The recent YouTube video by Van Neistat had a quote about being an artist. About how the title is earned through works, and calling yourself an artist is sort of like calling yourself a genius. It should be a little embarrassing. I agree. Especially without a body of recognized works to support the title.

I made no concrete list of new years resolutions, I have just resolved to do the things I call myself.

I call myself a runner. But week to week I run maybe once or twice, never doing a more than 10 mile week. A runner should be hitting regular 20 mile weeks, at least.

I call myself a writer. With no published works, and a lapse in these blog posts as evidence of how true that is.

I call myself in shape. My diet this month and aforementioned lack of exercise contra that statement.

I call myself a good friend, boyfriend, son, grandson, etc. And who’s relationships don’t need work?

I want to be an artist. I’m too embarrassed to call myself that. But maybe this year I’ll take a step closer to having someone calling me that, a step closer to earning it.

I liked the recent Spirited Man video, and agree that a pen and how you setup your wallet count as art. I think a lot of little things, practical things, are art. Whether or not that Californian tart says so.

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The other ‘resolution’ for the year I have is to do something for a month, for every month. Starting with No-Buy-January. I was very proud of last year’s effort. This year has been a disaster. Food purchases such as ordering more than a giftcard would allow for chipotle, tools for the ongoing DIY vinyl plank floor installation at my mother’s house, and other odd things. Odd things like a new dishwasher for my mother. Odd things like ammunition for a day out shooting. Odd things like a hunting license and tag lottery for elk, deer, and turkey. With tuition hitting my university account, and my weaknesses, I feel an early failure. Its only the 20th and a few days ago.
My guiltiest purchase, for all of those could be justified one way or another as unavoidable or too opportune to pass up, is a Kodak Charmera. A small keychain sized camera from kodak that comes in fun randomized colors. I’ve wanted one for over a year but they are usually out of stock. On a whim I checked and there it was, so I made an online purchase. A disgusting betrayal of my month’s goal. I must want to call myself a photographer or something.