Weekend Warrior #10

Weekend Warrior

First thing is first.  I have washed all of the dishes.  ALL OF THEM!  With that being said, I am breathing a sigh of relief!  Now I can plan the deep clean of my kitchen with the basics being done.  I am far from finished in there, but I am back at 0 instead of starting from -1000.

I have been working on the kitchen in spurts.  I do have pictures.  It is NOT 100% clean and tidy, but the basic surface cleaning is ready for the deeper clean.

 

The Kitchen Table is ready for meals.

I cleared off the kitchen table.  The plastic cover still needs to be cut, but I have it on the table to protect the tablecloth.  I have taken the leaf out, and I will be putting it back in to cut the cover to the right size.  I am really liking the turquoise or aqua colour that is popular right now.  The the new placemats are pretty, and they match the tablecloth.

The pantry still needs work

I have yet to go through the pantry.  It is closer to being something I can do, with the progress I have made.

Canned goods are now under the Island

The second part of the Pantry is under the Island.  This was a part of my kitchen shuffle I did a while back.

Pots and Pans

The pots and pans are now under the cook top stove.  I really like the pot cover organizer we bought at Bed Bath & Beyond.  It is a great space saver& organization tool.

Stove top cleared off.

It needs to be cleaned properly now that it is cleared off.  It won’t take too long, I bought a cleaner and some sponges to clean it with.

Counter beside the cook top stove, over the dishwasher is cleared off

The toaster was in front of the breadbox.  The electric stand mixer was where the toaster is now.  It is better this way.

The Coffee Station is still tidy

I  finished the dishes shortly after I stopped to take the pictures.

My Kitchen Window over the sink

I am so happy I saw what my friend does with her scrub brush.  She keeps it in a vase.  Mine fit nicely in these vases, and they were in the windowsill before I put things in them.

The view of the table from behind the Island.

It still needs work, but it has come a LONG way!

A place to store recipes ad extra K-cups, and G2 for Zumba days

This was another change we made recently.

My 2 new signs I bought to hang when I finish the kitchen.

I can’t wait to hang them up!  I will hang them when I am done the deep clean in the kitchen.

Finally some pics of progress to share.  I have been working hard at my kitchen, and it will only improve with every hour spent in there.  How is your Spring Cleaning progressing?

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Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 10

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Home page for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 10

Today is the day I have picked to start shopping for a new bathing suit.  Wish me luck!  I need it in terms of my requirements, but I am also looking for a sale and not hours of searching!

The good news this week is that I am hovering within two pounds of that twoville goal, still.  The bad news is that I have not crushed that goal yet.

Which means that this is a perfect week to write about another THM concept.  I really like this one.  It is called NSV.  That translates into a Non Scale Victory.  So what is an NSV?  It is anything you can celebrate OTHER than the successes you fight to see on the scale.  The weight on the scale is a number, and it can be depressing if you obsess about it especially if it is not moving in the right direction or moving at the speed you want it to change at.

I wrote about twoville, and it is looming on my horizon again.  It is a Scale Victory when you have a happy dance on the floor after you weigh yourself and see a good number. Don’t think too hard about that.  Yes, that would be me,  first thing in the morning, after a trip to the washroom, in my birthday suit, having a happy dance.  Not the thing you want to focus on here.

The NSV is something that doesn’t relate to the scale, directly.  I have set my first official NSV as a small one.  The blog will help, for sure with this.  I want to be able to comfortably wear both my wedding band and engagement ring together on my finger.  I have the engagement ring on a lovely gold chain, that I wear from time to time, but it belongs on my ring finger.  I have fluid built up in my fingers, and you may think this is funny, but when I had a cashier job in the past, I noticed that my fingers were less puffy when I had that job.  I was using my hands a lot when I was a cashier, and it helped my fingers to lose weight.  Not that there is a lot of extra weight in my fingers, but it was a really good experience to look at slimmer hands and fingers.  As I blog, I am exercising my fingers.  It might not seem like a big thing to other people, but it matters to me.

When there is fluid built up in my fingers, wearing my ring causes an indentation.  I have short fingers, and the fluid doesn’t stop me from wearing the rings together, but it is painful to wear them both at the same time. I can get them both on, but it does block circulation in the finger, and it is painful to take it back off, because of this. So I am working on my health, and trying the rings on together from time to time.

It doesn’t have to be about the number on the scale only.  It can be about fitting back into an old pair of jeans, having to buy new clothes because the ones you have don’t fit, changing the size of clothing you wear, or measuring your inches and seeing that the shape of you…r body (Shout out to Ed Sheeran, love that song!)  is changing when the numbers on the scale are not.

As we all struggle with weight together, whatever our issues are, we all have them.  It is good to set reasonable goals to go along with making changes to live a healthier lifestyle.  I know it helps me to check in from time to time with a measuring tape and my rings.  It can even be as simple as the clothing you wear fitting better, or that you can climb that annoying flight of stairs without needing to take a break, or losing your breath.

Pedometers are wonderful because they can help you increase your daily step count by challenging yourself.  I will write a Zumba post about this soon, we are talking about steps at Zumba class since I am sharing my steps after each class.  I am also involved with a group 100 Coffees, and they are challenging members to start healthier habits. Drinking water is necessary for life.  In this group, one of the admins is asking us about how much water we drink each day, as a way to hold those who choose to do this accountable for drinking enough water every day.  It is great to have a support system for healthier lifestyles, and encouragement is a wonderful thing.  100 Coffees is a group of women entrepreneurs, so if you fit that description, go check it out!

I am looking forward to the day that I can wear both of my rings comfortably at the same time as my first official NSV.  What is your NSV?  Any comments might help you figure out what small goal you need to work on, give you a place for your own accountability, or help someone else find a reasonable NSV to start working on.  I look forward to seeing what other people are setting as their own goals.

 

Weekend Warrior #9

 

Weekend Warrior

Well, the Weekend won this round.  I must confess that waking up to a snow covered car and lawn in April is not the most energy inspiring sight to see.  This weekend I had the Blahs.  There is no other way to say it.  I made progress in the early part of the week and let things slide this weekend.

The good news is that I have another three day work week ahead of me, and will be very busy next weekend.  I will be writing the next Weekend Warrior in draft mode all week in order to have it be published bright and early next Saturday morning.

I am promising you now that there will be pictures next weekend.  I am promising myself, also.  Because the bottom line is, I need to set goals and achieve them in order to move forward in this battle.  I know that, and you know that if you are reading.

This past week I cleared the table and lost it again.  I moved around the items from their old storage places to try and configure a more organized storage solution for my kitchen items.  I discovered that the plastic tablecloth protector I purchased was way too big, but decided that I will cut it to fit the table with and also without the leaf in it so that I can cover the table and protect the tablecloth fully, either way. I absolutely did make progress, and it is progress that I can be happy with.

I also wrote a new piece of fiction on my medium page.  I wrote about a fictional conversation that I would like to have with Mother Nature about the lingering effects of winter.  If you would like to read it, you can follow this link:

Fictional Conversations: Tea Time With Mother Nature

So although I didn’t quite make the amount of progress in the kitchen I wanted to this past weekend, I was busy with other projects, and sometimes that is what you have to do. I hope you had a productive weekend, and most of all, I hope it was fun!

 

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 9

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Home page for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 9

Timing is very important.  When I started the THM plan, I was shocked at how often they eat meals and snacks.  I had heard before that you should eat 4-6 smaller meals a day, instead of 3 large meals.  It is incredibly important to make sure that you never get hangry.  Yes, I spelled that correctly;  it is when you are so hungry that you start to get angry.  Just like on the Snickers commercials.  Not that they are the healthiest choice, but in a pinch, they can help you to combat low blood sugar and hangry feelings.  They are not on plan, though.

So how does this adapt in the real world?  I do get breaks at work, and they are not quite at the 3-hour mark, but I make do.  I have fruit and protein for my snacks.  It is really easy to eat an unsweetened applesauce and some laughing cow cheese.  I have also been known to snack on turkey pepperoni sticks.  The kind I like is not too spicy.  I have a low tolerance for spicy foods and am very sensitive to spices.

Meals vary for my lunches and suppers.  I enjoy grabbing a banana on the way out the door, again not on plan, but that is my quick dairy free and iron free start to my day.  The thyroid pill requires water and an empty stomach for it to work properly, to avoid these foods for two hours after taking it, so I don’t have side effects.  I have tried other things, but the food I can eat in the car when my husband is driving me to work is what I choose.  I also have black coffee when I get to work.

When I prep cook, it is the best way for me to stay on plan.  I have tried a lot of THM recipes, and I really like them.  I have been slacking in the prep cooking department.  I have things I can make, but I am not feeling like cooking.  Part of that is the effort, part of it is the storage situation, and the other part is that my husband is not on the plan with me.  Sometimes that requires making two meals, or different side dishes.  Again, more time, energy, and effort.  Not to mention that I don’t jump up to do the dishes every day like I should.  I know that is a different story, but it all ties in together with a big pretty bow.

If I make my lunch, there is a good chance I will be on plan.  When I don’t, I can stay on plan, but it is more difficult to buy lunch and stay on plan.  I am getting better at it, but the budget dictates that I need to start prep cooking again.

There are also meals when my husband and I don’t eat the same thing at all.  If I am eating on plan, he may have something that he likes instead of joining me.  That used to bother me.  Now I try and think that if he isn’t having the same thing as me, then there is more for me to eat and stay on track longer with.  So it is all about perspective.  And timing.

When the time is right for you, the choices will be easier because you are ready.  It took me most of my life to feel like I was ready to tackle this plan and become healthier.  When I found it, the timing was ripe for me to make a change and try something new.  I didn’t know then that it was going to be the answer for me, and that all I have to do is get serious about staying on the plan.  It is time to get serious.  Are you with me?

The Internet is not Just for Evil

Take your chance and try something new!

I have been reflecting today as I am now actively involved in a fourth new group I found on facebook.  There are a lot of possible outcomes when one surfs the internet.  One click can lead down a dark narrow path to things you never imagined, not even in your worst nightmares.  Evil does lurk in the world, and I am certain that there is a way to twist any online search into something most people would never look for.

I have been expanding my horizons and plans for the future.  I am careful when I am online, but I choose ads on facebook if they REALLY speak to me.  That is how I found the A Bowl Full Of Lemons facebook group.  I was looking for guidance and inspiration in my household cleaning struggles.  I know how to clean, I just don’t like doing it!  So I clicked on the link, joined the group, and worked on one project.

Pantry Shelf Project

Since then, it has been fairly organized, and I had some help to reinforce the shelves (Thanks, Dad!).  It needs some TLC this year, but I am still proud of completing this project.  The facebook group has SO many good organization ideas, before and after pics, and some amazing decorating ideas.  It is something I have worked towards this year, and so far I have been able to share my Coffee Station Complete! project.  There will be more pics coming soon from my kitchen, I promise!

I have yet to make it through the whole house with the challenge.  I am confident that this will be the year.  I shared a picture when I bought a new shelving unit for my Master Bedroom, as I am moving my craft studio out of the Guest Room and relocating it in the larger Master Bedroom.

Craft Studio Relocation Project

The area is still “under construction”. That means I am still in the planning stages of how to reorganize my craft supplies in this room.  I have taken step two today, and purchased a second cube bookcase, with 6 squares, not 9.  I had already bought the matching plastic bins for it while they were on sale, but again, I felt I was being held back from completing this project because I didn’t have all of the pieces for it ready to go.  I still have to assemble the shelf, (and move a dresser to that side of the room to put the new shelf on top of) but I can work on that as soon as I finish my kitchen.  I have no regrets about joining this facebook group, at all.

I also found the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) Plan in the same way.  THM is a lifestyle change in how you eat food.  It is wonderful, they have more than one facebook group, actually, and I am a member of several different THM facebook groups.  I have implemented many of their guidelines into my life, and when I am on plan, I feel great!  I need to focus on staying on plan more than being off plan because I KNOW IT WORKS WHEN YOU WORK IT.  I have seen it for myself.  So I start every day trying to stay on plan.  Some days I succeed.  Others I don’t.  One of the best things about the plan is that you work it into your own life, and if you go off plan, well you just pull up your socks and get back on plan.  No worries.  I realized, when I was looking at this ad two years ago, that what I was doing was not working, so I was ready to try something different.  I am still not 100% on plan, but I am more convinced than ever that I can do it because I am.  This is another group that came along when I needed it, and I have no regrets about joining this group, either.

The third group I joined in 2016.  I was thinking about how to get my lyrics out to the world.  I had watched a motivational video, I have written about this before, and I decided it was time.  About the same time I started looking into this, I decided that I was also done waiting to write books, and I wanted to make the dream of becoming an author a reality.  While this was all being processed in my mind, another facebook group, the Ninja Writers showed up in my ads.  Well, this group has been a game changer for me.  The Ninja Writers Facebook Page has been an incredible resource.  I had no idea how to brand myself as an author, how or why to start a Blog, or what I had to do to make this all effective towards my goal of becoming an author.  I even designed my own tartan and logo for it! I have made friends that have really helped me with this blog, and spark a passion in me that I didn’t even know I had the potential for.  And if you are reading this, you know that I am blogging frequently, to develop my writing habit and expand my creative horizons.  There are no regrets for me in terms of joining this group.  Only positive strides towards making a dream into a reality.

The fourth group is a new addition.  One of my fellow Ninja Writers shared a new group page on her wall, encouraging people to check it out.  I became curious, and trusted my fellow Ninja Writer friend, and joined the group.  It is called 100 Coffees.  They have a facebook group, 100 Coffees Facebook Group and through that group, you can join their website.  It is for women entrepreneurs, and they are based on networking through the group, to meet members through coffee meetings.  This has an immense potential for people like me, trying to find their way in this online business world.  Membership is free, and eventually, there will be other options for paid subscribers, but I am in the group and hoping to make new friends, get and give support to and from members, and to learn as much as I can from my peers.  This is a great concept, and I am glad to be involved with it already.

One thing that is very important to keep in mind when you join a new group online, is to find out the rules.  The people that create these groups have their reasons, and sticking to their rules will mean you get to remain in the group, and get all the benefits of belonging.  If you choose to just join a bunch of groups to do your own thing, disregarding the rules, expect your time in that group to be limited.  The rules keep the group working together towards a common goal, and going your own way will likely result in you getting the boot.

So there you have it.  The internet is not just being used for evil.  When you are surfing, and something keeps showing up in your feed, and it is a group or a theme that resonates with you, check it out!  You might find something wonderful!  If you don’t,  leave the group and find another one that works for you and helps you in your life.  If any of the above groups peak your interest, check them out!  I am glad I did, and maybe you will be too!

 

Weekend Warrior #8

Weekend Warrior

Happy Easter 2017!  I am having a quiet day, having no children myself, and recovering from The Head Cold 2017 has been my priority for the last 2 days.  I am finally feeling like doing things again today, which is great!  I will be taking it slow, but working in the kitchen is on my list of things to do.

I am happy to say that the overthinking portion of what to rearrange in my kitchen has reached completion in my mind, this morning.  I will be moving things around in my kitchen over the next few days, as I have Monday and Tuesday off this week.  I had some vacation time left to use up, and I will be taking a few days here and there in the next couple of months to help me get a jump start on what I need to finish my spring cleaning.  I am really excited to work in my kitchen today, knowing that I have a plan!

That is a key point for me.  Having a plan.  I have been planning and planning in my mind on what to move where.  I did this with my counter tops a few weeks ago, when I set up my Coffee Station Complete! project.  I have to figure out how to move things around in my mind before I do it because when I am in the middle of a project, improvisation is a possibility, but having to reverse all the work because I didn’t plan the project properly is not acceptable.  Double the work without the task being accomplished is just not an option for me.  So with that in mind, I will move forward with the kitchen today.

The plans I have will not be finished in one day.  That is why I am glad I have the extra days this week to continue working on it.  Once I have everything rearranged, then I can work on cleaning the top of the cupboards, empty all of them and put things back when I have cleaned inside each cupboard, and work my way to cleaning the floors.  I will have to dust my pantry and shuffle some things around as I figure out new ways to place everything in my kitchen all over again.  My fridge was cleaned earlier this year, and it is in need of a touch-up, but that will not be as much of a chore this time around.

The ultimate goal is to have a picture worthy kitchen that is clean, organized, and functional.  I want to hang up my new kitchen decorations and be able to really enjoy them! I want to be proud of the final result and move on to the rest of the house. The living room is in progress.  My office corner in the living room is an unorganized disaster and will need a few days to complete.  I have been puttering, but no real progress has been made there, yet.  The Master bedroom and guest room are works in progress.  The Master Bathroom is in desperate need of time and effort, and that will not wait much longer.  The Main bathroom is in decent shape, and the Man Cave is not on MY list. It will all happen, it just needs time and for me to be really focused on the end goal.  Finishing on or before July 1, 2017.

What are you working on this weekend?  Are you celebrating Easter with Joy?  If you are spending time with family and friends, that is just as important as my plans to move forward with my spring cleaning.  I stopped last weekend to recharge.  I spent the last 2 days fighting a really horrible head cold.  I am ready to start cleaning again, and I have the time I need to work on it.  Have a Happy Easter, Weekend Warriors!

 

 

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 8

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Home page for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 8

I am following the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) Plan.  They have some books on the program, and it is implemented into your life, the best way you can.  I am honestly telling you that I am trying.  I am also going to admit that I am struggling.

I can’t seem to find my willpower.  It is so easy to eat the unhealthy, off plan things.  They are all prepared and full of preservatives, and sugar and other junk, but they are literally the no-brainer choice.  When you are hungry, and there is a choice of something quick and easy, it is SO easy to fall into that pattern.

I am not an official THM trained coach, I am making my own way, and not on plan 100% of the time.  But I do see the value of it.  I have seen myself make little changes along the way, and I believe that they will all add up one day.  Someday I will realize that the changes I am making added up to enough effort to make a difference.

I keep checking my waistline.  Every once in a while I stand straight, with my hands on my waistline, and I think that it is smaller.  I just measured it for fun.  It isn’t.  One day it will be.

I have decided that it is time to start looking for a new bathing suit.  The last time I did that I was ready to throw in the beach towel.  I tried on all the one piece suits I could find, in all the local stores.  The very last one I tried on was the one I bought.  It was perfect.  The straps have lost their elasticity, and I tied knots in them last summer to hold the bathing suit in place.  It does not fit right anymore, so I have decided to start hunting for a new one.

It must be a one piece.  I refuse to buy a bathing suit that has a skirt.  Support is a must.  It has to fit right, be fashionable, comfortable, and practical.  I would like to say it will be a size or two smaller than the last one.  Maybe next year I can do that.

When I find one I like, I am going to look into swimming more often.  I would like to get back into Aquacise classes.  I used to go, and I think it is time to get back into a swimming pool on a regular basis.  A long time ago, on an island on the East Coast of Canada, I used to teach swimming lessons.  I love swimming as much as I love dancing.  I think it is time to start adding in new activities to help me want to make smarter choices about what I eat.  One small change at a time, I will regain control of my health, my body size, my energy levels, and my life.  It all comes down to me.  I know the easy way is how I got to be in this predicament.  I have to set my mind to working my way back out, one small change at a time.  Then it won’t be such a daunting task to get a new bathing suit.  Having a choice of several bathing suits instead of the only one that works will be something to look forward to.

 

Take The Time To Fill Your Own Coffee Cup

This past weekend, I wrote about facing my inner demons.  I fight with myself sometimes.  Nobody throws punches, and nobody gets hurt.  Except maybe my own ego.

I can get stuck in a pattern of doing nothing while having the best intentions of getting through a whole list of things that need to be done.  There are days when I literally talk myself out of getting anything done.  It is a nasty little place to be in, and it happens when things are bothering me, or in the winter.  I am less likely to have the energy to do more than the basics in the winter time, and that is sometimes left too long.  In this endless loop of getting nothing done, I can become overwhelmed by how much there IS to do, and that doesn’t help me at all.

Spring is here.  I feel the change in the weather, and in my spirit.  The blog has started me off in the right direction.  I am wanting to get things done, and I FEEL DIFFERENT about life right now.  I am trying new things, making small changes, and thinking about what I need to do to make the leap from blogging to writing a book.

A year ago I was recovering from an infection in my knee.  It was not a pleasant experience, I would never recommend a knee infection as something for anyone to do.  I was away from work for 3 months, and sat around that whole time, as I was told to not be moving around very much.  I had nurses visiting me in my home for IV antibiotics once a day for two or three weeks.  I was taught how to bandage the wound when the IV was over, and they stopped the home checks.  I longed for the day that I could have a shower without medical tape and shopping bags protecting the bandages from getting wet.  I was on some strong painkillers, for the first time ever, and I was scared that I might become addicted.  I did not.

Spring cleaning didn’t really happen last year.  So I am on a mission to get it done properly this year.  I am writing about it, and puttering at it, and making a little more progress in that kitchen every time I get in there. I have made a few inexpensive purchases to help me to get this project accomplished.  I see the progress, but I am not ready to share it yet.

I needed to stop and just take a breath last weekend.  That’s what the title means.  When you worry about everyone or everything else and don’t take time for yourself, you can empty your coffee pot before you get yourself a refill.  That is a mistake that can build into a disaster if it is not made a priority.

It’s not Ok to neglect your own needs in order to make sure that everyone else’s needs are taken care of first.  Sometimes, it is necessary to take care of others first.  However, if you don’t stop and take time for you, the coffee at the bottom of the pot is going to have a burnt taste, and it will not be a pleasant thing to drink.

Whatever it is in your life that allows you to feel refreshed and recharged is something that you need to always make time for.  If it is the 5 am cup of coffee before anyone else in your home is awake, get up and pour yourself a hot cup of coffee.  If it is taking a bath at the end of a long and tiring day, make time to fill the bathtub.  Read a book for a chapter a day, at the time you can schedule it in.  If you have dogs, they can help you take the time to yourself to think when you have to walk them anyway.

Or, at other times you need to be around other people.  Friends and family are important too.  Find people that are fun to be around, and bring you up, not down.  I am not saying that you should ignore all of your other friends, but when you need to feel good, surround yourself with people, things and activities that help you do just that.

When I think about where I was a year ago, I had no idea I was going to make a leap into becoming a blogger.  I was waiting to be told that I could start going back to Zumba classes.  I was learning about the Trim Healthy Mama Plan, and trying new recipes.  I was already going through the motions of being back to work at my day job.  And I was miserable.

Now I have a blossoming new outlook for spring this year.  I will be working on my New Year’s Resolutions and branching out with what I am doing with my life.  I am chasing my dreams and making them into my reality.  One at a time.

Thank you for reading my 60th Blog Post.  Still having fun, and Always Thinking…

 

Weekend Warrior #7

Here we are.  Another weekend is over.  If you are reading the other stories I post, you may know that I did a little shopping last week.  I have tried and tried to get myself into that kitchen.  This week, I chose another fight.  I decided to fight some inner demons.

I have been working hard on this blog.  I am pouring my heart and soul into it, and it is having positive effects in my life.  This weekend, I took a much needed break from my routine.

I have given myself a deadline for starting to work on my book.  I hope to be done with my Spring Cleaning on or before July 1st.  This way I have given myself a full 6 months for each project I am working on this year.  If I finish early, bonus.  I have no doubts that when I sit down to write, it will happen.  I am doing well with the consistency of the blog.

A discussion online made me stop and think about my progress.  I have not finished yet what I have resolved to do this year.  I am making lists and getting some of the things done, but I never finish the list.  The approach thus far has been to make the list, get done what I can, and start a new list the next day.  Or continue the same list.  The discussion I was referring to was when someone alluded to feeling like a fraud because they have not written a book yet.

I am not a fraud.  I work hard at things all the time, even if the progress is made only inside of my head.  I am also working on making myself healthier, and that is a project that has no deadline.  It is ongoing.  Deciding what is best for me to tackle on a weekly basis is moving towards completing something.  Progress is progress.  No matter how it appears to anyone else.

I did a small amount of puttering.  I did not do anything that is picture worthy.  So the progress pics will have to wait another week.  I have a few vacation days coming up in April, and I plan to use them wisely.  I am hoping to catch up on the kitchen this month and be able to move on to the rest of my home.  I am going to have to force the issue, with myself, if I am ever going to get it accomplished.  That is why I have had to give myself a deadline.  At some point, I DO have to finish the Spring Cleaning and move on to the book writing.

Writing this series is helping.  I am planning and seeing what needs to be done, and I have ideas of what I will be sharing in the pictures as I progress.  Tomorrow after work I have plans to work on a small section of the kitchen while making supper.  As I wrote somewhere earlier today on social media, the house does not bounce itself.

This weekend I caught up with some friends, and we had a fantastic time at a local board game cafe.  We hung out for the whole evening, and that included the taxi driver being pulled over by the cops for making an illegal left turn while driving us to my friend’s house.  If I had a cell phone (what! she doesn’t have a cell phone! the horror!) I would have been able to join in with the Pokemon Go the rest of them played last night.  I tried it, and we had fun just hanging out.

Today I spent some quality time chatting with family.  Then I went to see the new Smurfs movie with my husband.  It was SMURFTASTIC!  So familiar, and positive, and full of all the Smurfy jokes and Smurf magic.

I worked on myself this weekend.  I recharged my batteries and am ready to take on the next week.  I will be working on the Spring Cleaning over the next weekend, and hopefully a little bit all week.  I know it will all add up and I will get there.  So no, I am not a fraud, by any standard.  I am a person that is a work in progress, and I am going to keep working until I accomplish my goals.

I Have Arrived

First Rejection Letter

In the journey to becoming an author, there are many roadblocks along the way.  Inspiration or the Muse must be present to begin.  Time must be set aside each day to write and practice your craft.  There is a whole different world to enter when one wants to become a published author.  WIP means “Work In Progress”.  It is the current project that is being written.  A social media presence is a must to develop your target audience.  Writer’s Block is a fear that can strike at any time, and if it takes hold, can have disastrous effects on that WIP.

If an author survives all of these obstacles, the biggest hurdle of all looms in the distance. Submissions are needed to take the scariest step of all.  Submitting the WIP for publishing.

Self-publishing is an option.  Editing is a must.  Beta readers test read the WIP and hopefully provide constructive criticism and positive feedback.  Repeat as necessary. Query letters are sent to publishing companies.

Then the waiting begins.

The self-doubting during this time, which does not always have an exact deadline for a reply can be paralyzing.  The WIP is sent out to one or many different publishers, with excited anticipation.  As the days turn into weeks, which turn into months, the feeling changes.  The belief in the WIP can fade.  Negativity creeps into the picture and can cause the author to stop writing.  This is the hardest thing a writer has to face.

It happened to me.  I wrote a poem and submitted it to my writing group.  I have experienced new friendships, answers to many questions, and support in this group.  I continue to be a member of the Ninja Writers.  I found them on facebook, and I am now a card carrying member.  I am supporting a co-operative publication.  My submission did not make the first publication.

I got my first rejection letter.  It was not the result I wanted, but it is done.  As an author, it will not be my last.  As an author, I have arrived.

Was I disappointed?  Absolutely.  Did it break my desire to keep trying?  Not a chance.  My work is just beginning as an author. There will be times when I want to give up.  If I am going to succeed, I have to be able to keep trying.  Stubborn determination twisted with an immense amount of patience will help me to persevere and succeed.

I will be looking forward to receiving my first copy of the Ninja Writers Zine.  It is called The NW.  I am planning to read it from cover to cover, more than once, so that I can up my game for the next call for submissions.  More information about it can be found at their Patreon link:

The NW

If you are interested in becoming a part of the phenomenon known as the Ninja Writers, here is a link to their facebook page:

Ninja Writers Facebook Group

It is a closed group, but the creator of the Ninja Writers, Shaunta Grimes, has given me permission to share both of these links here.  She is a published author, and leading the Ninja Writers Revolution!  She has created so many useful tools and guides for up and coming authors like me.  Thanks for giving me a place to share, learn and improve upon my writing dreams, Shaunta!  Ninja Writers Rock!

Finally, I will link the poem that I have published in January here.  It was featured on this blog, and I am proud of it whether or not it shows up anywhere else.  This is what I submitted for The NW.

Give yourself a little Grace

I will continue sharpening my writing skills until the next call for submissions.