Hip hip horray!

It's my last working day of 2007 so I thought I’d write a short (ish) review.

I've been working at AJG for just under a year and I have to say that it's gone really fast. Does that mean i've had a great time? Probably not, it hasn’t been bad by any means but I think it can be improved. 2008 is a new year and I look forward to seeing what’s in store.

Highlights of 2007

New York
I went to New York for April’s 25th birthday. Other than during the first day or so being the coldest I’ve ever been in my life the whole place was just perfect. The people, the atmosphere and the sites were all far better than I expected. If I ever decide to leave London, I think I could move to New York.

Canal Boating
During this long weekend I think I managed to get wetter than I have ever been in my life, but this didn’t matter as everybody mucked in and we got by pretty much unscathed. Another day or too would have been nice as we had to rush to get back on the final day but that may have been the down fall as it did seem claustrophobic at times. It was good to come back without any accidental drownings.

Spain
In Spain I realised that golf was not for me. I think this is an important lesson to be learnt in any man’s life as it’s a very expensive and time consuming past time. I managed 9 out of 18 holes and totted up a score of 80+ and that’s playing by Stuart rules… if nobody’s looking it didn’t count

Helsinki
Metallica delayed announcing their UK tour days a week before the rest of Europe. I suggested to Shaheen that we should just book it see what happens. That was all that was needed. We looked at the various countries and neither of us had been to Finland. Helsinki here we come. The place was excellent. It exuded ROCK! The only downside I can think of is that April didn’t come along with us.

Limerick
It was my Dad’s 60th birthday this year so Steve and I took my Dad to Ireland as a special treat. We saw some cliffs and caves, an old jail and a flying boat museum. Between us we drank about a barrel of Guinness and watched loads of rugby. As an added bonus we also saw Cheryl Baker.


Things to look forward to in 2008

Monaco
April’s running a training course in Monaco on the 7th so we’re going to make the most of it and have a weekend looking round. Apparently our hotel room has a superior sea view (???). At one point it was suggested that we get a helicopter ride from Nice airport to Monaco but seeing as April’s company will be paying I think that would be taking the p!ss a little too much.

Australia
Although the date keeps getting chopped and changed (currently end of March) we’re off to Australia next year. I looking forward to seeing the place as I’ve always wanted to go. Also, it’s only fair, I’ve shown April round Corby, She must show me round Australia.

Buying a house
By the time my lease runs out at the end of July I will have been living and working in London for nearly 6 years. In rent alone I will have paid £49975! My last place is £14,000 per year! We have to buy a house. The house market is not as strong as it was a year ago but in 6 months time I think we will certainly know where it’s heading. It’ll be a big decision but I think we’re ready.

Win the lottery
My main goal in 2008 is to win the National Lottery. I don’t think it’s much to ask to never having to work again and I will strive to achieve this.