Rod On Tech

This might be the first year I actually write some practical resolutions. None of that “lose weight, get in shape” babble that echos fighting the “war on terror” and not accomplishing anything. I know I’ll get to the gym as often as I have been for the past several years; I’ll get on a kick for a while, then watch it dwindle, then pick it up again, and the merry goes round.
But this year I do have some pretty concrete things I’d really like to put up front and center of my efforts (aside from my must-do’s). I’ll try to list a few here, but I’m sure new things will come up:

• Teach my children my mother tongue – I am really going to get a teaching system and a schedule down this year in order to teach my kids Portuguese. I’m also going to start talking to my 1yo in Portuguese only… eh… soon.
• Write, write, write – I had a crazy idea for a book and I began writing some of it down last year. I like what I have so far and I plan on keeping it going this year. I mean, Ghandi did it and that dude barely had any food. Maybe there’ll be a finished book by December?!
• Update ScreenTime to iOS 5 – I’ve started adding some requested features to the app (like the ability to add time without using the timer), which is almost done. I’m also working on adding iCloud support for device syncing and doing a revamp on the UI. I really dislike the UI now. I don’t mind the look, it’s more of the feel and the navigation. We’ll see what can be done.
• Get my blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – wow! I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I started doing Jits. Despite my recent break, I’d love to continue training and getting my first belt upgrade this year. Really, the only reason is so I can kick my brother-in-law’s can when I see him in the Spring.
• Plant a tree – Jose Marti said (I’m pretty sure it was him) that is part of what every man should do before he dies; have a child, plant a tree, write a book. Given the recent events in my front yard involving a wind storm and my 25 foot pine tree almost landing on my house, I think it might just be the right time to fit that one in.
• Dedicate a little more time to my old canine friend, Takoda. He’s getting on in life (he’ll be 11 in March!!!) and has definitely been kicked to the curb since all the kids started showing up. I can use the daily walks, too, let’s be honest.
• Rock more – last year I undoubtedly ruled but I didn’t quite rock. My 5yo says I rock all the time, but who really believes what a 5yo says, anyway?

Ok, I think that’s it for now. If I start adding too much to this list, none of it will get done.