07 December 2021 - Answering Christyotwisty's December Questions
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1. How far in advance do you like to start planning things?

I tend to be a planner but execution of the plan can vary 
significantly. For going away, it tends to be pretty much when I book. 
Sometimes I can be terrible and plan at that moment but that tends to 
drive me mad. I like a plan a few days before normally. I do get 
annoyed when people cannot agree to meet at a specific time. That 
really annoys me. 

2. What do you hope happens in 2022?

I hope to become a chartered engineer (got to pull my finger out and 
do some writing!).
I hope to have some fantastic scout camps.
I hope to help others reach their potential.
I hope to go climbing more.
I hope to see some of this year's efforts turn into hardware I can 
actually touch and test.

3. What challenges have you recently overcome?

Hmmmm I find it hard to think of challenges. I tend to think in terms 
of problems to solve and once they are solved, I forget them. My being 
santa was a challenge. It involves being quick on your feet, acting 
and extroverted. This is not what I tend to be known for! I passed it 
with a moderate level of success. Some interactions were great and 
others were adequate I suppose. I certainly need to work on my ho ho 
ho without it sounding like I am trying to push all of the air out of 
my lungs. 

4. Seasonal traditions you're most excited about.

My family tend to not have traditions as such. The closest is my Dad 
having to have roast pork on Christmas Eve. As a vegetarian, this is 
not one I partake in so cannot be excited. However, I do look forward 
to spending Christmas with my parents, brother and sister in law. 

5. Are you good at directions and maps?

Yes. I would hope so if I am teaching young people how to use them! A 
couple of years ago I went for a walk with my Dad on Dartmoor, a 
beautiful part of south west England. We went to see long lines of 
standing stones. They are neolithic and point towards the south. En 
route, we ended up arguing over where we were on the map. Dartmoor is 
fairly open and often lacks features you can relate to on the map. You 
end up having to rely on interpreting the contour lines and relating 
to the lay of the land. I was proven right because I can do so. That 
was when I realised I was pretty good at navigating. Well I was a 
Scout, spent a fair bit of time faffing around with rifles around 
training areas and I am a Scout leader with 15 years experience... I 
really shouldn't be surprised. I am however absolutely pants for 
giving directions. I rely on a map to describe the route. I am pretty 
good from people's directions provided I can remember what they said. 

Thanks Christyotwisty for the questions!