It’s been a while, so time for a check up on this year’s goals.

Run in the Flying Pig.

Specific goal: Run the entire Flying Pig 5K – Complete!

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: The first habit on the chopping block was to stop chewing on pens. Every time I think I have this licked, the stress builds and I find myself doing it again. I’m still conscious that I’m doing this, so it’s just a matter of pulling the pen out once I start chewing it, but I need to stop putting it in my mouth to begin with.

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 still ahead of the plan as far as setting aside a portion of my paycheck. I’ve done some basic research and have found some really great trip packages, so I have a ballpark figure as far as the amount I need to save. As of now, I’m looking at Jan or Feb 2009.

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 – Complete!

Update: I have the “Rotel” dip down and since last update, I’ve made Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Those didn’t turn out quite as well as I thought, so I’ll have to give it another go.

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: I know how to sign the alphabet now, so next I need to get more comfortable with reading the signs and quicker with using them to spell words and such.

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: Doing well so far! Not quite mid-year, and most of the goals are accomplished or in progress.

Woohoo! I did it! I reached my goal of running the entire 5K! Runner 24421 finished in a time of approximately 33:35. Not exactly a fast time, but that wasn’t my goal. My goal was to run the whole thing with no walking, and that was accomplished. Man, I’m feeling so good right now. I can’t help but give a shout of joy and exuberance!

Going into the race, I knew I needed to keep my own pace and from the start I did. Shortly after the start, I found someone who was going my pace and followed until about the 1 mile marker. She then stopped to walk and I was on my own. Mile 2 was the toughest for me, as the course was still going away from the finish, I was getting closer to my limit of endurance and I had to keep my own pace. Once I reached mile 2 marker, however, I knew I had it licked. That was a remarkable feeling to have. The last mile flew by and I even had enough energy at the end to sprint. That end-of-run adrenaline rush is a think of beauty! After finishing, I was feeling great and wasn’t completely exhausted like last time. I’m actually feeling like another run right now! I think I probably could have quickened my pace and still done okay. Something to work on…

I was pondering about the things that were different this time, the things that allowed me to run the entire distance, rather than stopping and walking as I had done before. Three things come to mind.

First, I had a better breakfast. Bananas and fruit this time – toast and milk last time. Take my advice and never have toast and milk before a run. That’s all I had around the house then, and I knew I needed to eat, but it would have been better to stop somewhere before the race. This time, I made sure I was stocked up on better food and drink and it definitely helped.

Second, I had music this time around. My Shuffle kept me company and kept my mind off of running for portions of the route. Boomin’ by tobyMac got the energy pumping at the start.

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Lastly, I had more confidence coming into the event. The 28-minute continuous run I had a few weeks ago was a huge confidence booster, and I knew at that point that I had it in me. Confidence is a huge factor when it comes to keeping yourself going at those moments when you want to stop.

Thanks to Jeremy for coming out and doing the 5K with me!

Next up? I’m thinking about doing the Redlegs 5K again and getting my time under 30mins. After that… My brother is trying to talk me into doing the half-marathon in NashVegas next year. Yeah, we’ll have to see about that…

Time for a nap and then I’m going out to celebrate. Woohoo!

[UPDATE: Officials times were posted. I came in at 33:30.]

No turning back now…I’m officially registered for the Flying Pig 5K. I’m feeling a whole lot better about my training this year than I did during last year’s training, which was for the Redlegs Run for Home 5K. I’m not sure if my co-workers will actually do this and my friend Carrie that supported and ran with me for the Redlegs 5K is doing the marathon, so I might be on my own this time around. Anyone else up for it? Jeremy?

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!

My first attempt at a “signature dish” (as mentioned in my 2007 goals) went pretty well. I hosted a Superbowl party last Sunday and decided I would try to make my family’s cheesy, meaty dip (wonder what’s it really called…). This was the first time I had ever attempted to make it, though I’ve done my share of eating! I called my dad for the recipe, went shopping for the ingredients, dusted off the crock pot and went to work. It took longer to prepare than expected, but only because I was new to it. It was fairly straightforward, so it was a good first recipe to try. It must have turned out okay – I got several compliments and it was all gone shortly after the game started!

I did learn a valuable lesson through this experience- the crock pot works much better with the lid on. It took me an hour to realize the cheese wasn’t melting like it should and then it dawned on me to use the lid. Doh! That worked wonders!

Next time, I’m going to double the recipe and try to make it a little less runny. I might try to spice it up a little more too. We’ll see…don’t want to push it too far yet.

Next up: a garlic cheese ball or something with bacon. Mmm, bacon.

As I mentioned in my previous post about this year’s goals, I wanted to have a better plan to achieve each one by applying lessons I’ve learn from work – making each goal SMART.

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

Not all of my goals will fit into this mold, or all of the criteria, but I’m going follow this as much as I can for it and outline what I can for each.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Learn how to pick a lock
Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: Be able to pick my practice locks

I have the basic lockpick 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.

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

I should be far enough along with these goals in three months, so I hope to have an update by then, if not before. Wish me luck!

This year’s goals are going to have a slightly different flavor than last year’s. Some goals that I set for 2006 were on the whim, and by the time the end of the year rolled around, I had no interest in them. This year, I’m going to have fewer goals, ones that are more personal in nature (self-improving or -enriching). I’m still going to have a couple “fun” goals, though. And I’m going to apply some lessons I’ve learned from meetings at work on how to achieve goals, namely by providing a better breakdown and time line of how I’ll reach each of them. Also different is that I’m not going to report on them every month. I will provide periodic updates, but not as frequent as the previous years.

First up, I’m going to identify my goals. In a follow-up post, I’ll outline how I plan to meet each of these.

• Run the Flying Pig – I don’t know if I’m going to do the 5K, 10K or half marathon, but I going to do something during in Flying Pig. Only 5 months away…
• Break a bad habit – Again, I’ve leaving this open-ended as far as which habit will be broken, but the one that I think I’m going to strive for first is to stop chewing on pens. I always have a pen in my mouth at work. Not the best practice at a medical research lab…
• Save up for a trip to Australia/New Zealand – It’s going to take a while to have the money to take my dream trip, so I’m going to get started on it this year.
• Learn how to cook a “signature” dish – At my friends’ parties, some people bring their special dish, usually a dish that everyone loves. I want to go beyond being the guy that simply brings pops by learning how to cook something that everyne requests I make. Gonna need a lot of help on this one, but I do have something in mind.
• Become comfortable with the ASL alphabet – I learned some ASL in college, tried to remember it over the years, but want to become comfortable with at least the alphabet again. Signing isn’t so much my problem as reading it is.
• Learn how to pick a lock – I’ve had a lock pick set and a couple practice locks for a couple years now but haven’t successfully learned how to pick them yet. For whatever reason, I’ve always wanted to learn how to do this. Inspired by the Hardy Boys maybe?
• Accomplish all these goals! – Self-explanatory