Always good to set out some sort of pan for the year, and my ambitions for 2013 are, in no particular order;
Continue climbing regularly, 10 times over the year, and improve by a grade (to 6b+,Ā think).
Take a photo got every day.
Go to the cinema.
Go camping.
Cook something I’ve never cooked before.
Go to Spring Harvest (yay).
Maintain weight at around 72kg
Pray and read the bible every day.
Put my boys to bed every evening.
Complete a Times crossword (electronic aids allowed).
Continue blogging and twitter-ing (20 blog posts).
Take C# and HTML5 MS exams (towards the new MCSD qualification).
These are aspirational in many ways, and I’m not really expecting never to have to go out in an evening before both boys are in bed, or never to be away from home!
The Times crossword may need a bit of explanation. For some reason I started attempting the Times crosswords earlier this year, and now tend to have a stab most weekdays. (We get the paper at work). I started off maybe getting 1 or 2 clues, it then crept up to usually getting 8 or 9, and now – as at time of writing – I regularly manage 17 or 18 before I need to look at the answers (and can often do all the downs once I have filled in the acrosses).
The electronic aids thing refers to the use of a crossword solver (i.e. enter the known letters, and it lists all matching words), an anagram solver, and an online dictionary/thesaurus. As I get better I aspire to not needing the first two, but for now just managing to get all the answers with these helps is my target.
I must also mention Times for the Times, an awesome blog where the answers are provided every day, together with the explanation of why it is the answer, i.e. how the clue was constructed. I am at the stage where I only need 2 or 3 clues explaining once I’ve seen the answer, but still occasionally don’t understand them even then! Likewise, there are consistently 4 or 5 clues that I think “I never would have got that” – the other 10 or so that I don’t get I usually kick myself about when I see the answer.
Crossword No 25,348, which I did over Christmas, was my first completed grid (i.e. I entered an answer to every clue), but one was a complete guess and wrong.
As is my habit, edited “highlights” (for want of a better term) of what I wrote on Twitter over the past 12 months.
Right, had better make my first Tweet of 2012 a good one. hang on… (Sun 01 Jan 2012)
Another engagement at work! And I mean of the marriage variety, not toiletry or previous. (Wed 04 Jan 2012)
My work pc is very unhappy after a fan heater tripped the power (and melted a 4way). Early lunch while scandisk does its stuff (Wed 04 Jan 2012)
Is it me, or is Sherlock turning into Jonathan Creek? (Wed 04 Jan 2012)
Wow – seriously SERIOUSLY windy in Harrogate. Starting to get a bit nervous about the trampoline…. (Wed 04 Jan 2012)
Ach – far too distracted by 365project.org and my new Danbo. Means I’ve used up my Sherlock time. (Wed 04 Jan 2012)
It’s 9.30pm. It’s Friday night. Must be time for bed! (Fri 06 Jan 2012)
Get an infographic of your twitter stats, then knock it down Angry Birds style! Can you beat my -40 pts? (Sat 07 Jan 2012)
Quite chuffed to have got a negative score on tweetsheet “angry birds”, but not entirely sure I understand the scoring system. (Sat 07 Jan 2012)
Celebrated no 1’s birthday a little early with a trip to pizza hut. Yum. (Sat 07 Jan 2012)
So here’s my theory. Sherlock bounced off the laundry truck (which then drove off), and Molly did a body swap with Moriarty. (Mon 16 Jan 2012)
.. either that or he survived by sheer-luck. (Mon 16 Jan 2012)
Right – need to finish off the planning for Saturday’s Growing Leaders, and squeeze in a 365. (Tue 17 Jan 2012)
Smallest H picked up the sickness bug doing the rounds. š (Thu 19 Jan 2012)
OO – very excited to another one of my pictures in the Harrogate Advertiser (sunset this time)! Thank you @HarrogateHound. (Sun 22 Jan 2012)
Number 2 son definitely getting words: “uh-oh”, “hot”, and “door”, and even the odd “da dee”. “Hiya” is apparently not acceptable though. š (Sat 11 Feb 2012)
Well, rest in peace Whitney Houston. Love your music. (Sun 12 Feb 2012)
I don’t think Johnny Depp was in Harrogate today. He wouldn’t want to upstage Brad Pitt’s visit tomorrow. (Mon 13 Feb 2012)
No 2 son seems to have taken to calling No 1 son “bum bum”. (Sun 19 Feb 2012)
Getting excited about Growing Leaders 2012 session 2 this evening. All about identity. (Thu 23 Feb 2012)
Just watched Super 8. What a great film. (Fri 24 Feb 2012)
… in other news, looks like the gritters are out and about tonight – icy night? (Fri 24 Feb 2012)
Twelve years ago today I woke up for the last time as a bachelor. Wouldn’t change a thing. (Sun 26 Feb 2012)
I’ve decided this week to solely use my 70-300mm lens. I love (Love LOVE) my nifty fifty, but have got a little too comfortable with it. (Mon 27 Feb 2012)
Had a fight with a shelving bracket this morning. I think my forehead will look like Harry Potter when the swelling goes down. (Sun 04 Mar 2012)
Phone contract up == new phone! š (Wed 07 Mar 2012)
Home Signal is working, so I can (for the first time) use my 3 mobile at home!! Plus it meant I can unwrap my ‘new’ Samsung phone. Much joy. (Sat 10 Mar 2012)
Great session at @HarrogateClimb yesterday. Managed my first (ever?) 6b, although it was on the slab. (Wed 14 Mar 2012)
@StrayFM sorry to be pedantic, but the Queen is the Supreme Governor of the C of E. ++Rowan is just the ABC. (Fri 16 Mar 2012)
Time to go to bed for the very last time as a 37 year old. (Fri 16 Mar 2012)
No 2 Son is showing signs of chickenpox… Looks like takeaway instead of family meal out! (Sat 17 Mar 2012)
There we are. I an now a professional developer (by the rules of micro$oft). (Mon 19 Mar 2012)
Forgot to take my photo yesterday. Gutted. I also managed to leave my camera and work (and am not in tomorrow). Might make a special trip in (Thu 22 Mar 2012)
On a train to London. Wish circumstances were happier. Hope it’s not the last time I see my mum. (Sun 25 Mar 2012)
Home from London. Mum as well as can be expected – just a waiting game now. (Mon 26 Mar 2012)
Growing leaders session 3 tonight. All about “calling”. (Thu 29 Mar 2012)
Made it to the Easter hols. Holy Week has crept up on me again – don’t feel very prepared! (Sat 31 Mar 2012)
@alexbcann Technotronic had a bit of a cult following at school. We used to randomly say ‘stomping!’ (as in feet are) to each other. š (Sat 31 Mar 2012)
Going on a work trip to Liverpool tomorrow. Wonder if we’ll make it over the Pennines? (Mon 02 Apr 2012)
No snow on the M62. On balance this is a good thing. (Tue 03 Apr 2012)
Maundy Thursday. Second lowest day in the Christian calendar, and the one we remember most Sundays. (Thu 05 Apr 2012)
He is risen indeed. Alleluia. š (Sun 08 Apr 2012)
We appear to have caught psychological nits over the weekend. Nothing there but head still itches! (Tue 10 Apr 2012)
Turns out the nits weren’t phenological. Off to Boots then! (Thu 12 Apr 2012)
Oo – nice ‘correction’ by my phone on that tweet. I meant pyschological, but nits are phrenological too. (Thu 12 Apr 2012)
Almost ready to relaunch my website, newly powered by WordPress. Still got one or two major kinks to sort – will sort minor ones as I go. (Thu 12 Apr 2012)
Very embarrassing to bounce up to a mum in the playground with a cheery hello, and realise she’s not who I thought she was. (Tue 17 Apr 2012)
Off for my monthly climb at @harrogateclimb with SH this eve. Managed 6b last time – what will tonight bring? (Tue 17 Apr 2012)
Sounds like improvements on the maternal front, which is great news. (Wed 18 Apr 2012)
Went to see The Hunger Games last night. Enjoyed it, review to follow. Was surprised by demographic – almost entirely foreign teenage girls! (Sat 21 Apr 2012)
Cracking childrens cabaret at church. Shame littlest one was a bit noisy in his enjoyment! (Sat 21 Apr 2012)
Oo-er – that’s two things I’ve described as “cracking” in two days. I may be turning into Wallace. It’s cheese and crackers for lunch too! (Sun 22 Apr 2012)
I think Christina Perri may be my new favourite new singer. (Tue 24 Apr 2012)
Growing Leaders session 4 tonight – developing character. Might be no laptop – flip chart time #oldschool (Thu 26 Apr 2012)
Turns out 05.30 does exist on a Sunday morning. Didn’t think it could be true. Thanks to youngest for enlightening me! (Sun 29 Apr 2012)
Nice bit of REST API and Gallery means I now show my latest 365 loud and proud on my blog front page! Shame latest is a picture of swede. (Tue 01 May 2012)
I’ve realised that I’m spending so much time messing around with WordPress that I’m not writing any entries!! Still, it’s lots of fun. (Wed 02 May 2012)
Just ordered my first ever Blu-Ray. Would be even my exciting if I had an HD Telly. Was cheaper than the DVD, if you’re wondering. (Thu 03 May 2012)
Ace ‘band’ practice / worship session with Jake. Two guys, two guitars. A bit like The Proclaimers, only not as good (in my case). (Fri 04 May 2012)
Briefly wiped out my entire blog with an ill-advised MySQL query. Just as well I had a backup! (Sat 05 May 2012)
Lovely housegroup shared lunch later. Wonder if there’ll be quiche? š (Sun 13 May 2012)
@alexbcann cutting your intros fine today. š (Mon 14 May 2012)
@alexbcann p-push it real good! #constipationsongs (Fri 18 May 2012)
@alexbcann or perhaps ‘stand and deliver’ #constipationsongs (Fri 18 May 2012)
Elton John is going to teach me to cook when he’s in Harrogate. Well – donut baking’s a start. (Tue 22 May 2012)
Awesome session at @HarrogateClimb. The yellow 6a on the overhang slab was the most fun I’ve had in ages + my partner couldn’t do it. Hehehe (Tue 22 May 2012)
I should clarify that he regularly scampers up routes I can’t, and tonight was the first time he’s fallen on me (as such) (Tue 22 May 2012)
Can’t fully get my head around ssh-ing to my phone. (Wed 23 May 2012)
In Ripon for Growing Leaders session 5 – discerning direction. Carly Rae on @StrayFM helped zoom along the A61! (Sat 26 May 2012)
@alexbcann time was when being out of the studio meant dead air! š Is the whole show programmed? (Sat 26 May 2012)
Enjoying glorious Ripon sunshine during our lunch break. We know what vision is and how to discern it. Next up – how to do it! (Sat 26 May 2012)
While I’m not altogether convinced about the “Happy Birthday church” thing, the coming of the Spirit was and is amazing and awe-some. #pentecost (Sun 27 May 2012)
PS not skiving the joint service, just temporally challenged. Tweeting and a-walking while younger sleeps. Or doesn’t sleep, more accurately. (Sun 27 May 2012)
Queueing for Hog Roast. Very long queue! #jubilee (Sun 03 Jun 2012)
What a great day. Played carcassonne, made trifle AND went to the funfair! (Mon 04 Jun 2012)
Brave souls that we are, we’re attempting a BBQ at Bolton Abbey today. Have packed fleeces and jumpers and flasks of hot drinks. (Tue 05 Jun 2012)
Don’t need tickets for Elton – can hear him fine from our house! (Tue 05 Jun 2012)
Off to see Monster in Paris this morning, followed by lunch at the golden arches. #daddyday (Fri 08 Jun 2012)
My mornings largely consist of Waybuloo, followed by Third and Bird. Surprisingly perhaps this is slim compensation for 6 o clock starts! š (Fri 15 Jun 2012)
Asus android tablet arriving at some point in the next hour. More excited then I should be. (Fri 15 Jun 2012)
Blooming cold. Torrential rain outside. Must be June then. (Fri 15 Jun 2012)
… OO – it’s thundering in #Harrogate. Love a good thunderstorm. (Fri 15 Jun 2012)
Slider arrived. Very sexy. Updated to Android 4 and rooted – now just to install a few more apps. (Fri 15 Jun 2012)
I’m starting to build up an Heathrow-esque circling set of draft e-mails. Need clearer head to make sure they’re really what I want to say! (Sat 16 Jun 2012)
Wishing fellow dads a happy Father’s day. (Sun 17 Jun 2012)
It probably says something that a 3hr exam on Thursday followed by the leadership development course are the last things on my mind… (Sun 17 Jun 2012)
… But then Angry Birds is pretty addictive. š (Sun 17 Jun 2012)
About to collect the boy from school to #followtheflame on the Stray. Finding myself getting quite excited! (Tue 19 Jun 2012)
Loved seeing the torch – really exciting and great atmosphere. Very scary and horrid thing happened back at home though. (Tue 19 Jun 2012)
I’m fortunate enough that the seeing the torch for me is a twice-a-lifetime event, after visiting Oz in 2000. I even held one then (briefly) (Wed 20 Jun 2012)
On my way to Leeds for a WCF exam. Wouldn’t have minded a less stressfull run up, but I’ll do me best. (Thu 21 Jun 2012)
I’m saddened and amazed that society seems to believe that all moral responsibility lies with politicians, and none with individuals. (Thu 21 Jun 2012)
We all seem to agree that indivuduals should make a fair tax contribution, but also say it’s not wrong to dodge it?! (Thu 21 Jun 2012)
Happy to report I passed my exam (phew), managed to swim home, then to cubs, then Growing Leaders. Next goal is a whole night’s sleep! (Thu 21 Jun 2012)
School run complete. Drowned Rat protocol followed with exceptional diligence. (Fri 22 Jun 2012)
The good thing about roast dinners – yum yum yum (and will do another 4 meals). The bad thing? All the washing up! *sigh* (Sat 23 Jun 2012)
Still, there’s time for a level of Angry Birds before I start it. (Sat 23 Jun 2012)
In Ripon cathedral awaiting the installation of the new canon. Can’t be too careful with all these pirates about. (Sun 24 Jun 2012)
Very VERY excited about potential plans to host F1 in London next year… (Thu 28 Jun 2012)
Funny how kids know that no alarm has been set, so they need to wake us up at 6am. (Sat 30 Jun 2012)
That’s it – finished my 365 photobook, and have placed the order. (Mon 02 Jul 2012)
Halfway through ‘learn how to grow veg’ day at RHS Harlow Carr. Interesting stuff. (Mon 16 Jul 2012)
Really missing my climbing. It may have only been once a month, but June didn’t happen and July delayed. (Tue 17 Jul 2012)
Growing Leaders tonight. Leading groups and leading a team. It’s a good ‘un. (Thu 19 Jul 2012)
Sundays shouldn’t start at 6.50, least of all in the holidays!! Nevermind – nice day seeing friends near York lined up (Sun 22 Jul 2012)
We obviously have a budding doctor in our midst. No. 1 said, of a friend, “His Dad’s got a sports car. I think it’s a BMJ” (Thu 26 Jul 2012)
Caught up on my 365. Slightly astonished to have got to 80 pictures in year 2 already, although the quality and frequency have taken a dive! (Fri 27 Jul 2012)
The latest breath-taking picture is of a tree blocking the path in the woods. No bears though. (Fri 27 Jul 2012)
What a nice chap @NickHancock is. Just had chat about zoomba, Cornwall, and @strayfm. Stray looking good – sun is out, bouncy castles, etc (Sat 28 Jul 2012)
I think the Red Arrows just flew over our house! (Sat 28 Jul 2012)
That wasn’t a delayed tweet from last night. This is Harrogate, sat morning. Perhaps they’re for the zoomba? (Sat 28 Jul 2012)
@NickHancock So you’ve bought a bra and a dog collar. I know what party you’re going to… (Sun 29 Jul 2012)
There are fewer things more calming to my soul than an empty inbox. (Mon 20 Aug 2012)
Well. Very busy day off, what with housework and constructing tents. Now off to pick up No 1 son from Holiday Club! (Wed 22 Aug 2012)
Decided my lens fund was never going to reach Ā£400 for the lovely Canon macro, so I blew it on a “Vivitar” one instead. (Thu 23 Aug 2012)
Knaresborough library is rather nice. (Fri 24 Aug 2012)
Right. So Doctor Who starts up again on Saturday. Turns out there’s a mini-adventure every day next week. Shame my telly just packed up. (Sat 25 Aug 2012)
It’s not every day one sends a text message describing the consistency of a stool. On reflection, this is probably a good thing. (Fri 31 Aug 2012)
After my positive experience with a cheap-but-good lens, I’m seeing if my magic touch extends to a second flash and a wireless trigger… (Fri 31 Aug 2012)
Specificallly, a Neewer flash TT560 and a Yonguo wireless transceiver pair RF-603. Will review in a few days (as well as the Vivitar lens) (Fri 31 Aug 2012)
Who’d have thought that with our oven you have to set the temperature as well as turning it on in order for it to get hot? #coldsupper (Fri 31 Aug 2012)
It’s only just struck me that tent-making was an entirely secular/’normal’ occupation. I’ve always spiritualised it, I realise. (Sun 02 Sep 2012)
Yay – we’re going to Spring Harvest next year!! Watch out Skeggy, here we come… (Mon 03 Sep 2012)
Today’s top tip – cook porridge in the microwave. Much quicker, and much less washing up! (Fri 07 Sep 2012)
Turns out that toasters are more effective if plugged into the socket. #coldlunch (Fri 07 Sep 2012)
Amazing sunny day in London. St James park was heaving with tourists (like me these days). Nice b’day party with stepdad when I made Kent. (Sat 15 Sep 2012)
It’s a curious lyric. “Before you came into my life I missed you so bad.” Was The Doctor involved? Appalling franker too, but I’ll forgive. (Mon 24 Sep 2012)
Tee-hee. Should have guessed that grammer would be ‘corrected’ by the phone. (Mon 24 Sep 2012)
Rain, rain, and more rain. Would mind it a bit less if my waterproofs were. #wetunderwear (Tue 25 Sep 2012)
Something strange goung on today. Lots of weird dark areas on the ground, and it hurts your eyes to look up. (Thu 27 Sep 2012)
Very surreal evening yesterday. It involved a large tent (with a bar), food served on slate tiles, belly dancers, and lots of incense. (Sat 29 Sep 2012)
Arrggh. Just realised I’ve just described a 10/15 min queue as bad traffic. Did I really grow up in London!?! (Mon 01 Oct 2012)
But in my defense it was bad for Harrogate. I’ll be smug about the fact I cycle soon. Ah yes, there it is. š (Mon 01 Oct 2012)
I shouldn’t be, but I am surprised at the number of cars ignoring the one-way system on Hookstone. You can’t miss “no entries” and “no left turns”. (Tue 09 Oct 2012)
The Hookstone drivers ignoring the “one-way” have been replaced with ones ignoring “oncoming traffic priority”. Is this an improvement? (Tue 09 Oct 2012)
So twitter have just switched off the old API (and broke my robot). “/statuses/user_timeline/eutony.json” is no more… (Wed 10 Oct 2012)
.. now it’s “api.twitter.com/1/statuses/user_timeline.json?screen_name=eutony” The old way gets you a big fat 404. (Wed 10 Oct 2012)
Quick shout out to Times for the Times who have the solution (with explanations) for the Times crossword. Nice. (Mon 15 Oct 2012)
I’m sure it shouldn’t take me longer to do shopping online then physically driving out to the supermarket…. (Tue 16 Oct 2012)
Right, that’s Growing Leader’s prepped for tomorrow evening. Cracking session – on how to keep going for the long haul. (Wed 17 Oct 2012)
It is delightful to have my nephew (aged 1) to stay. One weekend of *three* boys wreaking havoc will be enough though!! š (Sat 20 Oct 2012)
Odeon kids club today. Ice age 4 with no 1 son, followed by golden arches. Must be #halfterm (Mon 29 Oct 2012)
Just been asked a question about my doctoral research!! 8 years later, I’ve forgotten almost all of it… (Mon 29 Oct 2012)
Fifth of November rolls around again. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. Esp ‘cos of the excuse to do fireworks. (Mon 05 Nov 2012)
Skyfall tonight. Giddy as a kitten. If kitten’s get giddy? (Tue 06 Nov 2012)
Managed 6 answers in today’s Times (25,319). Average is probably 7, best so far is 9. (Tue 13 Nov 2012)
Couple of brown outs just now in harrogate – in for a powerless Friday night? (Fri 16 Nov 2012)
Candles and torch on standby. Only the 2 flickers though. Am informed climbing wall has power too – just as well! (Fri 16 Nov 2012)
Tell you what – after a few weeks of trying the Times cryptic crossword everyday, the Harrogate Advertiser seems easier than it used to! (Sat 17 Nov 2012)
I haven’t studied the measure for women Bishops, but in principle I am saddened and disappointed that it’s been rejected by the laity. (Tue 20 Nov 2012)
Dead chuffed that I managed 16 answers to Tuesday’s Times. Tend to do them a day behind now, so I don’t hog the paper at work! (Thu 22 Nov 2012)
Great day today. Gorgeous sunshine, and my aunt stopped by for a brew. (Fri 23 Nov 2012)
Trying to decide if a war has broken out in Harrogate, or a monster firework display. No helicopters or sirens so I guess it’s the latter. (Sat 24 Nov 2012)
I guess it will stop raining one day. Our front garden is largely underwater, and has been all day! (Sun 25 Nov 2012)
18 (count them – 18!) clues solved in today’s Times crossword. Not sure all are right (topgallant?), but entries in over half the grid! (Tue 27 Nov 2012)
Final score for the Times was all-but 4 (and Topgallant was right). Could have got those 4 as well, with a little bit more brain. (Tue 27 Nov 2012)
Enjoying coffee and cake at indulge while boy gets down (well, up and down) at @HarrogateClimb . (Fri 30 Nov 2012)
Other son is asleep in pushchair, which I’m enjoying now, but will pay for at bedtime later… (Fri 30 Nov 2012)
Happy advent all. May we find time for peaceful reflection and preparation before the celebrations to come. (Sun 02 Dec 2012)
Got the privilege of leading worship on Christmas Day, for the first time I think! Any particular requests? Anything except “Happy Birthday” (Sun 02 Dec 2012)
No. 2 son appears to have forgotten how to go the sleep in the evening. A bit tedious tbh. #parenthood (Sat 08 Dec 2012)
Extremely quick mini mincemeat cakes knocked up for the work Christmas competition tomorrow. (Sun 09 Dec 2012)
I was asked the other day how long it took me to knock up a tart. I think I declined to answer.. (Sun 09 Dec 2012)
Booking a 8.45 check up at the Dentist seemed like a good idea. Not looking so clever at 9.15. (Mon 10 Dec 2012)
At home with still poorly boy. Good for receiving post, bad for the project at work. #winsomelosesome (Wed 12 Dec 2012)
Finally got around to watching “Gangnam Style”, which makes me the 935 millionth, 350 thousandth, 423rd viewer. (Wed 12 Dec 2012)
Park Lane in town is sheet ice – nearly slid into a parked car!! @strayfm (Fri 14 Dec 2012)
My boss brought a nativity scene largely made of cheese, including, of course, baby cheesus. My workplace is often a bit surreal. (Tue 18 Dec 2012)
It was in the context of a Christmas food competition. Rather put my mince-pie buns in the shade. He even had chocolate raisin sheep poo. (Tue 18 Dec 2012)
It is very satisfying to have got to 9.30am and have finished all the jobs one needs to do that day. Now for things I ought to do.. (Fri 21 Dec 2012)
I’ve also discovered that the figures from our velcro nativity advent calendar stick to my jumper.. I sense a photo coming on…. (Fri 21 Dec 2012)
Well the world didn’t end, so I did the hoovering instead. Hoovering really doesn’t take long (at least not to the standard I do it!) (Fri 21 Dec 2012)
Hicc. Yup -its time for the Family Christmas Concert at the international centre. No 1 son is singing in school choir #proudparent (Sat 22 Dec 2012)
Remortgaged the house to fund interval ice cream. First half most enjoyable. Of the concert that is, not the ice cream. Tho that’s nice too. (Sat 22 Dec 2012)
People coming out of the HIC is like water swirling down the plughole. Not in a bad way. (Sat 22 Dec 2012)
Christmas Eve. The nativity scenes are fully populated. The carols are prepared. We stand by to celebrate the most wonderful birth ever. (Mon 24 Dec 2012)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son! Today we celebrate his birth. Happy and blessed Christmas all. (Tue 25 Dec 2012)
Off for a Christmas walk round Swinsty. I’ve got the solution for Harrogate’s traffic problems too – make every day Boxing Day! (Wed 26 Dec 2012)
After watching enough Cbeebies, you begin to think it’s the only thing on telly, and that you know the presenters personally. (Fri 28 Dec 2012)
Especially as No 2 son got a Justin Fletcher CD for Christmas (and a Something Special magazine) (Fri 28 Dec 2012)
Mission impossible 1, 2, and 3 all on Film4 tonight. Almost enough to make me want to be young free and single again! (Fri 28 Dec 2012)
Traditional New Year’s Eve in our household – i.e. early night, possibly woken by fireworks at midnight, but otherwise sleep in the new year (Mon 31 Dec 2012)
But never-the-less, wishing all my followers a very Happy New Year, with every blessing for 2013. (Mon 31 Dec 2012)
Well, last day of 2012. I’ve already reviewed how I did against my ambitions for this year (not too badly), and I’ll look forward to next year when we get there. Year of Tweets to come too (less to choose from this year,Ā I feel).
This year has been notable for being fairly boring. I didn’t start anything new. Nobody changed jobs, schools, hatched, matched, or dispatched. It’s been lovely!!
Of course events of note have occurred. The two most significant being my Mum having a major stroke, and me changing to working a 4 day week (that is, going out to paid employment). Thankfully my mum is making a good recovery, although her speech may never get back to normal.
Working part-time is interesting, and has had an disproportionate psychological impact. I think it’s because a balance of 5/2 (days at work / at home) feels very different from 4/3, and after 9 months I still haven’t fully adjusted. It’s great having just that bit more time at home, obviously to spend time with the boys, but also to get housework done, and be around if either or them are ill.
Obviously it was a dramatic year from a national perspective, and the extra Bank Holiday was nice, as well as the various celebrations and events of note. Had we not had a one year old, it would have been fun to go to the Olympics, but it was never a sensible proposition.
I think we’ve got into the swing of life as a four now. I’m really looking forward to the day when No. 2 is old enough to play board games, and do jigsaws, as these are activities we all enjoy. One thing that is nice is that No. 1 has got into climbing in a big way, and is rapidly catching up with me. He goes once a week (to my once a month), and we sometimes go together too.
Particular highlights? The olympic torch was good. Finishing (and continuing) my 365 was fantastic, and it was great to make a book. Have enjoyed consolidating my climbing, and also to be able to think a bit more about God’s calling. Growing Leaders was great again, and the feedback forms are full of stories of grace and God on the move. It was a great privilege to lead worship on Christmas Day and last Sunday too, especially with such a talented and and worshipful band. I think that an impromptu time of worship breaking out during practice is always a good sign! Changing our working pattern was an enormously positive step, which we continue to relish.
Downers? Well, obviously my mum. My son’s horrible convulsion back in the summer. The start of the year was also pretty bad, which prompted the rethink of our working patterns.
I do have a bit of a sense that the rollercoaster is at the top of the track, and pausing before a mad descent, with twists, turns, loops, and lots of excitements. This may or may not be the case, but I’ve enjoyed the relative calm and the view this year!
Anyway, wishing you all peace and joy this New Year, with wishes for every blessing in 2013.
Way back at the start of 2012 I blogged my ambitions for the year. As I mentioned then, I don’t find the “New Year’s Resolutions” thing at all helpful, and much prefer to identify where I hope to be in 12 months times.
All of that said, I had more or less forgotten about this list since I wrote it! However, given that I can’t see much opportunity for covering off the ones I haven’t managed in the next 19 days, may as well assess how I did now!
Go climbing regularly ā at least 10 times in 2012 – ā
Sooo close – 9 times in all. I missed January, June, and August. but that’s still not bad in my books. I’m noticeably better, in terms of stamina and grade.
Last session I did 8 ascents (5, 5+, 5+, 6a, 6a, 6a+, 6a+, 6b), and ran out time before I ran out of puff. I’ve also now navigated three 6bs over the course of the year, which is three more than I’ve ever done before!
[Edit – Sneaky little climb on 29th December has bumped me up to ten!]
Finish my 365 project (in May) ā and probably start year 2 – ā
Yes indeed. Finished year one with 3 ‘cheats’. Am being much more relaxed about the rules in Year 2, and while my aim is to take a photo every day, I’m not too fussed when I assign a photo from a different day, as long as I took it recently.
It remains a proect I highly recommend to anyone, and while I’m devoting less time to it in year 2, it’s still higely enjoyable. I also created a photobook of my 365, which (I think) looks great.
Maintain my current weight – ļ¼
More or less. It’s crept up a bit higher than I would ideally choose.
Deliver Growing Leaders course again. – ā
Oh yes. Another fantastic group of people, who threw themselves into the material, and who have all grown as a result.
Go camping – ā
Not so much. In fact, not at all.
Go walking – ļ¼
I think I had intended a proper walk when I wrote this, which we haven’t done – but we go for toddles in the woods at least once a week, and the occasional trip to Fountains.
See my (non nuclear) family – ā
Twice this year, although in less than entirely happy circumstances.
Cook an interesting dish – ā
I’d forgotten all about this, so while I’m sure I have cooked some interesting things this year, I’m not sure what.
Two that I have got evidence for are the little Christmas Cakes I made as graduation gifts for my growing leaders class, and some mince-pie cakes I cooked for the work Christmas Competition.
Enter a photographic competition – ļ¼
No, although I did have a couple of pictures printed in the local paper.
Complete the Practical Photography DSLR Skills course, if they run it this year – ā
Oh yes – and with a certificate to prove it.
Get my Microsoft Certified Professional Developer – ā
Yes – just in time for them to change the rules, so I more or less have to start again!!
Pray and read the bible every day – ļ¼
Moving swiftly on..
Keep blogging semi-regularly – ā
Ah, now this isn’t so bad. 31 entries on eutony.net, and one a month on katartismos.net since July.
I’ve also switched eutony.net over to WordPress this year, which I have to say I like a lot.
Follow God, be a great husband and a great Father – ļ¼
Doing my best!!
So there you have it – 7 definite ticks, 6 maybes, and 1 definite fail.
No. 2 Son is at a delightful stage of life – learning new words every day, and eager to try out his enhanced vocabulary.
We did fireworks recently, and he watched from inside the house (our reasoning being that cold and loud were not good combinations). His assessment was along the lines of:
Bang bang bang. Do again. Do again. Up sky. Do again do again do again.
Up Sky being a rocket, of course! He also pretended his torch was a sparkler, twirling it round and round like his dad and brother outside.
This morning was another great example. He finished his toast, and wanted more toast. We offered a satsuma, and we got, by way of reply Oooh Yes PLEASE. Yum yum yum.
His final cute quirk is wanting to take books to bed. He can’t read them, or even see the pictures once the lights are off. But he’s apoplectic if we try and take them out of the bed!!
Just a quicky to note that twitter switched off the old school (original) API last night.
Where you used to use http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline you now have to use https://api.twitter.com/1.1/statusus/user_timeline
I’ve updated the Weatherbot page (and the weatherbot itself) to reflect this change. In case you’re not aware, the Weatherbot is a sort of tutorial into how to use OAuth and the Twitter API.
Unfortunately, this change also broke my tweetrate calculator, and my twitter timeline on the front page. They should be fixed now, but they still use v1 of the API which is due to be switched off at some point….
When I was a bit younger, there was a sort of craze in Christian circles for wearing rubber bracelets with the initials “WWJD”Ā – or “What Would Jesus Do”. The idea was, I think, to provide a tangible challenge to yourself about your behaviour and decisions. When one found oneself in various situations, when question “What Would Jesus Do [in this situation]” would spring readily to your mind.
I think that some people took offence at the notion that we can either claim to know the mind of Jesus, or reduce him to a bangle. A sort of counter movement started, making it stand for “Why Would Jesus Die?”. This comes with the added benefit of bringing in an evangelism ‘opener’ (“What’s your bracelet”, “It stands for Why Would Jesus Die – let me tell you about it”). I confess I have difficulty with evangelism openers – my experiences of being on the receiving end “cold calling” or “intentional” evangelism have felt nothing but unpleasant and contrived (and this is as a Christian myself!!). Besides which, I think it’s far more meaningful and real for the conversation to run,
“What’s your bracelet?”
“It stands for ‘What Would Jesus Do'”
“Huh?”
“Yeah – I know. It’s because I believe in Jesus and try and live the way he wants he me – and each time I have a difficult decision I think to myself “if Jesus was here, what would he do?””
“But didn’t Jesus die, like, a thousand years ago?”
… and so on..
The criticism regarding knowing the mind of God is more serious in my mind. We can’t know what Jesus would do in a given situation. Principally because I don’t believe he responds to situations or events – he responds to people. To recognise a situation as a parallel of one portrayed in the gospels, and therefore go “aha – this is what Jesus would do” is at best misguided and legalistic, and at worst dangerous. That said, I believe that God judges and honours our hearts, and a starting place for young Christians, setting Jesus up as your role model is not a bad start. Come to that, he is, of course, all our role model, which is partly where “WWJD” came from in the first place.
Further evidence of the know-ability (or otherwise) of Jesus comes from the disciples themselves. After nearly 3 years of being with him all the time, they still didn’t know him, and he still surprised and confused them with his actions. Given we only have a few score pages of his life, and not even then a biography, how we can lay any claim to know what he would do?
The reason I think we can has a number of facets:
He was formed by the same scripture we have – i.e. what we call the Old Testament.
We are being transformed into his likeness (2 Cor 3:18).
We can have a relationship with him.
This last point is the clincher for me. I have been married for 12 years now, and I can fairly reliably predict how my wife will respond in certain situations. She often still surprises me, and she is a wonderful and interesting person, but I feel I know her pretty well. When she is away with the boys, I still run the house a certain way because she would want me to do it that way, rather than following my more natural inclinations (I’m thinking of things like drawing the curtains at night, doing the washing-up at least once a day – that kind of thing!!).
I think the same applies with Jesus. I have been walking with him and towards him for essentially all my life, to a greater or lesser degree. I made a conscious decision to be his when I was about 14, and became filled with the Holy Spirit when I was 20. Since the latter in particular I have been changing and drawing closer to God and – yes – got to know him a little bit. The question “What Would Jesus Do”, or alternatively “What Would Jesus want me to do” – which is largely the same question – is not too hard to answer. The difficulty is remembering to ask the question, and not just react and get drawn into the heat/minutiae of the situation.
Which brings up right back to the bracelets.. (see also my remember blog post from a couple of years ago).
After reading about in Practical Photography, and feeling like my 365s were becoming a little stale, I decided to a “colour week” challenge.
I’ve just finished the first one (red), next is white, then blue, and then I’ll think again. Anyway, these things are best presented en masse, so here is “red”:
