Another Year Over, A New Beginning

Well I hope all you guys had a good Christmas, and that your New Years celebrations will be even better. I did, I think; judging by all the empties on Saturday morning, and the fact that I vaguely remember either Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

One thing that has been evident (throughout December for me) is the fact that this time of year really does drain the finances, credit crunch or not. When a quiet night out costs near enough £50 in the pub and you leave still sober you realise it's time to change tactics; similarily when a taxi fare costs £20 you know you're in the wrong line of work, being taken for a mug, or probably both !

For this reason, after the holiday period finishes (January 5th for me), it's time for belts to be tightened, and money saved for the summer months when I intend to do a lot of motorcycle racing. I'm not quitting the booze altogether like Will plans to do for the best part of two months, just I'll be drinking carry outs from the supermarket. I know pubs are only trying to stay afloat, but I'm going to look after number one and stretch my finances further.

I also intend to play online poker regularly and seriously, with a view to making some steady, if not spectacular, profits. I still have a small roll in PokerStars, so that is probably the best place for me to resume. Regular updates will hopefully see my participation in this blog become more prominant.

Other plans for this year are still in the pipeline, I have 3 options for early Spring, with DUSoP being amongst them; but more of that nearer the time.

A quick reflection over the past year throws up a mix of emotions and memories for me, but it's safe to say 2008, whilst low key, has been a better one for me than any other since around about 2005. I had memorable visits to DUSoP in March, Dundee in November and also attended numerous motorcycle race meetings. My operation, while a time of great stress has been a resounding success, and I can proudly declare that in the 6 months and 1 week (to the day) since the surgery was performed, I have lost just over 12 stone ! That's more than the mass of most of the other Troop members !

I'll finish off there for now, but thanks to everyone who has participated in writing or reading the blog during its first year; let's hope 2009 will see more Scooping, and here's hoping one or more of us could carry off a big scalp down the bookies or at the casino in the near future.

Mountain Man