Things have been looking good. I’ve been going to physical therapy for my hamstring and I can already fell the improvements. It will be some time before I get the go ahead to put my running shoes back on, so in the meantime, I’ve beefed up my weight training and added yoga to my regiment. Yeah, yoga. Let’s talk about yoga for a minute. If you asked a year ago if I would ever consider trying yoga, I would have said “no way”. Here I am one year later all twisted up like a pretzel. And I’ll tell you another thing, I really like it. I honestly can say I feel incredible after a yoga session. Not only that, this particular routine I’m doing focuses heavily on meditation. Multiple positive anyone? Then again, all yoga may focus heavily on meditation for all I know.

My Russian has been improving steadily too. Not only have I been doing my lessons on a regular basis, but I’ve been finding ways to incorporate the language throughout my day. For example, I often answer my co-workers questions in Russian. It only pisses them off a little. I also only count in Russian. I’ll do this a lot when I’m working out, counting reps or tracking time. It’s a great way to keep my mind thinking Russian.

I may be getting a new Camera too. My 10D has had quite a bit of dust on the mirror for the last year and every attempt I’ve made to remedy this problem has failed. This includes spending $75 to send it to Canon directly. Well, I’ve decided to cut my losses and buy the new Rebel XSi (12.2mp) when it comes out in April. It’s about time I upgraded anyways. I’ll keep you posted, but hopefully I’ll start taking significantly more photos after I make the plunge.

I’ve been doing a lot of writing too. Actually, I never really stopped. I write in my journal at least once a week, but more often several times a week. These entries can range anywhere from day to day activities, thoughts and ideas, character development, random lists, just about anything that pops into my mind. It’s oddly liberating to get all your ideas out of you head and into written form. I highly recommend it.

Python and music are next on my list. I plan to do some coding tomorrow morning when I get up. In all fairness, a lot of my time has been spent reading lately. Currently I’m in the middle of two great books; The Victorian Internet and Ben Franklin: An American Life. Both are really fascinating.

I’ve also been watching some of the open courses Yale is offering. Specifically, Professor Kagan’s Philosophy course on death. This is what makes the Internet great, free knowledge. I’m not watching online courses made specifically for the net, but an actual Yale course, taught at Yale, by an actual Yale professor, in front of a real Yale class. Life is good. I even have homework. I have to read Plato’s Phaedo before the next class.

Coincidentally enough, that link to Plato’s Phaedo takes you to M.I.T.’s site, another incredible organization that promotes free knowledge for everyone.

But now I’m just rambling, and I’m hungry, so it’s time to wrap this up.

I still haven’t figured out a clever way to translate my musical progress into blog form. Until then, you’ll just have to take my word for it — I’m kicking ass. I can play a mean rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic. My daughter says so. Seriously though, it’s a lot of fun. Out of all the things that I’m doing, nothing is more rewarding than when a piece of music actually comes together, and I’m the one creating it. It’s a weird sensation.

It’s also kind of addicting. In fact, playing the piano reminds me a lot of playing a video game. Let me give you an example. A few years back I was obsessed with a racing game called Gran Turismo. I would play every day, determined to beat the game. When I got stuck on a certain race track, I would just play it over and over again until I beat it. My frustration greatly outweighed my enjoyment while playing, but when I finally did beat the track, it was all worth the effort. Victory is mine! Well, the same thing seems to be happening when I sit down at the piano. In the beginning there is the challenge, then comes hours of frustration, and then finally the reward. And what a sweet reward it is. I can’t pass the piano now without playing that song. I even hum it at work.

By the way, I can also play Silent Night like it’s know one’s business!

Some people are just born with musical talent — and then there are people like me. I don’t have a musical bone in my body. That’s a shame too, since I love music. So here are my options: succumb to my musical deficiencies and give up on the idea of ever playing an instrument, or dust off my old Yamaha keyboard and jump into the musical fray head first and see what happens. The latter sounds far more glamorous, and I’ve tried the “giving up” routine too many times in my life. It really doesn’t get you anywhere.

I chose the piano as my melodious weapon of choice for a few reasons. The first is because I like the piano. I think that’s important. The second is because it’s practical, mainly because I already own a keyboard, but also because they seem to be easily accessible. And lastly, because it’s such versatile instrument. I like all kinds of music, from rock to blues to jazz to, well, almost anything. The one thing almost all musical genres have in common is the piano. It can be found in just about all musical styles and flavors in some fashion or another.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no aspirations of becoming the next great concert pianist. I just want to be able to play music. It’s that simple; and I think this will be a good place to start.