Speaking of updates... like Longo has done, here's my updates so far of my resolutions. This'll be a long post so, apologies in advanced.
Resolution 1 - Drop weight:
Okay so... I lost weight in Japan, but I've put a little bit back on when I got home. Before I left for Japan my weight was 108 kg (238 Ibs). When I got back three weeks later, my weight was 103 kg (227 Ibs). I'm now back to 105 kg (231 Ibs).
A trainer at the gym told me this was to be expected, due to return of regular activities and diet. I've mentioned before though, in a few weeks time I'll be heading down south interstate and while down there, I'll be visiting a power lifting coach for a consultation regarding diet and body composition... he claims my goal will be "easy" so, I'll try and update that in the future.
My weight goal is to be below 100 kg (220 Ibs) before June.
Resolution 2 - Get better at judo:
This one is way too early to say. I only returned to judo last week and to begin with, the training sessions haven't been that hard. Furthermore, since I can't attend a competition this weekend (my girlfriend and I are celebrating our one year anniversary this weekend, which is a month overdue - whoops) my coach has been making me teach newbies... so, too early to say this one.
Resolution 3 - Draw more often:
While I was away in Japan I did a lot of drawing, especially while on the plane or waiting at the airports. Unfortunately since I got back I haven't done much drawing. With the recent return of GR Strips, I hope that kicks me in the motivator to do some more drawing.
Resolution 4 - Be a happier and more positive person:
I think this is coming along a little better. Basically, I felt that I was spending too much time trying to make other people happy, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. I'm tired of this, so I want to do things to make myself happy and more positive. I think I'm doing a good job at this and I'll list what I've been doing to try and improve this.
1 - I've blocked some people on my Facebook friends list so that I don't see their news feed. I know quite a few people who use Facebook to vent out negative emotions and offensive behaviour, so while they're still on my friends list, blocking them helps me because I don't have to see their crap.
2 - I'm trying to be more assertive. This means I'm not trying to be a dick on purpose, but if someone does or says something to me that I don't like, I will let them know.
3 - Encouraging and helping others. I know this sounds a bit hypocritical (the whole "sacrificing my happiness to make others happy) but being helpful and encouraging to others, whether it's at work, in the gym or on the judo mat has been very good for me.
4 - Apply for other jobs. To be honest, I'm not very happy with my current job. I've been in my position for four years and I'm just tired of it. I never tried to apply for other work out of this fear that my boss would give me a bad reference and thus I would never be able to "leave", however at the end of last year, I spoke to him in person and I told him I was looking for other work. He was disappointed, but he took it fairly well, I think.
5 - Criticize less, accept more. I know people who criticize others for the smallest of things, making a big deal of things. I also know people who seem to complain about something, or someone or whatever on a daily basis, as if using it to engage others in conversation. I no longer want to be a part of this. This means attempting to do less of it myself, to try and be more content with things and that criticising others or/and complaining is not always necessary. I also shouldn't have to explain, or justify things to people who criticize me for doing particular things.
Well, it doesn't matter. He knows I'm looking for other work and I'm told it's apparently illegal to give a "bad reference", so I've applied for other jobs... I applied to be a lecturer/teacher in digital media at the local university. I had my interview over a week ago and now I'm just waiting. So wish me luck.
Resolution 5 - Learn to cook:
I haven't done much cooking since my return from Japan, so I need to get back into it.
Resolution 6 - Help my girlfriend:
I've mentioned before but my girlfriend is moving into my house with my family and I, later this year. Her family is moving down south interstate and she wants to stay up here with me, which is great. We're not moving into our own place because both of our families want us to save money. We can't afford to buy a home and if we rent, our savings will be gone.
It's going to be a big step up. Before I left for Japan my girlfriend stayed at my place for three weeks, we had no problems so we'll see how it goes.
I've also been helping her try and achieve her goals - helping her write and adjust a new resume, teaching her digital drawing and other digital media techniques, etc. She wants to one day, somehow get into writing/drawing children's books. Since she and I share similar goals (as I want to be a "professional artist"), I want to help her and I want her to succeed.
That's all from me guys. Sorry for such a long post.
