“This is the year I get a girlfriend.”

That was my usual end of summer resolution, my solemn vow before the school year started again and again.  Sometimes I’d say it to myself, sometimes to my brother as we contemplated the have-kissed versus the have-not-kissed and why we were still in the latter group.  “This year, I am going to talk to that brown-haired girl or that black-haired girl or that blonde-haired girl,” I’d rally myself.  Could it really be that much harder than rolling a “natural 20″ on a 20-sided dragon die?  Because I’ve done that.  Twice in one day, even.

So yeah, one of the most important lessons in high school was that resolutions almost never work.  At least, not in a single year much less a really bold but soon deflating first day back in high school.

It’s better to look at all the good things you’ve accomplished for yourself in the past year.  The things you want to continue.  Or the things you want to start.  As for the bad things, I try to focus on what I learned, appreciated, or got out of it, or just the fact that I got out of it at all.  Easy for me to say though; I didn’t go through whatever you did.

Most of this year felt like I was in a holding pattern or a holding cell more likely, studying for my medical board exam all fucking year.  I passed (19% of people failed it this year, by the way).  According to my score breakdown, I am an expert in kidney beans, internal plumbing, and pee-holes but should always ALWAYS consult an oncologist in cancer cases – well, DUH!

Other things I got out of 2010:

  • Went to Comic Con San Diego for the first time (in July 2010).  Fun, hectic, gigantic pain in the ass.  (Mostly because I was hitting the treadmill in the morning before the convention.)
  • Turned 40.
  • Exercise epiphanies:  I quit Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the past year, which I have mixed feelings about, partly due to my board studying but also because the schedule took prime homework time away from me and the kids.  I learned to exercise more at home (80% at home, 20% at gym).  At Comic Con, oddly enough, I boosted my running to the next level.  To stave off boredom now, I bump the speed level up every couple of minutes (4 is walking, 5 is jogging, 6, 7, 8 is running, 9 is trying not to fly backwards off of the treadmill).
  • I discovered kettlebell weights while in San Diego too.  Nice for variety.  (Boring for blog entries.)
  • Reconnected with old friends and/or relatives this year.  Word of the year for me:  REFRIEND.
  • I got hemorrhoids.  The last time I want to mention this.  Promise.
  • I came to really appreciate the relaxing properties of baths.
  • Started drawing again.  (Those portraits I’ve been posting.)
  • Started reading for fun again.
  • Started WRITING!  (Just got back on the happy train last night after a 16-month mental block/layoff.  Technically this started in the new year, but I’ve been greasing the wheels for a while.)
  • Started going to Corean church monthly.  (Mostly for the kids’ Corean language classes.)
  • Dusted off my Corean language books a bit.
  • Came to realize that yes after forty years, I need to wear a warm hat in winter.  And gloves.  And pajama bottoms.  Maybe slippers.  (Womanly Wisdom: 1, Manly Machismo: 0 )

  • Also realized that I may actually like the art of dance choreography as much as fight choreography.  (Manly Machismo: -1 ?)
  • Bonded more with my little boy, through gaming strategies, Calvin & Hobbes insights, and inquisitive heart-to-heart questions.
  • Bonded more with my little girl, through bad jokes, big laughs, and quiet smiles.
  • Rediscovered joy from cute/sexy K-pop music for better or for worse.  (Still can’t stand the R&B, ballads, rapping, or boy bands though.)
  • Got a nice car to replace my prematurely busted up one.  And in alien girl green too!
  • Cooked a little (which is a lot for me) – French toast and chocolate chip pancakes!  (Not on the same day though.)

As far as resolutions for the coming year, mine are pretty simple:

  • Draw more – Already started.
  • Write more – Already started.
  • Read more – Already started.
  • Exercise regularly – I’ve got half a mind to overhaul my diet but maybe next year.
  • Spend more family time.
  • Um… game … less….   The key to unlocking all of the above.

Amy’s resolutions:

  • Exercise more
  • Be more patient.

To which I replied, “Have you beaten the kids yet?  No?  Then you are as patient as any mother can be.”

As for my perennial high school resolution, I eventually got a girlfriend.  Two of them, in fact.  Not on the same day, though.  Not while I was in high school either.

………………………………….

Portait of Scott Yoong (a.k.a. Shuey).