“You got to get it while you can.” ~ Janis Joplin
It is time for my first mid-week check in for round one. “Have you ever reached a rainbow’s end?” Yep, that is me singing my theme song. If you are new here, I’m the gal that rocks a soundtrack to life. Last round, “Keep the Faith” was my anthem.
So, how am I doing? Well, the long weekend paired with a blizzard on Monday allowed me to start out with a bit of a “clean house and get organized” mentality, which is good. I did some behind the scenes blog tweaks, finalized my goals and handled the holiday laundry (hey, clutter and tasks can steal you away from writing time). I also basked in the warmth of everyone’s comments and support as I start this round. Shout out to my readers – you guys rock!
Writing/Craft
- 1,500 words of new fiction a week either on novel WIP or short stories. I have 452 words in from a free write Tuesday that will fit into my novel. I have time scheduled to dig in again on Thursday and this weekend. Getting busy with life and not scheduling writing time is what tossed me off the productivity path in the past, so I’ve evolved from my “write when the spirit hits you” existence.
I must admit the goal I had last round with word counts assigned to days I needed to do them made me twitch. I’m still figuring out my “best process,” and like Kait Nolan’s idea of doing a “butt in chair” Test Mile to get in the writing, even if it is just 100 words. Once I get a timer, my daily writing might be blocks of time (like 30 minute or hour sessions) versus word count. That feels like a better fit.
- Read at least one chapter a week of a craft book. I did some exercises from James Scott Bell’s “Plot and Structure” last round, but will be reading it entirely now. There are 14 chapters and I’ll be reading at home so I can then do each of the chapter exercises.
- Read at least one chapter of a novel each week. I’m going with one of my selections from the library, “Defensive Wounds” by Lisa Black. It is a suspense novel and, since I’m writing a dark suspense novel, will be great to see techniques in practice. Also, Lisa is a former forensic scientist from the Cleveland, Ohio coroner’s office. Yeah Cleveland! This will be my first book of hers and I hope to check out the previous three in the series. I’ll be carrying the book to work and reading at lunch.
Social Media
- Blog three times a week. Three done if you count this update. I plan to do more this week.
- Read, comment and share at least 10 blogs a week. Done. Buya! 🙂
- Check Twitter and Facebook at least once daily. Good with Twitter. I missed FB yesterday, but got to it today. Need to get that timer for Twitter though… I love it and it sucks me in deep.
Healthy Happy Living
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Headed to the gym for an hour of strength training tonight. Will try getting back into a Zumba session either on Friday or Saturday (there are classes on both days). Need to schedule some other cardio. I feel like a bit of a sloth about that.
I did register for a two-hour restorative yoga session on January 14. Yeah! I hope to be able to fit in one yoga session a week. Oh and I got a massage last night, which so counts towards self-care.
- Finish my poncho project via crocheting one hour a week. Nothing done on this yet.
- Enjoy watching one movie a week without multitasking. I have queued up to watch 1408 (never seen) and Twilight: Eclipse (seen twice). Eclipse is my least favorite of the movie series (I don’t like the actress switch they made for Victoria), but I said I’d watch one more time to confirm it. Yes, I have Twilight dependency issues. I’m a sucker for vampires and a closet romantic.
Barbara McDowell 
You are coming out of the gate fantastic Barbara – awesomeness! I think scheduling writing time is key. I am working at finding a new lifestyle schedule that include MUCH less daily TV so I’m planning to incorporate a schedule in a week or so as well. I think it’s key! Fab work on the social media and blogging stuff. I know, I totally need to monitor my twitter obsession. LOL!
Here’s to zumba and Twilight (I am right there with you on the dependency issues…LOL)!!
Thanks for the support, Natalie! Yep. I learned last round that not scheduling even simple tasks made me keep missing them. It also makes me feel less stressed. Like the goals aren’t sitting there taunting me going, “you don’t have time.” Off to read your check-in.
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Awesome goals, Barbara! You are definately Rockin the Row this go round! Woot!
Thanks, Callene! I feel like I’m on track now versus running to catch up. What a difference a round makes.
Great goals. First of all, I love Janis Joplin, so the quote drew me in right away! 🙂 Also, I read Plot & Structure last year and plan to reread it in 2012. So much there to work from. Finally, if I could find time to do Zumba, I would. Unfortunately, the classes in my area conflict with my family’s schedules, but it’s a fun way to get exercise in. Enjoy!
Best wishes for a terrific round!
Thanks, Julie! Yep, I was kicking myself after hearing Plot & Struture praised so much then finding it already on my bookshelf to-be-read. Such a great resource just staring at me day after day. Heh. And Janis! Growing up, I could not get enough of the live concert footage that would be shown of her. What a deep lady.
Plot & Structure was one of the first books I read–great help.
You’re doing really well on your goals, Barbara. The first one is tricky: I agree you need to find _your_ process to be prolific (scheduling “alone” time worked for me).
You seem to have everything under control. Great job so far!
I appreciate your support, Fabio! I know I’ll get to what works best for my process. I think I’ll try carving out some of time in different writing locations than my home office. Like trying some timed writing sessions in a coffee shop to see if that is less distracting. The scheduling time is definitely a big help.
Ah, but you DO rock, my friend! Even with a few missed goals you still seem to have it together. I totally dig that about you.
Zumba is my weakness. I love it! I have it on the Xbox 360 but I need to sign up for a class. I’ve used to do Jazzercise for years but I’m taking a little break from it now. Time to switch to Zumba full time!
I like the timed writing much better than the word count. It gives me a sense of a better productivity somehow.
Have a fab rest of the week!
Hugs!
Awe, Angela. (blushing) You are such a good support! With missed goals, I’ve learned to transition from beating myself up to focusing on what needs to be done to complete it later. Last round, I figured out that some goals weren’t a good fit. It is a fun process. Great feedback also on the timed writings working for you.
I’ll be darting off to Zumba on Friday. I can’t wait to see if doing modifications works. I figure I can get down with the bottom half steps and keep more still the top half. Less arm movements. I so hope it works because I’ve missed Zumba.
It sounds like you’re getting a handle on what you need to do to meet your goals, so you’re halfway there for next time – good luck!
Thanks for stopping by and the support, Jennette!
Awesome! That Zumba sounds fun ~ you are truly the dancing queen of us WANAs! Great start on your goals. Keep up the fab work (I’m doing all sorts of cheer jumps over here, with my pom poms waving wildly)!!!
I thought I saw some pom pom streamers flying in the distance. You sure do jump high! 🙂 Thanks for the continuous support, Tameri! Beyond appreciated.
Sounds like you’re well on your way. Health, social media and writing are great categories for goals. well done.
Thanks, Louise! ROW80 for me is about the writing and also staying balanced.