Happy New Decade

Its not just a New Year starting tomorrow its a new Decade and I've been thinking what has changed during the Noughties.

Well I know exactly where was at midnight to see the new Millenium in, no I wasn't celebrating anywhere I was actually at work. A few of us were ordered to be there in case the Millenium Bug struck at midnight and all our automated systems started to go mad. Of course it didn't happen it was just the Government scaring everyone but what the hell I got paid some serious money for attending.

Well since that evening we've seen and learn't a lot about our politicians, lets remember it was the lies about weopens of mass destruction from Tony Blair & George Bush that took the country to war in Iraq.

In the last 10 years though the world has changed especially with the terrorist threat to such an extent that I wonder every time I get on a Plane if I'll be getting off at the other end. Since the tragic events of the Twin Towers, London Subway, Madrid railway, etc the world doesn't seem quite as safe as it should be. There seems too many people willing to kill and maim others in the name of their own fanatical beliefs.

Of course the threat of terrorism isn't the only thing that we now fear, there is of course Global Warming and changing climatic conditions. Personally I don't know enough about the real facts some are convinced but others question their theories. What I do know is that the last decade I've seen the pictures from Thailands Tsuamni, Hurricane Katrina & many earthquades floods a famines shown on my TV screen. Maybe it is Global warming, maybe it is just the way the earths cycle works, who knows ? The one thing I do know is that nature is the most powerfull thing on this planet.

For me I've spent the decade trying to lose weight winning some battles losing some, probably had to settle for a draw with a must do better this time. Seriously the new year is always a good starting point so here I go again.

My life has changed a lot for a start I was given the opportunity to retire at 50 years old through a decent redundancy package, reckon thats good and I'm quite prou I've been able to eran the chance. Its a good job I'm not working in some ways because my parents are getting elderly and need a lot more help (especially Mum whose disabled) so now I've time to do more.

Its a decade that I made a decision to travel more, always liked travelling but been single always made excuses not to do so much. Loved it though been to some great places, met some really nice people and plan to do more without doubt.

Talking of meeting people its been the decade of the internet and sites like this where of course I've met even more fantastic people. Some have come & gone but some have been friends a long time now, some I've been lucky enough to meet.

Of course it was the decade I found love then sadly lost the person I loved, its it me hard I know. They say "its better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all", I'm still working that one out.
In fact its a decade I've seen quite a few people pass away, friends, ex work colleagues, relations, etc. Too many to mention but they are all in my thoughts.

As for ups & downs I can look no further than my football team who started the decade looking to conquer europe only to see 2 relegations, bankruptcy, selling all the assets (players, stadium, training facilities), points deductions, numerous owners & managers, play off misery, etc. In fact its mainly downs but at least the corner looks to have been turned now, this is the best season for a long time.

Anyway I'm sure everyone has their memories & thoughts about the last 10 years but we should all look forward to the next 10 in the hope the world becomes a better place. Whatever happens I'm sure we'll all have more good & bad times but lets hope its mainly good as lifes adventure moves forward.

So friends "Happy New Decade" to all of you.