The reflex is an only child he’s waiting in the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover isn’t that bizarre
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark.

“The Reflex” Duran Duran

Image source: Flicker.com by Gabriele (Yellow.Cat)

After getting caught up here, please make sure you swing by and check out my sponsor post Turning a Stall into a Start on the ROW80 blog.  When I wrote that post at the start of this ROW round, I didn’t imagine when it posted that I’d be recuperating from a mini-stall.  I’ve recently pulled back from some social media touch points to regain a balance on the day gig stresses to personal life and writing goals to regular sleep.

Self-Care Actions This Week:

• Slow, extended walking versus power walking – If there is a day I’ve scheduled to do cardio and feel bleh after work, I focus the workout on length of time versus how fast I will go.  Then I crank on the Kindle and take a stroll.
• Getting sleep – I’ve strived to get at least six steady hours each night.  This is huge compared to what my average has been.
• Calmly handling tasks – If there is something I’ve not been able get to, I don’t strive to push myself to go back and catch up on everything missed.  Instead I move forward.  Much less stressful.

ROW80 Goals Progress

Completed Round Goals

• Complete assignments for From Plot to Finish master class with Laurie Schnebly Campbell (first two weeks of April). – Goal complete.
• Complete two novels via reading at least one chapter a week. – Goal complete by reading “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay.”

Still Ongoing Round Goals

Writing/Craft

• At least one hour of WIP writing time five days a week. – I hit three days with one hour of new writing work and then spent time this weekend working on some short story edits.  With how busy I’ve been at work, I feel productive and on task, so I’ll take it.
• Complete one craft book via reading at least one chapter a week. –Not done.  After reading multiple articles, good and bad reviews, hearing several recommendations and reading the sample chapters, I’ve gotten sucked into the “Fifty Shades” trilogy this week.  I’m two-thirds through book two, “Fifty Shades Darker,” and torn against seeing a fascinating story with compelling characters and knowing the series started with liberal borrowings from the “Twilight” series.
• Complete one book of short stories via reading at least one chapter a week. – Done for week by reading another story done from “2oth Century Ghosts.”

Social Media

• Complete ROW80 sponsor duties via reading and commenting on assigned blogs each week. – Reading and commenting of Sunday posts done.
• Share contents of other bloggers via link backs from each of my posts. – On track this week.  Put links on this post.  J
• Check Triberr at least once daily. – Been off Triberr for the past two weeks.
• Join and learn Pinterest. – Pending.  I plan to do this the weekend of May 19.

Healthy Happy Living

• Cardio exercise three times a week. – One-third done so far this week.
• Look for yoga/meditation course option each week. – I did good last week with getting in two sessions.  Nothing scheduled yet for this week.
• Complete neck exercises every day. – Done.

How are you doing with your goals at our midway point?  Be sure to check out the ROW80 updates of others via the blog hop.

Other Related Tidbits:

• Jess Ainscough’s Inspiration Board is a collection of positive energy.
• Bernice Wood addresses if a balanced life is possible.
• In The Trick To Keeping The Big Picture In Mind While Working Out All The Details, Stephen Watkins talks about viewing our writing journey with a broader eye as we work on meeting goals.