Written by And so the end of the decade closes in on us and I feel like I’ve acheived nothing in those 10 years. So let’s see what I’ve done and what’s happened.
Well back in 2000 I’d only just discovered the internet and I created my first ever website for the Blackmore Players using nested tables all hand-coded in notepad! Five years later I landed my first webmaster job and I now own my own web design company so I can do freelance work!
I started the decade as an unemployed insurance underwriter and finish as a self employed web developer – I know which I’d rather be!
I haven’t had too many holidays but back in 2000 I did all the overtime I could and paid for a 3 week trip to Australia. I went on my own and dropped in on my best mate’s Aunt and Alex, someone I’d briefly met while he was over here in the UK! The trip took in Sydney, Bondi Beach, Melbourne, Adelaide, the Grampians in Victoria and a week with Alex in Mount Gambier. I was in Sydney just after the Olympics had been staged there and saw the Olympic complex which was mighty impressive.
I also went to Portugal and France (3 times) – the first time we went to France we managed to go on 07/07/2005 – the day of the London bombings, and we knew nothing of what had happened until late afternoon! The France trips involved staying at my cousin’s who has a house set in the most amazing location overlooking the Pyranees. Good times are always guaranteed there!
The decade has naturally had some sad points – the only grandparent I really remember, my nan, died in 2001. My Aunt and my Uncle also passed away, as have some friends from my drama group.
My mum thought she’d get in on the act and decided to have a heartattack on New Years Eve 2005 but luckily it was only a mild one and she was in hospital by the time she actually had the attack.
In 2002 I bought my first flat and ventured out into the big wide world on my own! Dad made me plan a budget which I stuck to ridgidly – so much so that for the first 2 years of living on my own, I didn’t spend any money except for what was in my budget!
I started the decade single and end it a married “woman”. I still act like a five year old though! Yes in 2008 I took the plunge and married the love of my life, after many years of internet dating it finally worked! The best day of my life so far was my Wedding Day!
The one constant has been the Blackmore Players. I have been in chorus – I have played the lead. But I have always been involved!
I started the decade with a Ford Fiesta 1.25 Si, and end it with a Peugeot 306 GTi-6 – albeit one that isn’t currently working! They are the only 2 cars I have owned this decade!
I started the decade living with my parents near Brentwood, and end it living with my husband in Colchester after a stint of living on my own (lovely) in Boreham, near Chelmsford.
I started the decade with one website and now have around 20 to maintain…how on earth did that happen?
In world events, I know I will miss some, but we have been dominated by terrorism and Al Quida. In 2001 the World Trade Centre was destroyed and in 2005 the London Underground and a Bus were bombed.
We had the devestating Tsunami in Asia, New Orleans was flooded, Harold Shipman became the UK’s most prolific serial killer, the last WW1 veteran died and the UK banking system came close to collapse and needed govenment bailouts.
I suppose I thought I would accomplish more, yet I am happy with what I have. And I guess that in this mixed up world of ours, if you can be happy, you are in a much better position than a lot of people.