A year in the life - of me (Looking Back at 2008)

Member Name: chrisc92

Product:	Looking Back at 2008
Date:	20/07/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: My sanity

Disadvantages: None

2008 was a very mixed year in my life, and started with the New Year from hell and finished with something a little special.

January started just like all the previous ones, with the expectation of me being capable of super human abilities - doing a 37 hour week, cleaning, washing, diy work and popping in the odd couple hours every Saturday to see my son, and the very rare chance of seeing my daughter.

But, most of my time apart from trying to look after my 5 year old daughter I spent trying to avoid home life by going shopping very regularly at night time to stay away from the constant jibing towards my children by my soon to be disabled ex-wife and her 13 year old daughter.

Not only was it hell, but I spent every penny of my ISAs trying to pay for the home improvements that my ex-wife wanted and I even had a serious chest infection caused by health issues that were a result of their lack of help around the house. (There were 4 children ranging from 4 to 18 at the time).

All changed in July as a result of an a random look at the Friends Reunited site where I found my ex-girlfriend from 20 years ago, who is now my partner, and the feelings we had for each other are as strong now as they were then.

Things have not been easy financially, but we have a happy relationship and I get to see my children more regularly and I don't have to justify what I spend on them. The youngest is an issue as she still lives with her mum, but even if I don't get residency I have at least made her home life a little more bearable.

Since July things have really started to improve which includes my favourite football team Manchester City and their arab board of directors that are set to make them one of the most formidable teams in future seasons.

Lots of good things happened after July and it was certainly something that I had to consider carefully not just for me but my kids and it was definitely right.

The last few days of the year were spent in unexpected places - walking along the beaches at Dawlish and Paignton with my partner, my 5 year old and other members of our family and it was fantastic.

Summary: If you were in this position, what would you do?