It’s December 31st, 2011 and I’m back home in the states after nearly three years flashpacking around the world. Last year at this time I was in Bangkok and the year prior to that was spent at a temple in Tokyo. Tonight is a going to be a bit more low key – dinner with my parents and a relaxing night at home. It’s nice to take a break every once in a while.
I spent 30 months traveling through 12 countries (Spain, England, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Australia and New Zealand). I worked in three of them, spent a month with my father moving through two, and met some incredible people in each and every one.
Looking ahead to 2012
I’m going to try and make this next year just as big as the last. I won’t be moving around nearly as much, but hope to have some huge results this time next year. Since I’m a firm believer that announcing goals and resolutions help keep the pressure on to complete them, here are my five resolutions for 2012.
Blog Weekly
Since I got back from my trip two months ago, I’ve really let my updates on the blog lapse, and that’s something I aim to fix next year. I think I started to over do it and that caused me to look at it as work, which led to my not looking forward to writing the updates. I resolve to post at least once a week, but not feel like I should be doing more. I also aim to get the daily photos running again.
Learn Spanish
The next big trip is scheduled for the end of 2013. The current plan is a year+ roadtrip through South America with a few scattered people I’ve met these last 30 months of travel. I know just a bit through the osmosis that comes from growing up in Southern California, but I want to get to a point where I can actually carry on a conversation.
Lose 15 Pounds
I was doing great on the trip until I hit Australia, where I went from cheap, fairly healthy Asian meals to expensive western food. I saved money by cooking for myself much more often, but still managed to gain more weight than I would have liked. I’m starting an exercise and eating program tomorrow that will, hopefully, get me in the greatest shape I’ve been in since I was on the Men’s Crew team in college.
New Projects
My biggest goal this year is to try my hand at a few entrepreneurial Internet projects. I’m currently teaching myself more about online business and how a few things work on the web. The aim is to launch AT LEAST THREE new projects this year. If anyone else is starting some ambitious projects and looking for a partner, contact me.
365 Days of Photography
This is a double-sided goal. First, I aim to get the Daily Photo back up, which involves going through the tens-of-thousands of photographs from the trip and getting them edited and organized. The other side of the coin, inspired by Brendan’s Adventures, is to join up with the 365-day Photo Challenge. I’ll be endeavoring to shoot on a daily basis and get something up on my facebook fan page.
Are you doing anything similar? Care to hop on board so we can keep each other on track? Let me know what you’re up to in the comments.
Wow! its awesome :DÂ
I just came across your blog, and I really like it! I look forward to following your adventures in 2012!
Great projects.  365 days of photography sounds awesome.  I look forward to reading your weekly blog.  Feel free to come check me out – http://www.traveldestinationbucketlist.com  – started last year, it is my project for 2012. Â
Travis! Thought of you today and came to your website to see what you’re up to – you’re back?! I’m working on a project to build my travel site and future adventures a bit too. Let’s get together and brainstorm!