Review and Summary of 2006 (Participation Requested. :) )

[Capnmad]

Well, it's just a shade over two weeks until the New Year, folks... But the passage of time is meaningless unless things have happened that have impacted you... What has 2006 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, 2006. 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. 🙂

 

[cloudgazer2k]

crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.
basically, '06 was craptastcially crappy. very little happened that impacted my life in a positive way. it was the negative crap that happened. mom had to have a heart operation, dad had a minor stroke, my fiancee and i don't know if we'll have a place to live next week...there is that and much more...can't wait for this all to be over. all the good jobs i want will be open after the first of the year....let's see how '07 goes.

 

[Bugman]

crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.
basically, '06 was craptastcially crappy. very little happened that impacted my life in a positive way. it was the negative crap that happened. mom had to have a heart operation, dad had a minor stroke, my fiancee and i don't know if we'll have a place to live next week...there is that and much more...can't wait for this all to be over. all the good jobs i want will be open after the first of the year....let's see how '07 goes.

Damn Cloud,you have had a tough year indeed.Here's hopeing thinks start looking up for you two soon.

 

[Knox The Hatter]

It wasn't such a great year here.

We lost our cat, Snoopy, back in March. Putting her down was an emotional nightmare of tremendous proportions, but especially for my wife, who raised her since birth. It took many, many months for my wife to get over Snoopy's death...however, a simple conversation reminiscing about her can break The Miz down in a nanosecond. I really don't think she'll ever be completely over it.

I lost my uncle recently. He was 61, he died from lung cancer. My uncle, God bless him, was a wonderful guy. The youngest child in my father's family, my uncle was a big, spoiled rotten kid who never grew up, in Dad's words...and I never wanted him to. I never wanted him to change. He was always a cloud of hustle and bustle when he was around...as his two sons are. He was the BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG ticklephile of the family. It was like clockwork...you knew when my uncle was about to go into tickle mode, and all the kids would scatter. He was loud, and exuberant. He was a total sports nut, he could watch games and talk about them for hours on end. He was a very loving individual. We hated to lose him.

On the plus side: some of the friendships I've made on this board have flowered into truly marvelous things! There are individuals who have literally taken center stage in my life. I've grown to treasure these people. There are those whom I speak to, almost every day. I think it's great. I've grown to love these people very much.

My world is filled with people who have ups and downs and struggle to see next week, they lose their jobs and have to pay out of pocket for medication, they suffer from loneliness, they have no more of an idea of the meaning of life than I do, or my wife does. They call me and talk to me, and if there's one salient point, it's that we're all not alone. I like being there.

I have my hobbies...my hobbies fill my life! I feel so blessed by God to have met my wife, I never knew such an incredible person existed. I have my family, although, at times, I would rather have traded them in for, say, the likes of well...I don't know. Robert Young and Jane Wyatt. Nevertheless, they're there for me.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, everybody!

 

[isabeau]

hmm well this last year was much better than the previous two years..which is a good thing...Cloudgazer i'm sorry your year sucked..and Knox i remember when you had to put your kittie down..🙁

i've had a few set-backs regarding health issues, which i hope to get resolved.

it's funny, but whenever i find myself feeling truly happy, (which hasn't been often) i'm always so afraid something bad will happen..it's like that old saying.."Always fear some danger nigh, when most you feel delight" and it seems to happen with me everytime..hope i'm wrong this time..

like Knox..i've made some wonderful friendships on this forum however..these friends have always been there for me and me for them..

 

[Knox The Hatter]

...and one of those friends I made here on the board...a long time ago, by the way...just called us. It's what I like best about the holidays.

 

[Bugman]

One of the highlights of 2006 for me was getting my first computer,and becoming a member here.I have gotten to know so many wonderful people,either online,by phone or in person in a few cases.And i hope to get to know many more of you in the coming year.😀

I had a wonderful vacation this year,the first real one in a long time.The job has been up and down,but is getting better,and i have to say im making pretty good money.

I have not lost any family or close friends to death this year thank God,it seemed for a while like that was getting to be a regular occurence.

My brother in Texas got married to a wonderful lady,and i was able to attend the wedding.Love you Kim.Over all it was a pretty good year for me,and i hope 2007 will be even better for myself and all of you.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

It's been a difficult year for us. There's been a lot of illnesses and deaths of family & friends. But, there's also been a lot of good stuff. My own health seems to be improving...hopefully meaning I'll be able to start working again soon. There've been plenty of opportunities for growth and healing in the past year, too. So, even with all the "negatives", there's much to be thankful for.

 

[JPie1]

for me personally I am ready for 2007 and turn the page on 2006. As many know I lost my mother last week after being sick the last several months. It has been very hectic and hard and my father is still recovering from his own surgery. 2007 hopefully will look up and be a time of health and happiness for my family.

 

[steph]

Great and thoughtful post Cap'n~did I tell you how much fun it's been watching you grow here since the old days?

2006 has been amazing for me~kind of a whirlwind of activities and fun! My first real vacation in YEARS, to Maui...I became closer than ever to some old friends (many who came to visit thru-out the year) and made some fantastic new ones! Goddess and I had lots of fun teasing our friends about Blondtourage 06 (yeah, we know we drove ya crazy but you took it like champs!) We celebrated glorious nights (and days!) this summer down at Rio 😉 We made little vidclips. We partied dungeon-style a couple of times down at PA. I got my firs tattoo...

Now, I know it hasn't been all happy, especially for some of my friends here who've struggled horribly. You know what though? Because I can't remember anything really awful that happened to me, I think that may be because I've spent so much time comforting friends. I think what people say is true~when you focus on others' pain, your own doesn't seem as...big, somehow.

So here's to a better 2007 for those friends who hurt in 2006, and here's to making more new friends and getting to visit with some old ones~WOO HOO!
Love ya!
XOXO

 

[unclebill]

I`ve had a good year. My family and friends are all in excellent health. One of my daughters just graduated from college, and the other will graduate next June. I just recently started dating two very attractive ladies, (shhhh.....they don`t know I`m seeing anyone else) and I have finally made some new friends this year on the forum that I hope to meet in 2007. Oh, and one other thing, I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance.

 

[giantfan121262]

2006 has been rough

This past week, my mother in law passed away after complications from pancreatic cancer surgery.

My father in law has a major operation from a blockage in his artery in both his legs. He seems to be recovering fine from that though.

My father in law has heart problems early in the year and ended up having a pacemaker put in.

My mother had some health issues as well but she seems to have them under control

My mother in laws health issues impacted my job in I was leaving (according to some people) alot earlier than I should have. Those issues are resolved as well

Some of the good things:

My sister bought her first house.

I found a ski partner in my son.

I have made some nice new friends here on the forum.

We had the pleasure of attending TTD's and Shygals wedding. Thus getting to see some old freinds from here as well

 

[KoocheeKoo]

2006 has been an amazing year for me.....both with it's awesome "ups" and very sad "downs".

During 2006, I finally became responsible for only myself again (for the first time since 1996) with the sad passing of my 93 yr old grandmother (the precious lady who raised me) on September 24th; I gave up a promising business career in 1996 to care for her and her two younger sisters, but have no regrets. It was sad to lose the most precious person in my life, but in light of the fact she suffered from terminal colon cancer, heart disease, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, and from severe back/ hip pain.....it is some comfort to know she's in heaven tonight, and won't ever suffer or become frightened or confused again. I also lost a precious friend to cancer in early 2006 (and my only surviving uncle is dying from lung cancer; also mourned the recent passing of a precious teenager from acute leukemia 🙁 so 2006 definitely had it's share of stress and sadness for me.

During the spring of 2006, I also learned I have a couple significant health issues (high blood pressure/ enlarged heart; kidney problems).....made my first visit to the ER as a patient since 1978 (extremely high BP in May; thankfully normal now due to exercise, diet, and medication).

On the other extreme, I was very blessed during 2006....both financially and emotionally; traded in my old Chevy for a new Toyota 4Runner. I've also made many wonderful new friends through my volunteer efforts on behalf of children and teens with cancer; just last week managed to bring together a pre-concert private meeting between a precious little girl from Alabama and her American Idol miss Kellie Pickler; seeing the bright smile of that precious angel's face as she met her hero......knowing she wasn't thinking about cancer, chemo, or anything else frightening; seeing how happy she was......man, that made my Christmas 🙂

Also during 2006, I was able (after my grandmother's death) to take time and do something I've wanted to do for a long time.....drive across America from coast to coast (from Atlanta to Astoria, Oregon to southern California and back through Vegas and Oklahoma to Atlanta); also spent some wonderful time with my precious little nieces and nephews in the Pacific northwest----and am sitting tonight in Redding, California (flew from Atlanta to LA yesterday; am driving up to Oregon to spend Christmas week with my little sis and her family; also planning to meet some precious friends near LA after Christmas and do some sightseeing (Hollywood here I come 😀 before returning to Atlanta on 12/29.

It has definitely been a year filled with highs and lows for me.....but thankfully appears to be ending on a very high note I hope and expect to continue into early 2007 🙂

 

[Bel]

2006 started out quit good for me but then in march i got the news no one likes to hear today i lost my job after 16 year at the same company.

So i was working all this summer no vacation for me since i needed all the money for later well i was working full time untill about the middle of august then i got little or no job at all and the unemplyoment agency has done nothing so far to help me and how could they when they get a job to 1 for every 7 persons that seeks there help.

I been searching jobs but so far no luck so i am still at the same job as i been for the last 16 years working almoast nothing so if my luck does not take a turn for the better i will search for a job at another security guard company atleast i will get some more time i am sure.

So you can imange how my year has been and that i hope for a better year in 2007.

 

[tickleshotel]

2006 was a Mix of Lows and Amazing Good happenings..

First the Lows: After being in unhappy marriage for 4 years(still don;t know how I lasted that long) I made the decision that I wasn;t going to settle for unhappiness in my life any longer and I was going to do what made *me* happy,not what I was told would make others in my life or what others thought was best for me . I struggled with this decision as my passion for tickling,being tickled really tore me apart as I did love my husband as he did support me financially ,but there were quite a few other inportant aspects,factors that over the years weakened and destroyed the relationship to where it felt we are roommates living our own lives rather than two lives that have a common bond and become even closer through tough times and in good..LOng story short, I made peace with myself and really came to a self realization that I need what I need personally in a relationship .Only time will tell if there is someone else out there that can honestly care,be in love with me as well as love me with my attributes as well as my faults

Another low turning into a Blessing in Disquise: Leaving home with Reckless abandon as I felt controlled,dominated by my folks and honestly experiencing a world I never knew existed or that *I* could find myself in the situation having no home to return to, having to eat food that was placed in front of me and if I didn;t eat what was offered,I went hungry ,and I could go on to these depressing things in life that I took for granted until I realized how fortunate I am. being so low at one point that others around me in that environment thought I was on the edge of having a nervous breakdown if I didn;t receive care soon..Chatting with some of my most dear friends I look up to for advice and explained to me so clearly what I needed to hear though it was painful for the friend to be blunt and give me some food for thought as to what was the right thing ..Hours later I swallowed my selfish pride and humbled myself and called my parents collect telling them what I did,how sorry I was and I was stunned how despite what I had done and how hurt they were, they told me I was welcome to return home and we would all somehow talk it out,work it out to a happy medium..


Now for the Good news: Working full time and less than 90 days I received a .50 cent Raise for performance Bonus..had workers quit,I got promoted to supervisor as I have proved I am dependable and I am there training new people and I am working there for the long haul.In October received a $300.00 Performance Bonus

 

[storyteller]

Auld Lang Syne

This past year has gone so quickly. I don't remember anything really bad happening. Because I try never to have regrets, I have none for 2006. Many good things, including joining TMF, which has been terrific. I remain a relative novice to tickling, but hopefully, that will change in 2007! Overall, 2006 saw the final vestiges of the complete burnout I had reached after more than 20 years of over-investing myself in too many things and people pass into oblivion. I'm ready to go and take things on again, a little wiser about not repeating actions that led to the ultimate burnout level! I don't know what's going to happen in 2007, and that's okay. I'll meet the challenges, cry when necessary, laugh a LOT, and write, give, and love as much as I can.

Thanks, Capnmad for this thought-provoking thread. I'll be ringing in the new year with a bell given to me years ago by my first college roommate. Hope I hear many other bells ringing too. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. Take care everyone!

 

[kered]

The highs and lows in my trip through 2006 seem mundane compared to the rest of you who have posted here. The highs were finally leaving a job that I utterly loathed at the end of eleven years to something that is fun and personally rewarding. My best girl (three and 1/2 years old) has learned to come down to my level and communicate to me that the picture looks better when you hold your crayon right and stay within the lines. Buying my first computer and somehow stumbling into this wonderful place making some very good friends from around the world. The patience you great folks have in helping this complete amateur with understanding a small part of working this machine has truly been a great learning experience. Special thanks goes to Isabeau, HeavenlyTickle, DarioF, illtcklu, and Venray.

The lows were not many. The only thing that comes to mind was getting T-boned by that young girl in my little truck. Only had four payments to go.....now I've only got 59 payments on the new vehicle.

So all in all it wasn't such a bad year for me so bring on 2007. I have two things I want to do in 2007. I want to make more time for my best girl and meet some of you face to face at NEST.

 

[drew70]

Other than my Dad passing away and my wife getting Cancer, 06 was peachy.

 

[BLUE_THUNDER]

2006 was quite a year of changes for me. after 18 months , my wife and i got divorced in february, which was sad but definitely the best thing for both of us. i finally came out of lurking early this year and became an active member here and have met some great people, I definitely dont regret it, its been a great experience. my online business went down the tubes due to competition after 5 successful years, which totally sucks, but it gave me the push to go back to school this year, and ive been pulling a near 4.0 gpa since and am on track to graduate next december. I watched my alaskan malamute grow from a puppy into a huge freakin' sled dog, and i ALMOST finished the work on my '70 mustang (i still have to replace the wiring harnesses early next year). I had to sell several of my guitars from my collection this year, but am looking forward to adding a few next year. i began writing music with my band mate again and we are now "trying to get the band back together again". I saw several of my long time friends move to las vegas in 2006. and i turned 33 but dont feel a day over 21. its been a crazy year but i feel pretty good about everything now and im ready for 2007. bring it on!

 

[unit5610]

After a tough start, 2006 was a fine year for me.
The year started with the death of my mom after a many-year battle with Alzheimers, and as a result its been a tough year for my dad after 60 years of marriage, but he's still doing pretty well.
Nothing else really bad happened.
Otherwise, I got my masters degree and only several short months later found a great job in my new field within walking distance of my house, so I've gotten more than I ever thought I would already out of my new career.
I also got to drop by Classy's NH gathering for a few hours and meet some of my favorite TMF members...that was absolutely awesome.

 

[Lionhart]

Nice thread capnmad. I will be glad to put 2006 in the files. A year of bouncing job to job, financial struggles, living life in constant reaction of events forcing me to make neccessary changes, and now as the year closes out i'll be moving in with ol pops. Not really how I anticipated things on Dec 31 2005. Still I know that stormy times sooner or later give way to sunshine, and even an occational rainbow. Who knows, I may look back 5 or 10 years from now and say "wow, what a breakthrough year 2006 was". Time will tell. I wish all the best for you all in 2007. And 07 could be the year I decide to attend a gathering or 3. God Bless you all..

 

[Capnmad]

CG2K: Sorry to hear you had such a rough time, bro. I hope you get the job, living space and life more fitting to your wishes in the new year.

Knox: Wow. You never know what to say when someone loses a loved one. Sorry about your uncle's passing, and of course, that of your dog as well, but I'm glad your losses this year haven't made you overlook your gains in friendship, family, hobbies and life in general. Here's to a Happy '07.

Izzie: Glad your friends have made this year worthwhile, and I wish that the hope and support they bring you helps to carry you over any lingering health issues in the year to follow.

Bug: I'm happy you had a fruitful year with your first computer, family, vacation (Egads, it's nice to have one of those now and then, eh?), and even a little extra pocket change. I wish you an even more prosperous 2007, and hope to better make your acquaintance in the future as well.

Ann: I know you've asked for many prayers this year, and I can tell it's been a rough one. Your faith and philosophy I deeply respect and I hope they continue to serve you and bring you greater health, happiness and security in the new year. Do take care of yourself.

JPie1: I can only imagine how you feel to have this kind of loss especially at this time of year. It can make the holidays doubly hard. Having had my own experiences with loss, I keep everyone I know who's had a profound one in my thoughts, and you are there now. I hope 2007 will be kinder to you, and to start the kindness, should you like to, please PM me. I'm sometimes a bit slow to respond, but I'm always happy to make a new friend.

I'll be back as I can -- I want to connect at least a bit with everyone kind enough to add their thoughts here. I appreciate you all so much. I hope more still are interested in sharing their thoughts. Everyone is welcome.

 

[Mitchell]

My 2006 has been dominated by a completely stupid thing I did on December 28, 2005, and that is, pulling the phone out of my mother's hands to speak to my father, after he ignored me when I was sick.
Most of 2006 has been dominated with his poor treatment of me, his failing to call on time when he says he is going to call, and his irrational emails typed in capital letters when I ask him why he hasnt called. We will be talking to each other exactly one year next Thursday, and the man has not made even any effort, or one day, to visit with me, or spend any time with me at all. He has not seen me since November 24, 2003. I suppose that I should have known the guy's intent, when he failed to contact me, upon learning of my blood pressure problem, in March, 2005, as my other family, and friends, as well as my friends on the forum, were rallying around me, and supporting me, during my difficult time. It is most likely that sometime in early 2007, another estrangement will happen, this time for good, because, I am not going to continue to deal with his treatment of me. Right now, I am hanging on, to see if he is going to ask to see me, or celebrate my birthday with me, in any way, for the first time in 19 years. If he fails to do that, I intend to write him a letter after Feb 1, about his outrageous treatment of me. Part of me hopes he doesnt ask to see me, so that I can hold him accountable for his treatment of me this year.
Besides my father, 2006 has been, luckily, not as bad as 2005. My weight and blood pressure have remained stable and at normal levels, and I have not had the dramatic issues with work that dominated the last three years. Hopefully, all can stay quiet in the next ten days, and I can see where my father and I end up.

Mitch

 

[Knox The Hatter]

Knox: Wow. You never know what to say when someone loses a loved one. Sorry about your uncle's passing, and of course, that of your dog as well, but I'm glad your losses this year haven't made you overlook your gains in friendship, family, hobbies and life in general. Here's to a Happy '07.

Thanks for the kindness, Capnmad. By the way...odd as it sounds, Snoopy was our cat. My mother-in-law named her 'Snoopy' because she was, from a very small kitten, snooping all over the place.

Also, in a way, I'm glad I overlooked these two things, because it proves that I give it no more thought nowadays than it merits, but this year, the 28-year-old relationship between myself and my best friend officially ended this summer. It's a long story, but it's a development that I don't regret. I also had a very bad falling out with another TMF member back last February, which affected me for a long time.

Plus side: soon, my wife and I are gonna be getting a new computer, and this flathead, six cylinder 1953 Studebaker Champion with the column mounted three speed that I'm using now will finally be laid to rest. From my mouth to God's ears...

 

[ChosenofMystra]

2006 was an ok year for me.

THE PERKS
********
I acquired my current job as a copywriter
I'm still in college 😀
I had two of my poems published in the college arts magazine
I turned 21
I made some very dear friends right here on the TMF

THE BAD STUFF
************
This will most likely be the last Christmas I will be able to spend with my grandmother
I was hurt greatly by people dear to my heart and the wounds are still open
Rent increased (BOO!)
I almost drowned this summer
It seems like a rift is growing between myself and my old friends from high school which tears me up 🙁