How has 2020 been for you?
Discussion
This post is way too early this year, but it has been a unique year.
Maybe the traditional year-end post might be more of a cathartic vent this time round.
Overall: A very strange year like everyone else no doubt, but I’ve had some positive changes in 2020.
Job: Still in the same one, spent 6 months working from home and now back to a much changed role.
Home: Bought our first house. Moved from a 2-bed city flat to a 3-bed house in a village next to a nature reserve; love it.
Relationship: Celebrated 10 years together and my wife became a British citizen at last.
Car: Still driving the Micra Shed, pushing 100K, still boringly reliable.
Holidays: Not many unsurprisingly, managed 4 days in Scotland in August and a few Lakes/Dales day trips.
Health: Gained a few pounds during lockdown, but did complete Couch to 5K.
Anything Else: Lost a couple of older family members and another has terminal cancer. At least Liverpool won the league at last.
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, stay positive and maybe go on holiday if we’re allowed.
Some older threads from more normal times:
2019: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2018: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Maybe the traditional year-end post might be more of a cathartic vent this time round.
Overall: A very strange year like everyone else no doubt, but I’ve had some positive changes in 2020.
Job: Still in the same one, spent 6 months working from home and now back to a much changed role.
Home: Bought our first house. Moved from a 2-bed city flat to a 3-bed house in a village next to a nature reserve; love it.
Relationship: Celebrated 10 years together and my wife became a British citizen at last.
Car: Still driving the Micra Shed, pushing 100K, still boringly reliable.
Holidays: Not many unsurprisingly, managed 4 days in Scotland in August and a few Lakes/Dales day trips.
Health: Gained a few pounds during lockdown, but did complete Couch to 5K.
Anything Else: Lost a couple of older family members and another has terminal cancer. At least Liverpool won the league at last.
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, stay positive and maybe go on holiday if we’re allowed.
Some older threads from more normal times:
2019: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2018: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Haha - that 2019 thread was one of mine. Oh, for those glorious days of 2019! It's funny looking back - I thought that was a s
t year; I'd take it over 2020 any day.
Overall: st.
Job: Still in the same one, worried about impending redundancy.
Home: Still renting but looking at moving on after being in the same place for seven years. We need to reduce costs/change life, I think.
Relationship: Celebrated 27 years - still great.
Car: Still driving the Toyota IQ. Sailed through another MOT Test last month at 11 years old. Brilliant little thing.
Holidays: Holidays? What's that then?
Health: No change - which is probably a good thing.
Anything Else: Can I have my life back, please, Mr Johnson?
Plans for 2021: Take part in the public tarring and feathering of Hancock. In all seriousness, hoping the Rammstein concert in July goes ahead (it's in July, so who the fk knows what restrictions will be in place by then?). Another heavy rock weekend in January will almost certainly NOT be going ahead. Can't plan any further than that.
t year; I'd take it over 2020 any day.Overall: s
t.Job: Still in the same one, worried about impending redundancy.
Home: Still renting but looking at moving on after being in the same place for seven years. We need to reduce costs/change life, I think.
Relationship: Celebrated 27 years - still great.
Car: Still driving the Toyota IQ. Sailed through another MOT Test last month at 11 years old. Brilliant little thing.
Holidays: Holidays? What's that then?
Health: No change - which is probably a good thing.
Anything Else: Can I have my life back, please, Mr Johnson?
Plans for 2021: Take part in the public tarring and feathering of Hancock. In all seriousness, hoping the Rammstein concert in July goes ahead (it's in July, so who the f
k knows what restrictions will be in place by then?). Another heavy rock weekend in January will almost certainly NOT be going ahead. Can't plan any further than that.2020. Been a strange year for sure.
Home: This is the big one! A ratty roof got worse so ended up having a new roof fitted over lockdown. Had windows put in it as well.
This used up all my savings.
Then two weeks after the roof was completed a fault with the downstairs toilet flooded the house and did a fair bit of damage.
I’m sat in a lounge that just had a settee and nothing else, the entire downstairs has bare concrete floors and there are dehumidifiers going 247. They have been here oner two months but should be removed this week.
This house will resemble a building site Christmas.
So to recap, it needs new floors, kitchen, doors, shirting boards, plastering and decorating, furniture.
Health: lost a lot of weight during lockdown, but have been plagued by illness, I have food allergies and keep eating the wrong stuff.
I don’t know why, it’s hardly a new thing.
Holiday: went to Corfu for two weeks, wasn’t cancelled and had a great time.
Job: still do the same one although I had 15 weeks off this year.
Cars: I still have a BMW 550 for my main car, my wife still has her Jazz. No change there.
Financials: Grim. I had 15 weeks on furlough, a holiday which I went on because it wasn’t cancelled and paid for.
I blew my savings on the roof which was a five figure bill.
I built up a 3k debt on my over draft and maybe 1k on my credit cards.
Overdraft now almost gone and credit cards have about 200 quid left.
I insuranced my car this week and ha e to get glasses now as I need a up to date prescription for a medical I have in January, this will cost a few hundred quid.
I have little debt now but zero savings of money for Christmas.
Family: lockdown very negatively affected my kids, although they will be ok.
Been with my wife twenty years and still a very good marriage.
Anything else? Lockdown has changed my view on life.
I’m now aiming to go part time in five years time and maybe retire not long after.
The V8 will now be replaced by something cheap as big cars do not feature in my future, which is something that doesn’t bother me at all if I’m honest.
I also don’t think 2021 will be any better.
Home: This is the big one! A ratty roof got worse so ended up having a new roof fitted over lockdown. Had windows put in it as well.
This used up all my savings.
Then two weeks after the roof was completed a fault with the downstairs toilet flooded the house and did a fair bit of damage.
I’m sat in a lounge that just had a settee and nothing else, the entire downstairs has bare concrete floors and there are dehumidifiers going 247. They have been here oner two months but should be removed this week.
This house will resemble a building site Christmas.
So to recap, it needs new floors, kitchen, doors, shirting boards, plastering and decorating, furniture.
Health: lost a lot of weight during lockdown, but have been plagued by illness, I have food allergies and keep eating the wrong stuff.
I don’t know why, it’s hardly a new thing.
Holiday: went to Corfu for two weeks, wasn’t cancelled and had a great time.
Job: still do the same one although I had 15 weeks off this year.
Cars: I still have a BMW 550 for my main car, my wife still has her Jazz. No change there.
Financials: Grim. I had 15 weeks on furlough, a holiday which I went on because it wasn’t cancelled and paid for.
I blew my savings on the roof which was a five figure bill.
I built up a 3k debt on my over draft and maybe 1k on my credit cards.
Overdraft now almost gone and credit cards have about 200 quid left.
I insuranced my car this week and ha e to get glasses now as I need a up to date prescription for a medical I have in January, this will cost a few hundred quid.
I have little debt now but zero savings of money for Christmas.
Family: lockdown very negatively affected my kids, although they will be ok.
Been with my wife twenty years and still a very good marriage.
Anything else? Lockdown has changed my view on life.
I’m now aiming to go part time in five years time and maybe retire not long after.
The V8 will now be replaced by something cheap as big cars do not feature in my future, which is something that doesn’t bother me at all if I’m honest.
I also don’t think 2021 will be any better.
It has certainly been an 'interesting' year
Overall: A very strange year like everyone else no doubt, but I’ve had some positive changes in 2020.
Job: Was made redundant in Dec 2019, managed to secure a new role in the same company which started March 1st 2020, had a couple of weeks of 'normality' before C19 changed everything for everyone, most of my work has in some way been related to it, hoping to get back to BAU next year (HR Program Management.
Home: Still living in the same rented accomodation in Dubai, rent has dropped by 5,000 quid in last 18 months which is a bonus, we also bought out first house in the UK (York) in July, with a sitting tenant which just about washes it's own face.
Relationship: 4th Wedding anniversary was September 1st, eldest Son was 3 on July 4th, youngest son was 1 on March 12th, they are my absolute everything, couldn't be happier with how they are growing
Car: Time to chop in the Focus ST I bought new in 2016, need more space for the kids, given the uncertainty in the world it'll be a cash purchase of something like a Nissan Armada in the new year.
Holidays: Plenty of staycations during the summer in many of the wonderful hotels we have here, looking forward to getting back abroad next year
Health: I'm probably the heaviest I have ever been, but also the fittest, started playing Padel twice a week and get out on a bike the same kind of frequency. Need to work on the beer belly after Christmas
Anything Else: Leeds back in the Premier League,
Plans for 2021: Deal with the Dad bod, crack on with the proper aspect of my new job, have a serious think about where I want to be in 5 & 10 years, look to buy another house in the UK.
Overall: A very strange year like everyone else no doubt, but I’ve had some positive changes in 2020.
Job: Was made redundant in Dec 2019, managed to secure a new role in the same company which started March 1st 2020, had a couple of weeks of 'normality' before C19 changed everything for everyone, most of my work has in some way been related to it, hoping to get back to BAU next year (HR Program Management.
Home: Still living in the same rented accomodation in Dubai, rent has dropped by 5,000 quid in last 18 months which is a bonus, we also bought out first house in the UK (York) in July, with a sitting tenant which just about washes it's own face.
Relationship: 4th Wedding anniversary was September 1st, eldest Son was 3 on July 4th, youngest son was 1 on March 12th, they are my absolute everything, couldn't be happier with how they are growing
Car: Time to chop in the Focus ST I bought new in 2016, need more space for the kids, given the uncertainty in the world it'll be a cash purchase of something like a Nissan Armada in the new year.
Holidays: Plenty of staycations during the summer in many of the wonderful hotels we have here, looking forward to getting back abroad next year
Health: I'm probably the heaviest I have ever been, but also the fittest, started playing Padel twice a week and get out on a bike the same kind of frequency. Need to work on the beer belly after Christmas
Anything Else: Leeds back in the Premier League,
Plans for 2021: Deal with the Dad bod, crack on with the proper aspect of my new job, have a serious think about where I want to be in 5 & 10 years, look to buy another house in the UK.
Overall: Could have been far worse
Job: Still in the same one, but income has increased and no risk of losing it
Home: Still in same one but remortgaged improving my overall finances significantly.
Relationship: Celebrated 13 years.
Car: purchased a BMW M240i and an old Mini Cooper S as a track car.
Holidays: Holidays? Managed to get 5 days in a cottage on the east coast between lockdowns
Health: No change - so OK
Plans for 2021: missing seeing my mates so if I can have that back ill be pleased.
Job: Still in the same one, but income has increased and no risk of losing it
Home: Still in same one but remortgaged improving my overall finances significantly.
Relationship: Celebrated 13 years.
Car: purchased a BMW M240i and an old Mini Cooper S as a track car.
Holidays: Holidays? Managed to get 5 days in a cottage on the east coast between lockdowns
Health: No change - so OK
Plans for 2021: missing seeing my mates so if I can have that back ill be pleased.
Overall: Again a strange year but one I’ve enjoyed in ways. Was a bit nerve wracking at first but relaxed after a while after realising there is no point worrying about something I can’t control.
Job: Still in the same one, team has dropped from 4 to just me. Somehow just about keeping head above water.
Home: Same house, got a lot done during lockdown 1. Still lots to do but needed cash to do it.
Relationship: Got married.
Car: Same shed, still works
Holidays: Had to cancel honeymoon. Went the lakes instead. Not quite the same but enjoyed it.
Health: lost 2 stone during lockdown. Put a bit back on after going back to work but keeping it under control a lot better than I did.
Anything Else: Savings looking very healthy. Liverpool won the league at last.
Plans for 2021: Lose A bit more weight. Go on a decent honeymoon. Sort out a new kitchen
Job: Still in the same one, team has dropped from 4 to just me. Somehow just about keeping head above water.
Home: Same house, got a lot done during lockdown 1. Still lots to do but needed cash to do it.
Relationship: Got married.
Car: Same shed, still works
Holidays: Had to cancel honeymoon. Went the lakes instead. Not quite the same but enjoyed it.
Health: lost 2 stone during lockdown. Put a bit back on after going back to work but keeping it under control a lot better than I did.
Anything Else: Savings looking very healthy. Liverpool won the league at last.
Plans for 2021: Lose A bit more weight. Go on a decent honeymoon. Sort out a new kitchen
Edited by fiatpower on Wednesday 25th November 07:09
Overall: Rubbish, feel like a caged animal at times ... normally have 5-7 long haul holidays and spends Christmas on holiday too - managed a week in Italy that was mediocre at best.
Job: Still in the same one, my job offer for the UAE fell through with everything that’s happened and the job market seems to have tightened up drastically. I am however now working with a new client building 10 Medicities in China which is interesting. I normally work away from home 4 days/wk so it’s been odd sleeping in my own bed so much.
Home: had a house built a couple of years ago. Managed to get lots of little niggles sorted but also being at home so much has raised a load more. Spent a fortune getting the garden resolved.
Relationship: 7th wedding anniversary coming up on Xmas eve
Car: Still leasing, one goes back in a couple of weeks and isn’t being replaced; the other has barely moved in months.
Holidays: see the overall ... highly frustrated
Health: Gained initially, lost a bit when lockdown eased and I started swimming daily. Piled it back in again since they closed for lockdown2
Anything Else: had a couple of relatives and friends die (covid and suicide - mental health), my parents have aged drastically - they normally spend 4-8weeks in the U.K. every year and have been stuck here since March and they’ve lost their sparkle, it’s really sad actually
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, sort a new job, stay positive and go on holiday no matter what.
Job: Still in the same one, my job offer for the UAE fell through with everything that’s happened and the job market seems to have tightened up drastically. I am however now working with a new client building 10 Medicities in China which is interesting. I normally work away from home 4 days/wk so it’s been odd sleeping in my own bed so much.
Home: had a house built a couple of years ago. Managed to get lots of little niggles sorted but also being at home so much has raised a load more. Spent a fortune getting the garden resolved.
Relationship: 7th wedding anniversary coming up on Xmas eve
Car: Still leasing, one goes back in a couple of weeks and isn’t being replaced; the other has barely moved in months.
Holidays: see the overall ... highly frustrated
Health: Gained initially, lost a bit when lockdown eased and I started swimming daily. Piled it back in again since they closed for lockdown2
Anything Else: had a couple of relatives and friends die (covid and suicide - mental health), my parents have aged drastically - they normally spend 4-8weeks in the U.K. every year and have been stuck here since March and they’ve lost their sparkle, it’s really sad actually
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, sort a new job, stay positive and go on holiday no matter what.
Overall: A right old rollercoaster. Many plans changed. Turned 40 in middle of lockdown so a very quiet celebration. But not all bad, some quality family time and moments that may not have otherwise happened.
Job: My wife and I are self employed and it's been stressful at times. We had a dip early in the year, a good recovery and then another dip for a couple of months that we're just coming out of. Looking back it's been fine in hindsight but has caused some serious stress at times.
Home: We're in the process of moving. Standard current cliche of moving to somewhere rural. The process is faltering at present though because our mortgage offer has been pulled at the last minute due to dip in earnings over previous 2 months. This news landed yesterday so not yet clear how it's going to be resolved but fingers firmly crossed.
Relationship: All good. 9 years of marriage and counting and two great kids.
Car: No change in 2020. Mileages have been low!
Holidays: Had two great winter trips to Scottish mountains pre-lockdown. Genuinely seems like a lifetime ago. Covid was starting to hit the news but Europe was definitely still in the fingers crossed, naive period. Looking back I cannot believe all of that was this calendar year. Life seems so different now. We had a 2 week holiday in France booked and then I was due to climb Kilimanjaro end of August and summit with my Dad on his 70th Birthday. We've cancelled two 'staycations' too due to second lockdown. All very annoying but there'll be other times. Very much 'first world problems'
Health: Pretty healthy. Walking the dog further and faster to try to combat the dad bod.
Anything Else: We've been okay but it's really tough seeing isolated friends and elderly relatives going through this with so little interaction with the outside world. I really hope that can change soon. I'm more positive about the future than I have been at times. CV19 has forced some very difficult and rapid changes on society but I could see some of them eventually having some positive long term outcomes, particularly with regard to working culture and travel and perhaps an overall reset of priorities. Will handshakes ever make a comeback?!
Plans for 2021: Catch up with many people in person over a pint. Get this house move done which will likely mean no shiny new toys or exotic holidays any time soon as there will be house projects to focus on. If it all collapses, which is a distinct possibility right now, a great family holiday would be a good consolation. Mrs GW's lease car goes back in March. If the move to hills goes ahead, I think we'll get a Panda Cross 4x4 just to make sure we can always get around. If we stay put, we'll probably get another MK1 MX5 as practicality won't be a priority.
I would like to get away from the social distancing mindset. I can't be the only one who watches old TV or films and finds it weird watching people hugging or shaking hands!
Job: My wife and I are self employed and it's been stressful at times. We had a dip early in the year, a good recovery and then another dip for a couple of months that we're just coming out of. Looking back it's been fine in hindsight but has caused some serious stress at times.
Home: We're in the process of moving. Standard current cliche of moving to somewhere rural. The process is faltering at present though because our mortgage offer has been pulled at the last minute due to dip in earnings over previous 2 months. This news landed yesterday so not yet clear how it's going to be resolved but fingers firmly crossed.
Relationship: All good. 9 years of marriage and counting and two great kids.
Car: No change in 2020. Mileages have been low!
Holidays: Had two great winter trips to Scottish mountains pre-lockdown. Genuinely seems like a lifetime ago. Covid was starting to hit the news but Europe was definitely still in the fingers crossed, naive period. Looking back I cannot believe all of that was this calendar year. Life seems so different now. We had a 2 week holiday in France booked and then I was due to climb Kilimanjaro end of August and summit with my Dad on his 70th Birthday. We've cancelled two 'staycations' too due to second lockdown. All very annoying but there'll be other times. Very much 'first world problems'
Health: Pretty healthy. Walking the dog further and faster to try to combat the dad bod.
Anything Else: We've been okay but it's really tough seeing isolated friends and elderly relatives going through this with so little interaction with the outside world. I really hope that can change soon. I'm more positive about the future than I have been at times. CV19 has forced some very difficult and rapid changes on society but I could see some of them eventually having some positive long term outcomes, particularly with regard to working culture and travel and perhaps an overall reset of priorities. Will handshakes ever make a comeback?!
Plans for 2021: Catch up with many people in person over a pint. Get this house move done which will likely mean no shiny new toys or exotic holidays any time soon as there will be house projects to focus on. If it all collapses, which is a distinct possibility right now, a great family holiday would be a good consolation. Mrs GW's lease car goes back in March. If the move to hills goes ahead, I think we'll get a Panda Cross 4x4 just to make sure we can always get around. If we stay put, we'll probably get another MK1 MX5 as practicality won't be a priority.
I would like to get away from the social distancing mindset. I can't be the only one who watches old TV or films and finds it weird watching people hugging or shaking hands!
Edited by Gad-Westy on Wednesday 25th November 07:55
Overall: Weird
Job: Still in the same one, was on furlough for a while but back in the office full time now
Home: Still in Slopes Towers
Relationship: Been together 8 years and married 5
Car: Got rid of a beautiful 6 month old Peugeot 508 for a skanky Kia right before lockdown because my misses was throwing a hissy fit about how thirsty the 508 was, only to get a diseasel Kia that drinks just as much because it's permanent 4 wheel drive
Holidays: Three with the caravan, two to Norfolk and one to Dorset
Health: Gained far too much weight but overall it's a long story
Anything Else: At least i haven't had to listen to endless rubbish about football for a while
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, get away with the caravan provided the usual suspects don't muck about and cause another lockdown.....
.....yea h right...
Job: Still in the same one, was on furlough for a while but back in the office full time now
Home: Still in Slopes Towers
Relationship: Been together 8 years and married 5
Car: Got rid of a beautiful 6 month old Peugeot 508 for a skanky Kia right before lockdown because my misses was throwing a hissy fit about how thirsty the 508 was, only to get a diseasel Kia that drinks just as much because it's permanent 4 wheel drive
Holidays: Three with the caravan, two to Norfolk and one to Dorset
Health: Gained far too much weight but overall it's a long story
Anything Else: At least i haven't had to listen to endless rubbish about football for a while
Plans for 2021: Lose weight, get away with the caravan provided the usual suspects don't muck about and cause another lockdown.....
.....yea h right...Overall: Frustrating
Job: Restructured the business, meaning a mix of home and office working. Looking to move into new areas of business next year which could potentially be lucrative.
Home: My landlady is selling up. As the lettings manager, I'm in the odd position where I may have to evict myself.
Relationship: GF had a nervous breakdown upon finishing her PhD so I sent her back to her family in Spain to recover. I doubt she'll return.
Car: Found a tidy NB MX5 with 12 months MOT for £700. Flogged the hardtop for £400. Winner.
Holidays: What's a holiday?
Health: Bipolar has it's ups and downs. Had a few scans following some chest pains and breathlessness a month or so ago. Awaiting the results of a CT scan as the xray found some abnormalities.
Anything Else: My son (lives with his mum) is doing great. He has Cystic Fibrosis and soon to be diagnosed with Autism. Somewhat selfishly my view is that if he's happy and healthy then all is well. His mum worries a lot more than me around things such as schools etc. I probably need to be a better father in relation to her needs as well as his.
Plans for 2021: Hopefully improve the income. I'd earn more as a Deliveroo driver, but hoping to improve the position financially next year and get myself out of the Bipolar debt I accrued during a manic episode a few years back. Hopefully I'll make it to a PH meet at some point. Not been to one in many a year.
Job: Restructured the business, meaning a mix of home and office working. Looking to move into new areas of business next year which could potentially be lucrative.
Home: My landlady is selling up. As the lettings manager, I'm in the odd position where I may have to evict myself.
Relationship: GF had a nervous breakdown upon finishing her PhD so I sent her back to her family in Spain to recover. I doubt she'll return.
Car: Found a tidy NB MX5 with 12 months MOT for £700. Flogged the hardtop for £400. Winner.
Holidays: What's a holiday?
Health: Bipolar has it's ups and downs. Had a few scans following some chest pains and breathlessness a month or so ago. Awaiting the results of a CT scan as the xray found some abnormalities.
Anything Else: My son (lives with his mum) is doing great. He has Cystic Fibrosis and soon to be diagnosed with Autism. Somewhat selfishly my view is that if he's happy and healthy then all is well. His mum worries a lot more than me around things such as schools etc. I probably need to be a better father in relation to her needs as well as his.
Plans for 2021: Hopefully improve the income. I'd earn more as a Deliveroo driver, but hoping to improve the position financially next year and get myself out of the Bipolar debt I accrued during a manic episode a few years back. Hopefully I'll make it to a PH meet at some point. Not been to one in many a year.
Overall: Bemused, confused, stressed.
Job: Started a new contract in Jan. It was st. Money good but client was wasting their money paying me. They made it hard to make any progress at all. Worked from home until client got rid of all contractors just before announcing 9000 redundancies. Furloughed via my LTD company from May. Someone I knew phoned me in August and offered me a job or Contract in his very small Defence company. It's great and yet too much stress. Money is great. But I feel.like I'm sinking.
Homes: We managed to do some minor maintenance on both homes in August. Nothing strenuous. See health.
Relationship: 30 years of marriage were barely celebrated. The last 4 years have been Hell for both of us. There are days when a new patio looks like a great idea. Lockdown had not helped. Health has helped a little. She's realised she "needs" me. And then a day later she doesn't, than she does. I don't want to be needed, I want to be an equal partner, who is not a psycho.
Car: MV6 3.2 omega sat in the road from.March to September. Took a week to figure out why it wouldnt start - crank sensor. Spent more than.a 231k 19 year old barge is worth getting it through the MOT. Will try to keep it running for another few years. It's only money after all and I've spent more on a dog that died anyway.
Holidays: went to our second home in Uttoxeter. 5 times.
Health: Immediately my wife was in charge of my food intake (I live away in the week) I lost 2 stone. Then I had a heart attack and a stent in June. Have lost another stone. Getting stronger but not doing enough exercise. Wife spotted heart attack and phoned 999. I should be grateful, but she reminds me occassionally. Am.i to be in her debt forever.
Anything Else: Wifes Dad died in October. MIL seems to have moved in temporarily. I really don't think she should live alone, but wasnt expecting the upheaval.
Daughter has split with her boyfriend of 8 years and living alone 40 miles away. Technically she's bubbled with us, but she works in a hospital and we now have an 83 year old in our house. I've said " I think daughter's mental.health takes priority over your mother potentially getting Covid"
Son postponed his wedding to next year.
Haven't seen my parents since this time a year ago. Don't have the urge to see them anytime soon. They are in Wales.
Plans for 2021: who the fk knows. I want to go and live in a tent in a wood and eat grubs. I feel like depression would be selfish but I'm really fked off and angry.
Perhaps in 2021, I'll be able to have an oppinion and not be told it's wrong.
Perhaps I won't be challenged on things I know are true, and won't be told every day that I'm.lying when I know I'm.not.
Job: Started a new contract in Jan. It was s
t. Money good but client was wasting their money paying me. They made it hard to make any progress at all. Worked from home until client got rid of all contractors just before announcing 9000 redundancies. Furloughed via my LTD company from May. Someone I knew phoned me in August and offered me a job or Contract in his very small Defence company. It's great and yet too much stress. Money is great. But I feel.like I'm sinking. Homes: We managed to do some minor maintenance on both homes in August. Nothing strenuous. See health.
Relationship: 30 years of marriage were barely celebrated. The last 4 years have been Hell for both of us. There are days when a new patio looks like a great idea. Lockdown had not helped. Health has helped a little. She's realised she "needs" me. And then a day later she doesn't, than she does. I don't want to be needed, I want to be an equal partner, who is not a psycho.
Car: MV6 3.2 omega sat in the road from.March to September. Took a week to figure out why it wouldnt start - crank sensor. Spent more than.a 231k 19 year old barge is worth getting it through the MOT. Will try to keep it running for another few years. It's only money after all and I've spent more on a dog that died anyway.
Holidays: went to our second home in Uttoxeter. 5 times.
Health: Immediately my wife was in charge of my food intake (I live away in the week) I lost 2 stone. Then I had a heart attack and a stent in June. Have lost another stone. Getting stronger but not doing enough exercise. Wife spotted heart attack and phoned 999. I should be grateful, but she reminds me occassionally. Am.i to be in her debt forever.
Anything Else: Wifes Dad died in October. MIL seems to have moved in temporarily. I really don't think she should live alone, but wasnt expecting the upheaval.
Daughter has split with her boyfriend of 8 years and living alone 40 miles away. Technically she's bubbled with us, but she works in a hospital and we now have an 83 year old in our house. I've said " I think daughter's mental.health takes priority over your mother potentially getting Covid"
Son postponed his wedding to next year.
Haven't seen my parents since this time a year ago. Don't have the urge to see them anytime soon. They are in Wales.
Plans for 2021: who the f
k knows. I want to go and live in a tent in a wood and eat grubs. I feel like depression would be selfish but I'm really fked off and angry. Perhaps in 2021, I'll be able to have an oppinion and not be told it's wrong.
Perhaps I won't be challenged on things I know are true, and won't be told every day that I'm.lying when I know I'm.not.
Overall: Another year older, not so much wiser
Job: Started WFH in March, still here now. Not sure when or if we will go back to the office
Home: Much tidier and better maintained, as I've had time to do all the odd jobs that needed doing
Relationship: 25 years together. Posh hotel break cancelled and replaced with a takeaway from the local pub
Car: Volvo needed a new battery as it died being sat for so long. Done lots of jobs on the Land Rover and cleaned it to within an inch of its life
Holidays: One cancelled, one taken in Cornwall for a week. Nice to be away, but odd atmosphere
Health: Had an eye op cancelled, then rearranged between lockdowns. Another odd experience, but received excellent care. Mental health loads better with no commute and extra dog walks
Anything Else: My Mother got diagnosed with skin cancer in March. NHS were amazing with her. Ended up with two ops, as it returned and lots of radiotherapy. Seems to be all clear now. Not been able to see her due to lockdown and shielding though
Plans for 2021: Celebrate belated 25th wedding anniversary properly, see my Mother and give her a big hug, get my very clean Land Rover very dirty
Job: Started WFH in March, still here now. Not sure when or if we will go back to the office
Home: Much tidier and better maintained, as I've had time to do all the odd jobs that needed doing
Relationship: 25 years together. Posh hotel break cancelled and replaced with a takeaway from the local pub
Car: Volvo needed a new battery as it died being sat for so long. Done lots of jobs on the Land Rover and cleaned it to within an inch of its life
Holidays: One cancelled, one taken in Cornwall for a week. Nice to be away, but odd atmosphere
Health: Had an eye op cancelled, then rearranged between lockdowns. Another odd experience, but received excellent care. Mental health loads better with no commute and extra dog walks
Anything Else: My Mother got diagnosed with skin cancer in March. NHS were amazing with her. Ended up with two ops, as it returned and lots of radiotherapy. Seems to be all clear now. Not been able to see her due to lockdown and shielding though
Plans for 2021: Celebrate belated 25th wedding anniversary properly, see my Mother and give her a big hug, get my very clean Land Rover very dirty
overall: Quiet year and at home more than i would like - we have the travel bug!
Job: Retired engineer, doing a few 'repair shop' jobs for family and friends. Showing my steam engine at Steam rallies,
maintaining it and my truck ready to start again.
Home: Looking pristine - all the little jobs completed. No plans to move unless Euromillions numbers comes up.
Relationship: Very happy - married for 12years now.
Car: X5 - 50i
Holidays: Jan/Feb - Malaysia and Singapore - Since then just caravan trips to Whitby and Cromer
Health: Lost 1/2 stone and walked/biked everyday we could during both lockdowns - so pretty fit at the moment
Anything Else: Nephew died at 33 - cause unknown. First grandchild started secondary school
Plans for 2021: Scotland golfing, Caravan holidays - Derbyshire, at the Open golf, Lake district.
Job: Retired engineer, doing a few 'repair shop' jobs for family and friends. Showing my steam engine at Steam rallies,
maintaining it and my truck ready to start again.
Home: Looking pristine - all the little jobs completed. No plans to move unless Euromillions numbers comes up.
Relationship: Very happy - married for 12years now.
Car: X5 - 50i
Holidays: Jan/Feb - Malaysia and Singapore - Since then just caravan trips to Whitby and Cromer
Health: Lost 1/2 stone and walked/biked everyday we could during both lockdowns - so pretty fit at the moment
Anything Else: Nephew died at 33 - cause unknown. First grandchild started secondary school
Plans for 2021: Scotland golfing, Caravan holidays - Derbyshire, at the Open golf, Lake district.
Overall: Grateful as it could have been a lot worse.
Job: I’ve become employed for the first time in 15 years after getting nervous during the first lockdown. It’s fine and I’ve retained a lot of freedom - but having a boss is weird.
Home: Still loving Bath, moved here 5 years ago and it’s still growing on me. A new patio went down over lockdown one and and now the lighting is about to be redone throughout which will make a massive difference to the old ‘one light per room’ system.
Relationship(s): 4 during 2020, nothing overly serious.
Car: Bought a Volvo C30 in March - cracking little thing and would only change it for a younger model.
Holidays: Lanzarote the week before lockdown which was nice. Then Texas a few times for other reasons.
Health: Fingers crossed its good - certainly better than the previous few years.
Anything Else: Not really, but certainly will come out of the year with a better understanding of who hero’s really are.
Plans for 2021: I turned 40 this year, it’s probably time to settle down.
Job: I’ve become employed for the first time in 15 years after getting nervous during the first lockdown. It’s fine and I’ve retained a lot of freedom - but having a boss is weird.
Home: Still loving Bath, moved here 5 years ago and it’s still growing on me. A new patio went down over lockdown one and and now the lighting is about to be redone throughout which will make a massive difference to the old ‘one light per room’ system.
Relationship(s): 4 during 2020, nothing overly serious.
Car: Bought a Volvo C30 in March - cracking little thing and would only change it for a younger model.
Holidays: Lanzarote the week before lockdown which was nice. Then Texas a few times for other reasons.
Health: Fingers crossed its good - certainly better than the previous few years.
Anything Else: Not really, but certainly will come out of the year with a better understanding of who hero’s really are.
Plans for 2021: I turned 40 this year, it’s probably time to settle down.
Overall: More chilled than last year
Job: Not been furloughed, worked from home since March, got promoted - good year career wise.
Home: Moved in with my family at the end of March as I live alone (I'm 25) in the arse end of nowhere. My house has been empty since March...
Relationship(s): Broke up last November, just flings since.
Car: Same old banger Fabia vRS - just got another years MOT
Holidays: N/A
Health: Much better, cut down the fags and running 20k a week with lots of dog walks too, mother's cooking means I'm eating better too.
Anything Else: Nope, all the weeks are kind of blurred into one.
Plans for 2021: Hopefully sell my house and continue working remotely from my parents so I can save for the house I want.
Job: Not been furloughed, worked from home since March, got promoted - good year career wise.
Home: Moved in with my family at the end of March as I live alone (I'm 25) in the arse end of nowhere. My house has been empty since March...
Relationship(s): Broke up last November, just flings since.
Car: Same old banger Fabia vRS - just got another years MOT
Holidays: N/A
Health: Much better, cut down the fags and running 20k a week with lots of dog walks too, mother's cooking means I'm eating better too.
Anything Else: Nope, all the weeks are kind of blurred into one.
Plans for 2021: Hopefully sell my house and continue working remotely from my parents so I can save for the house I want.
Overall: A silly and pointless year so far.
Job: No Furghlough, busier than it has been since I started with the added complications of people isolating causing staffing headaches. Interviewed for a sidestep role in March but didn't get that and I'm now working towards moving up the ladder where I am.
Home: Feel trapped in my rental that's in the wrong location (30 miles from work and a bit more from my GF). I tried to buy a flat in May but getting a small deposit mortgage on a flat was impossible. Since then viewed an awesome house that was the wrong shape to be practical and a perfect rental flat that was gone before I'd had time to apply for it.
Relationship: Really good. Met someone late last year who was on my wavelength in just about every way and I can see it lasting.
Car: Developing an attachment to my shed. Now it's past 50k in my hands I think it's rude to sell it.
Holidays: Managed a week away pre Lockdown 1 and a week in the Costwolds pre Lockdown 2. Apart from that a couple of overnight breaks taking advantage of very good hotel offers.
Health: Got fatter, got into a gym routine briefly, got fatter, now hoping to get back into a gym routine when they reopen.
Anything Else: Finally got myself a decent home audio set up and have spent way too much on vinyl.
Plans for 2021: Attend the gigs that have been rescheduled from this year. Do lots of hillwalking, getting fitter in the process. Move house. Get promoted and hopefully a late summer French road trip.
Overall: Well it could have been a lot worse looking what others have been through.
Job: Not changed much, don't know what the future will hold though as A. I'm moving and B. It's recession linked.
I work in a yard of dark, cold units inhabited largely by the dregs of society. There are a few rough diamonds I get on with, but cannot wait to get away from the place and the people there.
Home: The big one of the year and I need to be careful not to write a whole essay on it which I easily could. It's consumed most of 2020 in our heads.
When we went into lockdown 1 I found our penultimate resting place, our ultimate home in the country. Sadly after approximately 6 months of being let down by bureaucracy, the slow speed with which these things move and banks we still haven't bought it and tempers are getting frayed all round. My house (which i've been in since leaving home) sold immediately and we're still in it, the buyers are luckily decent and patient people with a bit of money.
O/Hs empty house sale (although we are not dependent on it to move) fell through twice after being led up the garden path with people who back out near the end of the lengthy process siting 'personal reasons'. Then a fitting on the old boiler began to piss out water everywhere last weekend. Only discovered as we went to prep it for more viewings. Soaked carpet, damp and mould everywhere. Took fitting apart, put back together and leaked stopped! De-humidifier bought, carpets ripped up and dried out, boiler electrics dried out and it's back on again. Viewings postponed until this weekend, fingers crossed for a reliable buyer holding cash.
Relationship: We've been living together for 1 year now and it's been fine. You can't say great as there hasn't been much in the way of happiness in a year like this, but we're strong.
Vehicles: MX5 has been near faultless needing only a £15 thermostat outside of normal servicing. Did consider selling it in Autumn, only for the money (to put to new house project), but didn't put too much effort into it. Had one potential who came up on the train to view and drive, found it faultless, went home to check with wife and vanished. Now it's Winter and lockdown again I think demand and prices have dropped.
Vivaro has been ok, It's a work horse used for carrying and towing. Had new pads and discs all round and I think something is worn on the front again along with a clicking CV. Will be attending to those along with an (overdue on time only) service.
I tend to use Viv in Winter and MX5 in Summer, but up coming new house means loss of indoor parking for a while so MX5 will have to sit outside in Winter which i'm not happy about.
Managed one Trackday which was a bit boring as it was Blyton. A huge meet at Dony was cancelled due to lockdown 2, great shame as despite it being in Nov, would have been a great day.
Holidays:
Was lucky as we got 2 weeks of luxury eating, drinking and slobbing in Feb somewhere hot just before CV kicked off. Haven't been anywhere since due to potential house move.
Health:
Nothing changed much as it all went downhill previously. Have lost some weight, this was mainly due to her cooking and me being offered tons of firewood logs for free. I processed it all which was good exercise and it showed on the scales.
Anything Else:
My mother has reached an age where a lot of grade two physical problems occur. (I class health in grade 1, 2 or 3!) so not sure what the future holds for her. She still lives alone in the (large) family home and doesn't want to move just yet. Maybe ill health will beat the need to move to a smaller house and she'll end up living with one of us or in a home.
Went to 3 funerals in Spring of people of varying closeness, none CV related.
Plans for 2021:
Well as per above it really depends on impending house move. If it goes ahead we'll be in for Christmas and next year will be spent working on the place as it needs a lot doing to it, i'll also need to build a workshop to work and tinker from.
We'll have land so will consider what to do with it, a couple of chickens to begin with, put some 'drainage in the lower field', plant some trees and generally improve the place ready for retirement.
Does anyone actually read these?! Nevermind, it was cathartic I suppose.I won't come looking back, i'll be looking forward as (if house purchase goes through) the future is rosier than the past.
[/footnote]
Job: Not changed much, don't know what the future will hold though as A. I'm moving and B. It's recession linked.
I work in a yard of dark, cold units inhabited largely by the dregs of society. There are a few rough diamonds I get on with, but cannot wait to get away from the place and the people there.
Home: The big one of the year and I need to be careful not to write a whole essay on it which I easily could. It's consumed most of 2020 in our heads.
When we went into lockdown 1 I found our penultimate resting place, our ultimate home in the country. Sadly after approximately 6 months of being let down by bureaucracy, the slow speed with which these things move and banks we still haven't bought it and tempers are getting frayed all round. My house (which i've been in since leaving home) sold immediately and we're still in it, the buyers are luckily decent and patient people with a bit of money.
O/Hs empty house sale (although we are not dependent on it to move) fell through twice after being led up the garden path with people who back out near the end of the lengthy process siting 'personal reasons'. Then a fitting on the old boiler began to piss out water everywhere last weekend. Only discovered as we went to prep it for more viewings. Soaked carpet, damp and mould everywhere. Took fitting apart, put back together and leaked stopped! De-humidifier bought, carpets ripped up and dried out, boiler electrics dried out and it's back on again. Viewings postponed until this weekend, fingers crossed for a reliable buyer holding cash.
Relationship: We've been living together for 1 year now and it's been fine. You can't say great as there hasn't been much in the way of happiness in a year like this, but we're strong.
Vehicles: MX5 has been near faultless needing only a £15 thermostat outside of normal servicing. Did consider selling it in Autumn, only for the money (to put to new house project), but didn't put too much effort into it. Had one potential who came up on the train to view and drive, found it faultless, went home to check with wife and vanished. Now it's Winter and lockdown again I think demand and prices have dropped.
Vivaro has been ok, It's a work horse used for carrying and towing. Had new pads and discs all round and I think something is worn on the front again along with a clicking CV. Will be attending to those along with an (overdue on time only) service.
I tend to use Viv in Winter and MX5 in Summer, but up coming new house means loss of indoor parking for a while so MX5 will have to sit outside in Winter which i'm not happy about.
Managed one Trackday which was a bit boring as it was Blyton. A huge meet at Dony was cancelled due to lockdown 2, great shame as despite it being in Nov, would have been a great day.
Holidays:
Was lucky as we got 2 weeks of luxury eating, drinking and slobbing in Feb somewhere hot just before CV kicked off. Haven't been anywhere since due to potential house move.
Health:
Nothing changed much as it all went downhill previously. Have lost some weight, this was mainly due to her cooking and me being offered tons of firewood logs for free. I processed it all which was good exercise and it showed on the scales.
Anything Else:
My mother has reached an age where a lot of grade two physical problems occur. (I class health in grade 1, 2 or 3!) so not sure what the future holds for her. She still lives alone in the (large) family home and doesn't want to move just yet. Maybe ill health will beat the need to move to a smaller house and she'll end up living with one of us or in a home.
Went to 3 funerals in Spring of people of varying closeness, none CV related.
Plans for 2021:
Well as per above it really depends on impending house move. If it goes ahead we'll be in for Christmas and next year will be spent working on the place as it needs a lot doing to it, i'll also need to build a workshop to work and tinker from.
We'll have land so will consider what to do with it, a couple of chickens to begin with, put some 'drainage in the lower field', plant some trees and generally improve the place ready for retirement.
Does anyone actually read these?! Nevermind, it was cathartic I suppose.I won't come looking back, i'll be looking forward as (if house purchase goes through) the future is rosier than the past.
[/footnote]
Edited by Evoluzione on Wednesday 25th November 12:13
Overall: meh
Job:
made redundant in jan but offered 2 roles by directors including one tailored specifically for me, which i took. i have a lot of freedom but i've purposely tailored the project towards developing regional ability so my central role isn't required. hence my aims are to use this as a springboard role into an interesting senior management role whilst retaining as much geographical and hierarchical freedom as possible.
Home:
the new role came with a rotational contract and a company provided serviced apartment. i'm essentially a professional vagrant with NFA and a load of possessions in a storage unit. not great.
my uk rental property needed a new roof, boiler and a host of other things. yay.
Relationship:
i can't think of someone more suited for me. room for improvement in a couple of areas and i'd like to see her more often, but otherwise very happy thanks. hoping this one goes full distance.
Car:
bought my first motorbike in feb and loving it. have done a few track days, used it for several months commuting and enjoying weekend blasts. definitely developed an affinity for 2 wheels, albeit that now comes with a thirst for more bikes and bigger thrills....
carwise i'm in disarray. both road cars are currently under heavy maintenance and everything else is still in the project phase. i added to this issue by buying another major project and without anywhere fixed to live i have a burgeoning storage problem.
no racing or car trackdays this year unfortunately. i do miss that.
Holidays:
all plans comprehensively destroyed. a couple of high end staycations to break the routine.
Health:
see the adult ADHD thread. currently experiencing a reoccurrence of amoebiasis which isn't pleasant, and i'm the heaviest i've ever been.
Anything Else:
am having to put my cat up for adoption having tried every avenue to avoid it. i am gonna miss the furry little git.
i invested in a business in july which is showing early indications of being a success, which is nice as i was fairly bricking it having put in all the liquid capital i had at the height of lockdown.
haven't been to UK in over a year, both parents currently have covid and my dad is awaiting an MRI scan to see if his cancer has spread. normally i'm only a flight away but with all the restrictions on travel i just feel helpless.
Plans for 2021:
improvise, adapt, and overcome. travel more and get hobbies/interests back on track or else find new ways to break the routine. hopefully reduce the cars to a more manageable size, get some projects finished and get a faster bike. hopefully a mix of saving and investments will mean we can start looking at alpine houses with intent rather than just dreams.
Job:
made redundant in jan but offered 2 roles by directors including one tailored specifically for me, which i took. i have a lot of freedom but i've purposely tailored the project towards developing regional ability so my central role isn't required. hence my aims are to use this as a springboard role into an interesting senior management role whilst retaining as much geographical and hierarchical freedom as possible.
Home:
the new role came with a rotational contract and a company provided serviced apartment. i'm essentially a professional vagrant with NFA and a load of possessions in a storage unit. not great.
my uk rental property needed a new roof, boiler and a host of other things. yay.
Relationship:
i can't think of someone more suited for me. room for improvement in a couple of areas and i'd like to see her more often, but otherwise very happy thanks. hoping this one goes full distance.
Car:
bought my first motorbike in feb and loving it. have done a few track days, used it for several months commuting and enjoying weekend blasts. definitely developed an affinity for 2 wheels, albeit that now comes with a thirst for more bikes and bigger thrills....
carwise i'm in disarray. both road cars are currently under heavy maintenance and everything else is still in the project phase. i added to this issue by buying another major project and without anywhere fixed to live i have a burgeoning storage problem.
no racing or car trackdays this year unfortunately. i do miss that.
Holidays:
all plans comprehensively destroyed. a couple of high end staycations to break the routine.
Health:
see the adult ADHD thread. currently experiencing a reoccurrence of amoebiasis which isn't pleasant, and i'm the heaviest i've ever been.
Anything Else:
am having to put my cat up for adoption having tried every avenue to avoid it. i am gonna miss the furry little git.
i invested in a business in july which is showing early indications of being a success, which is nice as i was fairly bricking it having put in all the liquid capital i had at the height of lockdown.
haven't been to UK in over a year, both parents currently have covid and my dad is awaiting an MRI scan to see if his cancer has spread. normally i'm only a flight away but with all the restrictions on travel i just feel helpless.
Plans for 2021:
improvise, adapt, and overcome. travel more and get hobbies/interests back on track or else find new ways to break the routine. hopefully reduce the cars to a more manageable size, get some projects finished and get a faster bike. hopefully a mix of saving and investments will mean we can start looking at alpine houses with intent rather than just dreams.
Edited by shirt on Wednesday 25th November 10:05
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