Esk

Because it’s as good a time as any to set some goals. In the spirit of S.M.A.R.T. objectives, (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely):

1) Get a bit fitter. The specific goal is to be able to get up the hill without being out of breath. I think this will take about 3 months, and I plan to use Wii Fit when we can find a copy to hurry this along a bit.

2) Record some music. Specifically, get at least one song to completion (recorded, mixed and put somewhere public on the internet) within the next 2 months. I have 3 candidate songs so this should be achievable.

3) Improve my credit rating. It’s a bit crappy at the moment but with a proper regular income I should be able to fix this. Target is to have a rating in the green (experian) within 6 months, using powers of “paying things off on time” and “setting up direct debits on the right account” and even “not using credit cards unless absolutely necessary”.

4) Over the coming year, cook for myself at least twice a week. Cook for someone else at least once a month. (This second part gives me the fear like you wouldn’t believe. The first part I have already achieved this week.)

5) Contact my Dad every week, whether it be by phone, email, SMS or IM.

Regarding the last challenge I set myself on here, I’ve only once broken my “no buying clothes rule” which times out in April. I bought 2 bras for £6 when I was back in the fens, because I needed new bras, and they were too cheap to pass up. I hope you can all forgive me. I think this “no buying clothing” rule will slide into a generally frugal sense of purchasing afterwards. There’s an outside chance it will instead result in a massive spending spree at the Trafford centre. Bet now!

The current worst problem is that I don’t really have a pair of day to day shoes that aren’t a) full of holes, b) have big heels and look like school shoes, or c) cheapo white trainers that make me look like a chav. I’m sure I can last out the next 3.5 months with these 3 pairs, though. If not, I could start wearing my hiking boots everywhere…