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Well, it’s the end of another year. Just curious how your year has turned out.
Did ya have a good year? Bad year? So so year?
I noticed a lot of new family additions amongst regulars and newbies alike, so we know THOSE folks have had a great year. Their new blessings are gonna make for a lot of good years to come.
I’ve had better years, but this one hasn’t been as bad as some people I know. Been lots of death this year. Been lots of personal growth for me this year too. I’ve made new friends, rekindled some old friendships, found new hope, and found out I have Chicken Pox. 39 freaking years old, and I get Chicken Pox. Mine seems to be a mild case, and I don’t have all that many spots. They told me it could have been REAL BAD at my age. So, I guess it has been a blessing rather than a hardship and curse. It all depends on how you choose to look at things.
So how was YOUR year!
James DuHamel
Replies
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James,
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*It was a good year. Did ok financially, the good Lord has Blessed me by taking care of and provideing for my family. I realized my humanity as this is the first time in my life Ive had any kind of surgery and I had 3 ops so ive been taken care of myself better. I think the best part is getting to know some of you guys. i look fwd to meeting ya'll face to face.
*good jobs.. good help... great wife... good friends....daughter graduated from college... everything was going great until joe told me he shaved his beard and cut off his ponytail...joe.. you can borrow my clip-on...
*I take the chicken pox and you can have my bad back, the hospital bill for daughters week in intensive care, and my wife's new found breast cancer.We can both thank God together that he answers prayers and holds us up in times of difficulty.Mt career is adapting to the flow of events and I'm growing in it.Goopd to reflect and offer thanks - better to look ahead.
*Breast cancer Im so sorry piffin but keep the faith the Lord is the great physician.
*Great year! better profit,great clients,truck's paid for next month,got to meet some of the guys at the Luka Buildfest and Feedfest at Blodgetts,Family and friends are all healthy,My 2 year old grandson can finally talk,only picked up one internet viris,the cookies are made,my lights are up and all the shopping and wrapping are done. Merry Christmas!Bob
*My year sucked, for the most part. Started a spec house. Had horrible winter weather when we were framing it. Ended up shoveling about a foot of snow out the window and door openings after the roof was on. The sump pump wouldn't work due to the freezing temperatures. The water under the slab froze and cracked the slab. The foundation leaked badly, and I spent $3,500 digging it back up and fixing it. The day after I finished up the foundation, I showed up at work and was immediately fired for interviewing with another company. Kitchen cabinets burned up in a fire, and I may never see the $4,100 deposit I put down on them. Dad's combine caught fire during harvest and was a total loss. The timing chain came off the engine of my one ton truck while hauling grain. Bent valves in 3 of the cylinders. I don't have the money to fix it. The freakin' spec house hasn't sold, and the construction loan expired. So we had to convert it to a mortgage, and get to make a $920 payment in addition to our regular bills. The Wife and I are having problems, and are starting counseling. My Father-in-law announced last week that he's decided to move to the town we live in. In fact, he's decided he needs to move in with us since he has no money and no car. And he's moving next week so he can spend Christmas with us. Other than that, it's been a good year.
*Ron,
*It's been a good year, I haven't assumed room temp. :-)) Daniel
*Ron,This to will pass. Dont give up on the DW. Keep trying. It seems when ya go through bad times the stress really adds up on the marriage. About 7 years ago some guy broke into our house and tried to rape my SIL who was only 19 at the time. She came from a small town in Mexico. The wife and I stressed so bad about it and other things like my car getting slolen immediately after the attempted rape and getting hit with a huge tax bill ect ect. It was rough almost tore us apart but we made it. Didnt get over the guilt about the rape until 3 years ago when we took a vacation to mexico and talked with her parents and SIL about what happened. SIL and I cried over it andher parents understood what happened. Ya see I got a Black Belt in karate and have guns in the house know how to use them I always felt I could protect my family. But The guy came when DW and I were at work and felt guilty about not protecting the family. I couldnt even leave my house and go on vacation just paranoid. It wasnt until we sold the home and bought another just 2 years ago in may that we could relax. Even then we still are a tad paranoid. Well anyway enough of my rant about the past. Just perservere and It will be ok.
*ron.s.. had a couple years like the one you just went thru...keep your chin up.. if you can hang on to the spec house.. it'll probably turn around, or inflation will bail you out..the counseling is the best bet.. if both of you are willing to listen and work on it.. it's probably well worth saving...of all the investments you've made.. your marriage is the most important..put dad to work.. and try to enjoy him.. he ain't going to be around forever...short , cold days, christmas stress, hell.. if it don't kill ya.. it'll certainly make ya stronger...
*It's been a great year.I've been ponytail free for ten years. Actually forever.I only shave every two to three days, so I never could grow a beard.I set a goal last year of increasing gross sales by 50 percent. And exceeded it. Same goal for next year.I too brought another little one into the world. I'm stopping at three.Paid off truck. Paid all my bills on time.Still married. We went to a counseler once, we both agreed we could work on our problems at a lower hourly rate. Now I just pay her eighty bucks an hour to bitch about me. Then she can go out an buy herself something nice when she's done.Keep up the good attitude all, and Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!!!
*good move tommy, hope helen doesn't hear about that one....
*I've had a good year, my family is healthy and growing (my sons voice has changed in the last 2 weeks) I haven't said anything that made my wife cry in at least 12 months.......working by myself (no workman's comp audits)......building stairs in some really nice homes.....got a great church with a great pastor....(live next to a nature area (no developements forever!)on a private street with family in 6 out of 7 houses and I gotta Toyota 4x4 paid for....God has blessed me abundantly.
*I've had a great year....I know this has nothing to do with the construction industry.......I have reached about 200 kids in my math classes...I have been able to reach about 160 of my fellow teachers in my seminars......I have seen kids go from "I don't know" to "I can reason".....I have seen my fellow educators go from "Hell, no, I don't want to change" to "Hey, I will give all of these new ideas a chance".....I have seen my grandkids grow and attain some new knowledge......I have seen my husband go from "why the hell do you try" to "good job, now I understand"......I know that my job depends upon how much knowledge I impart, but also, how much knowledge is absorbed.......I get paid, regardless of how much my kids learn, but, folks, I do take this seriously and just don't take that paycheck without input......Happy Holidays and I do truly wish the best for all of you......Even you conservatives .....Still is the best country in the world.......Peace
*great year- made money- happily married to a wonderful woman- kids are terrific-lost some weight and bought some tools.merry christmas all
*This has been a tough year. Not complaining, since there are certainly plenty out there who don't have it anywhere near as good as me, but it hasn't been one of my best.SHG
*After seeing what Ron and Ron have gone through this year, I realize that the worst times I've had this year have been pretty good. I have 2 great kids at home, a wife that still likes me, a great friend to work with, and a $500,000.00 remodel going on. The lord has blessed us this year. Thanks to all of you for the exchange of ideas and knowledge here and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
*My year hasn't been bad at all.My three kids are all happy and healthy,doing well in school and reasonably well adjusted.The wife still speaks to me,sometimes without frowning or giving me that where are you going now look.All the bills are paid,business is good with no end in site.It's winter but the weather is mild and we're getting alot done.No one is calling and busting my balls with when are you coming or when will you be done or the snow is coming in our addition.I feel good, nothing hurts to much I'm able to get up every day.I don't even feel guilty about having a good year,I've had my share of bad ones.To all the guys that are having bad years,don't get depressed,life is like a river it flows.Keep paddling because you never know what's around the next bend.Vince
*Hello all. I am new around this bullitin board, I thought this would be a good place for me to jump in. My year has been a success in my eyes. After eight years working as a project manager for someone else I am now going alone. For now I have been picking up remodels and additions. My goal is the whole house, but I am patient. The best part of this year is that I am now engaged. Oct 12 next year.Until next time....
*Welcome Dseymour,Glad to have ya aboard, and hope you have a great time here. James DuHamel
*As usual, my business is paying off abundantly to pay for all of my toys and financial mistakes that I create. I have to accept that the only way I can make real money is with my hands, and I mean my own two hands. I will never have a desk job and make the money I make now. I am waiting for my new home to be completed in March as the problems that have arisen during construction have been rectified. Drywall is up, mud is going up inside and out. My only child is in kindergarden(she's 5 and I'm 50) and she is getting an award today. I'll be there. Work this week got moved up to after the hollidays. I like that. I Bought alot of new pants(slacks) and I need to take them to the tailor shop to size them to a 35 waist. Had to give it up. I was a 34 waist in 2001, 33 waist in 2000 and prior. Got to go with the flow but 35 is the limit. The new weight gain has definitely relieved any back pain I used to have. I'm selling my Titleist 990 irons(1-P). They are just short of a tour blade. I'm not good enough to hit'em. I'll get fitted today with the new Hogan Apex Edge cavity back forged head. I love my Taylor-Made 320cc driver. Straight and long. Went to some of the best Christmas parties this year. Everyone seemed to be into it. Business this upcomming year looks strong so far. I will raise my rates some. GW
*James, Year started out kind of rough, ( I had a stroke-strokes in Sept 00) and spent months trying to live with aftermath, I was very lucky that my girlfriend was so supportive, I moved in with her in April and we were married in June, ( happiest day of my life). Summer was great, I can't work so spent time in the garden and on small projects. Last couple of months have been really rough, my wife is in the hospital suffering from severe depression ( she is bi-polar) then I fell and broke two ribs so everything is taking so much energy. My wife came home for the week-end but then crashed and had to return to hospital. I am feeling overwhelmed at moment but struggling on. I am hoping she can come home for Christmas but everything is up in the air at the moment. If there is any-one out there who has gone through similar problems any advice will be greatfully received.Peace, Health and Prosperity to All.so long from the Kootenays,gtw
*i got a great church with a great pastor....(live next to a nature area (no developements forever!)on a private street with family in 6 out of 7 houses Allen, it sounds like we share the same street.
*Greg,LOL. A looonnggggggg time ago someone gave mne several pairs of really nice slacks, size 32. I passed them on again figuring that I would never fit into them since I was a 29 then. Now at 35widebody I'm really ready to stop gaining.
*Nice thread. Makes me feel like I`m in good company.This has been a more challenging year than usual but I`m coming off a long string of good ones so I`m due. A good dose of humble pie helps keep me balanced.Life is good!
*it's always a combination, isn't it?my mother is dying a miserable death from a degenerative disease - but we have good help and hospice - dad, 86, is losing his sight and hearing - but his mind is still sharp- DW's grandniece, 10 months and the first of her generation, suddenly exhibited what has been diagnosed as a congenital heart defect and is in the hospital on a respirater awaiting a heart transplant - no up side to this one - 15 minute hail storm on may 26 damaged every fruit in the orchard, impacting the bottom line as well - but my retail was good despite the rough fruit - trip to the emergency room and three days in the hospital with DW turned out to be nothing of long term consequence - my own child who was very ill two years ago is off to college and THRIVING - do a good job with your kids, later you can live vicariously through them - other two teenagers are joys (most of the time)dad is still with us and lives within walking distancebuilt the new bathroom that been promised for 10 years - rustic, but refined (where have I seen that phrase used?) (put a door on the outhouse )woodshed is full, bills are paid, woodmizer is showing up tomorrow - we have a circle of good friends, actually several rings of good friends - we live like kings -
*I was thinking exactly that - it was a year of contrast.We had February 7 (birth of Dane) and September 11.I made a big upgrade in who I work for, right before the office furniture industry began its biggest contraction ever. I'd have had more security at my old job.There's more, but it's way too close to the end of the "work" day to think. Oh well. My son more than makes up for any bad things that happens - it's been a great year with him.did
*I have had a real good year financially. I still am just as excited about curved stairways as ever. I have next year half booked. I am shutting down the shop after this week and enjoying my family. We did have one MAJOR problem and that was my 24 year old son being diagnosed with Chrohn's disease. The months of August, September and October were pure hell for my son and his mom and dad. I thank god that we found a specialist that is truly one fantastic person. He gave my son his life back, and we are seeing things much differently than before. In a kind of weird way, if he has few complications, it was almost a blessing to have gone through it. I will of course take that back if he should become real sick again, but you know what?? I have faith that he will be just fine.I am ending the year very thankful that our whole family will be at the table all healthy.
*Been kinda of a tough one for me ........ knee replacement in August, open heart surgery the day after Thanksgiving, got laid off last week ..... but I feel blessed ....... I can walk up and down stairs now, they caught the heart problem before any real damage was done, met my soulmate ...getting married next year .......a very Merry Christmas to all you Breaktimers and a prosperous and healthy New Year!
*Ron, cut your losses and lease option it for a year or so. Get a few K down and take 700 permonth....Get your full price on the buyout however....blue
*GT, my sister was hospitalized with bi-polar with physchotic features. It's not fun. She eventually got out ok and does well as long as she keeps her medical therepy going. Unfortunatly, she doesn't like to take them if she's in a manic phase. It's not fun, and your wife can be thanful that she has your support. Your are a candidate for sainthood.blue
*Thank goodness for our health. That might be all we have....My business suffered it's worse year in ten. Of course, I could have done much better if I didn't just let the guys get the hours....But let's not miss the blessing in disguise. I got serious about a few things in my life and I'll soon be settling onto the sands of south Florida, Hawaii, and I'll soon be looking for properties on the Islands: Caymans, Bahamas, anywhere warm....I'm awful thankful for this forum. It has provided a wonderful outlet for many thoughts and ideas that I'd normally let lay idle in the depths of my soul. Seeing my words forces me to be accountable, instead of lazy...No matter how bad it's been, it's 1000 times worse for our people that were lost in the Sep 11 terrorist attack. The holidays will be brutal on those innocent victims of senseless mayhem. My grandson, the fruit of medical wonders is now yapping. He calls me "b "PA" and sometimes b "BA"! I don't mind. He can call me anything as long as I get a hug and kiss occasionally!Thanks again for this outlet.blue
*i I'll soon be settling onto the sands of south Florida, Hawaii, and I'll soon be looking for properties on the Islands: Caymans, Bahamas, anywhere warm.... Sounds great, blue. Is that due to your new venture?
*Kai, I've been learning about real estate investment for some time now. The principles that govern real estate investment aren't limited to the mainland. A real estate deal that is good in Hawaii, is good enough for me. Actually, right now there are great buys in Hawaii. I just haven't gotten over there yet to investigate. My sil has friends there and there's a lot of bad economic situations due to decreased tourism. blue
*Best wishes! Sounds dreamy to me, although I've only visited Oahu.
*When a lot of us travel to those climes, we are spending throw away money. When blue does it, he'll be spending deductable investment seed money.Have fun in the sun, you devil!
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Well, it's the end of another year. Just curious how your year has turned out.
Did ya have a good year? Bad year? So so year?
I noticed a lot of new family additions amongst regulars and newbies alike, so we know THOSE folks have had a great year. Their new blessings are gonna make for a lot of good years to come.
I've had better years, but this one hasn't been as bad as some people I know. Been lots of death this year. Been lots of personal growth for me this year too. I've made new friends, rekindled some old friendships, found new hope, and found out I have Chicken Pox. 39 freaking years old, and I get Chicken Pox. Mine seems to be a mild case, and I don't have all that many spots. They told me it could have been REAL BAD at my age. So, I guess it has been a blessing rather than a hardship and curse. It all depends on how you choose to look at things.
So how was YOUR year!
James DuHamel