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My New Year’s Resolutions

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I figure, if I make them publicly, I’ll have slightly more motivation to keep them. In the end, it won’t likely matter, because let’s face it — you aren’t the boss of me. (Well, not true, a few of you might actually be the boss of me. Your powers are limited to the ability of adding a new resolution to my list that looks something like “get a job” though…)

Anyway, in no particular order, here’s what I hope to do in 2010:

1) Finish the project I’m horribly behind on.

Unfortunately, it’s a time sensitive project, and the time has long since passed the sensitive zone. The people I’m working with on this project are incredibly wonderful to work with, and beyond understanding when it comes to my crazy schedule — but I gotta be honest, they deserve better. I’d like to get this particular resolution done in January.

2) Learn to use a Linux video editor.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a zealot when it comes to Linux. I’m really not. Here’s the deal though, I’d really like to make the videos I do for Linux Journal on a Linux machine. It just seems like the right thing to do. My lack of motivation for switching has been because I can already edit video really efficiently on OSX, and it took me a long time to learn Final Cut. Still, I’d like to use Linux as my primary system, so this is a goal. (Kris Occhipinti has been a huge motivation on this front. Thanks Kris.)

3) Change the way I eat.

Note: This is not a, “Lose Weight” resolution. This is an, “Eat Better” resolution. There are two major problems with my current eating lifestyle: Quantity & Quality. Once I finish resolution #1, hopefully I can take some of that time to actually cook food. I still eat at restaurants way too often.

4) Exercise.

I’ll be honest, this is the least likely resolution I’ll be able to accomplish. Donna convinced me to go into the local gym every morning and work out with her for a month. Since I’ll have to pay for the membership, I’ll do my best to accomplish it. Perhaps walking on a treadmill next to Donna will make it less horrifying. Man, I really hate exercise…

5) Write a Book.

I don’t care if it’s a little all year, or a cram session in November (NaNoWriMo), I really want to write a book. I’m not sure if I’ll start with fiction or technology — but I must write a book. Really.

So that’s it. It’s a lot, but I purposefully didn’t put anything on there I don’t think I can accomplish. If all you’re lacking for your New Year’s Resolutions is the commitment to make them, feel free to do so in the comment section. If you slip up, we’ll know. Well, ok, only if you tell us. But still, feel free to commit below. 🙂

Happy New Year’s!!!!

NASCAR

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photo-186.jpgI am not a NASCAR fan. At all. However, my 8 year old daughter went through the trouble of searching through the entire “school store” to find a coffee mug (which I do like) that said #1 Dad. We live in northern Michigan, which is a fairly redneck locale, and so the only option she had was NASCAR. I am pleased to say that she didn’t even know what NASCAR was, and got the cup merely on it’s #1 Dad merit.

I cherish this cup.

Now, NASCAR? Not so much. Don’t get me wrong, I think I’d enjoy driving a race car. I also think I’d do very well, right up to the point that I wrecked in a fiery inferno. There is this tiny little Neanderthal in me that comes out when I’m driving things like 4-wheelers, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and I think race cars. I drive them like an absolute maniac. There’s a rather interesting story that I’ll tell someday that involves me breaking my back on a 4-wheeler…

BUT, watching NASCAR is about the lamest, most boring “sport” I could ever imagine. If you are a NASCAR fan, and you’re reading this, please explain the joy you get from it. Because apart from my coffee mug — it just doesn’t do anything for me.

UPDATE: Apparently, “NASCAR” must be shouted, and needs to be spelled in all caps. I’ve corrected my silly ignorance. (at least my silly ignorance in this matter)

Yeah, I’ve Got Goals

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[audio:https://www.brainofshawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/yeahivegotgoals.mp3]
photo-23.jpgI keep reading how important it is to set goals. Not just set them, but write them down. I’ve never really been one to do that, and at the same time, I rarely meet the goals I do have (but not written.) So here’s the deal. I’m going to write some down. You do the same. I don’t really care where you do it. On your blog, on a napkin, on your baby’s head — anywhere will do. Here are some of mine. You can steal them if you wish, but don’t brag if you beat me to crossing them off.

  1. I want to be vegan. When I eat vegan, I feel healthier, look healthier, fit into smaller clothes, eat tastier foods, etc. The problem is that eating vegan requires work. It’s expensive. You have to shop, and cook, and dice, and simmer, and… It’s hard. McDonald’s is quick, easy, and they finally have tasty coffee. You give me a bagel sandwich, and for 5 minutes, life is good. Then I get bloated, realize I’m fat, and become conscious that my heart seems to be laboring as it beats. I like being the guy that eats tofu. I just need to take the time to DO it.
  2. I want to ride either a bicycle or an electric scooter to work every morning. Yep, an electric scooter. I don’t want that kind with a seat and basket — I want the skateboard with handlebars. I’ll drive that sucker in the middle of winter (which is significant where I live), and I’ll love the fact that I can charge it at work, and never pay insurance. Honestly though, if I can manage #1, perhaps I’ll be happier on a bicycle anyway. Right now I don’t want to get that sweaty on the way to work.
  3. I want to sell books. No, I don’t want to work at Barnes and Nobles or anything, I mean I want to write the books, and have people buy them. I’d actually like them to enjoy reading them too.
  4. Someday, I’ll own a refrigerator with an ice dispenser in the door. I don’t really care if it has water and/or crushed ice — but I MUST own a fridge with an ice dispenser in the door. I really must.
  5. I want to be a radio DJ. This has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I think I might open that goal up to Internet radio, because it’s pretty cool too. I really want people to actually hear me though — so just talking into a microphone doesn’t count.

Ok, that’ll due for now. How about you? What are your goals?

Click here to download the audio file