Review and Summary of YOUR 2008 (Participation Requested. :) )

[Capnmad]

It's time for my annual tradition of asking you to share with us your 2008... The years may change, but the phrasing remains about the same:

Well, it's just about two weeks until the New Year, folks... But the passage of time is meaningless unless things have happened that have impacted you... What has 2008 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, 2008. Let us say our piece to the year, close it, and leave it behind to reflect on and move forward, but not to dwell.

(You are welcome to read what some of you said in 2006 and 2007, but I request you not bump up the threads -- they are happier where and when they were.)


I welcome all new responses for this, the year 2008.

 

[BrightEyes1082]

In a nutshell:

January:
~living back at home after leaving my abusive husband in Nov 2007
~raise my new babygirl, Lexey, whom I brought home in Dec 2007
~accidentally IM Lee, begin having regular conversations with her

February:
~decide with Lee that she will collar me during NEST2008
~decide to go and visit her for the first time in March 08

March:
~fly to NH to meet Lee for the first time
~experience the first ever collar around my neck
~decide to do what it takes to move to NH

April:
~continue our D/s relationship via the internet
~Lee visits me in SC for the first time
~introduce tickling as kink to the ChaSM group (they're still talking about it!)
~visit Lee in NH again, interview for jobs in Boston
~plan for NEST2008

May:
~attend NEST2008 and serve Lee for the first time
~meet my Daddy for the first time
~take my mom to Hilton Head for our 4th annual trip

June:
~drive to NH with Lee on her way back from Florida, interview more

July:
~whararaaaaaaaggggarlarbl

August:
~accept a position with my current company in the Cambridge, MA office
~fly up to NH to secure an apartment
~fly back to NH to serve Lee while she hosts NHLee
~deal with my mother having an emotional nervous breakdown due to my move
~make the final trip, alongside one of my best friends, to NH from SC

September:
~start a new job in Cambridge with an hour commute each way
~begin learning what it's like to live D/s 24/7 (mostly)
~begin dealing with the real struggles of D/s

October:
~attend the 2nd NYC Munch with some of my very best friends
~celebrate my 26th birthday, only the 3rd birthday I've ever spent away from home, and the only time it was by choice
~begin S&M blog on leesmandy.blogspot.com
~question my decision to move to NH, and subsequently reaffirm myself and my decision, just to continue that cycle (which I still do)

November:
~cohost my first SNOB munch with Lee
~attend Bella's Birthday Bash in Ohio, and it was the best time I've spent with Lee, ever
~spend my first Thanksgiving away from home, and spend it with Lee

December:
~survive my first ice storm in NH! (excluding all of the ice storms and white-outs I've survived while growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan)
~cohost my 2nd SNOB munch with Lee

 

[-Hari-]

2008 has been a very good year for me, perhaps my best yet!

I spent a great deal of it in a relationship that I knew wouldnt work from the start and was a constant cat and mouse game with me chasing a heart that was locked up tight, however I did learn ALOT about myself sexually with that girl and have done things now that I had only fantasized about before so it wasnt ALL bad.

I lost a few friends and gained a few new ones, the ones I lost didnt deserve my time in the first place to be honest.

On the plus side, and this MORE than makes up for anything sad thats happened to me this year, I left my dead end job after realising what I wanted to do with my life and then soon after that I managed to get the perfect job and couldnt be happier.

Also about three weeks ago now I met a girl who ive fallen in love with rather prematurily, shes everything I could ever hope or dream for and I hope more than anything that it is as it feels and the start of something big.

a few more little bits and bobs that made it a cheerful year:

• I finaly settled in here at the TMF and got asked to be a mod etc
• I got an xbox 360
• My car sailed thru its MOT for the first time and became my first car that ive had longer than a year
• I helped my friend kick his gambling habit and hes sorted himself out
• Ive made epic progress in my tattoo coverage
• and well.... its just been an awesome year 😀

 

[QBWeaver]

2008 - A year enhanced by memories, love, family and friends

Where do I start? ok... at the beginning.

New Years Day I woke up in the arms of a man I've loved for literally decades. It was a perfect way to start the year. We spent much of this year traveling with our racing series all around the US and into Canada.

Our grandson turned 2 in April and we were blessed with another grandchild - a girl - who was born in May.

We got back to California a few times. We spent a week back there in July when my love drove out to meet me after I had flown back to work a motorcycle race. We took a few days to drive back enjoying the sights of this beautiful country.

In September I became a Mrs. My Love and I were married in a small ceremony in our living room in Florida. Then just a few weeks after that we drove up to Pennsylvania to attend StarWolfe and BrideofDracula's wedding. We saw lots of our special TMF friends at the wedding and had a wonderful time hanging out with Greg and Mina and their family and friends.

In October we were back in California again for a race, a banquet and a wedding reception thrown by our kids. Our families were there and a bunch of our friends. It was wonderful having all that time with everyone to catch up and to celebrate our marriage.

We took a trip to the Turk and Caicos Islands with 3 other couples in early November for a week of sun, fun and relaxation. The weather was perfect, the location was fabulous and the company made the trip absolutely perfect.

Thanksgiving we spent with some special friends here in Florida and had a lovely weekend here at home relaxing.

I submitted my brother's home to Good Morning America and his house was chosen and then featured on their show on December 12th. He's been contacted by lots of other TV stations who have filmed at his house and he's thrilled to be able to show off the castle and all the other houses in the culdesac that he's decorated.

We're heading back to California soon to enjoy Christmas with our families back there. We'll be back home in time for New Years here in sunny, warm Florida.

The best of the year was having another grandchild join the family and marrying the love of my life.

With the new granddaughter I continue to realize the extreme joy my parents told me about. The special gift of grandchildren is something that cannot be explained other than to say the love you feel for those little ones is beyond words. Watching them grow and learn is in itself an experience that can only be lived. It cannot be put into words that truly explain the wonder, excitement and incredible joy that it brings to your heart and soul.

I've loved this man for such a long time. We reunited back in 2006, were engaged in 2007 and married on September 11th this year. We both come up with that date independently. We both wanted to put a good memory to a date that was filled with hurt and pain.

He is truly the love I've looked for all my life but never dreamt I've ever be so fortunate to have such a loving, caring man in my life. He's an amazingly sensitive man who is caring and giving in so many ways. I'm so blessed to him my husband and I look forward to us growing old together.

This year I learned that miracles DO happen. I learned that good things are worth waiting for. They might not happen when YOU want them but they will happen if it is meant to be. I learned that good friends and family are like diamonds - Precious and beautiful.

So 2008 was fantastic. I can't wait for 2009. I always have a saying for each year. This year was "2008 is going to be great!" and it was. So... 2009 will be absolutely Divine!

 

[Cy/MiG]

Easy:

-Got drunk
-Ate a load of food
-Realized eating alot and drinking booze made me gain 20 lbs and decided to work out, dropping the 20 lbs and getting in the best shape of my life (well, best shape since 2004...)
-Watched Sports
-Went to Vegas thrice
-'Delurked' on the TMF (in internet form only)
-Prepared for the hard year and 1/2 ahead
-Now waiting for the hard year and 1/2 to come and go... so I's can gets paid!

 

[kered]

My 2008 was much like any other year.

Not much happened until April 17 when my 5 year old girl planned a birthday party for me with a little help from my mother, who called me the day before instructing me when to show up, the menu(which consisted of the favorite food the kid likes-including her favorite cake), which door to enter, and how to act surprised.

Midnight May 1st saw me heading to Philadelphia for NEST for the second time.

May5th I was heading home at 2 am because I got a phone call telling me my little girl was admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration and stomach pain. The usual 11 hour trip took me about 8 hours to complete that time.

May 7 had the girl home and feeling as if nothing was ever wrong.

May 9 was the girl's 5th birthday party and she was pushing me around like her old self. *Kids, go figure.*

July 25 was the first anniversary of my father's death. That was a tough weekend.

Mid August I sent a few little things to add to the fun spirit of NHLee. I wish I could have attended but work would not permit it.

November 17 I had the funeral of Dad's only sister.

December 3...Got a raise and promotion.

December 11 I had my first hospital "procedure" since I had my tonsils removed in second grade, just because I managed to live over a half century......so far.

Between those times were the usual fun and trouble that befalls me and my friends like birthdays, hurricanes, and broken ankles. I don't count helping those in trouble as milestones. I just try to do what needs to be done with the tools availiable to me in those times. I help when I can. That and causing a little trouble every now and then.

 

[Deleted member 66627]

This year has changed my life. 🙂

I've been working on my one year thread, will post later on. 🙂

 

[AngelOfDarkness]

Ah, geez, 2008!

Where the flip did this year go?! It's gone by so fast! I think I have grown a lot, both in my real world life and here as well. I have met a plethora of new friends, and my inner TMF circle is made up of those whom I cherish dearly. I began to communicate offline more, via text and the occasional phone call to them as well. I learned to take chances, to accept the falls, and to get back up and laugh about it. I am experiencing things I never thought I would, and I am grateful for it. 2009 will be great!

 

[Artoo]

Hmmm...let's see. Here's all the important stuff. 😀

January

• Started getting regular DJ slots around Nottingham
• Met, and started dating Emily
• Organised the first Birmingham Tickling Munch

February

• Went to my first BDSM munch in Coventry, whilst visiting my parents.
• Started regular fire performance gigs with a local entertainment company.

March

• Joined Informed Consent (a UK BDSM forum).
• Celebrated my 21st birthday.
• Attended the British Juggling Convention 2008, where many interesting things happened, including me getting hospitalised.

April

• Went to a fetish market (The BBB) for the first time.
• Attended the Nottingham Juggling festival.

May

• Won an award for special contribution to the Students Union at Nottingham University.
• Started working at the Nightclub I'm still currently working for (I didn't think I'd last this long).
• Performed some DJ sets at a number of warehouse parties and one day festivals.

June

• Ended my relationship with Emily on relatively bad terms, when she left to go to France for the summer.
• Went to my first tickling gathering organied by members of the UKTF.

July

• Met Noel Fielding (British comedian and celebrity) when he came into work one night. Ended up going back to his flat, drinking to much, taking too much MDMA, and eventually burnt all the skin off my right hand when the lid of his kettle fell off while I was making cups of tea.

August

• Went to my older sisters wedding.

September

• Took the bandages off my hand permanently.
• Started my third year at University.
• Became more active in getting to know certain members of the TMF.

October

• Met up with Emily again, and we reconciled our differences, but didn't get back together.
• Visited my Grandad the day after he attempted to take his life. Stayed with him until a few hours before he died in hospital.

November

• Attended my Grandads funeral.

December

• Got the flu.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

Artoo, you're really neat you know. As in, organized. That post of yours is like some business presentation. 😛

 

[Artoo]

Artoo, you're really neat you know. As in, organized. That post of yours is like some business presentation. 😛

You clearly haven't seen my messy bedroom 😉

But yeah, I like to make use of the nifty little controls at the top of the reply box. 😀

I'm sure more went on in my life than just those things, but they were the first things that sprang to mind.

:england2:

 

[BellaRisa]

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Drove 20 hrs each way to Florida and Back with Adam over one 4-day weekend; I'd never been to any of the states we drove through or Florida,
it was AMAZING and the time flew

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Kept most of them, only had true FAIL at one, and worked pretty hard on the ones that weren't totally fulfilled. Already made and working on the ones for next year.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A few friends, yes



4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nope, but Bernie Mac and Heath Ledger broke my heart.

5. What countries did you visit?

No new countries but lots of new territory 😉

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2010?

I'd like to be more on track with my long term financial goals, that's about it...

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 1st.

8/14, my 15th anniversary with Mr. Bella

Mid March to Mid-April. Damn

The incredible entire spring/summer 2009, from getting back together with Adam to NEST 2008 to Florida to Jhoti's birthday 7/4 to our anniversary and NHLee.

Bella Bash. OMG

8. What were your biggest achievements of the year?

Finally understanding that it's really, honestly ok to be every piece of who I am and nurture each part.

Getting through various types of heartache and coming out on the other side very much ok.

Deepening several friendships and letting go of others and making things 'right' in my life.


9. What were your biggest failures?

Running plan FAIL

Not putting as much into savings as I really should have

Not making a few more videos. The ones we did are *awesome* but I'd like to have had more done by now.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope.

11. What were the best things you bought?

Xbox 360 and new computer and printer/fax/scanner/copier (YAY),
plane tix to various wonderful places, tix to REALLY good comedy shows this year like Louis CK and Weird Al and Bill Burr

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My best friend Jhoti for sticking to her goals and being the best friend on the Earth and being the Emergency Mommy in my house

Mr. Bella for being soooo supportive and nurturing and understanding

My friends for standing by me and believing in me and not pointing and laughing when things got weird here and there 😉

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Let's not go there. They know, and they know that everyone else knows

14. Where did most of your money go?

Besides the usual bills and taxes and such? Travel, home decor and new items for the girls new beds and such, new 'puter and Xbox 360, paint and primer and paint and paint and did I mention paint?

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

NEST 2008, NHLee, Bella Bash 2008, Rosie's ballet recital, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, 15th anniversary with Mr. Bella...it was a tremendous year for fun I must say.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?

Through With You, from the first Maroon 5 album, anything by Weird Al especially Albequerque, anything by Hanna Montana or the Jonas Bros

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier, and that's saying a lot because I was very happy then.
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same, fitter though
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, in every sense of the word

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

More time at the gym, more family travel, more writing, more videos for the business, more time with the extended family (gotta get to NY and VT in '09)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

* Being suckered by lies and sob stories.

* Allowing sleep to be last on my list of priorities.

* Procrastinating. There are too many places in this house that STILL need to be painted dammit...

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

By the fire with Mr Bella and our girls and the Shamwow and Cheezburger Cat, gabbing on the phone with my mom-in-law and my grandmother off and on all day, drinking tea and watching 'Super Troopers' (we do every year) and 'A Charlie Brown Xmas' and 'The Weird Al Show' on DVD. Eventually Jhoti and her daughter will come over and we'll eat and watch more movies and be our silly selves

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Fell in love all over again 🙂

23. Did your heart break in 2008?

At the beginning, yes. It got fixed 🙂

24. What were your favorite TV programs?

Little Britain, Scrubs, the Daily Show and the Colbert Report, Supernanny, The Life and Times of Tim, Bill Maher, LOST (on DVD), Metalocolypse

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not at all. Anyone I might possibly have hated, were I capable of such, has been far too pitiful for me to feel that way.

26. What were the best books you read?

Don Miguel Rivera's books, especially The Book of Knowledge

The War of Art

Never Have Your Dog Stuffed, by Alan Alda

The Odd Thomas series. I'm not a Koontz fan but Odd has me hooked.


27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs on VH-1 got me back into the late '80's and '90's music, not just hip hop but all genres, that I'd forgetten how much I love; I dug up everything from Bonnie Raitt to Paul McCartney to De La Soul and Dave Mattews, and really enjoyed myself 😉


28. What did you want and get?

My collar back where it belongs

An idea of what peace, and tranquility, really mean to me, now and long term.

Time with my friends. Not enough, but then there's never enough...



29. What did you want and not get?

Even more time with my friends

More determination regarding various goals


30. What was your favorite film of this year?

That's too hard! Probably Iron Man, but I know I saw some little independent film that will change my answer when it comes to me...


31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Heh.

I turned 36. For my actual birthday we had a little ice cream and chinese food and watched a movie, no idea what; we saw Hal Sparks the night before and he was *amazing*.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Stickling to my running plan. By now I'd be able to do a 10K if I'd stuck to it


33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Preschool teacher chic, meaning professional but stretchy for running and climbing; leggings and long skirts and 'nice' jeans and 'nice' v-neck tops and sweaters

34. What kept you sane?

* Mr. Bella and Adam. Jeff. DVNC. SnailShell. Jo. My Calli.

* Jhoti. Every day all day. End of story.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Viggo. And Mr. Downey Jr. And Dr. Cox. Ohhhhhh, Dr. Cox...

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Guess >;-)

37. Who did you miss?

Adam while we were apart. Calli. My Grandma. All my TMF family anytime they weren't directly in front of me


38. Who was the best new person you met?

All the newbies at NEST and my party, especially Jo and Manda and Skippy and Homer and Impailer and Cassi and Gin and Baldy and NT and Kayaker and...argh I won't name everyone and someone will haz a sad, I sowwy!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:

Karma is a very real entity, just sit back and be patient.

Nothing in this world is more valuable than true love and true friendship.

If it looks like a nut and acts like a nut, it's probably a nut

40. Post a song lyric or video that sums up your year:

I bonded with so many girl (and guy!) friends this year I have to post this:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vw6F3Sf-PGw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vw6F3Sf-PGw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>


And, um, this 😉

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/26siCB4_xl4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/26siCB4_xl4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

[ikaiyoo]

2008 month by month

January:

Had a mass behind my ear removed that they thought might be cancer. Turned out it was not cancer only a benign tumor.

I was on still on decent speaking terms with Kathryn at this time that would change twards the end of the month.

My father had his last check up for throat cancer since his radiation treatments and everything checked out good.

February:

Valentine’s Day sucked spent alone and drunk.

Car finally died estimated cost excess of 2000 dollars.

March:

Purchased my motorcycle put 800 miles on it the two three weeks I bought it.

Officially weighed 164 losing 56lbs since 10/25/07, weighing less than I did in Highschool.

Roommates move out of my house to get married

April:

Started taking Chantix to quit smoking

Put 1500 miles on bike for the month

Found out Kathryn might be moving to Memphis to go to school

May:

Taken off of Chantix because of severe depression side effect.

Took memorial Day weekend Rode bike down to New Orleans and visited with friends first long (sorta) trip on bike.

Mother dealing with severe neuropothy starts calling in sick at work

Found out I wear a 32 in pants again first time I could wear a 32 since I was in the 8th grade.

Found out I could wear a med shirt… not even sure if I ever wore a medium before.

June:

Starts going on trips around state.

Told by IP that due to budget constraints might not be offered.

See my dad on Father’s day. Last day I will see and speak to him.

July:

Get offered a permanent position at IP

Mother gets Spinal Cord Stimulator put in. Because she has to be off of blood thinners she has a mini stroke and has to spend a week in the hospital.

Stop Lurking in TMF again after 2 years of going back to lurking.

August:

Aug 1st. I start working full time at IP.

Aug 11th, Father dies of massive Heart attack.

Aug 19th, Kathryn starts attending University of Memphis.

Aug 22nd, Brother and his GF/Fiance move to boulder Colorado.

Aug 23rd, Grandmother diagnosed with colon cancer, starts Chemotherapy

September:

Started going back to the gym to get in shape. Started talking with doctors about getting back on chantix to quit smoking.

Started seeing and talking to Kathryn on a regular basis. September 29th, stopped seeing her again for good. She used me basically for a month and when found someone else she told me that she had no feelings for me.

Put mother’s house on the market. moved her into my house. Started process of getting her on disability.

Went back into lurking on the boards too much to deal with.

October:

Joined EHarmony because after couple of weeks in a drunken stupor I woke up and realized I needed to get over this.

Rode up to surprise Denise a woman I have known for a few years and had feelings for at one time. Was told in no certain terms the feelings were no longer mutual.

Started looking for property to buy to build house on and small 1 br apt in back for mom to live in.

Working lots of overtime. Meet Kaly at work temp working contract for open enrollment. Go on a couple of dates find out she is on meth and stop seeing her.

November:

Joined Alt.com, Eharmony not providing me with a lot of matches around me.

Tried purchasing a Blackberry storm, was told I needed a 500 dollar security deposit because of credit.

Father Tombstone is delivered and set at Cemetary start weekly visit to talk to him. Have talked to my father more since his passing then probably the last two years of him being alive.

Closed on my mom’s house. She now officially lives with me for good.

Sister moves to Aspen Colorado. As far as my father side of the family goes only person in Memphis, except for Cousin who is looking to move to California at beginning of next year.

Worked through Thanksgiving, unable to deal with family through the holidays.

December:

Switched shift for coverage at work getting off work at 7:30pm

Started posting my ass off on TMF

Met a few people from alt.com none panned out.

Spoke with Denise again still no feelings from her but will remain friends.

Will be working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Day after Christmas. To avoid family again.


Summary:

What have I learned?

1. I have learned that I am able to deal with an incredible amount of shit in my life and not crack no matter how bad I want to.
2. I have learned that I am a glutton for punishment and I follow my heart… sometimes too much and get hurt in the process.
3. I have learned that never let a day go by without speaking to someone you love. You never know when they will be gone.
4. I have learned that the Government process for getting on disability sucks, and it needs to be refined. Also that you should not have to wait a year to get on Medicare from the time you stop working.
5. I have learned that there is nothing more awesome then riding down a back highway through the country with the wind in your face watching the sunrise over the hills
6. I learned that riding a bike is probably one of the most relaxing things in the world. How I never owned one before now I will never know. You feel so disconnected in a car from everything after riding on a bike.
7. I learned that even though I find my soulmate that doesn’t mean I am theirs.

Have you made new friends?

I hope I have made some new friends on here. As far as in real life not really I have made a few acquaintances.

What have you accomplished?

I got through this year without mental breakdown or any serious injuries... oh and I got a full time job so no more contracting.

What did you succeed at?

1. I succeeded at Being strong for my family and being the head of the family after my father past.
2. I succeeded in realizing that I have responsibilities with my mother and she took care of me for 18 years so I would not be a good person not to return the favor.
3. I succeeded in being a friend when I didn’t have to.

What did you fail at?

1. I failed at winning back the one person who has made me truly happy in a very long time.
2. I failed at calling my father more often which I made a resolution to do at the beginning of the year now I cannot at all.
3. I failed at living life like my father did and living in the present and not dwelling on the past.
4. I failed on going to the gym every day so I can get back in shape.

What did you love?

1. I loved riding my bike in the sun and meeting other riders and sharing stories.
2. I loved working where I work the job is annoying sometimes but I work with a great group of people and really enjoy going to work.
3. I love meeting the people on here I talk to on a regular basis

What did you not?

1. I did not love going through my father dying my mother having a stroke watching Kathryn walk in my life again and having to walk away from her.
2. I did not love feeling alone for the majority of this year even though I wasn’t

What made you proud?

1. Watching my Brother graduate from college.
2. The amount of people who showed up at my father funeral it made me proud to be his Son.
3. The fact that I was strong enough to not crack and break down during this year.

What made you regret?

1. Not letting go of hope for me and Kathryn in January and getting on with my life
2. Not talking to my father for 2 months before he passed


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?

I came away knowing how short and precious life is and to not squander it. I understand how much love I am capable of giving and that there is someone out there who is deserving of it and will take it and give back as much as they take. I understand I cannot dwell on the past or try to rekindle feelings in people because it doesn’t work. I know now that short of me dying or crippled in some way there is not anything that I cannot handle.

 

[Mister Scruff]

Knowing nobody reads these things I'd have to say 2008 was the best year ever, because I found Loki. Loki loves me 😀

 

[ikaiyoo]

Knowing nobody reads these things I'd have to say 2008 was the best year ever, because I found Loki. Loki loves me 😀

Actually I have read all of them... went back and read the ones from previous years too..

 

[unit5610]

Bad...then good!

Winter and spring....

My mother-in-law had a stroke right after Christmas 2007 and was in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. I tried to help my wife clean her mother's house, which was up to the ceiling in junk, but get sick due to years of cat hair, mold and other detritus.

My dad declined sharply in March and April and was in and out of the hospital and has a 12-hour nursing home stay.

At work, I spend months arranging a statewide flood and hurricane conference in the absence of the Chairperson of a non-profit that I'm part of. Three days before the conference, she came back in a whilrwind and postponed the conference. I was so freakin' pissed.

My mother-in-law died April 30.

My Dad died May 12.

I had a serious melt-down over all of this in early June. I got wicked pissed at myself because it's not my nature to melt down.

Summer and fall...

Then things improved. I took over my mother-in-law's big-ass 1990 Buick Park Avenue and jettisoned my loud, rough-riding Camry.

My son graduated from high school and then, at the end of the summer we took him to Florida for college. We took the auto train down from Virginia, which was a life-long wish of mine. My son had a great semester and marched with a first class band at a Division 1 school. We got to visit him several times. I love Southwest Airlines, and now they love us!

We sold my Dad's falling-apart house for much more than I would have thought with this crap economy and I put in a new stereo in the Park Avenue, and got an iPod Touch which holds quite a few of my 5,900 iTunes songs.

I saw 10 excellent concerts during the year.

My wife's job became horrible, but mine improved.

I started a my-space page.

I met several great people at SNOB Munch I, including Boston Tickling, Jeff, Lee, Brighty, Dave, and kayaker and got to see classy again.

The only thing missing this year was a good tickle date. 🙁

I enjoyed another fun year on the TMF and met more great people on-line here. I wish you all a terrific holiday season and the best for 2009!

 

[slacker2114]

I'll reserve mine until 2008 is over and I fully reflect on it all. Yeah, I DO actually reflect on the year.

Meanwhile, here's a bump to the front page for this thread.

 

[Tiger.Lily]

January

- I celebrated my first New Years in my own apartment with my then boyfriend, dREW.
- I got my first pets - two baby girl rats that we named Bela, after Bela Lugosi, and Weetzie Rat, after a character named Weetzie Bat.


February

- The 15th marked my 19th birthday, mine and dREW's two 1/2 year anniversary, and Valentine's Day celebration.

- I made my first homemade cupcakes and candy.

- I decorated my bathroom in rubber duckies.


March

- I got pissed about some stupid anti-abortion rally in the center of my campus?


April

- I officially joined the TMF!

- The Milk Challenge with Travis and dREW. Epic.

- I ate my first piece of meat in nearly six years - a bite of crab meat. I know. I'm terrible.

- I got some film developed that I'd had since the 8th grade.


May

- Well...what the fuck happens in May, anyway? Seriously.


June

- MSI CONCERT, MUTHERFUCKAS! Be jealous!


July

- I got Loki, my kitteh. ^_^


August

- Destin, Florida for mine and dREW's three year anniversary!

- I swam in the ocean for the first time (that I remember).

- I sat in the floor of the ocean and watched blue and silver fishes swim around my head.

- I swam with a dolphin.


September

- After three years running, dREW and I finally broke up. It sucked. Hardcore.

- I joined Model Mayhem and officially launched my modeling career.


October

- dREW and I were zombie extras in a haunted house, and in a movie.


November

- Bella's party. 🙂

- dREW officially moved out.


December

- I imagine Christmas will happen at some point. Yup.

/end.


So. My year was much more eventful than that, but I can't really think of anything else. Woot.

 

[Capnmad]

Well, so far you all have most definitely surpassed previous year's participants for thoroughness! Month-by-month recollections! Nice!

But I know that's not all... Come on, folks -- who else will share their year with us? Only a few days more...

 

[fireguardian]

Not much to report on my year but a few big events

Most of the beginning of the year not much happened. I was engaged but starting to take a look at everything though it wouldn't be until later that I actually did anything about it. After having looked back at that time I truly see that I was totally faking being happy. I had my moments but much of it was forced. It took me a while to see that I was losing my identity, spine, and self worth in my relationship. Son January, February, March and April are kinda fuzzy like I was there but not connected. Though some where in there I do know I went to the Star Wars exhibit at the Franklin. (of course nerd me would remember that)

The end of April was when I finally can pull images up of what I was doing. I think the majority of April was spent sitting in my minister's house with his wife and my ex talking about our relationship. I have one true clear memory of that month of just sitting there one day and finally saying everything I had wanted to say to Brian. CHarity made him stay quite while I just vented my heart and soul out. That was pretty much the first step to becoming me again. Sadly the fact that he blew off all my concerns and hurts really put the relationship into a downward spiral.

May found me going to NEST with Mina and Greg. It was the first time I had ever done anything like it and it was an amazing experience. I spent most of my time with Mina, Greg and Morgan but met so many great people. I was a bit shy and didn't interact much but still was one of the best times of the year. It was also pretty much the end of my three and a half year relationship. I had the down side of getting Brian calling me telling me I was a bad fiance for having gone to such a sinful event and that he had all but said I shouldn't go and that next time he was just going to tell me I am not allowed to attend. Once I got home I told him wedding plans were on hold and the week was constant phone calls, arguements, yelling, crying, and other emotion under th sun. On Mother's Day I had to work and because of all this mess nearly got in severe trouble when he called and started getting into it. My boss came outside where I was brought my bag said he had shut my computer off and that he would see me Tuesday. I didn't even realize what was happening just nodded and got into my car where Brian and i kept fighting. I finally said that we were done, there was no way to fix everything since I could never be the person he was trying to turn me into. As I walked into my house sobbing my eyes out I saw that my entire (aunts uncles grandparents) were all there. It was weird going through that and having them congragulate me. So I ended up at Mina's place which ended up being a long night.

My summer was spent working as much as I could and doing things I liked to do again. I started to become a person i liked again anddo things I liked to do. My tense family life started to become so much better. I didn't do to much at all but actually enjoyed everything I was doing. I got to finally see the Mutter Museum in Philly (Thanks Morgan ), had complete control of my radio (heavy metal cellos make me happy) and just had fun.

September was Mina and Greg's wedding which I was in. It went so smoothly for a Neo Pagan/Wiccian/Jewish ceremony hahaha. Again met some great people. I was happy that Mina could finally relax and not stress herself sick over the wedding. The day was wonderful even if it did take 3 hours to do my hair and about and hour to take it all down. (I did not look like a Jersey girl from the 80s after it was down I swear)

October was a rollercoaster month. My dad told us that he was going to be shipped out to Afghanistan in January. My world just flipped on me when he told us. I went into robot mode of awhile and still do from time to time. It's one of those things that I can't really talk about at home since my sisters are so young we don't want to upset them and I try to stay strong to make it easier for my mom. We've done this before we will get through it again but I still feel like crying as I write this. So we move to the fun part; I got to visit my grandparents in Florida at the end of the month and had a fun time there. Talked my grandfather into buying a GPS device. I got to see my uncle and his family meaning I finally met my one year old cousin. The Wetland reserve by my grandparents house was breathtaking and I took so many pictures. I didn't want to come home and leave the eighty degree weather behind.

November was Bella's party. OH MY GOD you people are crazy and I love you all dearly! I can't believe how much fun I had that weekend it was such a great distraction with everything going on at home. Josh dressed as a Mountie still makes me chuckle thinking about it. Gin and Cassie are darlings. It was just such a fun time well worth the drive to Ohio.

December has been good for the most part. Work has kept me busy but I got the shift change I wanted though the company took away everyone's shift differencal. Oh well no complaint I still have a job. I turnd another year older and most of my family forgot *tear* Christmas was decent. My parents got the family a Wii and we have all been enjoying that immensely. I stuck to my decision when it came to telling one of my friends no we are not going to AC and blow money right before the holiday since I have no money. Mina and Greg experienced the insanity that is my family Christmas party and everyone loved them. Now I am just waiting for New Year's Eve which should be amazing. Got to love starting out the new year at the big goth party in the city so Dracula's Ball here I come (even got a new corset for it hehehe)

 

[Strider]

The first 4 months or so of the year were rough; I went through the definitive end of a 6 year relationship (after a few false ends), that was rough, even if it was necessary. I hope we'll be friends again sooner or later, but right now, there's a shitload of distance between us. Following that, I rebounded almost immediately, and then just as quickly ended said rebound. That entire relationship lasted all of a month. Why I engaged in it, I'm not quite sure. I have theories, none of which paint me in a particularly noble light.

Following that, I took some time to focus internally. A more or less random encounter at a 4th of July party led me to join the performance art troupe I'm currently a member of, which led me to my first suspension in October. At the risk of gooeyness, it's pretty amazing how quickly everyone's become my second family.

The year ended completely unexpectedly when I went to the house of a fellow member of the troupe to pick up a t-shirt. We'd never really talked beyond pleasantries at meetings, and I somehow end up staying there 'til 5am. She's awesome, and she's rapidly becoming My girl friday. I give it better than even odds that there's going to be neckwear involved sooner or later.

 

[Capnmad]

Well, it's come down to crunch time for me... I'll be hitting Philly in a little bit for the night's festivities, and old man that I am, I'll be picking up earplugs for the club we're going to, but... how to summarize the year?

I guess I think of it as a healing year... I spent a lot of time with my father this year, since he's been alone since my mother's passing in '07, and my aunt (his sister) passed at the beginning of the year. A large part of my social life (or ambition for one) was lost in the time spent with my father this year. That is, I found myself withdrawing socially even when I had free time for a little quiet (bless 'im, my dad's quite the talker). I'm thankful that he's reaching out -- he's been on a couple of dates, now, and seems to be getting back on his feet socially himself, so I'm looking to resume a bit more of my life in the new year...

Which isn't to say I haven't gotten around a bit to events with the community -- got to NEST, NHLee, Bella's Bash, a little get together at Knot Amwezed's... I explored a couple of other avenues as well, meeting a couple of times with the FSGP, and meeting one of my idols, James Randi, at an event, I got absorbed by Presidential politics and was widely regarded as the political authority where I worked (and I convinced a friend, coworker, and former player for the Washington Redskins to register to vote for the first time in his life), and performed in a play for a local charity... But mostly, what little there was socially was planned out well in advance... But it was a very structured year, socially (for lack of a better word), and I wound up spending too much time online as a result... I'm looking forward to a bit more spontaneity this go 'round -- better structuring my downtime, and leaving more social time open...

I was honored to play the role of Best Man (to the best of my flawed and limited ability 🙂 ) at the wedding of BrideofDracula and Starwolffe, and got to see some friends I hadn't seen for far too long, among them QB, TTD and Shygirl, (a few of many at the craziest table there). 😀

I also got to make a handful of new friends -- Fireguardian and I really got to know each other this year, and she's a fantastic friend (and with whom I'm attending festivities tonight! )... I met so many folks at NEST, NHLee, and Bella's -- too many good folks to name, really -- but one notable one really stands out to me, and captured my heart...

Sebastian "ShamWow" Bark... God, I love that dog...-like thing!

My friends, new and old, it was great meeting and seeing you this year, and I feel so much like I've neglected you -- I haven't gotten around to half the people I should have issued holiday wishes to, and I have no time to wish folks a Happy New Year individually, so let this be my one-and-done:

I hope you all had the happiest of holidays, and I wish you all a great, healthy, and prosperous New Year in 2009! I love you all.



If anyone wants to add anything, they're free, but please remember the rules -- all entries must be in by midnight! Then we let the year go...

Be well.

 

[Mister Scruff]

I'm redoing mine because it's almost the end of the year and also I want to.

January
- New Years Day; woke up in an airing cupboard in someone's house in a village that was not my own. Was scared.
- I was cold.
- I was working pushing the food trolley down the aisles on the train to Glasgow, it was a great job. Okay it wasn't, it was shit, but one of the ticket girls is fit. Diane her name is, she's blonde and wears glasses. Her husband is a fat bloke from Wallasey. Gutted.

February
- Spewed the job on the trains. It was boring, also I was working every weekend and they said I'd have one on one off, so they lied.

March
- I got a job in the bakery of a supermarket, which was alright. Going the gym at dinner times and stuff and trying to get into the knickers of the redhead on the ciggie counter. Failed miserably.

April
- Went down south for a week, came back up the road with a quarter of coke and a sudden distaste for the bakery. Left the bakery job.

May
- Got me old driving job back. Cocaine gone by this point. Got stopped by the police driving at 30mph in a 30 limit, was not happy, police man informed me that it was a school zone. At half eight at night. Fucking Matrix scumbags.

June
- Very boring. Working most of the week, sleeping most of the weekend. Tried to avoid paying back loans (totalling £15,000) by declaring myself bankrupt, was told that the bank wouldn't accept that. Made a payment on them.

July
- Down at my mates new house in Alloa; fun night was had by... well, me, because my mate is a cute little Singaporean girl. Husband is a former PTI with a P Company badge who now does private military work in the green zone in Baghdad so no funny stuff occurred. Took a few eccies, went out into town, I started a fight at the bar, fun was had, we went back to her house, not until after she tripped outside the club and her top came down though. Twas ossom. Discovered Wii Golf with a head full of ecstasy is a magical exoperience. Guitar Hero not so much.
- My birthday. Turned 26, realised I hadn't yet managed to get into the Marines as I was supposed to be doing after I left school. Decided to train a bit harder; decided I was too lazy for that, took some ephedrine instead. Played World Of Warcraft for the first time in 2 years, discovered Outland is shit, left it alone.
- Serviced a few debts.

August
- More work, ran over a lamb in the van and fucked it up quite badly. The lamb, not the van. Half-digested grass, blood and viscera all over the road. Van was alright though. Kept going.
- Went to the pub to celebrate my uncle finally jacking in the prawn trawling for a job that actually pays a wage every week. Ended up going to a house party with some mad jocks. Had a fight in the kitchen of some house, attempted to steal a pit bull from said house, but was forced to leave it outside because pets were not allowed in the communal house.

September
- Truly boring month; so boring I even paid off a loan payment.

October
- Work is quiet, finally decide to stop paying back loans because it is eating into my food money. Bank unhappy. Credit card company unhappy. Both institutions cordially invited to suck my cock; credit card company passes my case to the "legal review department". Spend several days wondering if this is some sort of code for fellatio performing department; conclude that it is not.

November
- Work still quiet, but it's bommie night on the 5th so all is good. Went to a bonfire on the common, met fit ticket inspector off the trains, small talk is made, conversation ends with me insinuating her hometown is full of interbreeding filth. I was unaware it was her hometown at the time.
- Receive various threatening letters from credit card company and bank threatening to send the bailiffs round and have me declared bankrupt. Sent return letter advising bank and debt collectors that I'd offered to do that and they said no. More threats received. Had to leave old house and move in with granny after an incident at the communal house I was living in. There was some... unpleasantness I can never go back.

December
- Work quiet. Debt collectors finally decide to start bankruptcy proceedings; I fall to my knees, raise my hands to the sky and pray the bank don't choose to oppose it. Fucking leeches. Got into a fight with some Polish immigrant after he cut me up on the mini roundabout in town; I think I knocked a tooth out, not sure. Lots of blood, though. He ran off, heard later from another Pole that he is going to "get me". Ohnoes.
- Moved into a caravan. Not a good caravan either; one of those shitty ones that people pull along behind cars. £60 a fucking week for it too; nightmare. Was paying that for the room. No heater, the leccy fuse trips if you try to boil the kettle while the heater is on, radio only gets local radio station and Radio 4. Quite like Radio 4.
- Christmas; had no money so didn't buy anyone anything.
- New Year; was supposed to be having a meal with the family then sodding off out with my cousin in order to get off my face and hopefully wake up in an airing cupboard as at start of 2008. Instead find self sitting in front of telly watching Jools Holland suck the genitals of various celebrity guests on his new year special because my cousin flaked out of coming at the last minute and went into Glasgow instead. Can't say I blame him.

My new year's resolution is to stop eating things I find down the back of the sofa. Also perhaps sort my life into some kind of dignified order; neither is realistic to be honest.

Happy new year everyone!

 

[RobAce]

Okay lets see how good my memory is:

JANUARY
A rough beginning to the year. I had another car break down, and had to borrow a car for a few weeks until I tax time in February when I could buy another. My oldest child was having trouble in school, and the pre-K my youngest went to was raising its rates, further complicating my financial issues.

FEBRUARY

Valentines Day was nice, I had the most 2 special girls in my life living with me (my kids) and treated them to an all out valentines bash at home. Tax return came in quickly so I was finally able to catch up on some bills. Another great Super Bowl party with my brother, over 45 people in attendance, which I cooked everything for...especially my famous BBQ ribs and wings......and oh yeah, the Patriots losing just made the night sweeter.

MARCH
Springtime!!! Getting out and about, new medication for my nerve problems which enabled me to go out more to the park with my kids. Kind of a regular laid back month, which I needed.

APRIL
April 4th, 2008. A date which will live in infamy. The very first broadcast of Robace Radio. I was excited to do it, and gave more of a reason to call one of my best friends for about 18 years and work with him again. Also I was happy to see my oldest child score high on the "placement" tests. She was having trouble in school before but she really turned it around.

MAY
I missed NEST, but enjoyed all the phone calls, pictures and everyone sharing a little of it with me. Also a couple of huge events happened that shaped the rest of the year to come, as well as my life. I was finally approved for disability and my neurological condition was now finally being treated on a more consistent basis. This made a huge difference in my lifestyle, my health and of course financially. For the first time since 1998 I was financially secure and could take care of things as well as my family.

JUNE
This was a sad month for me. My little girls, those I love more than anything or anyone on this Earth, who had lived with me for the past 2 years were now going to live with their mother. I had promised once she got her act together I would give her another chance to have them for a little while, the entire next school year. My first few days were hard. I had gotten used to having someone in my house with me, someone to love and care for all the time. It made being divorced easier. But without them I found myself depressed. It lasted a few days but I eventually got out of the funk and began looking forward to all the things I could still do for them and speak with them all the time.

JULY
I got to go and see my girls for a few days, and spent my birthday with another Jason, he is another one of my best friends as well (over 12 years) and he was the best man at my wedding (I don't hold that against him LOL).
Also I finally got myself geared up for what would be another life changing experience.

AUGUST
All I can remember from August.....NHLee08. I could fill up an entire page or 5 with my feelings about NHLee08. From grilling outside with giantfan, asutickler and HDS (which ended up being one of the best friendships I made this year, and will last forever--SQUADRON HDAce IN THE HOUSE!!) to stripping for LeeAllure, having my ass fondled by CrystalLight (Hows the ice Jo-Jo) and Tortuga (Mi corazon), having MTP Jeff give me an unexpected greeting and later making up for it...I must remember to announce myself before sitting next to Jeff. Meeting everyone for the first time, and also being impressed and at the same time humbled by a talent like Ivory Tickler. And of course the hospitality of LeeAllure who I shared a last lunch with before I left (I'll always treasure that, which is why I am sooooo jealous of those in the North that get to have them on a weekly basis. And the eternal happiness of Brighteyes, the calming force which is Capnmad, and the rock of the rhino. Being late with baldadonis and waiting for that damn plane. Meeting the assless chaps man Snail himself, and the ball of energy that could power a nation...Tickle Emperor. I know I am forgetting a lot of people but let me say, everyone there...all of you made a permanent impression on me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making that weekend one of the best in my life.

SEPTEMBER
September was also a banner month for me. A friend that I have known and talked to for over 2 years, but never met her in person, flew out to Georgia and we spent a great and memorable weekend together. From shopping, introducing her to my AbLounge restraint system, the club with the crazy lady that was there airing out her undies or something....to a VERY memorable car ride home, a bed and pain FAIL, and then the no pepto dilemma, for which I deserved a HUGE FAIL. It was a pleasure having her visit me, and I hope to do it again soon once the stars align right again. She is not only a friend, but one of the most special people I have ever had the honor of knowing on this planet.
Also in September was a radio show to remember. The first ever live tickling shoot done for a listening audience, with them helping on the directing the action. It was the most listened to show, and a pleasure to bring to the community that has given me so much.

OCTOBER
Another great month well at least the beginning. I got to spend some time with Mi Corazon (Tortuga) and do a live show with her (yes I know I still have pics to give out, I will start that tonight when I get ahold of some people.) It was a lot fun, and Tortuga is one of a very few ladies that I trust enough to spend anytime alone with. She is a genuine person, a great, great friend and has such a sweet soul that anyone around her feels better just by being next to her.
I also go to visit my little ones again, and spend a couple of days with them, which did me a world of good.
Also in October I did a boo-boo. I fell down and went BOOM, and broke a couple of teeth in the back of my mouth and a slight hairline fracture to my jaw. That put me out of commission for a few weeks and unfortunately made me cancel plans for Bella's party in November. But other than that, a good month.

NOVEMBER
The months start flying by. November was spent with my family here in Georgia, helping out others for Thanksgiving, and giving a speech for a military conference which I had not done in a while. It made me feel good. Also it was election time, and I did a 4 hour LIVE election show with many members calling in and listening. Over 400 or so listened in, from not only the TMF but from my military forums and friends as well. It was great to do something like that, and really showed me what I can do when I put my mind to it.

DECEMBER
December was a month that was mostly spent awaiting Christmas. My girls came back home to spend Christmas with me, and I went all out for them and my family. I had the house decorated, big tree, lots of things to make the house look nice for them. I enjoyed having them here again, and they gave me the best Christmas I have ever had in my entire life.

YEAR OVERVIEW
I can certainly say I am a much happier person this year. I have made more friends in this year than I have ever made in any point in my life. I have been blessed with many relationships that will only grow stronger in the coming years, and if a man's wealth were judged by the quality of people he had been honored to befriend.....I would certainly wager that I was indeed the wealthiest man on Earth last year.

THANK YOU TO ALL!!!!!!

Rob

 

[Mitchell]

2008 was the first year in the last six where things remained about the same for me as they were at the start of the year. In each of the previous five years, from 2003 to 2007, I sustained either a major negative change in circumstance in business, my personal life, with my own health, or my loved ones health, where I could say at the end of year :"Wow, my family and I are worse off at the beginning of this year at midnight then we were at the beginning of last year at midnight". This year, was stable, which, I guess, isnt a bad thing. I certainly didn't make all of the positive changes I aspire to, but, neither did things get any worse. A year such as that can't be considered all bad. I look forward to making those positive changes in 2009.

Mitch

One add on: One of the low points of 2008 for me was when I had to spend $200 in Feb to fix my computer after it got an adware virus. That seems minor, when one has spent the last five years hearing things like "Your father needs heart procedcures" or, "Your mother is being tested for cancer". or, your a 35 year old man, and your doctor tells you "You have dangerously high blood pressure, and if you dont lose weight, and change your lifestyle, you're going to have a premature demise". Those things, plus business failures and two estrangements from your father, all of which happened from 2003 to 2007, are real life's problems. An adware virus is nothing compared to those.