2012 might be in full swing, but on this side of the real world the swinging has not yet begun. I’m kicking off with my first translation work of the year today. As any freelancer can tell you, all steady work is exciting work so my metaphorical pencils are sharpened and I’m good to go!

That said, it seems like a world of agonising admin awaits before I can really sink my teeth into the new year. My freelance career (in its infancy, but a career no less) has presented some unexpected challenges, not least of which the dreaded Internet Issue.

I tend to move a lot, so I try never to tie myself down to a particular dwelling. This means I prefer a 3G connection that I can carry around with me to a line that takes weeks to sort out and presents administrative challenges whenever the urge to relocate hits. Sadly my service provider of choice (this is not Hello Peter, so I’m not going to say that it’s Vodacom) is overpriced and I have almost zero 3G reception in my area. On any given weekday an observer might find me furiously and impotently cursing at the naked skies. I have not yet figured out a solution to this exasperating obstacle, so please feel free to suggest alternatives.

I also have to make work of finding new clients this year. Salesmanship is a skill that I do not yet possess, but life’s for learning, eh? If you happen to pass me pushing a trolley containing the last of my earthly possessions by the end of the year you can assume that I failed in this regard.

Challenges aside, 2012 will be nothing if not exciting. I’m back at varsity this year to complete my Honours degree, I’m looking forward to a trip to New York with the love of my life in April and I’m in the process of de-cluttering my home and workspace.

Here’s to 2012 – the year of the dragon, the eye of the tiger, the rider on the storm!