progress report december 2007
The final report for the year 2007 and the end of the first year of using my blog to achieve my goals. On the whole I think I’ve done rather well and will certainly use this as a means of working on my goals in 2008.
Pilates
After the initial buzz from reading the Pilates Manual and finding ways of integrating the core focus into my yoga practice, my enthusiasm faded. I didn’t want to give this one up so I came up with a strategy which I think might save the day.
Pilates took the place of my press-ups and sit-ups upon rising. So why not let it take the same time slot? I asked a Pilates teacher friend to give me one (only one) exercise that would cover my goals: to maintain the core focus, develop stability and awareness. He suggested I do the “hundred”.
Meditation
The fear has not yet subsided. But on the other hand I’m teaching meditation twice a week. At least I do some practice then.
My own yoga practice
I did make some inquiries at the local Iyengar Centre in New Cross. And even though it’s only half an hour away by bike, I don’t think I’m gonna make it? Why? Because even though I really love Iyengar yoga, I don’t enjoy the attitude that comes with it. But you never know, I may discover some teachers who can express their love of the same discipline without purporting that Iyengar attitude.
Diet – eating well, keeping my target weight
It was Christmas you know!
Bike rides eg London to Brighton etc
A lot of good intentions but no follow through here. I’m interested in joining Audax, going on rides with the FGSS and creating some trips on my own.
Reading
I think I’m pushing myself too hard on the classics. Much as I enjoy them I steer clear of popular modern fiction. It’s rubbish and better not to read that to read those books. But wouldn’t it be better to read?
I have been reading lots of text books and tutorials, but it’s novels and literary works we’re talking about here.
Trips to visit friends
Keeping my hand in there. Sometimes I think I’m making all the effort and wonder if they would come to visit me if I didn’t. But I don’t care. I want to see them. And who knows, they may just pop their clogs and then I’d be gutted that I was debating whether who should make the effort rather than just go and see them.
I did make a trip down to Brighton in December. And reconnected with some old university friends through Facebook. Was it really 20 years ago?
Selling things on Ebay and having a clear out
Doing extremely well with this, especially as there is a new baby now. The small space is about to get filled with baby stuff.
Pampering and ‘me’ time
Missed my massage this month, but have been finding other ways to get me time. I have been continuing with the “no computer” day on Sunday. I do slip for an hour or so sometimes, but it does force me to wonder what else I could be doing if I wasn’t on the computer. And I make the effort to seek out leisure activities. It’s been mainly lying the bath and reading or playing the x-box.
Reviews in the blog – films, books, exhibitions etc
Not happening. Although it was an interesting idea, it is not something that I would want to continue long term. For one thing I am no critic and don’t want to pretend to be one. And that is what I would be doing if I did continue. I really have to force it sometimes. My idea of writing a one-liner never really came off either.
Wheel building
I no longer need to advertise and the orders just keep coming in. I would say that I’ve made at least 50 wheels this year. My skills have certainly improved and I finally got myself a spoke tensiometer for christmas. My love of building wheels continues to grow.
arup’s wheel building pages
Working on my Svenska
It was all systems go with one Swedish teacher, but due to certain circumstances, mainly schedules, it didn’t really work out. But I have found another one which may work out very well. So this is one that I will be carrying over into 2008.
Jätte bra.
Music and Songwriting
I wanted this to happen so much but I didn’t want to force things either. And so the whole year went by without a song. Bit of a shame really, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
Songfight
Songfight entries of Bell Green
Business Plan
After my business coaching sessions I decided not to do the business, but I do have another way to do it which is not so time consuming and doesn’t require so much commitment.
Learning PHP
My sessions at the library on Saturday mornings took a nosedive during December, but I’m determined to get to the end of the book. I want this to be the first time I’ve completed all the exercises in the book.
Typing
Well, if you’ve read my post called the “Art of Typing without Typing”, then you’ll know what I’m doing. The little finger on the shift key is getting very smooth indeed.