I've Reached 500

I just realised that my Happy Australia Day post was my 500th blog post!

Source: Jack Clabough

When I started my blog back in October 2008 I didn't really have any long term goals with it. To be honest, I wasn't even sure about starting a blog. But I thought I'd give it a shot and over 7 years later I'm still posting.

You can tell by looking at the history of my posts I've had good and bad years for blogging - usually a reflection of my life and how much time I have. In that time the Barbarians have grown from toddlers to nearly teens, the Hub and I have renovated 2 houses, relocated 1600km and over two state lines (about 1000 miles), and I've just started my 5th paid job (joys of being a casual worker bee) and worked almost full time hours volunteering.

All going to plan life is going to be on a more even keel this year. I guess how often I post will let you know if I'm succeeding.

Happy Australia Day

The National Day for Australia on January 26th marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the first fleet to Australia and the proclamation of British Sovereignty. 

 

Pomodoro

For a number of years now I've worked out the best way for me to write is in short bursts. I try and do 45 minutes BIC (bum in chair) then 15 minutes away from writing - preferably out of the chair. As there is always housework to be done I'll often do that for the break. And lets be honest, knowing it's only 15 minutes of housework makes it tolerable *grin*.

The other day I was reading another blog (sadly I now can't remember which one) and the author talked about how the Pomodoro technique had really helped their writing efficiency. Intrigued I looked into it and discovered I had been Pomodoring all this time!

Developed by Francesco Cirillo the Podomoro technique is essentially a time management skill where a timer is used to focus work into short sprints (his method recommends 25 minutes) followed by a short break. He called it Podomoro after a tomato-shaped timer he used to time his work.

For me this technique works brilliantly. I can stay focused for 45 minutes knowing I get a break after that - and the deadline pushes me to have something to show for it.

Have you hear of the Podomoro technique? Does it work for you or are you willing to give it a try? I'd love to hear others experiences with it.