2016 personal reflection

And, a preview of 2017

 December 17, 2016

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I think 2016 might end up being neutral if I just sum up the number of positives and negatives. Starting a personal website had been on my list for years and finally getting it started felt really good. But, I never really thought about the site's overall design. And, I started several new projects, but quickly shifted focus to the "next thing". Overall, I did not have a clear plan of action. And, it's odd, too, because I generally see myself as someone who prefers to plan ahead. My wife reminded me the other day she has always seen me as someone who "doesn't settle for average". This year, I did. Although, it's not accurate to say I was lazy. Maybe I took too many things for granted. But, enough of this pity party.

I'm back in the driver's seat

Noteworthy: this may become an obsolete idiom if self-driving vehicles become commonplace.

Identifying personal areas of improvement is a good first step to becoming a better person. Need to be careful, though, not to move into an extended overdrive mode. Don't want to cause 2017 burnout. Lots of things are lined-up for 2017. Here's just a sample which will serve as reference when I do another reflection post next year:

• Setup accountability chain 🔗
  • self-motivation works, but sometimes others are needed to keep the ball moving
• Revisit and put initial finishing touches to programming projects started in 2016
  • Hybrid Model Binding–C# library for binding HTTP request data to controller-action model.
  • Motley Flash–C# library for handling flash messaging.
• Possible new programming projects
  • distributed interactive dashboard (mainly for audio)
  • distributed web-based DOGS intended for live video streams
• Redesign personal website
  • focus on how content is displayed on multiple devices
  • pick a color theme
  • add support for showing related posts
  • expand types of content based on other topics I enjoy: business/economy, tech., education
• Setup functioning office in basement
  • provide adequate lighting
  • provide adequate power for computers, networking, printers (2d and 3d), etc.
  • upgrade home networking
    • allow remote printing and file sharing
• Redesign annual tech. presentation given to middle/high-school students (assuming I am invited to participate in 2017 😉)
  • need something more interactive which works with small groups of four or five participants
• Various home projects (most depend on amount of discretionary funds 💸)
  • install ceiling fans in rooms
  • look into replacing windows
  • repair/replace deck
  • do an overall better job helping wife with house maintenance tasks 💝
• Organize several years of digital photos/videos 🏆
  • central location (preferrably home-based) accessible by family members
  • searching

Your turn?

If you decide to write your own 2016/2017 reflection post, post a link in the comments-section. I'm curious how others fared and their plans/ambitions for the upcoming year.

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