As often is the case, I found many interesting posts this past week. Cate Russell-Cole pointed me to More Love Letters, which appeals to my love of writing on paper, as well as paying it forward by sending words of encouragement to those who need them.
Lena Corazon pointed me to Chad Carver’s post on imperfection.
I’ve struggled with perfectionism all my conscious life, so I found Chad’s take on imperfection a interesting and fruitful one.
I’m beginning to think I should have a post of links every so often, since I follow so many wonderful bloggers. That may well become one of my blogging goals. I’m still struggling through Kristen Lamb’s blogging course. I tend to feel inadequate (what else is new?) and my previously supportive family has suggested an evaluation of my life goals. My main problem is that I can see their point, much as I wish I didn’t. But for now, excelsior remains my mantra, along with “strength, courage, and wisdom,” which I completely stole from Lena Corazon (with her blessing, mind you).
Writing:
- Spend at least four hours a week on an article, in whatever configuration works for me. Although I usually write before work, I find that frustrating when I want to spend more time than I have between my comatose and rush-out-the-door states. Yes. I spent a lot of time getting back into the research, but it was necessary. Then the effort was in reading through the text, cleaning up the structure and diminishing the holes in the argument.
Community:
- As a sponsor, I will visit blogs twice a week. Yes, and here’s a list:
http://www.laurengarafalo.com/something-new-for-2013/
http://emilyjeanroche.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-round-of-words-in-80-days-goals.html
http://julieglover.com/2013/01/06/christmas-gifts-and-row80/
http://melaniewritings.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/430/
http://dammitwomansays.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/a-round-of-words-in-80-days/
http://storypassages.com/2013/01/04/rigging-the-ship/
http://annstanleywriting.wordpress.com/row80-round-number-one-for-2013/
http://www.thevirtualpilgrim.com/?p=944
For the first check-in and for the mid-week:
http://www.doreeanderson.com/1/post/2012/10/holidays-are-right-around-the-corner.html
http://slaybelle.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/rw80-checking-in-looking-good/
http://musecraftonline.com/?p=716
http://wordsbydesign.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/hump-day/
http://rantravewrite.com/row80/#checkin
- I will reply to all comments on my blogs. Not yet, but I hope to do that today or tomorrow.
- I will spend no more than 5 hours a week on social media. Done.
Exercise:
- I will walk for twenty minutes an evening. Only a couple of evenings.
- I will continue to use the stairs. Done.
- I will look into the gym at work. The thought doesn’t appeal, but it is handy and cheap. Um, not yet *blush*
Personal:
- I will set aside a half-hour every evening to read. This is an easy one. I’m on a Tamora Pierce kick right now. This past week I finished Bloodhound, the second in the Beka Cooper series, and started Mastiff, the third in the series. I read Tamora Pierce with my sons when they were about 9 and 10, and I still love to sink back into her world.
- I will spend at least one hour a week contacting a friend by whatever means work best. I spent some time chatting with some online friends a bit over a week ago–this week sped by, so I need to work more on this goal.
- I will have a “date night” with my husband at least twice a month. Not yet.
- I will spend at least one hour a week with at least one of my kids. Done.
Please go encourage someone on the list of participants. A friendly word, especially at this early stage, may help someone continue to work at their goals this Round. You’ll find them all here.
Elizabeth Anne Mitchell 