a terrible heatwave (Italian summers can be horribly hot!) and some nice excursions with my boyfriend : )

July:  the biggest farewell party at my place with all of our friends! 

There were about 50 guests, and the organization was crazy - which is why I do not have many pics of the party, I was just too busy! : ) 

But in the end, much joy, lots of food and wine, and a hundred lanterns all around the garden made it a great night! :D

August: in the middle of a hot Italian summer, I took the time to say goodbye to the places I love most - Venice first, of course!

September: Sweden here we come!

Carrot and cinnamom cake, wild fauna in Stockholm and the gorgeous colours of Northern autumn

October: Exploring the North - Malmö, Copenhagen, Lund. And falling in love with our beautiful new home. : )

November: enjoying the many pleasures of Swedish lifestyle! : )

December: snow, snow snow! 

And all of the magic of Norhtern Christmas! : )

Thank you all for being a part of this exciting and unforgettable yeaar in my life!
I wish you all much luck and joy for the New Year, and I hope you'll be back to share a bit more of whatever 2013 is going to bring!

Big hugs,

Mijbil