Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Project Meme

Back in January, I promised Daffy to do a Projects Meme within the next week. Well, I'm ready to do it now, and I think the first project should be

1) Quit procrastinating! (Maybe tomorrow...)

2) I was working on a novel back in the 1980s and even though I have thought out sections of it over the years, I put it aside and never got back to writing it. I would like to work on it, using a really wonderful book I got called First Draft in 30 Days. I think after reading it over that I kinda need to rework the whole thing. But I want to leave the setting in the 80s.

3) I really need to keep making exercise a priority, for health reasons. I have been riding my exercise bike for a half hour daily, and doing a Body Electric routine for 20 minutes daily. (Body Electric is weight lifting/strength/flexibility/balance, that kind of thing. It really tones me up when I stick with it, and even though it can be intense, it is doable. I see progress not only in doing it, but in the rest of my day, I am more flexible, have more energy and less aches and pains when I commit to it).

4) I want to spend some quality time tending to the yard and garden this year.

5) I want to spend less time on the computer, and more time reading books. I want to use the time I do spend on the computer more productively.

Okay, that's what I'm working on. I am supposed to tag 5 other people, and I know who I'd like to tag, but I don't want to put people on the spot when everyone already has so much going on. The last thing any woman needs is more guilt! Honestly, I wondered whether to even do this. I think women have a real problem with feeling like they never do enough. Even when we get a lot done, we only think of all the OTHER things we should have done. We say we want to spend more time reading, but then either it is on our "to do" list and we make a chore of it, or we spend an enjoyable afternoon reading and then feel guilty because we weren't doing something else. One thing my husband has worked hard to help me do is ENJOY LIFE and learn to enjoy the process, the satisfaction of feeling good about what I do accomplish, and the joys of leisure and beauty and conversation and relaxation. I, however, sometimes enjoy little challenges I set myself, or planning things I'd like doing, and that's all this is. So if you feel it would be something you'd enjoy, feel free to let us know what you'd like to accomplish in the coming year. We won't hold your feet to the fire.

12 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

I'm not writing a novel, but the other four things are on my list, too! It just takes discipline, huh!

Zuzana said...

I love all your projects; I think they are reasonable.;)) I too love gardening and reading. I have never written a book but I have been playing with the thought.;))
I do understand this thing about tagging, I always leave it open as well and invite anyone to join, if they want to.
Your husband is correct; the important thing in life is to enjoy it. Life is short and often full with obstacles and troubles, but it is up to us to make it the best it can be.;))) It is all about those small, simple pleasures.;))
Wishing you a Happy Easter.;))

Kathleen said...

What I like about this is that it's so intentional!

Without a plan, the years have a way of flying passed. It's as if we live with the defaults set to "whatever". I'm not much good at that anymore, but it never hurts to build a bit more intentionality into my life.

This year, and next ... I want to dig deeper still into God's word. I want to spend less time "relaxing" in the evenings (code for TV watching), and more time getting some exercise. I want to focus on my two pet projects: ancestry/heritage searches, and completing a book about my family.

Be blessed!
Kathleen

Connie said...

Good luck with the projects!!!

I am a list maker and have loads of project lists...I also proscrastinate like it is my job to do so...

Greg C said...

I am going to finish writing a book but it is going to be poetry with photos.

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

All your projects are admirable, but best of luck with the novel.

Susan said...

Uh oh ... is this New Year's resolutions at Easter? :) I struggle with spending too much time on the computer; I find that it helps me procrastinate even more. And Body Electric ... I used to watch a show called that on PBS ... I think it was filmed in FL. It was a great workout! Keep us posted on your progress. Those are super goals.

Anonymous said...

I need to do this - make a priorities list for my projects. One of these days!!! Perhaps you'll inspire me (but so glad I didn't get tagged again!) xo

daffy said...

Write the novel! Enjoy life! I like that... good five! x

Beverlydru said...

YOu are so right about what we do to ourselves with guilt... my goal is to be "in the moment". I am a chronic multi-tasker to the point of ridiculousness! Write that novel... you can let installments out to us... like Pioneer Woman has done. I've enjoyed that.

Jenny said...

I need that book and that exercise machine! Good for you, Tracie!

steviewren said...

Growing up I wanted to become a writer. But upon growing up I realized that I don't have the talent to write anything good....I'll have to be happy to read what other people write. You need to finish your novel. You might have a best seller on your hands.

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