Friday, March 12, 2010

Spring Break

It's spring break. A coveted time of year for me. I harken back to days spent cruising the clothing-optional streets of Panama City Beach or driving on the actual sands of Daytona Beach...do you see a theme here? Spring was marked by the countdown to vacation, the smell of Panama Jack oil and the purchase of a new bathing suit at the Ron Jon's.

Spring break just isn't the same without visiting northern Florida. A land known for its bounty of denim shorts and Super Wal-Marts. It is a place where the memories stay with us forever, often in the form of piercings or a poorly chosen tattoo.

While I don't have any spring break plans this year, it won't stop me from throwing on my jean shorts while I tend the tulips in my front yard. I'll do a jello shot before I go on a walk to Piedmont Park. And, I won't be afraid to give a trucker the international signal requesting a honk as I drive up I-85 to work Monday.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Resolve

The beginning of a new year has always been exciting to me. I switch out the toothbrush, clean out the closet and start fresh. Ok, exciting may have been an overstatement. However, resolutions are always something I've taken seriously. I like this guy's approach - where he does three goals and just has words to define them. http://www.chrisbrogan.com/your-3-goals-for-2009/.

I usually list mine in a journal I've kept since 1998 - not daily or anything - and like to look back and see what I stuck with, accomplished or failed miserably at. That last one is always really nice.

So, here are a few of my resolutions for 2010 in case you'd like to hold me to them or just point and laugh when you see me breaking one. Either way, I still have my new toothbrush.

1. Play - This means trying new (fun) things and learning a few new games. For example, chess. Sudoku. I'm trying to work that "other" side of my brain that doesn't really get a lot of action.

2. Shoot - I'm petrified of guns, so I'm going to a range to learn how to shoot. Yes, I'll be wearing my protective goggles and earplugs.

3. Capitals - Learn all 50 state capitals. Lewis Grizzard knew them all - as I'm sure many other people do - and I just think that's cool.

4. Run Less - I took a break from running while getting a lower back injury "fixed" in 2009 and it felt great. My back has never felt better, however my waistline is another story. So, I'm going to find other (fun) ways to exercise. Skiing anyone?

5. Get Dirty - This has double-meaning. I'm a bit of a neat freak, so I'm going to back off. If you visit my house in 2010, please refer to this resolution before entering. Also, I'm going to learn more about landscaping/gardening so my yard can get a much-needed facelift. This could get really dirty.