I actually have about three things I think I could write on this week. And since I can’t quite figure out which to choose, or how to get it all out in a coherent manner it feels like there is a traffic jam in my brain. Too many ideas trying to get out, while I’m trying to stuff more information and knowledge into it.
While I’m getting my thoughts for those other items organized, I think I’ll just give you a bit of an update as to what I’m working on and that sort of thing. I have been hard at work making improvements to my living and learning and even getting some project work in.
I am still studying for that test. It’s getting more imperative to get the studying done and the test taken. There are two reasons for that. One is that I want it done and passed before my trip, otherwise I might spend another couple of months trying to get back up to speed. The other reason is that the practice tests that I have are only good for 30 days and I’ve activated them so the clock is ticking. I’ll be putting much more study time in over the next couple of weeks.
I’m working on a new song. Well, new-ish for my repertoire. I’ve been working on playing it for a while. Now, I’m ready to add the vocals over top. It’s actually working out pretty good. I’m not quite ready for go live with it. I have a few things I need to get down better before I think I could lead it on stage. I’m close though. There is another blues jam this weekend and it would be nice to be able to play it there, I just don’t think I’m going to get quite enough practice time in between now and then to make it. Definitely something to be looking forward to though. And when I do it, I’ll be sure to get video.
I’ll probably be switching guitars for the next jam. I usually play my Telecaster because I really love the sound. However, for some reason, my back isn’t enjoying it as much as my ears and fingers. Instead I think I’ll be playing my Stratocaster. I’ve been practicing on it so it doesn’t feel awkward. I’ll be nice and comfortable with it.
Speaking of disagreeing body parts. A few months ago I started thinking I needed to get back to a gym, in addition to my Taekwondo. At that time though I was preparing for my Black Belt test and didn’t really feel like I would give it the time and attention to make it worth the cost. After my test and then the break to rest the body, I decided I was ready to give the gym a go in addition to the Taekwondo. There’s a bit of a lead up to what comes next, but it’s not really germane to the point so I’ll skip ahead. I signed up with a trainer. The program they follow is a bit different than programs I’ve been through before so I decided it was worth a try. Admittedly, I’m not in the gym more than once a week yet. However, the exercises they’ve given me to do at home seem to be helping.
The first part of the program is to fix any foundation imbalances, which seem to be the root cause of most of my injuries. After a couple of weeks of doing the home exercises for this the one thing I’ve noticed most is that my shin splints don’t hurt. I’m wearing flat shoes, with little extra support and I’m not whimpering in pain at the end of the day. And I’m not hobbling home after Taekwondo. It’s progress, and I’ll take it.
And the other thing I’m working on, you’ll notice it in the pictures I’ve added to this post, I’m back in Blender. I’ve gotten back to working on that Blender – 3D modeling project that I’ve had in mind since last Christmas. I hit a small snag that I have already adjusted to. And I’m continuing to make bits of progress there. I’ve got two files going for that and I’m about to add a third. So I’m working on more than one segment of the idea at the same time.
Blender is about to finally release version 2.80 and it’s a big change. I’ve been working on my project in both 2.79 and 2.80. It’s a little weird to go back and forth. I think I’m going to like 2.80 a bit better. It’s just taking some getting used to. So far Release Candidate 2 is out and I think final release is expected in days. They’ve had some great news lately too. A couple of major studios joining the development fund with the aim to make improvements to Blender in ways to make it easier to for major studios to adopt and to help develop. This is great news.
And there is more going on as well. Most of that is part of the other two ideas I had for this post. I’ll see if I can make enough sense of it to make it interesting to read. No promises. I could get distracted by a shiny new thought before I even get started with text on page.
Enjoy the pictures.