Ups and downs of 2009

[smudgley]

Inspired by something Kazz wrote in another thread, what have been good / bad for you in 2009....

Bad things ~ My Dad being very ill in March was a hard time for me, luckily he made a full recovery, Ashleigh also being poorly when she had that nasty upper respirotary infection - that was very frustrating and frightening, again she got over it and is fine now, one of my collegues and close friend being ill and off work since March and is unfortunately not returning to work. We have a great team and we are all close, we've all found it hard from both a work perspective and also a personal one. She is just 27 years old. We have to advertise her post in the New Year and interview for a replacement. Bluebell being ill in March (same time as my Dad) and making that decision to have her put to sleep that Saturday morning as she was just so poorly, decided to give her the weekend after chatting to the vet and she made very tiny improvements so we continued with her treatment & sure enough she made a full recovery.

oh my, I'm really struggling to think of highlights of 2009.....

[angieh]

2009 has been a general low grade struggle for me - MIL's health, my own health and depressing economic climate for everybody.

Highlights have been we made our own raspberry vodka which is great and going down a treat! And some homegrown plum and also h/g gooseberry jam. Summer was poor otherwise and I don't remember sitting outside more than a couple of times of an evening with the glass of something nice.

I do sincerely hope 2010 will be better for everyone.

[angieh]

I forgot to mention two other high points - getting Kizzy at Easter and Pip in August!!! Sorry, furry pals - didn't mean to ignore you.

[yola]

Bad - in no order of priority!
1. My lovely Audi going back because the contract finished and not being able to afford to get another as the prices have risen scarily.

2. The business nearly going under this summer

3. The loss of my dear old Aunty just a couple of days ago

4. Falling out with my brother again

5. Balie's ill-health

6. Putting on too much belly fat


Good
1. Our first 'proper' family holiday to Italy - it was wonderful!

2. Balie putting weight back on after the dramatic weight loss

3. Winning the New Look contract at work

4. Edit to say, the allotment! That was a runaway success and kept us sane during the stress-level laden summer.



On balance not the best of years

[dandysmom]

Not so good:

The boiler dying in the midst of a bitterly cold spell
The loss of an old friend to pancreatic cancer
A poor year in the garden: tomato blight
Arthritis acting up a bit
The unusually cool Summer

Good:

Still have generally good health
Leia's well
Joining OFF and making new friends
Catsey - always a good thing!
Good friends and neighbors

Could have been worse; no complaints really!

[HappyKatz]

Great thread 2009 has been a good year for my husband & I

We purchased our new Digital SLR camera to improve our photography.
My drawings have improved because I found good quality drawing paper.
I decided that I am going to learn the violin, so for christmas, I bought myself one

One down of 2009 is when our cat Sliver collapsed because of her heart.
But we got her heart medicine & now she is acting younger then ever
She takes her medication like a good girl everyday

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2010

[Phoenix]

Ups: Catsey, getting the new job, Dylan choosing a new toy (a sock - one particular one), Poppet going home to our neighbour ... ermmm I'm really struggling to think now ...

Downs: Dylan's upset tum (since been sorted fingers crossed touch wood), the rescue really struggling to rehome some of the cats, neighbour losing both her boys within a very short time.

I can't think now

[Kazz]

Deleted....can't make the post read right.

[dandysmom]

If at first you don't succeeed.......

[Kazz]

Excellent thread for the coming New Year and closing of the old one.doing this in traffic light colours…

VERY HIGH UPS

Elizabeth Olivia...new member of the family.

UPS:

Everyone okay and doing fine......
Mom having a heart attack when a nurse was on the bus she was on.
Dad being diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (means he can be treated and not let it just burst)
Work going well.
Taking Mom and Dad on holiday. First to Cornwall, Somerset and then Weymouth. Really enjoyed all of them sun shone for all.

Me being diagnosed with breast cancer again but this time hormone driven and being treated with hormones not chemo.

DOWNS

Mom having heart attack in August, and bypass needed.
Dad being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Dad being diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Overall a really good year 2009 will be looked back upon fondly in this house and by this family.


I hope 2010 will be as good but will work to make it better. Look on the Brightside always.