Every time I begin one of these In Reviews, as clichรฉ as it is, they typically always start with some, โwoahh, itโs that time alreadyโ, kind of spiel, but, genuinely, it really is kind of crazy weโve already concluded, yet another year, 2025. Last year, more than ever, writing my 2024 โ In Review, I mean, what an absolutely huge year that was! We got Married, for a start. So much happened in 2024. So, it was always going to be a bit challenging to top that.
Whilst, I think 2025 has been, for the most part, good, as I just hinted, it was never going to quite top 2025. If I had to sum up 2025, I’d say that this year is all about two things, adjusting, and, settling. Hannah, I’d argue, is now fully settled in to the UK way of living, for better or worse, even if missing Philippines. As for me it’s, generally, just, business as usual. But, some things have happened, of course, and here’s a rundown of the year 2025.
The, soft, launch of Ben Talks
When we switched over to BEHANN from the former RKUK Media, the intention was to make this website far more personal-led. The focus was now, almost, entirely, on my Blog, and anything else we post together. And, I think, we’ve got those bases out pretty well. I’m fully aware this puts BEHANN in a much more vulnerable state in terms of popularity, but, that was a conscious decision due to the huge constraints on getting appropriate budget to do what I, still, believe, RKUK Media could, and should, have been.
One of the things that took away from me, was adding my perspective on things such as Technology, to Music, to, honestly, anything. I avoided this when BEHANN launched as I thought it was purely me and Hannah’s life only. But, I wouldn’t say brainwave but, I just thought to myself, hang on, this is me and Hannah’s website, to do anything on. My likes, are personal. Hannah’s likes, are personal. So, why not include them? I toyed with the idea of something like what we had before with RKUK Media, but, I thought, nah, because, that way, we’re just going back in a different name. In comes, Ben Talks.
Ben Talks is, simply that, me talking about anything I think is really interesting, or, something I think needs some attention. Whether that’s a bit of Tech, or, really, anything else. I’ve only posted the odd few things this entire year, to really set the groundwork for what this could be, but, I think next year, this will go much further.
แง 1 Year Wedding Anniversary
แง The ol’ Gang Back Together
แง Hannah begins to settle in
Some blogs just deliver multiple things, this one sure did. My first full blog of 2025 was in April, posted after our 1 Year anniversary and catching up with a collection of friends who I’ve not seen in so-so long. In fact, on that last one, there’s a blog coming in January, where that is growing even further, but, we’ll get to that then.
The big thing that happened at the start of the year, as I mentioned at the start, was Hannah truly settling in to life in the UK. She’s now, essentially, ticked every box you need to live here in the UK. Obviously, there’s plenty of things to improve upon, who doesn’t want a higher paying job, who doesn’t want to live more comfortably within your means, but, apart from that, things are starting off pretty well. In fact, all things considered, I think we’ve collectively achieved all the intended things in 2025, in regard to her settling in, so, I’m happy about that. Thats not come without its issues, of course, some touch-and-go, giving up, moments, but hey, that’s life.
It was pretty wild to spend my Birthday with Hannah, for the very first time. Before this, there was always a back-and-forth, between her in Philippines or here. Whilst, you know me, I don’t, particularly, care about Birthday celebrations, it was still nice just to have her there. Unfortunately, my Family had other ideas, and spent most of the day focused on a Vacuum cleaner, I wish I was joking. On a more highlighting moment, we spent our first anniversary of our Wedding together, in the UK. We ended up celebrating most of this in a combination of ways; together on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which was actually pretty awesome, even if I buggered up the Tickets, and, with my Family at a very disappointing Chinese restaurant.
The start of 2025 wasn’t all about Hannah, though. I was very happy that this was the year I got back into spending more time with some friends I’d really missed doing so. This was the year I’d finally re-connect with Rob, Caddy and, in some ways, Kai. This all churned from an unexpected Group chat, which has continued to this day. I’m happy to say, that even following this, we’ve not fallen back into the Trap of never seeing everyone again. So, as I continue to brand it as, it really was “getting the ol’ Gang back together”.
Since this point, I think, there’s been some, genuinely, unintentional, misunderstandings, meets poor, very manly made, communication errors, which has led to Lee feeling a bit distanced from everyone. This is something I’m definitely very sad about. I still see Lee, obviously, that’s not changed, but, the fact that he’s become, whether by himself doing, or, there’s, not in that group, is something I’m really disappointed about. Who knows if this gets sorted in 2026. But, hey, I’m diverging into things not even mentioned in this post now ๐.
Hannah experiences Knaresborough, Trip to York and more!
Now that Hannah was settling into the UK at this point, I think this was the point where thing’s started to feel more new-normal, if you get what I mean. Work/life balance is always a thing, but, new experiences still readily able to be made. Me and Hannah had quite a few of these to share, biggest being our Trip to Knaresborough. Probably the most unspoiled picturesque parts of North Yorkshire still left, really. We had a pretty good day out there, to be honest, I think, the only thing we didn’t do, which Hannah would have liked, was going on a Boat. But, unlike in Scarborough, with those Peddle boats, this was rowing, which I don’t even think I know how to. You’ll read near the end, my sympathy at watching a Man, who, I could tell, was really trying to impress this Woman, but, failing miserably as he simply didn’t know what he was doing. Thankfully, that Man wasn’t me. But, I won’t spoil everything of what we did, that’s what the post is there for, but, in general, we’d a pretty great day out.
This was also around the time we decided to Pet-sit, so to speak, at my Sisters house. This certainly wasn’t the highlight of the year. I don’t know, I just felt very alone during this period of time. Not in the way that led to my breakup with my ex, way, but, I feel like this just ignited a lot of negatives between me and Hannah which is really why it’s not something I think we’ll be repeating for any long period of time. Hannah was simply not present, despite being there, if you get me.
Following up from the previous blog, led to one of the biggest night outs I’ve had in a good while, with me, Rob, Caddy and Kai, all heading out to York. I’ll be honest with you, the idea of going out on what was, essentially, getting pissed at York, wasn’t something I was particularly keen on. I didn’t go for that reason, I went to spend some time with some friends I see far less than I should, really. This night was amazing. I needed it, more than I thought. Because, really, I’d felt so disconnected from Rob and Kai, in particular, who’ve recently kind of become their own little side-group. Caddy doesn’t live as close as the rest of us, so, I can understand him, and, to his credit, is always up for catch ups whenever he is. But, no, whilst I was not ever going to love the whole drinking all night long, aspect, what I did enjoy, the humour, the laughs and just that feeling, that old-school feeling, of hanging out with the lads again. Made me feel like it was like 2010 again, just for glimpse, until, maybe, we saw a reflection of ourselves ๐ . In general, though, great night. And, what a reveal, with Rob announcing his Wedding, crazy times.
Awesome trip to Chester Zoo, and multiple Yorkshire coast Beach attempts!
It was nice to have a British summer with Hannah again, though, this time, without the clock-ticking saying it’s time for her to go home afterwards. This was special for a few reasons, as it gave Hannah a taste of an old British summer holiday. Whilst, I think, in parts, not sold as well as it could have been, though, I blame the times for that. In general, Bridlington and Scarborough, for example, even others we’ve not being able to go back to, yet, are a shadow of what they were when I was a kid. But, I’m really happy that me and Hannah were able to have a bit of a Summer holiday experience together. Ironically, this was posted, not long before, we’d have yet another holiday experience for Hannah, so, as you keep going down you will understand what that means. I don’t think the Beach experiences were that amazing, this time around, but, was still good to fit those in
When we weren’t all in on the Beach experience, me and Hannah experienced something new together, well, in terms of UK, being Chester Zoo. I think, looking back, my Mum was a bit jealous of us going as she’s always wanted to see Elephants, which are one of the animals and sites you can see there. Not to toot my own horn, but I was very impressed with my ability to find a way of getting there on Trains and Buses. Thankfully, once you get to Chester, it is rather direct, which was a relief. I was braced for an expensive unexpected Taxi to save the day, like other places end up being. But no, seriously, we had such a fun day in Chester Zoo. I think this was the first time, in a long time, that it felt like me and Hannah just doing what we used to do, like old-school dating, where it’s just the two of us, no distractions, both experiencing something new together and having fun in the process. Those are my favourite type of days. Plus, the Weather was really good for the day, as well.
Not everywhere was successful, though, as you’ll find out, pretty much every other part of this blog is a complaint about somewhere, so, I’ll leave that for you to enjoy once you’ve passed the good bits.
Busted vs. McFly at First Direct!
Hannah tries the British Caravan experience!
I told you we weren’t far from another Beach experience. Well, shortly after the last blog, we ended up having another day out with my Family, which I’ll admit Hannah wasn’t too excited about, knowing how well the other’s had gone, but, a new destination made the journey a bit more worth it. We ended up checking out Flamborough. Whilst it’s fair to say the Weather was … I mean, it didn’t rain, I guess … we still actually experienced everything it had to offer. Hannah enjoyed the sites, we saw the Lighthouse, and we even had some glimpse at some Sea lions which was pretty awesome. But, that wasn’t all, Hannah discover the British institution which, of course, is the Caravan. Hannah was all-in on the Caravan experience. Let’s buy one, let’s live there, she almost became a Haven rep. Whilst some parts of the day weren’t that good, generally was a great day out. Those Caravan moments, though, were pretty funny.
As I hinted at in the last blog overview, one of my favourite things with me and Hannah is when we’re just together, checking out new things together. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a new thing, I’ve been to a Gig before, it was pretty cool to go to one with Hannah. So, we did, in October, we both went to see Busted vs. McFly at Leeds First Direct Arena. And I went all-in! We were VIP, got some merch, and, I’ll be honest, whilst we were a bit out of place in the VIP experience, I think she enjoyed it actually. Yes, Hannah’s into more hip-hop meets dreadful mainstream artists, she does like a few McFly and Busted songs, so, having two bands together made for quite an awesome sing-a-long. Plus, they sounded amazing. Only real shame was James from Busted not being able to be there, due to health reasons. I’d definitely love to see Busted again when James is better, who knows, maybe they’ll bring this back for a small number of dates just to get the full experience. I know Hannah’s probably not a big fan compared to me, but, in general, it was a lot of fun.
Oh, and, we now have the same phones, woo. Yeah, there’s not really much to summarise on that ๐.
From Halloween to Christmas, or, at least, the start of it!
This was another collection of new experiences for Hannah as she delved in from Halloween, to Bonfire Night, to the Christmas season. I think it’s fair to say Hannah finds all three, in a word; pointless, confusing, and, boring, in order. She was a bit disappointed that she couldn’t experience Halloween, yes, I know it’s for kids going around and saying Trick or Treat, but, she wanted just one night to experience it, but, both my nieces had other plans. Plus, they’ve kind of become a bit pathetic since they’ve grown up, now the typical unsociable rude mess all are obsessed with social media. So, Halloween, not successful, as for Bonfire Night, it just doesn’t make sense. Why are you celebrating an unsuccessful plot to blow up your Parliament, well… I don’t know. So, that ended that quickly.
Christmas has been a wave of emotion for Hannah, and, those emotions are disappointment. I have to be honest, Christmas in the, you know what, no, the West in general, not just UK, has become so crap. Where’s the lights? Where’s the celebration? Where’s the feeling of Christmas? It’s not that long ago when that was there, but, now it’s just… sad. This was a feeling really echoed by Hannah, just a feeling of, is that it? This is the first time she was able to experience putting decorations up and Christmas shopping, Advent Calendar’s etc, but, I think she’s not too impressed. As you’ll find out more of, coming shortly
:::
COVERING EVENTS AFTER THE LAST BLOG
:::
Not much to cover, but, almost the end…
Obviously, it’s not that long since the December blog, I mean, this is being still written in December, but despite this, I feel like this year has been a very touch-and-go, between me and Hannah, in ways that I am exceptionally concerned about. I’m not talking about, little tiffs here and there, I’m talking about, completely exaggerated and worthless attempts to really push me to the point of pushing more buttons than I pushed this year, in other places. I’m talking about the fact, there’s been, I can count, immediately, three, occasions, when I’ve genuinely thought to myself, let’s just end this, yes, the relationship. For some reason, this year has been the peak, of Hannah’s attitude, failing insecurities and, so much more, that have just grasped into areas where I just cannot figure out. I’m struggling to defend her behaviour, with, the obvious counterpart being, I’m obviously to blame. Think, the meme where the woman is mad at her boyfriend because he cheated on her in her own dream, kind of stick. Thankfully, none of this crap was able to ruin Christmas Day, it still was able to ruin the whole feeling, most of December, and, if I’m being really honest, a lot of this year.
I’ve made it crystal clear, next year, is a reset of this crap. If we’re back in the former ways of feeling, or, worse of course, then, yeah, this ain’t going to work and I won’t make the mistake of sticking around with someone who causes me such distress like in my last relationship. Sometimes, you feel like things will just get better, so, you painstakingly stick around hoping for the best. Don’t. I made that mistake with Claire, I wasted years of my life on that, and I refuse to make that mistake again. Right now, as I’m writing this, it seems really unreasonable to be this negative as we’re, right now, very good, but, this isn’t once this year, even this month, so, it sticks there. And, this is a 2025 in Review, so, I’m looking at it as a whole.
I love Hannah with all my heart, there’s no one else who could make me as happy as she has in the time since I met her to today, and, beyond. So, here’s hoping nothing ruins that for the foreseeable future. As I said, 2026, reset; don’t want to hear any more about anything that’s happened negatively ever again. But, at the same time, if anything repeats, that’s it. And, again, to be clear, I’m not talking about little disagreements, small arguments, I’m talking about much bigger than that. So, here’s hoping things are ok, and, well, guess you’ll find out next year ๐ .
Other than the drama, that brings us closely towards Christmas, but, not without something interesting that’s peaked Hannah’s interest.
Nothing phones are… kinda good!
For reasons I can’t really say without giving irrelevant to the point things away, we have recently acquired two Nothing phones. Nothing, if you don’t know is a UK based company who make Android phones. Started out by one of the founders of Android, none the less, though, he’s no longer the lead at the company. Their big thing is making budget phones that don’t feel budget, with a very unique looking design, adopting transparency in to the feel. Honestly, in person, they look awesome.
Me and Hannah were looking for decent budget Android phones, and whilst there’s low cost Samsungs, Morotola’s, etc, they all have one thing in common; they suck. Dreadful LCD screens, massive bezels, terrible Cameras and run like crap. Nothing phones, though, seem to eliminate that. I’ve been trying out both these phones and I have to say, they’re awesome. In fact, Hannah wants to keep them as she likes the colour tone on the Cameras. Funnily enough, she liked the 3A and wanted to keep it due to the Camera, then, we also go the 2A, and, now she prefers that due to a different Camera. But, no, seriously, if you’re looking for a decent Android phone that doesn’t break the bank, these are great phones. We were going to get their CMF Phones, which is their budget brand, but, Hannah insisted on dual-front Speakers, so, that’s that. I’ll probably share why these are a secret later next year, when I’m able to.
Yes, another Christmas market? Or, not! Visiting Halifax and The Peace Hall
Yeah, believe it or not, after the whole drama of Christmas markets in my early December blog, we actually intended on going to another. My Mum went to the Halifax Christmas switch on and said it was actually not too bad, so, we both thought, hey, why not check it out. To be fair I’ve never really checked out Halifax as somewhere to go, and, I’ll be honest, my feelings to go back remain very low, but, it was nice to finally check out The Peace Hall, which consists of a collection of over priced shops which don’t belong in Halifax, surrounded by a pretty cool looking environment, as shown below;
Of course, when we went it was during Christmas so there was a collection of Christmas rides and mini-stalls which were all CLOSED! Yeah… That didn’t stop us checking everything out, after, of course, Hannah went into a few Charity shops in Halifax which were all, not that good. Then, we had a good look around The Peace Hall.
I’m not saying it was crap, but, I think it was more a collection of places to go just to look good. There was generally no one there, and, I can’t really blame anyone as to why. It wasn’t that special, in reality. Just something interesting to check out.
BY FAR, my favourite moment came when we visited a Harry Potter dedicated Store and Hannah said, as we went passed the likely Potter fan owner, “ohhh, I wonder if they sell those sticks” … that would be wands, Hannah. Either way, in a completely unsurprising turn of events, we purchased nothing.
In fact, we spent most of Halifax trip in a McDonalds, and, b&m. Though, I did manage to get a couple Christmas Cards which, I don’t think justifies the journey, if I’m honest. So, how would I summarise Halifax, well, it’s not dreadful, it’s not as bad as, say, Dewsbury or Bradford (these days), but, it’s sure nothing special.
Poor communication = Drama
I’ve, kind of, already mentioned this before, but, yes, Rob is surprising the world by getting Married next year, as I mentioned in my York blog, and, the overview above. When we all concluded on that night, we were all given an Invite… which, I’ve lost. I mean, I’ve an idea where it is, but, that’s besides the point. Someone who wasn’t there, on the day, was Lee. As a result of this, he didn’t get the Invite. Caught up, so far?
So far, nothing really is out of the ordinary, if you ask me. We all know why Lee hasn’t got the Invite, and, we all know why those who were there did. However, it’s been a few month or so, since that York trip, and, well, times getting closer to when people need to make plans, such as booking time off, getting a Suit etc, if there’s going to be a Wedding. Well, I don’t know if this was Caddy being deliberately mischievous, or, what, but he essentially was chatting to Lee about Rob’s Wedding. I think, to Caddy’s defence, he assumed, as we all would, that Lee was invited. Thing is, though, Lee doesn’t have an Invite to Rob’s Wedding. This has, naturally, led to Lee being very disappointed, and, feeling quite left out.
Now, I’ll be honest with you, if I wasn’t invited to Rob’s Wedding, I’d be so fucked off, not gonna lie. I’ve known Rob longer than the English language. So, I, kinda, get the frustration Lee was feeling, to a point. Recently, Rob and Lee haven’t been the best of pals, let’s just say. Despite once living together, knowing each other since school, the past year, or so, they’ve not really been that much in each other’s company. I think this situation could have been dealt with very simply, on both sides, if this was talked over by each other, one-on-one. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
Instead, Lee went on a tirade, in a Group chat, about how he wasn’t invited, how pathetic it was, and then left the Group, blocking all attempts by Rob to explain his side. Now, look, I get it, Lee was annoyed, so he lashed out. I get that. But, it should have been, with Rob, not, really, with the whole chat. This has led, as I hinted, at Lee blocking Rob, and now, Rob’s in a situation where he can’t explain himself.
It turns out, Lee was invited, just, not on the list, until many of the international Guests were finalised, on the Wife side of the Wedding. As many of the Guests were, or maybe not, coming from Republic of Ireland, they needed to take priority. I will say, in return to that, having Kai’s parents on the list, before Lee, I don’t think Rob can really defend that, if I’m being honest. Trust me, I was part of my own Wedding last year, it’s bluddy stressful planning, but, if it was in the UK, I’d have a definite list when it came to my Friends. So, there’s that.
So, now, we’re in a situation where, essentially, everyone bar-Lee, is going to this Wedding. I have to say, for me, that’s a let down, because Lee’s, if not, a big character, always been a big part of this group and his absence at such a huge once-in-a-lifetime Event is such a shame. I really hope this can be corrected and sorted out. Because, I know Hannah feels the same, as do I, that, without enough people to really mingle awkwardly with, Wedding’s are kind of crap. Hannah’s literally said to me, she’d rather not go if Lee isn’t. Don’t get me wrong, she’s going, but, I see where she’s coming from. I just, as I said, hope this can be fixed.
None of this is, by the way, an attack of any of them. Just, I think it’s fair to say, they both handled this terribly.
Christmas Day in the UK, with Hannah
Incredibly, it was time, Christmas Day in the UK, with Hannah! I have to say, though, what an empty feeling this Christmas has been, is it just me? I don’t think it is, because, I’ve been asking everyone around, looking at faces in the Streets and you just think, what happened to Christmas? It’s funny, because, Hannah wants me to experience Christmas in the Philippines, and, I already know, from visiting not long after, last year, that they’ve soooo many lights and celebrations that put ours to shame. And this is the Philippines, a country still considered third world. It’s probably something I will do, in the future, but, if I’m honest, my Grandma is 95 and I just want to spend every last Christmas possible with her, I can. That’s not me being morbid, that’s just me wanting to not waste any time, if you get me. I regret not spending more time with my late-Grandad in his last years.
So, how did the day go?
Last minute preparations
It’s fair to say, adding a whole few sacks of Presents in our room was quite the struggle when it came to moving about, but, the last few things were all wrapped on Christmas Eve, and, I have to say, I think we did good this year. Hannah had this really funny idea, to buy everyone a joke present, as well as everything else. Although, this wasn’t the original plan. Believe it or not, she intended on buying my Uncle a doormat, for Christmas. Yes, a doormat. No one, quite knows why, but she did. This was something that was spoke about around the house leading to Hannah quickly realising, that’s not a normal present. But, instead of going back on it, she, instead, capitalised on it, which, I think is awesome. My Dad had some cocktail sticks, my Mum had some Toilet blocks, my sister had some Cleaning scrubbers etc, all just random joke presents. But, you know what, everyone loved it, so, I’m really glad.
So, how did Christmas Day go;
๐๐ ๐ผ Christmas Day ๐๐ ๐ผ
If there’s one thing Hannah was not expecting about Christmas Day, it was how early it started. We were up at 9am, and, by up, I mean, downstairs. I’ll be honest, though, we probably could have got away with 10am. It turns out, a lot of people were coming later than they used to, so, that did lead to a bit of time to kill. We killed this time, with two things, first batch of presents, and, songs!
Presents to Christmas songs ๐ง
On Christmas Day, typically, me and my Parents start by opening our Gifts to each other, before the whole house gets bombarded with some many others, this time, not much different, but, of course, with one big exception, Hannah’s included. It was nice to have Hannah there with me, as we started with the Gifts opened. Then, though, as I said, we needed to kill some time, so, the idea arose to me that Hannah is completely unaware of, pretty much, any of the UK’s most popular Christmas songs. So, made a playlist, and, at least intended on, had a little sing-a-long whilst showing them off.
She’s aware of Wham’s Last Christmas, that British classic made it across the pond, as well as John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War is Over), but, the rest, completely alien to her, so, made a playlist. Here’s just a few of the British Christmas songs that most other Countries have never heard of, despite being such classics;
- Slade – Merry Xmas Everyone
- Wizzard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
- The Pogues – Fairytale of New York
- Shakin’ Stevens – Merry Christmas Everyone
- Elton John – Step Into Christmas
- Mud – Lonely This Christmas
- Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmas Time
- Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
- The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)
- Frankie Goes to Hollywood – The Power of Love
This could go on, so much further, I compiled 40 songs, in the end. But, it was all a waste of time. I think if our Christmas time, hadn’t been impacted by personal issues, we’d of been able to enjoy these more. I’m hoping that’s something I can integrate in next year. You can view the full playlist here! Hannah is aware of Walking in the Air, as we did watch The Snowman last year, but, yeah, it’s a shame that wasn’t able to be really felt as much as I wished.
Before you knew it, everyone had arrived, but there was a problem, food wasn’t ready, so that led to this moment where the kids were annoying, and Hannah felt a bit uncomfortable so went upstairs. Thankfully, that was only temporary, then it was time for Hannah to experience Christmas Dinner.
But, but, but, where’s the rice?!
Yes, for this one day of the year, Hannah was BANNED from Rice. She was devastated, and, I mean that literally, I think she was. I think, in general, she didn’t mind the Christmas dinner, she now, confirmed, likes Turkey, which is something, with everything else, I think, falling in the British Stew category of, I can eat it, it’s ok, but, I wouldn’t choose it, plus, again, where’s the rice ๐.
It’s unclear whether, in the future, when we have Christmas here again, whether we’ll let her off for having Rice. Maybe, have to see. In reality, though, I think next year, Hannah would probably prefer Christmas in the Philippines, though, time will tell. Things didn’t exactly go as smooth as normal this year, to be fair.
The chaos of a whole Family of presents
It’s always eventful when there’s a literal houseful of people trying to each hand out a collection, bag-full of presents for everyone around, but, it’s that chaos that makes Christmas Day, well, Christmas Day really. This was one of those moments where I think Hannah got a bit overwhelmed. This was all-new territory for her. I mean, she’s told me, after, that she enjoyed it, it was great, and she herself got quite a lot for Christmas, as well, but yeah, was certainly overwhelming for her. It was even overwhelming for me when we had so much wrapping paper I couldn’t even see the rest of my body.
What followed was a bit of chill before what we all have on Christmas Day, the unwanted tea-time, when you’re still stuffed from the big Christmas dinner. We had a buffet of Food, and I think, both me and Hannah had very little. Not helped, on my part, by my Mum burning the Sausage rolls… Hannah tried some alcohol-free Wine and, said, it’s OK, in the very I don’t like it I’m being kind, Hannah way, so, that was a thing. Then, it was near the end of the night. Until…
Ending on some Games… ๐ฒ
If there’s one thing I remember about New Years in the Philippines, it’s the interactive nature of everything. And, yes, games. So, when I told Hannah that my Sister typically hosts a collection of Games we all play for prizes, this was really what she was hoping for.
Naturally, this was ruined, in some parts, by the young girls being pathetic, but, for the most part, Hannah really enjoyed it. Plus, we all won some prizes, so, that’s all good. Play your Cards Right, all the way to a very surprisingly silent and focused, Bingo, we were all very into it. It’s just a shame that, due to multiple circumstances, the day started later than normal (hence the many waits), so, it was too late to play things for as long.
Then, before you knew it, that was it. People were starting to go home, and that was Christmas Day. We ended the day just watching random things on the TV, then, yeah, end of the day.
Did Hannah like Christmas in the UK?
Well, no. I could dress it up any way you like, but, I think in reality, she wasn’t a fan. Despite saying that Christmas Day in the Philippines is rather empty, compared to the large New Year’s Day. Which is ironic, as we’re the opposite.
No, I think, she enjoyed opening the presents, she enjoyed the get together, joking about at the Table over the Christmas Dinner, she enjoyed the Games. But, one thing Hannah struggles with, I think, is UK camaraderie. She just doesn’t get our ways of doing things. Which, is good, really, because 99% of what they do in the Philippines makes equally 0 sense, to me.
I hope Hannah does spend more Christmas’ here, I want to really have a proper Christmas without the problems that plagued us this time, but, time will tell. For now, that was this one. But, not quite, just yet.
A buffet of absence, and, the Beef Dinner
To make up for the lack of time playing the Games, the plan was to do the same at the next typical events we do, as a family, which include a Buffet at one of my Sisters house, and, a Beef Dinner (for which, Hannah is allowed Rice). Although, things didn’t quite work out for these, either.
On the buffet, Hannah was unable to be there. Then, on the Beef Dinner, my Sister who plays the Games, was unable to bring them. So, you see what I mean. Here I am trying to show Hannah all the things we get up to over a Christmas in the UK, and the day keeps trying to piss me off with excusable, otherwise, issues. The buffet, was just me, my Parents, watching Movies we’ve already seen whilst trying to win some prizes Hannah had no chance to get. Although, I did end up getting some pretty cool things;
Hannah was, thankfully, able to be present for the Beef Dinner, but, then came even more problems. My Grandma and Uncle weren’t feeling well, now, too. Ahhhhhhh, there’s always something, this year. Hannah, as I’ve mentioned times before, really seems to get on with my Grandma and Uncle, so, this was a very noticeable absence. What this led to, instead, was a rather boring, unwanted Dinner, and, well, that’s it. A shame really.
In fact, the most special part of the Beef Dinner, wasn’t the Beef Dinner, it was that it was when me and Hannah booked Flights. Flights?? Where?? Well, I’ll talk about that in a second.
Yeahhh, it’s a shame how Christmas turned out. I mean, yes, there was plenty of moments that I think Hannah enjoyed, no doubt about it. But, there was always something, that made it more frustrating than it should be. Shame, really. I’d say, I hope it hasn’t put her off, but, I think we’re way past that being just an assumption.
๐๐ ๐ผ Christmas Day ๐๐ ๐ผ
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END OF: COVERING EVENTS AFTER THE LAST BLOG
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Summarising 2025, plan for 2026
It’s definitely been a weird one, this year. Whilst I don’t think it’s been, by far, our best year, it has been, as I said at the start, a year of adjusting and settling. Hannah truly has settled in to the UK. That’s not to say she’s not more than ready to head back to the Philippines for what I’m assured is just a visit.
This year didn’t have the glitz and the glamour of 2024, I mean, how do you compete with your Wedding Day, but we still had plenty of firsts, we still had a great time in many places and laughs along the way. There’s also, though, many areas of concern, which do need addressing, and, I’m hopeful, this is something that will be sorted out in the long run. Next year’s the big test for that.
In fact, a lot is changing next year, let’s get to it.
2026
2025 was the year of adjusting and settling, I think 2026 is, already, the year of risks, at least, for me. I’ve made a pretty huge decision, already, about the future of where I work, due to it kind of falling apart at the seems, which puts us in a very unique position as we get through 2026. It’s a risk I’m hoping pays off, as there’s a lot riding on it. I’ve had a few moments of anxiety and worry about it, but, you know what, something you just know you have to take that leap, so, we’re doing it.
Oh yeah, I mentioned earlier about Flights. Yep, me and Hannah are, indeed, going back to the Philippines, and, quite soon, as well. Hannah wants to go for, a lot, longer, than I do, so, we’ve made the decision for her to go in like back end of February, whilst I will be going in mid to end of March. Flights are now all booked in, and, yeah, this means for the first time in quite some time, I’ll be saying goodbye to Hannah again at an Airport, whilst I stay behind. Thought we weren’t doing that anymore. But, nah, it’ll only be very temporary, then, we’ll both be coming back together.
As for the rest of 2026 and, let’s be honest, all of the second half, honestly? No idea. It’s all in the unknowns. Well, we do know Rob’s Wedding is coming up, but, as far as my life is concerned, the events beyond the middle are a mystery. So, hey, buckle in, let’s see what happens!
BEHANN 
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