A new beginning...

Dearest reader,

It has come to my attention that whilst only being 26 (and a half) I am in fact rapidly ageing. This has realised itself in a number of different ways, which I will now share with you;

1. The term YOLO.

Now I will be the first to admit that I am not particularly "street" but have for the most part been able to keep up with various phrases and slang abbreviations.

However, while teaching a year 8 class, my children began to use this phrase; YOLO. Not wanting to appear "uncool" I just nodded and said "Totally...YOLO.." 

Thankfully I managed to get away with it.

It wasn't until a few days later, while road tripping to a wedding, the conversation came up again, so I plucked up the courage and asked; 

"So what does YOLO mean?" 

There was a pause. The, "Is this guy serious?" pause and then a patient explanation followed by much giggling at my expense. YOLO, for those of you who aren't sure means:

You

Only

Live

Once

Well, I feel younger already....

2. Baby!

On the 25th May 2013 I became a father for the first time. Becoming a parent is the most amazing experience and I would highly recommend it, however, it does make you (and other family members feel, well, old!) 

As a Daddy, a term I am still getting used to, I have new and massive responsibility. To raise my boy in the best way possible: to love him through thick and thin, provide for him, protect him and help guide him though the ever changing, exciting, scary world we live in. 

Now I am very lucky not to be doing this alone, I am very blessed to have an unbelievably beautiful and super talented wife, who is an outstanding mother to our son. It makes my life a lot easier! I tip my hat to single parents, because I couldn't do it without her.

3. Number thirty-five

The last of the ageing points is our new house. And for the observant among you, it's where the name of this blog comes from.

Although we aren't strictly buying the house we are involved in it's rescuing. We're helping to choose kitchens and carpets and paint colours and although this is all very exciting (and Mr Ikea is about to do very well out of us!) it does make me feel old. This is the house where our children are going to grow up, it's where they'll bring their friends, where we'll celebrate, commiserate and do family together. It's a big deal!

So, that's where I'm at. Feeling older but with an incredible journey ahead. Yes, a little terrified but ultimately incredibly excited for the adventure. Feeling old is nothing, I'm going to enjoy every second of it!