Year-end Reminiscing

[ECOCKS]

Seems like it's been a tough year on so many fronts.

A couple more divorces, continued tough economic conditions worldwide, ongoing political questions for the FSU, some changes with regard to Immigration policies and general churning of the troubled EU and North American environments.

Anyone have any thoughts on how this last year might (or might not) indicate changes which affect our relationships or prospects? Predictions for next year?

[Shadow]

I can not say this year has been a good one for me and the family, although it has brought a number of positive things and expectations for the future.
Next year will be better.

[Ade]

Contrary to my pseudonym I'll be a cheery voice in this thread; this past year has been awesome in just about every way in household SJ. I maintain that we are lucky enough to live in one of best, if not the best country in the world. On a relationship note, my marriage has proven to me that relationships really don't have to be hard work, in fact, if you're with the right person, a relationship is easy.

I do think that the world is going to get more insular in the coming few years; on our trip back to the UK this summer I noticed that the mindset there is starting to resemble a police state and my wife's border interrogation pissed me off no end. Also, on our recent trip to the Russian embassy the fact that "because you are British" I had to pay more and fill out a different, much more detailed what-countries-have-you-been-to-in-the-past-10-years type of Russian visa form than I used to didn't escape me either.

However, all these negative things I see elsewhere in the world just can't put a dent in the cosy feel-good bubble we are currently living in here and I just don't see that any of it can adversely affect my marriage.

[ECOCKS]

Cheers, grats and all that SJ.

This last year proved largely traumatic as we waited for the CR1 and the reunion with my wife after a 46 week absence. Now we're deep into planning our joint business venture (a BBQ restaurant) and solidly establishing our home and family's future. As the year closes, I'm scheduled for grandfather-hood in mid-May of 2011 with the planned arrival of my grandson.

I agree with SJ that the world is becoming a bit colder and more insular as more and more governments and their citizens are forced by world events to look inward. Whether it is economic turmoil, political storms, violence from terrorists or repressive governmental action, it seems people are looking more to clean and straighten their houses in order to move forward with the new century a bit more certainly.

Internationally I believe things will worsen before they get better. That includes nearly every corner of the world. I expect a fresh war within the next two years, ongoing economic stagnation in most countries, more terrorist attacks, religious tensions occupying the place of racial tensions from 50 years ago and a general heightened sense of unease in the world. I stand by my advice to be sure you have shotgun shells, soups and water purification equipment.

As for FSUW/WM relationships, I really think it will stay about the same even though things have worsened a bit within the FSU. Travel costs and coordination seems to be getting worse due to both economic and security issues. Worsening tourism may well lighten up the visa restrictions assuming they are for places you actually will enjoy going. Regarding the search process, the good news is that information is easier to come by but the bad news is that the younger gals coming up still seem to have that weird sense of entitlement. Guess we'll see.

[XMan]

Congratulations SJ.  I hope things continue to go well.

Shadow, I admire your optimism for the coming year.

ECOCKS, wish I could say you were wrong about the negative bits you discussed (particularly international, countries looking inward, etc.). 

I wish you all the best for the coming year.

Personally I feel things are stagnate and I hope to see some positive change, but I am happy to have a position, a roof over my head, etc.  Actually, hoping to get back to Ukraine in late January or early February to see if the 9th time is the charm.   

[ECOCKS]

Speaking of cultural and national insularity.....

A smaller welcome mat
Some Canadians are having second thoughts about their traditionally liberal immigration policy. But many still support it
http://www.economist.com/node/17733061?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/bl/smallermat

[SMS60]

Personally I feel things are stagnate and I hope to see some positive change, but I am happy to have a position, a roof over my head, etc.  Actually, hoping to get back to Ukraine in late January or early February to see if the 9th time is the charm.   

Albert Einstein once said....  “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”....... Just something to chew on

[acrzybear]

2010 consisted of one extreme to another, but I wouldn't change a thing.  I traveled to Kiev for 2 weeks, Korea for 2 weeks and some other locations here in the U.S.  My professional and personal life look as if they will finally meet up and then the real work begins.  I met an awesome lady , purchased a motorcycle, lost 70 lbs, but lost a good friend and fellow Officer in an off duty incident recently.

 2011 looks to be a good year personally as I will be in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok in January and February and I have been told by certain people that it would be in my best interest to apply for a future promotion. After years and years of chasing the bad guys (and the ever so elusive partner in crime)  it looks like I might actually be settling down.    

[ECOCKS]

Grats and Best Wishes on that Crzy!

Recovery and moving forward are the outcomes of skillsets that come from tempering in the crucible of experience, not some textbook or seminar.

[XMan]

Albert Einstein once said....  “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”....... Just something to chew on

Tell me about it.
At least it's not EXACTLY the same.
It hasn't been the same woman each time.
 

[Shostakovich]

On the personal side '11 is looking like a good year, so long as someone does not get a bomb on a plane or in a NY subway.

But I do believe all the various woes of the world will deepen - most of those have been out of sight for us here in the US but my own view is that the world moves to a giant oligarchy where national boundaries cease to matter.  The implication of this is that if you are in with the group that uptics then you are doing quite well.  But the economic sands shift and my guess is that a larger and larger share of US citizens will find themselves disenfranchised from the American dream as they find themselves out-gunned by competitors from Asia.  As time goes on the US comes to resemble South America more and more.

As for the FSU girl quest, I think it will ongo for probably a generation or so.  Economics is the driver here and things have things have improved quite dramatically since the dark day's of the mid 90s.  One wonders if R/U will ever fix their problems with the legal code or gov. corruption.  On the other hand the population will diminish and the educational systems are quite good in R/U.  It means that a segment of R/U will probably come up and with a smaller population the government will be able to do a better job taking care of its citizens.  With the average joe in the US on the downward escalator the lion's share of movement to the FSU will decrease.  On the other hand, the internet being what it is, those who are on the up and up will have more and more mating options that will increasingly spill over onto the international stage. 

[Son of Clyde]

I can see why some people leave the US.

In the 1950's a number of black jazz musicians moved to Europe because they were treated better there.

With the economic situation the way it is today I could understand if some Americans decide to move elsewhere. There have been listings of the best places to retire and the US is not at the top of the list.

This year has not been easy year economically. I feel very sad for the retirees who will receive no COLA in 2011 and medical insurance continues to increase.

We live in a country where we are trying to make due with less but expenses and health insurance continue to rise.

[Markus]

ECOCKS,

Your insight into the current and past situations touches one's heart. In light of what you mentioned, our hearts are made to love, to be kind, to admonish that which is good.
We know things can be difficult in situations but hold out hope for the best, the excellency of what is current, and hope to build and strengthen that which may be weak.
So, with what recent history has shown us, lets put our sights ahead on what is best.

[Al_C]

Many working people have not had increases either, despite increases in cost of living.  I have not had one since 2007.

But I understand why.  Times are competitive, and I certainly would not want an increase if it were to drive my company out of business and me onto the unemployment line, which increases for all of us in the company may very well do.

I would much rather be working for a 2007 paycheck than collecting 2010 unemployment.,

[Rina_G]

the best year for me  

hope next will be also better  

lol

[ECOCKS]

the best year for me  

hope next will be also better  

lol

Good for you Rina!

Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

[Steamer]

It's been a very rough year but not a bad one.
My stepsons alcoholism caused us incredible grief and hardship. I'm cautiously optimistic because he's in AA and has been sober for about 6 months and is working hard on his program. The experience woke up the wife and I to the dangers of minimizing the drinking behavior of our son.
Best wishes to all!

[GQBlues]

We had a great year this past year. We purchased our new home together this year which we are very thankful for and neither my wife or I missed a day of work.

As a matter of fact, my wife wanted to take the next big step and she actually sent out 4 resumes, of which 3 responded and scheduled her in for interviews. The interviews were all 4-persons, multiple department interviews. All 3 companies issued offer letters, and 2 actually got in a quasi-bidding affair. Ultimately my wife chose a company which she felt would give her the very best in opportunity and future growth. It's regarded as one of the top-10 companies in this industry.

Amazing. The offers came in on multiple pages letter. One company sent out a 9-page offer letter detailing wages, benefits, incentives, etc...I never got more than a one-page offer letter from anyone before, let alone 9 pages...

When she notified her (ex) present employer, both the owner and the staff were disappointed that she was leaving them. The owner wanted to make sure she understood that their doors will always remain open for her in case any unforeseeable reasons find her needing to come back. He made a last ditch pitch to keep her but they can't compete with what my wife got on that offer.

First week of January, she flies to Illinois for a 2-day orientation. They already sent her the plane tickets, limo transfer information and accomodation. Yesterday we received her brand new, loaded laptop for her to take on the trip.

My wife at 26 years old is getting an early taste of life in the corporate world. It's surreal to think it was hardly a little over 6 years ago when she first picked up a CD to learn English fast so we can communicate when she gets to Moscow for our first meeting. Now she's taken the first step to become a full-pledged corporate professional. She's almost an American woman!  

To say she's made it in leaps and bounds since we first met is a gross understatement.

I am so, so incredibly proud of this woman and I am so elated to have been a part of her life these past years and witness her life's growth. Right now she is facing an incredibly bright, bright future for her, us, and all the important peoples in her life. I can now rest a bit comfortably knowing she will be OK from here on in....

....on a more subtle note, I broke my vow and actually took the time to meet one poster from an 'old' board. Many of you will likely know him as the 'Dean'. He came down and spent a weekend with us and he proceeded to kick my booty at one of our neighborhood golf course. Great golfer! The Dean is a great guy with much to offer the right FSUW....I'm glad we both found the time to meet.

Merry Christmas to everyone and the very best for the coming year to one and all!

[Maxx2]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home GQ. Those sure are special times.
That is great about Nat getting that job. You are both living the American dream. I believe you a good representative of the better of us (RWD members) in your happiness of your wife's advancement. That's great!

[GQBlues]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home GQ. Those sure are special times.

Thanks Maxx, but yes the process was a wonderful experience for Nataly. We received a whole lot of concessions, upgrades, incentives, etc...they even paid ALL our closing costs, lol. The rate was sub-5 yada-yada-yada, assumable...for a while I thought they were going to pay us just for buying the house, just like the what the Feds and the State did...Opportunity and preparedness colliding and all that good stuff.

I believe you a good representative of the better of us (RWD members) in your happiness of your wife's advancement. That's great!

Thanks again but I don't consider myself in that fashion. Marriage is not a big deal really. Certainly not because she happens to be Russian or I American. I don't get caught up with that silliness. There's enough of that going around so I'll leave that to them.

We're simply two people trying to make a life for each and for both in the best way we know how...her advancement is what I always targeted and we both expected her to do, so that isn't a surprise for me or for her. All she needed was a little opportunity.

Just two people trying to make the most out of life and enjoying it with each other while we can. We take what we put in and all that silliness...

[Maxx2]

Thanks again but I don't consider myself in that fashion. Marriage is not a big deal really. Certainly not because she happens to be Russian or I American. I don't get caught up with that silliness. There's enough of that going around so I'll leave that to them.

We're simply two people trying to make a life for each and for both in the best way we know how...her advancement is what I always targeted and we both expected her to do, so that isn't a surprise for me or for her. All she needed was a little opportunity.

Just two people trying to make the most out of life and enjoying it with each other while we can. We take what we put in and all that silliness...

I don't always make myself clear. A lot of guys marry a woman with a pretty face and a hot bod. Then they expect her to adapt to them and that is it. They really don't care if she adapts to the rest of America. For some couples that may be enough. Not all RW are the same. Some lack depth and that applies just as for some/many of the men they marry. Then there are the RW that have evolved to a higher level and if they have married men who have too then they are in luck.