So as of today it has officially been 4 weeks since I was laid off. This is the middle point of my self granted two months of looking for a Project Manager job before I just started looking for 'whatever' job I could to pay for the bills. I'm actually trying to be a little more flexible than that, in that I'll take Technical Writing jobs that will still give me project experience towards getting my PMP. So far the hunt goes...moderate. The market is clearly very strong, and I'm getting at least one call a day from recruiters, but since I'm transitioning, I'm not in as strong a position as I was before. A year of PM experience + 10 years tech writing experience does not command as strong a position as 12 years of Tech writing experience. But it is worth it, because there are, in fact, many MANY more positions out there asking for 5 years PM experience than there are tech writing jobs of any kind.
Morale has been good for the most part. I'm not as disciplined as I'd like to be. A job helps me keep an organized schedule, and I thrive under pressure. Without that external pressure (besides 'find a job'), I have to force myself to have structure, which is energy that takes away from other things. I'm getting some creative work done, but not at my full capacity. I'm thinking about tricks around it, we'll see what I can do.
I will not be able to get the PMP this year. The good news is that my education credits do not expire. The bad news is that all of my volunteer experience counts for nothing. It has to be paid corporate experience, so my motivation to start side businesses, officially registered as corporations has gone up dramatically. I need 2500 more hours to qualify, and I'd like to take it next year. That way even if I do take a tech writing job, I can still get my PMP, which is HUGE in terms of getting a PM job.
Last weekend was fun. We cleaned the house of doom with Mom, Skip, Grandma and I, along with three friends (Claire, Russell, and Will) and a woman mom found on the ATML. She is a production assistant and I told her she should talk to Mom for networking possibilities. The house looks a LOT better, but some minor complications arose from things we discovered in the house. Some specialists will need to be consulted but I'm hoping to go back in early June or late May. Two more times and it should be pretty much 'done' to the point that we might be able to start trying to sell it. I really want to finish this before I leave Atlanta. I also saw a concert at Wild Bills from Riff Raff. Low cost cover charge. Sunday I took up an invite from another friend of mine (Daniel Hollinger) to the Ren Fest. It was fun. There were a lot of people there. I bought a wooden cup that I might photo along with the leather vest I bought at dragon con and finished paying for a week before I got laid off. :)
Last week Mom and I also went to see Hannah. It was pretty fun. We both enjoyed it.
All for now.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
And now the fun starts
So...the whole lemons and lemonades bit...
If you'd asked me that question six months ago, I would have taken a large metal object and shoved it where the sun doesn't shine. But I'm learning.
The truth of that saying isn't that you should be gleefully denying of reality, because that's just dumb and hurts not only yourself but people around you (in fact I'm coming to believe that a significant amount of the world's misery if not all of it comes from lies that people tell themselves that they want to be true) but at the same time understanding that things are subjective, not objective.
Who determines the meaning of my life? Well, in some ways everyone. But in the most important way its me. One of the best games I ever played was a game I was truly far behind in, and made up my own side quest. The game in question is called, appropriately enough, Junta, in which all of the players are members of the elite families and cabinet. The goal of the game is to steal as much money for your swiss bank account as possible. It became readily apparent early on due to random chance that I couldn't win, so I decided not to be president. Normally you WANT to be president in that game, because it allows you to steal the most money but sometimes it also makes you a big target. So through all kinds of bizarre politics people wanted to foist it on me and I refuse. I had a blast.
My point is that I have felt a need for quite some time to grow emotionally. And I have felt that I would never be able to do so in the amount of time I wanted. Well, now I can turn the joke that is the script of my life into an opportunity. I can react in a cool way instead of have a nervous break down about it.
This is not, unlike Hollywood movies going to make me somehow successful. I don't have a script writer. Trust me, as a writer I would know this. There are certain signs. The lack of exploding cars is a one of them.
This small attitude change isn't going to change my life in any significant way, but it will make it more enjoyable. And ultimately, that's what life is about. Enjoying what you have the best you can as much as you are able without being miserable about it.
So am I going to still want things I can't have and strive for the impossible? Absolutely. Because that's me. That's the theme of my life. Comically attempting stupidly impossible things and getting routinely crushed for it my running gag. If anything, I may begin to try even more outrageously impossible things for my own amusement.
At any rate...on to more practical matters.
Job Search = Teh Suck. A few leads, mainly due to Miles, a rather kick ass recruiter referred to me by Skip, but nothing major. The plan is to go another 6 weeks trying to find a BA job, then spend 3 months trying to find a tech writer job, then move out West. Where? Dunno. But I've been meaning to move for some time...and unless I get a job here, I will go out there. Its one of the things I figured out in my last trip to Cartersville.
I'm doing two things much differently this time. I'm paying for monthly membership in a freelancer site to see if I can get some work that way. And I'm networking more. Neither has yielded results but it will be amusing to try.
Let's see...what else? Graphic novel is on Chapter 5. Novel 4 is in editing stages. Seven Timelines is ready for kickstarter when Kitten gets better to give me the presentation....
I am going to try to write a short story a week, starting with finishing Unfood this week. Every other story will be set in the real world...ish. I want to try being a 'real' writer for a while to see how it feels. I'm resuming board gaming. I have decided that I gain no practical benefit from not playing rpg's but I'm still burned out on them. Go figure.
Life goes on. Vaya con Dios.
If you'd asked me that question six months ago, I would have taken a large metal object and shoved it where the sun doesn't shine. But I'm learning.
The truth of that saying isn't that you should be gleefully denying of reality, because that's just dumb and hurts not only yourself but people around you (in fact I'm coming to believe that a significant amount of the world's misery if not all of it comes from lies that people tell themselves that they want to be true) but at the same time understanding that things are subjective, not objective.
Who determines the meaning of my life? Well, in some ways everyone. But in the most important way its me. One of the best games I ever played was a game I was truly far behind in, and made up my own side quest. The game in question is called, appropriately enough, Junta, in which all of the players are members of the elite families and cabinet. The goal of the game is to steal as much money for your swiss bank account as possible. It became readily apparent early on due to random chance that I couldn't win, so I decided not to be president. Normally you WANT to be president in that game, because it allows you to steal the most money but sometimes it also makes you a big target. So through all kinds of bizarre politics people wanted to foist it on me and I refuse. I had a blast.
My point is that I have felt a need for quite some time to grow emotionally. And I have felt that I would never be able to do so in the amount of time I wanted. Well, now I can turn the joke that is the script of my life into an opportunity. I can react in a cool way instead of have a nervous break down about it.
This is not, unlike Hollywood movies going to make me somehow successful. I don't have a script writer. Trust me, as a writer I would know this. There are certain signs. The lack of exploding cars is a one of them.
This small attitude change isn't going to change my life in any significant way, but it will make it more enjoyable. And ultimately, that's what life is about. Enjoying what you have the best you can as much as you are able without being miserable about it.
So am I going to still want things I can't have and strive for the impossible? Absolutely. Because that's me. That's the theme of my life. Comically attempting stupidly impossible things and getting routinely crushed for it my running gag. If anything, I may begin to try even more outrageously impossible things for my own amusement.
At any rate...on to more practical matters.
Job Search = Teh Suck. A few leads, mainly due to Miles, a rather kick ass recruiter referred to me by Skip, but nothing major. The plan is to go another 6 weeks trying to find a BA job, then spend 3 months trying to find a tech writer job, then move out West. Where? Dunno. But I've been meaning to move for some time...and unless I get a job here, I will go out there. Its one of the things I figured out in my last trip to Cartersville.
I'm doing two things much differently this time. I'm paying for monthly membership in a freelancer site to see if I can get some work that way. And I'm networking more. Neither has yielded results but it will be amusing to try.
Let's see...what else? Graphic novel is on Chapter 5. Novel 4 is in editing stages. Seven Timelines is ready for kickstarter when Kitten gets better to give me the presentation....
I am going to try to write a short story a week, starting with finishing Unfood this week. Every other story will be set in the real world...ish. I want to try being a 'real' writer for a while to see how it feels. I'm resuming board gaming. I have decided that I gain no practical benefit from not playing rpg's but I'm still burned out on them. Go figure.
Life goes on. Vaya con Dios.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Last of the Lingering Questions Resolved
To be honest the last few weeks have been difficult. I have learned that the significant other of a friend was monitoring our email conversations. When I confronted her about it, she was not only not apologetic but manipulatively tried to turn me on my friend. Upon learning the level of duplicity this person was capable of, I came to the realization she might have been involved in matters much more personal to me and much more important. Upon confronting my friend about this....well let us merely say I learned more about my friend and she got what she wanted.
As a result I went on another trip out of town since the last one went so well. It was fun but hardly what I'd call profound. Although I did get another novel idea if I ever get to fortitude back to write it. That's emotional fortitude FYI not physical fortitude. Physically I am fine. At any rate thanks to Claire for rdcomennding the tellus museum and alisson for recommending the booth
museum. I spent most of the weekend in the hotel room just enjoying the change of scenery, though to be honest I should have chosen another hotel. There was no one else there and it was somewhat creepy.
In some ways I am better than I have been in quite some time, since I have an idea on how to use the demonstratble skills I do have that are exceptional to make the world a better place, even if it won't be very flashy. The problem is that I just don't care to do it alone, and I am losing my ability to decieve myself that there isn't something....missing in me. I don't know what it is, but I know what the practical effect is. Perhaps I lost a part of my soul somewhere along the way in another life or something...if so it would explain a lot.
My plans to move are increasing in seriousness now that I know my calling in life. The problem is that a move won't fix some things. A man cannot run from his own shadow, especially when it hangs over him. I am attempting to use the strengths I do have to fix the ones I do not. Like the cylons, I have a plan. Unlike the cylons, I actually know what it is instead of making it up as I go along. We'll see if it works.
Update: I fixed the spelling errors in this and gave it a title, because I've erased enough of my stuff of late. But things are mostly better in the morning and whilst all of this is still true, in the greater perspective of things its just part of life everyone has to deal with in one manner or another.
As a result I went on another trip out of town since the last one went so well. It was fun but hardly what I'd call profound. Although I did get another novel idea if I ever get to fortitude back to write it. That's emotional fortitude FYI not physical fortitude. Physically I am fine. At any rate thanks to Claire for rdcomennding the tellus museum and alisson for recommending the booth
museum. I spent most of the weekend in the hotel room just enjoying the change of scenery, though to be honest I should have chosen another hotel. There was no one else there and it was somewhat creepy.
In some ways I am better than I have been in quite some time, since I have an idea on how to use the demonstratble skills I do have that are exceptional to make the world a better place, even if it won't be very flashy. The problem is that I just don't care to do it alone, and I am losing my ability to decieve myself that there isn't something....missing in me. I don't know what it is, but I know what the practical effect is. Perhaps I lost a part of my soul somewhere along the way in another life or something...if so it would explain a lot.
My plans to move are increasing in seriousness now that I know my calling in life. The problem is that a move won't fix some things. A man cannot run from his own shadow, especially when it hangs over him. I am attempting to use the strengths I do have to fix the ones I do not. Like the cylons, I have a plan. Unlike the cylons, I actually know what it is instead of making it up as I go along. We'll see if it works.
Update: I fixed the spelling errors in this and gave it a title, because I've erased enough of my stuff of late. But things are mostly better in the morning and whilst all of this is still true, in the greater perspective of things its just part of life everyone has to deal with in one manner or another.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Pilgrimidges and Pathos
I have been to Graceland, and returned. I went, so the saying goes, because of a song. The song in this case being "Graceland" because I like Paul Simon. So when I had two days of...symbolic difficulty, St. Valentine's Day and the Anniversary, it seemed appropriate to do something about it. Especially since my moribund St. Valentine's day ritual was about as mentally healthy as watching paint dry.
So I went to Graceland in Memphis TN. I learned many things. I listened to Outliers along the way. I gained a new perspective on things. This perspective is not perfect. There is still a lot about my situation that absolutely sucks, but it gives me a ladder by which I might remove myself from the pathetic and into the obscure.
I also learned that I liked Elvis. I learned my Destiny. Such as it is. You have to understand Destiny in the first place before you know when you find it and the means to achieve it. But it has also rerenewed my motive to write. I have also found my Tunnel (Monte Cristo reference.)
I may not ever get what I want, but that does not mean that the road less traveled does not have its own reward. Any more cliches I can throw in there?
At any rate. I also learned that letting a well meaning but psychotically deceptive emotionally manipulative person who I met for one day having any meaningful influence on my life probably really was a bad idea. So among other things, I am reembracing my inner geek, even if I am still mostly retired from Gaming. I like cons...a lot. I also discovered this last weekend and the weekend before that that I like small ones as well as large ones. I also like Steam Punk....but I still feel the whole movement is ...missing something. I just don't know what that is.
I have accumulated another medical condition. Exactly what it might mean will be determined Tuesday, so positive thoughts are appreciated.
T7 is moving along slowly but steadily. Sentinel is becoming more my project as well as Jay's so we'll see what happens there. I came back down from the mountain with all kinds of ideas. A week back in the real world (plus a potential meeting with the forces of darkness...or at least opposite forces) might have reduced my enthusiasm somewhat but not entirely.
More to come.
So I went to Graceland in Memphis TN. I learned many things. I listened to Outliers along the way. I gained a new perspective on things. This perspective is not perfect. There is still a lot about my situation that absolutely sucks, but it gives me a ladder by which I might remove myself from the pathetic and into the obscure.
I also learned that I liked Elvis. I learned my Destiny. Such as it is. You have to understand Destiny in the first place before you know when you find it and the means to achieve it. But it has also rerenewed my motive to write. I have also found my Tunnel (Monte Cristo reference.)
I may not ever get what I want, but that does not mean that the road less traveled does not have its own reward. Any more cliches I can throw in there?
At any rate. I also learned that letting a well meaning but psychotically deceptive emotionally manipulative person who I met for one day having any meaningful influence on my life probably really was a bad idea. So among other things, I am reembracing my inner geek, even if I am still mostly retired from Gaming. I like cons...a lot. I also discovered this last weekend and the weekend before that that I like small ones as well as large ones. I also like Steam Punk....but I still feel the whole movement is ...missing something. I just don't know what that is.
I have accumulated another medical condition. Exactly what it might mean will be determined Tuesday, so positive thoughts are appreciated.
T7 is moving along slowly but steadily. Sentinel is becoming more my project as well as Jay's so we'll see what happens there. I came back down from the mountain with all kinds of ideas. A week back in the real world (plus a potential meeting with the forces of darkness...or at least opposite forces) might have reduced my enthusiasm somewhat but not entirely.
More to come.
Monday, February 7, 2011
All's Quiet on the Western Front
Well I have my own place now. Its quiet. Very quiet. I might have to get a pet just to keep my sanity, though to be honest while there is plenty of room for just me, I don't know if there is enough room for a pet. I might wait the year out and get a house instead. At least rent one. I'm still not convinced ownership is something I'd really enjoy.
Still, all things told I'm more or less adjusting well to single life. When I'm watching a video, reading or writing then the silence is a bit less. There's also a rather nice Irish pub nearby called Pub 71 which I might start going to more often. Tuesday night is Trivia night, and if there is one thing I'm full of its trivia.
Birthday and move went well. Skip and Jay not only helped me move once but twice (storage stuff the second time.) A lot of boxes still unpacked but I'm kind of settling into the new place a bit at a time. I don't like moving even if I'm going to likely do it again in a year though I think this time I might hire movers. Jay and Skip were helpful but if I go out of town (a possibility) a pick up truck wouldn't quite do it. Who knows.
Ahead in my job comes peril or great opportunity. Interesting times as it were. Reorg happening to a more agile environment, which could mean a promotion and/or minor leadership position which would be great for my career, or an org change where my current position isn't needed. Of course, i've built the reserves and have the resume ready in case that happens, but I'd still rather it didn't, at least for another year. Steve is a good boss and I've enjoyed working with him.
We'll see what happens.
Still, all things told I'm more or less adjusting well to single life. When I'm watching a video, reading or writing then the silence is a bit less. There's also a rather nice Irish pub nearby called Pub 71 which I might start going to more often. Tuesday night is Trivia night, and if there is one thing I'm full of its trivia.
Birthday and move went well. Skip and Jay not only helped me move once but twice (storage stuff the second time.) A lot of boxes still unpacked but I'm kind of settling into the new place a bit at a time. I don't like moving even if I'm going to likely do it again in a year though I think this time I might hire movers. Jay and Skip were helpful but if I go out of town (a possibility) a pick up truck wouldn't quite do it. Who knows.
Ahead in my job comes peril or great opportunity. Interesting times as it were. Reorg happening to a more agile environment, which could mean a promotion and/or minor leadership position which would be great for my career, or an org change where my current position isn't needed. Of course, i've built the reserves and have the resume ready in case that happens, but I'd still rather it didn't, at least for another year. Steve is a good boss and I've enjoyed working with him.
We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I Love It When a Plan Comes Together
Last Night two months of planning came to fruition when we threw a surprise birthday party for Mom at Onstage Atlanta. 12 of her friends showed up and many more sent messages expressing their wish to be there. It lasted for about an hour and a half and people had a very good time. Thanks a great deal to Cathe and Angie for decorating and letting us use the theater.
Now I can focus on some other projects:
First of all I'm going to moving in to a new apartment next week (finally) in Brookhaven. Not my timing, but I'm getting a good deal on the apartment because I agreed to push back the date.
Second I'm starting up novel 5 (the third time) but if there is anyone out there interested in being a reader it would help a great deal. You wouldn't need to edit, just read a chapter every week which would help me pace. Also having a reader helps me improve the quality of what I'm writing. The genre this time will be mystery and I'm looking to start in Feb.
I'll also be starting the short film soon and putting out notices I'm nearly done editing Dueling Morons 2 but I'm still taking my time on it. A lot of this will start after the move
Now I can focus on some other projects:
First of all I'm going to moving in to a new apartment next week (finally) in Brookhaven. Not my timing, but I'm getting a good deal on the apartment because I agreed to push back the date.
Second I'm starting up novel 5 (the third time) but if there is anyone out there interested in being a reader it would help a great deal. You wouldn't need to edit, just read a chapter every week which would help me pace. Also having a reader helps me improve the quality of what I'm writing. The genre this time will be mystery and I'm looking to start in Feb.
I'll also be starting the short film soon and putting out notices I'm nearly done editing Dueling Morons 2 but I'm still taking my time on it. A lot of this will start after the move
Friday, December 31, 2010
Goals, New Years Eve and Life
So a bit of a note on the subject of Goals...its a long list, I realize it is. But I live my life by one credo (of many) that goes, "Shoot for the Stars and land in the trees, shoot for the trees and land in the mud." But I also always take to heart two other quotes:
(from Our Town) "Emily: Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?--every, every minute?
Stage Manager: No. Saints and poets, maybe--they do some."
(from Its a Wonderful Life)"Clarence: [In book inscription] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."
Even if I succeeded in every goal I ever set beyond my wildest dreams, no award ceremony full of crowded thousands would replace a quiet dinner celebrating a friend's birthday. No ticker tape parade could replace a candle lit dinner with someone you love. And no marble statue in the center of a square could replace a shared family moment of love and laughter. It is the human element that makes life worth living, and if you can't make your life flexible enough to include those things...then you're missing what life is really truly about...the moments with people you care for and that care for you in return.
So this New Year's Eve was amazing. It started out with a Bang at Jeff and Taylor's celebrating his 35th birthday party. Taylor had cooked up a storm. We watched the latter end (well I caught it when I arrived, they were in the midst of watching) "The Never Ending Story" and the First Half of the Season Finale of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" which was quite awesome. I couldn't stay long though. Then I met up with Alison and some of her friends at Pub 71, a life filled wonderful Irish Pub in Brook haven. We were there for 45 minutes and I talked with them. They're very fun people and all wore celebratory New Years hats that they had bought earlier. Then it was off to Russell's. Lots of people there and Clare had set a cheerful and wonderful set up. Russell did a ...thing..swirly fire...thing....that was fun. But I got to do it to, though I did singe the hair on the back of my neck a bit. I only used one but apparently it was somewhat impressive for someone who'd just picked it up. Russell was extremely impressive. Then we toasted with some Champaign Ale and excellent Sparkling Wine brought by Alison.
Midnight Kiss.
Then as we left, we returned to Pub 71 for a bit longer to hang with Alison's posse (and if ever the term 'posse' applied to a group of friends I think this is such a time.) Then a bit of talking and kissing at Alison's place and then off to home.
Goals for 2011.
Social
Make One Person As Happy As Possible (Besides Myself)
Visit with the Family at least once (likely to be the Family Reunion)
Spend Quality Time with Friends at least Twice a Month
Do a Good Turn Monthly
Initiate Social Activities at least once a Quarter (Group Dates do not count for this)
Career (New but Needed Category) (AKA "The 4th Life")
Gain a Stable Permanent Job I Like To Do That Pays Well
Set up a consulting business for side Project Management Work
Continue Project Chrysalis with Mythic Imagination Institute
Take the PRP in June 2011
3rd Life
My Project: Project Dance Of Joy (Film)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Pi Project Management and Writing
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel 4.0 Project Management and Writing
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Podcast
Learn To Edit
Finish Editing Dueling Morons
2nd Life
Write 75000 words
Decide if I like the 5th novel by the 15th of Jan. If not start another by Feb 1. If not then 5 Short Stories + 1 Feature Length Film
Finish the Graphic Novel (Est 5000 more words)
Affiliated Project: Maintain at least 90% post rate on Nerdgasm
Help at least 3 people with their writing, either to start or to help them edit.
1rst Life - Retired.
Publish T7 Project (Now mostly done.)
Physical
Get at least 3 more belts in Karate
Decide then: Either 2 (5 total) belts in Karate OR Start a New Martial Arts OR Start Yoga
Continue Weight Training OR Start Cross Training OR Start Free Weights
Cardio 2 additional times per week
Mental
Read 12 Non Fiction Books
Read 12 Non Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction (at least 2 of which should be classics)
Read 12 Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Do Something to improve my creativity (?????)
Learn a New Skill
Spiritual
Read at least one major religious text of a religion that is not my own that I have not read before.
Meditate/Pray at least 3 times a week
Emotional
Be More Generous
Be More Kind
Stop Talking about Dark Things
Withdraw From Politics as Much as Reasonably Possible
Incidental
*Go to Gencon OR San Diego Comicon OR World Con OR Dragon Con
*Go on at least 6 'weekend' trips, ideally at least one per month.
*Go to NYC for at least 3 days (will count as one of the above trips)
*Make CONCRETE plans to go to France in 2012 (or 2011 if realistically possible)
*Spend at least 20 hours at the range improving either pistol OR rifle OR shot gun skills.
*Obtain the Following: A decent couch, a gaming console of some kind (likely a Wii), 10 DVD's for my permanent collection, a piece of original art and something to advance one of my other goals in a meaningful way.
*Do at least one major good deed entirely anonymously. (Besides acknowledging completion of the goal in the assessment)
*Finish the Graphic Novel script and work with Liz to edit as needed.
*Finish the 4th Novel with Ken and help him market it as needed.
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**Keep. Slated 2011-2012.
2. Travel around the world on a way way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2017.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Partially done. 3 more belts will qualify as 'done.' 2011.
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
**Slated 2012.
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a succesful business.
"Start" in 2011-2012. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Currently in progress. Est Completion 2012.
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done.
13. Go on a cruise.
2011-2012.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
18. Have a room with a secret passage
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
27. Ditto the sixth.
28. Ditto the seventh.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person.
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
(from Our Town) "Emily: Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?--every, every minute?
Stage Manager: No. Saints and poets, maybe--they do some."
(from Its a Wonderful Life)"Clarence: [In book inscription] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."
Even if I succeeded in every goal I ever set beyond my wildest dreams, no award ceremony full of crowded thousands would replace a quiet dinner celebrating a friend's birthday. No ticker tape parade could replace a candle lit dinner with someone you love. And no marble statue in the center of a square could replace a shared family moment of love and laughter. It is the human element that makes life worth living, and if you can't make your life flexible enough to include those things...then you're missing what life is really truly about...the moments with people you care for and that care for you in return.
So this New Year's Eve was amazing. It started out with a Bang at Jeff and Taylor's celebrating his 35th birthday party. Taylor had cooked up a storm. We watched the latter end (well I caught it when I arrived, they were in the midst of watching) "The Never Ending Story" and the First Half of the Season Finale of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" which was quite awesome. I couldn't stay long though. Then I met up with Alison and some of her friends at Pub 71, a life filled wonderful Irish Pub in Brook haven. We were there for 45 minutes and I talked with them. They're very fun people and all wore celebratory New Years hats that they had bought earlier. Then it was off to Russell's. Lots of people there and Clare had set a cheerful and wonderful set up. Russell did a ...thing..swirly fire...thing....that was fun. But I got to do it to, though I did singe the hair on the back of my neck a bit. I only used one but apparently it was somewhat impressive for someone who'd just picked it up. Russell was extremely impressive. Then we toasted with some Champaign Ale and excellent Sparkling Wine brought by Alison.
Midnight Kiss.
Then as we left, we returned to Pub 71 for a bit longer to hang with Alison's posse (and if ever the term 'posse' applied to a group of friends I think this is such a time.) Then a bit of talking and kissing at Alison's place and then off to home.
Goals for 2011.
Social
Make One Person As Happy As Possible (Besides Myself)
Visit with the Family at least once (likely to be the Family Reunion)
Spend Quality Time with Friends at least Twice a Month
Do a Good Turn Monthly
Initiate Social Activities at least once a Quarter (Group Dates do not count for this)
Career (New but Needed Category) (AKA "The 4th Life")
Gain a Stable Permanent Job I Like To Do That Pays Well
Set up a consulting business for side Project Management Work
Continue Project Chrysalis with Mythic Imagination Institute
Take the PRP in June 2011
3rd Life
My Project: Project Dance Of Joy (Film)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Pi Project Management and Writing
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel 4.0 Project Management and Writing
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Podcast
Learn To Edit
Finish Editing Dueling Morons
2nd Life
Write 75000 words
Decide if I like the 5th novel by the 15th of Jan. If not start another by Feb 1. If not then 5 Short Stories + 1 Feature Length Film
Finish the Graphic Novel (Est 5000 more words)
Affiliated Project: Maintain at least 90% post rate on Nerdgasm
Help at least 3 people with their writing, either to start or to help them edit.
1rst Life - Retired.
Publish T7 Project (Now mostly done.)
Physical
Get at least 3 more belts in Karate
Decide then: Either 2 (5 total) belts in Karate OR Start a New Martial Arts OR Start Yoga
Continue Weight Training OR Start Cross Training OR Start Free Weights
Cardio 2 additional times per week
Mental
Read 12 Non Fiction Books
Read 12 Non Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction (at least 2 of which should be classics)
Read 12 Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction
Do Something to improve my creativity (?????)
Learn a New Skill
Spiritual
Read at least one major religious text of a religion that is not my own that I have not read before.
Meditate/Pray at least 3 times a week
Emotional
Be More Generous
Be More Kind
Stop Talking about Dark Things
Withdraw From Politics as Much as Reasonably Possible
Incidental
*Go to Gencon OR San Diego Comicon OR World Con OR Dragon Con
*Go on at least 6 'weekend' trips, ideally at least one per month.
*Go to NYC for at least 3 days (will count as one of the above trips)
*Make CONCRETE plans to go to France in 2012 (or 2011 if realistically possible)
*Spend at least 20 hours at the range improving either pistol OR rifle OR shot gun skills.
*Obtain the Following: A decent couch, a gaming console of some kind (likely a Wii), 10 DVD's for my permanent collection, a piece of original art and something to advance one of my other goals in a meaningful way.
*Do at least one major good deed entirely anonymously. (Besides acknowledging completion of the goal in the assessment)
*Finish the Graphic Novel script and work with Liz to edit as needed.
*Finish the 4th Novel with Ken and help him market it as needed.
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**Keep. Slated 2011-2012.
2. Travel around the world on a way way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2017.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Partially done. 3 more belts will qualify as 'done.' 2011.
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
**Slated 2012.
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a succesful business.
"Start" in 2011-2012. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Currently in progress. Est Completion 2012.
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done.
13. Go on a cruise.
2011-2012.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
18. Have a room with a secret passage
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
27. Ditto the sixth.
28. Ditto the seventh.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person.
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
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