So by my estimation this group is pretty good at recognizes their personal weak points. Been a few years since we had a “Resolutions” thread that wasn’t related to monitors. I have, in the past, made some resolutions. Some went well (Ironman)..some went not so well (uh..most of the other ones). I’ll be turning 55 next year. My last few sessions of windsurfing last year..which were few and far between..I was winded, lacked upper body strength, and just felt terribly old. Terrifyingly old in fact. Like..I was worried out there a few times.
So. My resolution for 2026 is the most common one out there. Lose weight. Get in shape. I’m 6’ 2” and 230 lbs. right now. Not ideal. It is spread out on me at least..so there I’m fortunate. But in order to get on a 6.0 meter sail in 15 knots of wind..I need to be about 190. 185 would be better. It would have health benefits beyond just the weight..cardio..heart health..joint health. So..back on the bike. Maybe back on that stupid keto diet that worked so well for the triathlon preparation. I think I need to incorporate some light yoga or stretching too. I have the time. I have no excuses. Many of my meals are expensed..so I should complain about eating healthy..the choices are there if I make them.
That is my major resolution for this year. Be windsurfing ready by Spring.
So, in rough order, and taking advantage of not having to punch a clock full time here in about 2 weeks:
Exercise of some kind 7 days a week, this can be go to the gym, take a walk, go swim, etc. A long time ago I was very good about this, and it paid a lot of benefits. I really need to get back to it. I am hoping that without a work commitment I’ll be able to start getting into a routine after I wake up to at least do something for 15-30 mins every day, and hopefully at least 4-5 days out of the week get an hours exercise in. Overall, my goal is to get back to having the cardio to swim at least mile and not be exhausted, the upper body strength to do pullups and rock climb again, and get back to squatting at least 300lbs. I’d say 400lbs, but with two replacement hips, I’ll take it down a bit.
Get back to cooking. I actually like to cook, even thought about going to school for it. Working a day job where I was on my feet all day, pretty much killed that years ago. Covid ironically let me get back to cooking as I was working from home, but once we went back to the office it killed it again. I eat healthier and it’s cheaper than going out so fits nicely in with exercising more.
Read more, I used to read damn near a book every 2 days. At some point years ago, I stopped reading for pleasure. I honestly don’t know why, and my default has turned into being on my computer. I’ve got a huge to be read pile I need to start work on.
Start a hobby I’ve always wanted to try, but never had the time/money/patience/etc to do. Not sure which of the giant list of “ooh that looks cool” things I’ll pick, but I figure it’s a good to branch out of what I know how to do and am good at it.
Fly the Pitts more. Study for the helicopter CFI. A young girl at our school just passed hers. Eight hour oral! They flew on day 2. Why go through that when I will likely never teach? Well, like everything with helicopters I am unable to explain even to myself my motivations. The whole thing is stupid…fun. Also need to organize the hangar and trash a bunch of parts.
Oooph. I’ve held my CFII for damn near what 30 years now..only because of my fear of having to take that checkride and oral over again. Cockpit was about 110 degrees in the Myrtle Beach turbulence…examiner (Holloway was is name I think) sat in the left seat playing the student..a poor one at that…while I tried to teach him a partial panel NDB into Horry County/Conway airport. He smoked the entire time. I was green within 10 minutes. Ready to puke after 30. Successfully held it back for the next hour.
Helicopters. Mmm..fascinating and terrifying all at once.
I’ve thought about getting back into something. When I went back to patrol on nights I had to stop coaching boxing. BJJ is super popular here, but I’m a striker at heart. I’ve thought about traditional Karate, as I’ve never done a formal eastern system. There is something nice about just throwing on a t-shirt and getting punched in the face with boxing.
Gym. Cliche but I really need it for my general health. I used to go regularly during the pandemic but once in-office work started back up I haven’t had the energy.
More airsoft. I did a lot in 2025 and it did wonders for my mental health, even just for a day or two at a time.
More model kits. I got 5 done, but I’m pretty sure I could have done 8 if it weren’t for my procrastinating.
At least one more research publication for work.
Maybe a promotion if that publication gets me eligible for it.
Permanent residency if Japan’s xenophobia doesn’t ■■■■ up the process any more than it already is.
First: get back into flightsim. Got me a used Quest3 before christmas so time to fire up DCS Viggen and FS20 again for starters. Hopefully I´m in for a treat used my TIR5 until it gave up.
Crap, Im 6’2’ 275… 220 is my goal…sometime before I die. No rush I carry the weight well. However I would like to start eating healthier, We both work tons of hours so cooking is normally a second or third thought. There were a few times last year I couldn’t remember when I ate a normal meal last or a meal at all.
Tried this in the form of don’t be such a sarcastic A-hole. All this did was result in way to many questions about how I was doing and if I was Ok. Turns out I’m fine just the way I am.
