mastering new proficiencies, understanding shit

I don't like the idea of New Year's Resolutions. Mainly because I don't feel the need to put yet even more pressure on myself, I think I apply enough throughout the year. I do like to attempt mastering a new proficiency every year. If the new proficiency isn't a huge undertaking, then I feel good about tacking on a few more. One year I learned how to shoot pool very well. Another year it was to be conversant in French. I can't remember what other skills or knowledge I possess that I acquired in this fashion, but I'm sure the number of times I've done this is more than two.

I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle. But I don't want to get my fat ass on a motorcycle and shake all over the Sunset Strip. So I need to lose weight, firm and tone up, then learn how to ride a motorcycle. No wonder I can never get anything done. I plan on taking California’s official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the California Highway Patrol. This proficiency is from my 2004 list. I was scheduled to take the class this past September. I hoped to get a motorcycle with a sidecar so that my dog Flagg could ride with me. But Flagg passed away in September and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with my plans, but I think I will in 2005. So that is one proficiency I will attempt to master in 2005.

I also want to either brush up on my French or become conversant in Spanish. I've tried to learn Spanish, but I guess I was always half-assed about it. One of my dear friends Liz has offered to help me as she speaks Spanish fluently. Haven't taken her up on that offer. My brother also speaks Spanish and I could practice with him. Haven't taken advantage of that, either. But maybe this year will be different. The guy who mans the front desk during the day tried to teach me how to speak Spanish a few years ago. Every time I picked up my mail, he'd ignore everything I said in English and only respond to Spanish and in Spanish. Like I said, half-assed. I used to subscribe to this "Word of the Day" service, where a word was emailed to you daily with a definition, the word used in context, and a link to a pronunciation guide. But I subscribed to English so I could increase my word power , this time I'll do it in Spanish. And hopefully the end of 2005 I'll be able to do more than ask for my mail, another beer, or the whereabouts of the restrooms in Spanish.

I've been a pack rat for many years. I have at times and, in turn, collected CDs, shoes, people, and experiences as well as mastering new proficiences. There is a point to all this and if I sit still long enough I'm sure it will come to me. I'm just trying to make sense of all this crap.