Your Year in Review Thread

[GS8]

Wanted to start a 'year in review' thread but not about world events but, rather, your events of the year. I'd like this to be bumped every year (kind of like Christmas Lobster thread).

Also, feel free to add in anything you want to see for yourself in 2017. Not really resolutions but certain events you see happening in your life.

But since we're at the end of 2016, why not start here?

I'll go first.

The last few years of my life have been pretty shitty. 2016 has been that beacon of light I've been waiting for. I guess patience proved to be virtuous for me. I'll ride the wave as long as possible.

I was able to work my first job out of the Vancouver area. I spent most of this year up in Kamloops working on a project with a crew that became family. All while making more money than I ever could. This is the only year in a very long time where I felt I truly attained 'the dream'. Since coming back, I was promoted and now reside mainly in the office but should other field projects surface, I'll be able to participate.

The increased monies allowed me to move out of the tiny basement suite I was in. I ended up moving to Richmond but I'm close to the Canada Line. I no longer need to drive 1h 15min each way to and from work. It's now 35min top and it's all standing and walking. I only drive my car about once a week. I had debated whether to buy a place or keep renting. I chose the latter because even though I now have a roommate (was single before), it's not so bad. I can continue renting while building up my savings.

2016 also showcases when my interest in cars started to fade. Not completely but at this rate, I'll probably stop caring altogether in the next few years. I still love my cars but my goal is to keep them running and running reliably. Even though I make more, I choose not to spend them on vehicles. Comes with age I suppose? I've been spending the money on my other hobbies which I find more rewarding.

Because I spend less time commuting, I now have more free time so I'll keep at it with my other hobbies and hopefully by the end of 2017, I can look back at them with sincere pride.

But I still have to remain cautious. Going through years of shit will do that to you. Keep your mental guard up and always have situational awareness. Most importantly, help anyone who needs it. Make their year a good one even if yours can't be.