It’s not quite the halfway point of 2024, but pretty close, so I figured I’d check in with the goals I set on New Year’s:
- Continue racking up an average of at least 100 “miles” or the calorie equivalent in bicycling per week. On Track. As of this post, I’ve ridden 2,355 miles and there have been 24 weeks in the year, putting me at 98.1 miles per week. That isn’t quite 100, but the weather is getting nicer and the days longer, so the next 3-4 months should see me surpassing the 100-mile-per-week goal consistently. Lots more rides planned!
- Write a science fiction novel, a story map, and a non-fiction guide book. On Track. The story map is done and published. The non-fiction guide has been written and I’ll be editing it over the coming months. The science fiction book is progressing more slowly, but I have a solid concept: A pre-origin story for Lex Luthor (before/circa the time he moved to Smallville), loosely based on Superman canon.
- Continue my sober ways. On Track. To date, I haven’t slipped, not even once. Sometimes it’s a little awkward when going out with friends who are drinking, but only mildly so, and I’m discovering my friends never drank a ton anyway.
- Continue my plant-based ways. Adjusting. I am allowing myself to eat small amounts of beef, chicken, or cheese along with fish and plants, but these are once-a-week treats or holiday meals rather than a wholesale reversion. I’ve found that it’s easier to allow a small amount of meat or dairy now and then (and probably much healthier) than binge on lots of “faux” products to chase the same flavor/feeling.
- Ride in at least seven charity fund-raiser rides. Lagging Behind. To date, I’ve only ridden in two (Monster Cookie Metric Century and Reach The Beach). I am signed up for one more, which means I need to find four other charity rides before October. Many charities now have “virtual” rides where you just pay an entry fee and report the miles you rode that day on your own, so I may go that route to get “up to speed”.
- Continue blogging, journaling about anything and everything that inspires me. Adjusting. Since I no longer drink beer or wine (except the occasional non-alcoholic beer which is quite expensive), I’m focusing on root beer, particularly sugar-free or low-sugar varieties. I’m discovering there are many boutique root beers out there that are diverse and quite flavorful. My goal is now to write extensively, reviewing and ranking the root beers I’ve found out there. Stay tuned for more posts in my “BOREO” (Brews Of Root Extraction Online).
- Additional Goal. Volunteer in some way at least once per week, more often if possible. So far I have led about a dozen bike rides for my local bicycle club, and served on its Rides Committee. I also volunteer for a local environmental organization, for which I’m interim Chair. I’m enjoying this activity and will keep looking for more opportunities to volunteer.
Bike Newbie 