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Dec 31, 2023 ∞

2023 in review

A brief overview of my year

My little boy turned 1 year old, so I had my first experience of doing a child’s birthday party.
Had holidays in Llandudno and Christchurch, Dorset.
Became an uncle for the first time. The family is growing, and everyone is full of joy.
Finally bought a new house after months of living with my parents for logistical reasons.
Began learning web development via the Odin Project.
Made a good friend at work, and reconnected with some old friends.
Participated in the teacher strikes this year.
Published several cryptic crosswords on mycrossword.co.uk. My crossword setting and solving improved a lot over the year. I ran a crossword club at school.
Survived an OFSTED inspection (outcome: “Good”)
Started this blog 🎉.

My progress in learning web dev slowed once the new school year started — many factors involved here, including workload, parenthood, living situation
Started lifting weights in August. Things started to fall off a bit in December due to a spike in workload (many end-of-term exams to mark). However, I’m still keen to go; I’ll pick the habit back up next week
Stress levels have been very high throughout the year, primarily due to work, but of course also to do with staying with parents, moving house, and so on.
Latter part of the year have had a big focus on family and marriage. Our living situation, together with my workload and stress levels, have been challenging for us all.
Got ill quite a bit in the first half of the year, but haven’t had a sick day since school started in September.

Didn’t have time for much culture this year, but the best book I read was Neuromancer.

Happy new year 🥳