The doors of 2011
Right, that will do for 2010, I think we can all agree. We now enter a year – 2011- with a distinctly improbable ring about it. Not so long ago, if you’d told me I would be alive in 2011, I would’ve imagined I would be AT LEAST living in Space and most likely part-computerised. Instead, I’m a man in his thirties in a red fleece and have a bit of baby food on my elbow.
2010 was the most physically and emotionally challenging year I’ve had to date, because of the arrival of K Watson, and given that I would say it was a reasonable success. Professionally, there were ups and downs as ever, but slightly more ups than downs. Personally, you could say much the same. Overall I am going to award the year 7.1 out of 10: a pretty credible score and much in line with the scores for ’08 and ’09. (My highest scoring year ever was 2002, followed by 2001, then 2006). Fingers crossed we can nudge towards the big eight in the coming year.
If you feel like one last bit of interactivity, feel free to award the year your own score out of 10 (including all the decimals along the way), and we’ll take a grand average to calculate the Watsonian Year Score (WYS). We can then do this every year and work out, with pinpoint accuracy, what the best and worst years of the decades turn out to be.
Tomorrow, if I am not entlrely hungover and preoccupied with watching my team probably lose to bitter rivals Cardiff City, I will post a long list of resolutions for 2011. As with all other vows made on this blog, the pressure of publicity should be the impetus to need to get shit, as they say, done. At least some of the shit.
Brief moment of sentimentality now the sun’s set for the last time in this year: thanks ever so much for reading all this claptrap every day since mid-February. I’ve had fun. I hope you have, too. Happy New Year.
Posted by Tibbs on February 15, 2011
I’m curious to know what happened in 2002, 2001 and 2006. I’m not sure I have a favourite year; I have such a badsense of time, especially in retrospect; all my memories sort of blend together. This year was pretty good though, what with coming back home from Korea, visiting my Grandma in BC and trips to Edinburgh and London, plus the beginings of the house-buying process. I’d call it a good 7.8 in all.
Posted by Hal on January 3, 2011
Sorry to bring the figures down but 2010 was probably the worst year of my life…. I’m veering between a 1 or a 2.
Started it in some post-op pain, followed by my father’s illness and then death, then trying to help my mother cope. It has been pretty unremittingly awful. Let’s make it a 2 as Xmas eve tried to make up for it all with some good news.
Posted by Aislinn on January 2, 2011
I’m going with 7 for 2010. It wasn’t bad by any means, and gets huge props from me for holding my first Edinburgh festival, but 2011 should/could be much better.
Posted by Laura-B on January 2, 2011
This has been a good year. I have said so all year. And I think repeatedly telling myself that the year is going well has made it all the better. This could be a self-fulfilling prophecy, or brainwashing, or just positive thinking, but it has worked.
2010 gets 8.9 (I had to take points off for hospitalised friends/family and complete lack of holidays)
In the same spirit, 2011 has gone jolly well so far.
Posted by Ingrid on January 2, 2011
This has been a pretty good year. First half not so much but second half was great… so 8/10 and lets hope 2011 is a good one to! Happy New year everyone!
Posted by Josh Youngman on January 2, 2011
I wanted to be quite a nerdy one and say pi.. but 3.1415/10 seems a little small.. and its been a reasonable year.. so pi/5.. or 6.283
Posted by Josh on January 2, 2011
6.96
First half good, second half bad with good bits.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Posted by Laurs on January 2, 2011
Happy New Year one and all! I hope it’s been a good start to 2011 for you all!
I’d give 2010 a 7.6/10. There have been some bloody brilliant bits, but to honest, suffering from laryngitis for the last month, and as a result having no voice (it’s quite difficult to communicate with people without being able to speak), has knocked a few points off. Fingers crossed I have a voice again, and a hospital appt to work out what’s wrong!
Posted by Tom Beasley on January 1, 2011
2010 has been really good. First girlfriend, first kiss, first comedy gig, first New Year’s Eve not with family.
Especially for the last six months, 2010 can have a 9.2, making it a damn good year!
Posted by amycool on January 1, 2011
Ooh, let’s see. Bad things included my boyfriend crashing the car, the Conservatives getting into power, and massive job cuts being announced at work. Good things included buying a car (the 2nd time wasn’t quite so momentous), seeing some of my favourite people in concert, meeting Emily and exhausting myself on an adult adventure playground, finding some new foods that I like, completing a 3 mile race and raising over £150, finding out I’m going to be an auntie, and perhaps best of all, having an infection free year for the first time since 2002.
There have been far more good things than bad things and I’m feeling very hopeful about the future as a result.
So I give 2010 9/10. Well done. Smiley face.
Posted by MusicalLottie on January 1, 2011
Hmm, 6 rather good months, 4 moderately-bad months, and two rubbish months. That averages at 5.7, but that feels a bit low. I’ll take it up to 6.3 because I’ve had a few really great days, and this past week has been rather good too. There we go, starting 2011 on a positive note!
Hope everyone has a good year
Posted by Patrick on January 1, 2011
Oh, it’s been a 9.
Posted by Lisa D on January 1, 2011
Happy New Year Watsonians!
I think I have to go with 6 for the year. My general sense of optimism and solid creative output keep things above 5 but the grim state of things for most of this year demand to be reflected in the average.
Posted by Kate B on January 1, 2011
I think I had a pretty good 2010, I’d say worthy of a 6.8. Happy 2011 everyone! Have a good ‘un! x
Posted by Jen on January 1, 2011
first ever venture into the world of blogs…well new year n all that ….id give 2010… 8.2……i set myself the task of going out and doing more…..and thats what i did with the help of ticketmaster..hehe…i went to approx 20 comedy stand up gigs….yourself included…twice …in Edinburgh (my first Fringe Fest…amazin)…and in Manchester…a definate highlight!!My other great achievement of 2010 is seein Paul McCartney in Cardiff…excellent!!!
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by Meg on January 1, 2011
Happy New Year everyone! I think this year has been 7.6 out of 10. Pretty good generally but quite stressful and tough for quite a few months. But this year has taught me to appreciate what I’ve got a lot more, even when things are a bit hard. So not too bad but not amazing either.
Posted by Alex on January 1, 2011
I think 7/10. Mostly because the 4 months in the middle were incredibly dull. Apart from that it’s been fine, with some good bits.
Posted by A lot of Rachels on January 1, 2011
The start of my year was pretty bad so it will get very low scores during that. But then I went to some awesome gigs, met new people and had a pretty grand summer. Then uni started up again and it wasn’t too bad but the last few weeks have been stressful due to family passings and exams.
Overall I think I had 6 great months, 2 average months and 4 bad months so will give it 7/10
Posted by Rachael on January 1, 2011
I have had fun too, 6.8 I reckon.
Posted by Beth on January 1, 2011
I think 9.5 out of 10. It has been a pretty amazing year really.
Posted by Hannahq on January 1, 2011
I reckon an 7.9. I feel that 2011′s going to be a good year. I suppose I’ve just jinxed it, but I think I’m probably safe given that jinxing doesn’t exist. Happy New Year all!
Posted by Katie on January 1, 2011
I’m going to go for 8.6/10. It would be higher if not for all the exams crushing my soul. Probably the best year out of my measly 16 though
Posted by Simon on January 1, 2011
9/10 easily.
Posted by Tracey on January 1, 2011
Happy New Year Mark and Happy New Year to everyone else here.I think I’d award this year an eight out of ten. This year will hopefully conyinue as it has begun for my husband, with plenty of work – he’s gone to work today so we had a quiet New Year.I need to sort out some more medical issues and my daughter will need to start considering her next step for when she finishes her course this year. I love reading your blog! Happy New Year ! Tracey x
Posted by Dawn on January 1, 2011
Happy New Year Everyone:)
Overall a good year for me as my daughter Laura got married in April and I had the pleasure of walking her down the Aisle.
Also my lovely daughter Amycool was able to cut down on her drugs for her dodgy lungs and her Fiance Pete became a Doctor of Psycology!
We also had the amazing news that Laura is expecting a baby next March so I am beside myself with excitement as it will be my first Grandchild and I will become “Nanna Dawn”.
Finally, at the Sainsbury’s Christmas Party I had a snog with the best looking guy in the room (aged 24) and I was the envy of all the “older” women!
So I give 2010 a big score of 8:)
Posted by h2osarah on January 1, 2011
Hm. I had a fantastic little while in the summer, I saw some great comedy and met some great people. The last month or so has also been pretty good thanks to a certain boy. But also, I haven’t done anywhere near enough work, have not finished, or even become close to finishing my thesis, have gotten fat, been robbed, spent a lot of time wallowing in self pity, and generally been unhappy with my life. Luckily, the highs were pretty high. The points that have been awarded are thanks to my friends for the good times. Shame I didn’t spend enough time being productive in other areas of life. 5/10
Posted by Madeleine on January 1, 2011
This year had some pretty average moments, but ended pretty strong so I’m going to go with 7.3… I’ve got a feeling next year is going to kick this year’s arse though, hope that’s that same for everyone!
Posted by Catherine aka Cathy on January 1, 2011
I rate 2010 as 10 good months out of 12. Therefore 8.3.
Posted by Katy on January 1, 2011
Happy new year to you all!
Im the only one from my group still standing, but we did play No More Women which pleased me.
I have a lot to be thankful to Mark and this blog for really making my year to be honest.
Posted by Lukey on January 1, 2011
Wys: 5 I got a gf but my mom got seriously I’ll. So the middle is good for me.
Posted by DiB (Sue) on January 1, 2011
A round 8.0 I think. There were challenges that I rose to job wise, dance classes that I went to all year, and we fitted in a few comedy shows and camping trips as well. I’ve learned that I can do things that I didn’t know I was capable of, and that is good for my confidence.
We also started to sort our wilderness of a front yard, (a job that will continue into 2011,) and in the last week of 2010 we booked tickets and some accomodation for a UK trip too, so we are ending the year on a high!
Posted by Rachel on January 1, 2011
Happy 2011 everybody!
I’m going to go with an 8.5 because, despite all of the truly ridiculous or bad stuff that ended up happening, 2010 was an incredible year for me in all respects. I did my GCSEs (and did well too), left school, did my World Challenge to Croatia (best moment of the year occurred there), started college, joined a choir, met some amazing people and finally got rid of someone who’s been horrible to me for five years, phew 
I hope 2011 is a wonderful year for all
Posted by Beth (Bloomability) on January 1, 2011
I’d have to say this year has been a 7/10. It would have scored much higher (as there have been some amazing bits) if it weren’t for a few massively awful bits that knock it down quite a bit.
Anyway, Happy New Year to you all ^_^
Posted by Ally on December 31, 2010
I’m giving this year an 8.2 simply because this year I got to see almost all of my extended family who live all over the globe, many of whom I haven’t seen for four years or more. Family fun times!
Posted by hornseygirl on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year One and All.
I shall plump for a round 7.0.
Roll on 2011. : )
Posted by Megan on December 31, 2010
I think mine rated about a 7.8. And, because I’m nothing if not shameless, I wrote a bit about here: http://www.popcornmonkey.com/wordpress/?p=235
Posted by Anna Lowman on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year y’all. I know Simone has already used the phrase ‘y’all’ but that just shows how darn cool we both are. I’d go for a 7 too.
Have yourselves a wonderful 2011 everyone – and thank you for the daily entertainment Mark xx
Posted by Simone on December 31, 2010
This year has been pretty good. 7/10.
Happy New Year, y’all.
Posted by LauraJ on December 31, 2010
I’d say a 7.5, not incredible but not bad either. Fingers crossed for a better 2011
Posted by Miz on December 31, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. A year with highs and lows for me, so I’d say about a 6. It’s getting better.
Posted by Lora on December 31, 2010
I’d say around a 7.5 for this year. Happy new year everyone! And thank you Mark for keeping this going since February, hope 2011 brings good things
Posted by DeborahF on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year one and all
I reckon 2010 would be around a 7.2 for me. I’m looking forward to 2011 and aiming for it to be at least an 8.5 maybe even a 9
Posted by Someone on December 31, 2010
6.01. Here’s to 2011. Happiness to you’z all.
Posted by tinkissarah on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year to you too Mark and Watsonians.
My year’s been pretty good. Nothing monumental has happened but I have no complaints so I reckon it’s got to be at least a 7.5 if not an 8. Here’s hoping 2011 is just as good if not better.
Posted by Juliet on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year Mark!! Thanks for sharing your year with us, it’s been amazing!
Posted by louisel on December 31, 2010
I’d say that 2010 was an 9.1 for me. It was awful until about April, and then it massively improved and turned into the best year of my life. I managed not to fail my GCSEs, got my braces off, finished compulsary education, met loads of amazing people, made lots of new friends and went to as many gigs as I could afford. And all the horribleness in the first four months made me appreciate how great the last eight months were
I’m off to drink Bailey’s and play on the Wii with lovely people for the next few hours … Happy New Year everyone! x
Posted by Zoe Fell on December 31, 2010
My year peaked in August and has remained totally awesome since then.
So…a year that probably could have been a 6 or a 7 has ended up being a 9.6 – HURRAH.
Happy New Year Watsonians. Happy New Year Watson family. See you on the other side.
x
Posted by Corey on December 31, 2010
Happy New Year to you and yours. It’s been fun reading your thoughts all year. My year scores a 5 or 6, so we’ll say 5.5.
Posted by Misha on December 31, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR WATSON & WATSONIANS. Yes i’m well on my way towards being drunk already, despite the fact i’m no longer going out.
I’m going to give this year an 8.8, it was doing better, especially since it’s been more up than down, unfortunately the one or two downs were quite serious which buggered it.
Here’s hoping 2011 (clearly not a real year) will be better.
Posted by LB on December 31, 2010
I’m thinking about an 8 (on a personal level). I’ve very much enjoyed the blog in 2010. I probably will in 2011 too. Happy New Year Watsonians!
Posted by Irwin on December 31, 2010
Wait, 9.8.
I forgot I finished a novel (writing, not reading. Although I also managed to read some novels over the course of the year). And I got two of my comments mentioned on one of the The Very Late Reviews. That was quite exciting.
Posted by Irwin on December 31, 2010
I had high hopes for 2010 after the rubbishness of 2009, but I was let down.
2010 was heading for a pretty poor 4.2/10 until September, when it became the best year ever. I founded a comedy group, we’re performing in London, at a festival and we have shows lined up until the summer.
So 2010 gets a rather rose-tinted 9.6/10.
Posted by Emily on December 31, 2010
A very average 5, I think. Some great stuff in the online world, and some shit stuff in the real world. Happy New Year to all.
Posted by Kathryn on December 31, 2010
It’s been a good year. I’m going to go with 8.4 (to one decimal place). Possibly my best year to date, with a steady incremental improvement since around 2005. Rounding the year off with a positive outlook rather than dwelling on how shitty my December was.
May good stuff happen in 2011, and all that.
Posted by issey on December 31, 2010
i reckon 2010 was about a 7.6 for me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!