accomplishments of 2019:
- 12 weeks of a min. 21km long run
- >10% salary increase not incl. bonuses
- successfully completed APE, officially a registered "architect"
- sub 105min half marathon
- finished a project (Lamrock)
- passed my P's motorcycle
- 82km sydney to wollongong cycle
- sold two artworks

"Jack of all trades, master of none...but oftentimes better than master of one."


Who knew that my favourite phrase to describe myself has a second part and an altogether different meaning in a more positive light.

Being an almost-architect requires one to split the mind and work on a multitude of different tasks at once. For example in the design of a seemingly simple stair, does it comply with codes and standards? Do you know the material, the structural integrity, the detailing, the design? How is it constructed? What is the type of wood, the type of finish, the paint colour, the colour of the wood stain? How are the pieces glued or is it a biscuit joint or mitre? How are the joints welded or where are the bolts fixed? The list goes on... and that's just one little stair.

You are expected to be a expert in all trades and know all. Some days I feel stupid, most days I feel like I know nothing and only those select few do I cheer at one of my successes. But every day without a doubt I learn. And thus I grow.

But it is hard and on the days where the stress threatens to consume, I need to remind myself that at the end of the day it is a job and nothing more. But also to grow some tougher skin, suck it up and act convincingly the pretend adult that everyone sees. 

My one and only big brother is married and all I wish for him in the world is to be happy. But a small part of me is sad, sad that things are changing, that we are growing up and things will never be the same as they were.  

accomplishments of 2018:
- matured as a project architect in my firm 
- completed two tender construction packages
- running site meetings on my own
- >10% salary increase not incl. two bonuses in first year of new job
- finished third marathon and cut off 10mins, pr on half marathon time
- did something for myself I have always wanted to do (motorbike)
- practiced and upskilled digital art
- completed a multipitch & smallest campus board
- invested in stocks

to be improved/2019 goals:
- didn't save enough, spent a large proportion of savings (motorbike + holidays) 
- climbing only maintained not bettered, completely let myself go end of year
- language, geography, architectural self study not done
- mortgage pending housing market
- architecture registration
- better my swimming 
- hand sketches, drawing a day
- side hustle

accomplishments of 2017

- officially graduated with masters degree
- smashed my half marathon pr
- matured as a graduate architect in my firm
- increased the number of people I love by one
- worked a year officially full time post uni
- been approached by two recruiters
- done a 21km run five weeks in a row
- finished my second marathon and smashed my pr
- survived the job hunt process and found a job on my own
- new job with more responsibility/money at a well known respected firm
- saved 60-70% of income

but as a result,
- climbing and fitness suffered

Though ultimately 2017 was a good fcking year, if not the best cause of the love of a certain boy.

Life seems so fragile. I still don't know what lies beyond but I hope it's somewhere in peace together with jiji gege. I'm sorry I didn't get to see you sooner.