Going to bed early, popping vitamin C's everyday, and chalking myself full of medicines paid off...no more bronchial infection! The cold is gone (as of Thursday), and I haven't coughed up anything too gross since Wednesday.
Lessons Learned:
- Out of all the things I did, going to bed was probably what helped most. I only saw 11:01 three times this past week, giving my body lots of time to recover.
- One of the added benefits of going to bed early was all the reading I did. I got through Douglas Coupland's 'Generation A' (excellent novel), and am about half way done another book on investments.
- Expect the unexpected. I planned on being home on Thursday in plenty to make my self-imposed 11pm bedtime. Instead, I made the most of an opportunity to pick up with my old IID team, and won my second game of the night...that happened to end at 11pm.
- This was one of the those weeks that required a bit of a budget to accomplish. I ran out of Tylonol cold and flu, and had to stock up. My fitness week (2 weeks from now) will require about the same $20 budget.
Four weeks, four small improvements accomplished. Despite some personal stuff, I feel proud of going 4 for 4 in January.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Week 4 - Get Better
Objective:
Get rid of my bronchial infection by getting to bed at 11pm, and reading until 11:30 at the latest.
Reasoning:
This is the third week that I wanted to have a fitness objective, but this lingering sinus/bronchial infection has held me back. Although I think it's slowly getting better, reality is I'm still coughing up and sneezing all kinds of awful phelgm. By popping some extra vitamin C, chugging Buckley's, taking my Tylonol cold and flu each day, and sleeping a little more, I should be back to 100% by next Sunday.
Special Considerations:
I have plans next Friday night that will likely mean getting home around 3am. Therefore, I'll give myself one "cheat" night. Although, I'll try to sleep in Saturday enough that I'll get at least 8 hours.
Get rid of my bronchial infection by getting to bed at 11pm, and reading until 11:30 at the latest.
Reasoning:
This is the third week that I wanted to have a fitness objective, but this lingering sinus/bronchial infection has held me back. Although I think it's slowly getting better, reality is I'm still coughing up and sneezing all kinds of awful phelgm. By popping some extra vitamin C, chugging Buckley's, taking my Tylonol cold and flu each day, and sleeping a little more, I should be back to 100% by next Sunday.
Special Considerations:
I have plans next Friday night that will likely mean getting home around 3am. Therefore, I'll give myself one "cheat" night. Although, I'll try to sleep in Saturday enough that I'll get at least 8 hours.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Week 3 Recap - Portfolio Rebalanced!
Squeezing in under the Sunday night deadline, I just placed 3 sell orders, and consider my portfolio rebalanced. I sold another stock on Wednesday, and identified one I'd like to sell within the month. A total of 18 stocks seems much more manageable than 23.
A by-product of my portfolio rebalancing is that I'll have a bit of cash to re-invest in my non-registered and registered accounts over the next couple months. Maybe I have another objective for an upcoming entry ;-)
Lessons Learned:
- Cleaning up my portfolio was a lot more time-consuming than I thought it would be. It took me about 4 hours to go through 23 stocks.
- Much like cleaning my house, rebalancing my portfolio became easier the more stocks I reviewed. I started to develop very objective criteria to keep stocks, and hope to keep these efficiency gains in the future.
- For those of you who might be interested, the stocks I sold are XIT, MBT, HR.UN, and PGF.UN. I'm looking to sell BBD.B sometime soon.
- I have to reconsider my investment in HD given I think it's one of the buyers my group reviews at work (I've never looked at it from that viewpoint...and obviously couldn't due to a conflict of interest). Good news is that I know who to talk to at work and will get his informed opinion on my ability to continue to hold it.
- Another nice by-product of going through the rebalancing exercise is that I identified some of my current holdings that I'd like to add to.
Third week in a row with a goal accomplishment and I'll admit, it feels great. Next week's objective should be relatively easy...
A by-product of my portfolio rebalancing is that I'll have a bit of cash to re-invest in my non-registered and registered accounts over the next couple months. Maybe I have another objective for an upcoming entry ;-)
Lessons Learned:
- Cleaning up my portfolio was a lot more time-consuming than I thought it would be. It took me about 4 hours to go through 23 stocks.
- Much like cleaning my house, rebalancing my portfolio became easier the more stocks I reviewed. I started to develop very objective criteria to keep stocks, and hope to keep these efficiency gains in the future.
- For those of you who might be interested, the stocks I sold are XIT, MBT, HR.UN, and PGF.UN. I'm looking to sell BBD.B sometime soon.
- I have to reconsider my investment in HD given I think it's one of the buyers my group reviews at work (I've never looked at it from that viewpoint...and obviously couldn't due to a conflict of interest). Good news is that I know who to talk to at work and will get his informed opinion on my ability to continue to hold it.
- Another nice by-product of going through the rebalancing exercise is that I identified some of my current holdings that I'd like to add to.
Third week in a row with a goal accomplishment and I'll admit, it feels great. Next week's objective should be relatively easy...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Week 3 - Rebalancing Investment Portfolios
Objective:
Rebalance my unregistered, registered, and tax-free investment portfolios.
Reasoning:
I wanted to do a fitness themed week, but since I'm still not feeling 100%, I thought this would be a well-timed activity. With 23 different stocks, in 3 portfolios, I'm looking to simply a bit by rebalancing my holdings.
Special Considerations:
It's a good time to rebalance, since the market seems to be in neutral in early 2010. Furthermore, I expect to be selling more so than buying. I'll use the proceeds to buy more into stocks that I already own, and increase my cash holdings. Ideally, I like the number 16...since I think I could track about that many stocks regularly.
Rebalance my unregistered, registered, and tax-free investment portfolios.
Reasoning:
I wanted to do a fitness themed week, but since I'm still not feeling 100%, I thought this would be a well-timed activity. With 23 different stocks, in 3 portfolios, I'm looking to simply a bit by rebalancing my holdings.
Special Considerations:
It's a good time to rebalance, since the market seems to be in neutral in early 2010. Furthermore, I expect to be selling more so than buying. I'll use the proceeds to buy more into stocks that I already own, and increase my cash holdings. Ideally, I like the number 16...since I think I could track about that many stocks regularly.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Week 2 Recap - Officially Mobile!
My first Wednesday working from home was a huge success! Not only did I cut out over an hour of commuting from my day, I got to sleep in an extra 30 minutes, and was uber productive! Since my one telephone meeting of the day was canceled, I managed to work my way through two cases, and start a third. It actually made me reflect how I'd have a difficult time accomplishing that much in the office.
Another high-light was when the Helpdesk dude got back to me and told me how to connect wirelessly. Cutting the cable...literally...was huge since it means that I can now work on Wednesdays from wherever there's a wireless connection...from Pembroke to Paris!
Lessons Learned:
- My willpower to avoid turning on the tv, or doing other little projects around the condo is much better than I gave myself credit for. I honestly worked 7.5 hours today.
- Working 7.5 hours without distractions leads to a crazy increase in productivity. At some point this year, I should try to figure out how to minimize my in office distractions.
- Planning ahead pays off. I printed out some documents I'd need to reference yesterday afternoon at work, and it was great to have them handy. Maybe I'll make a habit out of that each day before I leave work.
I'm at the point now where I can't wait for next Wednesday so I can try to duplicate my success. Not going to lie, sleeping in a little later was a big bonus of today too. Two weeks, two missions accomplished...this feels great so far!
Another high-light was when the Helpdesk dude got back to me and told me how to connect wirelessly. Cutting the cable...literally...was huge since it means that I can now work on Wednesdays from wherever there's a wireless connection...from Pembroke to Paris!
Lessons Learned:
- My willpower to avoid turning on the tv, or doing other little projects around the condo is much better than I gave myself credit for. I honestly worked 7.5 hours today.
- Working 7.5 hours without distractions leads to a crazy increase in productivity. At some point this year, I should try to figure out how to minimize my in office distractions.
- Planning ahead pays off. I printed out some documents I'd need to reference yesterday afternoon at work, and it was great to have them handy. Maybe I'll make a habit out of that each day before I leave work.
I'm at the point now where I can't wait for next Wednesday so I can try to duplicate my success. Not going to lie, sleeping in a little later was a big bonus of today too. Two weeks, two missions accomplished...this feels great so far!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Week 2 - Go Mobile!
Objective:
Start working one day a week from home.
Reasoning:
I read this book before the holidays called "The Four Hour Work Week" that talked about increasing your mobility to increase your enjoyment of life prior to traditional retirement. Since my job lends itself well to working at home, and because my employer encourages us to work remotely one day a week, I decided to talk to my Manager about trying it out this week. He was supportive of the trial, and I'm looking forward to how it'll go on Wednesday.
Special Considerations:
Today, I tested forwarding my work phone to my home phone. I also contacted our help desk about a problem I'm having connecting wirelessly to our corporate network at home (I have to plug in via Ethernet cable right now). Tomorrow, I'll print off anything I need for my reviews on Wednesdays. With all that complete, I should be good to go :)
Start working one day a week from home.
Reasoning:
I read this book before the holidays called "The Four Hour Work Week" that talked about increasing your mobility to increase your enjoyment of life prior to traditional retirement. Since my job lends itself well to working at home, and because my employer encourages us to work remotely one day a week, I decided to talk to my Manager about trying it out this week. He was supportive of the trial, and I'm looking forward to how it'll go on Wednesday.
Special Considerations:
Today, I tested forwarding my work phone to my home phone. I also contacted our help desk about a problem I'm having connecting wirelessly to our corporate network at home (I have to plug in via Ethernet cable right now). Tomorrow, I'll print off anything I need for my reviews on Wednesdays. With all that complete, I should be good to go :)
Week 1 Recap - House is Cleaned!
I'm typing this from the cleanest condo this side of Martha's Stewart's pad. If memory serves, the final total was 6 big bags of garbage, 4 bags of clothes donated to Value Village, and a couple of boxes of books donated to the library. If I may say, this place has never looked better.
Lesson Learned:
- Cleaning takes time. I must have spent 15 hours cleaning last week.
- De-clutterring is very satisfying. My life feels so much more organized and uncomplicated.
- When planning to clean house, stock up on garbage bags.
Admittedly, I meant to write this last night, but I managed to catch a cold the first week back in the city. Therefore, my week 2 goal is a bit less ambitious and time-consuming.
Lesson Learned:
- Cleaning takes time. I must have spent 15 hours cleaning last week.
- De-clutterring is very satisfying. My life feels so much more organized and uncomplicated.
- When planning to clean house, stock up on garbage bags.
Admittedly, I meant to write this last night, but I managed to catch a cold the first week back in the city. Therefore, my week 2 goal is a bit less ambitious and time-consuming.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Week 1 - Clean House!
Objective:
Clean every room, closet, and cupboard in my condo by next Sunday night.
Reasoning:
Prior to Christmas, when I had people over, I caught myself shutting the door to my spare room in an effort to hide the mess. Additionally, my kitchen table and dresser are usually so full of papers that it's hard to see the wood tops. I was extremely busy this past summer and didn't get around to my traditional spring/summer cleaning...so it's time to get on it!
Furthermore, I read an excellent book by Gail Blanke titled "Throw Out Fifty Things" last fall, and agreed with her premise that organizing your physical possessions (including tossing out the unnecessary crap) leads to a better mental state. Admittedly, lately, I've had a lot on my mind, and hope that de-cluttering will relieve some of that pressure.
Special Considerations:
Since I cleaned my spare room today (Friday), I'm actually giving myself two extra days to accomplish this weeks objective. Considering I tossed a full garbage bag of crap, and gathered a huge bannana box of books and three garbabe bags of clothes to donate, from a 10x12 foot room...the extra days are desperately needed.
Clean every room, closet, and cupboard in my condo by next Sunday night.
Reasoning:
Prior to Christmas, when I had people over, I caught myself shutting the door to my spare room in an effort to hide the mess. Additionally, my kitchen table and dresser are usually so full of papers that it's hard to see the wood tops. I was extremely busy this past summer and didn't get around to my traditional spring/summer cleaning...so it's time to get on it!
Furthermore, I read an excellent book by Gail Blanke titled "Throw Out Fifty Things" last fall, and agreed with her premise that organizing your physical possessions (including tossing out the unnecessary crap) leads to a better mental state. Admittedly, lately, I've had a lot on my mind, and hope that de-cluttering will relieve some of that pressure.
Special Considerations:
Since I cleaned my spare room today (Friday), I'm actually giving myself two extra days to accomplish this weeks objective. Considering I tossed a full garbage bag of crap, and gathered a huge bannana box of books and three garbabe bags of clothes to donate, from a 10x12 foot room...the extra days are desperately needed.
The Concept
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
- Confucius
Let me start by saying that I love my life: I have wonderful friends and family, a job I adore, a financial situation that doesn't leave me wanting for anything, and plenty of hobbies to keep me occupied in my free time. However, there are aspects of my life I'd like to improve. Some might seem minor, others might appear to be giant hurdles to overcome in a single week, but I'm up for the challenge. I've decided to limit myself to a week for each objective in 2010, and see how things change by year end.
You might be asking yourself why I decided to blog publicly about my near year's, year-long, series of resolutions. The most accurate answer I can give you is that I enjoy writing, and think that keeping this record public will push me to accomplish more than if this was private. Having blogged and journalized before, I fully expect that there will be a few critics and negative commenters in 2010, but...I don't really give a fuck.
A of my quick stats before I start the entries: 31, 6'1, 170 lbs (including 5 extra holiday pounds), living in Ottawa, and trying to strike the delicate balance between working and playing equally hard.
Let the improvements begin!
- Confucius
Let me start by saying that I love my life: I have wonderful friends and family, a job I adore, a financial situation that doesn't leave me wanting for anything, and plenty of hobbies to keep me occupied in my free time. However, there are aspects of my life I'd like to improve. Some might seem minor, others might appear to be giant hurdles to overcome in a single week, but I'm up for the challenge. I've decided to limit myself to a week for each objective in 2010, and see how things change by year end.
You might be asking yourself why I decided to blog publicly about my near year's, year-long, series of resolutions. The most accurate answer I can give you is that I enjoy writing, and think that keeping this record public will push me to accomplish more than if this was private. Having blogged and journalized before, I fully expect that there will be a few critics and negative commenters in 2010, but...I don't really give a fuck.
A of my quick stats before I start the entries: 31, 6'1, 170 lbs (including 5 extra holiday pounds), living in Ottawa, and trying to strike the delicate balance between working and playing equally hard.
Let the improvements begin!
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