Be a better drummer, be an up-and-comer

[learnedax]

It's been a busy year. But then, they all are.

Last new year's, as the year before, I set myself some goals for the year. I decided that for 2005 I should have more concrete objectives than I gave myself for 2004. It was the right thing then, but now I think it's a bit too much of a checklist. Let's see how I did, and I'll try to come up with better thoughts for next year.

1. Get a permanent development job

Almost made it. In point of fact I did succeed at this one, since I meant permanent as in non-contracting, rather than eternal. I do wish the one I got had lasted more than eight months, but I also feel confident that I can get another one reasonably quickly. The combination of market recovery and my own personal development means that, while this is obviously an immediate priority again, I don't need to put it on the 2006 list.


2. Write a complete story, of whatever size

I wrote a couple. They were small things, not exactly epic in scope, and I wouldn't say I'm completely satisfied with them, but to the extent that I wanted to exorcise my pattern of starting ambitious stories that trailed off, I guess I succeeded.


3. Redact a recipe from Scappi

I did several, actually. Even collaborated on a whole feast from his Opera. And, more generally, I've been doing a lot more cookery, particularly of my chosen period. I'm happy with this one.


4. Juggle five clubs

Done. It's a lot of fun. I ran out of time and good weather before getting to the point where I could do it whenever I wanted, but I'll do it some more this year.


5. Write a complete, sizable program of my own

Eh, sort of. As someone (katkt, I think) pointed out, the development job goal meant I worked enthusiastically on a project at the beginning of the year, and got very little done with it since. However, it is basically functional, if ugly. Maybe I'll call this a success, and assuage my dissatisfaction by polishing it while I'm still unemployed.

So, I more or less succeeded at all my goals. I definitely need less of a checklist for 2006. I did a lot of things in 2005, and failed impressively at some others, and most of the things I am most proud of I could not have anticipated at the beginning of the year. So, swinging back towards the abstract:

1. Be a nicer person

I used to be a nice guy, and I don't think I am anymore. I always try to be a good person, but nice is different than good. I thought about making this my only resolution for the year, but, well, life's more than one thing, even one important thing.


2. Do solo performance

I've been doing a variety of performing for years now, and as part of a larger performance I have no notable nervousness. I am, however, still very bad at doing any kind of solo performance. I should fix that.


3. Be decisive

I rethink too much. Act and be happy.

(10 the first year, 5 the second, 3 the third. I'm getting lazy. Maybe I'll do a dozen next year.)

Comments

[i-ate-my-crusts.livejournal.com]

No real comment, although that's a good list of goals, except that your new icon is *great* and cute :)

[learnedax.livejournal.com]

Thanks :-) The full picture is here (http://pics.livejournal.com/learnedax/pic/00001bfw/).

[new-man.livejournal.com]

I think that 1 & 3 go hand in hand more than many people would suspect. I can certainly help you with #2 -- I think that's part of my job description, in fact.

[learnedax.livejournal.com]

Well, it may make my life easier if they are tied together. And I'll definitely want to tap your experience with #2.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

As it turns out, I'm going to have more free time than anticipated, so we should get together while you've got this hiatus from employment. Any particular form of solo entertaining you were looking to do? Poetry recitation? Singing? Juggling? Musical instrument? Prestidigitation?

[antoniseb.livejournal.com]

Concerning these year's goals, are you sure about number three?

[galaneia.livejournal.com]

I like the goals. I tried #2 a couple of years ago (hence the voice classes), and I haven't been able to kill the stage fright/adrenaline reaction yet. Good luck with it.

Your choice of lyrics made me smile.

[laurion]

Was that an intentional Sondheim reference in #1?

[learnedax.livejournal.com]

Yes. It was what I wanted to say anyway, but the phrasing that came to mind was his.