Looking back at 2009 I’d probably characterize it as my year of travel and exploration in China – I took 24 flights and was privileged to visit and stay in many amazing places I had never been before. Along the way, I’ve learnt a huge amount about Chinese culture which continues to fascinate and bewilder me in equal measure. Having become familiar with where things are and how things work, life in Shenzhen has become fairly routine. Given my list of goals last year I thought it was about time to review them and set some new ones for the coming twenty-ten:
2009 goals in review:
- Gain basic fluency in Mandarin – failed (while my vocab has improved grammar is still non-existant)
- Improve photography skills – achieved (although I’ve still got a long way to go I’m quite happy with my results recently)
- Get fitter through more regular exercise – moderate improvement (but need to schedule more regular activities)
- Cook more – achieved (and learnt a few new dishes along the way)
- Stay focused and filter out distractions – failed (I read more than ever and have way too many projects on the go)
- Redesign blog template – achieved (you’re looking at it now)
3.5 out of 6 isn’t too bad in my book but the language part is rather frustrating.
2010 goals:
- Create and stick to a schedule for language learning and fitness
- Start a business of some sort and see it through (more on this later)
- Improve writing skills and user participation in blog
- Create more video content and how-to guides
- Visit Japan – something I’ve wanted to do for many years
- Learn how to cope with stress better (and sleep more!)
Finally I’d like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who reads Randomwire – this year traffic has nearly doubled and my only wish is that I had time to write more content for it. In an ideal world, I’d love to be able to do this full-time in some capacity but for now, it’ll continue as a labour of love blissfully free of ads (although if anyone is interested in sponsorship do get in touch).
As with last year, I’ll leave you with an appropriately titled track from the ever-manic Capsule:
A very Happy New Year to all 🙂
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