The game is too easy to get lost in side adventures. I've sunk a lot of hours just doing my own thing, I forget all about High Hrothgar. Usually it's straight to the thieves guild and then I wander around til something strikes my fancy. That and Dradric Armor. Gotta hit up the College for that. Oh and let's not forget Dawnguard. Gotta go pick up my girl, Serena. Just a good game all around.
I've recently decided to get all the achievements for Skyrim which led to me finally completing the main quest (which I felt was shorter than many of the side missions like the college etc) and been enjoying it massively. It gives a bit of direction to a game where there's also something else to be achieved.