Looking back on 2022

Finally went to Galaxy's Edge in Disney World, even a hurricane didn't ruin the fun.

Rescued a 9yr old fat lady cat to give a good home.

Got back to some autocross events after a couple years away, hope to continue that this year.

Got my Count Dooku costume approved finally in the 501st Legion.  It's not a common one, been told there's maybe 50 in the entire world.

Bad stuff:

Mom got a health diagnosis that isn't great.

I failed to get the motorhome repaired when it was warm out

I failed to sell said motorhome

Didn't sell the motorcycles 

Didn't get the Miata finished

Didn't go to any rallycrosses

Did not get significant raise or promotion nor did I get any closer to either of those

Transitioned leadership of bingo to someone else

Didn't get the deck repaired and restained

The good:

Got to go to Daytona for the Rolex after missing it in 2021.

Started teaching my eldest how to drive.  She doesn't get to touch an automatic transmission until she's perfectly proficient with the clutch.

My eldest finally earned second honors

My middlest was invited to National Honor Society halfway through her sophomore year.

My youngest has experienced a significant maturing since 2021.

I turned a couple acquaintances into good friends

I transitioned bingo leadership to someone else

I found, purchased, and put in to service a new doughnut robot for the church festival

I cleaned out the garage so that the wifemobile will fit comfortably

Der Scheißwagen is running again and is not longer clogging up the shop

I cooked a lot of really good and healthy meals for the family

My wife got a new job that she likes a lot more and that pays better

By figuring out how to fix her washer, I was able to save my mom a few thousand bucks.

I got to work with my brother to do a tiling project at mom and dads house.  Didn't particularly enjoy the tiling, but the family time was good.

Learned about the Whiz-bang Chicken Plucker and built my own version of that for a friend.  And as a reward, I've gotten farm-fresh chickens and eggs!

Sold the Excursion to reduce the vehicle count a bit

Got to go to Mid Ohio for the first time to watch the IMSA race there

Got to take a road trip with my middlest daughter

Had a few opportunities to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a while

Overall, I'd say that 2022 worked out pretty well.  Here's hoping I can knock out my 2022 to-do list by 2024!

I'm watching my kid turn into a person. He sustains me.

The rest of it was E36 M3.

This was the most stressful overloaded year of my life. Like everyone said, it was incredibly expensive and has put me in a huge financial hole.

Positives are that we're still here. My wife and I are happier than ever. My kids are more fun than ever. I got my LS swapped truck to run! 

2022 was a mixed bag, but I'm looking forward to 2023.

We had a successful year at work, mostly in the first half. That also led to some serious burnout towards the end of the year. Having two weeks off to end the year has definitely helped! Applied for two leadership positions, and wasn't seriously considered for either. Did get into a leadership training program, which helped to get me some visibility.

Finished my biggest car project to date - replacing the rusted rear subframe on the Rav4, which was in an accident two weeks before my 16 year old son passed his learner's permit.  Fingers crossed that the initial report is that it's fixable holds when they start repairs.

Took on a bigger than expected project in the Saab.  We'll see how that one pans out in 2023.

Made some progress on the house, which is always good. Windows are mostly done, and no other work should require all the scaffolding we used this year. 

Organized a small utility room downstairs and turned it into a space for my car parts stash. 

Started working out with weights for the first time in years this fall, then went down shortly after with a shoulder/biceps tendinitis issue that is hopefully on the mend.

Began a pretty serious diet to focus on my health, with good results so far. Weight has been a yo-yo this year, hoping to start going in the right direction as I learn to better manage stress. 

Looking forward to what 2023 brings.

Hard year but feel fortunate overall. 

Marriage is A+. Very thankful. Wife's job still good - still works part-time which makes our life much better.

Good year at work. Got promoted but apparently the vault is empty because no raise came with the implied responsibility. Didn't really take on extra responsibility though so it's all good. Amazed to be so busy right now with apparent recession brewing. 

Youngest is a senior in HS and accepted to honors college at an IN state school. Will study data science and minor in (and continue to play) music. That's a huge win. 

Older son's medical mystery is less mysterious after huge out of pocket expenses and lots of frustrations. Re-enrolled in college and making slow forward progress. That's a win. 

My parents and wife's parents still mostly healthy in late 70's and early 80's. 
 

2023 goals. Some new friends. Live music. Maybe go see pacific NW. 

2022 was very much a mixed bag. Overall, I'm glad it's over.

The bad:

Loss of decades-long friendships due to change in profession and religious convictions

Inflation increased our charity's operating costs over 50% (we buy, repair, and then donate used cars to families in need, and you all know what the used car market's been doing)

Growth of poverty and homelessness in our county due to inflation, and thus our waiting list has grown from weeks to months

No fun car stuff left in our town

Lack of a shop, project, hobby, or many friends has led me to drink more than I should - need to change that in '23, especially since it can exacerbate my depression

The good:

Wife and I still each others biggest supporters

Healthy, smart, and (generally) kind junior high twins

Some new friendships starting to develop

Despite inflation we gave reliable cars to 41 new client families this year, +5 over our goal - around 100 adults and kids now have essential and reliable transportation

Finally sucked it up and got a gym and trainer membership this December

Found a small church that seems to be a better fit for our priorities and beliefs

bobzilla said:

 

 

celebrated 20 years of marriage to my best friend.

 

Does your wife know about that?