The Wrap-up, 2014 Edition. How was your year?

[skipclone 1]

I`ll have to get back to this when my head isn`t pounding-rough night.

Meanwhile, how about everyone else?

[Caevan O'Shite]

Prrrrrrrrrrrety effin' wonderful, all-around; thanks for askin'!

[Dannyalcatraz]

My problems have largely been "first world problems"- the kind of misfortune most people would trade theirs to have; the kind nobody will be sympathetic about.

 

So I have to say it was a good year.

[skipclone 1]

Okay well, I feel a lot better than this morning so-

there`s no other way to say it-this year for me, set new standards of terrible. Lost dad in October, still have stitches in my leg and even mom tells me to slow down and be calm. My future still sucks.

 

That being said, January is going to be off the charts. I`m organizing a seminar in tactical knife training by an instructor from Hong Kong, I have another vocal performance on the 10th and the seminar is the next day, I just completed a short film project with my cameraman friend which now needs a score and voice over, there`s a low-budget film premiere with me in it on the 31st and I have a wedding party earlier the same day. Whew! gonna be great! from the ruins of 2014, perhaps it will be a good year.

 

 

 

[Caevan O'Shite]

Okay well, I feel a lot better than this morning so-

there`s no other way to say it-this year for me, set new standards of terrible. Lost dad in October, still have stitches in my leg and even mom tells me to slow down and be calm. My future still sucks.

 

I am very sorry for your loss and other troubles, Skip. I've had some tough times and loss over the years, myself- I wish you didn't.

 

That being said, January is going to be off the charts. I`m organizing a seminar in tactical knife training by an instructor from Hong Kong, I have another vocal performance on the 10th and the seminar is the next day, I just completed a short film project with my cameraman friend which now needs a score and voice over, there`s a low-budget film premiere with me in it on the 31st and I have a wedding party earlier the same day. Whew! gonna be great! from the ruins of 2014, perhaps it will be a good year.

 

That's all great news! I'm glad for you on those counts.

[Winston Psmith]

Ah, well, to start with, I'm still walking upright, have all my digits and other parts, and nothing that seems like it's about to fail, so that's all good.

 

I have a great wife, two good dogs, and my house, while showing its age (aren't we all?), is still standing. I got to work on a lot of music this year, and even got to meet up with Scott Fraser IRL, which was a great treat!

 

I traded away a lot of gear and got a few good pieces in return, so I have less stuff, overall, but I get more use out of what I have.

 

I'd give back most of this December for a soggy sponge, however. Not as bad as what Skip has been through, but not fun, either. We had a dog guest for the first part of the month, and she proceeded to chew and tear her way through our house. On reflection, it did show us how well-behaved our own mutt boys are. I missed out on some good-paying jobs, because we didn't dare leave her unattended, and that wiped out any holiday work I was hoping for. To top it off, one of the catering companies I work for failed to pass on a major tip from a client, as well as never sending a check for jobs done in November, so there went any holiday cash I was expecting: I guess they thought they needed it more than the people who work for them did. I still have no idea when or if I'll ever see that money. And you though this crap only happened in the music business . . .

 

So, that's me, still alive and kicking. Major birthday coming in less than a month, and I'm hoping that'll be a better time than this Christmas. For the next week or so, I'm staying home, drinking my way through my Absinthe collection. I hope the rest of you have something better planned, but if not, come join me.

[skipclone 1]

Absinthe.

Dude...

Well I should add to the plus column, that I got my 2nd dan in Okinawan weapons.

Hopefully aikido is next.

That`s perfect. I have gotten very few places in life through gifts. Hail victory.

[Sharkman]

As I love to put it, I'm not manic depressive, but my life sure is. 2014 started off lousy for me, with my real estate business lawsuit going nowhere, literally, and my retail business being a little slower than expected. The two guys I was suing hired a lawyer, and that's when the lawsuit sped up fast. What their lawyer lacked in knowledge and experience, she tried to make up for it with arrogance and disrespect towards my lawyer. That was a mistake! My guy suddenly got fired up, and needed to put her in her place. I got the settlement check in mid-April.

 

In late spring and summer, the retail business, which usually slows down to a crawl, suddenly got much better. That allowed me to buy a Digitech DP32 multi-track digital recorder, some good microphones, a couple rifles, and some other new toys. I also took my friend and her daughters canoeing, swimming, ziplining, fishing, and other fun stuff that they loved doing.

 

Right after Labor Day, when the retail business always picks up, it went downhill instead. At the real estate auctions, I only bought one property. I got outbid on everything else I wanted, which has never happened before. Then when I tried to sell my new property, I got strung along by a couple guys who weren't going to buy it, they just wanted to act like they were going to.

 

This past weekend, business suddenly went great, and either today or tomorrow, I have to meet with a prospective buyer for the new property. And Thursday, I'm making lasagna, a big fifteen pound tray of it. I've learned to enjoy the ups, and don't let the downs bother me too much, otherwise, I'll go nuts.

[whitefang]

Lost my dog in May. Had two "Mini strokes" through the summer, still numb on the left side of my face, left shoulder, arm, butt cheek and leg.

 

MY worst year in many. Still, I give Skip condolences, as nobody significant( human, anyway)has passed. Anyway, most of THEM left before THIS year.

 

Just hoping 2015 brings better days and hopefully, some answers.

Whitefang

 

[SEHpicker]

Overall a good year for me. My wife bought me a Germino Masonette 25 for my birthday - amazing amp!!! We just added a keyboard player to our band - great guy and can play anything from Beethoven to honky tonk. I'm as healthy as ever. My wife is healthy and is still as beautiful as ever - celebrated our 34th on Saturday.

The only sad note, back in April I lost my best friend Jack, we traveled the world together, had many incredible adventures, played great music together... we were brothers from different mothers - I miss him.

But life goes on. I have been very blessed and I try to live in gratitude.

[Larryz]

Like Caevan, Danny, Sharkman and SEHpicker, life has been good for the most part and I'm happy for you guys...

 

Like Winston, I'll be getting a year older within a month and that means I'm going on Medicare. Which means they'll take a third of my Social Security to pay for it. They already took half as I worked for the govt for 20 years and only paid into it for 30 years. F'em as I'll get by without that little bit o' cash...Happy BD Winston and hope that catering tip comes in...maybe you could give them a call and "Make them an offer they can't refuse" LOL!

 

Like Fang, I lost my dog that I had for about 12 years a couple of months ago. For me, it was a great loss and I still look for her each morning...I hope you get better Fang and are able to deal with the mini-stroke situation. My left hand is giving me problems with pain and numbness, nothing compared to what you are going through...Love those dogs while you can Winston!

 

Sorry for your loss Skip, Congrats on your 2nd Dan. I only took Akido for about 6 months as it was too hard on my knees and back. I didn't start till I was 62 and wish I could have stayed with it as it's a great art and I had a great teacher. I've been in martial arts since the age of 16. I instructed for about 7 years. I'm set on idle for now but may get back into it one of these days (if my left hand gets better as I like Akijitsu and Jujtisu and need that hand)...I almost started a new band with two old buddies from '79 a couple of months ago. I was the lead singer and rhythm guitar, one buddy on bass with harmony on the vocals, the other buddy on lead guitar. These two guys are highly talented. I had to kybosh the practices as I don't want to give false hope if my hand is going to crap out on me...oh well, illness forces sale...sounds like things are going to turn around for you Skip, so I'm wishing you much success in the new year!

 

Anyway, here's to a Happy New Year to all of you guys and to all the rest of our forum friends out there! I'll wish this upon you again in a few days! Take care, Larryz

 

 

[Winston Psmith]

Looking through this thread reminds me of a possibly apocryphal (i.e. made-up bullshit) tale from the ancient Greeks. One of the philosophers - I can't remember which - was among a group of friends, each of whom was bemoaning some problem in life. The philosopher suggested that every man present write down his trouble on a scrap of paper, and that they all make a general exchange.

 

When all the scraps of paper had been re-distributed, each man clamored to have his original trouble returned to him, rather than take on whatever he'd drawn. Better the devil you know, I guess . . .

 

My best wishes to everyone here, for better luck and better health in 2015. FWIW, I'm grateful that we're all still here to talk about it, at all.

[Danzilla]

My Year-In-Review for 2015

 

Professionally: Still at the same job, though there's been constant tension. Slow business, and not much more they can cut from the department. I'm looking elsewhere, but for what? Still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Praying for a revelation, preferably attached to a job that's got a shorter commute.

 

Musically: I started out the year having not played in a group for a year and a half (aside from a couple one-offs). Decided (and got wifely permission) to throw out some feelers. Played bass (my preference) with a singer/songwriter/guitarist & lead guitarist for about 2 months; could never find a drummer. We played one acoustic gig that was ok, but not great. Then I got a call from a guy I had played with years ago, and stayed friends with. His band needed a 2nd guitarist, and it was a genre (contemporary Christian praise/rock) that I preferred, so I joined up. Gave me an excuse to get better amps (Laney VC30 & Egnater Tweaker 15), a Tele-type (ESP/LTD), and some pedals (MXR Super Comp, Home Brew Germania 44). We played about twice a month, and were getting some traction. (But, as it's Christian music, no money.) The singer started writing some originals, some good some bad. Some gigs were good, others were very small. Miniscule. The drummer said half of them weren't worth his time, and quit. Another band she knows, in New Jersey, is booking a package tour for next year and asked us to be a part of it. Without getting any details, we were all asked to commit every weekend to being available for it. The other guitar player and the bass player, who both travel a lot for their jobs, said no. The singer insisted that she's doing the tour, they said fine - we quit. Me? I haven't committed, as I said I need more details to make an informed decision; on the other hand, I haven't said "no" yet, either. We've got another guitar player and just found a drummer (we think). Did some recording last weekend for a demo. Could either be a bright future, or a nightmare next year - all depends on the details.

 

Family - Generally a good year. Still married to my wonderful wife, have two intelligent & talented ( if feisty) children at home, and just a week & a half ago, my oldest & his wife gave us a new granddaughter (their 3rd child). My mother has taken a downturn in her physical and mental health, which happened quite suddenly, starting in July. I just keep loving her, and praying for healing for her & patience & strength for my dad.

 

Merry Christmas to you all, and may you be doubly - nay, triply- blessed in 2015.

 

[desertbluesman]

It was a good year here so far. Everyone have a happy and safe Holiday season.

[jimmac]

Good year for me. Work steady not stressful (I am only one that really knows my job and totally trusted by owners for last 31 years) responsible for about 15% of company spend my share about $150 Million. Wish they paid like other companies for this job but it is pretty good and stable low pressure. Girl friend and I doing great after 1 year. Music I am doing a little on this forum but hard to get the spirit to pick up one of the guitars except to coach grandson. Dr not happy with sugar levels so has increased metformin but hell I made it to 63+ with many family full diabetic much younger. Finances solid but worked extra all my life and passed lots of trips etc. Now cashing in by going to concerts and buying what I want when I want. Best wishes to all. Jim

[BiC]

All that has happened to me and my family in 2014 is owed to God alone! God has remained faithful to me... strengthening my own faith... even when I became faithless in certain circumstances. He promises to do so, and to never leave me nor forsake me.

 

If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny who he is.

 

2 Timothy 2:13

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 8:28

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Allow Him to work all things together for your good.

 

 

[SEHpicker]

All that has happened to me and my family in 2014 is owed to God alone! God has remained faithful to me... strengthening my own faith... even when I became faithless in certain circumstances. He promises to do so, and to never leave me nor forsake me.

 

If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny who he is.

 

2 Timothy 2:13

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Romans 8:28

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Allow Him to work all things together for your good.

 

 

Amen Brother.

[Scott Fraser]

I don't want to be a downer, but to respond honestly I have to say this has been the worst year of my life. I lost my wife of 30 years to cancer. Then shortly thereafter, one of my best friends, the lighting designer/tech director who has been my constant touring buddy for the last 2 decades was killed in an accident. So it has been a year filled with grief, pain, sadness, loss. And there have been career highs as well with great concerts all over the world, a couple Grammy nominations & highly praised album projects. And life goes on, with the love & support of family & friends.

[BiC]

I don't want to be a downer, but to respond honestly I have to say this has been the worst year of my life. I lost my wife of 30 years to cancer. Then shortly thereafter, one of my best friends, the lighting designer/tech director who has been my constant touring buddy for the last 2 decades was killed in an accident. So it has been a year filled with grief, pain, sadness, loss. And there have been career highs as well with great concerts all over the world, a couple Grammy nominations & highly praised album projects. And life goes on, with the love & support of family & friends.

 

I'm sorry, Scott.

 

Please allow me to share a friend's Facebook post. This is for anyone who is having an especially difficult time, especially during the Christmas Season:

 

There's something about knowing that we are not alone in our pain that adds a balm to our aching hearts. I had never heard of this song, nor of this group, until just now. My friend Tom posted it, & he had learned of it from his daughter, now recovering from heroine addiction in a Christian rehab ministry, who told him it is her favorite song. I share it with you, especially my fellow brothers & sisters laboring under the heavy burden of grief & sorrow that can unexpectedly, out of nowhere, bury us like an avalanche, especially during the holidays. Know that you are not alone, & that there is a Savior who will rescue you if you call upon Him from the depths of your despair.

 

 

[Larryz]

Don't worry Scott, you'll never be a downer with us! I lost someone at Christmas time back in '69 that I went out and talked to again just this morning. In my little world, all my friends and relatives that have passed are still with me in spirit...it makes me feel better to talk to them once in awhile and somehow I know they can hear me...best wishes for you in the New Year! Larryz

[Caevan O'Shite]

I don't want to be a downer...

 

You aren't. Life's thrown you some hard turns, very hard, and friends and even strangers of good conscience can listen, sympatize, relate, empathize, and share. I've had some very bad years, myself; I have an idea of what it can be like. I'll toast our being able to better grok one another, while wishing you- and others- hadn't had to go through such tragic, painful losses.

 

...it has been a year filled with grief, pain, sadness, loss. And there have been career highs as well with great concerts all over the world, a couple Grammy nominations & highly praised album projects. And life goes on, with the love & support of family & friends.

 

Well put, without being glib. Well put.

[Dannyalcatraz]

To borrow a line from Ringo Starr- and immortalized by the late Joe Cocker- we get by with a little help from our friends.