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I’m really looking forward to 2011. I’m not usually one for this type of thing – New Year’s, resolutions, clean slates and all that, but this go around I am. 2010 might have been one of my toughest years on this planet but a necessary experience. One of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain is – “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” So a lot of what I’m doing in 2011 relates to that. I’m also focusing on enjoying life more, finding balance and smiling.

It goes without saying that I want to be a better husband, father, son, brother, friend and in general, a substantially better human being. But here are some other things I want to focus on in 2011. Resolutions, revolutions, you get the picture.

Music

I really love music, but for some reason I’ve never really focused on it. So, my goal is to listen to more music, build a better listening library and expand my expertise of mid-1980′s to early-1990′s hip hop. I’m already pretty well versed in this time period, but I want to become more of historian for this time period – like a Ph.D. And as a treat for you, here’s my favorite song at the moment – “What you Say” with Pete Rock and INI.

Travel

Traveling is one of my great passions. I mean, I started a Flickr group for the Indianapolis International Airport. This year I was able to visit Japan with work. Tokyo and Japan were #1 on my travel list, so it was incredibly exciting and fulfilling to finally visit. And I loved every minute of it.

Next year, it’s a simple goal in theory. Visit somewhere new. Visit somewhere familiar. My #1 travel destination now is India. And, I need to get back to England. Can I pull that off? We’ll see what happens. But honestly, I would be happy with South Dakota. I’ve never been.

Lifestyle

I made significant changes in the way I live this past year. I mean, really significant. I now eat healthier, exercise more and treat my body with a lot more respect. Thank god. I’m thinking next year I ‘ll maybe dabble with juices or smoothies. Although I don’t think I’m ready for yoga just yet. Baby steps people. I also need to stop eating so much dessert and drinking so much soda.

Football/Soccer

So I played soccer four times in 2010. I used to play four times in one week. This was a huge void for me and sacrifce in enjoyment, exercise and seeing a lot of dear friends. This has to change next year, and that means more penalty kicks. Can I kick it? Yes I can.

Professional

Well, I definitely don’t need to work more. But there are a lot of areas where I could improve. 2010 was definitely a learning year – new environment, people and content, understanding the culture and trying to assess my role. The honeymoon is over and I couldn’t be happier. This is pretty general, but my goal in 2011 is to be myself. Finally. It’s weird to think I haven’t even hit my stride at work yet. Watch out.

Feeding the mind

I did little to feed my mind in 2010. If it wasn’t work related I didn’t do much. As a creative outlet, I wrote and I took photos. But in other areas, such as reading or watching movies, I did very little. I only watched a handful of films. I’m not sure I read one book this past year (I told you 2010 was rough). So the plan is simple. Continue writing, continue shooting and open my mind to other areas. I might even take up a hobby. Any suggestions?

RobotoWear

Boy has this has dragged on and on. And it’s completely my fault. 2011 is the year it finally launches – a robot inspired clothing line. Stay tuned.

Cooking

Yeah, I want to be a chef. My hope is to become ridiculously rich, travel the world learning the cuisines and then start my own restaurant. I’m working towards that, but in the mean time, I’m hoping to spend more time in the kitchen. Chopping, sauteing, garnishing, cooking, baking, grilling. Is there anything better? Probably – but I love food.

Hodge Podge

I like the unexpected. I like trying new things. And I try to keep an open mind to new experiences. I am definitely focused on that in 2011 – new opportunities to experience the unexpected. It happens all the time and I never want to take that for granted. So I’m looking at 2011 for experiences that can mold me into a better person, change my perspective, humble me, and make me think. That’s not too much to ask for.

California Dreamin’

Some pie in sky goals for 2011.

1) I become a DJ – Ernest Spinningway

2) I get to fly on Boeing’s Dreamliner

3) I go to India

4) I meet Christina Aguilera

5) I buy a Citroen DS

6) I consult for one of the museum’s on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island

7) I guest rap on a new track produced by Pete Rock

I’m forced to use a cane for part of 2011

9) LEGO sends me a sh*t load of merch

10) I get to produce a show with Anthony Bourdain

I’ve probably missed a lot, but those are some of the major areas I’m focused on in 2011. And it’s in writing – so the cat’s out of the bag.

What are your plans for 2011? I want to know. I’m interested, but I might also steal your ideas. Hit me up.

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