2008 New Year Resolutions in Review, and 2009 Resolutions

So, here we are, a brand new year, which means brand new resolutions. But before we get to those, lets review 2008's New Year's Resolutions, and see how I did:

1) start blog (we're off to a good start on that one)- Well, we started off well on this one, but around October it just all fell apart. Funny, in law school they actually expect you to do work- a novel concept from being an undergrad!

2) learn a new language- This one never got off the ground, despite my buying several language books and cds. I have a bit more of an incentive now, as the Sark/Paris/Bruges (it's a fuckin' fairy tale) trip is looking more and more likely, and I'd at least like to be able to ask where the bathroom is, in French, before we go. And I now have a nice long commute to/from school to actually listen and repeat to the cds.

3) become proficient in the use of a firearm- After getting back to San Diego, and doing some looking around, I realized that this one was out of my reach- not only are membership dues to the ranges here pricey, they're also a long drive off. That, and guns are expensive, and kind of dangerous to have around the house. So, instead I turned to archery, which probably, in the long run, has turned out to be just as expensive, though not as far or as deadly. Don't piss me off though...with some hunting tips, I could be dangerous

4) read more "classic" literature- I got a good start on this one- I read "Jane Eyre" "Vanity Fair," and a few others, but had a hard time finding anything that interested me at the time.

5) learn to parallel park- Never happened!

6) curb the swearing- i have gotten better with the swearing- it only really comes out when I'm tired/angry/stressed.

7) get a tattoo- I got two, actually. One at the end of March, and one at the beginning of May- they're both phrases, and in the same font, so the actually look like one tattoo. I've been thinking of either adding to them, or getting them removed. I'm not sure how well it'd go over in the legal profession, though I was always surprised when working at the firm to find out who had them, and who didn't.

(now the more personal, get healthy stuff everyone resolves to do)

8) maintain weight- Despite the move, changes in diet, and in my exercise routine, I've managed to pull this one off, more or less. The holidays are always a little hard, but so far so good.

9) build upper body strength- As compared to a year ago, I've improved 100% in this- archery will give you great arms! That, and walking a 74 pound German Shepherd nearly every day.

10) eat more vegetables- I managed to pull this one off too- probably have gone a bit overboard, as I need to have a good two or three helpings of veg either at lunch or dinner. I'm fond of steaming stuff with rice and beans and cheese for lunch, or making sure we have a least one veg dish at dinner. The farmer's market makes it so easy- stuff I wouldn't touch a year ago, like kale or brussel sprouts, are my new favourites. Everything's better when it's fresh!

So, the resolutions for this year

1) Continue/be more consistent with this blog
2) Learn a new language- what should I start with first- French, German, or Russian?
3) Travel- in state, in country, international
4) Re-learn how to play the guitar- i want to be able to play a song by my birthday, which gives me roughly three months.
5) Learn to parallel park
6) Put a little more effort into how I look- I know I'm a student, but that doesn't excuse all my fashion sins
7) Shoot 5 X's in a league shoot
8) Be more consistent with my archery practice
9) Become more organized- I'm pretty good already, but I still need some work
10) Maintain weight
11) Build core strength
12) Continue to eat healthy

Well, I should probably try to get some sleep- my sister just informed me that it's "sleepy time," and turned off my light, which I turned back on with the promise I would get to bed soon. I'm actually thinking of pulling an all-nighter, and getting started on my Civ Pro first-day assignment. Trust Stiglitz to give us a lot. Winter break- right!

Happy 2009 Everyone!!

Still alive...I think

So, it's been two and a half months since my last post. As this was originally one of my New Year's Resolutions from last year, and it's almost time to make new ones, I'd have to say I've fallen down on the job maintaining this blog. But, with a new year comes a renewed sense of purpose (or something like that), so I will try to be more consistent.

The past few months have in some ways been very busy, and in others deadly dull. I made it through my first semester of law school- this time last week I had ten minutes left to go in my last final- crim law, which I am sure I bombed, despite remembering the felony murder rule- as for the Pinkterton Rule, I have no idea. School has been pretty much all consuming- you know it's bad when in your dreams you have conversations about in personam jurisdiction and the UCC contract statutes.

Apart from school, archery has been my main focus- I joined a league that meets Monday nights, and because I have the highest handicap, I'm currently tied for second (or maybe even first- I haven't looked at the stats lately). My shooting has improved noticeably, thanks to some new toys (a stabilizer and new fingertab- clicker here I come!), and a lot of practice. I shot my first X in league two weeks ago, and shot two on Monday- given how I was in the beginning, I'm expecting to find a "got sand?' sticker on my bowcase, courtesy of Gary. I didn't sandbag, I swear!!!

Things are changing family wise- in about a week my sister is moving to D.C. to start school again. It'll be odd not to have her in the house, and who will I got to midnight movies with now? My parents are still working for "The Man," whose keeping my Dad busy enough that we only see him Thursday-Sunday most weeks. I'm pretty sure he's got a second family up in El Segundo. But hopefully the traveling will ease up now that one of his projects is almost done, or entering a new phase, I'm not sure which.

Christmas is in full swing- my Mom is baking downstairs, and I just got done wrapping my presents for everyone. I always forget how long it takes! In a bit I'm going out with my cousin to help him with his shopping- it's a tradition now. We might go see a movie later, depending on what gets done when.

Well, I need to tidy up- my floor is covered in paper scraps and bits of ribbon. And my bed needs to be put together (slept on the floor last night- nowhere near as uncomfortable as you'd think), and my laundry needs to be put away, and oh, about a dozen or so other things.

Happy Christmas Everyone!