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Photo by mandj98

A few things for 2009, sort of a new year’s resolution but more of a 2009 roadmap:

Become more financially stable

At the moment the UK economy is dying.  People are getting poorer at an alarming rate, food prices are rocketing and the pound is losing its value in the global marketplace.  I need a new game plan in 2009 to survive and to support the other things on this list.

Clear student loan: A lot of people tell me you should never pay your student loan off on account of the low interest rate.  However, these people are the ones who are necessarily always in debt.  It’s not the best ROI for me (the next point is) to clear the loan, but it is achievable to make a dent in 2009 and is one less thing to worry about.

Dent mortgage: Another tricky decision.  The way the economy is going and the way the housing market has crashed has put me not far from negative equity.  I easily foresee this happening by Q2 2009.  On the one hand, I can pay something off and reduce my interest charges, on the other hand, the rates are ever reducing anyway and when it all goes bang, will I have thrown my money away?  I’m going to look into this and make a decision early.

Improve skill set

I like learning, I like new things, it’s important to be valuable.  Next year will see me improve my skills with something new and something old.

Learn to fly: This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.  It’s been a while since my interest was last sparked but I’ve worked hard this year to put myself in a strong position to make 2009 the Year of the PPL.  I have a medical booked 2nd week of January and aim to start the weekend after.  A life-long commitment which wasn’t taken lightly, however, once I start something, it’s all guns blazing.

Continue piano lessons: I’ve been learning the piano for a few months now.  Perhaps I should say I’ve been learning classically for a few months now, with a teacher.  Before that, I taught myself using my parents’ piano and finally bought my own early this year.  It hasn’t been going too well due to time pressures.  I just don’t have time to practice or study the theory.  In 2009 I’m bringing the project management techniques I’ve championed commercially to this area of my life.  I’m going to restructure my time and lessons to allow me more time to learn.

Improve health

I used to be fairly active, still chunky but a good weight.  After too many chocolates, cans of coke and crisps at Christmas (and for the latter part of the year) it’s time to step up a gear.

Get fit: I used to go swimming twice a week when I lived on my own.  Now, living back with parents is a drain on the independence I need to do this.  It also seems harder to go, especially when it’s cold and I find myself increasingly more tired after work (see final point).  I’d like to pick up swimming again.  Hopefully the local pool will announce some discount schemes to entice those feeling guilty after Christmas.  However, in the crashing economy, this might turn into a money drain which is why I’m reading Zen Habits to start an exercise regime at home.

No junk food: I eat a lot of junk food.  When I lived on my own, it was easier to eat healthily.  If you buy your own food you can choose not to buy crisps and coke and find something better to replace them with.  Back with my parents (who have 50 cans of coke stacked in the corner and a cupboard bursting with crisps) temptation is harder to avoid.  I will cut down on crisps and coke in the new year.  I’ve already made improvements at work where bringing my own food in not only saves money but avoids the chips and pizza options which form the limited choice from the surrounding shops.  Must make sure this continues.

Improve work environment

This is a big must for me.  Work forms the majority of my time and if work is stressful and tiring, so is the rest of my life.  Like the Kung Fu Panda, I eat when I’m upset, and if I’m upset my vision is clouded which means I can’t keep a sensible eye on finances and can’t learn effectively.  Work needs to be fun, exciting and productive to support the rest of my life.

Improve the company: Recently I changed my attitude towards work.  Up until now I always assumed that good would prevail and the machine would begin to fix itself.  After all, everyone at the company is clever, cares about their work and generally seems interested in improving.  Everyone is as stuck as I was.  If you don’t improve things, no one will.  My posts on Overloaded Operators (a coding blog I run with a friend and co-employee) have changed tone recently to reflect this.  A few weeks ago I ran a presentation written in my own time which aimed to introduce a new technology to the company and improve the developers.  It had good attendance and I’ve received positive feedback.  This is the way forward.  In 2009 I will continue my efforts to improve the company by any means necessary.  Eventually it will pay off for everyone and most of all, for myself.

Improve myself: 2009 will be a very busy year.  With new skills planned, new exercise regimes and working even harder, it’s going to be difficult to fit everything in.  A software developer by trade, I find it harder to find time to develop using cutting edge techniques at home so I can improve my skills commercially.  As part of the previous point, I will foster an environment of continuous improvement where I will be able to bring new technologies into the workplace and provide time to investigate cutting edge techniques.  This will allow me to improve my own skills during work time.

There we go, that’s my 2009 roadmap.  A busy year ahead!  Lets see how it goes :)

Another late Friday Five…  This time from the desk of E.  I get to stay for 6 days, eeek!  Tho also, yay! :)

1. What’s one really cool/useful/nice thing you purchased for yourself this year?

A Utili-Key.

2. What’s one area of your life you really improved this year?

I haz a real girl.

3. Who or what was a regular source of encouragement or inspiration to you this year?

The few friends at home and work who have shown me that there is always hope.

4. What’s something nice you did for someone else this year?

Hmm…  Hopefully I’ve helped some peoples now and then…

5. In what way was 2008 better than 2007?

As #2.  Also, work stuffs ever so slightly.

So, I’m currently speeding down the motorway in a Gypsy motor home on the way to Clacton.  An interesting experience.  On the one had, it would be nice to have no ties, but on the other hand, warmth and stability have their upsides.

mmmm, mobile broadband :)

Photo by locket479

Photo by Pink Fluffy

Aniother late Friday Five from me…  Things have been super busy at work and home, still haven’t got half my Christmas presents, plus need to write and deliver cards.  Sigh.  Time off pls.

1. When did you last sleep in a bed outside your home?

Sunday.  Unless you mean outside within view of, which in that case would be camping in the garden when I was younger.

2. When did you last drive someone else’s car?

I drove my mum’s car for years after I learnt to drive, so maybe 3/4 years ago.

3. When did you last cook in someone else’s kitchen?

Sunday.

4. When did you last care for children who aren’t yours?

Summer 2003 when I pushed a pram around a park maybe?

5. When did you last do someone else’s job?

Yesterday, and I’ll have to again today.

Photo by Dr. Hemmert

This morning I woke up having been dreaming of code.  I new I’d been fixing a firewall in my sleep too.

I really need some decent sleep.  The combination of the icy cold early mornings, late nights and long stressful days are starting to take their toll.

Did Christmas die or something?  It just feels like a race to a few days off.  Bring on summer!

I write from the train, currently one corner of a ‘triangle of sickness’.  I’m sitting between a window and a woman with another woman behind.  Both of them coughing profusely.

Why can’t people cover their mouths?

The one next to me is now reading this post as I type it.  I guess manners are not her strong point.

Is there any courtesy left in the world?