Resolved

After a particularly turbulent year in 2007, I made (for the first time) some "proper" new years resolutions. These were, in summary:

Play -

• gain a level 1 canoe coaching qualification - YEP
  
• gain consistency with my eskimo roll - NOPE
  
• complete at least one multiday canoe tour - NOPE
  
• do more caving, climbing and cycling - NOPE
  
• take more photographs -YEP.

Work -

• get some more employment as an outdoor instructor - YEP
  
• continue with the RSPB - YEP
  
• work with a more realistic perspective, assertiveness, calmness and control - YEP.

Home -

• Throw out items of junk - YEP.
• Keep rooms tidy - YEP (SEE ABOVE).
• Repair broken things - YEP.

Study -

• continue to average 2:1 in my Wildlife and Countryside degree - YEP (BUT BY THE SKIN OF MY TEETH AT TIMES).

Relationships -

• be happy in future relationships - BIGGEST YEP
  
• stay friends with one I'm leaving behind - 2nd BIGGEST YEP
  
• reconnect with those I've neglected over the years - YEP (TO SOME DEGREE).

So, other than in the area of play, most of my resolutions have been well and truly resolved and in that respect it's been a good year but, in others, one of very low, "lows" and high "highs" (which I'll keep to myself). Success in some areas has been at the expense of others though I wouldn't have missed the relationship "successes" for anything. On occasion, the ups and downs have taken my focus away from my goals. Life is full of surprises and I never expected my social life to take such a fun turn or to secure such an interesting line of work in the outdoor sector.

Given the success of last year's resolutions, I'll set some new ones

Play -

• gain consistency with my eskimo roll
  
• improve my river paddling skills
• attend a kayak skills course
  
• complete at least one multiday canoe tour
  
• do more outdoor activities
• continue to take photographs
• submit my birdwatching records to BOG each month
  
• lose 1/2 a stone and get fitter
  

Work -

• continue employment as an outdoor instructor and with the RSPB
• continue to work with calm control, perspective and independence
• investigate options for more work in environmental and outdoor education
  

Home -

• continue to filter out items of junk and keep the house tidy
• recycle more consistently and reduce waste of food and fuel
  
• make good decorations following re-wiring
  
• refurbish the kitchen
• tidy outdoor spaces following pointing work and fix the shed doors
• eat breakfast, prepare packed lunches and cook an evening meal more often

Study -

• finish my Wildlife and Countryside degree course with at least a 2:1 average
  

Relationships -

• continue to nurture my friendships
• get to know my niece and nephew better
• keep in more regular touch with my family

Will see how it goes this time next year.