I travelled all over the world, east and west; met some wonderful people, and made some friends (hopefully) for life.

I learned a great many things during the 12 months of 2011. . . .
→Read More: That's all for 2011, folks!]]> What a year that was. It started out pretty shit if I'm honest, but got better and better as the months flew by.

I travelled all over the world, east and west; met some wonderful people, and made some friends (hopefully) for life.

I learned a great many things during the 12 months of 2011. I discovered things about myself, about others and I hope they'll help shape me for a more productive future.

The regrets I have are few, but worth listing: I didn't achieve as much as I wanted during my sabbatical. I also got into arguments about things which really don't matter; pointless waste of time. I think that's it. I did however achieve something I never expected to: proper, unadulterated happiness; oh, and how to relax.

More interesting than ruminating on the past is looking to the future, and here is what I wish to achieve in the coming year (in no particular order). If they're not achieved, I won't be considering it a failure. But for every non-achievement, I hope to gain and unlisted one instead.

• Write more about life, my views and my opinions. I love writing on this blog, and it's important to me (at the moment) that I continue doing so.
• Take up circus skills again; either diabolo or juggling; maybe both.
• Keep up with the sleep routine. I have a routine which works for me mostly, with which I can function, be productive, and happy. When I stray from it, I'm affected a lot. I owe it to myself to be true to my limitations, and strive for a happier life.
• Get married. Unbelievably excited about this. Can. Not. Wait.
• Continue building on the ever-improving relationship with Zachary, and really show him how much I love him.
• Don't waste time. Doing something I enjoy isn't wasting time. Relaxing isn't wasting time. Wasting time is doing something for no purpose than to have the hours pass. If I find myself doing that, I want to stop and switch to something more productive (like reading).
• Get cycling again. One for the spring, summer and autumn; cycling in winter is a miserable affair.
• Improve my diet. This includes quitting wheat and gluten (confirmed triggers for me) for good, reducing sugar intake and quitting eating crap.
• Get fit. Who doesn't have this on their list? I'm not going to go to a gym, but I want to work out with kettlebells a few times a week, and do yoga at least once a week.
• Develop a product which others want to use. Deliberately vague, but a place-holder for something awesome.

That's all I can think of for now.

In brief, it was challenging.

Longer version: I went at it too hard on the first evening and I paid the price that night and the next . . .
→Read More: Operation Health: Week 2 has commenced!]]> A week has passed since I started my exercise routine in an attempt to get fit and generally become happier with my body. So how was it?

In brief, it was challenging.

Longer version: I went at it too hard on the first evening and I paid the price that night and the next morning when I woke with greatly reduced movement in my arms – biceps and triceps primarily. This was coupled with a pain which can only be described as excruciating and the two combined meant even simple things like talking on my phone, putting in my earphones or even putting on my jacket were accompanied with either a yelping or a dance as I worked out the best way of achieving my goal. Thankfully, by Saturday things had almost returned to normal (yes, three full days!)

After the first evening I also switched my exercise time to the morning. When I arrive home at night, I just want to eat my (healthier) food and go to bed, I do not want to feel obliged to do an hour or so's exercising. Now set my alarm for sometime between 0435 and 0450, depending on what's being done, and 'Bring It' for the session (proof of activity being done).

I like the routine. It's varied enough that it's likely to keep my interest, but there are already definitely some exercises I don't enjoy, but I push through as much as I can.

The biggest benefit is likely to come from the associated diet changes I'm putting into place. I'm cutting out crisps, fast food, sweets and snacking too much between meals. The meals I am eating are also tending towards the healthier side of the spectrum: grilled chicken, salad etc. I'm not going to go nuts like I did a few years ago as while I abstained from puddings, sweets and the such for eight months or so; I feel I'll be happier having the occasional treat, like the hot chocolate (regular size, not large any more) I had on Saturday. Yum. The protein shakes I'm consuming right after the work outs are quite tasty too; I went for vanilla flavour.

A happy side effect of cutting down on the snacks and sweets is already being felt on my wallet. Where I estimate I was spending £3.50-£4/day on hot chocolate and sweets, that's dropped right down to almost zero – a saving of ~£80/month; not to be sniffed at.

Will I keep it up? Time will tell. I'm happy with the earlier starts – I just need to work a little more on shifting my sleep schedule some – and I'm feeling far more awake and alert when I get to the office. It's a good start, anyway.

• I weigh 13kg (28lbs in USD) more than I did a in January; currently 81.5kg (179lbs).
• I'm eating far too much bad food (sugar, sweets, snacks)
• My suit jacket is feeling tight when I do up the buttons
• My suit trousers are a little close round the waist; and I purchased 34"