So I had this idea, no new year resolutions – just a monthly challenge:

January

Janathon, see blog post for details. Total miles run in January = 133.37 miles

February

Learn to play the ukulele – this didn’t go amazingly well. I did try. But if Noah and the Whale ever need someone to play ukulele on ‘5 years time’ I think I may be the man for the job!

March

March’s project is complete! ‘Phil’s A-Z of New Music’. When I said ‘new’ music, I actually meant ‘new’ to me, so some of you out in the virtual land may actually have already discovered the artists/groups. The aim was to cover a variety of genres and blog 26 times – that I did, although indie did seem prominent. Have a look here for my reflection.

April

Thanks to my sister, a birthday present: an Airfix model of The Cutty Sark. Built and blogged on a reasonably regular occasion. Click here to see the video celebrating the fact it’s done.

May

The plan was to write a story story over the month of May. Initially I thought a chapter every few days making a total of ten. I found the whole writing process quite difficult. The problem was that I had no real plan, I was just writing a new chapter. Therefore the completed story reads a bit awkward in places and the less said about the end the better. Also the actual time it takes to sit and write a piece, even if it’s only short, is an issue. May is a very busy month at school: exam prep, workshops, afterschool sessions, etc. So actually finishing the story is an accomplishment in itself. You can read the completed story here.

June

Juneathon completed. Slightly down on Janathon’s mileage, but also a slightly more relaxed approach taken. Total Juneathon mileage = 114.07

July

In the theme of -athons…a Bakeathon. Plan was to make various yummy things, about ten over the course of the month. As you can see ten things all crossed off the list:

• Bakewell tarts
• Carrot Cupcakes
• Gypsy Tart
• Chocolate brownies
• Shortbread
• Scones
• Choc chip cookies
• Jam Turnovers
• Chocolate Danish pastry
• Flapjacks

If you click here you’ll even see a video montage!!!

August

Swimming – I can swim but not particularly well. I’d love to be able to swim a bit better, possibly with the idea to complete a triathlon. Plan will be to go swimming 2/3 times a week. The monthly project also involved a tour of local pools:

• Splading
• Sleaford
• Peterborough Regional Pool
• Oakham
• Deepings
• Bourne Leisure Pool
• Bourne Outdoor Pool

September & October

Due to problems beyond my control September’s Project has been extended into October’s Project (see this post for more details). Learning to ride a unicycle!!!! I’ve heard they are very difficult to get the hang of – difficult couple of months ahead then…

November

How about a spot of traditional Japanese paper folding? That’s right, a month of origami! One every day of the month.

December

A different beer every day for the month….#decembeer