Time to start blogging again. Time to start finding yet more ways to enrich my life. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, but sometimes manage to take on too many things at the same time, so whilst I enjoy the challenge, things have a tendancy to get a little bit crazy in the process. This year I’ve decided to recognise a couple of things about myself.
- I always enjoy a new challenge or learning experience.
- Taking a simpler approach to life might allow me to enjoy those challenges more
I was dead keen on setting a new year resolution for myself, but given that I had stinky man-flu over the Christmas and New Year period, it somehow passed me by. I remember standing with friends on New Years Eve, the bongs of Big Ben starting to ring out, and whilst trying to stiffle a coughing fit, realised that I’d not managed to think of any resolution or direction for the year ahead. Now as we approach the end of January I find that the only thing I’ve managed so far is to have avoided smoking since Christmas, mainly because of the flu and lingering cough. Actually, whilst I can’t say I feel better for not smoking, I know its better for me, so lets see how long we can keep it up.
I’ve sort of decided that this year should be filled with 30 day challenges. A month is plenty of time to make a difference on something, and to get a real sense of achievement, even to come quite profficient at something if you are prepared to dedicate your time to it. I’ve alread carved out a couple of challenges. The first is a long skiing holiday, something that we’ve managed not to do for at least 5 years. Most people go for a week at a time, well we used to be in the habit of going for 3 weeks at a time, and again this year that is the plan. Ok, I accept that a holiday is hardly a challenge, but there is going to be something of a disconnect from the internet, as the apartment we are renting does not have Wifi. I’m not intending to cut myself off completely, but I can see more reading going on, and hopefully some offline blogging. One part of the challenge is going to see how practical the iPad is as a sole computing device. Should be fun!
June looks like its lining itself up for the cycling challenge I started talking about last year. Although I’ve only taken to cycling since June last year, this years challenge is going to be to cycle 1,000 miles in 30 days. Route is still to be determined, but Euro Velo 6 looks a possibility, either the French section, or maybe the Danube from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. The later is more of a logistical challenge, especially if we are going to take it as it comes and not doing it as part of the planned organised tour. More on that later!
