2010 - My Year In Review

Written by Ashley Broadley on Friday, 31st December 2010 at 11:25

Well, it's New Years Eve. Christmas has been and gone and 2011 is almost upon us.

2010 has been a hectic, but exciting, year for me. A lot has changed, and I've had a massive amount of fun whilst watching everything around me change. Which seems to have led to me to coin a new motto in life: "Fuck it, why not?".

My most memorable parts of 2010 were:

Canada - May

I decided to go and visit my parents for a couple of weeks. I remember arranging everything with my Dad and deciding not to tell my Mum and Sister. Then two weeks before departure, my Dad and I thought it was probably not a good idea for me to just turn up on the doorstep as my Mum would have probably have had a heart attack. I remember being on the phone to my Mum and Sister announcing that I was going to be visiting them in less than two weeks time, having my ear blown off by the screams of excitement! Needless to say they were looking forward to it. As was I. After all, it had been 7 months since I last visited.

Jaegerbombs, Immi "upstating her datus", Hudsons Buffalo Wings, Moose, Jasper, snow, 5 pin bowling (which by the way is pretty difficult!), seeing someone move house (literally moving their house!) - All fantastic moments.

May was also the month that Leeds United came top of the playoffs and were promoted to the Championship. I streamed the match while I was visiting my parents at 8am Canadian time - shouting my head off for Leeds to win.

Moving Out - May/June

Probably the biggest step anyone can take to gain total independence. I found a nice little flat within walking distance of Leeds City Centre and within 15 minutes driving from the bulk of my friends. I also found a great person to share the flat with. She was up for fun just as much as I was.

I feel moving out has prepared me for the wider world of home ownership and also helped me become completely independent.

Amsterdam - July

My first time in the 'dam. A week of camping in the middle of summer. I honestly don't think there could have been a better way to spend this trip. Visiting the Sex Museum. Seeing two men sat on a sofa on a makeshift raft floating on the canal. Getting a comprehensive guided tour around the city by our very own Phill. Spending the day in a park just getting messed up. Sampling the local culture.

Learning to Snowboard - August

August was all about getting into Snowboarding. Best. Sport. Ever. Spent a full day getting taught how to snowboard (by a very attractive young lady) at Castleford Xscape. Turns out that snowboarding is something that would lead to some awesome times and also some painful ones.

Getting to Know People - September

September seemed to be the month for making new friends or getting to know new-ish friends a lot better. After meeting Dave and Caroline whilst learning to Snowboard back in August, I was invited to to celebrate Dave getting a job by partying down in Sheffield. I had an awesome time and met some interesting people.

So, during September, I got to know Dave and Caroline and met Katie. Who knew they would all become such good friends?

I Got Older - November

In November I turned 24. The people in the office know me too well, buying me a create of my favourite beers, a pre-painted mug with the lyrics to "Balls Deep". I had a fantastic time out on the town in Leeds. I also think I broke some kind of World Record - 19 Jaegerbombs in one night, and still standing.

Also got some new bindings, a helmet and some goggles for snowboarding. I couldn't wait to try them out!

Discovered my new favourite film in the world. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. It's the most ridiculous film ever to be made. And it's totally EPIC! If you haven't seen it, go watch it. Right now. Before you do anything else.

It snowed for the first time in 2010 towards the end of November. Really got me in the mood for MOAR BAORDING! I helped Dave and Caroline move home - which led to an epic night of BBQ'ing in the snow. Can't get much more manly than that.

A Time for Family, Friends and Fun - December

December is that time of year when companies have their Christmas parties. The company I work for was no exception. The do its self wasn't that great, but with the help of the people I work closely with we made it an awesome night. Especially after two bottles of red wine to myself.

Snowboarding in Scotland was EPIC. Lots of alcohol consumed, lots of snowboarding, lots of food and lots and lots of laughs. My first time on a mountain snowboarding and I loved it. Even though the snow wasn't great it was a fantastic experience. I think Dave, Caroline, Slinky and Katie all helped make this little excursion an awesome time!

I spent Christmas this year with an Aunt and her family. Was a lovely little Christmas and of course the food was great! I think I managed to eat enough to feed 5,000!

Looking Ahead

2011 looks to be just as promising. In January I'm going to Austria for more snowboarding fun. Another visit to Canukland in March and hopefully lots more exciting stuff to come.

Now I'm not one to usually make New Years Resolutions, but I thought "fuck it, why not?". So far my list is as follows:

Fix knee - I damaged it quite badly snowboarding.
Fix shoulder - damaged, again by snowboarding.
Buy a house.
Get in shape.
Learn a new language - Maybe Japanese? Or get back in German?
Blog more often.
Make 2011 better than 2010.

In Conclusion...

2010 was a great year for me and I hope it was for you too.

Now, let's get down to the important stuff - partying like it's 1999! Have an excellent night and I wish you and your families all the best for 2011. Makes the best of what you can and have fun whilst doing it!

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