Darryl Woodford

As 2008 comes to a close, it’s time for some reflections and notes on the year ahead. This year was, in many ways, a breakthrough year for me in terms of Academia. My first two conference presentations went (reasonably) smoothly, I made plenty of good contacts, and have one paper approved for publication and another in the pipeline. Really, I couldn’t have asked for more over the last year. Another semester to go at ITU, a Masters Thesis to write, and then time to see what the future holds.

Financially, I was (and am) still primarily reliant on gambling income. The collapse of the £ has put a minor hitch in to my profitability, not least because I got out of the $ at about the worst time (when it was hovering around ~$2/£1), and now have reasonably funds in £ which have dropped from about 10-11 Kroner to 7.6 Kroner in the last year. This may well prove to be more of an issue as the year goes on, but it’s something I have very little control over, so it’s going to be a waiting game and a hope that I can finance the remaining 8 months without too many problems. I have applied for a TA position next semester, which will help on both fronts, but may have to consider other options.

Socially, 2008 left a fair bit to be desired. Whilst I did make a number of good academic contacts, and a few good friends in Copenhagen, the limitations of pursuing a full academic timetable along with what is effectively a full time job in the gambling took it’s toll. Realistically, this isn’t going to change in the first 6-8 months of 2009, but after that it will have to be given a priority… I’m nearing the age where I want to have a long-term relationship, and so that’s something to consider for ’09… I might even be tempted to explore what online dating offers for meeting people.

So, looking ahead to 2009, a few “resolutions”. Firstly, I intend to write more here to document work towards both my Masters and basic background research on my PHD proposals; you may also find exchange rate & gambling moans, and the trials and tribulations of finding a PHD position (Why, American Universities, do you insist on meaningless tests and non-refundable application fees!) or better. And of course, if anyone has a tip, I’d appreciate it! The others are basically as stated above; to survive the next 6-8 months, get the Masters, and then get a PHD position; and to expand my social network to see what opportunities that brings.

So, here’s to 2009… let’s hope it’s a good one!

(Oh, and I got an IPhone to play with )