2008 - Worst Year Yet (Looking Back at 2008)

Member Name: rosebud2001

Product:	Looking Back at 2008
Date:	04/01/09 (315 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's Over

Disadvantages: It happened

I have to preface this review with the fact 2008 was a terrible year for me so I apologise for the fact this isn't exactly a happy read.

I am however a natural optimist and hope for a better 2009 - I actually felt genuine relief when the bells rang in the new year without a word of a lie.

So...here goes.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done
before?

Organised a funeral.

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes - my husband.

4. What countries did you visit?

The USA and Spain.

5. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

More emotional strength.

6. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your
memory, and why?

13th March, the day my husband passed away.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting through the worst thing that has ever happened to me and ensuring our daughter is coming out of grief relatively unscathed.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes - I scalded my arm in August. Was amazed at how quickly it healed up but I do still have some scars.

9. What was the best thing you bought?

A Wii for my daughter.

10. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My sister's. She has been here for me through thick and thin.

11. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

A so-called "friend" who used me to sound off to but wasn't capable of sticking about for me when I needed her. Made me understand the true meaning of the word "selfish".

12. Where did most of your money go?

Paying the bills sadly.

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Well I was really, really excited about a holiday we had planned in Thailand for July 2008 but it was cancelled following my husband's death - I couldn't face it without him.

14. What song will always remind you of 2008?

"So What" by Pink - my daughter sings it all the time!

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Worse off, both emotionally and financially.

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Spent more time with my daughter. Have been pre-occupied by many issues and feel I have neglected her, even though she says I haven't.

17. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Eating bad food. My waistline is a testament to that.

18. What was your favourite TV programme?

Probably the X Factor - it got me through autumn weekends!

19. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not really. I don't have any respect for the legal profession now however after my experiences in 2008.

20. What was the best book you read?

"Pies and Prejudice" by Stuart Maconie

21. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Glen Campbell's new CD

22. What did you want and get?

Glen Campbell's new CD on Christmas Day!

23. What did you want and not get?

The holidays we had booked before my husband died.

24. What was your favourite film of this year?

I haven't got one - I only went to the cinema once to see High School Musical 3 with my daughter and I didn't like it!

25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were
you?

I was 44 and it was the last full day I spent with my husband before he died - we all went out for lunch in a lovely canalside pub. It was a wonderful day and a memory I shall always cherish.

26. What political issue stirred you the most?

The American election. How so many people could sing the praises of Sarah Palin was scary.

27. Who did you miss?

My husband. And my dad - even though he's been gone since 1997.

28. Who was the best new person you met?

My daughter's guidance teacher at school - she has been very supportive and helped with the transition between primary and secondary school for her.

29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That your life can change permanently in the blink of an eye. Never take everything you have for granted and appreciate every second you have with those you love.


After that tale of woe may I wish everyone on Dooyoo a very happy new year and can I lastly say I am so glad to read so many happy reviews of the year from you.

Summary: Sadly an awful year for me - I truly hope yours was better!