Hi Tony,
Here's my story:
I started in May 2003 and we literally sched for EVERY wkd except for the month of September when I was in South America. I managed to fit in only about 17 hours in 2003 - despite an every wkd sched. WEATHER. From May 3 through mid-July every weekend was a washout (during my time slot at least, which tended to be mornings). I flew once in May and not again until mid-July.
then 2004 came along and I've been battling illness all year. January-February was awful weather and I flew 3 times. early March I had emergency eye surgery, grounded me for 3 months. then the medical battles began, and after months of monitoring the regional flight surgeon granted it to me in October - but I still must do a SODA before soloing. I flew roughly 13 hours in all of 2004.
in November I flew, but came back from vacation (late November - went to Rome, saw the Pope, which means a lot to me now, more than ever) and decided to take the winter off for a variety of reasons. (in part because the crappy weather and flying once a month may end up being 3 steps forward, 2 back - so why bother, wait until spring).
I'm still sick, but getting better, so it should be fairly smooth sailing now. apart from the fact that I am now sched 2-3 times a week and still only flew once - last Saturday.
I'd be past solo by now at least had I not had the med issues. I feel pretty good in general (not perfect) and I know that consistency would have really helped me along.
so there you have it!! can't say I am not tenacious.