Medway Exiles Club

It is cold outside and there is a cold in my nose. I am performing an end of year review in public for the first time. The questions are courtesy of David Allen (www.davidco.com).

Completing and Remembering 2009

- What was your biggest triumph in 2009?
- I would have to say getting together with my girlfriend. After ten years of being single I'd say that was a triumph.

- What was the smartest decision you made in 2009?
- Well 2009 wasn't really a major decision-making year, but see above I guess. Most of the decisions I've made have followed from that.

- What one word best sums up your 2009 experience? 
- Unexpected. I had all these... plans that came to nothing, but then other things came along. So there was a balance to things, which is what I always search for.

- What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2009?
- That sometimes no matter what you do, no matter what you want, sometimes in life you are in the passenger seat. And when you are in the passenger seat it is common courtesy to shut up and let the driver drive.

- What was the most loving service you performed in 2009?
- I can't think of one in particular. There were lots of things I did to put a smile on my girlfriend's face. Lots of other things I did just trying to be more thoughtful than I naturally am. That's often enough.

- What is your biggest piece of unfinished business in 2009?
- All the creative projects I had - poems, songs, videos, stories, this blog - more or less went by the wayside. And I had to let it go. Not easy, and hopefully not to be repeated. Not if I want to stay sane anyway.

- What are you most happy about completing in 2009?
- The first year of being with my girlfriend, and a full year without having to look for a job. First time in my life that's ever happened.

- Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life in 2009?
- The aforementioned girlfriend, my boss and my housemate I guess. I was with one or the other of them pretty much every minute of the year.

- What was the biggest risk you took in 2009? 
- Meeting my then to-be-girlfriend for a drink.

- What was the biggest surprise in 2009?
- Not being single. 

- What important relationship improved the most in 2009?
- Not sure. Probably my boss I think. I feel lot more settled at work now than I did at the start of last year.

- What compliment would you have liked to have received in 2009?
- Never good with compliments. I like being thought of as thoughtful. And wise. And good looking. And modest.

- What compliment would you liked to have given in 2009?
- Not good at giving them either. "I love you, you're special."

- What else do you need to do or say to be complete with 2009?
- Not a lot. I'm ready to move on. I enjoyed 2009, but I'm ready to move on.