Version 2.0

In these days of "computerspeak," it seems that a lot of people are leaning on the phrase "2.0," and likening it to their lives. Case in point, when the Fat Kid's hero, Lance Armstrong, came out of retirement, it was "The Comeback, 2.0," which has now turned into "retirement, 2.0." A friend of mine in the process of re-thinking a great many things in her life, thus "(Her name), 2.0," etc, etc. A lot of people do this. It got me thinking of the many "2.0" things in my own life, and what's even on the horizon for me.

The Poetry Project, 2.0: Yep - some of you may recall last April's Poetry Project: an original, never-seen poem published on here each day of National Poetry Month. Some were good, others...not so good...but the point is to experience writing in a very real sense, from a daily perspective, and observe the effects it has on others. It was a success last year, and I'm happy to announce that it will be brought back this year for the month of April - only this year, there's a twist: I want you to help me out by taking up the challenge yourself. That's right - a poem-a-day from you, too. If you can't do one a day, do one every other day, or one a week...I don't care. Start your own blog, just mail them to me - it seriously doesn't matter. But I would love it if you can join me. Here are the rules:
1) poem must be an original "you." No plagiarism, kids.
2) You CAN copy styles from favorite writers if you like. Sometimes, that's how you find your own style, ater all!
3) It doesn't have to be made up on the spot.
4) It's not about making the poem perfect - it's simply about making the poem. So no fretting about whether it's "good" or "bad." You're the writer, you decide what to share.
5) No critiques on what you can do better unless you ask for them. I might tell you how it makes me feel, etc, but it's your work, and I won't tear it apart (unless you ask me nicely).
6) HAVE FUN. The most important rule. It's not an easy project - it takes time and effort, and some days are a bit difficult - but overall, the experience should be fun.

That's it. The challenge is before you. I hope you will join me.

Fat Kid 2.0: Yep - a making over of myself and my life that started a few years back has hit another stage where I must decide to be content or if I want more. I want more. The Fat Kid has never learned to ride hills properly on his bike. Part of the goal for this season (for which I am very much out of shape for at present) is to finally learn to ride hills properly. Why? A lot of my friends like to go for long rides in the area, and I can't go with them because I am TERRIBLE at riding hills. So, in an effort to actually continue to turn the Fat Kid into a cycling bad-ass (which is a good thing, for those playing along at home) I have to learn how to ride hills. I envision lots of pain in this process, but I have a suspicion that it will be worth it, in the long run. Anyway, that's the goal for the cycling season - so by September, I hope to be pretty darned decent on hills. Note to all ACA friends: NO, this does NOT mean that I'm planning on riding the Dirty Dozen. Those are not hills - they are instruments of pure torture. That is all.

But what's behind the "2.0" idea? Easy - it's a second chance to get it right. It's something we all can do, if we want it enough. The opportunities are all around us - we just have to seize them by the horns and fight for them. So - what's your 2.0 story?

Thanks for reading,

The Fat Kid