What day is it again?

So another year is quickly approaching its end, there’s been some ups, many downs but in the end it’s setting up an interesting 2010. It started with our application to migrate to Australia a process which is still ongoing. Spring saw the wedding of two close friends, Summer saw me switch jobs and I turned 26 in October. I guess what I’m pointing out is, in general, this year has been quiet. That’s not a bad thing mind, just I was hoping to have news by now of at least our State Sponsorship.

I’d say in general it was a decent year. Very little to complain about to be honest and as the year draws near it’s only the last few weeks where things haven’t been good. I won’t go in to why that is here as it warrants a post all of its own if indeed I post about it at all.

So what does 2010 hold then since I said that this year has been setting it up. Well first and foremost by this time next year I hope to be blogging about being in Australia and how things are going but also I think it may be the first year in which I’ll be more financially sound. Right now it doesn’t look like it but things have been put in motion and lessons have been learned and as I always say, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of hope. Next I also plan to try and do things I’ve not done before on of which will be to go to a festival like Leeds/Reading or some such. How this will work out I don’t know. I will also be doing the experience day that my sister bought me for my birthday. I’ve still not decided what to do but it’ll be either a Ferrari, Porsche or Nissan GTR that I’ll go for but the Ariel Atom is also appealing.

So here’s a toast to 2009 a year in which we started the ball rolling (finally) on migration but also a year of learning. Here’s hoping that the foundations set by it will lead to an even more interesting 2010.

As many who know me personally will know this has long since been a desire however there was always the stumbling block of money and timing. Well it all came to a head start of this month when we decided we’d waited enough and come hell or high water we’d apply. The economy everwhere is shot so it didn’t really matter and we happened to have funds in place that could assist in our application so we figured why the hell not. So we started things off and then told family. I’m not 100% sure what all their thoughts are as at the moment I’ve just been told good luck and such. I’d rather not speculate so it’s good that the feedback has been positive.

So there we are, breaking old news shocker and no doubt I will keep you all up-to-date with what’s happening on our emigration. Right now Cat is sorting her skills assessment and has an English test 7th Feb I think. Don’t ask why she’s taking just know that it gives more points.

I guess though the main thing of 2007 was the fact that I graduated from University which was officially certified in November. Catrin and I also celebrated our first full year of marriage with a fun party for all and chances are we’ll do the same next year. I saw my first NFL and NHL game at two great venues and less to say I hope I’m able to do something similar this year and Catrin turned 25.

As for the not so good points I don’t really want to go back over, they’ve happened and a partially document here but I can’t see much reason pointing them out. So what does 2008 hold? First and foremost it’s my 25th birthday this year (although it’s a while till that’ll happen) and Catrin and I will be heading to Iceland in the summer. Not to mention the fact that I have a half-marathon to run as well. Then there are those things that you don’t plan for and just happen. What those things will be, well that’s why life is so exciting I guess. As for resolutions, well I hope to lose weight as well as get fitter but that’s what most people list for resolutions.

So here’s to 2008 and a happy new year to you all!

Aside from that I’ve been panicking about my final year project and generally worriting. Hopefully once all is a little more settled I’ll get back into a groove more frequent blog posts.

Anyway, start of the year I’d just come back from New Year in Australia for the 2nd time in my life. It was fantastic as usual and really had me pepped up for the year ahead. By February Cati and I had decided to move out to new digs and had a place set up in Bradley Stoke. I moved in February while Cati stayed in the flat in the centre as each location gave us both handy access to our respective Universities. I then basically concentrated on getting the house sorted and passing my modules at Uni. By the end of May I’d take all the exams and in June Cati joined me out in Bradley Stoke. Then came the biggest day of my life/year when, on the 8th July, Cati and I finally got married. Pictures can still be found on our Wedding Site if you haven’t been there yet. Straight after that we went on our Honeymoon to Mauritius which was lovely and I would dearly like to go back again possibly when the weather is a tad better. Late July I saw Cati graduate from Bristol Uni in a long ceremony and then by the end of August somehow myself managed to pass all my exams leaving me with just one year left, hopefully. September saw me start back at UWE and the wonderful task of conjuring up a final year project to do which, to this date, isn’t really started. I was up in Scotland by December visiting my brother which was nice. However, not long after I came home I was informed that my Grandpa had passed away. Due to varying circumstances I missed the funeral which added to things as he never saw our wedding as we failed to get the DVD up to my Grandparents. Finally Christmas came which I spent with my family in Yorkshire which was fun as I got a Wii for Christmas. New Year was spent at home in Bristol with Cati and close friends including my best man Andy who came down with us from Yorkshire.

So that was 2006 and now for 2007. Really all I’ve got is goals. I want to graduate from Uni this year as I don’t honestly think I could take a 6th year at Uni. I want to find a job as quickly as I can and also pass my driving test. The other thing on my mind is our first wedding anniversary as well as Cati’s birthday in December. Still, these things are yet to come. No doubt you’ll find out how I do, lets hope it goes better than I think.

That was the weekend then however Monday night had one last suprise and that was a visit to A&E after I injured myself and it required a look at. Everything went quiet until Wednesday when I was called by my dad to tell me that my Grandpa had passed away quiet peacefully earlier that day. Although not a shock I was suddenly hit with guilt as I realised that although I had the wedding DVD sorted and ready to send I never did and therefore he never got to see our wedding which I dearly wish he had. I then had to decide whether I wanted to attend the funeral and, unfortunately due to a number of things, I had to call my dad back the next day explaining I couldn’t. The funeral is next Monday so those of you who believe in certain things if you could pray and think of my Grandma I would greatly appreciate it.

So yes, it’s been an interesting week filled with mixed emotions and a lot of different life events.

In other news Cat and I have had a guest staying with us since Thursday. Cat met her when she went to Taize earlier this year. So it was nice to have someone staying over and I also enjoyed showing our guest the sights of Bristol and what have you. Coinciding with this was last nights entertainment which was the stage show Cats. It was fun but not as good as the same production I saw a year or so ago. Some of the leads weren’t as good but there you go. The night was fun and we all enjoyed ourselves, we also stopped by a friend of ours birthday. I’m also looking forward to next weekend when I’m going to visit my brother in Edinburgh. Haven’t seen him since the wedding and since he’s just got engaged to Ruth it’d be nice to catch up on things.

Swinging back to gaming finished another season on FM. Really enjoying the Lower League Management side of the game. Certainly a lot more rewarding if a heck of a lot more challenging. Certainly helps pass the hours and what have you.