Highs and lows of 2013 for you?
Discussion
Job: Same old. Easy, relatively well paid but ultimately unengaging. Started a little sideline business making engineery/arty wall pieces for petrolheads last month, which has turned me a nice profit already.
Cars: MX5 & ATR have mamanged to survive being replaced by more frugal alternatives while my wife and I saved to pay for our wedding and now a house deposit. Had an absolute hoot in my first year with an MX5. First RWD, first drop top, first car with pop up lights, first car ever to go straight through an MOT. Managed to win a joint first trophy (first trophy win too) in my class at the local autotest champtionship (shared with the guy I bought the car from
). No major breakdowns. Great year on a tight budget, truth be told.
Relationship: Got married, was a most excellent day. Living with my parents (with nipper) whilst saving up for a deposit sucks though. Not enough to sell the cars mind...
Health: Rude. Odd sniffle, nowt to complain about.
Holidays: Honeymoon in Edinburgh was great, otherwise s
te on that front. Must do more.
Finances: All things considered, great. Paid for wedding, saved 50% deposit, didn't sell metal.
Anything else: Little boy has grown into a proper little charmer!
All in, well happy with this year.
Cars: MX5 & ATR have mamanged to survive being replaced by more frugal alternatives while my wife and I saved to pay for our wedding and now a house deposit. Had an absolute hoot in my first year with an MX5. First RWD, first drop top, first car with pop up lights, first car ever to go straight through an MOT. Managed to win a joint first trophy (first trophy win too) in my class at the local autotest champtionship (shared with the guy I bought the car from
). No major breakdowns. Great year on a tight budget, truth be told.Relationship: Got married, was a most excellent day. Living with my parents (with nipper) whilst saving up for a deposit sucks though. Not enough to sell the cars mind...
Health: Rude. Odd sniffle, nowt to complain about.
Holidays: Honeymoon in Edinburgh was great, otherwise s
te on that front. Must do more.Finances: All things considered, great. Paid for wedding, saved 50% deposit, didn't sell metal.
Anything else: Little boy has grown into a proper little charmer!
All in, well happy with this year.
Job: this time last year, I had only just jumped into contracting; now I have another successful 12 months under my belt. Jumped out of one contract (I was mentally losing it due to extreme boredom- MOD), and now in a very interesting area in oil and gas.
Cars: Daily driver Mondeo TDCi has loads of miles on it and its beginning to feel like it. Ancient Primera (snotter car just in case the Mondeo doesn’t work) just keeps going on and on and on…..Bought a ’00 plate M5 for peanuts in August . Very happy with the purchase of my new weekend toy… stuff like this and my workshop is my only weakness in life. Oh yes - and brunettes with large boobies….
Relationship: started on New Year’s Eve last year, she’s 7 years older than me, but seems younger in outlook. Now she’s moved in, but all seems to be going well.
Health: weight goes up; weight goes down, not getting enough exercise, nothing of any seriousness – fingers crossed.
Holidays 2nd week in Feb- a week in Norway skiing – bliss…. July - 5 days in Spa – supporting motor racing activities. Just had 4 days in Berlin Christmas shopping. Now looking forward to a week in Andorra on the slopes and Easter in Prague.
Finances: getting a LOT better due to being contract, paid £22K off the mortgage this year alone…only 6 months to go…
A year of hard work and looking forward to 16 days off over Christmas. Things are looking agreeable in life after a bumpy ride in 2012. Once the mortgage is paid off, I’ll have a deep think about life.
Cars: Daily driver Mondeo TDCi has loads of miles on it and its beginning to feel like it. Ancient Primera (snotter car just in case the Mondeo doesn’t work) just keeps going on and on and on…..Bought a ’00 plate M5 for peanuts in August . Very happy with the purchase of my new weekend toy… stuff like this and my workshop is my only weakness in life. Oh yes - and brunettes with large boobies….
Relationship: started on New Year’s Eve last year, she’s 7 years older than me, but seems younger in outlook. Now she’s moved in, but all seems to be going well.
Health: weight goes up; weight goes down, not getting enough exercise, nothing of any seriousness – fingers crossed.
Holidays 2nd week in Feb- a week in Norway skiing – bliss…. July - 5 days in Spa – supporting motor racing activities. Just had 4 days in Berlin Christmas shopping. Now looking forward to a week in Andorra on the slopes and Easter in Prague.
Finances: getting a LOT better due to being contract, paid £22K off the mortgage this year alone…only 6 months to go…
A year of hard work and looking forward to 16 days off over Christmas. Things are looking agreeable in life after a bumpy ride in 2012. Once the mortgage is paid off, I’ll have a deep think about life.
Highs: Finihsed up my degree in May and landed an expat package working in the cote d'azur in October!
Lows: That gap inbetween finishing uni and wondering where the f%&k all the jobs are....
Cars: Supplied with a new rental every month - so far the list includes citroen picasso c3 (so so for a french car), vauxhall meriva (complete s%$te box) and Focus (surprisinly balanced)
Relationship: Long distance is testing
Health: Decent enough
Holidays: Thailand for 2 weeks over xmas/new year
Finances: Getting there
Anything else: Nope
Lows: That gap inbetween finishing uni and wondering where the f%&k all the jobs are....
Cars: Supplied with a new rental every month - so far the list includes citroen picasso c3 (so so for a french car), vauxhall meriva (complete s%$te box) and Focus (surprisinly balanced)
Relationship: Long distance is testing
Health: Decent enough
Holidays: Thailand for 2 weeks over xmas/new year
Finances: Getting there
Anything else: Nope
Job: Boring but well paid - the pay is skant comfort though (see finances). Quite isolated.
Cars: MY51 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec. What's not to love... :sigh:
Relationship: Fine. A bit of a struggle with our conflicting work schedules but we seem to be coping OK.
Health: No real problems to speak of. Playing golf now, which I enjoy despite deserving a three-figure handicap. Enjoying the albeit gentle exercise that gives me. Still a fat bd though so maybe need to play more golf 
Holidays: A freezing week in Feb to Alton Towers - lovely to be with the boys though. 5 days in Spain with the family plus a mate (sadly a widower) and his kids. Very nice and a good laugh.
Finances: Dire. Despite earning a healthy wage me and my family's capacity to spend it and more continues unabated. I need to get this in check and start paying down debts if I'm ever going to realise my plan of quitting the City and being at the pub full time. A plan that's already 5 years old and seen best part of £500k come and go.
Anything else: After a really shakey start to the year the pub, through a bit of last-chance-saloon investment by myself and the hiring of an absolute genius of a chef, we've seen our turn-over double. However, as the saying goes turnover for show, profit for go, we still seem to be scraping by. Very hard to work out why due to complex finances at the moment but we'll get there. I seem destined to have plenty of money coming in and more going out whatever I do... even when I'm not responsible for the spending!
Granddad died a few weeks ago as a result of a fall down the stairs. A bit of a blessing for him as he was always a proudly fit and active man, getting ever more frail - at 96, it's to be expected - was destroying him mentally. My Nan, 94, now rattles around a 3-bed semi without her partner of >70 years and someone who she waited on hand-and-foot as was the way for her generation.
So. I can't help feeling 2013 wasn't a great year but, to be honest, I'm struggling to justify why. I think, if 2014 saw my finances sorted I'd be a lot happier. Actually, a lot of it is down to the hours I do and therefore not seeing my wife and kids. Sorting money out would absolutely turn that around.
My boys are still my world and continue to delight and amaze me. NOTHING comes close to the happiness they give me and I cherish the time I have with them (circa 10 minutes a day during the week).
Cars: MY51 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec. What's not to love... :sigh:
Relationship: Fine. A bit of a struggle with our conflicting work schedules but we seem to be coping OK.
Health: No real problems to speak of. Playing golf now, which I enjoy despite deserving a three-figure handicap. Enjoying the albeit gentle exercise that gives me. Still a fat b
d though so maybe need to play more golf Holidays: A freezing week in Feb to Alton Towers - lovely to be with the boys though. 5 days in Spain with the family plus a mate (sadly a widower) and his kids. Very nice and a good laugh.
Finances: Dire. Despite earning a healthy wage me and my family's capacity to spend it and more continues unabated. I need to get this in check and start paying down debts if I'm ever going to realise my plan of quitting the City and being at the pub full time. A plan that's already 5 years old and seen best part of £500k come and go.
Anything else: After a really shakey start to the year the pub, through a bit of last-chance-saloon investment by myself and the hiring of an absolute genius of a chef, we've seen our turn-over double. However, as the saying goes turnover for show, profit for go, we still seem to be scraping by. Very hard to work out why due to complex finances at the moment but we'll get there. I seem destined to have plenty of money coming in and more going out whatever I do... even when I'm not responsible for the spending!
Granddad died a few weeks ago as a result of a fall down the stairs. A bit of a blessing for him as he was always a proudly fit and active man, getting ever more frail - at 96, it's to be expected - was destroying him mentally. My Nan, 94, now rattles around a 3-bed semi without her partner of >70 years and someone who she waited on hand-and-foot as was the way for her generation.
So. I can't help feeling 2013 wasn't a great year but, to be honest, I'm struggling to justify why. I think, if 2014 saw my finances sorted I'd be a lot happier. Actually, a lot of it is down to the hours I do and therefore not seeing my wife and kids. Sorting money out would absolutely turn that around.
My boys are still my world and continue to delight and amaze me. NOTHING comes close to the happiness they give me and I cherish the time I have with them (circa 10 minutes a day during the week).
Job: No real change, same team, same company just a constant really but its not a bad place so I can't complain 
Cars: The Mustang has undergone the most extensive and expensive year of modifications to date, nothing bad in this area either, but having the mustang as a daily is a definite continuous high
Relationship: Single, and happy to be unless I can find somebody that likes the same things as I do it will remain so.
Health: The only low point (with a slight silver lining) I had all four wisdom teeth out last week, the lower ones severely impacted so it was quite painful and is now just a dull throbbing pain.
Holidays: Very good this year, two trips away shooting and hunting, plenty of time at the drag strip (as a spectator and a racer)
Finances: In a comfortable state, still living at home at 30, but I don't want to rent (my dad has stated "You are NOT getting into that trap" and don't have a deposit (spent on car mods and racing) but hey ho living on my own (see relationship) with less disposable cash would be a dull stty existence as far as I am concerned.
Anything else: I graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering (with honours) this year (Thanks for that BAE SYSTEMS - much appreciated ) and managed to finish in the top 10 of the American Super Stock championship at York (no event wins sadly). Ohh and the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl - which made me happy.
Cars: The Mustang has undergone the most extensive and expensive year of modifications to date, nothing bad in this area either, but having the mustang as a daily is a definite continuous high
Relationship: Single, and happy to be unless I can find somebody that likes the same things as I do it will remain so.
Health: The only low point (with a slight silver lining) I had all four wisdom teeth out last week, the lower ones severely impacted so it was quite painful and is now just a dull throbbing pain.
Holidays: Very good this year, two trips away shooting and hunting, plenty of time at the drag strip (as a spectator and a racer)
Finances: In a comfortable state, still living at home at 30, but I don't want to rent (my dad has stated "You are NOT getting into that trap" and don't have a deposit (spent on car mods and racing) but hey ho living on my own (see relationship) with less disposable cash would be a dull s
tty existence as far as I am concerned.Anything else: I graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering (with honours) this year (Thanks for that BAE SYSTEMS - much appreciated
) and managed to finish in the top 10 of the American Super Stock championship at York (no event wins sadly). Ohh and the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl - which made me happy.Job: Same job 18 years, still enjoying it, decent money too and local to home. Happy.
Cars: Same Grand Cherokee for 2 years now, only 1000 miles done this year.
Relationship: Married 8 years and it just gets better.
Health: Fitter and fitter, did first half iron man in September, very proud! Setting up a triathlon club next years for the dads at the local school with a few competitions already booked for next year plus marathons.
Holidays: A week in Spain with the family - swelteringly hot. Great.
Finances: Pretty good (you'd hope so, being 40 with 18 years same job)
Anything else: Saving for a big extension next year.
Same old same old!
Cars: Same Grand Cherokee for 2 years now, only 1000 miles done this year.
Relationship: Married 8 years and it just gets better.
Health: Fitter and fitter, did first half iron man in September, very proud! Setting up a triathlon club next years for the dads at the local school with a few competitions already booked for next year plus marathons.
Holidays: A week in Spain with the family - swelteringly hot. Great.
Finances: Pretty good (you'd hope so, being 40 with 18 years same job)
Anything else: Saving for a big extension next year.
Same old same old!
Job: Got my contract renewed, can only hope I've done enough for the same next year
Cars: Bought my realistic dream car, cost me more than I thought I could afford but few sacrifices later and I'm level pegging again!
Relationship: Girlfriend of three years broke up with me because she wanted to be single for her second and third year at Uni.. Having lots of fun instead!!!
Health: recovering from the only illness of the year - mild chest infection brought on by the following..
Holidays: just got back from an amazing weekend roadtrip to Amsterdam with 4 of my best friends, what an entertaining place! A lovely, quite summer holiday in Salcombe with lots of my family and a week in Italy with my Dad and siblings, very nice it was too.
Finances: It's a good job I have an monthly paid ISA that I don't touch or I wouldn't have any savings. not helped by frivolous thread or any of the items in this post.
Anything else: Started a new band, had really missed playing music.
Cars: Bought my realistic dream car, cost me more than I thought I could afford but few sacrifices later and I'm level pegging again!
Relationship: Girlfriend of three years broke up with me because she wanted to be single for her second and third year at Uni.. Having lots of fun instead!!!
Health: recovering from the only illness of the year - mild chest infection brought on by the following..
Holidays: just got back from an amazing weekend roadtrip to Amsterdam with 4 of my best friends, what an entertaining place! A lovely, quite summer holiday in Salcombe with lots of my family and a week in Italy with my Dad and siblings, very nice it was too.
Finances: It's a good job I have an monthly paid ISA that I don't touch or I wouldn't have any savings. not helped by frivolous thread or any of the items in this post.
Anything else: Started a new band, had really missed playing music.
JOB- No real change been in the same garage for the last 4.5 years joined when I was 16 finished my apprentership early in the year had a pay rise which was nice. Downside ups and downs of garage life several bh fights throughout the year getting sick of it tbh but the run up to x-mass has been good.
Cars- my mx5 is still going strong had it nearly a year now and cant see myself getting rid of it just got some news parts for it so hopefully will get them on over winter. Nearly finished building my first kit car mev exocet taking far to long so going up to rtr for the iva in the new year.
Relationship- single and happy unless I met someone with the love of cars that I do then it will be staying that way.
Health- all fine that im aware of could do with eating less junk food next year though.
Holidays- non existent all my breaks from work have been up my unit trying to gain customers to go self-employed. But been to plenty of shows and race meetings which is my way to unwind hoping to go to more next year.
Finances- good more money than I can spend but still live at home with the parents so haven't got no expenses of sorts everything is going towards going self employed while I still have a job.
Anything else- qualified as nvq level 3 mechanic early on in the year, first drive of my kit car which give me a major boost and also going to my first track day in September which was a brilliant day got to do more in 2014.
Overall been a ok year only real downside is the long hours of working 9-5.30 then working in the evenings and weekends to go self employed so glad I have 2 weeks break over x-mas just to chill out, and my family deciding to implode due to the death of my uncle and auntie in 2012 but tbh im glad don't have to deal with them, my sister and parents take priority over the extended family.
Hopefull 2014 will be able to grow my business and be able to make the leap to self employment by the end of the year and at 22 be the first of my friends to do so.
h fights throughout the year getting sick of it tbh but the run up to x-mass has been good.Cars- my mx5 is still going strong had it nearly a year now and cant see myself getting rid of it just got some news parts for it so hopefully will get them on over winter. Nearly finished building my first kit car mev exocet taking far to long so going up to rtr for the iva in the new year.
Relationship- single and happy unless I met someone with the love of cars that I do then it will be staying that way.
Health- all fine that im aware of could do with eating less junk food next year though.
Holidays- non existent all my breaks from work have been up my unit trying to gain customers to go self-employed. But been to plenty of shows and race meetings which is my way to unwind hoping to go to more next year.
Finances- good more money than I can spend but still live at home with the parents so haven't got no expenses of sorts everything is going towards going self employed while I still have a job.
Anything else- qualified as nvq level 3 mechanic early on in the year, first drive of my kit car which give me a major boost and also going to my first track day in September which was a brilliant day got to do more in 2014.
Overall been a ok year only real downside is the long hours of working 9-5.30 then working in the evenings and weekends to go self employed so glad I have 2 weeks break over x-mas just to chill out, and my family deciding to implode due to the death of my uncle and auntie in 2012 but tbh im glad don't have to deal with them, my sister and parents take priority over the extended family.
Hopefull 2014 will be able to grow my business and be able to make the leap to self employment by the end of the year and at 22 be the first of my friends to do so.
Quhet said:
Job
2 years now at my current place. Redundancies and a forced job role change due in March are concentrating my mind somewhat. Got into the assessment centre stage of the JLR grad scheme though so it may all change...
Cars
Soldiered on with my diesel 93. All change tomorrow though when I pick up my Clio 197
Relationship
Met a girl in April and it's all going swimmingly!
Health
Started an unhealthy but skinny 75 kilos, started cycling to work. Stress and as yet undiagnosed chest pains have stopped this for the time being though.
Holidays
NZ for 3 weeks in Feb, Berlin in October - not too bad.
Finances
Doing very nicely thank you. Living at home is great!
Housing
Still living with the parents, can't really complain.
If you get the JLR grad and end up at Gaydon there will be 4/5 197/200s on site. There are also three 182 trophies, countless normal & Cup 182/172s and lots of RS Meganes too. Not that many petrol heads work here..2 years now at my current place. Redundancies and a forced job role change due in March are concentrating my mind somewhat. Got into the assessment centre stage of the JLR grad scheme though so it may all change...
Cars
Soldiered on with my diesel 93. All change tomorrow though when I pick up my Clio 197
Relationship
Met a girl in April and it's all going swimmingly!
Health
Started an unhealthy but skinny 75 kilos, started cycling to work. Stress and as yet undiagnosed chest pains have stopped this for the time being though.
Holidays
NZ for 3 weeks in Feb, Berlin in October - not too bad.
Finances
Doing very nicely thank you. Living at home is great!
Housing
Still living with the parents, can't really complain.
Job: Got a new, better, one. Plus started my own business that is currently making a profit.
Cars: MX5 is in tiny bits, BMW has proved to be the most failure riddled car I've ever bought and the Elise remains irreplaceable. I've spent about 8 months of the year semi-seriously car shopping for a new toy which has been more fun that actually buying one would be.
Relationship: She wants a bigger house (despite the current one having rooms we don't use) but doesn't want to get a better job to pay for it. It there are any women who aren't like this I would make a lovely house-husband and am willing to do nearly nothing for a life of luxury.
Health: Still a flipper-handed cripple (ladies who were about to e-mail me about the point above - I'm just making this up for the internet, I'm strong as an ox really)
Holidays: Spent most of my holidays from work working on my new business. I did have a Saturday off but I got bored.
Finances: Two jobs means my mortgage will now be paid off ten years earlier than planned. I expect something terrible will happen to prevent this, because of karma.
Anything else: I haven't really had any lows this year, other than the ones brought on by estate agents being either terrible at thier job, or lying, or both. I especially hate the arguments caused when they phone Mrs Muppet and convince her that what we ought to do is sell my house now, then buy a new one. If I wanted to be rich but homeless I could manage that without their advice.
Also I expect an expert in selling homes to understand what the terms "detached", "garage", "parking for 4 cars" and "in this village" mean, and their constant ignoring of as many as 4 of those basic requirements makes me hugely furious.
I'm also lightly furious that I already have all of those things except the parking and yet somehow I'm having to consider moving house rather than the much cheaper option of throwing all her stuff out of a window on fire.
Her stuff, obviously, not the window. Why would I burn a window? Makes no sense.
Cars: MX5 is in tiny bits, BMW has proved to be the most failure riddled car I've ever bought and the Elise remains irreplaceable. I've spent about 8 months of the year semi-seriously car shopping for a new toy which has been more fun that actually buying one would be.
Relationship: She wants a bigger house (despite the current one having rooms we don't use) but doesn't want to get a better job to pay for it. It there are any women who aren't like this I would make a lovely house-husband and am willing to do nearly nothing for a life of luxury.
Health: Still a flipper-handed cripple (ladies who were about to e-mail me about the point above - I'm just making this up for the internet, I'm strong as an ox really)
Holidays: Spent most of my holidays from work working on my new business. I did have a Saturday off but I got bored.
Finances: Two jobs means my mortgage will now be paid off ten years earlier than planned. I expect something terrible will happen to prevent this, because of karma.
Anything else: I haven't really had any lows this year, other than the ones brought on by estate agents being either terrible at thier job, or lying, or both. I especially hate the arguments caused when they phone Mrs Muppet and convince her that what we ought to do is sell my house now, then buy a new one. If I wanted to be rich but homeless I could manage that without their advice.
Also I expect an expert in selling homes to understand what the terms "detached", "garage", "parking for 4 cars" and "in this village" mean, and their constant ignoring of as many as 4 of those basic requirements makes me hugely furious.
I'm also lightly furious that I already have all of those things except the parking and yet somehow I'm having to consider moving house rather than the much cheaper option of throwing all her stuff out of a window on fire.
Her stuff, obviously, not the window. Why would I burn a window? Makes no sense.
J8 SVG said:
If you get the JLR grad and end up at Gaydon there will be 4/5 197/200s on site. There are also three 182 trophies, countless normal & Cup 182/172s and lots of RS Meganes too. Not that many petrol heads work here..
It says a lot about salaries that they all drive Clios.I'm joking, the last JLR job I was offered was really good money.
Job: Uncertainty throughout the year but extended contract to Mar '14 with reduced hours. Dislike my 75 minute commute though. Trying to play my cards right for permanent job but it's tough. Fortunately Mrs Zep has been promoted and so we'd be able to pay the mortgage if my work dried up.
Cars: If I get a permanent job I'll upgrade the fleet but continuing uncertainty means flash cars are a luxury just at the moment.
Relationship:Very happy although increased expectations/stress on Mrs Zep in her new role has led to the occasional disagreement. Hopefully things will calm down a bit in 2014.
Health: Fine, touch wood. Couple of bad back episodes tell me that I need to be stronger and more flexible. Sedentary job doesn't help. Have struggled to run as much as I should but have done more physical work outside to counter that. Ran a 10k recently without any training so reasonable engine for a fat bloke.
Holidays: Nice family holiday in a big converted Mill in Brittany with it's own lake. Would love to go back, finances will determine.
Finances: Close to my overdraft limit yesterday... thankfully payday today. Otherwise pretty much on the straight and narrow, no significant debts and putting some money away.
Anything else: Job is the issue for me in 2014. We moved to beautiful rural Wales to a nice house, if I can get a permanent contract we'll be comfy in a modest upper-middle income way. If not the dole queue beckons...
Cars: If I get a permanent job I'll upgrade the fleet but continuing uncertainty means flash cars are a luxury just at the moment.
Relationship:Very happy although increased expectations/stress on Mrs Zep in her new role has led to the occasional disagreement. Hopefully things will calm down a bit in 2014.
Health: Fine, touch wood. Couple of bad back episodes tell me that I need to be stronger and more flexible. Sedentary job doesn't help. Have struggled to run as much as I should but have done more physical work outside to counter that. Ran a 10k recently without any training so reasonable engine for a fat bloke.
Holidays: Nice family holiday in a big converted Mill in Brittany with it's own lake. Would love to go back, finances will determine.
Finances: Close to my overdraft limit yesterday... thankfully payday today. Otherwise pretty much on the straight and narrow, no significant debts and putting some money away.
Anything else: Job is the issue for me in 2014. We moved to beautiful rural Wales to a nice house, if I can get a permanent contract we'll be comfy in a modest upper-middle income way. If not the dole queue beckons...
Job: 2nd year of being senior designer for an in-house marketing team.
Cars: WORST year ever! Sold my baby (450hp Nissan 200sx) that I had owned since I was 19.Currently driving an 00’ BMW 323i auto.
Relationship: Finished a 9 year relationship – moved out and into a shared house in Wimbledon. Much happier now though.. Currently enjoying the single life
Health: Excellent! Dropped 1.5 stone through running & Military fitness and got hench at the gym too! lol
Holidays: errr, a mates stag do in Barcelona. So 3 nights out 356 days spent out of the UK this year..worst ever in my life! On the plus side, going on my first snowboarding holiday with mates in Jan!
Finances: Spent more than I earned that’s for sure!
Anything else: New job next year – need to earn more!
Cars: WORST year ever! Sold my baby (450hp Nissan 200sx) that I had owned since I was 19.Currently driving an 00’ BMW 323i auto.
Relationship: Finished a 9 year relationship – moved out and into a shared house in Wimbledon. Much happier now though.. Currently enjoying the single life
Health: Excellent! Dropped 1.5 stone through running & Military fitness and got hench at the gym too! lol
Holidays: errr, a mates stag do in Barcelona. So 3 nights out 356 days spent out of the UK this year..worst ever in my life! On the plus side, going on my first snowboarding holiday with mates in Jan!
Finances: Spent more than I earned that’s for sure!
Anything else: New job next year – need to earn more!
Job: After being out of work for almost a year I finally found a job with a company I’ve worked for before, and I’m still there. Has been a steep learning curve as it’s not something I’ve done a lot of before, but the people are good. Just need to continue rebuilding my confidence back and I’ll be ok.
Cars: Had no car for 3 years but this year I bought my own car again, I bought the MG ZT after getting the job, life was looking rosy again. Felt like a Rolls Royce when I first got it, but it no longer does. I don’t care though as I have a car again!
Relationship: 5th year anniversary, has been a bit turbulent these past couple of years (Good Job, Own Flat to No Job, cant pay for flat, moving in with the folks…) but things are more stable. The only way is up, as they say.
Health: Depression, stress, marriage issues, no job, mental breakdowns, it all took its toll. Have been seeing a counsellor which has helped me immensely, got me back to thinking straight. The silver lining? I’ve lost 3 stone! I look like st though.
Holidays: Going to Switzerland for our 5th year anniversary, our first proper holiday in ages. Looking forward to it. Have decided to do more of this in 2014. Doesn’t need to cost the earth, but will give us a well-deserved break once in a while.
Finances: Better than it recently was, nowhere near as perfect as it used to be though. Will be fire fighting for a while before I can even think about owning houses, which is now just a dream. But I’ve got a better outlook in life these days. Just need someone who wouldn’t mind giving me a bit of guidance / slap around the face.
Anything else: I’ve always been grateful for what I’ve had, no matter what it was. But when you’ve lost everything and have to drag yourself up by the fingernails, you realise that 99.999999999999999999999999% of everything is just materialistic and you can survive with a lot less that you think.
Cars: Had no car for 3 years but this year I bought my own car again, I bought the MG ZT after getting the job, life was looking rosy again. Felt like a Rolls Royce when I first got it, but it no longer does. I don’t care though as I have a car again!
Relationship: 5th year anniversary, has been a bit turbulent these past couple of years (Good Job, Own Flat to No Job, cant pay for flat, moving in with the folks…) but things are more stable. The only way is up, as they say.
Health: Depression, stress, marriage issues, no job, mental breakdowns, it all took its toll. Have been seeing a counsellor which has helped me immensely, got me back to thinking straight. The silver lining? I’ve lost 3 stone! I look like s
t though. Holidays: Going to Switzerland for our 5th year anniversary, our first proper holiday in ages. Looking forward to it. Have decided to do more of this in 2014. Doesn’t need to cost the earth, but will give us a well-deserved break once in a while.
Finances: Better than it recently was, nowhere near as perfect as it used to be though. Will be fire fighting for a while before I can even think about owning houses, which is now just a dream. But I’ve got a better outlook in life these days. Just need someone who wouldn’t mind giving me a bit of guidance / slap around the face.
Anything else: I’ve always been grateful for what I’ve had, no matter what it was. But when you’ve lost everything and have to drag yourself up by the fingernails, you realise that 99.999999999999999999999999% of everything is just materialistic and you can survive with a lot less that you think.
Job: Started a new posting in February. Nice being closer to home (I don't for one minute miss an 80 mile round commute daily). New post can be ocasionally challenging, and frequently infuriating. Location is great though.
Cars: Sold my totally reliable Clio 182 and bought an electrically challenged MX-5. It's good fun, but I've got to be honest, I'm slightly regretting selling the Clio. Something more modern is on the cards in 2014.
Relationship: Been with my OH three years now. Lots of pressure from all sides to get married. Might pop the question next year. Maybe.
Health: No problems, completed several running events. Half marathon next year.
Holidays: Nothing exciting. UK stuff.
Finances: Slightly broke after paying off a trip to Australia. Saving for a house deposit will take priority next year.
Anything Else: Not a bad year. 8/10.
Cars: Sold my totally reliable Clio 182 and bought an electrically challenged MX-5. It's good fun, but I've got to be honest, I'm slightly regretting selling the Clio. Something more modern is on the cards in 2014.
Relationship: Been with my OH three years now. Lots of pressure from all sides to get married. Might pop the question next year. Maybe.
Health: No problems, completed several running events. Half marathon next year.
Holidays: Nothing exciting. UK stuff.
Finances: Slightly broke after paying off a trip to Australia. Saving for a house deposit will take priority next year.
Anything Else: Not a bad year. 8/10.
Job: New job after 8 years in the same place. A change was definitely in order.
Cars: 5 years in the Civic now. Can't afford to change - but new job means train to work, so the car is getting a well-earned rest. Saved money on petrol will be getting put towards refreshing it over the next year.
Relationship: 2nd anniversary this year. Moved into our first house (from a flat) in March which has been great
Health: Nothing to report. Fitness has not been worked on as much as I hoped, but still retain some from my youth.
Holidays: New Year in the Canaries was followed by a week in Portugal in April. Later in the year a week in Jamaica and 5 days in New York mean a good year all round.
Finances: More pay from new job is good. More cost from new house more than balances it out though.
Anything else: Highs: 4 weddings this year, and all of them great occasions. Was usher for my sister-in-law's husband.
Lows: Lost my wife's best friend to secondary brain cancer, just weeks after she had finished her treatment for breast cancer at 26 years old. It doesn't get much lower than that.
Cars: 5 years in the Civic now. Can't afford to change - but new job means train to work, so the car is getting a well-earned rest. Saved money on petrol will be getting put towards refreshing it over the next year.
Relationship: 2nd anniversary this year. Moved into our first house (from a flat) in March which has been great
Health: Nothing to report. Fitness has not been worked on as much as I hoped, but still retain some from my youth.
Holidays: New Year in the Canaries was followed by a week in Portugal in April. Later in the year a week in Jamaica and 5 days in New York mean a good year all round.
Finances: More pay from new job is good. More cost from new house more than balances it out though.
Anything else: Highs: 4 weddings this year, and all of them great occasions. Was usher for my sister-in-law's husband.
Lows: Lost my wife's best friend to secondary brain cancer, just weeks after she had finished her treatment for breast cancer at 26 years old. It doesn't get much lower than that.
Edited by barwea on Friday 20th December 14:34
Job: Started a new job back in April, hated it from the day I got there. Left there at the end of September and started another new job working as a Contracts Manager for a contractor which I'm really enjoying. So on balance, work-wise I'm on a high at the end of the year!
Cars: Started the year with my EP3, which was awesome - kind of regret selling. Sold that to get a 120D, which I also really enjoyed driving, was a pretty well specced example in decent condition - sold this due to changing commute and horror stories about the Timing Chain, again, kind of regret selling it. Bought and R53 Cooper S with some go faster bits. Love it, however, still trying to sell it now as I've got a 100 mile a day commute, was filling up every 3rd day! Now have a 2.0D Volvo S40. It'll do. All things considered, an ok year, could have been better!
Relationship: Chalked off 6 years together in Feb, few ups and downs, but couldn't be without her!
Health: Been good, back hasn't given me any real grief, which is nice. Gym has been a bit up and down due to changing jobs etc. Dropped a couple of stone all in now, look much better for it!
Holidays: Couple of short breaks, one with the missus, one with family. Both were brilliant. Finishing off the year by going to New York with said OH.
Finances: Better than they've been in a long time. Chipped £2.5k off my debt, which always feels awesome. Should be debt free by Feb/March, and well on the way towards a house deposit with a bit of luck!
Anything else: Had to say goodbye to my lovely German Shepard, she was a beautiful old girl and had a fantastic life. Managed to get herself to 13, so had a brilliant innings. But either way, that felt st. Have recently got another puppy as our other German Shepard was miserable being by herself. She's awesome in her own ways. A couple family deaths and other illnesses floating around, amongst some other issues mean that overall, this year has been pretty crap.
Looking forward to 2014 if I'm honest.
Cars: Started the year with my EP3, which was awesome - kind of regret selling. Sold that to get a 120D, which I also really enjoyed driving, was a pretty well specced example in decent condition - sold this due to changing commute and horror stories about the Timing Chain, again, kind of regret selling it. Bought and R53 Cooper S with some go faster bits. Love it, however, still trying to sell it now as I've got a 100 mile a day commute, was filling up every 3rd day! Now have a 2.0D Volvo S40. It'll do. All things considered, an ok year, could have been better!
Relationship: Chalked off 6 years together in Feb, few ups and downs, but couldn't be without her!
Health: Been good, back hasn't given me any real grief, which is nice. Gym has been a bit up and down due to changing jobs etc. Dropped a couple of stone all in now, look much better for it!
Holidays: Couple of short breaks, one with the missus, one with family. Both were brilliant. Finishing off the year by going to New York with said OH.
Finances: Better than they've been in a long time. Chipped £2.5k off my debt, which always feels awesome. Should be debt free by Feb/March, and well on the way towards a house deposit with a bit of luck!
Anything else: Had to say goodbye to my lovely German Shepard, she was a beautiful old girl and had a fantastic life. Managed to get herself to 13, so had a brilliant innings. But either way, that felt s
t. Have recently got another puppy as our other German Shepard was miserable being by herself. She's awesome in her own ways. A couple family deaths and other illnesses floating around, amongst some other issues mean that overall, this year has been pretty crap. Looking forward to 2014 if I'm honest.
Job: Ended my first financial year as limited company in April. Got extended on current contract, currently sitting aat end of Feb. So glad I left my old company after 14.5 years as they are on the decline.
Cars: Sold the Fabia vRS. Bought a shed of a Mondeo estate for now as bus or cycle to work.
Relationship: Celebrated 17 years married this year.
Health: Got better as started cycling but have put some weight back on recently. Buying a road bike so hoping to lose some next year with increased mileage.
Holidays: Went to Flordia in May to celebrate Mrs Chimp's 40th birthday.
Finances: I've been sensible with the money so was able to take a large final dividend in April which allowed us to buy a new house and we moved in end of May.
Anything else: Never did get around to opening the guitar Mrs Chimp got me for last xmas - need to pick it up and learn in 2014. Get on really well with new neighbours and our social life has increased dramatically with them as a result.
Cars: Sold the Fabia vRS. Bought a shed of a Mondeo estate for now as bus or cycle to work.
Relationship: Celebrated 17 years married this year.
Health: Got better as started cycling but have put some weight back on recently. Buying a road bike so hoping to lose some next year with increased mileage.
Holidays: Went to Flordia in May to celebrate Mrs Chimp's 40th birthday.
Finances: I've been sensible with the money so was able to take a large final dividend in April which allowed us to buy a new house and we moved in end of May.
Anything else: Never did get around to opening the guitar Mrs Chimp got me for last xmas - need to pick it up and learn in 2014. Get on really well with new neighbours and our social life has increased dramatically with them as a result.
Well this year:
Lows: my mom got told 7 months ago she has Breast cancer
My girlfriend at the time left as it's too hard for her.
I lost my job and suffered with panic attacks when I went out
Had a car accident and haven't been able to drive since
Highs: my mom is nearly recovered fingers crossed
I got help with my panic attacks after been made to by girl at work
Got a new job
Got introduced to a very stunning girl at work, who I adore
I have fell for her and she's been my rock. Only problem is she's just recovered over
Having cancer. And while having it her bf at the time fked her about.
Because of which she now has slight trust issues.
But I'm not giving up. She's one of a kind even my family love her
And told me not to give up.
Got a new car so can drive and loving life.
So hopefully it's ending positive and I get the girl and my moms health stays good
Bring on new year
Lows: my mom got told 7 months ago she has Breast cancer
My girlfriend at the time left as it's too hard for her.
I lost my job and suffered with panic attacks when I went out
Had a car accident and haven't been able to drive since
Highs: my mom is nearly recovered fingers crossed
I got help with my panic attacks after been made to by girl at work
Got a new job
Got introduced to a very stunning girl at work, who I adore
I have fell for her and she's been my rock. Only problem is she's just recovered over
Having cancer. And while having it her bf at the time f
ked her about. Because of which she now has slight trust issues.
But I'm not giving up. She's one of a kind even my family love her
And told me not to give up.
Got a new car so can drive
and loving life. So hopefully it's ending positive and I get the girl and my moms health stays good
Bring on new year
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