Hello, New Year

Reflecting on last year's goal, it looks like things went pretty well.  In looking back over my last few months of posts, I feel pretty good about the content. I think they represent me well. I like music, fishing, poetry, and video/photography. I think the posts have started to reflect that. I wish I were a better writer.  I wish I could write introspective stories like Gierach or some of the great bloggers like  EMB, or Sanders. Maybe that will be the goal for next year. Do not waste words. Use them with purpose. Adjectives aren't always necessary. I will continue fishing, filming, shooting (photography), and sharing music, but on top of that, I will try to hone my writing skills. More specifically, writing related to fishing.

So there it is, my goal for 2012: Learn to write a fish story. 

*** Okay, so I'll add a few more so we can have a list:

1. Learn to write a fish story.

2. Continue reading and supporting my fellow bloggers.

3. Continue sharing through video and photography my fishing experiences.

4. Catch a red fish.

5. Catch a tarpon.

6. Catch a 20+ lbs striper.

7. Return to Shenandoah to try tenkara fly fishing.

8. Try kayak fishing.

9. Catch a 12" brookie in Virginia

Last year's goals are below with the results. 

1. (X)Truly understand the spey verses one-handed debate. - Okay, so was a kind of a joke, but I did try to understand how passionate fly fishers can be about their preferences for fishing, whether that be spey, tenkara, or strict dry fliers. 

2. (-)Fly fish Minnesota's Driftless area. - Oh man. I was so close. I could have done this. I even had an offer from Justin at WFF to come fish with him. Unfortunately, it was just too close to moving day. Chances of it happening this year? Not great. But I am heading back to Mn/Wi in April.... Maybe I can figure out a quick trip.

3. (-)Fly fish during an explosive hatch. - Another No. When I fished the Big Horn in Montana last spring, we just didn't hit the right conditions. That being said, I did manage to fish some busting false albacore that might be a saltwater equivalent.

4. (X) Be more like Phil Dunfee: "I'm a cool dad, that's my thang. I'm hip, I surf the web, I text. LOL: laugh out loud, OMG: oh my god, WTF: why the face." - This was a shoe in. Phil and I just have the same sense of humor. 

5. (X)Tie flies to match a hatch. - Montana worked in my favor here. Red midges pupae. Easiest thing to tie but we hammered the fish.

6. (X)Blog 2 poems per month (minimum). - I think I was pretty close on this one. At least to the point that I'm happy with my effort. I often write things that don't get posted as well, so it may not show on the page. 

7. (X)Organize/create my tying bench. - organize... ha. no. create... well I suppose. it is a door as a table and a bucket for a seat. I'm watching craigslist and curbsides for a possible replacement.

8. (X)Take better pictures of my fishing outings. - I think I was able to accomplish this. That being said, video took a much larger role this year. It has been fun shooting and editing fish outings and trying to keep up with this guy :)

9. (x)During intern year, when I have a chance to fish, spend that time with my wife instead. Not every time, but at least once :)  - I would say I did this. Since moving to Virginia, I've found much more fishing opportunities than in Nebraska, and I've made a point to spend time with Sara instead. 

10. (X)No matter where I match for residency, find some local fishing. - Check. So much fishing here.   It is a bummer that many of the fish require a boat. But no worries. I'm still planning on getting that big striper and redfish. With or without the boat.