Michelle had a special item for me this evening. She told me to close my eyes and hold out my hands. I was not expecting an early birthday gift (eight days before my big 30!)

They were our tickets for the Concert In The Gardens, part of many celebrations for start of 2012 in Edinburgh. Effectively the last tickets we will ever need for this calendar year. While it would be easy to start and get excited (first check the guest list) and second it still feels too far away in the distant future.

Having said that I have always been envious of watching live television footage from Edinburgh after the fireworks in London. When I usually head off to bed, the party on that side of the border is just getting into full swing. I am looking forward to the once in a lifetime experience. What will make it most special? It will the first time I see in the new year with my wife, after almost five months of marriage. If you are going to celebrate the start of an Olympic year, why not do it in some style? You only live once! Better start learning the words to Auld Lang Syne