Mike T. Henderson

Better late than never. Here are my resolutions for 2011.

1. Learn how to be a Dad
   The missus and I are expecting our first in late February. If I only accomplish one thing this year, it’s to learn how to be a Dad. I’ve never changed a diaper before. I’ve never held a baby younger than a few weeks old. I have little idea yet the insomnia I’m about to face. I’m looking forward to every minute of it.
2. Dust the cobwebs off this website
   This website has gone stagnant for the most part since I’ve changed roles at my current job from designer/Flash Platform developer to more of an art direction role. In the past, this site was easy for me to populate, because a lot of the postings were “Proof of Concepts” for projects I was working on; mainly in the ActionScript arena. Since changing roles, I’ve been more responsible for strategy, ideas, and direction; more so than execution. This year, I’ll have to explore how I can use this site to grow in those particular areas as I did in the past as a designer/Flash Platform developer.
3. Finish p90x (6.5 weeks to go)
   I started the p90x program 6 weeks ago. Kind of dumb timing as I had to juggle around the holidays. I somehow managed to not miss a workout though through all the traveling, and having tackled every one of the videos now, I feel the remaining latter-half will only get easier. I can say it’s a fine program. Even for a guy like me who has half-assed the diet plan (I refuse to surrender my beer), I’ve seen a lot of improvements, and feel I’ve gained more discipline through it.
4. Read one book a month (1 book down)
   I recently just recieved a new Kindle over the holidays and have been reading like mad. 9 days into the January, and I’m one book down (Smashing Magazine’s Mobile Design for iPhone and iPad), and 25% through another (Hardboiled Web Design), and 50% through yet another (Beyond a Band of Brothers). Great pace so far, but I know that will slow one the new baby is here.
5. Write one blog post per week
   We’ll see. Resolution #1 trumps all, but this is the secondary goal. It’s a matter of time management. Like I said, this year will be an exploration for how I use this site moving forward. The site’s purpose has always been to help me learn and grow in my areas of interest.
6. Doodle more
   I use to draw all the time; however, this habit of mine has lessened quite a bit over the years and I’m going to make a point this year to rekindle it. I have a brand new Moleskine waiting to be filled. Goal: Doodle something everyday. Nothing fancy, just something that wasn’t there before.
7. Finish writing a song
   I have a few dozen recorded sketches of songs I’ve started with my guitar, but have never been satisfied enough to call them complete, or even share them for that matter. I’ve been playing guitar (casually) for almost 10 years now (though I’m still very much at an intermediate level), it’s time to write a song already. I have no intentions to play in front of people or become a big rock star, I simply just want to create something musically I can be proud of.
8. Do p90x again
   Not sure when, but once I get settled in a routine with the new baby, see if I can’t get this rolling again later in the year.
9. Take more photos
   This should be simple given we’re expecting a baby and all; however, I’m talking photos more of found compositions, junxtopositions, typography, texture, etc, in addition to the new family portraits. Goal: Give my “design eye” more of a workout this year.
10. When Push Comes to Shove...
    This is a pretty ambitious list, so when push comes to shove, resolution #1 trumps the rest.