I've Suprassed My Number of Post ...

So last year one of my resolutions was to blog twice a week.  Well I fell off that goal pretty quickly.  In face I only have about 11 or 12 entries for the whole of last year.

So far this year I've managed to blog at least once a day every day.  Woo hoo!  I'm definitely setting aside time each night to post.  But even on days I've got a lot going on I try to give myself room to breathe.

For instance I'm writing this entry on 1/17.  And technically this is a busy evening.  Had to visit a relative in the hospital and still need to do some writing tonight for TYWL (however, by the time I post this, future me might have finished it).

What I'm doing is have draft blogs ready to go if ever there is a day I'm too busy and it's too late but I want to update (because I think I've somehow worked out in my head to blog everyday this year).  While my goal is just to blog once a week, I think part of me thinks I might be able to accomplish everyday.

So here I am, writing an entry, not knowing when I might post it but wanting to call out what I'm doing because I think it's easy to get caught up in the hype of appearances especially anything that's meant to relay some sort of online presence.  But I'm definitely not perfect and not trying to be.  I'm just trying to do little hacks that keep me productive so I feel like I'm knicking away at these goals.

Speaking of goals my 2019 goals are still sitting in draft too.  LOL wonder which one I'll end up posting first if/when I have to rely on a draft post..

That said I really do need to go add some words to TYWL.  So far, from a habit standpoint I've managed to do something each day.  Doing the word and habit tracker for GYWO this year (but signed up for the 150k writing goal, I think this will be the year I finally hit it).

And the first pass at the website is complete...

Just sent my aunt the link to her website this evening with a list of things.  I also attempted the final exam for the WordPress class, got a 69% … Granted out of the 12 lessons (that have 5 chapters in each) I only accessed 4 of them.  So to get 69% is pretty good in my book.

I'll definitely retake it when I get around to working on my own site.  It'll be my third WordPress class at that point (since I'll be retaking this particular one a second time, I did my first class at the community college as a one day training).

Not too much of an update.  Super cold outside and got a bit of a light snow.

At any rate going to drink some water and do some self-healing, intending to pass out at a decent time tonight.

Got one more day of January left, hopefully I'm able to knock out my edit prep hours goal.

If I Were a Boy vs Like a Boy

I'm sure there was probably something back in the day that pitted these two songs against one another.  While I was driving today, listening to the music from my phone, one of the songs came on which immediately prompted me to want to hear the other and belt it out.

Over the years, depending on my mood, I'm sure I've favored one more than the other.... There was a reason I brought this up and now I've forgotten.

/random

At any rate finally made it to a Shut Up & Write event.  And it looks like they'll be meeting again on Friday so I'm going to try to attend that as well.  But the good news with attending tonight is I FINALLY got past chapter 10.  I've been stuck on the revision index card for ch. 10 for WEEKS!  And I'm not sure if it's because there's something problematic with that chapter (since I did make a note to split out the POVs) or if it was just a matter of me needing to be in that atmosphere to focus.

And I felt sooooo welcomed, even having come in late.  The organizer was awesome and I just popped a squat at the high table and went to work, surrounded by other writers.  And it was good because I didn't feel weird for not sitting with everyone else at the main table (which was fully loaded) but everyone was pretty spread out.  I don't know, it definitely felt different for me and an environment I could work in.  I mean heck I finally sat down to TYW again and now I'm back in it which is a big thing for me.

So there's that.  I think I'm getting to the point where I'm wanting more writely engagement and interaction.  I can still fully operate/function on my own and keep myself accountable but... yeah.

Speaking of I'm nearing the point to hand off the site to my aunt.  It's definitely a first draft/ work in progress but can be used and accessed.  I just need to type up some instructions for the hand off and set time to go over it.

Well I'm off.  Going to try to relax a bit before passing out .

The Official 2019 Goal Post

1/28/19 So I originally wrote the below post early (like on the 3rd or 4th) and since I'm tired today, plus this post has been sitting in my drafts since then, figure I'll finally post it.  Without further ado...

Every year I have this plethora of things I want to accomplish and I usually tackle at lease a few of them on there.

This year isn't any different.  I have about 17 things I've officially written down and some others that I didn't write down with their own special checkbox.

For instance I have finish my aunt's website a 1st quarter goal but on my actual list of 2019 goals it's not included... why?  Because I have an item for pushing out my own site.  My thinking is that completing her site will help bring me closer in completing my own.  One of the things I'll be working on this month is her site.  Oddly enough I don't have a timeline mapped out for when I'll work on mine but based on my writing activity for the year I don't have anything planned in September or December.  I doubt I'll hold out that long but I digress.

As of now my 2019 Goals include some usual suspects like:
- Release a book
- Complete an open project (WL, TYWL, JfFW, Y2)
- Complete second draft of TYW (this has rolled over for several years, hopefully this will be the year I get my ish together)
- Travel to a new city
- Read 25 books
- Pay off 2 debts
- Blog 2x/wk

etc etc...

What I think I'll do differently this year is print some calendars in order to capture the days I do certain things.  Like walking 3x a week and maybe indicating that with a green dot.

Things always start off well in the beginning and I'm trying to keep it simple so I don't hop off the wagon.

That said my primary goal for determining success this first quarter will be the complete of my aunt's site.  And maybe by the second I'll have my three health related goals be the criteria for it.

Another Busy Day... Website Building... Movies

Um... watching SNL with James McAvoy hosting and did not know he was Scottish.... And he's speaking.  I think he just got hotter.  Totally deserving this sit down/break for the day while eating a taco salad.   What is it about accents?  I'll watch Black Panther just to hear Chadwick's accent in it.

Anyway I spent WAY more than 4 hours on my aunt's site today.  Had some updates and other glitches plus cooking and doing laundry in between.  Also got in a couple of movies "Hi My Name is Doris" which I really enjoyed even if there were some cringeworthy/awkward moments that annoyed me but there were aspects I could relate to and think Sally Field did a great job.  Kinda could watch it again.  Also watched "Downsizing" today, totally hadn't gone in the direction I thought and enjoyed it as well.

I thought I would get through the WordPress online course with working on the website but actually didn't refer to it as much as I thought I would need to.  And with that said didn't get through that task today.  But will try to work on it through the week.

So weekend to do was still a success even if it only came down to one day and working on the website.  I'm pretty close to presenting a first draft of the site so that makes me excited.

In other news I missed service again today, had some weird dreams that I forgot to write down (due to not having a pen next to my notebook), and made some awesome meals today.  Did an omelet and fried potatoes again for brunch and taco's for dinner (but really became a taco salad since I forgot shells).

Improvise!  Off to relax and down to one load of laundry in the dryer  ^_^

Weekend To Do 1/27

Well the day definitely didn't go as planned.  Had a surprise visit this morning and more family that came through throughout the day plus a furry friend that led to a day of hosting.

As a side note breakfast was great.  Made some omelets with fried potatoes and I was in zombie mode at 8 ish as I chopped up everything.  Had fell asleep for a bit on the couch the night, woke up at 2am and watched another hour of MF before deciding to go to bed.  So being woken after 5 hours was slightly disorienting.

On Thursday I originally outlined the following things for me to do this weekend:
- Complete one online course from Dec
- 2-4 hours on website

And had several optional things which probably isn't worth mentioning.  If I manage to get through any of those I'll capture it.  However as it is I'm going to focus on the above.  Not even sure I'll make it to service in the morning.  Where there's to be a potluck afterwards and I'd been thinking I'd make a spinach quiche.  Now I just want to use the time to focus on the above.

Though fun thing today was watching several Marvel movies and discussing some theories with my uncle regarding Endgame.  Also it's funny the things one picks up each time watching a movie.  With re-watching Infinity War today I heard Thor say Thanos killed half his people.  Up until then I'd been struggling with what I was told about the comics versus what I'd observed at the beginning of IW (where it appears the whole ship containing the Asgardians was obliterated).  However that doesn't appear to be the case.

There was a lot of Netflix watching today.  Re-watch (for me) of Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, Solo, and Bird Box.  With ending the day the final bits of time watching some of the Office and then Adventure Time.

At any rate need to clean a bit and try to make some progress on a class.

No To Do List... Busy Day

All that is to say is that I'll likely post my to do list tomorrow.  Thankfully I figured it out yesterday night since today was WAY busy with two dr. appts, work, grocery, plus babysitting three kids under 4.

But we survived.  I didn't get through as many items in my task list for work. I think on Sunday I'm going to make a plan.  As long as no bad weather hits I'll likely stay late on Monday and get through the big item stuff,  Will likely either make a big dinner Sunday so there are leftovers for Monday or do a crockpot dish for Monday (so I'm not worrying).  /random

It was great having all the little ones around but they were definitely going going going and there was some creative organizing to ensure coverage.

And now I'm finally sitting.  I seem to always post late.  Well I'm a night owl when it comes to writing anyway.  Speaking of I should write something...

Also January is almost over and I still haven't posted my goals for the year.  Will try to get around to doing that this week, it's just sitting as a draft.

So very cold...

I really didn't want to go outside today but alas I forgot to meal prep for dinner tonight so I did run out to get something.

That aside second day in the row that I've worked on/written down some marketing strategies for TYW.  I still have the task of completing my editing prep :(  And with their only being one weekend in January left I think this weekend will likely be dedicated to hunkering down to catch up on classes.  I've not officially come up with my to do list but I think more and more I might extend my January goals into February.

I need to pick up a light writing project just so I can ensure I'm doing some minimal writing, since finishing TYWL I haven't done anything toward a story.  

I do need to figure out some targets and work backwards.  That might be the *fun* thing to do this weekend since the classwork will likely zap me of energy (as there are three of them to try to finish).  If I'm lucky I'll at least complete 1 of the 3 and only need to re-take 2 later.  However I'll consider it successful if I can complete 2 of the three classes before the month is out.  And right now I'm thinking CS will be the one that takes a backseat.

About to watch some Modern Family, eat my sticky rice, and drink lemon water.

Hodge Podge

Going into work this morning I was listening to NPR and the conversation for the first of hour of 1A was around the incident this weekend with the Native America Vet and white catholic school kid wearing the MAGA hat.  And I wanted to make a post how, because of social media, we've all become so much more reactionary and/or this need to spread things without taking time to fully understand/investigate.
 
I wanted to talk about being overwhelmed with "Notes of a Native Son." With what I've been reading, how relevant those essays are to this day still.  And specifically one of them that moved me.

I also wanted to talk about my lunch at work and my marketing prep/idea (well not too much about the idea) but that I'd did some work toward it...

But I'm tired.  So tired I might go to bed early tonight.

The day started out as an early one with what I thought was due to a dr. appt being today but got the dates wrong and thus drove to an appt unnecessarily.  But I digress.

Anywho this past weekend, since I'm not on social media, I still occasionally get wind of some things and I have to say the beauty of not being on social media is the ability to walk away and digest information, to poke holes at it while the rest of the world/media gets lit on fire.  Not to say that a discussion wasn't needed but the narrative has changed since the initial story.

But we, everyone including the media, or so anxious to be the first to 'break' a story that heed isn't given to trying to capture the right story.  In regards to the story and the various sides (the Native American vet who tried to make a barrier between the white catholic students and the black Hebrew Israelites); all I have to say is wrong is wrong at the end of the day.  I'll always side with peace and an extended hand rather than cast a stone.

… did that make sense?... :: shrugs ::

At any rate probably won't do any writing tonight but I'm on track for my 150k goal for the year.  So I think I'm going to eat a bit of ice cream and relax.

I still haven't nailed how I'm going to get through everything by next week but I'm not going to stress.. Things will work out.

Long Weekend 1/18-1/22 Summary... Drum Roll.....

I nearly got through it all :)

There's still time left in the day to tackle the last item but I think I'd rather forego it and just relax a bit before bed.

So a recap of the goals for this past weeks (as well as optional items):

That said, I haven't done too much thinking for the weekend.  

These are the definite items I wish to accomplish:

- Complete the Jan release for work 

- Finish another knitting project 

- Finish an open novel

- Start my RT of BoM

- 2-4 hrs on aunt's website

- 2k to TYWL

- Two good naps

Optional/additional things:

- Read a total of 2 books this weekend (so just getting in one extra)

- Complete TYWL (I'm nearing the 50k mark and would love if I just finished the first draft)

- Catch up in one of my classes (I'se behind in all 3, like weeks behind -_-)

- Finish my aunt's site (dreams.. I know, but at least a first draft of it that I can share with her)

- Editorial Map Index Cards for TYW maybe at least 2-3 (pending I complete the TYWL draft)

I was thinking I might try reading tonight but I really am tired and have a morning appointment so I'm closing the books on the long weekend.  

In other news today was eventual.  It ended up being a 'treat Denise' type of day.  All the more reason I'm not going to stress myself out with that last item and instead consider what I'll make a priority/focus this last week of the month.

Anywho, getting back to today, I went to a salon about my hair and got a ton of into.  Going to looking into seeing a dermatologist but in the meantime continue being vigilant about what I eat.  That said today was supposed to be my vegetarian days and I messed up within the last hour couple hours.  Will try again for another day this week.

But after getting my hair/scalp treated I went to tend to my eyebrows and got those threaded the proceeded to get a couple ear piercings.  One to reopen a hole plus a new one.  And now for the maintenance, lol.  Then hit up the vegan restaurant I like for anti-inflammatory smoothie and kind sammie.  Purchased some crystals, candle, and juniper sage while there.  Did a bit of knitting on the scarf.  And did a couple other runs tonight.  So now I'm in, it's raining and I'm ready to just clean up/load the dishwasher (made spaghetti for dinner), and relax.  

Trying to decide if I'll do any writing tonight... probably will.  I really do need to figure a game plan to tackle the rest of the stuff I have for Jan unless I go ahead and shift some things.  

Howl at the Moon, Make Your Wish Come True

We definitely tried to see/be outside for the totality but I think we missed it.

Though I told everyone that during the event we needed to make a wish and in order to cement/confirm the wish you have to howl at the moon.  So we all took a moment and decided on something to wish upon and once you figured it out, howl.  So we howled in a disjointed fashion.  We tried to do it at totality but alas it was cold and even with the multiple warm up breaks it seems like we might've been inside when it did.

It was a late night though and I'm likely going to get in a nap today.  I'm feeling glad I made the weekend to do light because there were definitely some things I couldn't foresee.

That said I did finish my first draft (aka the discovery draft) of 'The Year We Lost".  And now I'm going to sit on it for a bit.  Will now plan on putting more time on TYW.

Started working on a new knitting project (pink and white scarf) while listening to 'Midnight Sun'.  Will definitely have another audio book on deck to see me through this project.

I also started my read-thru of BoM today.  I would have liked to have a concentrated day of reading by some other things came up which needed attention.  That said I did have a nice nap today, woohoo.

And have one more day off before I need to go back to work.  So I'm going to try to get through the last of my to do tomorrow which would be 2-4 hours on the aunt site and finish reading a book.  I picked up "Notes of a Native Son" last night and between it or "Midnight Sun" hoping to finish it tomorrow.

Off to watch some toons for a bit.  Definitely feeling the sleepies hitting me.  

Super Frickin' Cold ... Super Blood Wolf Moon

This won't be a long entry.  Just wanted to give an update on the weekend progress.

Got in a bit of writing today but that was about it.  Different things popped up and took hold of the day.

But outside watching the moon with my sis and the kids.  Taking up another warm up break before we head back out.

Fingers crossed for a bit more progress tomorrow.

Weekend Progress Report 1/18-1/22

I think after I write this I might need to take a nap or just go to bed.  Today was a long day  Started off with being woken up at 4 in the morning (after only going to bed at like 2am).  I did eventually get in another hour or so of rest but I'm definitely feeling lethargic now.

That said I did start listening to "Midnight Sun" in order to get through one of my knitting projects.  Finished mi madres hat today so will start on the scarf tomorrow most likely and finish MS then (since it's only 6 hours).  I have another audio book that's 14 hours, which should help see me through the scarf.

So despite the craziness today I did get something done, so yay for that.  Also honorable mention to the breakfast I made today and how I was able to give my niece and nephews things to do that were self contained but allowed them to help with breakfast.  Like who peeled potatoes, whipped the batter or the eggs.  It was a pretty extensive breakfast - pancakes from scratch, cheesy eggs, boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes (or maybe their called home fries) - but there were several mouths to feed (and some were pickier than others).

At any rate I'm going to try to wrap some words around TYWL and hopefully finish out this first draft.

Also we were forecast to get more snow this weekend but looks like it missed us.  I was definitely prepared for another snowed in weekend (since it had really been productive for me).

Oh, one last thing (I think), watched "The Hurricane Heist" on Netflix and it seemed to be all over the place.  I think it had me reflecting on what the script was like and if what eventually was the movie had been the original intent.  Because in one aspect it seems like it should be about these brothers who lost their dad in a hurricane years ago and their both still chasing down some unresolved thing... maybe?  Then there are the football anecdotes between Blitz?  Blaine? heck I can't remember the one bro's name now, just know the other one was Will/Willie.  Then there's Casey, Washington rep for this slew of old money and she has some story but it's all very meh.  I think I was vested to look up at it every now and then but what kept hitting in my head was "surprised this didn't go straight to DVD".  Because I DO remember it being in theaters and even then questioning it.

I guess all this is to say I think my mind may be gearing up for screenplay challenge in February.  Paying extra attention to what draws me in or what causes me to lose my interest.  The same is happening with books.  I like a bit of richness but I definitely need to be drawn in/invested enough to want it.

That said I still have a few things to do for January so I'm not sure if my plans may shift or if I'll just continue to work through things then.

Aye, I've rattled enough.  Time to write ^_^

Yay for Long Weekends... Weekend To Do for 1/18 - 1/22

This coming Monday is the MLK holiday.  Some odd years ago I remember me and my niece read the entire "I Have A Dream..." speech in observance.  It felt great.  I'm thinking I'll reread a speech or two in observance.

That said since this is a long weekend and I've tacked on an extra day for myself I still like it's important I give myself stuff to do but not go overboard.  Last weekend was a good balance even if I didn't get to two things, I still knocked out everything else plus some personal items.

I also managed to knock out some personal things this past week, like sending off one of the knitted hats I made.  Have one other I need to deliver.

Anywho, even though I count Friday as part of the weekend to do, most of the time I don't get much in since I have to work and today I had a release so I worked late thus the later than usual blog entry.  And I really wanted to write something tonight to make myself accountable for the weekend (rather than rely on one of the emergency drafts).

That said, I haven't done too much thinking for the weekend.  

These are the definite items I wish to accomplish:
- Complete the Jan release for work (lol... DONE)
- Finish another knitting project (mi madres hat or scarf)
- Finish an open novel
- Start my RT of BoM
- 2-4 hrs on aunt's website
- 2k to TYWL
- Two good naps

Optional/additional things:
- Read a total of 2 books this weekend (so just getting in one extra)
- Complete TYWL (I'm nearing the 50k mark and would love if I just finished the first draft)
- Catch up in one of my classes (I'se behind in all 3, like weeks behind -_-)
- Finish my aunt's site (dreams.. I know, but at least a first draft of it that I can share with her)
- Editorial Map Index Cards for TYW maybe at least 2-3 (pending I complete the TYWL draft)

And this feels good.  Reasonable.  I should be able to tackle everything on the definite list with room to breathe while still giving myself the challenge to tackle things on the optional side.

We'll see how I progress tomorrow.  Going to veg for the evening after I log a book on GR and update an appointment.

Keep Your Head Down.. Keep Banging On

I was thinking about this speech I'd seen on Facebook from Idris Elba.  What I saw was a truncated version but wanted to post the video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0hTMl3hC6M

Lol the only thing I don't fully subscribe to is 'work hard, sleep less'.  Nann, I need my sleep dude ^_^

Not sure I'll get any writing done tonight.  Watching this doc called 'Fyre Fraud' on Hulu and might look at 'You' on Netflix, checked out the first ep yesterday night and liked it.

And I'm Feelin' Good

::in my Nina Simone voice::

I have to admit I've been moving in and out of moods lately.  Though every time something negative tries to insert itself I try to call it out and challenge the thought or have my moment and ask myself why it is I'm having that.  My own internal therapy.

That said today presented it's challenges with returning to work after only being gone one day.  It's difficult trying to play catch up and there are things demanding/wanting your attention that very moment.  But even as I wanted to hop around to things I felt might be a priority and sometimes I would skip around I would inevitably bring myself to looking at things one at a time in order and keeping things open until I came across something that made it seem complete (so based on what was left open I knew there'd be an action for me).  I always think/remind myself of doing it 'bird by bird'... speaking of it's been years since I've read that.  I think I want to try to reread it sometime this year.

I managed to get some things checked off my to do list at work which felt GREAT.  Even though it meant I was there until almost 7 and that would cut into my writing time this evening.  I also knocked out some other errands like getting to the library to get volumes 4-5 omnibus for Twinkle Stars, post office, gas, store, and a dinner run since I knew it'd be too late to try to cook.

I'm nearing the 50k mark with TYWL.  Have 49k and some change.  I'm trying to wrap my mind around this ending because I know when I revise there will definitely need to be an emphasis on the timeline and structure (I've bounced around so much with it).  I also think once I finish it, it'll mentally free me to really focus on my TYW index cards for my revision prep.

I'm also still sort of reliving the brief joy in trying to reach out to an old friend but sad because it did bounce back (email no longer valid).  But it was such an interesting feeling to behold that I felt this elation from making that decision and ultimately following through with reaching out.

Over the weekend a classmate reached out to me as well and her email/message totally made my day.  In fact I meant to make a post about it and forgot.  But it's always amazing to me the people who are watching and following along with your progress.  And this particular person has good vibes, like she's such a positive soul and to get this message from her really touched me.

Anywho I think I'm babbling.  One final thing, yesterday I did an apple cider rinse with my hair.  I'm not sure if it's stress, diet, or a combination of things but I feel like every time I turn around there's a little fluff of my curly fro-mini coming out.  I did read that too much Vitamin A can be bad for the hair and I've definitely been doing a lot of that so tonight I'm cutting back.  However wanted to comment how nice my hair feels after the rinse.  I'm trying to work better at not stressing myself out but in the meantime constantly working on making better decisions with the diet.

I suppose I should go do something writerly before it gets too late ^_^

The Day Did Not Go As Planned

In other words expect the unexpected.

This morning I woke up with some stomach issues, did yesterday as well, but I decided if I had them today I was just going to take the day off and read.

And when I say take the day off I mean not only the day job but also the evening job, #WriterLife, because I've done something in that realm EVERY DAY since the New Year and even before then it seems.  I feel as though I've been going, going, going, since Nano 2018 with maybe an occasional day or so break here and there.  However I'd say since the New Year I've definitely been a bit optimal in my strategy to tackle things, which is why last week I commented on it feeling like it'd been more than just a week into the New Year.

That said I was going to take it easy today.  I have a plethora of library books that I want to get into and yesterday while renewing "The Book of M" and "The Burning World", I'd hit my limit with those (had to physically take them back and recheck 'em out), I realized I needed to reprioritize what books needed my attention so I could finish them in time, avoid fines, and get done rather than continually extend.

Well long story short I read one omnibus. And got in an unexpected two hour nap. Stomach is seeming to be a bit funky now but decided to do a semi fast and just going to drink lemon water until I go to bed.

The Biggest Dreams Take Time

I just saw these words on Sabaa Tahir's Twitter and they just breathed so much life in me, as in I want to cry because I feel overwhelmed by that truth.

She included a split image - one side a handwritten pile of Ember and the other side the bound finished copies of all three books.

I'm not comparing but it's definitely something to reflect that she'd been into Ember for 2 years, the image she snapshot was from 2009, meaning she'd started Ember in 2007.  In 2007 I wrote my first novel "The Makings of I and U".  It's since become a drawer novel and I have written 10 or 11 over novels from then until now.  I wonder what it might have been to focus my energy on TMIU but I knew that story needed more than what I could figure at the time and the advice was to keep writing, so I worked on something new.

In 2008 I finished Inevitable.  It would later by the first novel I queried that Spring.  But then it went nowhere and I moved on to the next one, then the next one, then another one, and so on and so on...

I've kept moving, to the point that I sometimes think earlier stories make their way into new stories because now they feel ready, and my subconscious dangles it like a carrot, waiting for me to solve the puzzle.  But I digress.

Seeing her words, again, gave me something tonight.  And I too hope to do the same for someone someday.  Be an inspiration in a moment that they might not realize they need it... just because.

Off to do a couple errands and will hopefully get in an index card tonight or write at least 500 words since I again did not go the Starbucks write in :(

Oh I also finished Mirage today!  I'm so ordering a copy for myself :) It's worth a reread.

Hits and Misses for the Weekend of 1/11 - 1/13

I ask a lot of myself on the weekend, even when I think I'm not asking a lot.  I intentionally tried to keep this weekend light so I can pat myself on the back and proclaim I did it all.  As it is I'm still going to pay myself on the back.

There are less than two hours left to the weekend and two items I have not completed.  I could probably easily slide in one but I'm tired and still need to fold laundry as well as do the dishes.

BUT some honorable mentions, even though I did not tackle everything on my to do list due to some bad time management and HUGE technical issues with the computer I'm using for my aunt's site I did pretty darn good.

So honorable mentions:
- I made some delish dishes; breakfast was awesome (once I woke up) which was more like brunch with cheesy eggs, waffles, and fried potatoes (with garlic, bacon, and onion) then for dinner I was supposed to do the usual boxed jambalaya recipe and realized I didn't have any so I found an easy gumbo recipe online and made gumbo for the first time :)
- I am 3k shy of my 50k goal for TYWL
- Finished a hat with puffy fray and added a puff to the hat I finished last week; so their both officially done and ready to go... also started working on a hat for mi madres (which I'll likely work on some more once I finish this entry and fold this load of laundry)

And for the weekend to do results....

Missed:
- 2-4 hr revision time and/or minimum of 2 index cards (this I could probably still squeeze in but I'm learning toward not)
- Finish reading a book (and this is where I should know better... I'm a slow reader so I would have had to dedicate a day to achieve this one).  That said I did make progress listening to "Mirage" while knitting.  And I'm finally invested in the story.  It took me some time.

Hits:
- 2K for TYWL (did nearly 5k toward this goal yesterday)
- 3-5 hrs of knitting (knocked out a couple projects and started a new one)
- 2 hrs on aunt's website (around all the chopping/dicing/cooking today I had some major updates to the computer before it would let me do anything but about 6 ish it finally came together)
- N19 Prep activity (I completed this yesterday and I think it followed me into my sleep... I think one of my dreams might've sort been revealing a bit about this story)

And there ye have it.  I definitely got more done this weekend and I'm happy for the small progress I made. Here's to hoping for a productive week.  I'm not sure how I'll focus it quite yet so I can hit my goals but I'm sure I'll noodle on it tonight.

Weekend Progress Report 1/11 - 1/13

I hit my goal of 2k today.  In fact nearly had a 5k day but reached a good stopping point for TYWL.  I am nearing 50k and trying to think how to handle the story.  This is probably the most I've ever skipped around with a story.  But I'm hoping with it being so chaotic that it might make for a more streamlined revision process especially since I came with so many different ideas as I wrote to discover what this story was about.

Of course I went into it with the idea I'd had for it years ago and since sprinkled a bit more with the things that came to me late last year and now as I've written more today I wonder more what will the story look like when it's all said and done  But I'm nearing the end.  Knowing that when I do sit back to it a lot of it will likely be taken out in order to shape it into the story it wants to be.

At any rate working on some prep activity then might knit a bit (or just watch a movie).  Since I spent way more time with TYWL than I intended to.  But two things have been checked off the to do list, so yay!

While the Snow is on Pause .... Weekend To Do for 1/11-1/13

Figured I'd hop on here to declare my weekend to do.  After much back and forth on rather I should set my goals around time or not, I think I've finally come up with something I can live with.  And again not going overboard so I can have more successes this weekend.

Goal for this weekend:
- 2k toward TYWL
- 2-4 hours of revision time for TYW (expectation of 2 revision index cards minimum for editorial map)
- 3-5 hours of knitting (hoping to put finishing touches on one of the hats I made after I finally decided to make the fuzzy topper)
- finish reading one of the 20948329084023 books I have open, lol seriously... in order to stay on track for Goodreads Reading Challenge I need to read 2ish books a month
- 2 hours on aunt's website
- N19 prep activity (5min free writing, character, world building, etc)

So unlike last weekend I'm not going to concern myself with catching up on the classes.  I might next weekend but for this one I want to keep it light since earlier today I had the bright idea to make this a 'do nothing' weekend.  But I know me.  So instead I'm going to try for a light work load with some relaxing.

That said I am tracking 3 items to do for January and one of them I haven't started but I'm not going to panic  I'm going to make these small knicks and continue to keep myself accountable.

In unrelated news, did a check on some of my debts today.  I have 4 that are all under 1k!  Like the end is definitely in sight :)

Okay, off to do a bit of writing for TYWL before checking out and watching Bob's Burger & The Simpsons ^_^
 

Hunkering Down for Impending Snow

I left work late, as soon as I got in worked on dinner and when that was done had to run to the store.  And judging by the shelves a lot of people had the same thing in mind.

Still, I have done the weekend shopping today so once the snow starts tomorrow I'm in.  I wasn't able to do much today as I'd planned, writing wise.  I'd packed the TYW with the intent of doing an index card over my lunch break but between emails, IM, and someone stopping at my desk for a question it just didn't happen :(

I think in the future I'm going to begin taking my lunch in the cafeteria or maybe at the old café to get some quiet.  I thought at the very least I might be able to add some words to TYWL too and even packed my Bluetooth keyboard (so I could add to the story to my phone) and there was just too much going on.  I have difficulty drawing a line in the sand when it comes to task at work.  So next week I'll try getting away from my desk for the lunch hour and see how that fares.

That said I REALLY want to catch up with my classes this weekend because I'm weeks behind with the three I signed up for and I think a new session is about to start soon (and I signed up for an editing one).  I also need to register for piano classes again.

However I need to be realistic with myself so I'll plan on working on the website again this weekend and at least getting caught up with that class.  And will maybe try to tackle a couple other things this weekend.  Still working through what will be my goals/to do for the weekend (that are within reason).

It truly feels like there's been more than 10 days of the New Year thus far.  I think with trying to get so much done and maximizing my time it feels much longer even on the days I don't get quite as much done.  I'm still chiseling bit by bit.

... must finish editorial map ...

Not quite a sad puddle tonight but still a bit down but not crying/sniffling as I was the previous day.

Though I'm mad at myself for not having better time management because I really did want to attend the writer meet up at the library yesterday but I'm going to plan to attend next week. Going to plan to aim to attend both (the one on Monday at Starbucks and the other at the library on Tuesday).

It's a difficult thing to develop relationships/friendships with others.  It takes time to build meaningful ones.... also the task is writing can be a lonesome road in general ::sigh::

That said I was looking over my handwritten goals for January and tried to take some time at lunch to work on my revision prep but that got derailed.

So alas blogging now, about to add 500 words to TYWL and then plan on doing 2 index cards minimum of revision prep for TYW.

Well my PC just did something funky so going to work on the index cards and try to write later.

Week into the New Year

And I'm tired.

Lol trying to keep on task with everything is tiresome.  I wrote a little over 1k last night, worked on revision prep but I think I need some time to decompress like a week off.

As it is I'm just going to take it easy tonight especially since I feel a headache coming on.  I was thinking I'd work on my TYW index cards but I'll plan on doing that tomorrow evening (didn't make it to the write-in at the library either since I left work late plus forgot my laptop).

But did have some interesting conversations today.  One of my coworkers lost both her parents last month, two days apart and a friend of mine recently had to put her pet down.  The bonds we make, with our time here and how sacred some of those relationships are (more than others) it's …. I want to say beautiful but just the connections we make and how impactful they are; and how the depth of some of those relationships means we are guaranteed to always grieve.

I hurt seeing my coworkers pain.  I hurt remembering my own.  And later when talking to my friend, hearing about her pet, talking about how short our time is here and trying to be mindful/cherish those that are important to us, I felt myself getting teary again because there's always that desire of 'if only I had one more day' or just wanting more time .. :(

At any rate, I'm a sad puddle right now so I'm going to try to type some words for TYWL, eat some ice cream, and watch a little bit more of Daria before I pass out .

Revision Prep - TYW

Take # 38409328390284-932

I've been trying to revise/edit "The Three Year War" for some at least a couple of years.  Last year I came across Janice Hardy's Revision Workshop and tried to make it my focus to follow along with it but I got overwhelmed and just stopped.

So going to try again (if at first you don't succeed...) And was also thinking of doing a vlog to keep myself more accountable.  I reached out to Janice to get her approval and as long as I provide credit she's okay with it.  Now to actually follow through on it -_-

I was hoping I'd have my old Scrivener for the TYW accessible since one of the editing prep activities was something I did when writing it but I think I'm going to continue to proceed with hand writing the index card system I started.  Since I can't access it (TYW appears to only be on my broken laptop).

And at the pace I'm going I might end up tackling the workshop the same month it'd been run some odd years ago.

At any rate, going to try to add some words to TYWL now and planning to attend a writing meetup tomorrow (if I don't work too late).  I missed the Starbucks one tonight but hoping to start attending it again next week.

Weekend Update

So it's less than 20 minutes of the weekend and there were some hit/misses.

Hits:
- Started the aunt's website (woo hoo)
- Personal task completed (battery for car & mail check)
- Printed out my next read through
- Prep activity for N19
- Blogging
- Exercise

Misses:
- Did not get caught up in the online WP course :(
- DL Scrivener (something happened when I tried to do it Friday)
- 2k TYWL (got in over 1k though)
- TYW edit prep
- Finish reading a book

Also for a brief 10-15 minutes I did log back into Facebook,  was running late for MSC and thought I'd join from online but apparently I need the app to watch live.  Once I figured that out I just deactivated it again.  It was odd for those minutes I was suddenly overwhelmed by it.  Then got overwhelmed by other things throughout the day.  Eventually had to take some moments to be still and just breathe deeply.

And now it's less than five minutes.

Going to enjoy some more Daria, into season 4 now.

The Weekend is So Short :(

I know I still have Sunday but in looking at the handwritten listed I made for myself Friday while still at work (what I posted online was a truncated version) of the nine things on there, I've checked off two...  ::commence internal meltdown::

Granted after I make this post I'll plan on adding some words to TYWL (goal of adding 2k for the weekend).  And I lost some words to it last night.  After purchasing Scrivener last night my laptop seized and I thought I'd saved my spreadsheets and story but apparently I didn't because a bit of dialogue is gone.  It wasn't a significant loss, probably less than 500 words, but still.  Going to take my second stab at that particular scene, wasn't too attached to the original anyway so I'll take it as an opportunity to make it more.  

I did take care of a personal thing today, needed a new battery and that soaked up about 4-5 hours at Wal-Mart.  I at least knocked out some grocery shopping during the wait and spoke to some other customers in the waiting room about anxiety when driving 'dirty' and our treatment when it comes to going to auto shops as women.  Also the cashier from there turned on 'Bird Box' even though a few minutes into the film it froze.  Granted I'd already seen it so it wasn't one of those times that I got sucked into the move. Though the opening down draw you in when Sandra Bullock character is hashing out some strong words/instructions and you're sitting there like "Who she talkin' to like dat?"... At any rate I had hoped to do some reading while I was there but I was just way too tired.  Didn't even crank on GOT, up to season 6 with it.  

And I went out with my sister and the nieces/nephews to the park as the weather was great today.  I considered it my 30 min of exercise since we eventually played Hide and Seek.  And OMG so out of shape but for me it was hilarious to try to chase after them or when my niece tried to get me and I'm thinking "I'm such a slow runner".  LOL when did that happen?  I was never super fast to begin with but wow, it felt good though - the running and game play.  And later, once home, went down for what turned out to be a two hour on and off nap.  But I'm UP now.  Looking to do some damage (at least tackle 2 more things tonight).  

I'm not sure if I'll make it through Childhood's End before the weekend is out but it's my goal to try to.  I have way too many books that I've opened and wandered off on.  Trying to close some of those out.  

Weekend Challenge

Weekend challenge = weekend to do

So for this first weekend of the new year it's time I start working on my aunt's website.  I'm also behind in some classes I signed up for so I'm going to at least access the WordPress one and work through it.

I'm trying not to go to overboard with things to do but two major things (to me) from a time perspective would be the website and finishing a book.

The plan for the weekend:
- start website
- finish reading a book
- prep (N19 & TYW)

Also need to see about purchasing Scrivener again. Which sucks because I bought it before but can't find anything regarding my license nor does there appear to be anything on record.

At any rate I better stop watching Daria at some point and try to tackle these things.  Though I might veg the rest of the evening -_-

New Idea aka Nano 19 Contender

I took the day off Wednesday in order to heal up and rest a bit since I'd spent the last couple weeks mostly sleeping on the couch.  I started noticing a difference and maybe it was from all the fluids (peppermint tea, OJ, lemon water) and some Robitussin here and there but feeling a bit better.

Did a lot of dreaming but the new idea was not the result of any of the dreams, granted I think I was still loopy when I went for my bio break and I was staring at the floor tile and saw this scene of three people, two of them intimidated by the third looming shadowy figure.  A sacrifice was being made and at the last possible second the one took the other's place.  Now that I write it down it makes me remember that scene from the Hunger Games when Katniss volunteered/took Prim's place.

So I kept thinking about this idea.  Asking questions and getting more and more excited.  Not so excited that I'll jump write into it, but excited enough to write things down, to free write what I know/understand now.  Excited enough to say this might be the world I dabble with and add stuff to as far as notes with the intention of doing Nano 2019 for.  It's way too early to tell but I think my mind is finally ready to take on a full fledged Fantasy.  Not the kind that as I'm writing something it turns into one or has aspects of it but going into the novel knowing it'll be full Fantasy ^_^  Technically it won't be my first but hopefully my first draft for one (since Winter Lily was a Nano novel, Fantasy, but only got about 14k into it).

At any rate I'm still making notes about it.  And likely what I'll be doing here and there but again not my primary focus.  Part of me is playing around with the idea that the story might be based in an established world but I have to dig a bit deeper before I know for sure.

First Movie of 2019 - Netflix Movie: "Nappily Ever After"

It occurs to me that I didn't see that many movies in the theater last year.  A couple years ago or so there was a point that it seemed we were going to see a movie every weekend.  That has dramatically gone down.  I think one factor has been cost/trying to save me and cut down on debt.

That said first movie I watched was "Nappily Ever After", a Netflix movie, and I liked it.  I think for any black woman whose struggled over their identity as it relates to their hair will be to relate/identify with some of the experiences of the main character. As this is and can sometimes be a struggle for me.  We all have our various journeys and the subplots within them, I feel for most black women our hair is a major subplot since it ties so much to who we are.  And ultimately there is a liberating scene that I remember just watching it with my mouth open because how often have so many of us wanted to do just what she did.

At any rate I'm glad I watched it :)

***
3.4/5 stars

2018 Year in Review

This won't actually be a full year in review but I thought it was important to go back and look at what I wrote for 2018 in order to look at what I did/didn't accomplish.

So for 2018 my goals/intentions were the following:
For 2018...
1.  Complete the revision of "The Three Year War"
2.  Self Publish another project
3.  Write the first draft of "#TheLastStop"
4.  Write 150k (or more) for the year
5.  Blog once a week (going for an over 80% success rate)... trying this one again
6.  Write 6 short stories
7.  Complete read through of "The Magician's Order" ... trying this one again as well
8.  Travel to three new places
9.  Read 25 books
11.  Reduce debt - Pay off 2 loans or store/credit cards
12.  "Just Because" act of kindness each month
13.  Put 3k into Savings (and not touch it)
14.  Complete a house project (i.e. flooring for one room, garden for spring, organize office, etc) .. rolling this one over too since there's a lot to do still, lol
15.  Once a week health focus (ex: Ensuring I go for half hour walk; 3-5 servings of fruits/veggies; 5-10 minute mindful meditation)

Looks like I accomplished a third of what I wrote down..  Despite that I still feel good with what I did do.  And the ways I got close to completing others or just in the things I did like:
- Classes, classes, classes - 2018 felt like the year of learning.  Rather it was online classes or those through the community college I took a leap (tap, piano, writing, self-publishing, editing/revision workshop, screenwriting, etc)
- Mexico :)
- GYWO almost reached my 150k goal, fell short by about 20k but still great :)

And while I probably have about 15 goals for 2019, I do have one that I plan to make a focus.  Will plan on posting those later this week.  A lot of what I had for 2018 I'll be working on in 2019.