I've had my violin for a week or two now, and between finishing research for finals I've been practicing.  For those who don't know, I play other stringed instruments by ear, and I'm trying to learn to read music and music theory as I learn the violin.  At this point my practice starts with a warm up of a few quick exercises, mostly just bowing straight and focusing on my bowing grip and wrist movement.  

I'm playing songs by ear now on the violin, now that I understand where the sounds are.  I usually play whatever song comes to mind (within reason of course) and use them to focus on my bowing tension, straightness, and grip.  Today for example, I played the Harry Potter theme song a few times and the theme song from Red Dwarf, and used them to work on my forms.  

Reading music is actually not as hard as I thought it'd be, now that I have the motivation to learn.  I can now recognize, name, and play the notes in open position and first position on the music staff.  I run through mental exercises to help me learn the rest of the main position notes, but right now I'm focusing on  the open and first position until I can recognize and play them without hesitation.  

It's hard to evaluate one's self, but i'm trying to list the things I need to improve on:

Bowing can still be a bit scratchy, especially on the A and E strings.

Still having bow bouncing, especially on the A and E strings.

Holding the violin in a consistent position, and not using my fret hand to hold it up. (I'm getting a new chin rest that should help with this)

Keeping my elbow further out

Unwanted sound when I move the bow to a different string

Holding the bow in a more relaxed grip.  I tend to tense up a bit sometimes.

Bowing tension on the strings.  I think some of my scratching is from too much or too little tension.

Anyway, I just figured if I posted an update once in a blue moon It'll help me with self evaluation and motivation.  Thanks all