Subscribe!
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Writing
6:53 AM
I've been reading a lot lately.
As you may have noticed.
And with every new story, chapter and word, I am more and more impressed with these authors who are able to create such articulate and captivating stories.
The people who sat at their computers, typewriters or notebooks through countless rewrites and edits.
These writers who persevered as they got rejected by publisher after publisher until they finally got their book in print.
And every time I think of their achievements, I look over to the manuscript that is sitting on my bedside table.
It has been almost a year and a half since I last touched it.
This work of fiction that I was so proud of, so dedicated to, just faded out of my life.
Today I picked it up and read the first chapter.
I had a pen in hand and slashed it to shreds.
I made notes in the margins.
I corrected grammar and punctuation.
I scribbled on the pages until they were full.
And I'm not stopping now.
I'm determined to see my novel on shelves someday.
(Though, sadly not in Borders. Rest in piece good friend.)
I'm going to be an author.
Just you wait!
Tags:
Monday, March 21, 2011
Waitin' On a Man
8:01 AM
Every day I hear the soft plinky plunky melody that announces the ice cream man is making his rounds in his musical truck.
And every day I rush downstairs to try and catch him on his second round through the neighborhood and each time I miss him.
That elusive ice cream man.
I sit on the front steps and wait for the music to signal his arrival and he still manages to evade me.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Anti-Anti-Social
7:54 AM
I am officially getting out of my slump tonight. I am through with being antisocial. I am looking good and feeling good and I am determined to make my life mean something.
Last night, I got talking to a cousin of mine. When he asked me what I was doing, I quite literally had to say "Nothing."
I'm going to go out and socialize. I met a new girl at church yesterday and offered her a ride to Family Home Evening. It's good for me to find new friends, and I think I could really like Liz. I don't know much about her, but I really hope that I've made a new friend.
Over the past little while, so many of my single friends have gotten or are getting married, or moved away. I really don't have anyone here anymore. So I need to get out there and meet people. That's what I'm going to do.
I'm also going to keep looking for a job. But I think I'm going to get back into making videos, and writing to keep me busy in the mean time.
I am determined that the fall will be so much better than the summer. My mind is set. It will be amazing.
Last night, I got talking to a cousin of mine. When he asked me what I was doing, I quite literally had to say "Nothing."
I'm going to go out and socialize. I met a new girl at church yesterday and offered her a ride to Family Home Evening. It's good for me to find new friends, and I think I could really like Liz. I don't know much about her, but I really hope that I've made a new friend.
Over the past little while, so many of my single friends have gotten or are getting married, or moved away. I really don't have anyone here anymore. So I need to get out there and meet people. That's what I'm going to do.
I'm also going to keep looking for a job. But I think I'm going to get back into making videos, and writing to keep me busy in the mean time.
I am determined that the fall will be so much better than the summer. My mind is set. It will be amazing.
I am young. I am talented. I am beautiful.
No one (including myself) will convince me otherwise.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Goals Update: July 12 - August 12
3:22 PM
21 Goals for my 21st Year of Life!
- Pursue 12 Steps and make myself better. I'm doing really well. Working hard on it.
- Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. In chapter three of 2nd Nephi.
- Reach my goal weight. I haven't weighed myself since I've been living in Vegas. I'm thinking I gained a little. :( We'll see when I go home in four days.
- Blog at least 120 times this year. 12 out of 120.
- Get myself worthy to enter the temple. Still getting closer.
- Do an act of service at least once a month. 1 out of 12. (I'm not doing too well on this one.)
- Read at least 50 books. 1 out of 50. (Or this one.)
- Share my testimony at least once each month. 3 out of 12.
- Get kissed. Completed in May. Completed AGAIN in July.
- Take at least 120 photos this year. 33 out of 120.
- Watch every movie I own. 1 out of 273. (I've been in Vegas for this entire month, and haven't had my movies around.)
- Visit with my grandmother at least once a month. 2 out of 12. (Again, I've been in Vegas, but I'm going to see her the minute I get home.)
- Get a job. No luck yet.
- Write a letter to 60 people I love this year. 5 out of 60.
- Be social. Blegh. I sat in my sister's house and didn't really go out or do anything.
- Make at least 12 videos this year. 0 out of 12. (Fail.)
- Write in my journal at least 4 times a month. 19 out of 48.
- Fast at least once each month. 2 out of 12.
- Go for a hike in Jone's Hole. Haven't made it yet. Hope to go this month.
- Prepare at least two meals for my family each month. 1 out of 24.
- Try something new every month. 3 out of 12.*
*I went to an Indian Food restaurant. I didn't much care for what I ordered.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Goals Update: June 12 - July 12
10:43 PM
I'm not doing very well at keeping up my goals. I need to try harder.
21 Goals for my 21st Year of Life!
- Pursue 12 Steps and make myself better. Had a little slip, but I'm back on track.
- Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. Haven't started yet...
- Reach my goal weight. Actually gained a little bit, but I'm going back down. 22 lbs. left.
- Blog at least 120 times this year. 6 out of 120.
- Get myself worthy to enter the temple. Still getting closer.
- Do an act of service at least once a month. 1 out of 12.
- Read at least 50 books. 1 out of 50.
- Share my testimony at least once each month. 2 out of 12.
- Get kissed. Completed in May.
- Take at least 120 photos this year. 7 out of 120.
- Watch every movie I own. 1 out of 273.
- Visit with my grandmother at least once a month. 2 out of 12.
- Get a job. No luck yet.
- Write a letter to 60 people I love this year. 5 out of 60.
- Be social. Did great this month.
- Make at least 12 videos this year. 0 out of 12.
- Write in my journal at least 4 times a month. 5 out of 48.
- Fast at least once each month. 2 out of 12.
- Go for a hike in Jone's Hole. Haven't made it yet.
- Prepare at least two meals for my family each month. 1 out of 24.
- Try something new every month. 2 out of 12.*
*I moved to Vegas for 6 weeks. That's definitely new.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Goals Update: May 12 - June 12
4:02 PM
I'm going to be honest. I failed miserably at keeping up my goals. I was just a social butterfly in May, and didn't do much of anything I had planned to do. So, I'm revamping my goals a little bit. Instead of on a monthly basis, some of them will be changed to the numerical value of an entire year. That way if I have a weak month, like last month, I still have the chance to catch up later.
21 Goals for my 21st Year of Life!
- Pursue 12 Steps and make myself better. Going strong.
- Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. Haven't started yet...
- Reach my goal weight. Actually gained a little bit, but I'm going back down. 22 lbs. left.
- Blog at least 120 times this year. 4 out of 120.
- Get myself worthy to enter the temple. Getting ever closer.
- Do an act of service at least once a month. 1 out of 12.
- Read at least 50 books. 1 out of 50.*
- Share my testimony at least once each month. 1 out of 12.
- Get kissed. Completed!
- Take at least 120 photos this year. 2 out of 120.
- Watch every movie I own. 1 out of 273.
- Visit my grandmother at least once a month. 1 out of 12.
- Get a job. No luck yet.
- Write a letter to 60 people I love this year. 4 out of 60.
- Be social. So far so good.
- Make at least 12 videos this year. 0 out of 12.
- Write in my journal at least 4 times a month. 4 out of 48.
- Fast at least once each month. 1 out of 12.
- Go for a hike in Jone's Hole. Haven't made it yet.
- Prepare at least two meals for my family each month. 1 out of 24.
- Try something new every month. 1 out of 12.**
* 1. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
21!
2:12 PM
I'm turning 21 tomorrow! Every year I always write a list of goals that I want to accomplish during that specific year of my existence. I never complete them. But this year I'm feeling VERY able to accomplish these things. And I've decided to update you all on my progress on a monthly basis. This way I can feel like I'm actually keeping up with these things. And the shame will be posted on my blog monthly if I don't complete my tasks, therefore keeping me motivated.
21 Goals for my 21st Year of Life!
- Pursue 12 Steps and make myself better.
- Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover.
- Reach my goal weight.
- Blog at least 10 times a month.
- Get myself worthy to enter the temple.
- Do an act of service at least once a month.
- Read at least 50 books.
- Share my testimony at least once each month.
- Get kissed.
- Take at least 10 photos each month.
- Watch every movie I own.
- Visit my grandmother at least once a month.
- Get a job.
- Write a letter to 5 people I love each month.
- Be social.
- Make at least one video a month.
- Write in my journal at least once a week.
- Fast at least once each month.
- Go for a hike in Jone's Hole.
- Prepare at least two meals for my family each month.
- Try something new every month.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cheesy Dialogue but Solid Advice
5:10 AM
Romantic comedies will be the death of me.
(This is, of course, an exaggeration. No one has ever died from watching a romantic comedy. Someone might have died while watching a romantic comedy; but to my knowledge, cheesy lines and overly unrealistic love affairs projected on a screen have not caused a person's heart to stop beating permanently.)
What I mean by this is: while I am watching a romantic comedy, I laugh, I cry and I enjoy myself.
Until the end.
Something about watching a guy profess his love for a girl after three dates really annoys me. That never happens. (Except at BYU.) I find myself a little bitter as the final credits roll across the screen, thinking things such as "Yeah, that's totally unrealistic." "What they don't show you is the terrible break-up that's going to happen in a few month's time." "I hope they get married and have ugly kids."
Of course I know that it's all fictional. And maybe this is what bothers me the most. Life is not like it is in the movies. Is it just me, or does everyone feel like this after watching the too perfect happy ending wondering why Hollywood does this to the world?
I'm usually able to make myself feel better by reminding myself that I am watching a significant amount of time crunched into an hour and a half. So though it may seem like they just end up together, they didn't. They had problems. I mean, did you miss the cliche blow out in the middle? "Oh no! There's been some kind of misunderstanding and when we figure things out we'll be happy forever!"
I'm sounding like a total skeptic here. I'm sorry. I'll move on. Today I watched two romantic comedies that, while I was sad at the end, made me think of a bigger picture. Something to look for outside of the ridiculously corny "you complete me" nonsense.
The first of these was from the movie "Hitch." This movie is hilarious and so far fetched in so many ways. But aside from that, 'Hitch' is constantly telling people to put themselves out there. Good solid advice. What have I been saying in most of my recent posts? Be social, dang it! This movie is just reiterating that fact.
The second was from the movie "Penelope." A girl born with the nose of a pig is able to break the curse and gets a cute, perfectly proportioned nose because she loves and accepts herself just the way she is. True, the love interest loved her just the way she was, but that's not my point. Or maybe it is. If you love yourself, someone somewhere will also love you for you. This also makes you more confident, and apparently that's attractive. Who knew?
So, in addition to my already standing goal to be more social and put myself out there, I am now going to try really hard to love me for me. (Maybe once I accept myself, my butt will miraculously be transformed into a cute, perfectly proportioned butt. Here's hoping!)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Horoscopes and Spider-Man
6:51 PM
It's completely bogus, but I've been reading my horoscope almost daily. I have the button bookmarked because it is a quick and fun thing to check if I have a spare minute. (I have lots of those.) The horoscope is rarely true. Half of the time it's so vague that I am left staring at the computer screen with a furrowed brow and a skeptical mind.
About ten posts ago I mentioned how I wanted to be more social. I would still like to be, it just doesn't seem like I'm making any efforts in that category. I haven't gone to church for two weeks. I realize that I was sick for one of them, and accidentally slept halfway through the other, but I'm feeling it taking it's toll on me. For a while, church was the only time I socialized with anyone and now I don't even have that.
In thirteen days it will be Valentines Day. That all too famous if-you-have-someone-to-squeeze-it's-great-but-if-you-don't-you-are-miserable holiday. For me, it's always been the 'but-if-you-don't' part of that overly long hyphenated word. It's not usually as bad as that. I'm not miserable. The day comes and goes just about like any other. No plans and single.
Tonight is Family Home Evening, and while I could have gotten ready and gone; instead I curled up in my lovesac with a quilt and watched the third Spider-Man. (Ever since I wrote the post about looking like Kirsten Dunst, I've been craving it. I had a marathon and watched all three.)
My point is, the thought of this horoscope is great and maybe it could happen. But not if I am here in my room sitting on my can, watching Peter Parker sweep his hair into his face and dance down the street like a total moron. (That scene makes me cringe in embarrassment for him.) So, starting tomorrow, I'm going to get my carcass out of my bedroom and do something. I'm not saying that by doing this, the horoscope will come true, but it's not going to hurt to stop watching Spider-Man alone in my bedroom. (I'm finished with the movies...so it's not a huge loss.)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Author
6:04 PM
I need to blog. About two hours ago, I was given some really heart breaking news. I don't want to go into detail. But ever since I've just felt the need to do something. Anything. Get my mind off of this.
So I'm going to blog. I'm going to tell you about something that has made me so happy these past few months.
I wrote a novel. It was for a program called National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
The whole concept of NaNoWriMo is to write a novel of 50,000 words or more all in the month of November when NaNoWriMo takes place. I had heard about it in 2008 but not until half way through the month of November, therefore thwarting any thoughts of joining. So in 2009, when November rolled around, I decided to sign up and give it my best shot.
I have tried to write novels before. I've always lacked the discipline needed to actually sit down and finish. My best attempt before 11/09 was about 14,500 words. I loved the story, but there is a big reason why I quit. I was obsessed with it being perfect.
In October of 2009, I had the opportunity to meet and interview one of my favorite authors, Shannon Hale, for my YouTube book review channel. She was speaking at the Utah Humanities Book Festival in Salt Lake City prior to our short interview. She and another author, Sara Zarr, were paired together to talk about their books and writing. They said something profound that I think every aspiring author needs to hear.
"Your first draft is just that. It's a first draft. It doesn't need to be perfect. Just write it, you can fine tune later."
That was my problem with each of my previous attempts. I wanted it to be a publishing ready novel right from the beginning. That doesn't happen. This is also the point of NaNoWriMo. No revisions. Revisions are for December. You spend the whole of November getting the novel written, fixing can be done later.
This is what I did. I ate up the experience, writing for hours and hours each day. I had my 50,000 words by the 17th. Each moment was amazing and it became a race to finish the novel completely by the end of November. I did it. The novel ended up just over 90,000 words. (For those of you who don't understand how many words that is, picture writing about 32.5 term papers for college.)
I've since read through it, doing some minuscule editing and have sent it out for a few family members and close friends to read. It's terrifying knowing that it's in the world being read at the moment. But I've gotten good words of encouragement so far.
"I have not finished your story yet, but I am really into it so far! You really are an awesome writer. Love your work!"
"I too am enjoying your book.....not much editing going on because I am getting lost in the story."
It's been such an amazing experience and I'm so glad that I did it! I can't wait for next November. I'll be writing the prequel to my current novel. Exciting! I encourage you all to join, too!
The cover was made by me, and if it ever gets published this will not be the final cover. I'm just a very visual person with access to photoshop.
Here are some of my favorite lines from the novel:
Beautiful and hollow; just like the flames.
My mind screamed cautions in my head, but my foolish heart was beating so loudly that I didn’t hear a thing.
I hope that someday everyone will get the chance to read it. But even if that day never comes, it's been one of the biggest blessings in my life.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Social Butterfly
9:17 AM
WARNING: Incredibly long post.
It's kind of surprising me how one conscious decision and some listening to the spirit has done for me in just two short days. A week ago, I would have sat at home with none of these experiences coming my way, and guaranteed a lot of sadness following it.
On Sunday, I was INCREDIBLY depressed. I cried quarts. With the help of a couple of friends, I changed the direction of my life. It was hard in the moment, but now I can feel how much that turn around has changed things. This change will make it so much easier to turn my back on those short comings.
Just after I did this, I emailed a bunch of friends. People that I wanted to hang out with and set up 'play dates.' I couldn't wait to get to church because it meant I would get out of my house. I couldn't wait to see people. I've realized that I spend WAY too much time online, and though talking to my online friends is great; I need some In Real Life (IRL) social contact.
Church was my first stop. You can read about the beginning of these exploits here.
It was 'Linger Longer*' after church and I was very excited. There are two different Singles Wards in my home town, and we combine for this activity once every month, rotating whose turn it is to prepare the activity. My ward's Linger Longers are INSANELY cool! Amazing food, decorations, different and fabulous things to drink. It's awesome. This week we were able to make our own grilled cheese sandwiches. (Tip: honey butter on a grilled cheese sandwich = fabulous!)
During this, I had the chance to flirt with two guys that I think are pretty cool. Pete and Devin. I had spent the last three hours of church with Pete since the Black Licorice Gum incident. I noticed that Devin was sitting alone, and because I kind of like him, too; I called over (totally out of character, I might add.) and invited him to sit with us. Another girl sat with us. Her name is Natalie, and she's about amazing. I quite love her to death. The fact that she's a fellow Friends addict instantly raised my appreciation for her. It was a great time. Flirting and laughter are bomb.
Yesterday, I went to lunch with a close friend of mine. She has been in town for nearly two months and I haven't spent any time with her, and I felt the need to remedy that. We went out to lunch and jammed on guitar. It was great to catch up with her, and I'm so glad we were able to make that happen.
My aunt and uncle are in town and the entire family went to my grandmother's house for soup and good company. I almost didn't go. I'm so VERY glad that I did. I was able to chat with two of my younger cousins. I love those girls! They are just cute, and so much fun to talk to. I'm very happy that I went and was able to spend time with family.
I did leave early. I had promised Natalie that I would come to the ward's Family Home Evening. You can read a bit about that event here. We played I've never, which is an incredibly fun game. The best is when you get targeted. There's no one to trade chairs with, as you are the only one who has done that thing. Someone tried to target me with "I've never made videos for YouTube." Half of the circle stood up, which surprised me.
After the game, we converged into the kitchen to munch on leftovers from Linger Longer the day before. Good chatting ensued. Including Pete asking me if I wanted to go on a date.
Pete: Have you seen the movie Avatar?
Kate: No, I haven't. I want to though.
Pete: I haven't seen it either. I want to.
...
Pete: We should go.
Kate: Yeah, I'd like that.
...
Kate: *after a long pause* When?
Pete: Oh! Umm...Thursday?
Kate: Sounds great!
I have so much more happening this week. I'll blog about it all, I'm sure. Movie night with a girl-friend tonight. Institute tomorrow. Date on Thursday. Haircut on Friday. It's going to be a good week. I'm determined to make it so.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Messaging Rampage
9:02 PM
I came to the realization today that I have about 450 facebook friends. And I realized that while I have this great tool with which to communicate with them, I rarely use it.
Today I went through my massive lists of friends with the intent of messaging those people that I care about. There were a lot more than I really expected.
I went through, skimming the surface of names and left them quick and honest messages.
I finished the night with a total of 72 people messaged.
The plan is to go back through tomorrow and say "Hi!" to a few more!
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010!
11:43 PM
It's a new year! A new decade! I'm sitting here contemplating that in another ten year's time I'll be 30 years old. Wow. That seems so close, but seeing as I've only been alive for two decades so far, pretty sure that a decade will still take a while. (Let's hope.)
Here are some things I hope to happen in the next ten years:
There are many more I'm sure, but we'll leave it at that since I have quite a bit to list yet.
Goals for the year 2010:
A few things I'm looking forward to:
It's going to be a great year. I can feel it!
(Update from last post: I did not get a New Year's Eve kiss. Sadness, right? But it was a great night nonetheless. I think a random kiss might have just made things awkward. Maybe next year.)
Here are some things I hope to happen in the next ten years:
- Get married and start a family.
- Get my book published.
- Travel.
There are many more I'm sure, but we'll leave it at that since I have quite a bit to list yet.
Goals for the year 2010:
- Continue to lose weight.
- Do extensive revisions on my novel.
- Strive for a positive and upbeat attitude.
- Make more videos than I did in 2009.
- Read. A Lot!
- Strengthen existing friendships, and cultivate new ones.
- And most importantly, do all that I can to strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
A few things I'm looking forward to:
- NaNoWriMo 2010
- Assistant Directing the spring musical at the Jr. High.
- Getting a few church things under way.
- Being part of the cast of the community show.
- My 21st birthday! (Since I've turned 18, I've dreaded my birthdays. I'm excited for this one.)
It's going to be a great year. I can feel it!
(Update from last post: I did not get a New Year's Eve kiss. Sadness, right? But it was a great night nonetheless. I think a random kiss might have just made things awkward. Maybe next year.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)