The Then & Now Meme – Sunday Stealing

This meme from Sunday Stealing includes some rules – it is the first one I've come across that does, some challenging questions as well – mainly because I have to trawl back through the mire that is my memory – but here goes:

• Think back to 10 years ago this month (August 1999)
  
• Write truthful answers and elaborate - this makes is more interesting!
  
• If you don't have a scanner you can omit number 14, but if you can you should do it!
  
• It's about personal changes – have fun!
  

Then August 1999

1. Age – 39
   
2. Romantic Status – Married
   
3. Occupation – something admin – I think that was a time when I worked in IT
   
4. Fun night out – fun nights in with friends – too tired for fun nights out!
   
5. My BFFs – had to look this up (it means Best Friends Forever), probably Julie & Linda
   
6. I spent way too much time – worrying about number 2 son!
   
7. I spent not enough time – on myself!
   
8. I wanted to be when I grew up – err – I was already grown up!
   
9. Biggest concern – number 2 son
   
10. What my biggest concern should have been – this is obviously aimed at a younger audience, I have no idea – my family were paramount
    
11. Where did I live – Colchester
    
12. Dumbest thing I did that year – mmmm can't think of anything for that one
    
13. If I could go back to then and talk to myself I would say – 'Stop being so hard on yourself – life is not perfect!'
    
14. Picture of me then – I promise that I have looked for one and can't find anything!
    

 

Now August 2009

1. Age – 49
   
2. Romantic Status – Married
   
3. Occupation – Manager in health service
   
4. Fun night out – what's a fun night out? Oh – probably going to football, that's generally the extent of my nights out these days!
   
5. My BFFs – had to look this up (it means Best Friends Forever), Julie, Linda & Shirley
   
6. I spend way too much time – worrying about number 2 son! Nothing changes really! Oh – and too much time on t'internet and blogging stuff (had to add that one)!
   
7. I spend not enough time – keeping up with the housework L
   
8. I want to be when I grew up – err – I am already grown up! Now I just want to retire!
   
9. Biggest concern – how the hell I'm going to be able to keep working for at least 10 years more!
   
10. What my biggest concern should be – I have no idea – my family are paramount (still)
    
11. Where do I live – Ipswich
    
12. Dumbest thing I did this year – come on, I'm so grown up I don't do dumb things anymore!
    
13. What I think I would say to myself in 10 years – hopefully, keep goiing only another five months to retirement!
    

Summary

1. What do I miss most from 1999 – hard to say, the boys were a lot younger and more dependant then. Do I feel less needed now? Probably not they have always been independent – that's the way we brought them up.
   
2. What do I miss least from 1999 – again hard to say, in fact I can't think of anything
   
3. What have I accomplished in 10 years that I am most proud of – sorry but it's going to be the passage of time for the boys to grow into young men, that's an accomplishment that we can all be proud of
   
4. What have I not accomplished in 10 years that I wish I had – perhaps financial security, no mortgage left to pay – otherwise I'm quite happy with my lot, thank you!