Gotta brag, I had a pretty good month. (New Years Resolution content)

This year, for the first time, I decided to kick my own ass into gear and made six New Years Resolutions. These are in no particular order (in case SWMBO sees this...)

On New Years Day, we sat down and wrote a list of everything we wanted to accomplish this year, quantifiable goals, and some realistic steps to accomplishing them.

1 - I should write more. In 2013, I published about 100,000 words across a variety of blogs. For 2014, I want to hit 200,000 words.
Progress after 1 month - 46 articles published for a total of 24536 words. I've got to thank those who read my words, but more importantly, the fools who continue to publish them (and pay me for it...).

2 - I should read more books. In 2013 I read more books than I had ever read before. Continuing this trend, I set a reasonable goal of 20 books finished by the end of the year.
Progress after 1 month - Completed 2 books; Huxley's "Brave New World" and Justin Cronin's apocalypse/vampire thriller "The Passage". Currently half way through the second book in his trilogy, "The Twelve". 1340 total pages read this month.

3 - I should lose weight. I've been getting pretty tubby... I want to lose 30 pounds by June 6th.
Progress after 1 month - 12.9 pounds lost by going gluten free. (well, not free... I've had a few beers)

4 - I need to invest more money for retirement. Start early, they always say...
Progress after 1 month - I have started monthly contributions to our savings account. I have started making monthly contributions to my Roth IRA again (for the first time since 2007). I just completed the paperwork to begin my 401K contributions.

5 - I need to do more standup comedy. After being away from it for almost a year, I decided that I'll be participating in at least one open mic night per month.
Progress after 1 month - Cutting it super close to failing in January, I performed on 1/30/2014 at Great Basin Brewery. It was nerve wracking, but it was a ton of fun. Can't wait for the next one.

6 - Show my love for SWMBO more. While saving money is a priority, we've committed to going on at least two dates per month, and try a new activity.
Progress after 1 month - This is probably the least quantifiable goal. She had a birthday in January, so we did go out for that, and she's made some new work friends, so we've been going out with them. We went to see Wolf of Wall Street, so that was pretty awesome.

TL:DR version - January was a pretty kickass month, and I'm proud of my accomplishments. Thanks to those who support me. 2014 rocks!

Anyone else here want to talk about their NYR accomplishments?

1. Loose weight - Off to a great start, lost 7 pounds in a month. Then went to New Orleans for 8 day and put it right back on. Oh well, no more trips to food heaven for a long time, so I will start over again.

2. Quit waiting for my schedule to get "normal". - I always say, "I'm crazy right now, I'll put that off until when things get back to normal". Since 1990, my life has not been normal, so it's time to accept that and just deal with the fact that my life is crazy and always will be. I have been working on planes, calling from taxis, running errands at lunch...working with the schedule instead of fighting it.

3. Do a little every day. - I like to focus on one project and do it beginning to end. Because of #2 that is rarely possible. So I am accepting that I can do an hour here, an hour there, and eventually it will get done. I just have to keep the sharp tools away from the toddler.

4. Enjoy my great life. - I don't have a sports car, or a big house or a new UTV or a boat...and that's OK. I have a great life and I need to live in the moment and enjoy what I do have. So far, I have been spending time with my smokin hot wife, great kids and awesome neighborhood.

Keep up the great work Bradley!

I successfully did not make any resolutions.

I turned down a screamin deal on a Charvel Fusion (NO MORE GUITARS.)

And I'm a half a pound away from a number that starts with a "1."

I have not had a Diet Coke (or any other diet drink) since Jan 1. Down side I have gained 5 lbs. Hard to beat 0 calories with no fake sugar!

Lesley wrote: Keep up the great work Bradley!

Thanks Les. Sometimes I wish I could give up my "day job" and support myself solely by the fruits of my journalistic labor... Other times, I'm glad I'm not freelance...

Maybe I'd be less worried if I could write half as well as you do.

I like the two dates/month resolution. I should suggest that to the baroness for after the move.

I made no resolutions, but I did quit smoking 4 months ago. I think I'm covered for this year.

Keep up the good work guys.

Poop, I sure am glad to see you back in the 1000 range.

Well, it's been another month (albeit a slightly shorter one), so I thought it was time for an update.

1 - I should write more. Progress after 2 months - 78 articles published for a total of 39335 words.

2 - I should read more books. Progress after 2 months - Completed 3 books; Huxley's "Brave New World", Justin Cronin's apocalypse/vampire thriller "The Passage", and the sequel "The Twelve". Currently 3/4 through "Racing in the Rain" about the Gulf Wyer Racing Team (highly recommended). 1911 total pages read so far this year.

3 - I should lose weight. Progress after 2 months - 17.3 pounds lost so far this year.

4 - I need to invest more money for retirement. Start early, they always say... Progress after 2 months - This month I bought a Porsche Boxster, so this one is pretty much in the negative this month. Back on track next month, though. We sat down and created a budget that should work out pretty well.

5 - I need to do more standup comedy. Progress in February - I'm on track with this one, performed twice already.

6 - Show my love for SWMBO more. While saving money is a priority, we've committed to going on at least two dates per month, and try a new activity. Progress in February - We went to see "The Monuments Men", which was pretty cool.

In reply to Maroon92:

That's a pretty good month. Here's mine.

I still don't smoke.

I'm starting to shed some weight again.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to Maroon92: That's a pretty good month. Here's mine. I still don't smoke. I'm starting to shed some weight again.

Congratulations on staying smoke free. My grandfather used to puff 6 packs per week. He quit about 20 years ago, but it's catching up with him in a serious way.

Maroon92 wrote:

Lesley wrote: Keep up the great work Bradley!

Thanks Les. Sometimes I wish I could give up my "day job" and support myself solely by the fruits of my journalistic labor... Other times, I'm glad I'm not freelance... Maybe I'd be less worried if I could write half as well as you do.

You're too kind.

On the flip side... freelancing kills two resolution birds with one stone: I can't afford to smoke or drink... and will probably never be fat! :-)