Half way review: 2009
Following on from my post near the start of the year (For the new year: 2009 roadmap), here’s my six month review.
Become more financially stable
I set out two main financial decisions to make in 2009: Clear student loan and dent mortgage. I did look into both these decisions and have done neither. Have I done nothing? Absolutely not. Analysis has helped me make other financial decisions which benefit my stability as a whole.
It’s going to be a hard year. Work aren’t paying any bonuses this year and the economy is set to slump even further. It’s a long road for the UK to get anywhere near stable and the housing market, which is of very personal interest to me, is besides one or two blips which the media never cease to take joy in reporting, not getting any better. The warmer weather is lifting spirits for now, heaven help us in the darker months to come.
Progress satisfactory, continue working hard. Evaluate: Live for now vs. save for tomorrow?
Improve skill set
I had two goals here: Learn to fly and continue piano lessons and I’m happy to report some progress. Back in December I wrote that I wanted “to make 2009 the Year of the PPL“. That’s what I’ve done. I made my first flight for the PPL on the 24th January and since then have flown 15.5 hours. I’m told progress is going well, and I’m still alive so I must be doing something right :)
And piano? I said I needed to restructure to give me more time to practice. I think I was too unrealistic here. I’m still very busy and continue to find it difficult to fit in my practice. Progress has been ok, but a little slow for my liking. I know I can do better but I have no idea how to allow it to happen. Nevertheless I took my Grade 1 practical exam last Thursday and eagerly await the results. My teacher informs me I am allowed two weeks rest only. Then it’s on to Grade 2 :p
Progress good, start work on PPL theory for exams, keep pushing the piano for now.
Improve health
Head bows in shame here. Health is always the first thing to go when you’re put under pressure. I said I’d do two things here: Get fit and No junk food. Who was I kidding? I type amongst Coke cans and beside about 20 bags of crisps. Uneaten, but it’s only a matter of time.
Seriously, I’m killing myself. Eating rubbish, not exercising, getting up at 6am and not going to sleep until midnight will lead me to an early grave. I feel fatter, I feel sicker, tired, I get colds.
Something needs to happen here. I’ve done two things this evening (partly they reminded me to write this review) to get fitter. I bought a unicycle as a new skill to learn that I can try to master over the summer months. It should provide at least minimal exercise. I’ve also enlisted some help to get to the gym. I’ve never been to a gym. Swimming pool yes, but never to a proper gym to use the equipment. If it comes off, I’ll make every effort to go and get fit.
It’s still not enough. I need to start taking care of myself. Above everything else I’ve written about here, it all means nothing if I’m sick. I’ve had long running health problems that are finally being addressed and will see me visiting the ‘top dogs’ at Royal London Hospital in two months. Going into hospital last week is what has really hit home.
Progress fair, must improve as a matter of, well, life and death.
Improve work environment
IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting…
[If... Rudyard Kipling]
I thought I could improve the company and improve myself. I’ve done one at the expense of another and it hasn’t been in my favour. Persistence has won out so far this year and I’ve introduced some things to the company which I’ve fought long and hard for. Everyone seems to be enjoying the benefits except me.
From an idealistic standpoint, it’s good to watch everyone using techniques and tools which you’ve worked so hard to introduce and build, but at the same time crippling not to be able to use them yourself. Like the inventor of the motorcar, forbidden to drive.
For the rest of this year I need desperately to improve my professional skill set. It’s starting to turn this way and I only hope it continues and isn’t too late.
Progress fair. Work hard. Remember to expect something in return.
I’m learning something important this year. Take chances while you have them. “Have happiness while it’s here”.
