My Year in Review
If you have been following my blog, you will have worked out by now that I like to keep myself occupied. This past year has been a positive one. In a previous post, at the end of 2017, I listed my Year in Review. I now look back over 2019, and while the list is shorter the year was just as fulfilling. The shorter list is a direct consequence of my daughter’s return to Australia and the subsequent increases in grandma time. I now have less “free” time. That free time has been filled with many pleasant hours spent building trains, telling stories and going on adventures.
So what did I do?
- Continued with this blog, adding 127 posts.
- And all the associated research, writing and photography that goes into those 127 posts.
- I went to Hamilton Island for two weeks
- I went to Scotland on my big adventure for five weeks
- Put together a huge photo book from my Scottish adventure
- I ran a “making a photobook” course at a local community college
- I did an online Real Estate copywriting course with the Australian Writers Centre
- I did a graphic design course through LinkedIn
- I did two video making courses, one on documentaries and one on mobile content creation, through the Australian Radio, Film and Television School.
- I participated in a silver jewellery making course
- I got paid to work with a beginner photographer to show them a few ideas.
- I had one of my photos in a “real” exhibition – Head On
- I did two 5km, and one 10 km timed runs
- A photography workshop at the Australian Museum
- Celebrated my mum’s 80th birthday
- Went to Cairns on a big school excursion
- I entered six writing competitions and about seven photography competitions – still not a winner but participation is the goal.
- Made and sold copies of a 2020 calendar
- Perfected designs for tea cosies and doorstops
- Completed 16 of the 60 things on my 60 for 60 list. (better get cracking on that one but see my post on the Year of Zero for an update on that)
- Had a garage sale with friends
- Renewed my first aid certification
- A short online course on SEO.
- Participated in a rescue competition with the NSW SES
- I did three photography shoots for other people, including one with studio lighting. I think I can now start asking for money for this type of work.
- I didn’t cry once!
- And I still have a demanding full time “real” job
- And I spent plenty of time with family.
I have set out my goals for 2020 already. They concentrate on my financial future so there will not be any travelling, paid for courses or big purchases. I will get my side hustle happening! (You are all my accountability partners!)
On the non-financial goal side of things I want to learn how to meditate correctly, complete at least 25 more of the modified 60 for 60 list, and reduce my impact on the world by wasting less and reusing more. I will continue to keep fit, look after my gut bugs, write, and take photos of what’s in front of me.
The big, overarching goal is to inspire some other old chooks like me to get out and have a go!
Be invincible, not invisible!
