I know a lot of people will say that you are supposed to play any way you like and the game is open and free to do what you want.

But I feel as though i get my butt kicked all over still. I am level 22 high elf mage. I wear light elven armor and like to use a one handed sword so the other hand is open for destruction spells, conjuring the flame atone or healing.
My magica and health are both around 200.

I am just now starting to investigate tempering and smithing, etc. Should i have started this long ago? I feel i need to improve my defense or something.
Or.. am i overthinking this.. .and is my criteria and experience normal for this level character?

thanks !