1. Learn basic writing/conversational skills in Latin and Arabic.
Why? I have a good foundation so far, and both languages are awesome. Also, $$$$$$
2. Learn to fight with a bullwhip.
The art of bullwhip fighting is actually a very dynamic and fascinating martial art.
3. Learn basic sword parries, blocks, and strikes.
It’s better to know how to sword fight and not have to, than to have to and not know.
4. Learn a few exhibition shooting skills.
I’m already a decent shot, so why shouldn’t I be able to light a match with a .22 or shoot a hangman’s rope loose with a lever-rifle?
5. Learn to make a fire with a bow.
Every man and woman should know how to do this.
6. Make a homemade knife.
Start with an old piece of scrap metal and make a functional knife…. why not?
7. Learn basic geological science terms.
I used to love geology when I was little… I might as well learn the lingo.
8. Learn at least 5 new guitar songs.
This one is currently being taken care of…. plus, I’ve been letting my gweetar skills slip…
9. Refurbish an old guitar.
I have my less than stellar condition ‘54 Gibson sitting around, so again, why not?
10. Learn basic wood working skills and carve a tribal style mask from a hunk of wood.
If the bushmen of Africa can do it with rocks and sticks, what’s stopping me from doing it with modern tools?
11. Learn a little basic Ninjitsu.
Because that’s awesome.
12. Learn basic first aid/first responder skills.
I’ve had to administer first aid too many times for this one to go undone.
13. Learn to build a wagon wheel and oxen yoke.
If my forebears of the mountains could do it, there’s no reason why I can’t.
14. Memorize the major battle dates and basic details of the most important Allied campaigns of WWII.
As a history dweeb, I should already know this.
15. Finish re-writing the Hypnonaut.
A dear friend inspired me to do this, and I think it must be done. I want that story to be complete.
16. Make my own clothing.
A dying art that has recently experienced a resurgence with the advent of Indie DIY culture. Again, why not?
17. Make a pinhole camera.
They are really cool.
18. Continue learning violin.
I can’t be a fiddle playing creole bastard if I don’t know how to fiddle….
19. Learn basic animal tracking skills.
You know, for tracking animals. I also need an excuse to wear my Montcastle hat more often.
20. Learn to make tapers the old fashioned way.
Candlemaking…. Could be useful?
21. Learn to cook like an Italian.
This one is self-explanatory.
22. Learn orienteering skills.
My sense of direction is terrible. I couldn’t find my way out of an invisible, wet paper bag if I had a knife, a map, and a compass.