Back To The Basics

Always moving forward. I feel content with the progress I've made in 2013 thus far. Of course there are times when I can be negative about my life but it's really just me setting the bar higher and higher. The goals I have set are attainable and within reach, though they will never be easy, I refuse to accept mediocrity from myself.

My philosophy for 2013, The Year Of Content, is to work on the basics. Living happy and healthy while giving it my all are the basics in my life that I strive for. I want Heather and I to enjoy our lives to the fullest and now is the time for me to continue refining my talents. I like to think that I'm investing in our future.

Last time I went over some of the things I have been working on and I'd like to touch base on those.

Going Nowhere: Wow. I am once again very excited for the original web series, Going Nowhere. X has put together the footage we have and I've seen almost all of the first episode. I can't tell you how psyched I am for us to finish filming this episode as well as the first half of the season. It's just so hilarious and I love every moment. I wrote a 22 page script for episode 7 and I have been given the honor of directing that when the time comes. You know I can't wait for that day.

 
Working Out: Over the past 13 days, I have gone running 8 times and biked once. I've been running 2 miles usually through the preserve or the streets. Amazing how I haven't been doing this everyday but I'm back in the saddle. No lifting, just running. Back to the basics.

Italiano: Exactly two months from Italy and I'm feeling pretty good about my language skills. There are some essentials I need to cover before I go but I'm about 85 minutes of lessons away from completing Level 1 of Rosetta Stone. I feel like I will be able to hold a decent conversation with my family and people we meet there. I should also be able to get us around the cities.

Double Secret Projects: I went with my uncle Peter and my dad to Pennsylvania to look into purchasing real estate. I've saved enough capital to invest in a rental property and I feel like this is the best way to go when it comes to creating residual income that will last me for as long as I want it to last. I'm looking to jump into something with relatively low risks but high rewards. I'm very excited for this venture and can't wait to find something that will work.

Pod-casting: Vinny and I have had several Writer's Room podcasts during which we discuss projects, goals, writing, careers, life, politics, space, and just about anything else that comes up in conversations. Throw two dudes that like to hear themselves talk onto a podcast and see how long they can banter back and forth! That's how we roll. Check out the latest Writer's Room Podcast.

Brewing Beer: Two batches are bottled and one more is currently fermenting. I've got a nut brown ale, a whitbier, and my favorite whiskey bourbon stout. The stout will be done next month in time for the warm weather and the others are finished. I'm really proud of the way they batches have come out so far and I can say I have executed the all grain brewing technique with enough precision to have created deliciousness.

I just need to keep it up on all fronts. Progress is the name of the games and what keeps me going. I strive everyday to better myself whether it's as simple as learning one more word in Italian or something a little more involved like studying the impact of different grains on a beer. I just have to continue moving forward and things will continue to fall into place.