Current location:	Santa Cruz, CA
Current mood:	hungry
Entry tags:	braindump, resolutions

Resolutions to Forget in 2009
Convert thoughts into actions.  I have plenty of great thoughts on things to do, ways to improve myself, etc.   I just have to act on them.  To that end, a two-step plan:

Use your damned notebook.  My brain works significantly faster than either my memory or my attention span, so far too many thoughts just disappear.  Write things down to prevent this from happening, and also to facilitate expansion and research.  This step will turn thoughts into plans.  And then:

Stand up, decide what you're doing, then do it.  I have to admit that I'm easily, easily distractable.  The Intertubes can swallow me for hours at a time, as can simply leaning back in my chair and letting the flow of transient thoughts wash over me.  Stand up as a physical mustering to action, remain that way so I don't get too comfortable during the process (a "comfortable" decision-making process for me can take a long time, if it indeed even comes to fruition), pick something, and then go do it.  This step will turn plans into actions.

The above should be all-encompassing enough to drive a real change, if it works.  Below are some of the usual specifics.

Take more photos.  I still don't fully know what I'm doing with even such basics as aperture settings and lighting directions.  Good composition instincts and random whims don't cut it.  Part of it is that I need an external flash, but part of it is just plain practice and habit.

Write.  Yeah, remember that?  Just do it.  I'm so out of practice that anything would be an improvement at this point.

Work out.  Use that new cheap 24 Hour Fitness membership.  Find ways to get around not having a spotter.  Start up HIIT running again.  Make a long-term plan; start with a cutting phase.  Try to focus on core/leg strength and endurance for motorcycling.  Start doing other exercise activities (hiking, biking, climbing(?), etc.)  Also:

Eat better.  Composition of meals is currently okay, but I HAVE TO eat meals regularly every day.  Make a meal schedule and stick to it (including waking up in the damned morning and eating breakfast).  Increase bias towards protein somewhat, and vegetables significantly (they're cheap!), but overall just increase quantity (along with exercise, of course).

Wake the hell up.  Can't do a damned thing if I'm still in bed.

Ride more and drive more.  Especially since gas is cheaper now.  And fix Faye's goddamned brakes while I'm at it.  Bike: continue working on late-apexing and keeping smooth speed control through corners.  Also practice transitioning from hard (80%+) braking to hard turn-in, like coming off the back straight at RFR.  Practice low-speed maneuvers with an eye on increased bike weight (passenger/luggage)  Mostly just practice a hell of a lot.  Car: practice heel-toe and gear selection under heavy (80%+) braking.

Sing more.  Range improvement from Rock Band notwithstanding, I'm out of practice, meaning I'm inconsistent and my control is sloppy.  Work on midrange pitch and breath control.  Work on falsetto tone and control (although I'm not sure how).  And damned well warm up properly beforehand, INCLUDING (or maybe ESPECIALLY) for Rock Band.  Oh yeah, and listen to music more and more "thoroughly".