Each day gets a little easier. I’m still getting down in the late afternoon / early evening, but it becomes less each day. In some ways, I guess that’s a little sad, but in others, it makes it easier.
I’ve been thinking about what I want to try and achieve this year. Last year, I wanted to start writing semi-professionally (i.e. paid), I wanted to read a lot more, I wanted to listen to more classical / jazz, I wanted to take more photos, I wanted to watch less TV, and I wanted to drink less. So how did I go?
Writing? Check. Paid for a 360, a bunch of games, and had quite a bit of fun. Still writing (not as much over the last month and a half, but there are good reasons for that), still having fun.
Watch less TV? Check. Still caught up on stuff I liked while travelling, but that was about it. And, I think I’m happier for it.
Photography? Check. Sticking with it, too. And, enjoying it tremendously (when I get a chance to go out and get some shots).
Reading? Double-plus check. Read quite a lot this year, even changed the back room into a nice little library / office.
Musical appreciation? Hmm. Not really. Listened to quite a bit, but didn’t learn much from it. Guess that one’s a cross.
Research into gaming theory? Another cross - started strong, but fizzled out when the year got busy. Which I regret a bit, but given I achieved other things, I don’t feel too bad about it. And, I’ve had enough exposure now to know that while I could probably make some new contributions, it’d be a hell of a lot of work, especially given my relative lack of direct contact with actual lead designers. If I really wanted to, I could probably improve that contact, but I don’t know what the pay-off would be other than personal satisfaction. It’s a noble goal, but I don’t know that I’m quite passionate enough for that pay-off to justify the work.
Drink less? I’d say yes to that. I’m still probably drinking more than I ideally should, but ideals are pretty lofty. I’m definitely drinking less than I did in the year before, which is good. I’m not an alcoholic (a big night for me is about 3/4 of a bottle of wine), but I’m probably still a bit over what I should be drinking were I to be living an ideal life.
So where to from here? Hard to say, really. I’m still thinking about this year’s resolutions, even though we’re already half-way through January. Still, I’m tossing around the following:
- More writing. I’m enjoying it, and I’d really like to increase the income I’m getting from it. I’d love to write full time one day, but realistically, I’m nowhere near that point yet. I don’t think I’d make a great investigative journalist, but I do enjoy a good story. So, like every other shmoe out there, I’m going to try my hand at getting some fiction published this year.
- Keep reading. I recently resubscribed to Fantasy & Science Fiction magazine - I definitely want to keep reading. That’s on top of the more “highbrow” stuff I’m getting through as well.
- Keep taking photos. I’ve got the perfect subject now, too! Once she realises I’m there, that is …
- Exercise more. Yeah, highly clichéd, I know. Still, I need more exercise, otherwise I go mad - it’s a good stress relief.
Beyond that? Don’t know, still thinking. Figure I’ll have a bath sometime over the next week and reflect in the dark on it - I should be able to come up with something a little more substantive if I put my mind to it …