Did you have a good year?

[SPratt74]

I think that when New Year's comes up, we'll all be excited to start the New Year with a fresh start. But I was thinking that maybe this should also be the time to look back and think of all the great things that you have accomplished.

For me, a few of the things were...

1) I got rid of a really bad on/off boyfriend that wasn't any good for me, and I found someone that's really perfect for me. I also am letting him inside my heart whereas before hand, I was letting my old boyfriend stop me from finding real happiness.

2) I found a job that I absolutely love!!!

3) I found a fabulous instructor that loves to compete Ballroom and Latin!

4) I found a group of friends that care about me, and would do anything for me and vice versa.

5) I also joined another group that gets involved with charity. Basically it's a woman's group. But the charities that are in our area come to us, and we decide which ones to help if they need money etc. Or sometimes we'll go and volunteer as well at their events. It's a really neat group that's filled with great and inspiring women. These women are at the top of their game, which means more networking contacts for later on. I'm still on my police board and that, but I wanted to find something more. And I really felt welcomed, so I decided to join them. I'm glad that I did!

6) And I bought a new car! ;)

And of course I have a few things that I didn't accomplish that won't be accomplished until next year, but we already have a thread for that. Have fun! ;)

[fascination]

I hurt fewer people this year

I reconnected with more people

I was more stable on a variety of fronts

[Twilight_Elena]

-I made some hard decisions
-I left school back home and decided to go abroad to study
-I moved to London
-I survived London :rolleyes:

[danceronice]

--I went through several more jobs, but think I've found my right general area (teaching.)

--No matter how short the relationship was, I did finally meet one man I liked that much.

--It may have been turned down (and rightly so; back to square one) but I finally sent a real book to real publishers.

--I started ballroom dancing. That alone would be enough for one year.

[elisedance]

I found a wonderful AM DP : ))
I competed in Am for the first (to fourth!) time and did well : ))
I lost much of my work funding (hanging in there...) : (
I renewed my salary for 7 years : ))
I secured a big package of institute funding : )
I published lots (great for a year) : ))
I helped my best friend : ))
I'm opening up to relationships : )
I'm losing my mother : (((
I'm getting closer to my family : )
My son found, and I met, his life-partner : ))))))))
They are planning marriage : )))
Oh, I became a regular on DF : ))) !

On ballance a :D year to date...

[neat idea by the way spratt]

[samina]

nice thread idea, spratt.

and does sound like a milestone year for you, EE.

will think about my list while i make some coffee...

[Tori]

Mine wasnt that great. A lot of hard stuff.

Made it through the hard stuff
Got kicked out of dance
Started competing again
Got in a potentially fatal car crash
Got really confused about romance in general
Decided what I want to do after I graduate.

That's about it... still sorting out the messes I've made for myself.
Did some incredibly stupid stuff
Had the best (and longest) relationship so far.

[elisedance]

Tori - phew. Seems like you are going through the 'life's lessons' stage - all in one year! The good news is that 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger'. It also makes us make better decisions....

Here's hoping for a next year that cashes in with successes on 'that which did not kill you' etc.
:)

[meow]

I saw my kittens continue to grow and mature as young adults.
I went to New Zealand.
I got alot done around the house.
I discovered that I can live alone without being lonely.
I am better at getting on with things rather than looking back at things (so hence, no negatives listed)
I am adjusting to being a parent to young adults.
Have some true blue friends
Found DF - and nice people on DF.

Luckier than some, so grateful.

[Spitfire]

Let's just say all went ok.

[Laura]

As far as dancing goes, my year started strongly, then completely stalled out, and only now is just getting started again. So next year is ahead and fresh.

As far as everything else goes...well, I'm still here on planet Earth so that's a good thing.

[RIdancer82]

As far as dancing goes, my year started strongly, then completely stalled out, and only now is just getting started again. So next year is ahead and fresh.

funny, I could have written that exact same thing...... Here's to next year being wonderful and strong in dance for us both!

[SPratt74]

Here's to next year being wonderful and strong in dance for us both!

I hope this for everyone on DFactually! ;)

I'm glad that everyone is having a great time with this thread! I was thinking first about how bad my year started out to be, but then I was like that is so silly. Why focus on the bad stuff, when good things did actually happen to me lol? So, that's when I came up with the idea of this thread.

Oh I thought of a couple of more things I accomplished.

1. Bought a new computer.
2. Started working on competition routines! ;)

[DWise1]

Pass


OK, on the plus side, I can better tolerate staying home some nights and weekends.
Negative side, I keep running out of tequila faster than I used to. And our CostCo suddenly stopped carrying the liter bottles.

[fascination]

for me, it hasn't been a good year, but it has been a better year than the one before it...and that is good enough

[Peaches]

Good question...it's actually taking me quite a while to think about what's actually happened this year...seems I can't quite remember it.

DH has seen the market for his business shift dramatically, which means a drastic downturn in his business--which means more hours for him at work, a lot of change, and less time for the two of us to spend together, which puts stress on us.

Some medical things have changed for me, much for the better.

My brother came home from Iraq OK, which is a very good thing. And he's engaged, which is another good thing.

I've gotten a new project at work which makes me happier than I've been for the last 3.5 years...or at least I will be happier when it really kicks in.

Have seen some friendships change, not particularly for the better. Have gained a friend.

Dance-wise...
Tweaked out over a showcase and have mostly stopped dancing ballroom, although I dabble. Still not sure how I feel about it, although I'm mostly OK with it...I think...some days.

Made the decision to "own" being an AT dancer, which feels wonderful. Really feel like I'm coming into my own with AT.

[JEM]

Hi to all. I’ve been lurking for awhile – so new to dance I didn’t feel I could contribute to any discussion til I read this thread. It has been an amazing year. One year ago I couldn’t dance a step. My DH and I started lessons last March, and I totally completely love dancing. We dance 4-6 x’s a week now between lessons and going out. We are strictly social dancers, and cannot learn fast enough. What a difference a year makes! I’ve learned much from this forum too – what a wealth of knowledge – thanks to you all for sharing.

[elisedance]

welcome to - or should I say 'out on' - DF! You express the feelings we all had or have - and its amazing how dancing sticks. I wonder if the next year will see you and yours going from 'social' to 'competition' ! If you love dance and love to work at it, competition provides the measure and the goal for the effort.

[fascination]

Hi to all. I’ve been lurking for awhile – so new to dance I didn’t feel I could contribute to any discussion til I read this thread. It has been an amazing year. One year ago I couldn’t dance a step. My DH and I started lessons last March, and I totally completely love dancing. We dance 4-6 x’s a week now between lessons and going out. We are strictly social dancers, and cannot learn fast enough. What a difference a year makes! I’ve learned much from this forum too – what a wealth of knowledge – thanks to you all for sharing.
welcome to DF

[redHOT]

Getting rid of the ex was the catalyst for all events that occurred this year! I picked up dancing as an interest. Now, I am out almost 5 nights per week doing some Latin dancing and once per month or less :( trying to relearn Hustle. I am meeting really nice people & getting exercise at the same time! Woot!

It took forever, but best of all the ex is out of my life :)

[elisedance]

[COLOR=black]It took forever, but best of all the ex is out of my life :)

Funny how either way, getting them in or getting them out, always rank as the most significant events! :rolleyes:

[SuzieQ]

Pass


OK, on the plus side, I can better tolerate staying home some nights and weekends.
Negative side, I keep running out of tequila faster than I used to. And our CostCo suddenly stopped carrying the liter bottles.

I hope next year will be better for you. I can identify with the struggle over staying home nights. :sad:

Also hope you find a new source for the tequila!

[jennyisdancing]

Funny how either way, getting them in or getting them out, always rank as the most significant events!

Hmmmm..yep

In the past year or so:

1. Got dumped by longtime b/f :(
upside: freed up my time to get back into dancing after a long absence
2. Lost my father :cry::cry:
upside: none, but dancing helps cheer me up
3. Sent my kid to college :)
downside: I miss him. upside: frees up more time for dancing
4. Big financial burdens, partly due to #3
upside: none, and it limits my dancing, but I'm doing the best I can

I've learned a lot of dancing this year, here's my progress:

1. West Coast Swing: started with nothing, progressed to intermediate in 3 months
2. Argentine Tango: started with nothing, progressed to beginner in 6 months (yeah, it takes a long time and it will be a while before I'm out of beginner)
3. Salsa: started knowing only three basic steps, progressed to intermediate in 3 months
4. Hustle: started knowing three basic steps, progressed to intermediate after 1 month
5. Latin, Standard, other swing (cha cha, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, East Coast swing) started with knowing 1 or 2 steps in each, now at beginner after a few lessons in each
6. Flamenco: started with nothing, still a struggling beginner after 2 months. Flamenco is hard!

[SuzieQ]

I've not had a good year--certainly not "terrible" in comparison to some others, but it's been a real struggle. A move I'm not happy with, a drastic cut in my dancing opportunities, relationship problems, a boss I literally cannot stand, financial struggles--

I know, somehow, this is all going to work out for the best, but I am not a happy camper.

[DWise1]

I hope next year will be better for you. I can identify with the struggle over staying home nights. :sad:

When I moved in nearly three years ago, I brought with me boxes containing 28 years of records that I planned to sort through and reduce. Having to buy all my furniture from scratch, I got a bed, sofa, and dining table and chairs. At the time, I couldn't find any bedroom furniture that appealed to me and for $1000 I didn't want to buy just anything. So I used the built-in shelves in the closet and left the extra clothing in the trash bags I brought them in.

Three years later, it all looks exactly the same. Maybe during my week off for the holidays I can try to accomplish something during the daytime.

Also hope you find a new source for the tequila!
Oh I got sources. Trader Joe's (are they only in SoCalif?) has it, Cazadores, and probably at the going rate, but in the .75 l bottle. CostCo's liter bottle costs about the same, so it's just that it's a better deal. I'll probably pick up some at BevMo tonight when I replenish my Obstler.

I've not had a good year
I'm on a six-year stretch.

There's a somewhat older woman I met when I started West Coast about six years ago. She has many health problems that are mostly heart-related. Yet I keep seeing her out dancing at West Coast and country dances and I just saw her working as a volunteer at the US Open.

At a country dance a few months ago I had sat down to rest. So she walked over to me and said:
"The secret is to keep moving."

[waltzgirl]

When I moved in nearly three years ago, I brought with me boxes containing 28 years of records that I planned to sort through and reduce. Having to buy all my furniture from scratch, I got a bed, sofa, and dining table and chairs. At the time, I couldn't find any bedroom furniture that appealed to me and for $1000 I didn't want to buy just anything. So I used the built-in shelves in the closet and left the extra clothing in the trash bags I brought them in.

Three years later, it all looks exactly the same. Maybe during my week off for the holidays I can try to accomplish something during the daytime.

IKEA! It's cheap, looks decent, and you can sell it or donate it when you get ready to buy something better.

[SPratt74]

I've learned a lot of dancing this year, here's my progress:

1. West Coast Swing: started with nothing, progressed to intermediate in 3 months
2. Argentine Tango: started with nothing, progressed to beginner in 6 months (yeah, it takes a long time and it will be a while before I'm out of beginner)
3. Salsa: started knowing only three basic steps, progressed to intermediate in 3 months
4. Hustle: started knowing three basic steps, progressed to intermediate after 1 month
5. Latin, Standard, other swing (cha cha, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, East Coast swing) started with knowing 1 or 2 steps in each, now at beginner after a few lessons in each
6. Flamenco: started with nothing, still a struggling beginner after 2 months. Flamenco is hard!

Hey... this could be a whole new thread!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

I wouldn't know where to begin with mine! Except to say that I know that I have drastically improved since I was able to take lessons on a more weekly basis than before after beginning my new job. And... am even working on silver steps, and competition routines, and loving it all! Oh... I could go on forever with that one!!!! ;)

[SuzieQ]

When I moved in nearly three years ago, I brought with me boxes containing 28 years of records that I planned to sort through and reduce. Having to buy all my furniture from scratch, I got a bed, sofa, and dining table and chairs. At the time, I couldn't find any bedroom furniture that appealed to me and for $1000 I didn't want to buy just anything. So I used the built-in shelves in the closet and left the extra clothing in the trash bags I brought them in.

Three years later, it all looks exactly the same. Maybe during my week off for the holidays I can try to accomplish something during the daytime.

Try working on it 15 minutes at a time. It will eventually get done.

"The secret is to keep moving." ;)

[DennisBeach]

It was a very good year. Big itema are I will be 6 months away from retirement and 2 new grandsons. The boys took the lead this year, 3 to 2.

[lcdancesport]

Not a bad year for me, better than last year:

Bought a condo back in June.
Started teaching dance earlier this spring.
Adopted an adorable Bengal cat.
Am in a steady relationship.

The only negatives are:
I cannot stand sitting at a desk all day long for my "day job".
I wish I had a dance partner or someone to dance with on a more regular basis.

[RIdancer82]

Saying this year was a rollercoaster is an understatement, but it finally looks like this year might actually be coming to a close on a good note all around. (didn't think it was possible a month ago, but things are finally looking up) :)

[elisedance]

well, we're pullin' for you here - in samba time of course...

[chachachacat]

* Went to a new cardiologist, and will have surgery in February to FIX my heart problem!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!
:bouncy:
* Started writing my books!
* Healed relationship with my only sister, partly due to Landmark. We are so close now, I am very grateful. :friend:
* Walked a lot, lost some weight, taking better care of myself.
* Nursing my kitty half the year, then lost my special baby. :cry:


So, my life will be really GREAT in '08!!
* I will start Dancing again!!!
* I hope to start teaching again!! I will be getting my life back!
So, the new year holds all kinds of possibilities for me.

[waltzgirl]

Congratulations, cccc! Sounds like a wonderful change for the better!

I've had a quiet year overall, but two new things:

--realized that I've achieved the goal I had the very first time I walked through the studio door: to become a good social dancer able to have a mutually enjoyable dance with just about anybody. Other goals developed later, but it's very satisfying to have achieved this one, since it's the one that brought me into the studio and gives me so much pleasure every week.

--tried an experiment in car-free living that's working out very well. It started literally by accident--I had an accident that put the car out of commission for a while, so I tried the bus. To my surprise, the bus system here is quite efficient. I'm lucky to live within a couple blocks of 6 different lines, so I can get the places I need to go pretty easily. In fact, one bus takes me directly to the door of both the studios I go to. And I enjoy it. I get a little exercise walking to and from the bus. I like the downtime during the ride to read, people-watch, or just daydream. I feel so environmentally virtuous I can hardly stand it! And the money I'm saving on car payment, insurance, and gas = 4-5 dance lessons a month!

[etp777]

A good public transportation system (plus willingness to walk a bit) can go a long way towards improving your budget and your health. I know at home I take train into city every day, then take CTA (el/subway) or walk around city. Pro takes CTA from her place into office, sister takes cta etc. Sure makes life easier. Heh, if I visit new studio mentioned over in dance ads forum, can even walk there from train station, go to a party or lesson, and then take train back to my normal station to pick up my truck.

Plus of course you can do train/pub crawls. All for charity of course, ti's not about the drinking. ;)

[waltzgirl]

I should probably add that I live in Southern California--land of the car! Taking public transportation isn't unusual in cities back East, but here it's downright exotic!

[latingal]

Had an amazing year, I'm very grateful for all those who helped and participated!

[Peaches]

A good public transportation system (plus willingness to walk a bit) can go a long way towards improving your budget and your health. I know at home I take train into city every day, then take CTA (el/subway) or walk around city. Pro takes CTA from her place into office, sister takes cta etc. Sure makes life easier. Heh, if I visit new studio mentioned over in dance ads forum, can even walk there from train station, go to a party or lesson, and then take train back to my normal station to pick up my truck.

Plus of course you can do train/pub crawls. All for charity of course, ti's not about the drinking. ;)
I take the train to work every day. It's definitely a love-hate relationship. Public transportation costs are subsidized, which is nice. But even just the parking alone under our building is as much as a monthly train ticket, so even without the subsidy it'd be cheaper once you figure in gas and insurance. Besides, the traffic sucks.

OTOH...I hate not having the flexibility that a car allows. I hate that I can't do much in the city after work..b/c the last train leaves around 7:15 (I get off work at 5:30.). I hate that if I take the train home and then drive back in, I can't get anywhere before 8pm. I hate the frequent delays--because it's too windy, or too wet, or too sunny, or too dry...or it's a Tuesday, or a Friday...or god knows what else. Freakin' p.i.t.a.

But...it makes sense in the long run. And I couldn't stand to live in the city. And I'd reached the point, years ago, that I fully understood road rage, which scared me. And we made the conscious decision to move to the hinterlands for DH's business. So, I guess I can't complain all that much. (Not that that ever stopped me.)

[DWise1]

I should probably add that I live in Southern California--land of the car! Taking public transportation isn't unusual in cities back East, but here it's downright exotic!

And also not too practical, time-wise. Every time I started working in a different location, I would check out the bus schedules. Most of the time I'd have to connect with two or three different routes. A 20-minute drive to work would turn into one and a half hours by bus.

Though sometimes it could turn out right. In college during the gas shortages of the early 70's, I lived in Santa Ana while commuting to class at Cal-State Fullerton. So I'd park at The City mall and take the bus (25 cents) to school -- The City was one of the route hubs, so it was a straight shot from there up to CSUF. Then I'd take the bus back and even catch a night class at Santa Ana College.

Of course, now the other challenge would be to work the right route connections from work to studio to home (late at night).

[waltzgirl]

I just lucked out in where I live and where I need to go, mostly. And getting home at night is a problem. I've actually taken the bus to Starbucks near my house and called a cab from there. (I also cheat a bit because my roommate lets me borrow her car in the evenings sometimes.)

[elisedance]

[QUOTE=chachachacat;503434]* Went to a new cardiologist, and will have surgery in February to FIX my heart problem!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!


CCCC: absolutely fantastic news. Please do keep us updated - we will all be thinking of you in Feb..... :together:

[etp777]

I take the train to work every day. It's definitely a love-hate relationship. Public transportation costs are subsidized, which is nice. But even just the parking alone under our building is as much as a monthly train ticket, so even without the subsidy it'd be cheaper once you figure in gas and insurance. Besides, the traffic sucks.

OTOH...I hate not having the flexibility that a car allows. I hate that I can't do much in the city after work..b/c the last train leaves around 7:15 (I get off work at 5:30.). I hate that if I take the train home and then drive back in, I can't get anywhere before 8pm. I hate the frequent delays--because it's too windy, or too wet, or too sunny, or too dry...or it's a Tuesday, or a Friday...or god knows what else. Freakin' p.i.t.a.

But...it makes sense in the long run. And I couldn't stand to live in the city. And I'd reached the point, years ago, that I fully understood road rage, which scared me. And we made the conscious decision to move to the hinterlands for DH's business. So, I guess I can't complain all that much. (Not that that ever stopped me.)

Yeah, how much I enjoy the train varies by what else is going on, but msot of the time it's well worth it. Cost me $11-35/day for parking, plus gas for 70 mile drive ($10 or so) and another $1.20 in tolls. Take the train, and I pay about $4.20 on the train ticket (105.30/mo), $1.50 for parking at the train station, and gas for a 10 mile drive. So just over $200/mo to take train, or $385-1100+ to drive my truck. No contest as to which is better. :) But the trains also run longer, last train leaves at 12:30 on weekdays and saturday, and I think 8:30 or 10:30 on sundays. So a lot mroe flexibility, though it still meant that I saw first 2/3 of several movies last fall with friend because we'd go to 10pm showings and I'd have to run to catch the train. Also generally left studio parties about 15 min early to catch the 10:30 trains. So not perfect, but sure worth the savings in money. :) Probably be even cheaper when i get back, as I am looking at a place on train station closer (think it was $10-15 cheaper for monthly ticket), plus it's closer to train station, so less gas there. Not a huge savings, but it adds up. That's a coaching a year extra. :)