My Big Year

2010. So far, so good. Declan is becoming a handful (the good kind).To see the joy he gets from going to the B&O Railroad Museum, or to watch a helicopter fly, or even to spot a Bald Eagle flying ; ) well it fills me up good with all sorts of delight.And Isla? She is, between her cries and slumber, nothing but a bundle of giggle and smile. Oh and is she cute.Don't forget Oiseau.He and I have some jogging to do this year.The Ois also enjoys kayaking the Severn and chasing cats and squirrels.That leaves my wife and I to come up with some goals, and maybe a few objectives to strive for over the next 11 months. What to do? What to do?-Count birds in Maryland?
Done it. Loved it. Worked it like a champ.

-Count birds in Anne Arundel County?
Yep, I did that too.

-Book a ton of music gigs, actively self-promote the band, write loads of songs, do some recording?
You guessed it... I've done that and enjoyed every bit of the journey.

For a goal-oriented person like myself, I'm left wondering what I should strive for this year? Don't get me wrong... my work with the schools will continue to be crushing down upon me. The stress, goals and objectives that need meeting (if not exceeding! seem to get bigger every day. But I'm talking about the stuff where true passion lives.

And so I've come up with a few ideas...

IDEA 1: BIRD-RELATED. See every species of falcon in North America.

Being a fan of this family, I think this is something that might actually be attainable. It would require a few things like luck, travel, money and luck. A visit to South Dakota and Southwest Texas would be vital to completing this goal. I've seen American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and most recently Prairie Falcon. That leaves the two more (three if you count Crested Caracara): Aplomado Falcon and Gyrfalcon.

IDEA 2: MUSIC-RELATED. Write and record a new record with the band.I've been singing and playing my guitar more than ever lately. Declan loves to sing and play his little guitar while I rock out to some classic (that I make up as I go along). Classic hits and timeless favorites like 'Let's Go Poo Poo in the Potty', 'Don't Cry And Whine And Your Mommy Will Be Fine' and 'Eat All of Your Noodles Or I'll Turn Oiseau Into A Poodle'. I throw in a little 'Jingle Bells' every now and again too for good measure. Isla loves it. Declan goes nuts. It's a hoot. It's a party. And maybe making a record for kids might be just the thing for my Big Year?

Then again, making a record for adults might also be the ticket. Difficulties of this goal are: scheduling, expense, getting the musicians lined up and oh yes... writing the songs! Benefits: making music is like nothing else in this world.

IDEA 3: ART-RELATED: Finally finish my bathroom mural.It's been neglected the past two years, but a long time ago I began painting the birds of Maryland all over my bathroom walls. On one side is my depiction of the Coastal Plain. On another side, vaguely resembles the Atlantic coast. And on yet another side, I've yet to even begin to paint some of Maryland's forest-dwelling species. Not to mention the Michelangelo portion: a kettle of more of raptor silhouettes flying on the ceiling! Only downside would be when my wife needs something done at night and I'm in the bathroom with my brushes and paint.

IDEA 4: Make no goals and just do stuff.

The benefits with this are endless. But, if I know me... and sometimes I do... this isn't an easy goal to set for myself. Having no goals is like sailing without a tiller. Like texting while driving. Like peach cobbler with no vanilla ice cream. You get the point.

I do have goals of course that are not tied to any particular year.

I want to try to do some traveling with Emery. I'd like to get more regular haircuts. I'd like to eat healthy and exercise. I'd like to continue enjoying chocolate, garlic, red wine and coffee.

On a more serious note, I'd like to work with Annapolis' new Mayor Josh Cohen to help our city continue it's leadership in protecting and preserving the environment. There are so many local things that can be accomplished that could make a big difference. I've whittled down my commission responsibilities to just the Annapolis Environmental Commission, so with that change comes greater focus.

And of course, I will continue to look for new county, state and life bird in 2010. I will continue to monitor and enjoy our local falcons. No doubt that fixing up our home will be in the mix.Taking my kids to visit the National Zoo, the Smithsonian, the National Aquarium and the B&O Museum, etc. will be many a weekend activity. Sculpting cool objects out of Play Doh will always suffice on rainy days.Oh, and I've already got my wife and I tickets to go see Bob Schneider at the Ram's Head in March. In other words, date night will be a regular 'thing' for us.

So to all of my friends who I didn't see much because I was chasing birds: I look forward to seeing more of you in 2010. To all of my friends who I didn't see because I wasn't gigging as much in 2009: I look forward to performing a little bit more for you in 2010. And to everyone who has been asking for a new CD (all 4 of you!): that might just be coming soon to a stereo near you.

I'm just making plans you see.

Meantime, enjoy some more iPhone images and video of our local Peregrines.

Her.Him.Her.Him.Her.

Now I know full well that this blog and my goals aren't the least bit important to you! But I certainly enjoyed writing it all down.

What are your goals for 2010? As for me, I plan on deciding soon. Until then, have a great 2010!
-Dan