Brentology.com

2006 is here. What the heck happened to 2005? And I thought we were supposed to be flying around in hover cars and jet packs by now. Computers were supposed to make paper obsolete and Jupiter was going to be a vacation destination. Maybe I watch too much TV? Anyhoo, 2005 started out not bad but kind of boring and uneventful with the first few months just bringing more of the same in life. Same job, same apartment. It got a bit more interesting when a work promotion gave me a little more hope in my job and a little more money in my paycheck. But then I was bored again and more contemplative about life in general. This brought a trip to Pittsburgh, which led to more contemplation and the big move. New apartment, new surroundings, and new experiences. Same job, but in many ways completely new since the differences between Michigan bank and Pennsylvania bank are like night and day. Miss the family, friends, and some of the coworkers in Michigan, but also happy to be with family here and nice new coworkers. So that leaves resolutions for 2006. Some are the obligatory ones that everyone has every year, but I am also trying to be creative to go along with the whole new life/attitude thing I got going on. I will try to be realistic too.

Exercise more. The hills in Pittsburgh help, and 20 more lbs gone would be awesome.

Read more. I enjoy a good book and with all the time I spend in coffee shops, no excuses. Just maybe I could watch less TV? Difficult, but an attainable goal.

Save money, invest more, and pay off credit cards. I kick myself for running them up. Having a nice chunk of money in savings is a great feeling and brings some peace of mind.

Ride cycles more, bicycle and motorcycle. Scenery, roads, and hills in the greater Pittsburgh area are perfect for both hobbies. What a good way to see more of my new state.

Stop over thinking things all the time. Just take things as they are and go with the flow more. This trait can be good in my work life as being anal is necessary to be a lawfully compliant banker, but personally and after 5:30 I will worry less. This process has begun with baby steps already so just need to grow this mindset little by little.

Drink less coffee. HA, just kidding.

Take pictures. I lack pictures of family and friends.

Along that line, I would like to add photography as a hobby.

Give back to community and my fellow man. Volunteer, spread goodwill, give more to charity, whatever it takes to become more involved in the world I live in.

Rally against ignorance and those who hate. The world is getting smaller and selective reasoning, closed minds, and ignoring reality aint gonna cut it. I am all for family values, faith, and the like, but get a clue. Or at least listen when someone disagrees.

Well, that is the short list that hits the overall agenda. I guess there are also smaller related goals that fit into the categories above but the main points have been hit.