Management Monday - Week of 9/30 - 10/6

Today did not start off as planned or rather I had a later start than I intended.  But mai pen rai, live and learn.

That said this will be a quick post since I still have some SM prep for the week I'd like to get established.

Last night I went back to my method of creating a check box task lists.  That isn't to say my experiment the previous weeks weren't working, in fact last week was highly productive with letting go (hmm, something to take note of, especially give the conversation I had today...) BUT I do like knowing when I knocked something out. 

Anyway, it's just something to try and I'll see how it goes.  So far I've knocked out a few minor things (such as follow up for the interactive piece on the website and business ideation meeting).

However of the 25 ish things I've captured for the week, some big things I'd like to accomplish are:
- setting up analytics for the website
- proof copy of NFD
- finish story
- finish reading a book
- start inking and prepping #Inktober #Preptober

On a final note, I'm grateful for deep conversations.  This morning while picking up 'the dress' from the dry cleaners I was speaking with Ms. Constance who has an interesting story and grateful to her for sharing it with me.  You never know what someone is going through and we both agreed that what any of us can do at the end of the day is just keep trying, keep going.  She is a resilient spirit.  And I know that conversation was something we both needed. 

Taking a Pause to Celebrate

This week has been productive.  I mean truly productive and that isn’t to dismiss the other work I’ve done leading up to this week because it all adds to the collective but in the last 12 hours I’ve managed two very big things.

And I am tired, in a good way.  What did I do exactly?  Well first let me say I tackled this week different, as I did last weeek.  I did away with my check box system last week and just made a list of things I knew I needed to do.  This week I had a list but I also decided to give myself a purpose each day for instance:
Monday: Content Prep for the week
Tuesday:  Writing
Wednesday: Reading
Thursday: PitchWars submission
Friday: TBD

Which was funny that I hadn’t locked anything in for Friday.  It’s as if I already knew...

So Monday was focused on the various social media platforms and prep.  I learned today that there is a free version of HootSuite so I’m going to look at it again to see if I want to try it.  I did work out that I might do my schedule differently to make it manageable.  I”m in that stage of playing around until I find a formula that works for me.

Tuesday I began working on finishing the huntress story (as it is one of the things I intend to finish out before September ends) On Wednesday I ended up tackling another item that I had outlined for “finish before 9/30” which was a draft of NFD with words and the illustrations married up.  And OMG I did it.  I hadn’t planned on doing it but once I got started I wanted to see it through.

Thursday I made myself be still and just enjoy reading.  Took a glorious nap and proceeded to look into the Pitch War mentors to see who would be a good fit.

And today I had another BAL session in which I got addresses for my target market group.  AND submitted for Pitch Wars 2019 ^_^

It doesn’t seem like much but it’s been a lot.  Like the query and synopsis took me about 4 hours but I  finally submitted and let out a breath.

So damnit I’m going to celebrate because too often it’s “okay done with that, what’s next” and damnit if I’m not like “let me enjoy this victory chick, gosh...”

Because you know I’m already thinking what I need to do for the week or the outstanding things I have left.  But the thing is there will ALWAYS be something.  So this weekend I’d like to reward myself with getting lost in a book.

... though there is the other side of me that’s like “reward yourself by checking something else off the list...”. ^_^. This lovely head of mine.

At any rate if I were to hypothetically come up with a weekend to do list it would involve:
- continue celebration for #PitchWars submission
- order proof copy of NFD
- finish huntress story
- finish a book

That said napping and watching movies again (as my pile is up again) sounds good too.

Apologies for any typos, I’se tired and writing from my phone... I’se off :D
.

The Dress

Setup:  Driving down the highway
Music:  Billie Eilish

It occurred to me recently that I might be ready.  Ready for what?  Ready for whatever the next chapter entails, the next level, whatever form of growth...

Why?

Not too long ago I was looking for the dress.  The dress I'd worn to my grandmother's funeral with the intent of getting it cleaned.  I've worn the dress once and never again.  But I couldn't find it when it came time to take it to the dry cleaners.

Last Wednesday, without realizing it, my mother picked up a movie I had determined I couldn't rent.  Some day I knew I could rent it again but it'd been the last movie we'd seen together (me, mi madres, and grandmother) and seeing it tended to make emotions attempt to rise.  But without realizing it until after the fact, it was there.  I haven't watched it.  But I have it.

Yesterday, I can't remember the thought I was having but I looked over to something, noticed a bag, and in it was the dress.  I didn't become emotional or anything but I was excited because now I could get it cleaned.

However later that day, as I was driving I was struck by grief.  Missing her so hard and tried to give myself permission to let it go despite the fact I was driving.  It was good.  Because one thing I recognize is I try not to go there or think about her too often.

I've heard several people say they believe grief is like love with nowhere to go.  I feel there is truth in that.

Gratitude Tuesday: Acts of Kindness

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind..."

I paraphrase and can't remember who said it #memoryfail but an important message all the same.  Today I followed my intuition.  I wanted my hot cup of milk and thought "I could make this" but knew it would soak up more of my time.  Time I wanted to designate for writing.  So I opted to stop at Starbucks on my morning drive.

Instead of stopping at the one near my house, I stopped one a slight bit out of the way because for this particular drink, my hot milk, I've enjoyed how they've made it and had a great conversation with the barista at the Drive-Thru.

Well this morning as I sat in the drive-thru and ate my questionable ripe banana I was listening to the radio and a couple things happened - 1) Lizzo was playing and as that is a fave song of mine currently I always take it as good sign when it comes on (as if the universe is saying right decision/choice) and 2) I wanted to hear the Positive Note for the day well instead I caught "Donkey of the Day" … I gave a moment toward the politics of today, the sound bite earlier in the morning from Jimmy Kimmel with the CNN interview and all of it just doesn't feel right.

Not right in the "CORRUPTIION! CORRUPTION!" type of a thought.  In the vicious way every one goes after the other.  I get we all feel strongly but at what point do we all take a step back and ask ourselves are we getting anywhere...?  It felt very toxic and hadn't felt good.

So I pull up to the window, turn down the radio just as I hear the donkey of the day is going to Nancy Pelosi and part of me withers but then the barista informs me that the woman ahead of me has paid for my order...

0_0

Kindness.  It is a choice.  No matter who you are or where you are or which side of the fence you claim, kindness is ALWAYS an option.

And as I do my social media check (trying to allocate time each day, including blogging, to engage) I came across this story that made me tear up.

Bookstore Employee and the Colorful Old Lady

Kindness y'all.  Practice it more and more.

As Gandhi says "be the change you want to see in the world..."

Or something close to that but y'all get the point.  Spread kindness.

Management Monday - Week of 9/23-9/29

Last week was a whirlwind of discovery, one meltdown, re-discovery, learning, and several moments of joy (the type of joy to bring on tears).  In a word... emotional.

I don't plan on making this a long post because I'm trying to make this the day I prep/schedule content for October and work in some website updates.

Top three things I plan to target this week:
- Submission for PitchWars (the window is from 9/25-9/27) … there's a lot of work associated with this
- Complete draft copy of NFD
- Content prep (or rather get in as many draft blog entries

I'm considering using Hootsuite... Still noodling.  I think once I get a few things knocked out I'll take a look into it.

That said a few things I'm grateful for from the past weekend:
- Got through several movies
    - Nokim (dozed off a bit but still enjoyed what I did see and the message)
    - Lars and the Real Girl (I'd been meaning to watch this for years, dozed off on it too -_-)
    - Greta (I enjoyed this and did not doze off on it, lol)
    - Two Lovers and a Bear (will review this later this week either on this site or the author site)
- TWO HOURS OF PIANO PRACTICE!!!!
   - It felt amazing, so long story short my class is Saturday morning at 8, well I didn't get there until 9 but I told myself 30min of practice is better than none, well the instructor let me stay over into the next class (the next level of Piano) and I got to play along with that class.  To me that represented being ready for the next step, like seeing what they were playing made me realize I wasn't too far off and could be in the class come next time.  This also rings true for life.
- Naps, OMG, specifically on this couch I got from a friend years ago when she was moving.  The couch doesn't scream 'comfy' but I dozed on it while watching movies and those naps were so energizing, my sleep has been a bit wonky as I've had a lot of things coursing through it (marketing/writerly items) and I've been tired.
- Book a librarian on Friday with Mel was incredibly helpful (which reminds me, I  need to set up another appointment) … though Book a Librarian in general is an incredible resource so just grateful to it's existence and both Paul and Mel's help last week
- Moments of peace/being still

Okay, off to do some things to make it easier on Future Denise ^_^

Curate: Be Like Nature

Be patient.

Learn to be still.

Let go, more than you hold on.

I have to remind myself of this often.  And today I had another reminder when I was talking to my niece about something and found myself being pulled back, as if to hear it too.  I needed to remind myself.  And it's just now coming back to me as I sit down to write, after a day of trying to figure out social media and strategic planning.

Don't be a follower.  Now there's plenty of information out there when it comes to being a self published author and different hacks.  But there's been a sort of desperation in my prowess as of late that I keep getting sucked back into this idea of "I'VE GOTTA BE ON THIS PLATFORM TOO" that is sufficiently apt at destroying my love of the written word but also has me marching down a road I hadn't intended.

I'm still trying find balance.  I am still trying to figure out what will work for me. And I recognize that means 'trying' different things on a trial period and eventually cutting out what doesn't work.  

For instance I like Blogger, it's like my LiveJournal replacement, lol, but do I see a ton of traffic, not really.  But I post here mostly for me.  And it's the one thing that does feel true.  I do like posting on my Wix blog as well.  I think it's because it involves writing and some level of thinking.  I don't mind Twitter too much either despite seeing the potential time-suck of it (as well as one other problematic way of the platform).

But in trying out all these different platforms I have to be sure that my writing doesn't get lost in the process...

As I continue to practice patient with myself and try out this social media calendar next month, we shall see how things fare.

 

Mass Shootings Partially Inspired "The Three Year War"

I saw this article in my email from STL NPR regarding the link between Mass Shootings and Mental Illness.  I thought it was the full blown article but I'll actually need to go back to listen to the story (and may come back to update this post with my thoughts).

I always try to remain open to new ideas so seeing this article say 'debunking' the link caught my eye.  I'm curious what the story includes...

That said it might offer some additional perspective for the TYW.  I still haven't nailed down the outline for the second draft but will look at getting to that later this week.  Perhaps part of the reason is because there still a bit more information to be gathered... #JustifyingProcrastination

Plus I just wrote a long blog for my website (RE: Writing Meltdown) so this one will be short.

That said I forgot to post about the three things I was grateful for yesterday (or maybe I did... too lazy to check)… but I digress... so far today:
- Anger/Yelling (because sometimes you just gotta scream)
- Tranquility (because sometimes after you scream, you need a moment to be still)
- Remembering who you are and what you're about (shout out to Vacio #FantasyProject)

And I think that will have to be it.  About to head out for a recording room session at the library.

#TYW #ComingSoon

I'se outtie ^_^

Management Monday

In which Denise reflects on her weekly task.

I’ve recently shifted in doing my task list Monday - Sunday (i.e. 9/16 - 9/22).

I am also trying to be a bit more thoughtful regarding content and strategy as it relates to my blogging since I’ve just been going where the wind takes me.  I suspect I will continue on with this past but I’ll also have a posting plan as it relates to each platform.  Right now I’m going to try to target FB, Twitter, IG, and YT.  Currently I only have a profile on two of those so part of my to do list this week will include setting those up.

Which brings be into my ‘theme’ posts.  I had a lot of ideas for Monday’s like “Mental Health Minute”, “Motivational”, “Mindful”... etc.  And with my website blog I plan to try to hit one of those.  That said I’ll like play around this.  Trial and error.

I’m also playing around with my task list this week.  Normally I list everything out.(see image) and make little check boxes... this week I’m going to try something different and see how it goes.

That said the top three things I plan to focus on tackling this week are:
- Follow content calendar plan for the week
- Set up IG and YT channel
- NFD illustrations

As far as non-writing related items I’m going to look at tackling the following:
- Podcast (technically this is sort of writing related)
- Vacay planning
- Fall Garden

At any rate, will plan on posting earlier tomorrow and not so late.

Friday 13th

I am way sleepy.  Like entering that slap happy silly phase and eating/drinking to keep myself awake.   And I originally had this idea to blog about The Matrix and CarFox but I iz tired. Instead I will confirm that I complete the application for the fellowship last night at 11ish...

Oh gosh I think I also wanted to blog about this date as well.  

Not happening.

That said despite today not being as productive as the other days but productive in its own right I am grateful for the following:

- completing the grant application last night

- completing weekend grocery shopping

- scheduling/appointment synchronicity

- sample NFD spreads

- finally creating a week menu

- sticking to the dinner plans according to said menu

And with that, I’m thankful for another day.  I’m going to doze while watching The Mindy Project,, on season 5 now.  

Work, work, work ... Wait, have I said this before?

That song, lol...

At any rate.  Another quick post as today is the deadline for the grant and I still have a big thing to do for it.  I'm fairly sure I'll be working on getting this submitted up against the 11 o'clock hour.  But today's been productive at least.

I'm working off a separate to do list instead of my weekly one because I just had too much going on that needed to be done and I knew the list would help me to focus.  And so far I've done things in the order I've listed them.  Funny enough the list starts off with easy task (emails, follow up, scheduling events) then moves into more timely items (Writing, Illustrator) and then gets easy again (sort of).  But I'll be happy to at least achieve the submission for the grant, which is item #8 on the list, and the items that follow it are for TYW.

However I'm at the part of the list where I need to blog/tweet.

And thus I'm grateful for (so far today):
- confirming weekend writing retreat
- follow up for lunch meet up
- started planning for potential weekend trip
- wrote over 1500 words today
- random smiles
- walking with confidence

I also received my revised cover of MD yesterday.  I prefer the matte finish but the glossy does stand out.  However I think this probably helps with understanding why it looks different (based on my original expectations).

2019 Artist Fellowship Grant

It's that time of the year again.

In the process of submitting for the RAC STL Artist Fellowship.  In pulling up what I submitted for last year it was nice to update it to include:
- a website (rather than my blogger)
- author email
- projects I've completed (which meant adding two)
- upcoming releases
- additional skills

I know resumes are meant to be reflective of what you've learned but this is the first time I actually appreciated seeing what I've done and accomplished.  The artist resume is similar to a standard resume except it's meant for all your creative projects.

I'm not saying I never took pride in updating my regular resume but I tended to struggle with the words and there was the need to change it in order to cater to different job descriptions... I don't have that struggle with the artist resume.  I simply list the title of the project and the month I completed it.  I'm immediately transported back in time, tap a little into the feeling, and come away a bit more grateful.

Anywho, that said, the deadline is tomorrow and I still have quite a bit to prepare for it.  So this will be a quick entry.

But before I mosey a few things I'm grateful for:
- Had another great conversation last night w/ Ms. Gloria
- Had an interesting morning conversation with my self
- Wrote over 1k toward the new story

Okay... off to Illustrator and TYW task list... or maybe a slight break to look at the Pitch Wars site (still need to work on that)

^_^

The Challenge of Quieting One's Mind

I have to remember to be still.  Meditate.  Breathe deeply.  Relax... It's a constant challenge.

I'll be doing one task and remember something else I told myself not to forget so then I start working on it but then remember why I was doing the one task to begin with.  Then remember some phone call I need to return.  Or some prescription to fill.  Or some new blah blah blah… There is always.

This desire for being efficient sometimes gets in the way of flow.  And I've started to tell myself the minute I'm getting too wired up is the time I should just stop and breath/take a break.  And now that I've taken a quick break (will likely take another one).  I'm ready to do a quick post regarding task for the week (got 20 listed) and reflect on the accomplishments from last week.

So this week I've further concentrated some task.  My focus will remain to be NFD but with Pitch Wars submission nearing I will also work on task associated with it.  This week I plan to:
- Complete 1 spread
- Synopsis for TYW
- Newsletter

And some other stuffz ^_^

That said I'm grateful for:
- Being registered (paused and remarked on that as I looked at my plates today)
- Frequent SM involvement as far as tweeting/blogging

9/10 -
So I stared the above yesterday and didn't get the chance to post due to life but it's all good ^_^

Anywho a few things today that I'm grateful for -
- Lizzo ^_^
-  Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" and channeling teenage self while singing
- Peggy Oki's talk:

$5 Tuesday - The Angry Birds Movie p2

I was surprised by this movie.  It was actually pretty decent.  Granted I hadn’t seen the first movie but there was enough going on for me to understand some of what the plot likely was for the first movie. And I have to admit part of me is curious/might check it out.

I was also suprised by the voice actors.  Some voices I listened to and thought “that one sounds familiar”.  However the funniest thing was that I was POSITVE Tiffany Haddish was in the film and she was voicing the villian... well turns out I was half right :\

I can’t remember if there were a lot of adult ish jokes thrown in since there tend to be some... There probably was.  I definitely should’ve wrote this when the movie was fresh on my mind.

That said mi madres and I enjoyed it.  Wasn’t disappointed with seeing this (even though I had wanted to see “Peanut Butter Falcon” ... maybe next week).

A few things I’m grateful for today:
- Be Sociable marketing class offered thru the library
- Free drink from panera
- Smiles from strangers and random acts of kindness

Midsommar - Director’s Cut

When your Swedish roomie invites you to his commune for an event that happens every 90 years as their special guest, what have ye say...?

But let’s back track as that question is a bit misleading given the way things went down... There’s a bit more at work here with “Midsommar” which I enjoyed.  I’m sure there are references to things that totally went over my head.  However from just a shallow level of viewing the film I liked it and will talk about a few of the things I liked.

I liked the beginning.  The anxiety felt by the main character.  For me that was an easily accessible access point for my caring about the character and what she’s experiencing.  I lost some of that with her clinginess to the bf, but I got it.  And later on when she addresses the elephant in the room I appreciate her even more because she KNOWS what’s the deal but instead CHOOSES to continue on a path.  Like so many of us rather we are willing to be honest and admit to it (or not).

I like that she’s a Psych major; that there is something about her own inner turmoil and this new found isolation.  But mostly, and this took watching another YT review, addressing how we grieve.  And I think this is probably one of the big things I hadn't realized was a thing for me.  It had also been a focus in another work by this director... who I'm pretty sure I'm going to email and ask for him to take on MD.  You know when it gets optioned.

But getting back to the film...

Of course there was the typical moment of “WHY THE F*CK AREN’T YOU LEAVING?!” I imagine anyone who sees this movie will have this thought occur at the exact same time.  Though this is one of my problems that even if this commune is part of an anthropological thesis for two of the characters, at one point do you go ‘this doesn’t feel morally right...?’

And the ending, I did hit up YouTube to check out one take of it but I feel like an alignment happened.  That the chaos of the inside was now matching the outside.  Dani had found her 'home'.  My thoughts at least.

Anywho enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who liked “Hereditary” since it’s by the same director (Ari Aster) or if you just enjoy a good psychological thriller.

A few other things to note before I wrap up.  When I purchased this ticket I hadn't realized it was the Director's Cut.  So I have not seen the shortened version but this one clocked in at nearly 3 hours.  And despite the length I really didn't mind it.  In fact it only crossed my mind near the end because my phone kept buzzing and I finally sneaked a peak.  I did some quick math and realized then "wait, I thought this movie was just 2 hours and some change".  I took the trailers into consideration but since this was a movie only re-released into theater for the labor day weekend I didn't bank on 20 minutes worth of trailers and I don't think that's what I got.

I DID get a  film whose original theatrical cut was long, which I didn't look too closely into upfront to know, but still worthy of my time.  I may go back and check out some of the other films that this film resembled, specifically Wicker Man, if/when I have time to.

Otherwise I look forward to this director's next project.  He's on the same mental list as M. Night Shyamalan for me.

Lastly three things I'm grateful for so far today:
- Peach Green Tea (w/ lemongrass and mint) Teavana makes me think of my childhood, or specifically having a sandwich on rye bread … might be hungry too :)
- synchronicity … when you can see it in play and things just magically align/fall into place
- lessons/opportunities to remember what it is we've forgotten that we've already learned
-

The Praying Mantis

Had a visitor today while heading out for a late lunch at Panera.

It’s funny because over the weekend during the cycling event, a smaller praying mantis had been pointed out to me.  My friend actually spotted it as it blended into the bark of the tree and ascended.  However it was tiny comprared to this one...

It’s almost as if it’s peaking from the side saying “Hey girl, I see you...”

I’m grateful to this fella, or wait, I decided she was a QUEEN... I’m grateful for being graced by her presence today.  She eventually flew away but it did give me pause.  I found joy in the moment.

Edit 9/6/19:

I had intended to hold off on positing this yesterday but I was like why not.  Then I remembered why I wanted to hold off last night.  Something in me said "look it up..."  

What did it mean to be paid a visit by the praying mantis?  Because here's the thing it didn't feel like a coincidence.  The fact one had been brought to my attention over the weekend while at the cycling event, something I'd been excited to attend for the break and just relaxation aspect, seemed to be a message.  

Last night I did a quick google search and came across this -

Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds. An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quite and reach a place of calm... (via USmantis -  Praying Mantis Symbolism)

This is in line with where my thoughts have been, what I've been reminding myself and trying to do  It is a difficult task - to be still.  But it is getting easier and easier each day.

Again, I'm grateful for the surprise visit and looking into the eyes of this Queen (I still say she was a she ^_^).

Book Bingo

One of the task I gave myself for the week was to treat myself to something unexpected.  I had jokingly gave an example of "finish a book" which I surprisingly did last night.

But I had more so been leaning toward a random movie as I've been wanting to check out "Midsommar" now that its back at theaters.  Long story short I had a meltdown with myself this morning.  Feeling as though, recognizing, I have this habit of wanting to do something for myself but then loading a bunch of things in front of it (in trying to take care of others) that I put myself behind.

It was a mixed emotion of anger but really, mostly, hurt from the callout.  So then my plans for the morning started to stray from the direction but I kept reminding myself that it'll work out, whatever needs to happen will happen.

And thus in returning some overdue items to the library I decide I'll camp out to work.  Well as I was returning some books and DVD's explaining an issue with one of them that I previously tried to return (DVD box didn't align to the actual DVD, turns out I checked it out that way) and noticed there was activity in the meeting room.  It hit me at that moment that I had my treat ^_^

So I played Book Bingo, won 4 tickets that I was able to redeem for items the library had on their Sale Shelf which were "Becoming" by Michelle Obama (been meaning to check it out) and a few DVDs - "La La Land", "Kubo & the Two Strings", and "Black Panther".  The movies are ones I've seen that I like re-watching.

But the reason for the post isn't about the goodies.  And not about the fact I managed this task by DOUBLE treating myself (bingo plus finishing a book).

The post is about the morning meltdown to myself.

The post is about how I played Book Bingo.

It's about how I chose to win my day.

Let me explain... Something happened, really simple, while playing book bingo.  Bingo is an easy game.  Letter/number combination called out and you mark your card if you have it, wait until you have a line (horizontal or vertical) or four corners covered before shouting "BINGO!"

I learned something about myself while playing the game.  Because I decided to step back and take note on how I played a simple game.  How my mind strategized.  The want to swap out cards when I would seemingly get close to a win but then didn't.  The order in which I held my chips.  The fact there needed to be order.  The intent, the memorizing the numbers I needed to hear to achieve the goal.  The voice that kept whispering to relax, just have fun, be present and just enjoy the moment...

When I remembered this or gave myself permission to let go and just be free, to lessen the reigns I won.  And said aloud "I was starting to think I wasn't going to win..."

Aye, that thought, the moment I said it I had to acknowledge it.  What I was saying.  What I wasn't saying...

So I let go.  And tried to remember to let go.  Be okay when I dropped a chipped or if I wasn't holding them in my left hand a particular way.  Or that I missed some numbers.  It was going to be okay.  I would be okay.  It felt like something larger was taking shape and before I knew it I won again.  And again.  And again.

I looked at the bowl of chips as the abundance that life offers.  That all I need but do is reach over and grab it.  I don't need to be afraid.  I don't need to control....

So yeah... I treated myself to something unexpected today.  I'm grateful for the continued opportunities where I do step back.

Three things I'm grateful for today:
- Intent, the ability to focus and hone our attention
- the new story, ready to jump back into it and add some words
- libraries... they are so frickin' great, makes me think about MD

Speaking of, finally got the new cover uploaded yesterday!  Will hopefully push it by next week.

And I shall be off.  Going to try to get in some words.

Tasks for 9/4 - 9/7 & Highlights from Last Week

It is cold... Decided to wear a dress today and knew I might get cold so I made sure to bring a jacket but yeah, I digress.

So the task list for this week is shortened to just 25 things!  I mean, it's always been over 30 items listed but given the short week (today being the first day I'm sitting down to work) plus just progress in general, I'm okay with not making the list super crazy.

That said a few things I plan to go hard with it this week:
- Complete 1 NFD spread
- Outline 2nd draft for TYW
- Write

And a few highlights from last week:
- completed grant submission
- replaced plates
- lots of project time toward NFD and the website

Anywho this shall be a quick post so I can buckle down and knock out some stuff.

But before I mosey off... a few things I'm grateful for so far today:
- reliable transportation
- mi madres
- GPS (both human and technology wise)

93 on 9/3

Happy September!

Time sort of slipped away from me the past few days.  A little bit of activity plus the onset of shark week and the holiday.  I didn’t get around to making a week to do list like I typically do on Sunday’s nor did I post the accomplishments from last week.

I did blog a lot, maybe about 8 or 9 post between this site and my website.  Which I consider a win, something I’m grateful for.  Grateful for my positive attitude despite the many things that have attempted to bring me down but I’ve given them their moment and moved forward.  One such thing involved the 4 hours of studio work no longer on my drive...

And still I rise.

So while I don’t have a plan laid out for this week I do need to acknowledge that it is now September.  And September I intended to focus on TYW or TSP, most likely TYW.  However I’m still working on NFD.  With what’s left of the week I may try my task out differently.  And keep balance in mind as I did just give myself most of the day today to chill.  Was lethargic/energy depleted yesterday and in pain today due to shark week.  Feeling better now though!  And ready to tackle some ish.

An author, Vivian Ries I believe (will have to double check) has declared this month ‘Self Care September’.  I feel as though I’ve tried to be vigilant with this especially when I make out task lists for myself and drop 1-2 fun things on there and a few easy task to knock out.  Knowing my personality I feel that by being mindful of the task I’m giving myself it is a form of self care within itself.

Also currently treating myself to a croissant from Aldi’s and Mango Black Teavana.  I feel fancy ^_^. I really intended to make some warm milk to eat with the croissant but might have to save that for tomorrow.

I am rambling.

Anywho will plan on posting a few goals for the week tomorrow and what I accomplished last week as well.

To close, a few things I’m grateful for today:

- Building relationships ... I stopped at Walgreens twice today and most of people at the pharmacy recognize me and tend to know who I’m picking up for.  But over time I’ve learned names and have seen some outside of the store and chatted with them.  Tonight one of them shared the news that they were officially a pharmacist.  Why am I grateful for this?  Well one I’m happy for her and two, just the human connection, her sharing that news.  So many of us don’t take a pause to get to know another person or people we see often and learn a little bit of their life.  I think it’s good to let people know you care.  And it feels good in general...  that said we all have something going on so don’t feel bad if you can’t.   /ramble #2

- croissant and tea ^_^

- heating pads

- running water/hot showers

- gettting engrossed in a book

- quiet/relaxing meditations

- better at being still

- less anxiety/doubt/worry/fear

- moments of feeling centered and uber present

- being able to detach more and more

- recognizing the opportunity with every challenge

- being able to be thankful immediately afterwards

- great conversations with friends (rather it’s about movies or life) ... watched 3 Billboards with a friend over the weekend and it was nice being able to talk with someone about it

Beautiful weather (attended annual cycling event on the Hill this past weekend)

- Great friends, so appreciative for being invited to the event each year and its relaxed also the watermelon was grrrrrrrrreat (even had some yellow watermelon)

- the gift of sight, it was nice just sitting on the porch observing everything and later reading a bit

Okay.  I should be done.  I’m making up for the other days I didn’t blog.  Off to read a bit and pass out.  Here’s to knocking some some stuff out :D

Also a video from the race -