2007: YOUR year in review (participation requested).

As I meander about here doing the final details a good Santa Claus must, it occurred to me that there was a tradition I wanted to revisit for this Forum. I'd begun last year's two weeks before the New Year, but I'm apparently running a bit late this year... Still, I liked the phrasing of the last time I did this, so it'll be mostly familiar:

Well, it's just about a week until the New Year, folks... But the passage of time is meaningless unless things have happened that have impacted you... What has 2007 brought you?

What have you learned? Have you made new friends, new enemies (I hope not, but it happens...), or both? What have you accomplished? What did you succeed at? Fail at? What did you love? What did you not? What made you proud and what made you regret? What new insights did you strike upon or which struck you? Is there some wonderful new person or people in your life? Or have you lost someone? What did you come away with at the end of this year that makes you a different person -- perhaps even a better one -- than the year last?

Share with us your thoughts, insights, revelations, experiences both good and bad, and maybe they can help us all become a little wiser and grow a little stronger, a little better, and bring a little more understanding in the year to come... At least, that's my hope.

I only ask that all who wish to contribute to this thread do so before midnight, December 31st, 2007. Let us say our peace to the year, close it, and leave it behind to reflect on and move forward, but not to dwell.

I welcome all responses.

My year in review

It has been an interesting year. Good in most ways, bad in some. I got a new job this year, a good job working with people I care about. I've been there for 7 months now, and I highly enjoy it.

It has been a good year for me spiritually, as I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and have been welcomed with open arms. These people are family.


I discovered who I truly am this year, and came to terms with many things that I wouldn't let go of, or get over. I let them go.


I made a WONDERFUL female friend who has been nothing short of incredible. Has given me a new outlook on life.


The only negative has been that I have gained some weight, as my drinking habits have not improved, and I have become a bit lazy in the gym.


In the coming year, I hope to better myself physically as well as spiritually, and I also hope to meet a loving woman. I'd also like to get back in school, full time.


Goals that are achievable, and I feel that I will achieve them.

Well, this year clearly was a challenging one for me.
While the first 8 month went by smoothly – no major worries and mostly fun – things changed for me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer beginning of September.

A huge shock without a doubt and going through Chemo therapy right now, which will go on until March, I still have my moments where I’m terribly pissed this had to happen to me – specially when I’m throwing up and feeling miserable 😉

I do embrace the things Ive learned during those past 4 month though. I wouldn’t really say, this disease has changed me as a person, but it definitely brought out the best in me and I can honestly say, I’m proud of myself how I’m handling things. That’s a good feeling.

It also taught me a lot about people around me. It showed me how much I am loved by some friends and family members and I will never be able to properly thank them for how they’ve been there for me and still are.

My grandma died last Saturday. I’ve been very close to her for the first 20 or so years in my life, but then we had our differencies. I’m still a bit confused about my own feelings concerning her death.

So, I can’t say, I’m sorry to say good bye to 2007 in couple of days, but while I’m certainly hoping for some really good things to happen next year, I’m also grateful for the lessons this year has taught me as I’m sure, they will help me to appreciate the good things to come even more.

I'm glad that 2007 was mostly a positive year for me, very unlike many previous years. Most of it went by rather uneventful, which to me means "no news is good news" (particularly regarding my health problems).

One of this year's highlights was the wedding of my older daughter in June, just a bit overshadowed by the death of my father-in-law only two weeks before.

However, the main event of 2007 happened in September: I took a short trip to Berlin to meet some members of my own forum, and there I met a wonderful lady who brightened up my life considerably. She's just as tickle-crazy as me, and we struck up a great friendship. She unearthed emotions in me which I had believed buried for good. My falling in love with her sent my emotions on an incredible roller-coaster ride, as she's off-limits for me, yet invading my dreams every night.

Meanwhile, I have managed to regain my self-control once more. We're still good friends, and I'm assisting her to organize a monthly public tickling party in Berlin; we even meet in private from time to time.

She has unlocked doors in me which I didn't even know of, luring me out of my self-proclaimed hermitage. After years of burying myself at home, I can now enjoy parties, go out to meet new friends, and for once, it makes me feel content and happy with my life.

So I'm really looking forward to 2008!

My year was extremely good, but just recently came within a whisker of ending in tragedy. I`ll get to that in a second.... As for me, I am getting ready to complete my best year ever since I`ve been in the construction industry. I`ve worked more overtime hours over the last six months than I have in the last several years. The long hours can put a strain in your social life, but the extra pay makes it all worth the trouble. I feel truly blessed. I have been dating two different ladies for most of the year. Both are sweethearts for putting up with me. And both of my daughters graduated from college, and have entered the working world. Its been a long and sometimes difficult struggle raising those two girls on my own. But its a good feeling to see that its all worked out for the best. And after being a member of this forum for a few years, I finally got off my ass and am beginning to meet some fellow members of the TMF. Special thanks go to Steph and bellystrokes for making me feel welcome in the community.

As I`ve grown older (I`m in my late forties) you really begin to appreciate more just how precious life is, and are grateful for what you have. Just recently, one of my daughters was driving alone on a winding and twisting back road late at night when a car cut in front of her and she lost control of the vehicle. Her car flipped over and landed in a ditch. The car is completely totaled, but God must have been smiling upon her that night because she didn`t even sustain any cuts or bruises. When I saw the car the next day, I was absolutely stunned at what I saw and just how lucky of a guy I am to still have her. Instead of celebrating a Christmas with my family, I just as easily could be making plans for a funeral. I don`t have much free time over the holiday`s as I am helping her purchase a new car, but somehow that doesn`t inconvience me one bit. Merry Christmas to all.

er...2007 was not the best year i've had. too many family issues, cancer and heart scares from members of my family, having to be without my sweetheart for nearly a year...sure, there are people with it worse than i, but this has not been the best year i've had.

but, even still, i have my health and hopes. i have seen how much can be done with so little, so that is inspiration. i can only wish that 2008 brings better prosperity and happiness to me and mine, and all my friends.

Trash like every other year.

This year has brought some good times as well as times when I would need to be strong for my family yet inside feel like things were crumbling around me . But overall, the year was better than past years and I am looking forward to 2008 being even better

I attended Nest in June this year in Philadelphia which was a outstanding time reacquainting with old friends I have met before at previous Nests,gatherings as well as meeting many new people that I had a great time spending time with and getting to know

The night after I returned home from Nest , my dad about 1am experienced night sweats,was shaking violently and gave mom and I a major scare .We called 911,the paramedics came ,looked him over and advised us he would need to go to the urgent car dept in the ambulance as his blood pressure was extremely low,he wouldn;t stop shaking as if he had a seizure that was constant. Long story short,the paramedics rushed fluids in him and tried to raise his blood pressure to no success so the decison was made to take him to the Critical Care unit at the nearest full care hospital that was 4 miles from our place. My mom and I stayed there at the hospital and before long,we were spoken to by the head nurse and the diagnosis was my dad 's body had "sepsis" and the next 48 hours were critical if he would pull through and the prediction wasn;t in his favor and she advised us to call in the family to make reservations in case his immune system,other vital organs shut down. He was in critical care for a long 9 days where my mom and I would visit him everyday and at times he wasn;t eating,his body wasn;t releasing the fluids they put in him but gradually his blood pressure raised,and as days passed he became stronger. Sorry so long,good news is he is even better than he was then and I am blessed I still have him around.

Then early November I lost my job and felt I was wrongfully terminated because of the manner I was terminated. Filed a arbritation and after 3 weeks,I got a decision saying I;d won!

Recent developments : Moved out of folks house,moved to ILLinois,have job interviews scheduled after the new year,things are going well and I am happy

I am glad to see this year go.It sucked.I had a lot of physical injuries that really changed my life in a big way.I'm still messed up but after a year of feeling less than zero things need to change.I look forward to the new year and hopefully things will change for the better. 😉

Thanks to those who've responded, but surely, there must be a few more with input... The deadline's tomorrow at midnight, folks!!! Anyone else? 🙂

Job wise,2007 sucked I drive tractor trailer for a big company here in the U.S. Last year,I was on a dedicated account making good money We get paid by the mile This past Jan 15,forty of us were taken off of that account because the loads just weren't there anymore

I figured I made $5,000 or so less than I did last year But then the trucking industry has been hit hard Higher diesel prices and the cost of goods going up

Someone told me it's cheaper to make diesel than gasoline But yet diesel is more expensive

TMF wise,it has been great Some new video clip producers making great clips

Plus us warriors in the self referential thread are kicking major ass against the evil beings

Highlights for 2007:My first NEST.Moving back to Texas.Making a few new friends here.Everyone in the family being in reasonably good health.

Lowlights:My computer crashed right after my move.I've had some expensive car problems.Finding a job more difficult then i had anticipated.That issue is resolved,at least for now.😉

Goals for 2008:Get the repairs done on my car,and move out of my brothers house.Read at least one new book a month,i've let my reading slide for much to long.Make it to NEST again.I have some other things in mind for the new year,but for now at least i believe i will hold those close to my vest.😉

All in all I'm going to score 2007 a 5 or possibly a 6 on the 1 to 10 scale.
Happy New Year to all!! 😀

Many up & downs here i won't go in details. All i can say that my life changes a lot & in a rather good way despite some major issues, not easy to deal with. Hopefully friends are there to cheer up.

2008 can be only better 🙂

I will be thrilled to see this year end, as it's been one of my worst. I will toast midnight tonight, and welcome 2008 proudly, while saying goodbye to the crappy year of 2007, a year which saw one major change, and some very unexplained things. My high- or "low" lights.

1. January 8th, 2007, my father essentially tells me I'm not his son anymore, because, I "Refuse to acknowledge the woman who is his wife". Hmm, well, dad, you knew this for years. This woman married you when we were estranged, and then shot her big mouth off, about what relatives I should and shouldnt deal with, without ever meeting me. Then, you lied to me, and shook my hand, years ago, and told me that if I didnt acknowledge her, it "wasnt a problem". Well, you've spent seven years lying to me about that, and letting it out to me in every way, including barring me from the hospital when you had two heart surgeries, not calling me when I was very sick, and now dumping me for her. I made the mistake here, by pulling the phone out of my mom's hands in December 2005, after my father had never contacted me when I had my BP problem. On January 8, 2007, you confirmed to me that I'm not your son.

2. August 24, 2007-My computer breaks, and I cannot afford to get it fixed. I have been functioning on a half baked computer for four months now, with a toolbar that is supposed to be on the bottom, instead on the side. I know what the problem is, finally, but havent the cash to fix it. Luckily, in recent weeks I maximized the screen, so I can see the chatroom and forum. It isnt too bad now, but it isnt right, and will need to be fixed at some point.

3. October 23, 2007- Most who have read my medical posts know this. I was told in 2005 to be no more than 175 pounds at all times. I walk into the doctor for my visit that day at 174 lbs, EXACTLY the same weight as my previous visit in March, which was remarkable, and meant my weight had not been over 175 lbs since July 2005. Well, the doctor takes my BP, and it has gone all the way up. He then doubles my medication, and tells me that even though I have done everything he says, I probably have "family history" that contributes to this problem. I was stunned, and really upset, because I have done EVERYTHING he' s said. I'm told to return in three months, instead of six, and now have an appointment in early Feb, to have it checked.

Those were just the lowlights that I can post about. My mom has had other issues with my father, about him being a prick to her with her alimony payments, and sending her abusive capital letter e-mails, and the check late, every month, for no reason, past the date the court says, even though she never bothers him, as he's crying poverty, while still living in a $4500 a month NYC apt, with his second bitch, and my mom lives in a $900 a month place, and never had an alimony increase in 16 yrs.

Think I'm happy to see 2007 end? Oh, yeah, baby! Bring on 2008! It has to be better than this!

Mitch

As for myself, it's been a challenging year. I'm thankful to have had the continuing support of great friends, and even made a few new ones. At an event, I found a couple of new wonderful role models from very different backgrounds who both embody a sort of calm and who radiate a warmth and balance which I seek to master and imbue myself with, and maybe find a way to pass a bit to others, in time.

The most difficult part this year has been the passage of my mother. I don't know if at our roots, my family's reaction to this loss is born of resilience or a pragmatic avoidance such that we can continue undaunted without our center... There's a notable hole during the holidays that no one makes mention of. My father tells me often that he feels her presence, and asks that she see things through his eyes, like the turning of the leaves in fall, or some strange ice formations we found after several heavy frosts near his new cabin up north...

My sister and I don't say much about her. Don't know why or if it's good or bad, but it's our way, I guess. I only tear up when I take the time to stop and think at length about her, like now, or when I found an old blog entry from this time last year (2006), when I'd caught her saying, "Thank God it's not this time last year", since in '05, there was a surgery to stop the cancer by amputating her leg...

...and now in 2007, I find myself almost wishing it was this time last year so I could have more time with her. Almost. Everything's gotta go on, and I'm at least glad that she doesn't have to suffer further.

I've had the support of friends at home, friends from abroad, and even friends from here, and I appreciate everything you've done, and I love you all.

I've felt more bonded over the past year to people who've had family members or who themselves have struggled with cancer, and I try to check up on them now and then. I've got to work harder on that, I think. Anyone who knows me knows my e-communication is often sporadic at best, and that I'm not fond of phones. Much better to talk to folks in person.

I've resisted dramatic decisions for the last six months, as they advise people to do in the wake of a personal loss. Now, entering into 2008, I'm looking to take up some changes and a few small repairs, and hoping that they all prove positive and worthwhile in their outcomes. Here's hoping.

I wish you all a Happy New Year filled with love, respect, honor, friendship and many other blessings.

All the best.

2007 has seen a complete revamp of how I've been living my life. I've become more open minded, more forgiving and generally more laid back, while actively DOING more to contribute things I think are important rather than talking about it.

I've reached out to learn about things that had been of interest to me for awhile and experimented with new ideas and activities.

I've made some new acquaintances, a few of whom have become good friends.

It's been a contemplative and somewhat introspective year. For 2008, much will stay the same since this sort of thing is a journey with goals and milestones rather than an event.

Interestingly I have found myself thinking more often about people who are lost to me for one reason or another.

lk70 said:

Interestingly I have found myself thinking more often about people who are lost to me for one reason or another.

Click to expand...

I was scrolling through this thread and the thinking about those lost struck me for some reason...I guess as I get older (and I'm not that old), I find myself thinking more often about people that are lost to me as well....

As for 2007...pretty uneventful.....If 2008 is the same as 2007, all will be pretty good....

Happy New Year all...

P.S. Man....doesnt it feel like we were preparing for Y2K just yesterday???

As usual there were high and low points, with the highs including my son getting accepted to college for next year, our trip to Paris and Mediterranean cruise over the summer, and continued employment (yeay!) plus some side consulting work now that I have two professions I can work at. And I'm always very thankful for my great friends in New England and elsewhere and here on the TMF.

On the minus side are the common aging parent issues for us children of the 50s and 60s, with my dad's health starting to tail off notably. He'll be 87 in February but 88 is looking real questionable...and my mother-in-law suffering a stroke last week and now in rehab. She's doing reasonably well but obviously won't be the same. Otherwise we have our health, and I wish the same for all of you for 2008!

It sucked ass, at least for me personally.

Many people who know me irl would be surprised to hear me say this, what with all the good things I did and went through this year. I went to Japan, and left the country for the first time in my life. I've made some very good friends that I hope to keep a long time, both on here and irl (and both!). I've done well in school and in my job(s).

But the overall factor of it was that it sucked. I lost my grandmother in late January of '07. I became depressed from it. Anything good that happened was a brief high from an overall low. She was the first family loss I've experienced since the family dog... which, while being a big blow, wasn't quite like this.

And right now my grandfather is going in for surgery and I'm terrified that '08 is going to be a repeat of last year. I hope to God not; someone once told me that 2008 was going to be "my year", and I sure as hell do NOT want "my year" to involve deaths in the family.

Forgive my language, but fuck that shit. No thanks.