One year later...

A year ago, I was writing about the pleasant experience my wife and I had at a local pub. Suffice it to say, there are so many pubs around here that it turns out we never actually visited that same pub again until today! In fact, I don’t believe we’ve visited all the pubs yet, nor any specific pub more than twice.

It seemed kind of fitting to sit in the same place, but alas, someone else was already sitting there, so we chose a spot nearby. As is often the case, we both eyed off and selected the same meal without discussion. I placed our order at the bar and collected our drinks. After taking my seat again, we discussed our family developments before moving on to our default “lunch date” topic: our financial situation.

It turned out we had accidentally created a bit of a windfall for ourselves, so we decided where that should go and realised it was time to look for another insurance provider. All in all, a good lunch date and time definitely well spent. No requirement for takeaway containers this time.

The last year has certainly been quite a ride — and not necessarily a smooth one either. From struggling with my fitness (which led me to a personal training program), to deciding to get into Amateur Radio (where I began a new learning journey). From getting in trouble at work (and realising the importance of tradition), to admitting that I too am only human (and finally accepting help with my own mental health). From deciding to start a new series of projects (journalling my thoughts and progress along the way), to observing and considering the possibility that I may not actually be in the right place — and having the courage to admit it.

From participating in my first exercise (TS), to visiting the Great Barrier Reef (never have I been so excited and terrified at the same time!). From acknowledging a marked improvement in my fitness (statistically noticeable), to participating in my second exercise (HL). From interpersonal relationship issues, to interpersonal relationship improvements.

I also read 13 books, wrote many notes about each one, and improved my handwriting (not bad for a lefty). I did a sleep study, got a brain scan, appreciated time spent with family, experienced a series of vivid dreams, celebrated my wife starting a new job, reached out to old friends, progressed all my projects, and achieved a Foundation Licence in Amateur Radio — and now I’m studying for an Advanced Licence.

Over the past year, I’ve realised that much of what I find fulfilling can be distilled into three simple ideas: to create, to grow, and to nurture. I enjoy the challenge of creating something, the process of growing something, and the satisfaction that comes from nurturing something over time.

My mantra (slightly modified from its original source): A society grows great when the wise plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.

My mission statement: To exercise, train, and study as often as possible to be a valuable asset (Goal), earn a meaningful income (Survival), and live a life of adventure on (mostly) my own terms (Quality of Life).

What are your thoughts?

Unmoderated comments out in the wild aren’t really nineties style, so I’ll meet you half way. You can write to me at: writer.as@nineties.style - Sorry, no conventional mailing address.

I’ve no intention to publish anything sent to me, although I may use your point of view to enhance my own ;-)

Be honest, put in the effort (or don’t) and above all, to thine own self be true.

Before you take a fence…

Let me be clear. I’m no expert on anything you’ve just read. I worked in IT for 22+ years, had something in the realm of a mid-life crisis and now I don’t work in IT any more. These are just my unfiltered thoughts on the topic. Take it with a grain of salt. I read, and I know things.