The plan

As we approach the end of 2008, I, like may others, am inevitably evaluating the year gone by.

• 2005 was inconsequential, hence my vow to make 2006 count.
• 2006 saw the publication of my first book as well as the unravelling of my first marriage.
• 2007 began with the death of my father but turned into a fantastic and crazy year at Asian Woman magazine.
• 2008 saw me struggle with the aftermath of Asian Woman. As I explained in Under Pressure, it seemed that the year passed by in slow motion, with little passion or intensity.

That’s not to say that good things didn’t happen. I published pieces across a range of publications, including the Guardian and, of course, I got married (to a man I actually wanted).

But even with those great things, I still feel like I’ve been floating through the year aimlessly. I think it’s partly due to the lack of a full time job. While freelancing is great, it doesn’t provide the fast-paced working environment I enjoy or the pressure I need to be productive. This is why I’m setting myself clear goals for 2009.

A list means that I have a tangible set of criteria to measure 2009 against. And, yes, being the geek that I am, I have included deadlines in brackets (the * indicates deadlines that may run late depending on external factors). It’s not a particularly long list but I think it’s a worthy one.

Find a job I enjoy (15 Feb*) (done 27 Aug)
Finish second book (15 May) (done 30 April)
Get fit (15 May onwards)
Enrol in a Spanish class (15 May onwards) (done 29 Dec)
Publish second book (15 Dec*) (done 04 Dec)
Attend a protest (31 Dec) (done 03 Jan)
Visit two countries I haven’t seen (31 Dec) (done 20 Dec)

Happy New Year.

Here’s hoping it all goes according to plan.

Kia