wee doors banging

After a period of navel gazing, I concluded that I am mostly a “river person” who is most likely to be found (and happiest) floating from interest to interest almost on a whim, and while this means I’m exposed to a wide variety of interesting subjects and experiences it can make it difficult to actually achieve anything significant in any one area.

In an effort to address this “problem”, I’ve taken some good advice to heart and tried “brainstorming a handful of goals … to give [myself] a bit more focus and direction”. The result is my list of Goals For 2010.

Did you make any New Year Resolutions? 2010 is now almost a month old, how are they working out for you so far? Were your resolutions wooly and vague enough that you’re finding it difficult to answer? Maybe you’re not being SMART.

From 1984-1991 I had the good fortune to attend Grosvenor High School in Cameronian Drive, East Belfast. The 1950’s buildings are now being replaced by a new school, and as a special farewell gift to past pupils (and staff) it was was opened for an afternoon to allow us to wander around and remember our school days.

Yes folks, it’s that time of year again. Time for the second annual (I can call it “annual” now that I’ve done a second one) Wee Doors Banging Christmas Card Of The Year awards. Cue crowd sample. Cue dancing girls.

2009 has passed us by, and to commemorate the old year I’ve picked out some of my favourite personal images from the past twelve months.

I’ve never really done New Year Resolutions. Well that’s not strictly true, but the best I came up with last year was “eat more cheese” so it might as well be. I think I know why too; I’m very much a “river person” who “may not have a concrete plan with measurable goals” and is “happiest and most fulfilled when they are wading in a rich river of interest”. This is all very well, but it can mean that I find it hard to complete anything significant.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the launch of Public Records Office of Northern Ireland’s new searchable archive of Belfast Street Directories. I’ve now uploaded some coverage of the launch event, originally broadcast on UTV on 23rd September 2009.

PRONI, the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, have launched a searchable archive of Belfast Street Directories dating back as far as 1819.

Street Directories are books containing a listing of the names, addresses and occupations of the inhabitants of Belfast as well as lists of commercial establishments operating in the city, and so are a vital resource for historical and genealogical researchers. Having them easily searchable online is a big step forward.

We recently spent a Saturday afternoon with the Belfast Taste & Music Fest in Botanic Gardens. This event allows visitors to sample dishes from some of the best Northern Ireland restaurants as well as from visiting chefs from Chicago. Music, cookery demonstrations and an always-present beer tent round off the entertainment.

Schmap is a leading publisher of digital travel guides for 200 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.Recently, I was pleased to be informed that a random snap I took of Belfast City Hall grounds with my mobile phone had been included in the 8th edition of the Schmap Belfast Guide in the “Belfast City Centre and Laganside Walk” section.