p o r t h o: 2014 Goals

I recently reviewed (made up) my 2013 goals after the fact, whereas this is an initial list of goals that is subject to change during the year.

My Mitsubishi Lancer that I purchased around 2003-04 is getting a little old now, so I would like to replace it with something a little more modern and powerful. I hardly drive my car though, so I cannot really justify a significant upgrade, but I may see if I can find something good for a reasonable price later in the year.

My job isn't perfect but it's alright, and I've only been at it for eleven months, so I don't see any need to change right now, unless a great opportunity turns up somewhere, the dream would be to have a job in the USA of course.
I am trying to build a slightly better "online identity" than what I currently have (nothing). I have already started with a few contributions to Stack Overflow and I will also try to start up a small software development blog with various tips and tricks I come across during my work. Finally, I need to make sure my Linked In profile and resume are kept up to date throughout the year.

Now that the home loan is paid off I plan to save up a little bit of money before deciding what to do next. If the housing market wasn't such a disaster I would be looking at a rental property, but the numbers would have to make sense. If this plan doesn't eventuate just yet, I will probably look at some investments in shares.

Also now that the home loan is paid off, I should start putting some extra money into super like I was doing at my previous job. Probably something in the 3-5% range would be good.

I think my body is probably too broken down to attempt a marathon this year (and perhaps ever), but I think I should be good to register for at least one half marathon and try to set a new personal best. One or more events in NSW or Queensland would be great too, possibly as part of this goal or a separate one.

This is a bit of an unrealistic goal perhaps, but I would like to try to do a small and full triathlon at some stage. The logistics of competing in a triathlon are much more complicated than running (plus I don't even own a bike) and I would also need to become much better at swimming before contemplating this. I may move this goal into 2015 instead...

I just don't have the time (or an interesting lifestyle) to do regular blogging, but I will try to update with at least a few topics:

I also would really like to go back over my 2003-13 emails and see what summaries I can make of it.

I would like to investigate the possibility of living much closer to work (to the city). I am not sure what form this will take yet, it could be (1) renting a small unit or apartment somewhere or (2) buying a second property and renting the Mitcham townhouse.

I think I am eligible to apply for a UK passport. The process so far sounds extremely complicated, but I would like to make an attempt at it, even if I haven't decide if I would use it for future job possibilities or just for holidays.

Nothing new here really, just keep trying to improve and try new things. I finally discovered a good method for cooking nachos!

I have already started planning a short nine day holiday for March, but I also want to take a longer holiday to escape some of the terrible winter weather. Since I will almost be back to zero days of annual leave in March I think it will be a 2-3 week holiday in Asia (and perhaps Dubai as well).

And nothing new here either, just try to find some time for video games every now and then.

p o r t h o