I’ve seen some arguments going on around whether or not 2010 is the start of a new decade or the end of the “old” one. Among them was the best argument I’ve ever seen for zero-based counting: if 2010 is ending a decade, then by the same logic, 1980 is a part of the 70s and that’s just wrong. I really don’t think I can (or want to) argue with that, so I’m choosing to think of today as not only the beginning of a new year but also of a new decade.

Ten years is a bit too far in advance for me to even begin to contemplate planning. One year, however, is still doable. So, what do I think is on the docket for me?

• Guitar Lessons — I’m going to continue taking guitar lessons and step up my actual practice time. I’m ashamed to admit that I have very little to show for the years I’ve been “playing” the instrument. That will change. When I do practice, I notice an almost immediate improvement, which tells me that I do have at least some talent for it. All that I need is practice and proficiency will come.
• Side Projects — I will spend more time developing my own projects. I’m going to start with programming, of course, since that’s what I know best, but I’m sure others will come in time.
• This Blog — I learned something obvious in 2009: without doing anything noteworthy, I don’t have anything noteworthy to write about. I will be expanding this blog to cover a few more topics, instead of trying to just blog about software development. At least until I do enough of the latter to be able to fill at least some regular posting schedule.
• Debt Reduction/Conscious Living — I have some debt incurred during university, some for legitimate reasons, and some just because I didn’t know any better. It is well past time to deal with it all. My goal is to put thought behind everything I do. Even if I choose to spend my time on things that others might consider unproductive, I want it to be because I thought about it and consciously made the choice. It is time to reevaluate, and in some cases evaluate for the first time, what I spend my time on and why I do the things I do.
• Theatre — I will continue my involvement with the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre. I find it deeply fulfilling, and it’s good to have hobbies that get you out of the house once in a while.

Of course, it remains to be seen how much of the above will actually happen. I think the odds are in my favour. It will be interesting to look back at the end of next year and see how it all went.