2009 Highs and Lows.

[Lissa]

As this year drags itself to a close, what have been your highs and lows over the last 12 months?

There is no doubt that for many, the loss of Hovis will be the biggest low. Even people who didn't know him very well were obviously deeply affected by his death, and he will certainly never be forgotten.

I've been very lucky this year, and have far more highs than lows to look back on, but one high that sticks out in my memory more than anything else is the Monday of the GM2 weekend, when we went to Applecross with Olly, Seggons and the YC's and bumped into Quiff and Mandy at Fort Augustus on the way back. If ever there was one perfect day this year, that was it.

So what have been your highs and lows?

Yep no doubt the sad loss of Hovis was one of the biggest lows for most of us on here but as you stated i too have had more highs this year than lows, ive got some great friends rounds me to help me in my down times and i enjoy every single bike camping trip i attend i did 6 in 2009 and i'm aiming for 10 in 2010! Bring it on!

High of this year for me was moving into our new home, also hearing my nephew say my name and learning new words.

Lowest point of this year and my life so far, was the passing of my Grandad. In total my family and extended family has suffered 4 deaths in 7 months, Plus Hovis. Sad year indeed.

I hope for a happier 2010 and look forward to enjoying our new home.

[maviczap]

Not in any particular order
1. AR09 meeting up with some of the madhouse
2. Taking the kids to Euro Disney
3. Seeing Springsteen in Munich - epic night
4. EAR rideout in September

Lows my brothers partner walking out on him and their kids. Totally out of the blue

Stragely 2009 has been more highs than lows

The best high for me this year was becoming Mrs Carey

Low would be losing Hovis, and also finding out this month that drew's grandma has terminal stomach cancer... and it just the matter of when

2009 has been rubbish for me

Got diagnosed with a chronic illness, partners sister died of cancer at the age of 35, work has been stressful

Not sure there have been any highs for me.....only one I can think off is that my own business went well. Compared to the rest I couldn't care less though.

Here's hoping 2010 will be better

[dizzyblonde]

Many bumps n lumps.
Coming out of the fall off the happy boat, was a steep climb.

The rideouts are always a high for me.

The breakup with Carnivore was very low, took up most of the year, but is now a high again as we get on so much better. Funny thing-we probably love each other in a much different way, we've both moved on, and we're more than civil about that.

Being prodded and poked for boob lumps wasn't exactly comfy and 2010 will kick off with an op at some point.

Being swept off my feet by a flying horse certainly wasn't to be seen coming, getting engaged was the best thing by far.

Hovis was a very big low. Damn welsh git still sticks a lump in my throat when he is thought of.

Hmmmmm my lifes better than the big dipper at Blackpool!

[Jayneflakes]

A mixed year for us, but mainly a list of highs.

Carol and I got engaged on the first of October, also the same day that she was made Bankrupt. Bankruptcy was terrifying and going to court to see it done was thankfully not as bad as I thought it would be.

Carol's son was made Cadet of the year in his Sea Cadet Unit, but he now spends his every spare moment at Sea Cadets and we never see him.

Carol was threatened with redundancy last month when her company was taken over, but it looks like she has been transferred over and will continue her work as normal.

I was promoted at work and love my new job role, with hopes of going further still. Then I had an accident, when a large heavy box fell off a stack and hit me on the back of the neck. I am still off sick with back pain and I can't move my head too well, but hope to return to work in a couple of weeks. Not sure if this will effect my chances of promotion though.

The best part of the year though was two litters of kittens by a stray cat that adopted us. Helping the very first kitten to be born and cutting a few umbilical cords once mummy cat got two tired was something that will stay with me for ever. Bottle feeding the second lot of kittens because mummy was exhausted, bonded one of the kittens to me. We named him Mr Pushkin or Bra cat because he spent a lot of time snuggled up asleep in my bra.

Every kitten was found a loving home where each one has blossomed. Only one is not in touch with us, but is loved by a lovely little girl who adores her cat. Mr Pushkin went to our friend Ruth, who also had our first kitten. Both cats live together and she loves them, although we think she spoils them and lets them get away with too much!

As for 2010, I am going to see Marduk in January and hope to meet up with a couple of Orgers there. Sadly, my CBT runs out in January and I never got around to doing my test (in truth, I was too skint). So I have to do the bloody thing again and hope that I can take my test soon. I am turning my SV into a Streetfighter (see this thread) and am really enjoying it.

Wishing you all a better 2010 and lets not lose any dearly loved friends this year, even if they are real or not.

[Bri w]

The start of the year was a real high - got rid of my sticks after 3 years (promptly fell down.....only kidding) and by the middle of the year was back on a bike.

Losing mum in June was/is a mega down, made worse by watching my two younger sisters just fall apart.

Ex-wife (divorced 19yrs) has caused ructions, and now my daughters have taken their bat and ball - they didn't visit at Xmas, nor will answer their phones when I ring.

That said, i'm alive. I have plenty of things to look forward to. There's more good than bad. Bring on 2010!

[steveg]

I had a difficult year

Bad
My Dad was really ill again while on holiday and nearly died
My Nan was really ill and was told she had no hope of recovery
I had Bells Palsey for 8 weeks
Job at risk , therefore stopped going out on bike apart from commuting , 2010 gonna get out with org and local IAM group hopefully and stop worrying ( born worrier)

Good
My Dad got better
My Nan got better
I got better
Job still at risk but family being well is priceless

Hopefully 2010 will be better , but on the scale of things 2009 could have been a lot lot worse

Happy New Year to you all

Cheers Steveg