Some things that happened in 2011
I started 2011 singing defamatory lyrics about the locals in the pub of the tiny town of Oturehua, in New Zealand. K and I had been to a wedding a few days before and were riding the Otago Rail Trail. We also had the chance to visit Dunedin, a great university town with a bunch of good coffee shops.
I turned 42 in March. Getting older is, well, crap. Barring medical innovations, I’m about half-way through life’s journey and I have so much more I want to do—which is why it’s so important to stay well. In 2011 I worked harder to stay fit, working out at Adapt Crossfit, throwing in some cycling and running, and eating (mostly) paleo. In May and October I was hardcore and did the Whole 30, which for me is mostly about not drinking alcohol. The combination of diet and exercise means I’m in better shape now than I’ve ever been.
I went mountaineering in New Zealand in September. Five years ago my father got sick: when he recovered my brothers and I went with him to Queenstown for a ski holiday. Three of us returned in 2011.
I treated myself to some gorgeous alpine equipment (I’m willing to admit that cool gear is part of the attraction) and did some solo alpine hikes in the Remarkables. There are few opportunities in modern life for the continuous application of (in my case, limited) skill at with serious consequences for failure.
I hung out with fellow spacenerds at the #CSIROTweetup for the launch of the Curiosity Mars rover. The Tidbinbilla Deep Space tracking station hosted thirty or so of us (including @andymccray) for two nights. Highlights included someone working out orbital angles on a napkin, and meeting @ccorbettauthor, whose novel “When We Have Wings” was one of the regrettably few books I read in 2011.
I sold part of Icelab to Tim and Max, and together we bought out our other partner: now we’re three-way co-owners of the best damn design studio money can buy. In 2011 we did some great work for great clients, launched the Decaf Sucks iPhone app, were interviewed for news.com.au, hired Andy and Hugh, spoke at conferences, and we’re destined for more greatness in 2012.
I was supported, encouraged, challenged, and delighted, as always, in everything I do, by K. We’ve been together for 13 years now. The 13 best years of my life.