2011: End of year thoughts.

A thought or two from last year -

"But I still have my ideas. I still have my friends. I still have my goals and dreams. I still have my wits and the will to improve life for myself, my family, my friends."

So what do I have to build on that this year -

Well I did one thing for sure. I completed writing an album worth of new music. And not just taking existing ideas (words, music, or both) and completing them, but actually coming up with new songs.

Okay - so it wasn't 12 songs. It was more like 10.

Okay - so it wasn't completed by the end of summer. More like the end of the year.

But for me, it's still something. It has really opened myself to the actual reality that when I really focus, and really find the time, and really dedicate myself, I can actually do something useful.

Granted a part of me is going to continue into 2012 to complete 12 songs, but all-in-all, I'm happy about it. Once that's done, the next step will be to get back an begin completing writing all the remaining backlog of songs I already started on some level. This coupled with getting my recording process back on track, and with any luck, I should have turned a number of songs into a full reality.

Still .... there is still much to be wary about in 2012 - such that I don't expect it to be all rosy and bright.

Work continues on. While my boss is pretty good, and I to some extent enjoy what I do, I find myself in the similar position of anticipating another year doing the same work, at the same level, with no possibility for advancement. One key difference though, is that I'm in an environment where networking and partnering are encouraged; where strong working professional relationships are encouraged. And on a personal note, despite not being considered for a recent opportunity, I was recently uplifted by a recent revelation by someone I greatly respect, who's communicated that my work and my reputation are very strong, but that I need to build on that further by continuing the good work that I do.

And there is a handful of initiatives I need to continue on with both inside and outside work.

So that's work and music.

I know I have a couple of personal crises to weather in the coming year. What impact that'll have to me personally remains to be seen.

And I know there are many other parts of the world I should be worried about.

Like if the Keystone XL pipeline were to actually get kickstarted after its current delay - I fear it would be the point of no return in the losing battle to stop global warming.

But as Ned Landers said, "One thing at a time."