Polar Bear Dive!

So what did I do on New Year's Day? Jumped into Lake Washington! I've always been fascinated with Polar Bear Dives (probably just because I have such vivid memories of seeing them on the news and the subsequent conversation in the room on how stupid these people are). I found out about one that occurred at the end of a 5k on New Year's Day. It sounded like such a bad idea, I had to try it.

All things considered, it wasn't as bad as you'd think. The key thing I had going for me was that my body was already heated from running. I've been told the water in the lake was 42 degrees. By the time I realized I was freezing, I was pretty much out of the water. I'm definitely glad I've done this once (and probably only once).

Link: Resolution Run 5k

New Years Resolution

I love New Year’s resolutions!

Some people laugh them of, noting that most fail within six weeks. Others believe that if something about you is really worth changing, you should do it immediately and not wait for some magic date. I disagree with both. The failure of others should never be a reason to not try something. And there actually is some magic to the date. Many people take vacation days at the end of the year to celebrate the season with friends and family. The separation from the daily grind can provide the mental space needed to reflect on ones past successes and failures. The free time is helpful in putting together a full plan for radical change. Mine usually include a couple of days of ramp up with a goal of truly starting on the 15th. And finally, the friends and family you are with can provide a counterpoint, guidance, and support.

There are a lot of things I want to do in the New Year. Ending 2008, I felt I was on the right path, but my approach needed improvement. More focus. Better ability to handle adversity. More discipline. Less willingness to simply go with the flow. More comfort talking with others about my plans.

In salsa class, my instructor often matches words to the steps of a new move he is teaching us to reinforce the lesson. For example, ‘step, pivot, spin, , right, left, right, ‘ are the 8 steps taken to do a right turn. As we practice, he uses a phrase which neatly express my aspirations for the year and will serve as my resolution.


Say what you do. Do what you say.


My first act for this resolution is to post my initiatives for the New Year. In late December 2009 or early January 2010, I’ll post my status. Between then and now, talk to me about them. If I give you a vague answer, keep asking me questions. Call me out if I’m slacking.

Initiatives

Technical Education
- Pass the Exam for MCTS 70-536 in April 2009
- Determine if I see value in certification process. If so, Pass the Exam for MCTS 70-562 by August 2009
- Establish and maintain a technical blog: MrSharps.Net
Bonus
- Silverlight
- Sharepoint
- Expression Studio

Unsung Technology Corporation
- Release our first project to the web *or* offer technical services to become profitable
- Finish company website

Financial
- Keep tracking my expenses
- Develop a budget
- Properly allocate and invest a retirement money
- Start a Jim Cramer-esque pool of stocks

Health
- Follow The Zone Diet
- Flow a CrossFit routine
Bonus
- Keep dancing salsa

Travel
- 1 new state
- Ade's wedding
- Bobby's wedding
- Rabiah's birthday
Bonus
- Germany

Hobby
- Rejoin Porsche Club of America and attend an event
- Volunteer for a running race
- Attend an alumni event
- Attend a software networking event
- Show a photo at a gallery
- Showcase my own photography at home

Happy New Year!