progress report august 2008
The wettest August in UK history has also proved to be a difficult one for me. The death of our beloved cat Gizmo, the lack of work and confusion about the future. With many bouts of lethargy and despair it’s a wonder that I managed to work on any of my goals. But things haven’t been all bad as you’re about to find out.
Riding a minimum of a 100 miles a week
In August I have been pretty consistent with this goal and scored well above the hundred mark nearly every week. Only one week was I a tad below the mark at 92. So considering the wet August and all the rest that was going on I think I did rather well.
Pilates
This has been rather neglected during August. I still need to find a suitable slot for doing even my 5 minute session. But I have still been trying to use the core when I need to balance or lift the baby.
Meditation
Neither on my own nor with my clients as they have been away. I’m still trying to find a good slot for myself as the late night one which worked at the start stopped being convenient. Perhaps as well as a time I also need a place.
My own yoga practice
Not hugely consistent but going pretty well I think considering I have had fewer classes during August. It has been a good way to deal with all the ups & downs of the month.
Bike rides
Still that same 25-mile loop that takes me up to Hewitt’s Roundabout where I turn back and return via Orpington. But I did go a couple of times this month and that was how I managed to get past the 100 mile mark nearly every week.
Ebay sales
Towards the very end of August I actually managed to list an item for sale on ebay. An old hard drive that I almost gave away on Freecycle. I certainly got more than I would have done giving it away.
Svenska
Even though officially off the list for the second half of the year, I have been doing a bit of study and practice. Translating letters from utility companies with help of a Swedish friend, some conversation and writing letters. There is another trip to my cottage coming up in September so it’s all good practice.
Learning PHP
Much confusion here as to whether I should focus on PHP or Ruby. I spent some time working on C following some advice. But for the time being PHP is the one that I’ll be using.
Relaxing & fun times
I have discovered a new hobby - shaving. I’m going to write a post devoted entirely to shaving but for now suffice to say that my experience has radically altered and it’s a total pampering session.
Computer off day
Sunday is still the day when the computer is off or rather a day when I don’t use it at all. It allows me to get on with other things, but I do have a little look at ebay now and again. 
The wheel log
Nothing was entered into the wheel log in August because I didn’t build any wheels. I did a few repairs but that was about all.
Clearing stuff out
It wasn’t like a garage sale but I managed to get rid of an old dictophone on Freecycle and a set of brakes. But there is so much more that could go. I often wonder about all my recording gear and instruments. Very expensive to replace if I wanted to start writing and recording again.