Monthly Goals - October 2012 Recap
1. Further blog improvements
I think my efforts again raised TF’s profile, even if I didn’t finish everything I wanted to do. As the result of seizing a couple key opportunities, TF finally generated what I would consider to be a commensurate amount of revenue for the company. While this has slumped back to ordinary levels over the last week-and-a-half, it’s shown me what’s possible if TF continues to focus on producing high-quality content.
Unfortunately, I didn’t succeed in building much capacity beyond myself in the last month, so this objective was a partial fail. I’m past the half-way mark for my parental leave. I have under 5 months to go (and actually I still need to arrange for 6 of those weeks, which will be unpaid). I continued doing a post every Tuesday until this week. On the weekend I was like “I’ll do it Monday” and on Monday I was like “naw dawg”. Luckily, starting next week, TF will host a new column on Tuesdays. The writer, Sara, is a friend of mine from university and will bring a new perspective that I was specifically seeking. (Hint: it’s debt-related). I’m still trying to convince Adina that Search Engine Optimizing a post is super easy, and takes about five extra minutes if you’re the one writing it.
2. Save $1000
Done.
3. Deal with basement moisture, part II
No. I’ve turned off the dehumidifier anyway because the air is much dryer. Still, the brine tank does overflow on occasion. I’m very pro-”do it yourself” except when it comes to:
- plumbing as related to water safety/filtration or sewage; or
- any electrical work.
4. Winterize the house
I hooked up the dryer. I think I did a pretty good job.
I didn’t get the gutters cleaned, because the leaves weren’t done falling til about two days ago. I did, however, take actions to reduce my home’s energy consumption during the winter (first post and second).
5. Car dents
Meh. It doesn’t look that bad.
6. Earn my free Sony Internet Player and cancel old accounts
8. Get my free satellite TV
Success, but I’ll talk about that tomorrow.
Monthly Goals for November 2012:
1. Parental leave extension
At the moment, my parental leave ends in February. I need to do a bunch of paperwork to get it extended by six weeks (unpaid). I want to fill out all of the forms and get this arranged before December.
2. Cancel more credit cards
What’s in my wallet? The ghosts of deals-past, a.k.a. credit cards that I don’t use. I got rid of two in October; I want to get rid of two more.
3. Finish switching bank accounts
I initiated this process in October. Now I just need to complete it and close my old account.
4. Save a grand
Yet again I’d like to save $1000 this month (I’m sorely missing the top-up).
5. Plan the trip to Edmonton
My partner and I are going to Edmonton for Christmas. We need to plan the trip and get tickets in order. It’s probably a good idea for us to do this now.
6. Do Christmas and birthday shopping
My partner’s birthday is in November. That means I should probably find her a gift. I have a couple ideas.
Also, despite having more free time than ever before, I’m starting my Christmas shopping later than usual. I’d like to get it all “wrapped” up this month.
7. Grow a Movember moustache
And post a picture.
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I’m not setting as many ambitious objectives this month in an effort to cut myself some slack. It’s important to plan, measure your success, and reflect on failures, but it’s also important to set lean, flexible goals. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve seized opportunities as they’ve presented themselves. I’m going to try and leave some more free time to relax with my beautiful daughter and partner.
