Looking back on 2008

We did this back in June for the half-year and though it's not quite over yet, I thought perhaps we could look back on the year that was.

I wouldn't call 2008 a terrible year per se but I'm still hoping for some better times ahead in 2009. Early in the year I was made redundant because the company I worked for was losing money which was a blow but kind of a blessing as I was starting to look elsewhere and was getting ready to move on anyway when it happened. After taking a bit of time away to recharge and think about what I wanted to do next, I decided to try working for myself and am currently trying to build up business. It may be that I end up applying for a job in the near future but I've found working for myself a rewarding experience. Now it's just about turning profits.

A couple of days after I finished up at my old job I got some terrible news, however. As I've mentioned a couple of times, a close friend of mine whom I'd grown up with hung himself in late February to the shock and indescribable sadness to all who knew him. I think we all wish we knew how troubled he was and that we could have done something but he kept those demons well-hidden. Since then, we've been able to work out a few things and some possible explanations have surfaced but little good they do now.

Health-wise, I was diagnosed with gout earlier this year which I now have to treat constantly, though with some dietary changes and the medication it's under control. I've rolled ankles and had all sorts of bumps and bruises growing up, even cutting a tendon when I stepped on some broken glass when I was three but I can honestly say that gout attacks are the worst pain I can remember and I never want to have another one. I was a bit hesistant to commit to the medication as I need to keep taking it from now on but after learning of some of the more serious risks I decided it would be foolish not to suffer the mild inconvenience. I also had some issues with panic attacks for a few months which were disrupting my sleeping patterns but I'm happy to say I've gotten past that. If you suffer from panic attacks or similar anxiety issues yourself, you can attest to them being quite unpleasant and not at all fun to deal with.

I've recently had some very bad news about one of my closest friend's fathers, who has terminal cancer. Things are not looking good and it may not be a very happy start to the new year but he's been fighting it courageously and was able to attend my friend's wedding a couple of months back (at which I had the honour of being one of the groomsmen). The wedding itself was a fantastic day that oddly went off without too many problems and everyone had a great time. Right now, we're just taking things one day at a time and my friend is making the most of every day with his father.

It pales in comparison to the issues I've just mentioned but NBA Live 09 being a console only release was a blow and has presented a challenge for us running the site. The technical issues I've spoken about in my milestone thread have also been a pain but when it comes to Live and the NLSC, I'm looking forward to bigger and better things in 2009 and hopefully less stress day-to-day now things appear to be under control. I know I've said it before, but thanks to everyone who's stuck by us, it means a lot.

Once again, I had the opportunity to attend the NBA Live Community Event this year and while the aforementioned panic attack issues caused a few problems with a 15 hour flight, it was far preferable to last year's trip to New York. I loved attending the Draft, the Community Event is always exciting and great for the site and the Big Apple was a blast but with the connection in Los Angeles, delays and the travel from Sydney to Newcastle, you're looking at about 24 hours travelling there and back. The worst part about overseas travel of course is having to walk through First Class. If I can ever afford it, I'll need to fly first class at least once. I don't mind not having a personal DVD player or anything like that, I can provide my own entertainment, but I'd kill for the legroom. Anyway, despite the long flights and short stay I enjoyed myself and it's always nice to have that early sneak peek at the game, and hanging out with the other community guys was a lot of fun. That said, if it wasn't for Shawn from 5w-g, Clueminati and I would probably still be wandering the streets of Vancouver trying to get back to the hotel.

I've had a couple of friends move away and a couple move back in the past twelve months. That's why one of my resolutions is to do a better job keeping in contact with everyone. It's always like old times when we catch up and we certainly have plenty of ways of keeping in touch but I have some terrific friends who I definitely don't want to lose contact with.

Basketball-wise, it's been painful watching the Bulls regress after it seemed they were making progress and their uncertain future is troubling for us longtime fans but there were a few games worth watching. Last season was definitely exciting as a whole and the 2008 Finals were one of my favourite NBA championship series that didn't involve the Bulls. Foxtel going back to two NBA games per week is a blow but I'm excited about Channel Ten's new 24 hour sports channel and the three games per week that it will be providing beginning April next year. The NBA's return to free-to-air has been a long time coming.

Looking back, 2008 certainly hasn't been all bad but in all honesty, there have been some lows that I certainly would like to avoid in 2009. Here's hoping. Feel free to share your stories and what you're looking forward to in 2009, I know I didn't touch on any world events but by all means talk about those too.

it was the best year in my life, i've graduated from unoversity, got married, got new apartment!

2008 has easily been the worst of my life. 3 relationship breakdowns, constant drama's with an ex girlfriend, my nan passing away, problems with my drug addicted brothers and the usual shenanigans associated with university. I'll be very happy once 2008 is over with, although it's just been on cruise control the last 3 months. That's why I can't really go deep into anything anymore. If I avoid thinking about it, I can forget about it.

Andrew, am sorry to hear about your mate committing suicide earlier this year....I hadn't heard that, probably because I was off getting hitched around that time....I had a similar thing happen just prior to Xmas about 4 years ago, when a good work mate committed suicide (off Kangaroo Point Cliffs - you've been to Brissy a few times, so you'll probably know the place I'm referring to)....he too kept his inner demons well-hidden as he was one of the most cheerful, happy-go-lucky people around....his passing came as a huge shock & I know it did surprise & affect me immensely....

sorry about your friend's father having terminal cancer....my Grandmother just died from cancer this afternoon, so it's not a good thing....terminal is never good....my friend's mother died of brain cancer earlier this year....she was diagnosed only a month or two before she passed, so not good....such is life....it is precious & should not be wasted away....

onto more happy topics, my 2008 year was one to remember....it had it's ups & downs, from the dramas before my wedding, to getting married, going on a nice honeymoon to Europe, the Fighting Irish making playoffs for first time, my CA studies, my older brother's marriage breakdown & my Nanna just passing today, it's been a very interesting & chaotic year....

I think 2009 will be a more calming & productive year for some reason....I hope....

Sorry to hear about your mate too, and your grandmother. I lost my Nan to cancer seven years ago as well, and my half-brother's father passed away three years ago after beating cancer a couple of times. It certainly doesn't discriminate. It would seem 2009 can certainly be a better year all around, though with all the uncertainty with my friend's father's condition it unfortunately may start on a low note.

It was a shitty year. It started out great, but then it all went downhill.

It always does Drex..

Same here.

It always does Drex..

Nah, 2007 was the opposite. And of course, most of the years have their up and downs, but this was a specially shitty year.

Sounds like Diddy had the best year out of all of us.