Resolutions
Darnit. All you too-motivated people out there with your resolutions on your blogs. So here are my goals, in general, for 2005.
Summit Mt. Rainier. This is in preparation for the first goal of 2006, Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. This goal, of course, involves a lot of other things, such as watching my nutrition better, getting into the same shape I was in during soccer season in high school, and learning how to not die on a mountain.
Play a lot of volleyball. Indoor and beach.
Play a lot of soccer. Outdoor only, I can't stand indoor soccer. Continue to amaze my teammates, and earn the respect of opponents, win or lose.
Keep getting out more. And I'm not just talking about going out with my friends to the same places and things that we've always done. I'm talking about trying out new places, meeting new people, making new friends. I've done pretty well over the past year, but it's time to kick it up a notch... One thing that I haven't been very good at since leaving college is Building Friendships. There are a lot of reasons for this, within and outside of my control. I'm going to do everything I can to overcome the reasons that are in my control.
Continue the Resistance. Yes, the Republicans are firmly in control. That doesn't mean I'm going to roll over and let them rape me. Did de Gaulle give up when the Nazis marched into Paris? No. Vive la Resistance!
Not be so averse to dating, especially someone from whom I am not separated by an ocean. The last few years have been spent very selfishly, and I'm actually really glad for it. You might say I've taken the time to "find myself," whatever that means. I'm comfortable with myself, my place in the world, etc. In other words, I feel like I won't end up destroying myself or someone else if things don't work out.
Rediscover my love of photography. I recently broke out my Nikon N6006 SLR and shot a couple of rolls. I loved it so much that I'm going to pick up a D70 in short order and reacquaint myself with the art of photography, while bringing my art into the digital era. I'm tired of making pictures with that point and shoot nonsense; there's no passion in it.
Nurture my love of music. I realized recently that I've allowed my hatred of the music industry to blind me to some really good artists and their music lately. I still hate the industry, but I'm not going to let that interfere with my enjoying good music anymore. Futhermore, this rediscovery of music appreciation has awakened my passion for making music. I sat down at the piano for hours at a time nearly every day when I was back at my parents' place for Christmas, and I loved it. I'd like to make music again regularly, whether that means piano or trombone or a new instrument, I'm not sure yet. Of course, can't forget going to karaoke all night.
Travel a little more than last year, but not as much as I used to do in the heyday. Maybe a weekend trip every 4-6 weeks to visit old friends scattered about the country, with a couple of international trips thrown in there, especially the upcoming Chinese New Year trip to visit family.
Hang Glide. For goodness sake, I can't believe I didn't fly at all last year. This is a travesty that I intend to make up for, in spades, this year. Along those lines, I intend to achieve my Hang 3 rating this year.
Keep playing poker for fun and profit.
Host more parties. People tell me that I know how to throw a party. I intend to prove them right.
There are some others. Mostly in the "righting some wrongs" category, but not ready for prime time yet. Maybe next year I can talk about them in retrospect.