I missed the 2004 review, but I decided that I should keep up with writing a review each year, mainly because it helps me keep track of my progress as the years go by. It feels as if January 1st, 2005 was just yesterday, and here it is, January 1st, 2006! I guess the reason it passed so quickly is because I've kept myself so busy.
My web hosting business, akmai.net is moving along nicely with about 15 customers. I have no plans to expand it, simply because I have so many other things going on right now. The computer consulting work keeps me busy. I signed up on ComputerRepair.com and I've been receiving a couple of service calls every month.
My stock investment portfolio has expanded in both value and diversity during the past year. I follow Michael Murphy's stock advice. You can check out his New World Investor website. I currently have a position in the following 19 stocks: ALVR, BCRX, CSCO, DNDN, ERES, HLIT, JDSU, MVIS, PKTR, PLAY, PLUG, PRSF, SIMG, SNDA, TKO, TRBM, TSM, UTSI, ZHNE.
2005 also saw the completion of the 12'x16' shed in my back yard. I am now working on renovating my basement and turning it into a studio. It currently has a working bathroom, and finished walls, ceiling, outlets and a light in the bedroom. The gas piping for my main heater is complete with the wall mount heater hooked up and working. I also purchased a third investment property, a 4 unit building, which I am now considering selling due to the high maintenance required.
During the end of 2004 and beginning of 2005, I slacked off on my fitness. I was over confident that I wouldn't gain weight or get out of shape because of how far I had come. I was wrong. I gained 20 lbs, and lost at least 10 lbs of muscle. When I reached 180lbs (up from 160lbs!) I realized enough was enough. In May 2005 I started my workout program, and stayed on it until November 1st. During that time, I dropped 25lbs of fat, and gained at least 15 lbs of muscle. In November, I started to get very busy and decided to take a short break from my workouts. Surprisingly, I have maintained my weight, and muscle mass, during the past two months. But I'm not taking any chances. Starting tomorrow, I'll be back on workout program, three days a week.
I will submit another post with new years resolutions for 2006.