How has 2023 been for you?
Discussion
Annual reflection post time.
How has 2023 been for you?
Overall: A year of positive changes.
Cars: Another year with the Berlingo and wife's i10. Both going well.
Job: Started a new one in September after 7 years in one I had grown to hate. Busier, but happy I made the change. Became a school governor alongside work too.
Holidays: Isle of Mull, Highland Perthshire, Newcastle and Berwick this year.
Family: Been together 13 years and our daughter turned 2 recently. My little family means everything tbh.
Health: Lost 14KG this year. Now at a healthy weight and feel much better for it.
Home: Been here 3.5 years. Like the area and house, although it's a bit small now.
Plans for 2024: More regular
exercise, maintain healthy weight, trips to Wales and France, enjoy family life and new job.
Just reflecting back on 13 years of these posts.
It's amazing how people's lives have changed, mine included, since 2010.
Link to the 2022 thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Link to the original 2010 thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Template below:
Overall:
Cars:
Job:
Holidays:
Family:
Health:
Home:
Plans for 2024:
How has 2023 been for you?
Overall: A year of positive changes.
Cars: Another year with the Berlingo and wife's i10. Both going well.
Job: Started a new one in September after 7 years in one I had grown to hate. Busier, but happy I made the change. Became a school governor alongside work too.
Holidays: Isle of Mull, Highland Perthshire, Newcastle and Berwick this year.
Family: Been together 13 years and our daughter turned 2 recently. My little family means everything tbh.
Health: Lost 14KG this year. Now at a healthy weight and feel much better for it.
Home: Been here 3.5 years. Like the area and house, although it's a bit small now.
Plans for 2024: More regular
exercise, maintain healthy weight, trips to Wales and France, enjoy family life and new job.
Just reflecting back on 13 years of these posts.
It's amazing how people's lives have changed, mine included, since 2010.
Link to the 2022 thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Link to the original 2010 thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Template below:
Overall:
Cars:
Job:
Holidays:
Family:
Health:
Home:
Plans for 2024:
Edited by v15ben on Tuesday 12th December 05:28
Wow is it really that time of year again ...
Overall: Same old Same old mostly
Cars: Sold the TT pre-summer while prices remained silly high and still trundling around in an A5 (but waiting on lease pricing for a BYD Seal.
Job: Lots of extra consultancy, lots of working overseas too which is much better again now that covid rules are gone.
Holidays: New York, Orlando x5, Dubai, New York in a couple of weeks time.
Family: Daughter turned 9 - my is time flying, its scary.
Health: Started on Saxenda injections and was losing weight like it was going out of fashion then stocks ran dry, maintained the loss with zero changes which is a surprise! (ETA: Ive recently managed to damage my Rotator Cuff, so awaiting a scan to see if its torn, hopefully not and that anti-inflmmatories and some rest sort it!)
Home: 5yrs post-build on my home here and itchy feet are starting again. Had a second built in Orlando that was completed in August and trying to get as much time out there as possible.
Plans for 2024: See above re Orlando - thats the main plan for 2024, and nailing a permanent job overseas too - Im getting quite tired of working multiple roles across lots of timezones and dont want to mentally collapse (again).
Overall: Same old Same old mostly
Cars: Sold the TT pre-summer while prices remained silly high and still trundling around in an A5 (but waiting on lease pricing for a BYD Seal.
Job: Lots of extra consultancy, lots of working overseas too which is much better again now that covid rules are gone.
Holidays: New York, Orlando x5, Dubai, New York in a couple of weeks time.
Family: Daughter turned 9 - my is time flying, its scary.
Health: Started on Saxenda injections and was losing weight like it was going out of fashion then stocks ran dry, maintained the loss with zero changes which is a surprise! (ETA: Ive recently managed to damage my Rotator Cuff, so awaiting a scan to see if its torn, hopefully not and that anti-inflmmatories and some rest sort it!)
Home: 5yrs post-build on my home here and itchy feet are starting again. Had a second built in Orlando that was completed in August and trying to get as much time out there as possible.
Plans for 2024: See above re Orlando - thats the main plan for 2024, and nailing a permanent job overseas too - Im getting quite tired of working multiple roles across lots of timezones and dont want to mentally collapse (again).
Edited by x5tuu on Saturday 9th December 08:45
Overall: Quick but positive.
Cars: Bought a GR86.
Job: Better than most. Good people, not too much bureaucracy.
Holidays: Two in Greece but very different
Family: Still divorced and not really trying there. Parents becoming frail.
Health: Fine, but runner's knee has been an obstacle all year
Home: Still needs a new kitchen. See "Cars" above.
Plans for 2024: Do more socially. See the parents regularly.
Cars: Bought a GR86.
Job: Better than most. Good people, not too much bureaucracy.
Holidays: Two in Greece but very different
Family: Still divorced and not really trying there. Parents becoming frail.
Health: Fine, but runner's knee has been an obstacle all year
Home: Still needs a new kitchen. See "Cars" above.
Plans for 2024: Do more socially. See the parents regularly.
Overall: Another year of the same humdrum
Cars: Still shedding in the Seat Ibiza. Wife still had a Meriva that she uses as a dustbin. My shed is about to go on the market as new car incoming (see Job section below!)
Job: Been quiet and grew concerned that cuts might have to be made. Handed my notice in on Thursday!
Holidays: None
Family: 7th anniversary. Daughter turned 21 and stepson 19. Both working and making their way in the world so no complaints
Health: Healthy but need to do better on my weight and exercise. Lots of small, niggling injuries haven't helped
Home: It's a roof over our heads. Probably need a year or two to change anything
Plans for 2024: Go self employed as a driving instructor in January and looking very positive so far - I made my first public announcement about it on social media on Thursday and already have 1/4 of the diary full confirmed and lots of other discussions taking place. Use the diary control to make sure I can find time for the gym and aim to lose a considerable chunk of weight. Make sure the kids stay on track, small breaks this year while the business gets up and running - give it a couple of years and I plan to take the wife on her dream trip to San Francisco!
Cars: Still shedding in the Seat Ibiza. Wife still had a Meriva that she uses as a dustbin. My shed is about to go on the market as new car incoming (see Job section below!)
Job: Been quiet and grew concerned that cuts might have to be made. Handed my notice in on Thursday!
Holidays: None
Family: 7th anniversary. Daughter turned 21 and stepson 19. Both working and making their way in the world so no complaints
Health: Healthy but need to do better on my weight and exercise. Lots of small, niggling injuries haven't helped
Home: It's a roof over our heads. Probably need a year or two to change anything
Plans for 2024: Go self employed as a driving instructor in January and looking very positive so far - I made my first public announcement about it on social media on Thursday and already have 1/4 of the diary full confirmed and lots of other discussions taking place. Use the diary control to make sure I can find time for the gym and aim to lose a considerable chunk of weight. Make sure the kids stay on track, small breaks this year while the business gets up and running - give it a couple of years and I plan to take the wife on her dream trip to San Francisco!
Overall: A year of positive changes indeed! Divorced last year, roller coaster ride of challenges to face but 2023 has been very positive.
Cars: Sold my car to my ex. Bought a BMW Z4 M40i in February.
Job: I was basically retired when married but having lost a big chunk in divorce doubled down on stock trading and it’s been a good year.
Holidays: Lake District, Cape Verde and Slovakia.
Family: Met my girlfriend last November, moved in with her in January, absolutely wonderful and so much happier with her compared to arseface.
Health: Great. No problems. Lots of Cycling. No racing this year with all the changes, but have kept in good condition albeit not race fit.
Home: Bought a new home in the UK and moved in last week! So enjoying purchasing new everything for it. Still have a home in Portugal too where we will go to permanently in the next few years or so.
Plans for 2024: Consolidate all the positives from this year, build on them. Holidays unsure yet.
My life was upended in the divorce in 2022 but 2023 has been very promising.
Cars: Sold my car to my ex. Bought a BMW Z4 M40i in February.
Job: I was basically retired when married but having lost a big chunk in divorce doubled down on stock trading and it’s been a good year.
Holidays: Lake District, Cape Verde and Slovakia.
Family: Met my girlfriend last November, moved in with her in January, absolutely wonderful and so much happier with her compared to arseface.
Health: Great. No problems. Lots of Cycling. No racing this year with all the changes, but have kept in good condition albeit not race fit.
Home: Bought a new home in the UK and moved in last week! So enjoying purchasing new everything for it. Still have a home in Portugal too where we will go to permanently in the next few years or so.
Plans for 2024: Consolidate all the positives from this year, build on them. Holidays unsure yet.
My life was upended in the divorce in 2022 but 2023 has been very promising.
Overall: A bit blah to be honest
Cars: Same as last year
Job: Same one for last 5 years now
Holidays: To busy with other s
t this year
Family: Been together 11 years
Health: Sketchy at the best of times, now added asthma due to crap shack being riddled with damp/mould and council refusing to do anything about it
Home: Been here 10 years sadly
Plans for 2024:
Cars: Same as last year
Job: Same one for last 5 years now
Holidays: To busy with other s
t this yearFamily: Been together 11 years
Health: Sketchy at the best of times, now added asthma due to crap shack being riddled with damp/mould and council refusing to do anything about it
Home: Been here 10 years sadly
Plans for 2024:
Overall: lots of positives overshadowed by a whole slug of sadness
Cars: both daily cars plodding on on. One project/toy car finished and on the road after 7 years. Should've been a joyous occasion but there's only really one thing I can remember about this year and it was ste.
Another project car collected and started. Bigger project than I thought but that's ok.
Job: Started a new permy job in July. It's fine. Local, wage decent, decent people and decent projects. Needed a bit of stability.
Holidays: did 4 days as a last minute holiday in Sicily. Was absolutely excellent. Did Etna and all the touristy things.
Family: should've been our first Christmas at home with a little family but our daughter decided to come out too early (21weeks) and there was nothing anyone could do. Our first child. Last Christmas was so joyous as we shared the news with our families.
Health: gained about 4.5kgs. could've been worse. Fitness dropped a lot as I've not done any cycling or swimming for about 9months.
Home: no real change. Bit of decorating, redid the utility room.
Plans for 2024: get back on the bike and in the pool. Might think about trying for another child.
Cars: both daily cars plodding on on. One project/toy car finished and on the road after 7 years. Should've been a joyous occasion but there's only really one thing I can remember about this year and it was s
te. Another project car collected and started. Bigger project than I thought but that's ok.
Job: Started a new permy job in July. It's fine. Local, wage decent, decent people and decent projects. Needed a bit of stability.
Holidays: did 4 days as a last minute holiday in Sicily. Was absolutely excellent. Did Etna and all the touristy things.
Family: should've been our first Christmas at home with a little family but our daughter decided to come out too early (21weeks) and there was nothing anyone could do. Our first child. Last Christmas was so joyous as we shared the news with our families.
Health: gained about 4.5kgs. could've been worse. Fitness dropped a lot as I've not done any cycling or swimming for about 9months.
Home: no real change. Bit of decorating, redid the utility room.
Plans for 2024: get back on the bike and in the pool. Might think about trying for another child.
Edited by Ambleton on Saturday 9th December 09:10
Ambleton said:
Overall: lots of positives overshadowed by a whole slug of sadness
Cars: both daily cars plodding on on. One project/toy car finished and on the road after 7 years. Should've been a joyous occasion but there's only really one thing I can remember about this year and it was ste.
Another project car collected and started. Bigger project than I thought but that's ok.
Job: Started a new permy job in July. It's fine. Local, wage decent, decent people and decent projects. Needed a bit of stability.
Holidays: did 4 days as a last minute holiday in Sicily. Was absolutely excellent. Did Etna and all the touristy things.
Family: should've been our first Christmas at home with a little family but our daughter decided to come out too early (21weeks) and there was nothing anyone could do. Our first child. Last Christmas was so joyous as we shared the news with our families.
Health: gained about 4.5kgs. could've been worse. Fitness dropped a lot as I've not done any cycling or swimming for about 9months.
Home: no real change. Bit of decorating, redid the utility room.
Plans for 2024: get back on the bike and in the pool. Might think about trying for another child.
So sorry for your loss, thats heartbreaking. Cars: both daily cars plodding on on. One project/toy car finished and on the road after 7 years. Should've been a joyous occasion but there's only really one thing I can remember about this year and it was s
te. Another project car collected and started. Bigger project than I thought but that's ok.
Job: Started a new permy job in July. It's fine. Local, wage decent, decent people and decent projects. Needed a bit of stability.
Holidays: did 4 days as a last minute holiday in Sicily. Was absolutely excellent. Did Etna and all the touristy things.
Family: should've been our first Christmas at home with a little family but our daughter decided to come out too early (21weeks) and there was nothing anyone could do. Our first child. Last Christmas was so joyous as we shared the news with our families.
Health: gained about 4.5kgs. could've been worse. Fitness dropped a lot as I've not done any cycling or swimming for about 9months.
Home: no real change. Bit of decorating, redid the utility room.
Plans for 2024: get back on the bike and in the pool. Might think about trying for another child.
Edited by Ambleton on Saturday 9th December 09:10
Overall: Hmm bit meh really. I'll be glad to see the back of 23...
Cars: Not good. One very broken Lotus Evora that is still broken from back in Feb. Long story, lets not go there. 3 attempts to steal the cars back in August, including one trashed house, and damage to the Fiesta.
Job: Crap. Worst summer ( our busy time) ever. Useless management and chronic under resourcing.
Holidays: Not bad ! St Lucia in January. Lanzarote mid summer.
Family: Good.
Health: Good ( all the family) but I need to get back into the gyn! Health to me is the most important factor here so this is a win!
Home: OK ! Spent thousands on upgraded home security to try deter the fking scrotes! My part of the world has been hard with car thefts this year, Police believe at least two different pro gangs have been targeting the areas around here. Fingers crossed next year they leave us alone.
Plans More gym time and drive that bloody Lotus more ! ( its getting fixed just now)
(Just reading some of the above, I've really got feck all to complain about compared to some. Heartbreaking stuff...)
Cars: Not good. One very broken Lotus Evora that is still broken from back in Feb. Long story, lets not go there. 3 attempts to steal the cars back in August, including one trashed house, and damage to the Fiesta.
Job: Crap. Worst summer ( our busy time) ever. Useless management and chronic under resourcing.
Holidays: Not bad ! St Lucia in January. Lanzarote mid summer.
Family: Good.
Health: Good ( all the family) but I need to get back into the gyn! Health to me is the most important factor here so this is a win!
Home: OK ! Spent thousands on upgraded home security to try deter the f
king scrotes! My part of the world has been hard with car thefts this year, Police believe at least two different pro gangs have been targeting the areas around here. Fingers crossed next year they leave us alone.Plans More gym time and drive that bloody Lotus more ! ( its getting fixed just now)
(Just reading some of the above, I've really got feck all to complain about compared to some. Heartbreaking stuff...)
Overall: Tiring but positive
Cars: We have the same Octavia vrs estate we've had for 8+ years and Kia Picanto (much the same). The Skoda is showing its age and has regular issues, the Kia is as crap, small but cheap as ever. Both need replacing!
Job: Started a new job a year ago, it's great. Very positive environment, good people and quite stress free which I need. The pay is crap, but I'm used to that by now.
Holidays: We went to Cornwall three times, for varied reasons, and almost nowhere else! Not our usual holiday plan but each was different and enjoyable!
Family: Now have a 1 year old and 4 year old boys. They're great, oldest probably has ADHD and is very intense and tiring. Also got married (in Cornwall) in August and managed to get both our brothers and their wives over (from China and Boston, MA) for a lovely intimate wedding. Met my brothers 3 year old for the first time and he finally met my kids, which made my year really.
Health: Fine, slimmer than I've been for a while due to more physical job and two energetic kids
Home: Been here 8 years and it's small and has issues. Looking to move but our mortgage payment is tiny currently and not sure we can afford what we would like/need.
Plans for 2024: Both do more on our own, also find some time together without our kids. Have some different holidays with family and friends. Sort the house a bit and get rid of things whenever possible.
Cars: We have the same Octavia vrs estate we've had for 8+ years and Kia Picanto (much the same). The Skoda is showing its age and has regular issues, the Kia is as crap, small but cheap as ever. Both need replacing!
Job: Started a new job a year ago, it's great. Very positive environment, good people and quite stress free which I need. The pay is crap, but I'm used to that by now.
Holidays: We went to Cornwall three times, for varied reasons, and almost nowhere else! Not our usual holiday plan but each was different and enjoyable!
Family: Now have a 1 year old and 4 year old boys. They're great, oldest probably has ADHD and is very intense and tiring. Also got married (in Cornwall) in August and managed to get both our brothers and their wives over (from China and Boston, MA) for a lovely intimate wedding. Met my brothers 3 year old for the first time and he finally met my kids, which made my year really.
Health: Fine, slimmer than I've been for a while due to more physical job and two energetic kids
Home: Been here 8 years and it's small and has issues. Looking to move but our mortgage payment is tiny currently and not sure we can afford what we would like/need.
Plans for 2024: Both do more on our own, also find some time together without our kids. Have some different holidays with family and friends. Sort the house a bit and get rid of things whenever possible.
Overall: Went all too quickly. Losing our beloved cat after 18 years was probably the defining memory of 2023, still find it quite upsetting.
Cars: Got rid of the Volvo C70 for peanuts as it wasn't getting used. Use my 54 year old Amazon most days of the week. Must get around to selling the Chimaera next year as it's not getting used and it terrifies my mrs.
Bidded on a Scimitar SE4 at Bonhams before getting bked by my mrs for buying more stupid cars.
Job: Semi-retired back in 2021 after thinking 'sod this'. Now work a few days a month. Had some fun times doing a well known, popular dragon TV series amongst other things, but due to the actors' strike in the US, everything came to a halt in September. Looks like stuff is starting to come in for January now.
Holidays: First overseas holiday for a while due to our elderly cat and not wanting to rely on somebody looking after him. Corfu, which was lovely.
Family: We have a very small family, so mother still in a dementia home after two years and is happy enough in her own little world. Niece and nephew both expecting kids in March which will change the family dynamic a little.
Health: (Touchwood) No probs.
Home: Refurbished my mother's home completely back in 2022 (to add value to it as care-homes aren't cheap) and have enjoyed it and the garden/gardening since then.
Plans for 2024: Thinking about getting away for a month or so in early Spring to somewhere warm before getting back and enjoying our small London garden.
Also thinking about getting a dog or two as now we both have the time, not doing the 9-5 anymore.
Cars: Got rid of the Volvo C70 for peanuts as it wasn't getting used. Use my 54 year old Amazon most days of the week. Must get around to selling the Chimaera next year as it's not getting used and it terrifies my mrs.
Bidded on a Scimitar SE4 at Bonhams before getting b
ked by my mrs for buying more stupid cars. Job: Semi-retired back in 2021 after thinking 'sod this'. Now work a few days a month. Had some fun times doing a well known, popular dragon TV series amongst other things, but due to the actors' strike in the US, everything came to a halt in September. Looks like stuff is starting to come in for January now.
Holidays: First overseas holiday for a while due to our elderly cat and not wanting to rely on somebody looking after him. Corfu, which was lovely.
Family: We have a very small family, so mother still in a dementia home after two years and is happy enough in her own little world. Niece and nephew both expecting kids in March which will change the family dynamic a little.
Health: (Touchwood) No probs.
Home: Refurbished my mother's home completely back in 2022 (to add value to it as care-homes aren't cheap) and have enjoyed it and the garden/gardening since then.
Plans for 2024: Thinking about getting away for a month or so in early Spring to somewhere warm before getting back and enjoying our small London garden.
Also thinking about getting a dog or two as now we both have the time, not doing the 9-5 anymore.
Edited by vixen1700 on Saturday 9th December 11:13
Overall: Pretty good year
Cars: No change, I've had my Fiesta for 18 months and the Range Rover Sport is still here.
Job: Still driving HGV, in a job I really enjoy though its been a bit rocky last few months. Hopefully will get better in Jan.
Holidays: A week in Cornwall with the dogs, that's been it this year.
Family: Been together 8 years and finally booked our wedding for next year!
Just found out mum has lung cancer (had op yesterday) and father in laws dementia has got worse. So bit of ups and downs really.
Health: Started off the year depressed and then went on TRT, now the best shape I've been in since my 20s. Can't complain.
Home: Garden almost finished, finally. Dogs are happy.
Plans for 2024: Lose a bit more fat, aiming for abs in my 40s. Getting married October. Also going Spain in March.
Cars: No change, I've had my Fiesta for 18 months and the Range Rover Sport is still here.
Job: Still driving HGV, in a job I really enjoy though its been a bit rocky last few months. Hopefully will get better in Jan.
Holidays: A week in Cornwall with the dogs, that's been it this year.
Family: Been together 8 years and finally booked our wedding for next year!
Just found out mum has lung cancer (had op yesterday) and father in laws dementia has got worse. So bit of ups and downs really.
Health: Started off the year depressed and then went on TRT, now the best shape I've been in since my 20s. Can't complain.
Home: Garden almost finished, finally. Dogs are happy.
Plans for 2024: Lose a bit more fat, aiming for abs in my 40s. Getting married October. Also going Spain in March.
Overall..ok
Car. Still have Ibiza FR sport bought new end of 2019
Job. Retired some years ago
Holidays. Been to Italy twice and Spain , and UK twice to catch up with friends and family.
Family. Have a GF here. Family in UK
Home. Portugal since 2019 same apartment
Plans for 2024. More tennis, currently 3-4 times a week, I want more. Mainly because I enjoy it and it’s good exercise. Managed to get a band together (I’m a guitarist) with two Americans and a swede. Looking to gig in 24.
Car. Still have Ibiza FR sport bought new end of 2019
Job. Retired some years ago
Holidays. Been to Italy twice and Spain , and UK twice to catch up with friends and family.
Family. Have a GF here. Family in UK
Home. Portugal since 2019 same apartment
Plans for 2024. More tennis, currently 3-4 times a week, I want more. Mainly because I enjoy it and it’s good exercise. Managed to get a band together (I’m a guitarist) with two Americans and a swede. Looking to gig in 24.
2023 objectives:
1. Live longer than my dad did. Succeeded.
2. Pay off all mortgages. Succeeded - the final 1 paid off this week.
3. Get back into shape after long covid and other issues. Succeeded - much fitter and stronger now.
4. Fight Tom Hardy in BJJ tournaments. Failed - didn't even do one.
Overall: Excellent. All but one objective was achieved.
Cars: Mercedes was written off, looking to replace with another Bentayga.
Job: Still in investments, mergers & acquisitions, and engineering.
Holidays: Greek island of Syros - been going since I was 18.
Family: Still together after 30 years. Kids doing great.
Health: Gained 4 kilos of muscle. Training every day.
Home: Been here 20 years so time to move on.
Plans for 2024: More of the same,
1. Live longer than my dad did. Succeeded.
2. Pay off all mortgages. Succeeded - the final 1 paid off this week.
3. Get back into shape after long covid and other issues. Succeeded - much fitter and stronger now.
4. Fight Tom Hardy in BJJ tournaments. Failed - didn't even do one.
Overall: Excellent. All but one objective was achieved.
Cars: Mercedes was written off, looking to replace with another Bentayga.
Job: Still in investments, mergers & acquisitions, and engineering.
Holidays: Greek island of Syros - been going since I was 18.
Family: Still together after 30 years. Kids doing great.
Health: Gained 4 kilos of muscle. Training every day.
Home: Been here 20 years so time to move on.
Plans for 2024: More of the same,
Overall: Fair to say a mixed bag..
Cars: Ended up selling the TT when I had to "surrender" my driving license (medical not legal issues!!) 205 GTi Project remains stillborn with no progress..
Job: Been off work since mid June unfortunately, but they have been super-supportive, which has been amazing (I am down to SSP now though, which is absolutely fair enough!) Being long-term sick is properly infuriating, but c'est la vie! I hadn't quite realised how much my job defines me (not healthy, I know...)
Holidays: None!
Family: Still single, but undergoing treatment for a cancerous brain tumour, I'm not feeling at my most eligible to be fair..
Fortunately (maybe not for them...?) but I've been able to rely pretty heavily on my parents to support & shuttle me places, not quite sure how I would have managed without them to be fair!
Health: Well, while I've not really had any symptoms from the tumor (other than the seizure which alerted them to do a scan..) Its mainly been the horrific side effects from the chemo & radio... Other than that, no complaints...! I've piled on a fair bit of weight, but that's mainly the steroids I suspect
Home: Ticked over 3 years in March, I've pottered with a bit of DIY that I felt up for, and put together a bit of Ercol & Parker Knoll mid century furniture, so I'm quite pleased with how the house is coming together, fortunately I finished installing a new kitchen and decorating the living room before it all kicked off, as that looming over me would have driven me mad!
Plans for 2024: Lose the weight I've gained, recover a bit of fitness which has obviously gone sideways, regrow hair?! Rebuild savings/nest egg which has been a bit depleted.
I suppose learn to live with the lump in my head? (I may give it a name...) They've been fairly blunt.. best case, I die with it, but could well be of it in due course.. The strategy at the moment is stop it in its tracks, but obviously no guarantees.. It is cancerous (Grade 2, so not too bad in the grand scheme of things..) but surgically they have done what they can (very little due to its size & location), so I suspect I'll be spending a fair bit of '24 either recovering or trying not to dwell..!
This being PistonHeads, get my driving licence back and buy a fun car!?
Cars: Ended up selling the TT when I had to "surrender" my driving license (medical not legal issues!!) 205 GTi Project remains stillborn with no progress..
Job: Been off work since mid June unfortunately, but they have been super-supportive, which has been amazing (I am down to SSP now though, which is absolutely fair enough!) Being long-term sick is properly infuriating, but c'est la vie! I hadn't quite realised how much my job defines me (not healthy, I know...)
Holidays: None!
Family: Still single, but undergoing treatment for a cancerous brain tumour, I'm not feeling at my most eligible to be fair..
Fortunately (maybe not for them...?) but I've been able to rely pretty heavily on my parents to support & shuttle me places, not quite sure how I would have managed without them to be fair!Health: Well, while I've not really had any symptoms from the tumor (other than the seizure which alerted them to do a scan..) Its mainly been the horrific side effects from the chemo & radio... Other than that, no complaints...! I've piled on a fair bit of weight, but that's mainly the steroids I suspect
Home: Ticked over 3 years in March, I've pottered with a bit of DIY that I felt up for, and put together a bit of Ercol & Parker Knoll mid century furniture, so I'm quite pleased with how the house is coming together, fortunately I finished installing a new kitchen and decorating the living room before it all kicked off, as that looming over me would have driven me mad!
Plans for 2024: Lose the weight I've gained, recover a bit of fitness which has obviously gone sideways, regrow hair?! Rebuild savings/nest egg which has been a bit depleted.
I suppose learn to live with the lump in my head? (I may give it a name...) They've been fairly blunt.. best case, I die with it, but could well be of it in due course.. The strategy at the moment is stop it in its tracks, but obviously no guarantees.. It is cancerous (Grade 2, so not too bad in the grand scheme of things..) but surgically they have done what they can (very little due to its size & location), so I suspect I'll be spending a fair bit of '24 either recovering or trying not to dwell..!
This being PistonHeads, get my driving licence back and buy a fun car!?
Edited by cRaigAl205 on Saturday 9th December 15:44
Overall: Lots of change in 2023, compared to not much in the past few years. All good though
Cars: Just sold sold the Tamora after 14 happy years
Several company hacks in the old job and since starting the new one. Current Volvo isn't bad but is going back in Jan for something cheaper on the BIK.
Job: Changed again this year. More settled now, less crazy hours and weekends, getting a bit of a life back again after a long time ! Hopefully this is it now......
Holidays: Nothing major, Tenerife in May plus a few weekends away in the camper van, though not as many as last year due to piss poor weather.
Family: All good, all still alive (those that are left!)
Health: Crohn's is holding up, drugs are settled, can concentrate a bit more on the future now.
Home: We moved in March and cleared the mortgage with some cash stashed away. Still not looking to retirement due to piss poor pensions but at least we can see a way forward now. Quiet village down a little lane, nothing happens....... which we like !
Plans for 2024: To sell the camper van and add to Tamora funds in order to purchase a new bigger van so we can look to the future and start planning some longer trips over the UK and into Europe.
Cars: Just sold sold the Tamora after 14 happy years
Several company hacks in the old job and since starting the new one. Current Volvo isn't bad but is going back in Jan for something cheaper on the BIK. Job: Changed again this year. More settled now, less crazy hours and weekends, getting a bit of a life back again after a long time ! Hopefully this is it now......
Holidays: Nothing major, Tenerife in May plus a few weekends away in the camper van, though not as many as last year due to piss poor weather.
Family: All good, all still alive (those that are left!)
Health: Crohn's is holding up, drugs are settled, can concentrate a bit more on the future now.
Home: We moved in March and cleared the mortgage with some cash stashed away. Still not looking to retirement due to piss poor pensions but at least we can see a way forward now. Quiet village down a little lane, nothing happens....... which we like !
Plans for 2024: To sell the camper van and add to Tamora funds in order to purchase a new bigger van so we can look to the future and start planning some longer trips over the UK and into Europe.
This is going to be really boring (sorry):
Overall: It's been fine - no big dramas, no big issues, no big surprises
Cars: Same as last year, no issues with any of them
Job: Same job for me, wife moved after 32 years to something else within the organisation we both work for.
Holidays: Usual couple of weeks in the motorhome in the summer, some weekends away at other times.
Family: All good, no issues
Health: Same.
Home: Same.
Plans for 2024: Nothing much. Would like to go abroad at some point - haven't been anywhere since before Covid.
Overall: It's been fine - no big dramas, no big issues, no big surprises
Cars: Same as last year, no issues with any of them
Job: Same job for me, wife moved after 32 years to something else within the organisation we both work for.
Holidays: Usual couple of weeks in the motorhome in the summer, some weekends away at other times.
Family: All good, no issues
Health: Same.
Home: Same.
Plans for 2024: Nothing much. Would like to go abroad at some point - haven't been anywhere since before Covid.
2023 was my first full year of retirement.
Jan and Feb spent in France.
April, May and June in Japan.
Came home for "summer", did a good bit of DIY on the house. Got a lot of the jobs done I have been putting off which was good.
Got my fitness back on track. Now in the gym 3 days a week and finally getting some good results.
Currently in Thailand avoiding the cold in the UK!
Cars nothing much changed but hoping to change this spring.
Family all still doing ok, but folks are getting old now their age starting to show closing in on 80. Last grandparent passed this year in her late 90s.
2024 - more of the same. Travel as much as I can. Considering a refurb of the bathroom which will be the biggest DIY job I have done. Try and step things up in the gym.
Jan and Feb spent in France.
April, May and June in Japan.
Came home for "summer", did a good bit of DIY on the house. Got a lot of the jobs done I have been putting off which was good.
Got my fitness back on track. Now in the gym 3 days a week and finally getting some good results.
Currently in Thailand avoiding the cold in the UK!
Cars nothing much changed but hoping to change this spring.
Family all still doing ok, but folks are getting old now their age starting to show closing in on 80. Last grandparent passed this year in her late 90s.
2024 - more of the same. Travel as much as I can. Considering a refurb of the bathroom which will be the biggest DIY job I have done. Try and step things up in the gym.
Overall: Horrendous start to the year but the year slowly improved and now looking forward to 2024
Cars: No change. Front LH tyre keeps going flat with no apparent cause which is irritating
Job: Technically got a new role at work in July although still got elements of my old job to do until June 2024. Enjoying the change, was really needed tbh as I was struggling with getting motivated at work
Holidays: Went camping in Cornwall which was a wash out, other than that nothing else!
Family: Terrible start to the year as my wife had a miscarriage and had some complications with the treatment. Ended up in her collapsing due to blood loss, a 999 call and emergency surgery 2 hours later. Thankfully she recovered well and fell pregnant a few months later and we are expecting our first at the end of January a year to the day of the miscarriage.
Health: I’ve put 15kg on over the year thanks to multiple reasons. The start of the year impacted training a lot but the main issue is i’ve been unable to string more than 3 weeks of training together before I get injured or ill. Had all sorts; I hurt my back so had a few weeks off followed by a hyperextension of the knee which took 6 weeks to recover from. In the last 12 weeks I’ve had 3 consecutive chest infections/COVID which have just killed my fitness. I also had a scare with testicular cancer in April but an ultrasound and numerous blood tests gave me the all clear.
Home: Nearly finished the utility/toilet. All done myself including plumbing, plastering, stud wall building, tile laying etc. Learnt a lot but has taken me a while to do, now an ongoing joke in the family. In preparation for the upcoming new arrival we have been decluttering the house. 6 car loads to the tip later and we’re still going!
Plans for 2024: Lose the weight I've gained and build up my fitness again. Booked an Ultra marathon in September 2024 to give me something to target/scare me. Also get used to sleep deprivation when our child arrives!
Cars: No change. Front LH tyre keeps going flat with no apparent cause which is irritating
Job: Technically got a new role at work in July although still got elements of my old job to do until June 2024. Enjoying the change, was really needed tbh as I was struggling with getting motivated at work
Holidays: Went camping in Cornwall which was a wash out, other than that nothing else!
Family: Terrible start to the year as my wife had a miscarriage and had some complications with the treatment. Ended up in her collapsing due to blood loss, a 999 call and emergency surgery 2 hours later. Thankfully she recovered well and fell pregnant a few months later and we are expecting our first at the end of January a year to the day of the miscarriage.
Health: I’ve put 15kg on over the year thanks to multiple reasons. The start of the year impacted training a lot but the main issue is i’ve been unable to string more than 3 weeks of training together before I get injured or ill. Had all sorts; I hurt my back so had a few weeks off followed by a hyperextension of the knee which took 6 weeks to recover from. In the last 12 weeks I’ve had 3 consecutive chest infections/COVID which have just killed my fitness. I also had a scare with testicular cancer in April but an ultrasound and numerous blood tests gave me the all clear.
Home: Nearly finished the utility/toilet. All done myself including plumbing, plastering, stud wall building, tile laying etc. Learnt a lot but has taken me a while to do, now an ongoing joke in the family. In preparation for the upcoming new arrival we have been decluttering the house. 6 car loads to the tip later and we’re still going!
Plans for 2024: Lose the weight I've gained and build up my fitness again. Booked an Ultra marathon in September 2024 to give me something to target/scare me. Also get used to sleep deprivation when our child arrives!
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