Well, it’s been about two and a half months, so time for a check up on this year’s goals.

Run in the Flying Pig.

Specific goal: Run the entire Flying Pig 5K
Time of completion: 5 May 2007

Plan: My goal is to at least run the entire 5K, though I’m going to shoot for the 10K. The event is May 5, so I have a little under 5 months to get ready. For starters, I’m going to take the first 2-3 weeks to get ready for the running by taking a brisk walk 4-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I started this past Monday. After these first couple weeks, I’ll follow the same program that I did last year (Couch to 5K), with slight variances along the way.

Update: I decided to stick to 5K and training has been so-so thus far. I started out strong in January, but then winter really hit, with cold temps and lots of snow, and that set me back some. Over the last couple of weeks, it’s warmed up some and I had a chance to get out again. I’m up to a mile so far and it’s feeling really good, unlike last year’s training. Surprisingly, I actually *wanted* to come home from work and run last week. Usually I have to force myself… I have two co-workers that are thinking of running the 5K with me, so that will be nice.

Break a bad habit

Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: For starters, my goal is to stop chewing on pens

Plan: To achieve this, I first need to be consciously aware that I’m doing this, then I can start focusing on preventing myself from wanting to do this to begin with. I’m already well along in breaking this habit. I’m very much aware I’m doing this now, and take the pen out of my mouth almost as soon as it goes in. Now I need to work on suppressing the urge to start chewing, maybe by chewing more gum.

Update: First habit on the chopping list was to stop chewing on pens. I had this beaten, but then things at work got ugly and stressful and I found myself relapsing. At least I’m still conscious that I’m doing this, so it should be easy to ditch this habit for good…again.

Save up for a trip to Australia/New Zealand

Time of completion: end of 2007 (ongoing)
Specific goal: Have 33% saved by year’s end

Plan: I’m going to start off by putting twenty dollars from each paycheck into a special account. Once I’ve grown accustomed to that, after approx 3 months, I’ll bump it up to thirty, then forty, etc. I hope to have at least a third saved by year’s end. This leads to the next step of determining how much I need to save. I hope to have a pretty good idea by mid-2007.

Update: I’m ahead of the plan, thanks to tax refunds and bonuses.

Learn how to cook a “signature” dish

Time of completion: July 2007
Specific goal: Learn how to make my paternal family’s cheese/sausage dip

Plan: Though I have something in mind, I want to explore my possibilities. During January and February, I’ll explore possibilities. March through may, I’ll experiment and try out various recipes. In June or July, I’ll through a party and introduce my dish.

Update: Complete! I’ve made the “Rotel” dip three times now. The first was for my Superbowl party, and I actually received compliments on it! Next, I’m going to try Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Mmm, bacon.

Become comfortable with the ASL

Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: Know the ASL alphabet thoroughly

Plan: First step is to re-learn the ASL alphabet. I still remember most of it, so this shouldn’t take long. Next step is to have some one “quiz” me on this by randomly saying a letter and have me sign it. After that, I’ll have someone sign a letter and I’ll say what it is. Then I’ll move on to spelling words, at a slow pace initially before working up to a faster speed.

Update: At one point, I actually remembered all the signs (Q and X kept tripping my up), but I’ve forgotten some since I last “practiced.” I have a friend that will help me with this, so I need to get cracking on re-enforcing this.

Learn how to pick a lock

Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: Be able to pick my practice locks

Plan: I have the basic lock pick kit and some practice looks. I need to mount these lock then start practicing. I already have several sets of instructions to follow, so it’s just a matter of practicing.

Update: My Hardy Boy goal This is the fun one, so I haven’t pursued it like the others. In others words, no progress yet.

Accomplish all these goals!
Time of completion: end of 2007

Update: So far, not too shabby!