So, it’s that time of the year when people reflect. Resolutions and what not. I’ve been doing my own reflecting and have lots of thoughts. But I already have plenty of long, dense posts on this blog. So, I’m going to keep it really simple:
My first video solve of 2012 came in this post, in which a 34-year-old with two months of cubing experience and a GoPro sample sitting in his office was proud to capture on video two 69 second solves:
The year’s last video solve (ignoring the Crystal Cube hack) came in this post, featuring an over-produced (but fun) video of a 36-second solve:
From 69 to 36 seconds in one year isn’t bad. At 30-40 seconds (on a good day), I’m not setting any records or rushing to compete at the World Championship. (Although I am going to film a video to participate in the Cyoubx/Mitchell Lane Online Competition.) But it means that I’ve more or less figured out this cubing thing. There are a couple techniques to develop (F2L look-ahead and better crosses) and a bunch of OLLs still to learn. As, I wrote on my Cubeiversary, I’d be happy if, by next year’s close, I could sit down at any moment and get 30-second averages. When I can hit that mark consistently, then I will feel like I’ve conquered this thing.
Until then, Happy New Year!!!
adventures in cubing 
Wish you a very happy new year indeed!
I wish to share with you my progress, hoping that you get inspired along:
It was a roadblock at the average of 35 seconds for me for a long time. Along came the desire to learn Full OLL, and bar 6, I now know 51 out of 57. Full PLL is not accomplished yet as G-Perms are at an arm’s length. Despite knowing Full OLL, my average was not climbing below 35, at least not consistently. Then once practice set in, 30 seconds singles were getting commonplace. I had got sub-30 previously, but it was with the help of the lucky PLL-skip.
Slowly I was getting a hang of the F2L, and look-ahead. I’m working on it as I speak, and will continue to do so until I no longer can (and break the World Record single, I daresay!) Sub-30 singles were getting regular. I even got an average of 30.xx! That was motivating. Keeping the momentum, I kept practicing on my Camcumber Zhanchi. Even when chances of getting sub-30 averages seemed bleak, I had started to get sub-30 singles. I even managed a sub-25 once. Not having the digit 3 in your times is a joy I hope you are soon bestowed by regularly in your quest.
And then it hit me. The sub-20. 17 seconds to be precise. Agreed it was a PLL-skip. More than that, it was a last layer skip! Simple OLL, and the cube was solved! If I was alert, the time could have been sub-15! I think it was, for it took some effort to stop the timer with my trembling hands. Never again, thought I, would this happen to me again.
But it did. Since the past few days, it has been amazing. 2 sub-20’s, and there was no luck. Practice has been paying dividends. Speed has increased in more than just those couple of solves, I even got sub-30 average of 5. I thought I wouldn’t get a good average of 12 ever, but it has been sub-30 on occasions more than seemed feasible (read: 3).
I wanted to share this with you, as you have shared your journey with us. I hope this little story gives you the belief that the sub-20 mark is not far away, and you will achieve it. Even though I haven’t documented as much as you have, I have been following my progress. It’s always nice to have someone along for the ride, and I really do hope that you can find that goal you have your eyes upon.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. And happy new year!
It’s great to hear others’ accomplishment stories. I’m obviously advancing more slowly, but still moving in the right direction. I enjoy the challenge of each new step/technique.