Inspired by the Very True Things Decade Meme, here’s what I’ve been up to over the last ten years.

2000

Second year of employment in a local authority, second year of living in the first house I’d actually owned (well, more of it was owned by the mortgage provider than me, but you know what I mean). Young, free, single, and frequently in the pub.

2001

Started dating the lady who would in time become the GLW, with the official ‘first date’ on the day of the general election (although we’d been out ‘as friends’ before that). Got engaged to her later that year, after a works night out at the Federation Brewery (who says romance is dead?).

2002

Fiancee moved in with me. Got married, exactly a year to the day after getting engaged. Very nice wedding do it was too. Discovered that vodka and orange is good for the nerves. Honeymoon in Corfu, bloody fantastic.

2003

Discovered that when you find out you are going to be a Dad in the middle of the night, it’s difficult to get back to sleep. Obtained two cats in May. First child born in October, 13 months after wedding. England won Rugby World Cup, which I watched early in the morning with small baby, who didn’t seem to be taking that much notice of England’s triumph to be honest.

2004

Moved house into current location. Bit of a wrench leaving Low Fell, as I still — even now — feel that this is ‘my’ part of Gateshead, as it’s where I spent the longest part of my teens. However, after various issues with chain, have decided that I don’t ever want to have to move house ever again.

2005

Second child born, again in October. Must be something in the January air. Went to Manchester for an AccessifyForum meetup which involved several drinks. Started blogging specifically to record this event.

2006

Went to Edinburgh with wife and two boys. Had a great time in Edinburgh, looking at shops and in particular zoo — great for the kids — although an experience on the buses did dampen my enthusiasm for the trip somewhat

2007

Went on holiday to Centerparcs. Not really a particularly exciting year; I can’t think of anything else of specific interest offhand.

2008

Oldest child started school. Seems too young to be going to school at first, but within a few weeks is perfectly settled and within a few months seems completely at home. Changed jobs — started working in private sector, sometimes working away but mostly working from home. Met up with some people I had gone to Uni with on weekend away in Lancaster.

2009

Made redundant, started up own business. Too early to say really how it’s going for sure; it seems positive but you’re always wondering where the next piece of work will come from. Had lovely holiday in Corfu with wife and kids just after being made redundant — fortunately had already been paid for by then.

The question is, will I still be blogging ten years from now when the time comes for the next decade meme?