Goals for 2009

As we gladly usher 2008 out the door, I turn my attention to what I want to accomplish in my life in 2009.  This past year was full of turmoil for us, and a lot of things changed.  With the economic plummet, and Trish losing her job, we’re just barely holding on right now, and could very easily lose everything.  There’s a lot of promise out there as well, though, so we’ve got a lot of hope that things are going to be better.  New Year’s Day is a time to wipe the slate clean and put the past behind us, so I’m trying to get myself into a productive mode again.  I’ve just turned 44 years old, and I’m getting tired to starting my life over again.

I also realize that there will be circumstances coming my way that are unforeseen.  Things that I will have to react to as best as I can and adapt my goals as needed.

So, with that in mind, here are some of my thoughts and aspirations for the coming year:

I will get more spiritual.
As I look back at my 30s, and the shambles that my life had become, I see I had no spiritual rudder at all, and I would ask my past-self, “How’s that working out for you?”  It’s been pretty humbling.  Lately, I’ve had some conversations with the Lord, and am thinking I need to lay my burdens down and make a commitment to be a better human being.  My body, mind, and soul are all in need of a boost.

I will dig myself out of debt.
I’ll always owe someone something, but I’d be happy to keep my house and my car and not have the constant stress of worrying about this.  The people who are always standing around me with hands reaching in my pocket need to find someone else to victimize.  I have limitless potential and a lot of ability, and it’s time for me to knuckle-down and start using it.

I will go scuba diving again this summer.
A few years ago, I had a blast with some basic scuba classes and got some meager gear.  With all that’s been going on, I didn’t go in the water at all in 2008, and I’m sad about this.  I won’t go through 2009 without heading under again.  It was great exercise, and yet amazingly relaxing too.  I love seeing places where most people will never go, and I have access to so much in Florida, it’s a shame not to use them.  I will not be going with my last dive partner though, because I don’t trust him anymore, and he’s a jerk.  I’ve love to go again with my brother, and mostly my wife, who is also certified.

I will lose 50 pounds.
I’ve gotten totally out of hand with my eating, and I can really feel it.  I’m as big as I’ve ever been, and there’s no reason for it, other than stress.  I know it would be easier and cheaper to eat better, and I would be much happier, but I’ve struggled with this demon for a few years now.  This is one of those burdens I’d like to lay down and walk away from.

I will return to the comics business.
I’ve had some great success in the comics business over the years and made a modest name for myself.  I was an inker on the Tick, and did quite a few books for Malibu Comics.  I self published 2 full color books featuring my character, Shanghai.  I’ve run an online subscription web comic for about 5 years now with my 3D artwork.  I’ve built a nice following on DeviantART and Renderosity.

I’ve drifted away from my roots, though, but have recently had a bit of an awakening.  I re-connected with quite a few buddies I used to know in the business, and got to ink a few pages again for a DC book.  I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to get back into it more seriously, as that is what I love doing as a job most of all.  I’ve retooled some of the characters and stories from my Shanghai concepts and will be looking at ways to bring them to the mainstream, both on the web and in print.  My ultimate goal is to get this character back into comic shops in a printed book.  This probably isn’t a very sound financial goal, but it’s personal.  I have some stories I want to tell, and I think I have the means to do it.

I love working with other people on projects, but one thing I’ve found to be true from listening to my motivational material is the fact that I have to plan on doing things myself.  No one is coming to the rescue.  There isn’t a bailout for me.  I remain open and hopeful that I’ll have some collaborators, but I’m not depending on it.  This is one of those circumstances I’m leaving up to the Lord – if there are people out there meant to help me, He will put them in my path.

I will enjoy life more.