There were a lot of positives - BF and I moved in together and it's been wonderful, I love coming home to him every night and we're pretty compatible with living styles so it's been really easy. I went on a couple of fun vacations, though they were not anywhere new/exciting they were both really nice. My sister had a baby, which was a mixed bag for me but mostly positive.
Some big negatives though - my grandpa died in June, and my grandma had hip replacement surgery a couple of months ago and is really struggling to recover. She will be fine, but it's hard talking to her right now because she's had too much happens this year and you can tell it's affecting her happiness. I hate that.
I also got laid off and have been in career crisis basically since then. I'm really struggling to make ends meet without digging into savings/going into debt and I feel like there is no end in sight. I hope that in the new year I'll find a good job, but I feel like I was really positive and hopeful for a while and that hope has just been dashed over and over again. I'm really unhappy with how this has all played out and it's affected my overall life happiness/satisfaction with who I am and what I'm doing with my life. I guess what it comes down to is that I'm taking it personally at this point that I'm a failure, and don't really know where to go form here.
It's funny because I got divorced in 2013 but I think 2014 has been a worse year. I think 2013 had its low points but I always felt like I was moving toward something positive/away from something negative, then I went on an awesome energizing trip and then I fell in love. This year some things have remained stable, and others have declined. I hope 2015 brings positive changes again.
I know it sounds so cliche, but welcoming DD to our family and watching ourselves become parents has been an incredibly amazing experience. She is wonderful and I am a sappy sap about her. We also took some great vacations and DH's business continues to grow & thrive.
I also think my transition back to work went well, and I am very content with my current "work-life balance" and schedule. I know it sounds braggy, but I am proud of myself for many things this year.
There were sad moments- my grandfather passed away and there has been some assorted other stress, but overall things are pretty rosy at the moment.
2014 has been a crazy year. Definitely looking forward to 2015!
Highs: - Buying a home that we love. - Getting a promotion. I am finally in the role I want to be in. - Adopting another dog that we all (Kona included) adore. - Increased our retirement savings by a lot.
Lows: - My dad had a heart attack in February. - I had a miscarriage at the end of April. - Grandpa died on thanksgiving night. - Grandma is still in poor shape after her massive heart attack.
I am hoping in 2015 that everyone is healthy and I get pregnant!
It's been good overall. I've settled into being on my own and the novelty has worn off, which is both good and bad. Took a great trip with my sister. Have a new job which I'm enjoying a lot, and I'm away from my crazy boss. Took first at the state archery tournament. I've made this crazy town home, I know a lot of people love this town, but it took me about 2 years to settle in for some obvious reasons. In the not so great part, I hurt my elbow, had a car accidents, then got really sick. I'm looking forward to what 2015 brings both for me and for everyone else. @buckybells, I hope 2015 is your year.
Personal: I survived being a working mom of two. I lost the rest of the baby weight and then some and got to my lowest weight of my adult life (the holidays have reversed that a little, damn cookies)
Career: Work has been more interesting. I did get rejected twice for the two job interviews I did have. But I know I'll get my promotion some day.
Kids: I've enjoyed watching DD grow into a little blob to a sweet, adorable toddler. DS is a creative, fun (albeit crazy) little man. We had a fabulous vacation in Maine. DD's 1st birthday party was huge success. H and I cooked all the food, made all the decorations, and made the cake/cupcakes.
Running: I had a stellar year running wise. I PRed in all my distances (multiple times for some of them). I completed my second marathon and qualified for the Boston Marathon. It exceeded my expectations and I'm not sure I can top it in 2015 (although I'll try).
Social: I could use a few more date nights with my H or a kids free vacation. We've had a few, but I would love more. But we've made a lot of new friends in our neighborhood especially in a mom's running club that I joined. It's great to have such a nice circle of friends.
Financially: We're not broke, but we're not too far ahead of where we were last year. Still trying to recover our savings after buying a house. We did some home decor that looks fabulous so that took some money out of savings. Edit: How could I forget? We finally won our battle with our former landlords. We took them to small claims court in 2013 over our unreturned security deposit. After finally discovering that we had a lien on their property (ha!), she sent us a threatening letter. We ignored it. One week later, we got our money in the mail + interest (hell yeah, bitch).
House: The living room, dining room and kitchen look so much better. We completely redid the living room and I love it!
2014 will be hard to top. I graduated with my MA, presented at a national conference which helped lead to a promotion at work, in less than 7 weeks I'll get to welcome a little one into the world, DS has been such a loving little man and now has potty training down pat, and DH is pulling a Clooney and keeps getting better looking with age
Last week I was just thinking that this might be the best year ever. I'm kinda scared next year will be hell to balance it all out, lol.
Bad.. My tenants sucked and I had to ask them to leave. They did about 3-4k in damage, and cost my husband and I our July and August in time spent over there cleaning and fixing back up the place. Not including money lost from lack of renting the place for 2 months while we cleaned it up, stress.. it sucked. So, there went the 7k I had saved to buy a newer car.
My husband gained some weight and it;s making him feel bad about himself and his new job.
My sister and I finally had another blow-out and I told her I am removing her from my life for good. Of course, this will probably be good for me in the end, but I know it upsets my mom who likes having us pretend we are getting along.
Good.. We found out I was expecting this year. A little girl no less (which is exactly what I wanted). I don't think I could have handled another little boy. Though my little boy is wonderful, he's just a handful.
My husband got a new job with great benefits. So, this will be our first winter without a dramatic drop in income as well. Excited about not living off savings from December through March.
Post by crashgizmo on Dec 19, 2014 15:12:22 GMT -5
I would say it's been a pretty great year, but TBH every year with DH (5 now) has been great.
We increased our net worth about 10%, took two great vacations, and got more settled into living in CA. I would say my job didn't fulfill me as much as many have in the past, but it wasn't awful. I got a new amazing job this month, which means I think 2015 will be stellar.
DH also did great at work this year which was awesome for him. We hosted a great Thanksgiving with more family than we have ever had together in one place. Our dog, who has been difficult in the past, has started to get older and mellow and he's such a great little personality and completion to our family.
Post by irene adler on Dec 19, 2014 15:24:40 GMT -5
Best of times, worst of times.
Eta--good: Great year with my business., great H&f year, lots of nice trips to see family in the Bay Area. Dh is on week 6 of no smoking and doing better than all of his previous attempts. He also remains cancer free.
Neutral--we stayed afloat
Bad--dh has been unemployed 75% of the year and has had a terrible time dealing with everything from 2013. I hit the compassion fatigue wall a few times.
Post by LoveTrains on Dec 19, 2014 15:29:27 GMT -5
Shitty.
Here's hoping 2015 improves. I know I have a great deal to be thankful for, but this has not been one of my better years. I'm tired and I feel old. It sucks.
Definitely a lot of positive things. I know people here focus on my failures, setbacks, and drama moments but those are few and far between the good days.
2014 has been a wonderful, growing year for me. I wouldn't change it for the world.
I was able to travel, see amazing films, meet incredible people, and find the courage to launch my own company.
Looking forward to what lies ahead for 2015!
Eta - there's definitely been setbacks but I can't dwell on that. I can only focus on how I handle those setbacks. I've taken control of my life again and that feels amazing.
It was a great year for us. I am a bit concerned about some things coming up in 2015 (money and family health issues), but I'm trying not to stress about things I can't control at this point.
Post by alleinesein on Dec 19, 2014 15:54:46 GMT -5
Pretty Meh
The Good -finally got to travel around India as a tourist and see the Taj Mahal -Got to spend time with my bestie in Croatia -added a new country to my list of places I have been to -met some cool people
The Crappy -STILL NO JOB -out of $$$ -lots of crappy dates
The Meh -had ear surgery to fix an ongoing issue. So far the surgery seems to have done the trick -fell on my ass in Thekkady and sprained my wrist. Got to experience an ER in a small town in India. -all of my good friends live in other parts of the US or overseas. I don't get to see them that often
Objectively terrible for many reasons, but I don't want to dwell on that.
On the plus side, one thing that has really sunken in as I've gotten farther and farther into my 30s is how truly wonderful all of my friends and family are. I am surrounded by so much love and support and have so many people I can count on and laugh with and complain to. I've known that for a while, but have never felt that so much as I did this year. So that's a really positive thing.
Post by awkwardpenguin on Dec 19, 2014 15:59:20 GMT -5
2014 was a tough year, with some huge bright spots toward the end of the year. At the beginning of the year I really struggled with anxiety and depression, which I sought intensive treatment for. It felt like a big setback but was ultimately really helpful. I also left a job that was taking a huge toll on my mental health and accepted a part-time consulting gig. DW accepted a permanent position at her job with a substantial raise. My wife had a lot of trouble getting pregnant, but after 2.5 years and 3 IVFs she is pregnant with a little girl due in June!
We're looking forward to 2015 and are in such a better place than we were a year ago.
Post by sicilygirl on Dec 19, 2014 16:08:08 GMT -5
Nothing particularly bad has happened this year, but it hasn't been a good year for me at all. I feel like it's just kind of been a wasted year for me. Nothing has changed. Same job, same house, same everything. It was good for my H because he got an awesome promotion. At the same time, that completely derailed the plans we had been making to both quit our jobs next year and travel full-time for a while. Things have been really bad with my mom lately, although I can't really put my finger on why. In general, none of my relationships are going well (except for my relationship with H). I've drifted away from most of my family and a lot of friends too. Maybe just because I'm unhappy (a lot of that has to do with work and with my mom), but everyone has just gotten on my nerves lately to the point where I'd rather just not see them. Ugh, I don't know. Hopefully next year is better... for all the other posters who haven't had a good 2014 too!
Started a great job New, lower stress job for H DD continues to grow and thrive
Lows: Anxiety attacks off and on over the spring Crappy job for half the year Parental health issues, fortunately now resolving Childcare issues for DD
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Really, that's kind of how I feel about a year in which my mother moved in & I spent half the year hating my job, but I also did my first triathlon and got a new job for more money and a shorter commute. All while my wife & I kept our kid alive!
Sending strength out to those struggling and happiness to everyone.
I'll chime in that this year had some really horrific parts, but in the spirit of the holiday season, I am only focusing on the good parts. The good stuff: -My parents are still sassy and keep moving, despite some pretty bad health obstacles. I love them and know how much they love us. -FIL is safe and cared for. -My health is better and my surgery earlier this year went well. -My nieces are all good and doing well. We've all grown closer this year and they give us joy everyday. -My friends have had many struggles this year as well, but we all love each other and have been a great support system. -Mr. Pom is hanging in there personally and professionally. Things are shifting at work as far as his job duties and I think he will be happy. We are praying for no lay-offs in the coming year despite the current situation with his field. -We made ten years and we still love each other and despite some rough, sad days, we've learned to communicate better and we are still getting up everyday and working together to make things better. There is nothing more I could ask for...except for a little more peace in 2015. Cheers to everyone here!
After struggling with IF for over 2.5 years, I finally got pregnant and had a son in October. I am over joyed and can't believe how much I love him. In addition, he is a fantastic baby.
However, late into the pregnancy, we learned that he has Down syndrome and a brain abnormality called Dandy Walker syndrome. As a result, he will have developmental disabilities. Like anyone else, we had discussed if our kid would grow up to be a doctor or lawyer (well maybe I wouldn't have pushed this, based on the recommendation of the MM lawyers, lol), him leaving the house and becoming an independent person, him getting married and us becoming grandparents, etc. We have to almost mourn those dreams/expectations we had for him and us. We know that he will grow up to be an amazing person, but it is an adjustment in our thinking.
In addition, he also has a heart defect and is dealing with congestive heart failure. He will need to have open heart surgery in the spring and it weighs heavily in my heart. It makes me sick to think of my baby having to go through something like this and my mind goes crazy when I think of something happening to him. His heart condition also makes him very fragile. He has already spent almost half of his short life in he hospital and is on several medications that are heartbreaking to force into him several times per day. He also has an excessive number of doctor appointments and follow ups with doctors, community agencies, etc. that are overwhelming in both time and cost.
On top of everything with Ollie, I hurt my back when I was 8 months pregnant. I had assumed that it was pregnancy related and that would go back to normal after birth. I did see some improvement, but in the past few weeks, I have been unable to get out of bed. I have also been unable to care for Ollie and am having to rely on my mom and MIL. Thank god for them, as without them, I don't know what we would do. My current pain is out of control and I actually had to go to the ER via ambulance today, because the pain was uncontrollable and I couldn't walk to the car. I am having surgery next week and am hoping that I will get some relief.
Here is to hoping that 2015 brings relief for my back and a successful surgery for my son.
Post by RoxMonster on Dec 19, 2014 16:52:39 GMT -5
It was not a good year. In fact, it was one of the worst years.
FIL died from brain cancer in April. The few months leading up to it were absolutely awful, and then obviously his actual passing was terrible and difficult for the family.
We have had some not great money situations. Didn't save nearly as much as we should have, and then H got in a wreck a week ago that wasn't his fault but the other guy drove off, so we're stuck with a $500 deductible for the repairs, plus paying for his rental out of pocket.
There has been drama and tense relations between us and MIl/BIL. I am really not looking forward to seeing them at christmas.
So overall, not a ton of great things. The upsides were probably our trip to the Smokies last summer, getting lots of house projects done, and doing a ton of hiking this fall.
I feel like a lot of my life is 2 steps forward, 1 step back.
We finally moved into the house, 7 months to the day after we bought it, and over 5 months after we were originally going to move in. But we made some improvements and it feels great to be settled into our first home.
We're still adjusting to the area, but we plan to be here pretty long-term. There are some ups and downs. I wish we knew more people, but we're getting better.
We had a great trip to France and Belgium over the summer.
Financially, we increased retirement and savings, and we should be able to max our tax-advantage retirement contributions either in 2015 or 2016.
I didn't get a new job I wanted, but I was given some more responsibility at work and I have the benefit of working remotely.
I had a major issue with my back/sciatica and a lot of PT.
Our net worth and income is as good as it's ever been, which is a plus for this year. We will probably have one small financial set back in the coming months, but overall, the year has been positive and I see us consistently getting more stable and moving forward in a positive way.
After struggling with IF for over 2.5 years, I finally got pregnant and had a son in October. I am over joyed and can't believe how much I love him. In addition, he is a fantastic baby.
However, late into the pregnancy, we learned that he has Down syndrome and a brain abnormality called Dandy Walker syndrome. As a result, he will have developmental disabilities. Like anyone else, we had discussed if our kid would grow up to be a doctor or lawyer (well maybe I wouldn't have pushed this, based on the recommendation of the MM lawyers, lol), him leaving the house and becoming an independent person, him getting married and us becoming grandparents, etc. We have to almost mourn those dreams/expectations we had for him and us. We know that he will grow up to be an amazing person, but it is an adjustment in our thinking.
In addition, he also has a heart defect and is dealing with congestive heart failure. He will need to have open heart surgery in the spring and it weighs heavily in my heart. It makes me sick to think of my baby having to go through something like this and my mind goes crazy when I think of something happening to him. His heart condition also makes him very fragile. He has already spent almost half of his short life in he hospital and is on several medications that are heartbreaking to force into him several times per day. He also has an excessive number of doctor appointments and follow ups with doctors, community agencies, etc. that are overwhelming in both time and cost.
On top of everything with Ollie, I hurt my back when I was 8 months pregnant. I had assumed that it was pregnancy related and that would go back to normal after birth. I did see some improvement, but in the past few weeks, I have been unable to get out of bed. I have also been unable to care for Ollie and am having to rely on my mom and MIL. Thank god for them, as without them, I don't know what we would do. My current pain is out of control and I actually had to go to the ER via ambulance today, because the pain was uncontrollable and I couldn't walk to the car. I am having surgery next week and am hoping that I will get some relief.
Here is to hoping that 2015 brings relief for my back and a successful surgery for my son.
I liked your first paragraph, but I'm sorry to hear your son's health issues have been so stressful. I hope his surgery goes well!
I have a facebook friend (girl I knew in college, don't really know personally anymore) who had a daughter with DS earlier this year and she just had heart surgery recently - I think last month or maybe late October? Sounds like some of the same stuff you're facing. IDK if this is helpful or not, but here's a link to the FB page she has set up about their whole journey. Her daughter seems to be doing really well now and is absolutely beautiful.
PDQ, I'll delete all eventually, but I'm glad I can type this out.
Well, 2013 sucked completely so really, 2014 had no where to go but up. And it really, really did.
The highlight is that after almost 3 years of infertility and a miscarriage, I am 35 weeks pregnant after IVF. I'm still in denial every day. Even though it's been a slightly difficult pregnancy due to her size/growth issues, I just can't believe it's finally happened for us. I feel like I've survived a truly traumatic event - and it's only now that I've realized just how traumatic it really was. The only cloudy part of this is that so many other posters and real life friends who are going through infertility and still struggling have not had success. But I am hopeful every day for them. Though I fully admit the reality of this is starting to set in and DH and I are both struggling with the loss of our selfish, easy, single lives.
Our marriage is doing pretty well - IF thankfully brought us closer together, and even though I'm the one with the physical issues, it's always felt like "our" battle and "our" struggle. And it helped me get over my fear of needles! I no longer have to close my eyes, and I'm almost at the point of being able to watch the shot.
And work is going well for both of us - we both got good reviews and nice bonuses, so it feels like our hard work during the year was recognized and rewarded. Can't be better than that.
We also moved to the burbs! Jury is still out on that...this house is freaking expensive already. I am really looking forward to when we get over the hump of initial repairs/changes. Damn. Some days, I feel like the money goes out faster than we can make it.
My family isn't doing super awesome, though. My dad was taken off the active list for a kidney transplant for at least 6 months-1 year due to a minor issue he had that has to be monitored. And we found out that even if he goes back on the list, there's a new policy in place to offer the "best" kidneys to younger folks. Obviously, I completely understand and support this policy - if there's a choice between saving a 32 year old dad to young kids and my 62 year old dad to grown kids, I would choose the young dad. But I still want my old dad around as long as possible, damnnit!
Also, my brother has been prtty much absent from my very close family for months. We've since learned that he's been struggling with his girlfriend, who is bi-polar and doesn't take her meds regularly. And doesn't like him to spend time with anyone but her. We've recently learned that she has been physically abusive toward him - and he's been trying to find ways to get out of the situation, which is obviously difficult when you are the male. I am sorry for him b/c I know he really did love her, and he LOVES her dog, but he's moved out of the apartment and is hoping she will leave at the end of the month (as promised). I feel for this girl b/c she's struggling with a real issue, but at the same time, I do not need to see my bro's head getting stitched up b/c she cracked a TV remote over it during an episode. Needless to say, this has taken a toll on my whole family.
DH's family is doing pretty well, though, which is good. Balances mine out a bit.
But, despite the family issues, it has been a good year.