Untitled.

Ramblings and personal notes that I want to share.

[raphaelleheaf]

2013/2014: Resolutions are meant to be kept (and changed)

While my monthly posting didn't go as well as I hoped, nor did learning 12 new skills I still feel that lots was achieved last year.

To start, I did learn to crochet, to ski, to drive (long distances), bring up my puppy to an adolescent, I did actually learn to code and generally 2013 was a happy year where I really got back on my feet and am in a place to now make things happen. So all in all, it was a good year.

Now looking at the year ahead, I've got some new challenges. Settling into a new job at GDS, tidying my flat >.< (apparently this will help me in other ways too), I'm going to get back into dancing, and I want to do plenty more travelling, going out with friends Old & New, get competing with Libby and always do the things I really want to do. 

2014 is really going to be a very good year!

[raphaelleheaf]

August Skill: Gardening (a bit late and still underway)

Somewhat late to post, but I've been really keen to improve my balcony and thought what better way than to have a bit of a micro garden. 

Actually finding the hanging baskets has proved to be somewhat harder/more expensive than hoped, but perhaps I can start with a Christmas-themed window box and go from there.

[explore-blog]

Stunning visualization of scientific collaborations around the world by Canadian data scientist Olivier Beauchesne – a modern-day version of the Enlightenment-era Republic of Letters.

[raphaelleheaf]

Beautiful yet sad that most of the collaborations happen in the Northern Hemisphere. 

[tastefullyoffensive]

[raphaelleheaf]

July's Skill: The drive to the South of France and back

Ok, not technically a skill, but an undertaking none the less. On 4th August I set off for the start of a 12 hour drive, having barley driven for the last 10 years. Me and the dog and a long road.

The only thing to keep us company was the 104-long playlist I put together. It's a real mix of pop, rock, electronic and dance. Maybe not to everyone's taste but everything you need to stay awake on a journey when you've no one to talk to.

Added to the Friday Mixtape downloads and your set for an all-you-can-listen-to audio production. 

The only thing I miss, not being able to take pictures while driving. I'll need to rig something up for that next time.

[raphaelleheaf]

June's Skill (although it's really for July): Aerial Acrobatics

When I was younger, I was actually quite good at gymnastics and danced a lot. I still do the dancing, but probably more drunken booty-shaking, than really the skilled, choreographed moves I once mastered. 

So why not go back to something from the past? I may not have the same figure, or flexibility but I can still feel beautiful, spinning in the air... I might even take some pics!

If anyone cares to join me, I'm planning on going to here: http://www.flyingfantastic.co.uk/

[raphaelleheaf]

May update: It's already nearly the end of June!!!!

but I will buy a crochet kit this weekend, and I'm looking for some good blogs to read.. any suggestions?

[raphaelleheaf]

May's Skill: Learning to crochet!

It was going to be knitting but actually the dog has taken precedence and the idea of making our own toys to be destroyed is somewhat appealing.

Ok so I'm a bit late, well very late and actually have been so hectic I haven't actually managed to purchase the crochet kit.. but I did look at a heap of intro videos and have decided that if a crochet dog toy looks odd, then it's just  a trendy japanese anime character.... results to come!

[raphaelleheaf]

April's Skill: Dog Training!

Penelope entered my life in March but it's really been April where I've started to feel like a single parent! Restless nights, toilet training, walking on the lead (and off), socialising (with humans and dogs), office rules... we've had it all by the bucket load!

There are probably the odd days I wish I could have off but overall my life wouldn't be (somewhat) complete without her. And I know she brings a lot of smiles to everyone who meets her and that's never a bad thing!

[raphaelleheaf]

March's Skill: Skiing!!!! (Check)

So I've survived 3 days on the slopes in Switzerland. So I now can say I've done a whole 10 hours of skiing and while I didn't progress onto the rather steep blue slopes. Plus bonus note; I was rather proud to not stack it :)

[raphaelleheaf]

February's Skill: Online courses

This month I decided to undertake a short online course through Skillshare.

While taking time out to do extra things can be a bit hectic, I actually found it quite easy to follow the modules, as well as fun to see how others were progressing. 

What did I learn? All about Viral Loops!

So watch out world, you'll be instantly motivated to join anything I'm involved with now ;)

[raphaelleheaf]

January Update

Have now decided to extend the programming skill to a six months to get a better overall grasp on things.

January seemed like a better month to get my head around it all. I now have places to learn, projects in mind and a way to get there.

However, I will add a new skill for February ;)

[raphaelleheaf]

January's Skill: Programming

It's been niggling at me for ages and frustrates me that I can't do anything for my startup and have to rely on the mediocre tools around for the general public.

I won't be a rockstar programer, but I want to have the conversations. Flow is common sense and at the very least I'd like to be able to put a page together to explore an idea.

So my skill for Janaury is to do Codecademy daily, but also to build my own site (just something simple to start.. hehe!)

[raphaelleheaf]

2013: My year

I want to ensure that I document what I want from this year so in order to do that I want to write my list/resolutions for 2013. This year is going to be amazing, I know it already. 

1. This is My Year

It's my year to be successful and that means I want to push myself more, enjoy myself more and generally strive to achieve everything I possibly can from this year.

2. Take time to watch the films I'm always wanting to

Good films are great!

3. Read every day

Make sure that reading list doesn't mount up. Even if it's just 1 article, there a lot to learn and it starts with reading other people's opinions.

4. Achieve something monthly

I want to develop new skills, so each month I will have a goal, small or large. Again to be documented and to see how I do. I am sure by the end of the year to have 12 achievements will be incredibly satisfying.

5. Feel awesome daily (& smile daily)

Remember you are that... all by yourself.

6. Go on holiday

Yes 2012 was a mixed year and I love what I do, but I need to make sure that it's not just about being a poor startup founder. I need to enjoy life and that means taking some time to go exploring, taking time out and generally having a well earned break (as well as being able to afford it!)

7. Take time for myself (and for my horses)

It's important to sometimes be selfish. So, this year I will be ensure I spend more time doing the things I want to do, not what other people want to do. (Unless we both want to do them, which is perfect!)

8. Look around, there's so much to see

I'm not one to be immersed head down in my phone, but I do want to make sure I don't get like that. Even just on my walk to work, the street changes daily. It gives me time to think, inspiration to write (which I also want to do more of) and keeps my mind motivated to keep up with things such as staying healthy. It's only by looking that you see.