Since You Joined Ab...

[LadyCG]

I've been sitting here thinking about how different my life is since I first joined AB. Back when I joined I lived in a different country, I was coming to the end of a flagging 14-year relationship and work was drying up.

I'm now married with a child, have a job I love in the NHS and I'm about to start a renovation project which will see me turn a veritable cow shed into the home of my dreams.

In between then and now I repatriated, fell into the NHS, met and moved in with a fellow Ab'er, split 2 years later when he cheated on me whilst my nan was dying with cancer, moved to the Midlands, met my soul mate, nearly died from an ectopic pregnancy and subsequently lost my sanity (PTSD) and then eventually had a successful, albeit difficult pregnancy.

A large number of you have been with me throughout the entire journey and we've seen some lovely people come and go along the way.

So ... please describe your "AB life history" ... What has happened on your journey during the AB years?

Ps ... This thread was inspired by a Mikey contribution I saw in Related posts ...

[mallyh]

I joined ab because I love doing quizzes but it became a big part of my life when I needed someone to talk to or unburden myself through a few horrible years when I lost my mil, fil, my mum and son in law then my daughters cancer and other illnesses and helping me through when my sons addiction just pushed me to the limit ,I know I haven't met any of you but it's really helped me stay sane .xxx

[nailit]

Interesting question LCG ;-)
Since originally joining AB (under another nic) I split from a long time partner, attended the funeral of my best mate from school, ended up in the loony bin a couple of times, had a crown court trial, had a friends with benefits relationship (not a good idea), moved property, had my son move out and get on with 'growing up' with his bird, fell out with certain family members, made up again with a couple of them, nursing my mum through cancer, started voluntary work, got paid work.
And rode Alton Towers 'The Smiler' 7 times on the trot after it reopened after the accident (and had my first deep fryed battered mars bar) ;-)

//moved in with a fellow Ab'er,//
Was that Bobjugs LCG if you don't mind me asking?

[LadyCG]

Wow, Mally, you've been through the mill.

And yes, AB has served as a lifeline to many xx

[mallyh]

i've also had quite a few giggles xxx

[LadyCG]

Yes, Nailit. Lord knows what I saw in that grotesque specimen of humanity.

How's your mother bearing up? x

[nailit]

LCG, I remember some of the banter between you and BJ, sorry it didn't go well (blimey, that was a fair few years ago as well)!
My mums not to bad at the moment, thanks for asking.
Think we all have a rollor coaster existence at times...

This is just one of the best questions asked in CB (in my opinion) for a long time ;-)
Popcorn jobby….

[Prudie]

This has made me think how little has changed in comparison with others. Been here (just checked and just had my 11 year anniversary) and am in the same house, work at the same place and with the same partner although along the way we have got married, my mother has died, my daughter has really grown up and I've lost 3 much loved cats. Some know I've met one ABer and he and especially his wife have become dear friends (in my book anyway) but otherwise little else.

[Calicogirl]

I was a little girl when I joined, since then I've lived in the UK, Germany and the US, realised I wanted things I never thought I did, and didn't want things I'd been very focused on. Worked myself half to death, and went through two relationships which at the time I thought were the real deal til I met the man I recently married and realised I'd had no idea what love really is til then. I went through a lot of self doubt and fear with him because I felt so strongly it frightened me, had a miscarriage but he told me he didn't have any game and wasn't going anywhere and sure enough he didn't. He got sole custody of his little boy in January and in March we got married. Things are not always very easy, he's away an enormous amount and I have to to and fro to see family and him to quite a ludicrous schedule around what he does but I don't care, despite some awkward people and awkward happenings we are so happy and I cant imagine my life being the way it used to be chasing all the rubbish I used to. My Grandfather is terminally ill which is awful but he's being made as comfortable as possible and I hope will have a placid time of crossing over when it happens.

[JimF]

I bought a new car.

[nailit]

Was it a Matchbox or a HotWheels ^

[JimF]

Yes.

[Arksided]

Nothing much really compared to you lot, a few job changes.. still in same home, two lovely young ladies entered my life (Nieces now 6 and 8)...

...and a bit sad just before Christmas gone a really good old school mate passed away unexpectedly I'm 47 (Feb)... four days younger so he'd only have being 46.

[-SharonA-]

I joined when I retired and whiled away a few hours on here. Downsized my home, got a lovely flat, OH retired year after me and we have spent time away from the UK. Life is good, as long as I have my health I'm happy.

[Theland]

Joined in 2006 when still working. Left job in 2008 due to a head wreck. Joined ship repair for two years and finished completely in 2010 due to ill health.
Many many family problems since then and years of physical chronic illnesses but terrible episodes of depression.
But throughout, my Christian faith has been strengthened as I learned how to be patient and wait on God.
It works for me.

[jno]

retired. Now have to look at AB on my own time, but that's about it.

[Theland]

I'm so happy I stumbled on to AB and discovered so many lovely interesting and supportive people. Even Nailit!

[gness]

What a thought provoking question.......and I love the answer from JimF.... :-)
I only found AB in my quest to improve my Honda headlights......I was so green about using the internet that I did everything wrong....but....
Allbags was so helpful....he was a star....I had such banter with Baldric....don't know what has happened there.... :-(
I have made some wonderful friends through this site.....I know some say that's not possible....not real friendships.....but I wouldn't have missed my friendship with MrsO and Psybbo for the world.....we did become real friends and I miss them both so much......
I have met and had drinks and meals with some lovely abers....though the one who got stung by the wasp may not agree.....had great osprey watching days.....got tipsy with three abers on the evening of MrsO's funeral.
I've had Sqad sort out a medical problem that my GP and local hospital couldn't.....that was bliss.....can't imagine where I'd have been now if not for Sqad but I wouldn't have been striding out through the woods on a bird watch...that's for sure....
And now? Well a certain aber said...Why are we not living in Ireland....in your home village?
And here we are......would I have done it on my own? I very much doubt it but we couldn't be happier....
So I have much to thank AB for... :-)

[10ClarionSt]

Since I joined AB, I've never met one member. I have 2 phone numbers and 2 email addresses. Neither person has posted on AB for a long time. I used to speak regularly to one of them, but I phoned one day and got the dreaded "Sorry, this number is not available". I know he had been having trouble at work and was threatened with redundancy. And his wife was very ill. I emailed him but had no reply. I've tried emailing lots of times, but nothing. I can only wonder. The other person lives quite near to me, although we've never met. I've spoken to her a few times. She was very good at genealogy and provided lots and lots of links and information.
But has my life changed? Sure. It's 14 years since I joined. Lots of stuff has happened.

[Arksided]

I'd like to add, I have chatted to many now AB friends, and come across the strangest folk sometimes. Makes life interesting reading how diverse we all can be and yet get along... mostly.

[nailit]

//So I have much to thank AB for... :-) //
I'll second that!
My BPD gets me carried away at times on here but been so thankful at times for the support of others.

//and discovered so many lovely interesting and supportive people. Even Nailit!//
This isn't my thread but I get my first paycheck in a long time next week Theland and I just might hire a car and make it up to Liverpool to visit you!!!