freelance web design in milton keynes :: westfourstreet

Farewell 2010

Posted on December 31st 2010 by Richard Bateman

Well, what can I say about 2010? Without any shadow of a doubt it's been the most amazing and mind blowing year of my life. I will try so hard not to gloat, but will try to give a break down of what make this year the best to date.

Engaged!

February kick started the this most awesome of years. A weekend break to the Lake District saw me take Robyn to a fancy restaurant and propose. The whole weekend was perfect. Walking through natural beauty, discussing the possibility of getting a dog later in the year and realising we were onto something very special, the proposal itself was symbolic of what was an amazing weekend. But even then we had no idea of what was ahead.

My Own Boss

In April I decided to leave the design agency I had been at for just under two years and start my own business. I've posted before on here about this move and change in my career so I won't harp on about it. But if you're thinking of going freelance and going at it on your own I strongly recommend it.

The freedom and oppurtunity to produce your best work is endless. Eight months later I can honestly say that I have the best clients, all of who are a pleasure to do work for. I can't wait for next year and expanding the business further. It's been an absolute pleasure. Some of the contracts and companies I have taken on this year have exceeded all my expectations. Thank you.

New Home

May saw us move home. We stayed local but decided to escape the "City" and move to the outskirts and enjoy a far more quiet and easy going pace of life when it comes to the domestic side of life. We looked at only two properties but when we saw this place we didn't hesitate to slap down a deposit and get the house. Myself and Robyn have both owned our own homes in the past but this was the first time we had chosen a home together as a couple. We're not huge fans of getting a mortgage, especially after the stress of selling my old place before the move, so we decided to keep renting. Which, until we have kids, will most likely be the way we go about our business in regards to living quarters for the next few years.

One of the highlights of the new place was our neighbours. We have been blessed with a perfect group of neighbours, each one has welcomed us with open arms and you can't beat good neighbours remember!? Those Aussies knew what they were talking about. We have now since this point, moved again. But the new place is definitely a keeper!

Introducing Ralphie

So as mentioned, back in February myself and Robyn discussed the possibility of getting a dog. One of the strong reasons for moving was that in out last home that we rented, no dogs were allowed. Sucks huh? So we decided to move. Yep, we moved just so we could get ourselves a dog. In July we bought Ralphie "Rockefeller" Bateman home. Ralphie has had a whole blog post dedicated to him, so regular readers will know all about him.

He has been nothing but a joy to have. The first few weeks were tiring. Mopping up dog urine every ten minutes isn't fun, but it's worth it. He's a proper Bateman now. He's growing up quick and it's mad to think he will turn one next May. How time flies.

I Turn 30 Years Old

In September I turned 30. A milestone to some, to me in all honesty it was just another year under the belt. But upon reflection it has been a milestone. I guess so because of all the major events this year. It honestly could not have been scripted better for the year I leave my twenties.

The summer this year was underwhelming in regards to the weather, but on the 22nd September, for whatever reason, it was clear blue skies, warm sunshine and was not the same after that day. Someone was definitely smiling down on me this year. After my 30th, our attention was once again back onto our December wedding.

I Get Married!

Sunday, December 5th. I got married to Robyn at the beautiful Great Barn in Aynho. Words really will never describe just how incredible the feeling is. Firstly getting married to the best thing that has ever happened to you, but to have all your friends and family there to celebrate with you. It's mind blowing. You always here people say how it was the best day of their lives and I agree. Although if I'm sure that with my new wife by my side that we will have many more amazing days in the future. In fact, I'm getting quite broody these days, so who knows. I may be blogging one day soon with a baby on my lap bashing the keys on my MacBook.

But the wedding day is beyond description. Feelings of excitement, nerves, of simply being so proud to be standing there along side the one person who makes everything fit into place. If you're friends with me on Facebook then you would have likely to have seen the pictures from the big day. And a special mention must go to Henry & Rachel at 1st Images Photography. If you want your wedding day captured perfectly then these guys are hands down the best in town.

Honeymoon

Next up, the honeymoon. Hawaii and New York over two weeks.

Having been to New York twice before you'd think that the excitement would be more directed towards our first stop which was Hawaii. But I would say they were both equal in the anticipation stakes. So Hawaii was first up. Five days surrounded by nothing but natural beauty and awesome residents. We were knackered upon arrival after nearly 17 hours of travelling but that soon passed once we felt the sun hit our faces. During the five days our time was spent walking the beaches, sunbathing and eating. So you know, the usual.

Hawaii simply put is an amazing place. It was the perfect setting to just relax, take our time to recover after months of planning for the wedding and basically to just catch our breath. We stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort which was featured in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It was perfect.

New York, New York. So completely rockin' they named it twice. I love New York. The name for my website, westfourstreet, originates from my first visit to the Big Apple. New York was the first holiday that me and my wife went on together and so it was fitting that we returned to the city to relive some memories and add a few more too.

My first visit to New York on my own nearly ten years ago and ever since that first visit I've had my heart firmly amongst the skyscrapers. New York in the winter is everything you would expect and what you've probably seen in the movies. It was damn cold when we arrived yet it just added to the build up of Christmas which was just a week away. We spent a lot of time in and around Central Park and did quite a lot of shopping. Having been before the usual tourist attractions were not on the list. We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel is absolutely drenched in history and it's quite a breathtaking moment when you first walk into the lobby.

I could go on, but not enough words would really do justice. Not only to New York and Hawaii but for the whole of 2010. Without doubt the best year of my life. Awesome.

Westfourstreet

Farewell 2010

Engaged!

My Own Boss

New Home

Introducing Ralphie

I Turn 30 Years Old

I Get Married!

Honeymoon

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