BugFrog

Oh crap. Time to review and see how I did. I’m not looking forward to this. Like last year, I get a point if I completed something, and a half a point if I at least made some progress.

2009 Resolution To-Do list That Was.

1. Actively do things to create happiness in my life. Penguin put up a post about survival that resonated with me considering the past 39 years or so. A desire for comfort and a passive outlook have been barriers that need to be removed. Thanks for clarifying. Identifying the enemy makes it a better target.
   • Some progress here, but I don’t feel I can give a half point, so zero.
2. Plan and have more date nights with Aimee. We need more good time together instead of just serving the various masters we are slaves to. The passive outlook plays here. I need to actively create the time we need to spend together. Once a month for starters.
   • We both are trying, but this has still been a challenge. Half point.
3. Be the person that I want my son to grow up to be. Not angry, passive, and bitter. If I can’t do it for myself, I need to set the example for him. I don’t care what he does in life, I just want to make sure he has the tools to explore, discover, set, and achieve his own goals.
   • Strangely enough, I think I can take a point on this. I’m not done yet, and I’ve slipped a few times,  but I think I’ve made some huge improvements here, and actively keep this in my mind all the time. Allowing him to teach me about the world is allowing me to guide him at the same time. It’s strange and difficult, but social.
4. Be the friend I want to be and want to have. In 2008 I didn’t make enough time for friends and was usually tired and useless when I did. Friends are hugely important to me and I need to make sure they know that.
   • Half point. This year was better, but my friends deserve better than that.
5. Get electronically organized. I’m working with at least 3 blogs, 6 email addresses, Google Apps, iGoogle, Exchange Servers, iCal, Mobile phones, iPod Touch, Paper notebooks, a Laptop, at least 2 main Desktop computers, school computers, you get the idea. This is far less than other people who do a great job of being organized. How to get a handle on this, I’m not quite sure. Suggestions welcome.
   • I’m making progress here. Organizing and eliminating seems to help. iPhone and a MobileMe account is helping, but still not 100%. I keep watching things like BusyCal and Google for better solutions. Still work to do though. Half point.
6. Build at least 2 fully functioning sites with Je. (Obviously, Je’s feelings on this are important, and I actually hope we can do more, but I don’t want to scare anyone.) MyLinkChop and hopefully PickTheWeather will get done. This is totally possible, and I’ll be pissed at myself if I don’t get there.
   • MyLinkChop is moving along, and actually expanding out to include JoyTo.Us and MyMiddle.Name. We are close, I just need to get my part done. James has an Android app built for LinkChop. Gotta be more like James, and not let him down. Half point.
7. An extension of the previous one, meet out regularly with Je. We seem to be able to develop good ideas together and it is fun. Hopefully I won’t be a complete lazy pain in his ass.
   • Full point! We’ve been doing this and getting things done. Somewhat less done on my side, but doing something.
8. Don’t be a complete lazy pain in the ass. It seems easier for me to react to the energy of the people around me than to generate my own energy and motivation. That needs to change (passive outlook again?)Half point for being a partial lazy pain in the ass.
   • Getting better, but still get sucked up and overwhelmed by daily crap. Gotta figure out a way to break this cycle. Half point.
9. Plan out at least 3 more ideas for sites and/or projects to do beyond ones that actually get built. Plan them extensively, not just a brain fart. I have lots of ideas for animations, scripts, stories, games, etc. Make them happen. Don’t settle for ideas.
   • Half point. Evernote is a great thing. I can note down stuff all the time and I do. Now I just need to expand on them and fill them out. Again, technology is helping with this.
10. Build a game in Unity. This is great software that I know I could do some awesome things with. Lets do it.
    • 100% fail. Have ideas though.
11. Learn AS3 and become a kick ass flash guy. Even if work never moves an inch, I need to do this.
    • Half point. Making some progress, but not nearly enough.
12. Learn more Maya and 3d. Build things. Don’t talk about it. Build it.Fail on the Maya, and 3D hasn’t progressed too much.
    • Zero.
13. Learn to network and talk comfortably with other people I don’t know. I really suck at this. Bad. I think being able to talk to other humans without alcohol involved would be helpful.
    • Half point. Actually getting into social situations would help.
14. More public speaking. At least 3 public speaking opportunities. This is in addition to if I teach the game class again.
    • Didn’t quite make it, I think I did 2 this year. Half point.
15. Drink less alcohol. Long ago for many years I drank to numb and dull my senses to be able to handle the world around me. I don’t want to do that anymore. I’ll need to find a different way to deal, but I can put that energy elsewhere.
    • Half point.
16. Travel. Make at least 3 trips this year, anywhere. Also, ultralight travel. Less stuff, more opportunity.
    • Half point. Aimee planned a great trip to Ireland this year, and we had a great time in Winter Park over Spring Break. Was there another? I can’t remember.
17. Train Poe. He’s going to be HUGE and he needs to be well behaved. It takes time and energy. I can do it.
    • Poe is getting better. He still runs off to see other dogs sometimes. But I think that is mostly because I don’t give him enough time. Lots of treats helps. Point.
18. Paint the house. Inside and the trim outside. It needs it. Get it done. It shouldn’t take more than a hard week or 2.
    • Fail.

8.5 points total

Out of an 18 possible, not the best if you look at the numbers. But I’m not looking at it that way. This is a journey, and progress is the key. I’m getting geared up for next year! What’s going to be on the new list? Only the Shadow knows!

The Denver Twestival (#denvertwestival) was a blast tonight. Got to go hang out with Aimee and Amy and we had a great time meeting all the IRL versions of the online personas we know so well. I’d name a bunch of them, but if I did, I’m sure I’d accidentally leave someone out. For that reason, I will  say to everyone, it was awesome meeting/seeing/finding/talking/laughing with you.

The point of evening was to generate money for Charity : Water, and I thing we did some of that as well. It will be great to see what the global response was after all the dust settles. (Maybe a bad way to put that. Sorry.)

Seriously, kids. If you are trying to organize people in any way and aren’t on a social network of some kind, get with the program. The tools are out there, you just need to learn how to use them. Join the fun!

Not socks, SHOCKS. Although socks would be cool too.

What a great idea! Those MIT kids are a smart bunch. Link to article.

Part of article:

***

A team of students at MIT have invented a shock absorber that harnesses energy from small bumps in the road, generating electricity while it smooths the ride more effectively than conventional shocks. Senior Shakeel Avadhany and his teammates say they can produce up to a 10 percent improvement in overall vehicle fuel efficiency by using the regenerative shock absorbers.

***

See what can happen when you put your mind to something.

Hey GM! Ever hear of MIT? How does it make you feel that kids from outside your industry are able to best you at your own game? Bet it burns.

Evolve or die (unless, of course, you sucker the government into bailing out your antiquated business model).

So, first day of 2009 and it’s time to think about what I’m going to do for this year. Goals, dreams, hopes….groan. Based on last year, I’m more successful with resolutions when they are specific measurable goals, instead of “I want to be a better person”.

Feel free to hold me to these and make fun of me if I start to slip. I need the support and a kick in the ass sometimes.

2009 Resolution To-Do list

1. Actively do things to create happiness in my life. Penguin put up a post about survival that resonated with me considering the past 39 years or so. A desire for comfort and a passive outlook have been barriers that need to be removed. Thanks for clarifying. Identifying the enemy makes it a better target.
2. Plan and have more date nights with Aimee. We need more good time together instead of just serving the various masters we are slaves to. The passive outlook plays here. I need to actively create the time we need to spend together. Once a month for starters.
3. Be the person that I want my son to grow up to be. Not angry, passive, and bitter. If I can’t do it for myself, I need to set the example for him. I don’t care what he does in life, I just want to make sure he has the tools to explore, discover, set, and achieve his own goals.
4. Be the friend I want to be and want to have. In 2008 I didn’t make enough time for friends and was usually tired and useless when I did. Friends are hugely important to me and I need to make sure they know that.
5. Get electronically organized. I’m working with at least 3 blogs, 6 email addresses, Google Apps, iGoogle, Exchange Servers, iCal, Mobile phones, iPod Touch, Paper notebooks, a Laptop, at least 2 main Desktop computers, school computers, you get the idea. This is far less than other people who do a great job of being organized. How to get a handle on this, I’m not quite sure. Suggestions welcome.
6. Build at least 2 fully functioning sites with Je. (Obviously, Je’s feelings on this are important, and I actually hope we can do more, but I don’t want to scare anyone.) MyLinkChop and hopefully PickTheWeather will get done. This is totally possible, and I’ll be pissed at myself if I don’t get there.
7. An extension of the previous one, meet out regularly with Je. We seem to be able to develop good ideas together and it is fun. Hopefully I won’t be a complete lazy pain in his ass.
8. Don’t be a complete lazy pain in the ass. It seems easier for me to react to the energy of the people around me than to generate my own energy and motivation. That needs to change (passive outlook again?)
9. Plan out at least 3 more ideas for sites and/or projects to do beyond ones that actually get built. Plan them extensively, not just a brain fart. I have lots of ideas for animations, scripts, stories, games, etc. Make them happen. Don’t settle for ideas.
10. Build a game in Unity. This is great software that I know I could do some awesome things with. Lets do it.
11. Learn AS3 and become a kick ass flash guy. Even if work never moves an inch, I need to do this.
12. Learn more Maya and 3d. Build things. Don’t talk about it. Build it.
13. Learn to network and talk comfortably with other people I don’t know. I really suck at this. Bad. I think being able to talk to other humans without alcohol involved would be helpful.
14. More public speaking. At least 3 public speaking opportunities. This is in addition to if I teach the game class again.
15. Drink less alcohol. Long ago for many years I drank to numb and dull my senses to be able to handle the world around me. I don’t want to do that anymore. I’ll need to find a different way to deal, but I can put that energy elsewhere.
16. Travel. Make at least 3 trips this year, anywhere. Also, ultralight travel. Less stuff, more opportunity.
17. Train Poe. He’s going to be HUGE and he needs to be well behaved. It takes time and energy. I can do it.
18. Paint the house. Inside and the trim outside. It needs it. Get it done. It shouldn’t take more than a hard week or 2.

For most of 2008, I felt like I was just trying to catch up and so I was always tired and annoyed at all my have-to-do tasks. That is the wrong way to think about it. I have to do things to make my life happy and full. This isn’t a pain in the ass, it is the joy of life. Enjoy life. Embrace it.

Part of me says this is a lot to shoot for, but I am ignoring that part of me, because this isn’t. All of it hinges on me not worrying so much about my immediate comfort and destroying a passive outlook. As a matter of fact, I might add a few things later too.

2009 is going to be a great year.

Make a plan, follow through with your plan, evaluate your plan. Improve your plan for next time. Learn from it. Here’s how last year’s resolutions went:

(Here’s a link to the mid year evaluation if you are interested, too. HOP )

FINAL SCORE: Of a possible 13 points (full point for success, half point for progress) I have 6 points. While some would consider this a solid F, I consider it halfway there. You have to start somewhere, right?

A more detailed review is below if you care, but it really doesn’t matter either way. I’m on to the new year. 2009, watch out! Oh, and I’m probably moving doing related stuff over to the bgxlabs blog at bgxlabs.com/wp. See you there. The more ranty, personal crap might stay here. Not sure.

2008 Resolutions

1. Figure out how to sleep. This has been a problem for a long time. I need to fix it. Actually this one is the most important.

• Caffeine is doing the trick for me. I’m sticking with it.

2. Maya 3D king. That is what I will be known as by the end of the year. Modeling, texturing, and animation in Maya.

• FAIL

3. Exercise at least 3 times a week. Climbing, elliptical, kayaking, whatever.

• FAIL

4. Eat more salads. I like salads. This shouldn’t be to hard.

• Great here. Holidays have interrupted the plan a little, but still good.

5. Try to have a date night each month with Aimee.

• Depends. If you count hanging out with school parents or blog friends a date, then awesome. We are kicking ass.

6. Make home desk comfortable.

• Pretty good here. Got a used chair and am pretty set.

7. Grow a good garden that actually produces food.

• Did well with the zuks. Mildew never went away, but next time will be better.

8. Hike and camp several times this year. Take Declan out camping.

• FAIL

9. Have more fun with Jeff.

• Jeff has been taking classes just as I have been teaching them. FAIL.

10. Read more.

• Have a few cool magazines I’m reading regularly, but not too much more than that. And the Tao most nights.

11. Don’t waste time futzing on the internet (this blog doesn’t count as futzing.) This one alone should free up enough time to do all the others.

• Getting better. I recognize the futzing sooner and don’t call it “research” anymore.

12. Travel around in Colorado somewhere. We live in an amazing state. We should see it.

• Shit. FAIL.

13. Keep a good attitude and don’t get bogged down by all the crud that seems to crop up. None of it matters, get past it.

• A little better. Am trying to expand my life beyond just the things that bug me. Seems to help.

Coraline

New animation for February.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO3n67BQvh0

Sweet.

Amazon can review the reviews people give to things. Is anyone doing this for movie reviews? Can we aggregate reviewer opinions and somehow create a comparison to what we thought of a movie? That way we can say “Oh! This guy hated it, I’ll love it.”

No lie. You can’t make this up. This is a list of the headlines from 2pm on December 9, 2008 on cnn.com. On their own, not so bad. As a group, this is the important news of our time. Just read through the group, and see what you think. These are all real, but I’ve removed the story links because it just doesn’t matter.

• Simpson codefendants avoid prison
• Clinton, Rice break bread, talk diplomacy
• Gore not looking for White House job, aide says
• Ticker: Obama inaugural outfit revealed
• Sen. Craig’s sex-sting plea will stand
• Child missing after military jet hits house
• GM exec: Automakers likely will want more
• Suze Orman: Be smarter than auto CEOs
• Brown: No way to justify CEO bonus
• Army dad shocks girl on Santa’s lap
• Teen leaves work, heads home, vanishes
• Hidden dangers in the hunt for food
• Which dress should Mrs. Obama pick?
• Rapper Common: Obama will change hip-hop
• Santa freaks out screaming toddlers
• iReport.com: 365 days in 30 seconds
• Giant mutant potato weighs 22 lbs.

LOVE the news.

Je has already started thinking and working this out, but wouldn’t it be great if you had a ID manager that would allow you to customize your online identities? Not an online “identity manager” but an “online identity” manager (that could be online). Open ID with multiple IDs.

There are more and more social networks popping up for everything. Some you want to have more personal information about you, others not so much. Work related social networks use this group of information, kangaroo clown porn networks use this more anonymous information, for example.

If you could manage all your identities in one place, that would be helpful. It could be online, or a desktop AIR style app.

You’ve seen this before I’m sure, but this is just a note for me to pass on to Lil Froggy. I don’t know if the Dalai Lama really made these, but it doesn’t really matter to me.

Gives new meaning to “Keeping it on the DL”

The Dalai Lama’s 18 Rules For Living Your Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs:

1. Respect for self
2. Respect for others
3. Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

And my own addition:

19. Let other people live their life by their rules, no matter how f*d up they seem.