How has 2021 been for you?
Discussion
It's time for the annual 'year in review' thread.
It's definitely too early, but oh well.
So how has your 2021 been so far?
Overall: A good year. My daughter was born in November and she's happy and healthy, so everything else pales in comparison.
Cars: Replaced the Micra Shed with a Berlingo Multispace to use as a weekend camper. Camped in it once, yet still have it 17K miles later.
Job: Enjoyed two months home working, then back in the office since March where I've realised l like my occupation, but really hate my employer. Time to leave in 2022 I think.
Holidays: A great week in sunny Northern Scotland in June, plus various day trips.
House: First full year in our first house. Finished the garden and redecorated the baby room. Love living in our village after 4 years in a city centre flat.
Relationship: 11 years with my wife and I'm happier than ever.
Health: A trapped nerve in my neck and vertigo weren't fun, but I'm generally healthy and I've still not had covid.
Plans for 2022: Spend lots of time with the little one, including 3 months paternity leave and a trip to Scotland. Definitely a new job and probably a new car.
Link to the 2020 thread, click here
It's definitely too early, but oh well.
So how has your 2021 been so far?
Overall: A good year. My daughter was born in November and she's happy and healthy, so everything else pales in comparison.
Cars: Replaced the Micra Shed with a Berlingo Multispace to use as a weekend camper. Camped in it once, yet still have it 17K miles later.
Job: Enjoyed two months home working, then back in the office since March where I've realised l like my occupation, but really hate my employer. Time to leave in 2022 I think.
Holidays: A great week in sunny Northern Scotland in June, plus various day trips.
House: First full year in our first house. Finished the garden and redecorated the baby room. Love living in our village after 4 years in a city centre flat.
Relationship: 11 years with my wife and I'm happier than ever.
Health: A trapped nerve in my neck and vertigo weren't fun, but I'm generally healthy and I've still not had covid.
Plans for 2022: Spend lots of time with the little one, including 3 months paternity leave and a trip to Scotland. Definitely a new job and probably a new car.
Link to the 2020 thread, click here
v15ben said:
So how has your 2021 been so far?
OK, I'll play along, could be an interesting thread this.Overall: A nothing year. COVID restrictions screwed up almost every plan that I dared to make. Like most people I think I existed not lived.
Cars: Sold the RRS early doors, replaced with an old Focus that was supposed to be temporary, the crazy rise in s/h car prices mean it'll be here for a bit longer. Also bought an MGTF for a bit of fun. Advertised the Ferrari for sale but no takers.
Job: Company lurches along, I've had some interesting projects to keep me busy, no WFH though and crazy over-the-top COVID nonsense have really killed my enthusiasm (and caused a huge staff turnover too)
Holidays: Managed a week in Portugal last month, all other planned trips nixed by COVID
House: Projects here have kept me sane, completely renovated the garage and am currently creating a utility room.
Relationship: Still single, not really been the type of year to correct that, hopefully next year!
Health: Fine in general, though weight increase due to inactivity hasn't been pretty.
Plans for 2022: Lose the above weight, continue learning Portuguese, replace Ferrari, lose singleton status. Also hoping for a World where common sense has overtaken media & government hysteria regarding COVID but that's probably asking too much!
Overall: A good year. Busy as ever at work but achieved some good things. Moved back from the USA to the UK so it's been lovely spending some time with friends and family
Cars: Replaced the US based Golf R with an Impreza GB270 Wagon and Alpine A110...this was a good year!
Job: Lots of WFH but was great getting back into the office in September. Putting in longer days as my main clients are still US based but happy with the compromise. Couple of big achievements but also some of the toughest conversations I've had in my career mainly around vaccinations and returning to the office. Company announced a major merger which we hope will happen next year so that's exciting
Holidays: None. Really bad year. Missus and I haven't been away for a week together in 3 years. Must fix that next year but it'll be good being back on a UK holiday allowance that's for sure!
House: Moved house with the US-UK move. Renting only but finally placed a deposit down on our first house a month or so ago so looking forward to finalizing that in January
Health: Good. Hit the gym well over summer, lost the momentum once got back into the office. Need to create a regular schedule once we're back in the office next year.
Plans for 2022: Sort the house move, go on holiday, get married in August and work through whatever the merger has for us. It's going to be a busy one that's for sure!
Cars: Replaced the US based Golf R with an Impreza GB270 Wagon and Alpine A110...this was a good year!
Job: Lots of WFH but was great getting back into the office in September. Putting in longer days as my main clients are still US based but happy with the compromise. Couple of big achievements but also some of the toughest conversations I've had in my career mainly around vaccinations and returning to the office. Company announced a major merger which we hope will happen next year so that's exciting
Holidays: None. Really bad year. Missus and I haven't been away for a week together in 3 years. Must fix that next year but it'll be good being back on a UK holiday allowance that's for sure!
House: Moved house with the US-UK move. Renting only but finally placed a deposit down on our first house a month or so ago so looking forward to finalizing that in January
Health: Good. Hit the gym well over summer, lost the momentum once got back into the office. Need to create a regular schedule once we're back in the office next year.
Plans for 2022: Sort the house move, go on holiday, get married in August and work through whatever the merger has for us. It's going to be a busy one that's for sure!
Overall: Crap and stressful. Excluding the obvious Covid nonsense, personal life has taken a nose dive.
Cars: Still have the Evo and Golf GTI as a daily. Both doing fine. Bought a turbo kit and parts for an upgrade on the Evo, now sat collecting dust in the garage.
Job: lost some accounts, won others. Overall the business is ticking along. Employed a great new staff member who has added a huge amount to the team.
Holidays: had a week away in September to see my brother in Tenerife, really enjoyed it given the changes I’ve had this year. Got too smashed really, but we only live once.
House: Sold the previous refurb and bought a new project. Started the work in March and it has spiralled with rising costs and labour issues. Aiming to have it done by spring to sell on. I’ll be having a break from renovating for a bit to regain my sanity - and money.
Relationship: GF of ten years decided she wanted to find a new branch to grab a hold of and I’ve been through the ringer mentally with the breakdown, coupled with the fact I was left to carry the (rather expensive) can on the house we had just invested in together. My views on relationships at the minute have taken a hit. Focusing on me for now!
Health: overall I’m well. Nothing to complain about as such. Fitness could be better, however, spending my days on site and mucking in helps.
Plans for 2022: Sell the burden of a house and start a fresh, cut my ex out of my life and business completely. Following that, keep the business ticking along, try to win a few more accounts and see where life takes me.
Cars: Still have the Evo and Golf GTI as a daily. Both doing fine. Bought a turbo kit and parts for an upgrade on the Evo, now sat collecting dust in the garage.
Job: lost some accounts, won others. Overall the business is ticking along. Employed a great new staff member who has added a huge amount to the team.
Holidays: had a week away in September to see my brother in Tenerife, really enjoyed it given the changes I’ve had this year. Got too smashed really, but we only live once.
House: Sold the previous refurb and bought a new project. Started the work in March and it has spiralled with rising costs and labour issues. Aiming to have it done by spring to sell on. I’ll be having a break from renovating for a bit to regain my sanity - and money.
Relationship: GF of ten years decided she wanted to find a new branch to grab a hold of and I’ve been through the ringer mentally with the breakdown, coupled with the fact I was left to carry the (rather expensive) can on the house we had just invested in together. My views on relationships at the minute have taken a hit. Focusing on me for now!
Health: overall I’m well. Nothing to complain about as such. Fitness could be better, however, spending my days on site and mucking in helps.
Plans for 2022: Sell the burden of a house and start a fresh, cut my ex out of my life and business completely. Following that, keep the business ticking along, try to win a few more accounts and see where life takes me.
Edited by Evolved on Sunday 19th December 06:50
v15ben said:
So how has your 2021 been so far?
Overall: A bit poo, Covid with pneumonia saw to thar.
Cars: Still got a Kia……*sigh*
Job: Once back into work it was mental, company had a very very busy year
Holidays: A few trips away with the caravan but nothing to write home about
House: Still a crapshack
Relationship: I’m married still, be nice to have her support me once in a while though
Health: Covid combined with pneumonia wrecked what a lifelong illness hadnt already. Bit poo really.
Plans for 2022: After years of trying to focus on us and being pushed back in favour of everyone and everything else, going to focus on myself instead
See aboveOverall: A bit poo, Covid with pneumonia saw to thar.
Cars: Still got a Kia……*sigh*
Job: Once back into work it was mental, company had a very very busy year
Holidays: A few trips away with the caravan but nothing to write home about
House: Still a crapshack
Relationship: I’m married still, be nice to have her support me once in a while though
Health: Covid combined with pneumonia wrecked what a lifelong illness hadnt already. Bit poo really.
Plans for 2022: After years of trying to focus on us and being pushed back in favour of everyone and everything else, going to focus on myself instead
Overall: Pretty good. No one i know died. Both of us still working. Got a new pup.
Cars: No change. M5 and CRV. No plans to change either
Job: Same job, different client. Less interesting but it’s ok.
Holidays: Finally managed to get away to Turkey for some golf with the lads.
House: Getting there, lots to do next year.
Relationship: Good, will be 20th anniversary next year.
Health: CKD under control, BP still high.
Plans for 2022: St Lucia in Feb, New kitchen in March, Le Mans in June, Hungary in August, Turkey in Oct. Hopefully we’ll manage at least one of the travel plans. Drink less, get more exercise etc etc.
Overall: Pretty decent all round
Cars: 2nd lease car went back, they couldn't get the replacement to me until well into '22 so I went back to the used market and overpaid for an A5, it'll be going back to the finance company on halves when the new market re-stabilises
Job: Same job, lots of opportunities and day rate customers in the UK and UAE after my time so all good there. The company I work for substantively has had its best year ever for turnover and profit so its all gravy there
Holidays: 3 trips to Spain, 2 to Dubai, 2 to Qatar, 1 to Saudi and 1 left for the USA imminently - can't complain at all there
House: No change at all - but its only 3.5yrs old so it should be reasonable!
Relationship: Probably the most turbulent and for another thread
Health: All good, fully vax'd and boostered, had a melanoma removed from near my year earlier in the year but all good thankfully - PH has been a wonderful sounding board and release for multiple reasons (including mental health-wise) and for that I am very grateful to the community here
Plans for 2022: Just cancelled LA and Vegas for Easter - decided to leave the coming year a little more flexible and fluid depending on jobs / where I may be in a few months time
Cars: 2nd lease car went back, they couldn't get the replacement to me until well into '22 so I went back to the used market and overpaid for an A5, it'll be going back to the finance company on halves when the new market re-stabilises
Job: Same job, lots of opportunities and day rate customers in the UK and UAE after my time so all good there. The company I work for substantively has had its best year ever for turnover and profit so its all gravy there
Holidays: 3 trips to Spain, 2 to Dubai, 2 to Qatar, 1 to Saudi and 1 left for the USA imminently - can't complain at all there
House: No change at all - but its only 3.5yrs old so it should be reasonable!
Relationship: Probably the most turbulent and for another thread
Health: All good, fully vax'd and boostered, had a melanoma removed from near my year earlier in the year but all good thankfully - PH has been a wonderful sounding board and release for multiple reasons (including mental health-wise) and for that I am very grateful to the community here
Plans for 2022: Just cancelled LA and Vegas for Easter - decided to leave the coming year a little more flexible and fluid depending on jobs / where I may be in a few months time
Overall: Crap.Dad died in Feb, Aunt in Nov , Mother not well. Inherited a house so suddenly everything's expensive..
Cars: Sold both the bikes due to the above so just down to the Panda ive had for 6 years
Job: Promoted to full time (thankfully) Money already spent.
Holidays:None since 2015
House: As above, needs renovating but will take years
Relationship: Still a single gay guy.
Health I'm generally healthy and I've still not had covid.
Plans for 2022: Hopefully swap the panda for a soft top if I can find a bit of extra money, work even harder than my current 60 hours a week and start updating the house.
Cars: Sold both the bikes due to the above so just down to the Panda ive had for 6 years
Job: Promoted to full time (thankfully) Money already spent.
Holidays:None since 2015
House: As above, needs renovating but will take years
Relationship: Still a single gay guy.
Health I'm generally healthy and I've still not had covid.
Plans for 2022: Hopefully swap the panda for a soft top if I can find a bit of extra money, work even harder than my current 60 hours a week and start updating the house.
Edited by A500leroy on Sunday 19th December 08:54
Overall: Excellent
Cars:bit of a change around. Decided to get a family car rather than a Mini Clubman, partly to aid a European Christmas trip (Ha! That turned out well), somehow also ended up selling my Camaro and buying a Challenger RT Shaker
Job: Same job, but conditions have gotten steadily worse for a variety of reasons. Early retirement is now very high on the agenda
Holidays: planned Northern Lights cruise cancelled (for the usual reasons), 10 days in Cornwall cut short thanks to getting covid, currently in Madeira and recharging
House: No change at all
Relationship: Again, no change - couldn't be happier
Health: Apart from a bout of the 'rona all good, fully vax'd and boostered. Had a gp medical which threw up a pleasant surprise/result - in 4 years I've put on 1lb (still way too fat though), great BP & pulse rate and no sign of anything nasty. Must use in as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle though
Plans for 2022: *hopefully* daughter's wedding (postponed from last year) but I am concerned
Not decided on a holiday yet but looking at last ¹/³ of the year. Seriously looking at retirement
Cars:bit of a change around. Decided to get a family car rather than a Mini Clubman, partly to aid a European Christmas trip (Ha! That turned out well), somehow also ended up selling my Camaro and buying a Challenger RT Shaker
Job: Same job, but conditions have gotten steadily worse for a variety of reasons. Early retirement is now very high on the agenda
Holidays: planned Northern Lights cruise cancelled (for the usual reasons), 10 days in Cornwall cut short thanks to getting covid, currently in Madeira and recharging
House: No change at all
Relationship: Again, no change - couldn't be happier
Health: Apart from a bout of the 'rona all good, fully vax'd and boostered. Had a gp medical which threw up a pleasant surprise/result - in 4 years I've put on 1lb (still way too fat though), great BP & pulse rate and no sign of anything nasty. Must use in as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle though
Plans for 2022: *hopefully* daughter's wedding (postponed from last year) but I am concerned
Not decided on a holiday yet but looking at last ¹/³ of the year. Seriously looking at retirementFirst 6 months were rubbish. Trained in a garage to loose weight. End of year down 3 stone 7lb and can see my chest line clearly now and can bench 120kg for 8 reps. No abbs yet thatll come in the first half of next year.
Managed 1 holiday. Got to play 3 competitive basketball games finally. Got 6 games in the first 4 weeks of January and its looking likely that'll get cancelled. Top of the league undefeated aswel. Probably spiral in a world of depression again if it closes down. Thats OK though, it'll save some 90 year old anti vaxxer for a few months. Although if it only lasts 2 weeks and then it actually restarts as normal thats fine. I'll get a good go on the new xbox in-between 14 days of 12 hour shifts. May's well make more money during it again.
Managed 1 holiday. Got to play 3 competitive basketball games finally. Got 6 games in the first 4 weeks of January and its looking likely that'll get cancelled. Top of the league undefeated aswel. Probably spiral in a world of depression again if it closes down. Thats OK though, it'll save some 90 year old anti vaxxer for a few months. Although if it only lasts 2 weeks and then it actually restarts as normal thats fine. I'll get a good go on the new xbox in-between 14 days of 12 hour shifts. May's well make more money during it again.
Time for some anonymous catharsis..!
Overall: A year of putting others first: partner massively burnt out and away from her job since April; father in and out of hospital and then diagnosed with cancer (haven't been able to see him); daughter started secondary school. Have really failed to keep in touch with my friends for the second year in a row.... I'm pretty resilient, but it has been emotionally draining at times!
Cars: No change - still in the post-theft stop-gap shed bought two years ago. Actually love it for what it is - learned to service it myself this year - but still hankering after something fun with some poke.
Job: Much more comfortable sitting in the top team now. But in role I've fixed most things so bored now. Need a new challenge.
Holidays: Nothing interesting. UK only - a week in Suffolk in the summer being the highlight with a couple of other weekends away.
House: Nothing beyond maintenance. Planned loft conversion prevented by the pandemic.
Relationship: 25 years together this year..! Relationship v good (though see above - her being ill has been a challenge generally; pleased I'm mostly WFH so I could be here for her).
Health: Appointments cancelled by NHS means I don't know if the long term condition I'm threatened with diagnosis for means it's better/worse/same. I'll say neutral. But still way too fat.
Plans for 2022:Job: get stuck into the hunt for a new role. House: loft conversion, which will re-shape how we use the house and give me a series of other projects to do. Health: Lose weight - time to get that done. Family/Friends: support partner back to work, see my dad, see my friends.Holiday Want to drive to Berlin - 1,000 miles away!
Overall: A year of putting others first: partner massively burnt out and away from her job since April; father in and out of hospital and then diagnosed with cancer (haven't been able to see him); daughter started secondary school. Have really failed to keep in touch with my friends for the second year in a row.... I'm pretty resilient, but it has been emotionally draining at times!
Cars: No change - still in the post-theft stop-gap shed bought two years ago. Actually love it for what it is - learned to service it myself this year - but still hankering after something fun with some poke.
Job: Much more comfortable sitting in the top team now. But in role I've fixed most things so bored now. Need a new challenge.
Holidays: Nothing interesting. UK only - a week in Suffolk in the summer being the highlight with a couple of other weekends away.
House: Nothing beyond maintenance. Planned loft conversion prevented by the pandemic.
Relationship: 25 years together this year..! Relationship v good (though see above - her being ill has been a challenge generally; pleased I'm mostly WFH so I could be here for her).
Health: Appointments cancelled by NHS means I don't know if the long term condition I'm threatened with diagnosis for means it's better/worse/same. I'll say neutral. But still way too fat.
Plans for 2022:Job: get stuck into the hunt for a new role. House: loft conversion, which will re-shape how we use the house and give me a series of other projects to do. Health: Lose weight - time to get that done. Family/Friends: support partner back to work, see my dad, see my friends.Holiday Want to drive to Berlin - 1,000 miles away!
Edited by OMITN on Sunday 19th December 09:47
Edited by OMITN on Sunday 19th December 09:50
Overall: Not a bad year, trying hard not to listen to the news as much as I did in 2020 and it's working.......
Cars: Still got the Tamora, but drive it very little now. After 14 years ownership it may be time to use the money elsewhere I think in 2022. Bought a campervan early 2021 and to be honest if it's a nice weekend of sunshine I'd rather be riding the bikes or away in the van !
Job: No real change. Still corporate bulls
t reigns. Crazy busy summer in the camping and campervan business, winding down now for Xmas and need the break :-)
Holidays: Nothing foreign. Lots of long weekends away in the camper and had some awesome times !
House: Still in it. If I sell the Tiv and the van and bung a bit of cash in I can clear the mortgage so could be a plan for 2023
Relationship: A new one. It's finally coming together and looking good long term..........
Health: Reasonable. The Crohn's is holding off and seems settled, so more life plans can be planned lol. stty drug side effects as always but it is that it is.........! 6,000 miles on the bike this year, way down from lock-downed 2021 but still ok. Lost the plot in the last few months due to the 3 W's but overall pleased with the miles.
Plans for 2022: Survival !
Cars: Still got the Tamora, but drive it very little now. After 14 years ownership it may be time to use the money elsewhere I think in 2022. Bought a campervan early 2021 and to be honest if it's a nice weekend of sunshine I'd rather be riding the bikes or away in the van !
Job: No real change. Still corporate bulls
t reigns. Crazy busy summer in the camping and campervan business, winding down now for Xmas and need the break :-)Holidays: Nothing foreign. Lots of long weekends away in the camper and had some awesome times !
House: Still in it. If I sell the Tiv and the van and bung a bit of cash in I can clear the mortgage so could be a plan for 2023
Relationship: A new one. It's finally coming together and looking good long term..........
Health: Reasonable. The Crohn's is holding off and seems settled, so more life plans can be planned lol. s
tty drug side effects as always but it is that it is.........! 6,000 miles on the bike this year, way down from lock-downed 2021 but still ok. Lost the plot in the last few months due to the 3 W's but overall pleased with the miles. Plans for 2022: Survival !
Overall:Mustn’t grumble! It’s been a busy year, but with a lot of outcomes achieved so ultimately satisfying.
Cars:Change of daily from A3 tdi to RS4! Both project cars still awaiting attention.
Job:Opened a third location so business effectively increased by 50%.
Holidays:Just a week in Cornwall.
House:Extension finally underway, so still a building site!
Relationship:Good, could be better, but solid.
Health:Major operation in April, but recovered well and have one less thing to die of!
Plans for 2022:Finish house, diversify business and finances, family holidays and dates with wife.
Cars:Change of daily from A3 tdi to RS4! Both project cars still awaiting attention.
Job:Opened a third location so business effectively increased by 50%.
Holidays:Just a week in Cornwall.
House:Extension finally underway, so still a building site!
Relationship:Good, could be better, but solid.
Health:Major operation in April, but recovered well and have one less thing to die of!
Plans for 2022:Finish house, diversify business and finances, family holidays and dates with wife.
Overall: First half good but O/H had breakdown in July so I've been helping her recover. Fortunately she's been WFH since March 2020 so I'm able to keep an eye on her. That has really dominated my year.
Cars: A great year, one of the best as despite Covid and other challenges we've been able to take part in several HRCR (Historic Rally Car Register) events in our Riley and also fit in a 10-day tour of Wales.
Job: I'm retired but do voluntary work for the NHS and my GP practice in particular so have been busy. I'll be doing eight hours a day at a vaccination centre between now and Christmas - and escaping from all the Christmas TV that O/H will be watching!
Holidays: Several long weekends away (see above) and a week in Tenby for O/H to unwind including a few days rattling around mid-Wales and Snowdonia.
House: Still in the same state as this time last year. Front door needs painting but we can't agree on a colour. Various shades of 'estate grey/green' seem favourite locally but we hate them so ours will be either yellow or turquoise.
Relationship: All good.
Health: It's the first year I've felt 'old'. I was 72 last month and arthritis is getting more of a grip in my hands, knees and hips so I'm less and less mobile as the months pass. More difficult to cope with is the realisation that I'm getting forgetful and memories are fading. Occasionally I struggle to find the right word to type, sometimes when talking I can't articulate my thoughts, now and again I forget where things are and it's rather a frightening prospect knowing that it can only go one way.
Plans for 2022: To enjoy it as best I can. As long as I can drive safely I'll be happy.
Cars: A great year, one of the best as despite Covid and other challenges we've been able to take part in several HRCR (Historic Rally Car Register) events in our Riley and also fit in a 10-day tour of Wales.
Job: I'm retired but do voluntary work for the NHS and my GP practice in particular so have been busy. I'll be doing eight hours a day at a vaccination centre between now and Christmas - and escaping from all the Christmas TV that O/H will be watching!
Holidays: Several long weekends away (see above) and a week in Tenby for O/H to unwind including a few days rattling around mid-Wales and Snowdonia.
House: Still in the same state as this time last year. Front door needs painting but we can't agree on a colour. Various shades of 'estate grey/green' seem favourite locally but we hate them so ours will be either yellow or turquoise.
Relationship: All good.
Health: It's the first year I've felt 'old'. I was 72 last month and arthritis is getting more of a grip in my hands, knees and hips so I'm less and less mobile as the months pass. More difficult to cope with is the realisation that I'm getting forgetful and memories are fading. Occasionally I struggle to find the right word to type, sometimes when talking I can't articulate my thoughts, now and again I forget where things are and it's rather a frightening prospect knowing that it can only go one way.
Plans for 2022: To enjoy it as best I can. As long as I can drive safely I'll be happy.
Overall: Good and mediocre. Mental health improving. My son finally got his degree after much illness and repeating his 3rd year and my daughter just started the healthcard job she wanted. Supporting the kids remotely (see below) was pretty tough and has really taken it out of me. Mum (92) and stepdad (93) have not been well, I think they're finally admitting they need help which is a relief.
Cars: Moved to the US mid-year, so sold my bike and Saab convertible. My '57 Plymouth is in a customs warehouse somewhere in the US, and I bought a '66 Dodge to play with in the meantime that seems to be more of a Bodge (mainly wiring and the carb needs a rebuild). My 2002 Toyota Sequoia got a check engine light just before its inspection, but a couple of O2 sensors sorted that. I ended up with a Yamaha 650 custom thing that I didn't want (traded for a pickup I didn't want either) which will go soon. Back in the UK my R-class just works, but will be up for sale soon.
Job: Started a new job just after my move to the US, all remote for now. Good team, good manager, good salary and benefits (for the US) so I'm pretty happy and much less stressed.
Holidays: No. But most of the year the weather is nice, we have a pool which I've now fixed so every day kind of feels like a holiday. We're in the UK at the moment to see family so I guess this is a holiday.
House: Our house in the US is a project. We've done a lot, but mainly lots of plumbing, fixing the home automation that was utterly messed up, had the pool relined and the pool deck painted, and just got planning permission to build a garage. It's going ok and is stupidly cheap compared to UK prices. Got a buyer for the UK house and it's hopefully proceeding OK, but supporting 2 mortgages is a massive strain and I can't wait for it to be done.
Relationship: 2nd anniversary in Jan, we have our moments but it's pretty good really. Finally starting to be able to talk to my mum about some issues, good to get them aired.
Health: Physically, now have some arthritis in my hands but found CBD balm and Boswellia is helping a lot. At last the pains in my feet got taken seriously, found a Neuropathist who recommended Alpha Lipoic Acid before trying "proper" meds and it's helping. US health care is great if you have decent insurance.
Plans for 2022: Get the garage built, finish the Plymouth and Dodge, sell the bike and Merc. Keep my job, finish the UK house sale, get some more done on the house. I have started a couple of bands in the US, so some gigs would be cool if my hands hold up ok. Would be nice to get the kids to the US for a visit, maybe Disney at Xmas if we can get the time off.
Cars: Moved to the US mid-year, so sold my bike and Saab convertible. My '57 Plymouth is in a customs warehouse somewhere in the US, and I bought a '66 Dodge to play with in the meantime that seems to be more of a Bodge (mainly wiring and the carb needs a rebuild). My 2002 Toyota Sequoia got a check engine light just before its inspection, but a couple of O2 sensors sorted that. I ended up with a Yamaha 650 custom thing that I didn't want (traded for a pickup I didn't want either) which will go soon. Back in the UK my R-class just works, but will be up for sale soon.
Job: Started a new job just after my move to the US, all remote for now. Good team, good manager, good salary and benefits (for the US) so I'm pretty happy and much less stressed.
Holidays: No. But most of the year the weather is nice, we have a pool which I've now fixed so every day kind of feels like a holiday. We're in the UK at the moment to see family so I guess this is a holiday.
House: Our house in the US is a project. We've done a lot, but mainly lots of plumbing, fixing the home automation that was utterly messed up, had the pool relined and the pool deck painted, and just got planning permission to build a garage. It's going ok and is stupidly cheap compared to UK prices. Got a buyer for the UK house and it's hopefully proceeding OK, but supporting 2 mortgages is a massive strain and I can't wait for it to be done.
Relationship: 2nd anniversary in Jan, we have our moments but it's pretty good really. Finally starting to be able to talk to my mum about some issues, good to get them aired.
Health: Physically, now have some arthritis in my hands but found CBD balm and Boswellia is helping a lot. At last the pains in my feet got taken seriously, found a Neuropathist who recommended Alpha Lipoic Acid before trying "proper" meds and it's helping. US health care is great if you have decent insurance.
Plans for 2022: Get the garage built, finish the Plymouth and Dodge, sell the bike and Merc. Keep my job, finish the UK house sale, get some more done on the house. I have started a couple of bands in the US, so some gigs would be cool if my hands hold up ok. Would be nice to get the kids to the US for a visit, maybe Disney at Xmas if we can get the time off.
OP said:
So how has your 2021 been so far?
WFH for the first 6 months before being made redundant,Mother (last remaining parent) passed away in October,
MH really taken a battering this year,
Currently sat on the sofa thinking I need to get into the loft to find the plug adapter for the Christmas tree lights ... A job I've been needing to do for 15 days now ... just can't be assed,
On the other hand,
Spent Fri making Millionaire shortbread for a friend's birthday and have a few chunks spare .... now where's that cup of tea
…Oliver passed his Grade 4 cello. Olivia passed her’s when a year younger than him but then she is so very talented and was giving a recital at age 7. He really is coming on leaps and bounds with his Cantonese though and is at the tennis club three nights a week with his daddy. Roll on Wimbledon 2033!
My mother was facing delays for her hip-operation. Our usual surgeon was pulled into the NHS over this awful, awful COVID thing. Those poor people, really dreadful. Luckily a lady at her yoga class, well her son is only the top orthopaedics surgeon in Harley Street…did it the following week for free.
We really didn’t think that we’d get to the summer place in France this year. I mean obviously its nothing, nothing as bad as being locked-down in a dreadful flat in London for three months; imagine five rooms and a roof-terrace or what have you. Those poor poor people. Dreadful. Perspective, one has to have it..of course..of course….but even so its not a summer is it without France for a month. It just isn’t.
Then, just like that, James was appointed British ambassador to France. What luck! Whizzed us through the airport.
So all in all 2021….. one really must not grumble, really mustn’t. Many have lost their jobs you know. Dreadful, awful. Jeremy’s youngest though, did I tell you? Bumped him up to junior minister and the very next day was offered a lovely job, three days a month, some sort of consulting role in the Caymans…wherever they are!
Roll on 2022, I really do hope its a better year. Really do. Dreadful.
My mother was facing delays for her hip-operation. Our usual surgeon was pulled into the NHS over this awful, awful COVID thing. Those poor people, really dreadful. Luckily a lady at her yoga class, well her son is only the top orthopaedics surgeon in Harley Street…did it the following week for free.
We really didn’t think that we’d get to the summer place in France this year. I mean obviously its nothing, nothing as bad as being locked-down in a dreadful flat in London for three months; imagine five rooms and a roof-terrace or what have you. Those poor poor people. Dreadful. Perspective, one has to have it..of course..of course….but even so its not a summer is it without France for a month. It just isn’t.
Then, just like that, James was appointed British ambassador to France. What luck! Whizzed us through the airport.
So all in all 2021….. one really must not grumble, really mustn’t. Many have lost their jobs you know. Dreadful, awful. Jeremy’s youngest though, did I tell you? Bumped him up to junior minister and the very next day was offered a lovely job, three days a month, some sort of consulting role in the Caymans…wherever they are!
Roll on 2022, I really do hope its a better year. Really do. Dreadful.
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