Fuzzy Focus
Happy 2010, friends. We made it through 2009. I’ve been debating the value of writing a New Year’s post because I’m a bit scattered in my thinking/feelings at the moment. I reread last year’s post, and I’m glad for it, so here I am marking the occasion.
New Years Day is my favorite holiday, followed closely by Halloween. As I mentioned last year, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I make them all year long as I need them. And yet, New Year’s Day is a great time for quiet reflection, giving thanks to the Universe, taking stock and making plans. It’s a hopeful, optimistic day. I should bottle this vibe and use it all year.
Taking stock
Here’s one of the cool things about blogging – it’s easy to remember the good things from the past year. I’m glad for a number of things, including:
- a trip to Boston
- speaking at WordCamp NY
- taking a first place prize at the National Arts exhibit at Hopkins
- earning a master’s certificate
- pinhole photography
- completing the sketchbook swap
- drawing every darn day
- recovery from a Kung Fu related knee injury
- Panson
- The good health of my family
- All the good people I’ve met this year, too many to post here
What’s Next?
Here’s where the fuzzy part comes in – I’m not quite sure yet. I’m still haunted by TEDxMidAtlantic. “Sell your cleverness – purchase wonder.” I was left with a strong sense of possibility and community and optimism.
A blog post by Dave Troy captured my imagination, along with a tweet in which he said:
Everyone around you benefits when you pursue your passions; following your dreams can be altruistic.
I love how I make a living. I like where I work (both places). I like (and need) all the spinning plates in my life. And yet, I suspect there’s value in spending the next year focusing on fewer things and doing them very well. I’m not going to quit my job and have a start-up as Mr. Troy talks about, but I intend to spend my free time by taking one of my ideas and fully developing its potential. I hope that everyone benefits, too.
In the mean time, I’m still on track for taking my black belt test soon (knees permitting). And, I’m looking forward to speaking at WordCamp Boston and at FitBloggin’.
Happy New Year, my friends. I hope it’s as amazing I think it’s going to be…
January 1st, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Best wishes on the new year! Looking forward to more road trips and kung fu tips!
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:43 am
I catch myself reading last years post every now and then. It’s a great kick in the pants, and I feel like I need that more often than not. I’m looking forward to this year, and I’m really excited to see what you come up with. Your accomplishments are inspiring, I’m hoping that 2010 continues the trend for you – and gets started for me.
*click click*
January 4th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
It was great meeting you as well. Andrea & I are planning on attending more WordCamps, so hopefully we will get to see each other again.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:58 am
And it as a pleasure meeting you too this year, and I expect more shennanigans in 2010
January 7th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@zac – thanks!
@scott – you are already off to a great start.
@ron – Definitely – we’ll meet up again.
@reverend bava – I’m coming down there when life settles down for you a bit. We’ll get Tom and gang up on him.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:23 am
I do read the Internet you know.
I am now both prepared and anticipating any such attacks.
P.S. Don’t count on Groom backing you up. He’s all talk.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Jim,
Tom is actually in rehab currently, recovering from the ass kicking I gave him last week, so he may not be able to come out and play. But I’ll be here, as usual, because I am old reliable, unlike my Southern brethren, who I really can’t carry on my back for much longer.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Tom: I’m glad you are still reading the Internet. I wasn’t sure if you were keeping up.
Jim: He’ll be ready – he can’t miss the trouble we are going to cause.
In any event, I have enough hand sanitizer and fried chicken for both of you.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Oh yeah, and Jim, not sure if you are a Jet fan, but you might consider coming over for one of the playoff games, for they will have several, and I’m sure Tom will be coming up for the games. We will be serving Joey Porterhouse steaks to all guests, compliments of the Miami Dolphins :)
January 8th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Jim Groom – I am personally going to tell Joey Porter you said that. I am also going to give him your address. He is a large man. I’ll say goodbye to you now.
Jim D – If I’m going to finish this damn Internet I have to read more than all these jerks publish everyday. Jim Groom is a prime example. Lots of words, little information. Bring on the chicken but watch out JG drinks hand sanitizer.