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

[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.