How has 2016 been for you?
Discussion
It's that time of year again, with a couple of days left at work, to sum up the year that's almost over. Here's mine:
Overall: a year of many changes with a few ups and downs, but many good memories.
Job: Moved back to Leeds from MK in July and started teaching at a new school in September. Enjoying it although I have a very packed timetable this year!
Car: Another year and 16k miles in the cheap and reliable Yaris. Plan to run it until it dies.
Holidays: First year in 15 that I haven't been abroad! Made plenty of UK trips though including Cornwall, Scottish Highlands, the Lake District twice, Peak District and loads of day trips too.
Relationship: Together 6 years, married for 2. Still happily married and enjoying life together.
Health: Had a big bike crash in the summer, which meant I couldn't do much for all of July! Climbed Snowdon and various other hills and regularly hike and go to the gym. Feeling pretty healthy right now.
Anything else: Life is busy, but happy. Really enjoying life in Leeds and all the opportunities in the city and around Yorkshire. Also hit 30 this year and I've survived leaving my 20s without many problems!
Plans for 2017: Live life! I have made so many changes in 2016, but 2017 is a year to just enjoy living. Holidays, hikes, exploring, good food and generally having fun!
Overall: a year of many changes with a few ups and downs, but many good memories.
Job: Moved back to Leeds from MK in July and started teaching at a new school in September. Enjoying it although I have a very packed timetable this year!
Car: Another year and 16k miles in the cheap and reliable Yaris. Plan to run it until it dies.
Holidays: First year in 15 that I haven't been abroad! Made plenty of UK trips though including Cornwall, Scottish Highlands, the Lake District twice, Peak District and loads of day trips too.
Relationship: Together 6 years, married for 2. Still happily married and enjoying life together.
Health: Had a big bike crash in the summer, which meant I couldn't do much for all of July! Climbed Snowdon and various other hills and regularly hike and go to the gym. Feeling pretty healthy right now.
Anything else: Life is busy, but happy. Really enjoying life in Leeds and all the opportunities in the city and around Yorkshire. Also hit 30 this year and I've survived leaving my 20s without many problems!
Plans for 2017: Live life! I have made so many changes in 2016, but 2017 is a year to just enjoy living. Holidays, hikes, exploring, good food and generally having fun!
Ah 2016. The year I can't wait to end!
Work has been the same as always.
Still peddling the mighty focus. No issues to report.
My ex girlfriend of 3years f
ked me over big style.
My nan passed away.
My dad had a nasty car accident
My mum got rushed into hospital.
On the plus side I had a great holiday in Gran Canaria with a friend in September.
Started spannering for a formula ford driver, I've met some really nice people through that, also spending days at racetracks around the country for free!
So yeah. Roll on 2017.
Work has been the same as always.
Still peddling the mighty focus. No issues to report.
My ex girlfriend of 3years f
ked me over big style.My nan passed away.
My dad had a nasty car accident
My mum got rushed into hospital.
On the plus side I had a great holiday in Gran Canaria with a friend in September.
Started spannering for a formula ford driver, I've met some really nice people through that, also spending days at racetracks around the country for free!
So yeah. Roll on 2017.
Overall: Many man changes, and some exciting/tense stuff, but a very good year on balance.
Job: Same assignment for the entire year, some good stuff, some boring stuff, not bad
Car: Ditched the lease mobile and bought an alfa,
nuff said
Holidays: Not much, spent a week at the beach with the new GF last month, it was lovely.
Relationship: Ended 8 years with the ex, got a new GF two months ago, im really enjoying it.
Health: Generally positive, both mentally and physically ive gotten in better shape since the break up
Anything else: Currently waiting to see if i can keep living in the house, tense stuff, waiting for the bankers to give their verdict.
Plans for 2017: Get a car project going again!
Job: Same assignment for the entire year, some good stuff, some boring stuff, not bad
Car: Ditched the lease mobile and bought an alfa,
nuff saidHolidays: Not much, spent a week at the beach with the new GF last month, it was lovely.
Relationship: Ended 8 years with the ex, got a new GF two months ago, im really enjoying it.
Health: Generally positive, both mentally and physically ive gotten in better shape since the break up
Anything else: Currently waiting to see if i can keep living in the house, tense stuff, waiting for the bankers to give their verdict.
Plans for 2017: Get a car project going again!
Good for me:
Relationship - Got married early on this year, that's worked out pretty well so far.
Car - had to sell my Land Rover prior to the wedding to raise funds, but hadn't really used it in the previous 12 months anyway. Still got the Skoda which does the work stuff. Bought a Rascal Van that I've wanted for ages...
House - Reduced mortgage a fair amount, done a load of decorating since buying it last year
Holidays - Been to New York, Singapore & Bali which has been amazing.
Work - Been a bit up and down. Didn't get a promotion I went for, but then things have been more interesting, need to ask about a payrise in the new year.
Anything else - Adopted two kittens who are equal parts cute and frustrating - trying to teach them where to go to the toilet that isn't on a basket of clean laundry or similar... but still, quite good most of the time and they don't go out and bring wildlife back in.
Relationship - Got married early on this year, that's worked out pretty well so far.
Car - had to sell my Land Rover prior to the wedding to raise funds, but hadn't really used it in the previous 12 months anyway. Still got the Skoda which does the work stuff. Bought a Rascal Van that I've wanted for ages...
House - Reduced mortgage a fair amount, done a load of decorating since buying it last year
Holidays - Been to New York, Singapore & Bali which has been amazing.
Work - Been a bit up and down. Didn't get a promotion I went for, but then things have been more interesting, need to ask about a payrise in the new year.
Anything else - Adopted two kittens who are equal parts cute and frustrating - trying to teach them where to go to the toilet that isn't on a basket of clean laundry or similar... but still, quite good most of the time and they don't go out and bring wildlife back in.
All family away for Christmas
Split with misses
Car got written off
Washing machine broken and phone smashed in same week
Abuse / stalking.
Having to work Christmas Eve / Christmas Day.
Other ex g/f had a kid with another bloke and insisted on making sure I knew about it.
Mum diagnosed with Parkinson's
Yeah fking great .
Happy Christmas by the way.
Split with misses
Car got written off
Washing machine broken and phone smashed in same week
Abuse / stalking.
Having to work Christmas Eve / Christmas Day.
Other ex g/f had a kid with another bloke and insisted on making sure I knew about it.
Mum diagnosed with Parkinson's
Yeah f
king great .Happy Christmas by the way.
Overall: Musnt grumble,
Job: Lots of cutbacks at our place but have survived three rounds of redundancy, hanging on as I dont mind it, it is convenient, doesnt pay badly and if I leave, I may miss out on redundancy money !
Car: My car has been pretty good, never regretted getting it, odd niggle but now sorted and I love driving it.
Holidays: Few days at the wifes aunts in Anglessey and thats it, gave the kids some money to do stuff, did a big hol the year before, definitely going away next year, just me and the missus.
Relationship: Business as usual, odd ups and downs, she tells me off too much and I can be a bit grumpy but am working on it.
Health : we have both lost two stone and got fitter, bit more to do but looking and feeling better, got past my issue the previous year with my gall bladder with no ill effects.
Anything else: Main positive this year was my eldest getting his apprenticeship at Thomas Cook as an apprentice which he is thriving in, he also got his first car, the other two are gainfully in education as well.
Had to have the house underpinned and new windows, hence no holiday, feeling more on top of things generally with losing weight, fairly solvent.
Plans for 2017:
Maybe a new kitchen
Get down to target weight
Go on holiday
Get the youngest into uni
Keep existing or failing that, get new job
Maybe start running
Get my new fish tank set up
Maybe do some charity work, thinking the local litter patrol as litter bugs the crap out of me.
Job: Lots of cutbacks at our place but have survived three rounds of redundancy, hanging on as I dont mind it, it is convenient, doesnt pay badly and if I leave, I may miss out on redundancy money !
Car: My car has been pretty good, never regretted getting it, odd niggle but now sorted and I love driving it.
Holidays: Few days at the wifes aunts in Anglessey and thats it, gave the kids some money to do stuff, did a big hol the year before, definitely going away next year, just me and the missus.
Relationship: Business as usual, odd ups and downs, she tells me off too much and I can be a bit grumpy but am working on it.
Health : we have both lost two stone and got fitter, bit more to do but looking and feeling better, got past my issue the previous year with my gall bladder with no ill effects.
Anything else: Main positive this year was my eldest getting his apprenticeship at Thomas Cook as an apprentice which he is thriving in, he also got his first car, the other two are gainfully in education as well.
Had to have the house underpinned and new windows, hence no holiday, feeling more on top of things generally with losing weight, fairly solvent.
Plans for 2017:
Maybe a new kitchen
Get down to target weight
Go on holiday
Get the youngest into uni
Keep existing or failing that, get new job
Maybe start running
Get my new fish tank set up
Maybe do some charity work, thinking the local litter patrol as litter bugs the crap out of me.
Overall: It's been a good year in the round, but q3 was tough.
Job: Mostly good. My business continues to grow, and for the first half of the year I did a stretch of admin which although not the most exiting subject went really well.
Car: Still enjoying it. Bike needs to be retrieved and replaced.
Holidays: Having not been away for 6 years I went skiing (first time in 9 seasons), went to Turkey in the summer and Copenhagen late summer.
Relationship: Ended - 7 years. Quietly optimistic about the opportunities it will afford me when I am ready to take them.
Health: Fitness took a bit of a dip over last winter but no health issues and fitness is getting better.
Anything else: Think I have finally put my self in a position to buy. Will be a flat now.
Plans for 2017: Get a motorbike on the road again. Buy a flat. Put my self out there a bit more.
Job: Mostly good. My business continues to grow, and for the first half of the year I did a stretch of admin which although not the most exiting subject went really well.
Car: Still enjoying it. Bike needs to be retrieved and replaced.
Holidays: Having not been away for 6 years I went skiing (first time in 9 seasons), went to Turkey in the summer and Copenhagen late summer.
Relationship: Ended - 7 years. Quietly optimistic about the opportunities it will afford me when I am ready to take them.
Health: Fitness took a bit of a dip over last winter but no health issues and fitness is getting better.
Anything else: Think I have finally put my self in a position to buy. Will be a flat now.
Plans for 2017: Get a motorbike on the road again. Buy a flat. Put my self out there a bit more.
Back in a relationship after 10 years playing, different girl
Bought and renovated a house, her first, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this.
Work, had to go full time after 10 years contracting to get a mortgage. Big pay cut.
Vehicle, dumped the car and using 2 wheels, now know why this was a summer thing.
Travel, financial constraints limited me to a couple of trips to the south coast but planning a Botswana trip for next year.
Health, pretty good really, apart from hurting my back somehow whilst fitting a wood floor.
Generally really good year, roll on the next one.
Bought and renovated a house, her first, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this.
Work, had to go full time after 10 years contracting to get a mortgage. Big pay cut.
Vehicle, dumped the car and using 2 wheels, now know why this was a summer thing.
Travel, financial constraints limited me to a couple of trips to the south coast but planning a Botswana trip for next year.
Health, pretty good really, apart from hurting my back somehow whilst fitting a wood floor.
Generally really good year, roll on the next one.
Pretty st really.
started off by having surgery to my neck to remove a stray piece of disk, now got 2 vertebrae fused together.
Got back to work, my mrs said thank god things are back to normal, the next morning we got a phone call from the hospital, her brother had had a fit at work and dislocated both shoulders. We got him home and I went to get his car and stuff from his work, when we got back we foun him fitting again, so back to a/e. The upshot of this is that he had managed to destroy his shoulders in the second fit, both humeral heads in little pieces, then when they investigated why he had fitted we found out that he had a brain tumour.
They removed it in one operation, then he had a 6 hour operation to try and nail his shoulders back together.
We were told this week that his tumour has come back with a vengeance, its inoperable and he has had the maximum amount of radiotherapy he is allowed and he has a matter of weeks.
And also I have had 3 interviews, given a presentation and done a teaching session and spent a day shadowing someone doing the job to be told at the end that because the NHS arent buying enough equipment that the job is "on hold" so I dont know if I will get offered it or not.
Roll on 2017, it cant be any worse
t really.started off by having surgery to my neck to remove a stray piece of disk, now got 2 vertebrae fused together.
Got back to work, my mrs said thank god things are back to normal, the next morning we got a phone call from the hospital, her brother had had a fit at work and dislocated both shoulders. We got him home and I went to get his car and stuff from his work, when we got back we foun him fitting again, so back to a/e. The upshot of this is that he had managed to destroy his shoulders in the second fit, both humeral heads in little pieces, then when they investigated why he had fitted we found out that he had a brain tumour.
They removed it in one operation, then he had a 6 hour operation to try and nail his shoulders back together.
We were told this week that his tumour has come back with a vengeance, its inoperable and he has had the maximum amount of radiotherapy he is allowed and he has a matter of weeks.
And also I have had 3 interviews, given a presentation and done a teaching session and spent a day shadowing someone doing the job to be told at the end that because the NHS arent buying enough equipment that the job is "on hold" so I dont know if I will get offered it or not.
Roll on 2017, it cant be any worse
Manic is a word to describe my 2016.
Home
My partner who was told she couldn't have kids got pregnant and gave birth to my 2nd child (after a 15 year gap). He was born at the end of December 2015.
Moved to new build house November 2015.
Spent most of this year on a ridiculous snag list (still not resolved).
Work
Got a big promotion so have a lot more money but also a lot more stress. I'm getting to grips with the role but it was a huge "in at the deep end" learning curve.
Car
Bought a M135i as a bit of a mid life crisis. Trying to relive my hot hatch youth.
Holiday
With the baby and house, we've only had time for one holiday so went to Florida as it was the best compromise to entertain a teenager and a baby.
Future plans
Nothing planned. We have friends and family in Australia so may end up doing a trip next year although one lives in Perth and the other in Melbourne!
Home
My partner who was told she couldn't have kids got pregnant and gave birth to my 2nd child (after a 15 year gap). He was born at the end of December 2015.
Moved to new build house November 2015.
Spent most of this year on a ridiculous snag list (still not resolved).
Work
Got a big promotion so have a lot more money but also a lot more stress. I'm getting to grips with the role but it was a huge "in at the deep end" learning curve.
Car
Bought a M135i as a bit of a mid life crisis. Trying to relive my hot hatch youth.
Holiday
With the baby and house, we've only had time for one holiday so went to Florida as it was the best compromise to entertain a teenager and a baby.
Future plans
Nothing planned. We have friends and family in Australia so may end up doing a trip next year although one lives in Perth and the other in Melbourne!
Not a bad year but a bit stressy.
Moved house which turned into a bit of a ball ache but turned out good in the end.
Changed car to what I thought should be keeper only on read a week after buying it that the Mayor of London is pushing for an early introduction of the ULEZ for 2019 (I have to drive in once or twice a week) and my new car falls foul of this. I guess it just means new car time again in a few years
No holiday last year due to house move but stuff booked already for summer.
All in all though, a pretty decent year!
Moved house which turned into a bit of a ball ache but turned out good in the end.
Changed car to what I thought should be keeper only on read a week after buying it that the Mayor of London is pushing for an early introduction of the ULEZ for 2019 (I have to drive in once or twice a week) and my new car falls foul of this. I guess it just means new car time again in a few years
No holiday last year due to house move but stuff booked already for summer.
All in all though, a pretty decent year!
Overall: Probably the happiest year I have had in many years
Job: Working in a company doing a job that pays well with lovely people. I never thought I would be where I am now position wise having not been to university.
Car: I am onto the 4th car of the year after the 2nd one was written off back in May. Now looking for the 5th as current car not suitable for imminent arrival of first baby.
Holidays: Traveled more than ever this year as financially have been better off than before, and with a surprise pregnancy I am glad I spent the money travelling rather than on 'stuff'.
Relationship: Divorce absolute came through in summer after marriage broke up early last year. Current relationship still new, but going from strength to strength and we are doing a full house renovation project together in the new year which is exciting.
Health: Far healthier than in previous years. Car accident was a bit of a set back. Pregnancy is taking its toll, but that's just for 9 months and will get back on track again after.
Anything else: Seeing more of family and friends than ever before. Having been previously told I was infertile, and finding out I am pregnant I now feel like the luckiest person on earth.
Plans for 2017: Prepare for baby meaning finish house renovation, sort suitable car, and top up savings for maternity. Plan special holiday for just the two of us to get some much needed alone time before he/she arrives as we haven't been together long. Its time to renew my passport!
Job: Working in a company doing a job that pays well with lovely people. I never thought I would be where I am now position wise having not been to university.
Car: I am onto the 4th car of the year after the 2nd one was written off back in May. Now looking for the 5th as current car not suitable for imminent arrival of first baby.
Holidays: Traveled more than ever this year as financially have been better off than before, and with a surprise pregnancy I am glad I spent the money travelling rather than on 'stuff'.
Relationship: Divorce absolute came through in summer after marriage broke up early last year. Current relationship still new, but going from strength to strength and we are doing a full house renovation project together in the new year which is exciting.
Health: Far healthier than in previous years. Car accident was a bit of a set back. Pregnancy is taking its toll, but that's just for 9 months and will get back on track again after.
Anything else: Seeing more of family and friends than ever before. Having been previously told I was infertile, and finding out I am pregnant I now feel like the luckiest person on earth.
Plans for 2017: Prepare for baby meaning finish house renovation, sort suitable car, and top up savings for maternity. Plan special holiday for just the two of us to get some much needed alone time before he/she arrives as we haven't been together long. Its time to renew my passport!
Overall:On the whole a fairly good year, things rumbling along nicely and everyday with my kids brings new laughs, challenges and enjoyment.
Job: Same sh*t different day, seriously things have gone a bit better than I thought this year. Finally got back into some project / planned work rather than just support which was getting a little tedious. Got a employee recognition award. Solved a fairly major bug in under a week that many others had been scratching their heads over for months, much smugness. Finally still fearful of the rug being pulled from under our feet but it does seem that there may be some new development opportunities on the horizon so perhaps we're good for a few years yet. Best of all it pays the mortgage with a bit to spare and the commute isn't too bad.
Car:More miles on the 535D Tourer. I love this car but it's getting to the age where it could start getting expensive. This year I had a actuator fail on one of the turbos and the antenna amplifier for the remote locking, including diagnostic time the bill for those two was getting towards a grand.
Holidays: Too skint for anything other the UK holidays this year. Had a week in a static caravan on the southeast Yorkshire coast at Easter, wasn't sure what too sure what to expect but it turned out to be one of the best holidays we've had so far with the kids. Indoor pool was very handy. Couple of camping trips, Forest of Dean and the Gower in the summer, both went well although the Gower one you could tell the kids had been off school/nursery for a bit too long. Few days out too which was fun - Thomas Land (Drayton Manor), West Mids Safari, Sea Life, various National Trust.
Relationship: Together 11 years, married for 7. Happily married, enjoying life and our children together. Has its moments but mustn't grumble, probably mostly down to PMT
Health:Tapering off the steroids I take for sarcoidosis, should be off them altogether by the end of the month though the last few days I've had odd symptoms so perhaps I'm not ready yet. Difficult, want to be off the drugs but don't want the symptoms back. Completed Couch-to-5K about a month back and I'm aiming to maintain the three 5k runs per week over the winter. Might try to do a 10k event next summer to give something to aim for.
Anything else: Kids keep me busy all the time I'm at home but I wouldn't have it any other way. Lost my wife's sister's partner a couple of months back to cancer, things like this really bring home what a thin thread called life is that we dangle from. He was only 41. We weren't super close but I enjoyed his company and I miss him. Luckily (I guess) they didn't have any kids. On a more positive note we had our loft converted at the start of the year into a luxurious master bedroom and ensuite. Makes our house really work for us now as the kids have a double room each.
Plans for 2017: Live life! - This is a good mantra! Got to try to balance the fun stuff with getting a few things done, mainly niggly DIY jobs that I've been putting off. Got this daft idea to get a caravan next year (sorry!) so we can get away more. Much as I love camping I just find the discomfort gets a bit much after a day or two now I getting older. Air beds etc. help but I think a van will bring a new level to it and make us want to be way more.
Job: Same sh*t different day, seriously things have gone a bit better than I thought this year. Finally got back into some project / planned work rather than just support which was getting a little tedious. Got a employee recognition award. Solved a fairly major bug in under a week that many others had been scratching their heads over for months, much smugness. Finally still fearful of the rug being pulled from under our feet but it does seem that there may be some new development opportunities on the horizon so perhaps we're good for a few years yet. Best of all it pays the mortgage with a bit to spare and the commute isn't too bad.
Car:More miles on the 535D Tourer. I love this car but it's getting to the age where it could start getting expensive. This year I had a actuator fail on one of the turbos and the antenna amplifier for the remote locking, including diagnostic time the bill for those two was getting towards a grand.
Holidays: Too skint for anything other the UK holidays this year. Had a week in a static caravan on the southeast Yorkshire coast at Easter, wasn't sure what too sure what to expect but it turned out to be one of the best holidays we've had so far with the kids. Indoor pool was very handy. Couple of camping trips, Forest of Dean and the Gower in the summer, both went well although the Gower one you could tell the kids had been off school/nursery for a bit too long. Few days out too which was fun - Thomas Land (Drayton Manor), West Mids Safari, Sea Life, various National Trust.
Relationship: Together 11 years, married for 7. Happily married, enjoying life and our children together. Has its moments but mustn't grumble, probably mostly down to PMT
Health:Tapering off the steroids I take for sarcoidosis, should be off them altogether by the end of the month though the last few days I've had odd symptoms so perhaps I'm not ready yet. Difficult, want to be off the drugs but don't want the symptoms back. Completed Couch-to-5K about a month back and I'm aiming to maintain the three 5k runs per week over the winter. Might try to do a 10k event next summer to give something to aim for.
Anything else: Kids keep me busy all the time I'm at home but I wouldn't have it any other way. Lost my wife's sister's partner a couple of months back to cancer, things like this really bring home what a thin thread called life is that we dangle from. He was only 41. We weren't super close but I enjoyed his company and I miss him. Luckily (I guess) they didn't have any kids. On a more positive note we had our loft converted at the start of the year into a luxurious master bedroom and ensuite. Makes our house really work for us now as the kids have a double room each.
Plans for 2017: Live life! - This is a good mantra! Got to try to balance the fun stuff with getting a few things done, mainly niggly DIY jobs that I've been putting off. Got this daft idea to get a caravan next year (sorry!) so we can get away more. Much as I love camping I just find the discomfort gets a bit much after a day or two now I getting older. Air beds etc. help but I think a van will bring a new level to it and make us want to be way more.
I was looking forward to 2016 - after a few years of deaths / job losses etc. it seemed that this year was most likely going to be a good one.
It wasn't. No point listing it all, but since it's a car forum - I span my car at a charity track event in July and smashed the rear bumper (Saturday), then returned on the Sunday and split a coolant hose. Expensive weekend.
I'll be glad to see the back of it, and hope 2017 will be better. Which I'll greet very drunk.
It wasn't. No point listing it all, but since it's a car forum - I span my car at a charity track event in July and smashed the rear bumper (Saturday), then returned on the Sunday and split a coolant hose. Expensive weekend.
I'll be glad to see the back of it, and hope 2017 will be better. Which I'll greet very drunk.
Overall: 2016 may be my worst year yet but my problems are nothing with the benefit of perspective, and the green shoots of optimism are beginning to show. Hence ‘mustn't grumble’.
Job: Crap. The year started still on a comedown from a 15 month Thailand assignment. Back in the boring office doing design work. The purse strings have been pulled tight so I've got more responsibility and scope than ever before but no possibility of a payrise and the constant threat of redundancy. Lots of folk gone already and it looks as though I may have weathered the storm so again, mustn't grumble.
Car: Haven't achieved what I wanted to. BMW unfinished. Not overly happy with my racing performances in the Lotus, although glad to have brought it home each time. Feel oddly unfulfilled, probably because it isn’t my own car so I wasn’t as emotionally invested as usual. Unsuccessfully tried to buy a Formula Ford, but have pretty much ruled it out now as the right car didn’t come my way and I don’t think I could contest a championship properly anyway. First world problems I know.
Holidays: Skiing holiday in January which had its moments but may have convinced me skiing isn't for me. Race weekends and a few weekend breaks in the UK with friends. Other than that, very little as paid holiday has been scarce owing to aforementioned work situation (holiday cut to minimum statutory).
Relationship: n/a. Friends and family as good as ever though which has kept me happy.
Health: I'm pretty sure I can describe my status until Spring '16 as 'depressed', but that has improved and will continue to do so. No particular physical issues. I have improved my lifestyle. Could do better. Various health concerns with older family members.
Anything else: Didn't get my way on Brexit. I was upset by that. There is still friction between my Sister and Dad. I isolate myself from the media at large so that I don’t allow it to depress me but it was kind of doom and gloom isn’t it? Plus the second of our two cats died- still not used to the empty home. I’m having to reluctantly keep a major secret from my oldest friend for complicated reasons which bothers me. Shares are finally coming back the right way though. I should probably get a flat / mortgage as the timing seems right but I think I am putting that off until winter ‘17/18. I lack direction a little. Don’t know what to do with myself. I’ve had this overarching feeling of emptiness for reasons I don’t understand. I did sort out my music collection and improve my hifi setup which, while a small thing, has a bigger positive influence on my day-to-day mood than almost anything else.
Plans for 2017: I have promised myself it’ll be better. I’m in a better mental state this winter for a kick-off. I’ve given myself a lot of things to look forward to. My car will be finished, a new racing car will be incoming in which I’ll contest a full season. I have to do my DAS. I’ve got a holiday with friends planned already, my brother’s stag do, probably Le Mans (or the classic) my first festival… I really must join a tennis club and start cycling to work. In any case it’ll be better than 2016
Job: Crap. The year started still on a comedown from a 15 month Thailand assignment. Back in the boring office doing design work. The purse strings have been pulled tight so I've got more responsibility and scope than ever before but no possibility of a payrise and the constant threat of redundancy. Lots of folk gone already and it looks as though I may have weathered the storm so again, mustn't grumble.
Car: Haven't achieved what I wanted to. BMW unfinished. Not overly happy with my racing performances in the Lotus, although glad to have brought it home each time. Feel oddly unfulfilled, probably because it isn’t my own car so I wasn’t as emotionally invested as usual. Unsuccessfully tried to buy a Formula Ford, but have pretty much ruled it out now as the right car didn’t come my way and I don’t think I could contest a championship properly anyway. First world problems I know.
Holidays: Skiing holiday in January which had its moments but may have convinced me skiing isn't for me. Race weekends and a few weekend breaks in the UK with friends. Other than that, very little as paid holiday has been scarce owing to aforementioned work situation (holiday cut to minimum statutory).
Relationship: n/a. Friends and family as good as ever though which has kept me happy.
Health: I'm pretty sure I can describe my status until Spring '16 as 'depressed', but that has improved and will continue to do so. No particular physical issues. I have improved my lifestyle. Could do better. Various health concerns with older family members.
Anything else: Didn't get my way on Brexit. I was upset by that. There is still friction between my Sister and Dad. I isolate myself from the media at large so that I don’t allow it to depress me but it was kind of doom and gloom isn’t it? Plus the second of our two cats died- still not used to the empty home. I’m having to reluctantly keep a major secret from my oldest friend for complicated reasons which bothers me. Shares are finally coming back the right way though. I should probably get a flat / mortgage as the timing seems right but I think I am putting that off until winter ‘17/18. I lack direction a little. Don’t know what to do with myself. I’ve had this overarching feeling of emptiness for reasons I don’t understand. I did sort out my music collection and improve my hifi setup which, while a small thing, has a bigger positive influence on my day-to-day mood than almost anything else.
Plans for 2017: I have promised myself it’ll be better. I’m in a better mental state this winter for a kick-off. I’ve given myself a lot of things to look forward to. My car will be finished, a new racing car will be incoming in which I’ll contest a full season. I have to do my DAS. I’ve got a holiday with friends planned already, my brother’s stag do, probably Le Mans (or the classic) my first festival… I really must join a tennis club and start cycling to work. In any case it’ll be better than 2016
Edited by HustleRussell on Thursday 15th December 13:47
Overall: 2016 has been a year to improve and settle down in life a bit more
Job: Coming up to two years in this job, through a number of re-orgs and redundancies but seem to be doing well. Seem like we've got a clear direction for next 12 months so more optimism
Car: Still got the 03 plate A3, starting to show its age but still going strong where it counts. Cheaper than replacing at the moment
Holidays: I've been a little bad with these this year, well bad in the good way. Had my first trip away to the Alps for a week snowboarding with mates, went on holiday with my other half to Vienna, Slovakia, France and Croatia through the course of the year, with a trip up to Scotland to top it off
Relationship: Together 3 years, got engaged in the summer. Lots of excitement - now it's the wedding planning stage..
Health: Lots of cycling helping build fitness, weight stayed same (BMI ~21 so it's not going to shift much!). Ticked off some big milestones of first ride outside of UK, first 100mile ride and first ride up a mountain (Ventoux). No real illness so far this year.
Anything else: Life has been a case of getting used to our new house, renovating bits of it and getting used to homeownership. Oh and joys of a new kitchen. Getting to know more folk in local area which is good, and hope it continues. Finally sold my skydiving gear as I can't see me using it again + it's a bit big...
Plans for 2017: As many antics as I can get away, then a couple more no doubt. The wedding in July will take a lot of time, energy and cash but should be good (the real good bit is the next morning waking up next to the wife with a stinking hangover). Another lads ski trip booked for Feb and carry on enjoying life as much as can and refusing to accept my age now starts with a 3.
Job: Coming up to two years in this job, through a number of re-orgs and redundancies but seem to be doing well. Seem like we've got a clear direction for next 12 months so more optimism
Car: Still got the 03 plate A3, starting to show its age but still going strong where it counts. Cheaper than replacing at the moment
Holidays: I've been a little bad with these this year, well bad in the good way. Had my first trip away to the Alps for a week snowboarding with mates, went on holiday with my other half to Vienna, Slovakia, France and Croatia through the course of the year, with a trip up to Scotland to top it off
Relationship: Together 3 years, got engaged in the summer. Lots of excitement - now it's the wedding planning stage..
Health: Lots of cycling helping build fitness, weight stayed same (BMI ~21 so it's not going to shift much!). Ticked off some big milestones of first ride outside of UK, first 100mile ride and first ride up a mountain (Ventoux). No real illness so far this year.
Anything else: Life has been a case of getting used to our new house, renovating bits of it and getting used to homeownership. Oh and joys of a new kitchen. Getting to know more folk in local area which is good, and hope it continues. Finally sold my skydiving gear as I can't see me using it again + it's a bit big...
Plans for 2017: As many antics as I can get away, then a couple more no doubt. The wedding in July will take a lot of time, energy and cash but should be good (the real good bit is the next morning waking up next to the wife with a stinking hangover). Another lads ski trip booked for Feb and carry on enjoying life as much as can and refusing to accept my age now starts with a 3.
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