June 1 marked the end of my attempt at the List 13 challenge and had some mixed results overall. I didn't accomplish 13 things but had some success along the way.
List 13
1. 13 week cut (end goal weight 124)
2. 10 week weight training peak cycle
3. Study for PTCE (I also passed the PTCE)
4. Read 1-2 books
5. Write first draft for List 13 (I managed 13,000 words)
6. Get hair cut much shorter/change hair
7. Create new intro for youtube channel
8. Find location to run outside safely (Looked online but haven't gone to any)
9. Make 3 items pinned on pinterest
10. Sew one item
11. buy swimsuit but.... Did get new clothes that I needed
12. adult stuff that needs done - did an HIV test so that's pretty adult right there
13. new tattoo
14. paint on one canvas
15. go bowling or something (went to burlesque show)
I didn't buy a swimsuit but I did get clothing I needed and a pair of shoes when parents were in town, so that's sufficient. Swimsuit will be part of next cut, near the end as vacation requires one. Can't afford 13 and didn't go bowling or to movie but did go out with roommate mid-cut to a burlesque show. I'm counting HIV test as doing something cause I used to volunteer and a place let our group use their building that did the testing and I never got it done. It was always on my list of should one day just because list and I got to do it on the clock at work. So, managed about half of the 13 crossed off-ish.
And the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znuGgPnxnDA
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017
List 13 Update and Retro April
We are over 4 weeks into the 13 week challenge, so it's time for an update. So far things are making good progress but have quite a bit to get done in order to reach my goals.
I've made some progress on the novel. List 13 has about 10,000 words so far and I'm finishing up chapter 5. I've been studying for the PTCE and can cross it off the list but need to study more. Made it through the class sponsored by work. I read the book from class but haven't finished a fiction book yet. However, for sure I can cross off the new intro for my youtube channel.
Weight wise, I started the month at 135-136. Ended the month at 131-132, though today's weight was 133.4 as body weight tends to fluctuate. Plus hormones are involved right now. Still, making progress and that's what we're hoping to see.
Measurements
I didn't take my measurements until the 18th of March, so this is more of a two week update on those than anything else but since I'm doing the month log for SizeSlim, I'll measure every two weeks just to get more than one point for that forum posting. I'm not pulling the measuring tape very tight and I do measure two areas on the stomach since I have a dip in my stomach.
2-18-17
hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 38
chest (over bust) - 35
chest (under bust) - 33
thigh - 22
bicep - 12
wrist - 6
neck - 13
weight - 135.4
3-3-17
hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 37.5
chest (over bust) - 34.5
chest (under bust) - 32.5
thigh - 21.5
bicep - 11
neck - 13
wrist - 6
weight - 133.4
I was provided a bottle of a weight loss supplement from SizeSlim to log over on bodybuilding.com. The disclaimer is I don't normally take a diet supplement nor do I think anyone needs that in order to lose weight. Supplements are extra and one can reach their goals without taking a pill. Still, I'm going to give this a try to see about the claims of appetite suppressing, mood enhancement and focus.
Company site: https://sizeslim.com
My supplement log: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=173803371
I also got to taste test some protein cookies. Triple chocolate by Muscletech. They are pretty good. Not quite a replacement for Lenny and Larry cookies for me as the Muscletech ones are whey based and the other brand are vegan. Still, a nice treat that includes a little protein too and very chocolately tasting.
Muscletech link: http://www.muscletech.com
Retro April
One thing I forgot to mention in my youtube video was that for the month of April I'm doing a sort of throwback, retro, childhood type of month. Let's call it Retro April, just to give it some type of "creative" name.
TV shows to watch: Rugrats, Doug, Care Bears and many more. I also am going to watch some Anime shows that aren't from my childhood but still, enjoyable. Going to check out some new ones too. Also going to watch Disney movies like Mulan. I want to go see the new Power Ranger movie too as I used to play that when I was in elementary school. I rarely get to go out so will be nice if I can find a reasonable priced theater to see the movie in, even if I go alone.
Full day of eating is a possibility in the works too for the nostalgia month.. Maybe include a lunchable. Definitely need to find some gushers or fruit roll ups, something along those lines, or all of them. mmm fruit snacks!
Summary: Work in progress on List 13 and plenty to come. Diet log started and more taste tests to come. Check out the videos over on my youtube channel for more.
Fiction and Fitness Youtube Channel
What are your favorite shows from your childhood?
What was your favorite food/snack?
I've made some progress on the novel. List 13 has about 10,000 words so far and I'm finishing up chapter 5. I've been studying for the PTCE and can cross it off the list but need to study more. Made it through the class sponsored by work. I read the book from class but haven't finished a fiction book yet. However, for sure I can cross off the new intro for my youtube channel.
Weight wise, I started the month at 135-136. Ended the month at 131-132, though today's weight was 133.4 as body weight tends to fluctuate. Plus hormones are involved right now. Still, making progress and that's what we're hoping to see.
Measurements
I didn't take my measurements until the 18th of March, so this is more of a two week update on those than anything else but since I'm doing the month log for SizeSlim, I'll measure every two weeks just to get more than one point for that forum posting. I'm not pulling the measuring tape very tight and I do measure two areas on the stomach since I have a dip in my stomach.
2-18-17
hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 38
chest (over bust) - 35
chest (under bust) - 33
thigh - 22
bicep - 12
wrist - 6
neck - 13
weight - 135.4
3-3-17
hips - 38
waist (smallest) - 36
waist (upper) - 37.5
chest (over bust) - 34.5
chest (under bust) - 32.5
thigh - 21.5
bicep - 11
neck - 13
wrist - 6
weight - 133.4
I was provided a bottle of a weight loss supplement from SizeSlim to log over on bodybuilding.com. The disclaimer is I don't normally take a diet supplement nor do I think anyone needs that in order to lose weight. Supplements are extra and one can reach their goals without taking a pill. Still, I'm going to give this a try to see about the claims of appetite suppressing, mood enhancement and focus.
New Product: SizeSlim
Company site: https://sizeslim.com
My supplement log: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=173803371
I also got to taste test some protein cookies. Triple chocolate by Muscletech. They are pretty good. Not quite a replacement for Lenny and Larry cookies for me as the Muscletech ones are whey based and the other brand are vegan. Still, a nice treat that includes a little protein too and very chocolately tasting.
Muscletech link: http://www.muscletech.com
Retro April
One thing I forgot to mention in my youtube video was that for the month of April I'm doing a sort of throwback, retro, childhood type of month. Let's call it Retro April, just to give it some type of "creative" name.
TV shows to watch: Rugrats, Doug, Care Bears and many more. I also am going to watch some Anime shows that aren't from my childhood but still, enjoyable. Going to check out some new ones too. Also going to watch Disney movies like Mulan. I want to go see the new Power Ranger movie too as I used to play that when I was in elementary school. I rarely get to go out so will be nice if I can find a reasonable priced theater to see the movie in, even if I go alone.
Full day of eating is a possibility in the works too for the nostalgia month.. Maybe include a lunchable. Definitely need to find some gushers or fruit roll ups, something along those lines, or all of them. mmm fruit snacks!
Summary: Work in progress on List 13 and plenty to come. Diet log started and more taste tests to come. Check out the videos over on my youtube channel for more.
Fiction and Fitness Youtube Channel
What are your favorite shows from your childhood?
What was your favorite food/snack?
Saturday, August 6, 2016
July Summary (What all distracted me)
So much happened in July that I ended up not posting much of anything for the entire month. There was more other stuff than writing and a little fitness on the side. Here is what has gone on lately, for anyone who is interested. :-)
Moving
I moved to Los Angelos early in June but that was into my sister's studio apartment and with just a car load of my belongings. July we moved into a new apartment. There was a short interruption that I'll discuss next but we spent part of the beginning of the month transitioning in apartments. Towards the end of the month, then, I drove all the way back up to Oregon to get the rest of my belongings. My dad drove over to help as he has a truck. We did end up leaving some stuff behind for the old roommates as they weren't quite worth the effort needed and didn't want to get a trailer. It was around 16 hour drive each way but heading down to LA again was done in two days, whereas on the way up, I did the drive in one day.
Visit Home
At the beginning of July we had to make an unfortunate trip over to Wyoming. My grandmother had suffered with Alzheimer's for the past few years and she passed away. We (My sister and I) went to attend the funeral and just be with our family. It was a long drive both ways but wouldn't have done it any other way.
Bad Luck
Had some not great luck, in particular with my car. Had a very minor accident that involved very little damage and no injuries, but was very jarring and a hassle. Then, day before leaving for Oregon, I popped a back tire on my car. Had to wait for road side assistance as I wasn't sure on how the use the jack that came with the donut tire thing my car has. I could change a tire but have never done it by myself with the car. Had to get a new one, which was an added expense on an already tight budget.
Work
My work schedule has been rather sporadic at the new location. There was a slight issue with the transfer in that the system put me as unavailable every day when it went through and the newer person doing the schedule didn't notice, so I wasn't on the schedule for that week. I did fill in at a different store and am still in contact with them. Other times I've gotten okay hours. I'm also applying for positions higher up and have been trying to get further in the company for a couple of years now. In progress but also looking around for opportunities.
Fitness
Still going to the gym and lifting. Not doing much running yet as I haven't found a place to run though am looking at a park that isn't too far away. The gym is only about 11 miles away, but that can be a long drive here in LA. I was a little sporadic with my lifting due to the lots of driving and things that went on during the month. I got in one lifting session in Wyoming along with some walks. In Oregon, I just packed up things. I'm starting a peak cycle in my weight lifting though, despite not able to compete at the APA Meet in October. Working towards a possible PR on all of the lifts. Trying to get squat above 200 and increase a little on bench. We'll see how deadlift will go as that I would like to see increase a decent amount but hard to tell the results.
Writing
This was hit the hardest. I haven't done much writing at all. I did a tiny little bit on North West and am on the very last chapter of the first draft. Need to get the last section done. Need to up my game on this now that I have a place to set my computer aside from the bed. We have a table up and even have a new couch in the living room. Writing will happen in August along with a couple of blogs and hopefully some youtube videos.
August is a big month. Applying for jobs, trying to write, lifting heavy and my birthday. Hope it goes better than July. Hoping for good things this month.
Moving
I moved to Los Angelos early in June but that was into my sister's studio apartment and with just a car load of my belongings. July we moved into a new apartment. There was a short interruption that I'll discuss next but we spent part of the beginning of the month transitioning in apartments. Towards the end of the month, then, I drove all the way back up to Oregon to get the rest of my belongings. My dad drove over to help as he has a truck. We did end up leaving some stuff behind for the old roommates as they weren't quite worth the effort needed and didn't want to get a trailer. It was around 16 hour drive each way but heading down to LA again was done in two days, whereas on the way up, I did the drive in one day.
Visit Home
At the beginning of July we had to make an unfortunate trip over to Wyoming. My grandmother had suffered with Alzheimer's for the past few years and she passed away. We (My sister and I) went to attend the funeral and just be with our family. It was a long drive both ways but wouldn't have done it any other way.
Bad Luck
Had some not great luck, in particular with my car. Had a very minor accident that involved very little damage and no injuries, but was very jarring and a hassle. Then, day before leaving for Oregon, I popped a back tire on my car. Had to wait for road side assistance as I wasn't sure on how the use the jack that came with the donut tire thing my car has. I could change a tire but have never done it by myself with the car. Had to get a new one, which was an added expense on an already tight budget.
Work
My work schedule has been rather sporadic at the new location. There was a slight issue with the transfer in that the system put me as unavailable every day when it went through and the newer person doing the schedule didn't notice, so I wasn't on the schedule for that week. I did fill in at a different store and am still in contact with them. Other times I've gotten okay hours. I'm also applying for positions higher up and have been trying to get further in the company for a couple of years now. In progress but also looking around for opportunities.
Fitness
Still going to the gym and lifting. Not doing much running yet as I haven't found a place to run though am looking at a park that isn't too far away. The gym is only about 11 miles away, but that can be a long drive here in LA. I was a little sporadic with my lifting due to the lots of driving and things that went on during the month. I got in one lifting session in Wyoming along with some walks. In Oregon, I just packed up things. I'm starting a peak cycle in my weight lifting though, despite not able to compete at the APA Meet in October. Working towards a possible PR on all of the lifts. Trying to get squat above 200 and increase a little on bench. We'll see how deadlift will go as that I would like to see increase a decent amount but hard to tell the results.
Writing
This was hit the hardest. I haven't done much writing at all. I did a tiny little bit on North West and am on the very last chapter of the first draft. Need to get the last section done. Need to up my game on this now that I have a place to set my computer aside from the bed. We have a table up and even have a new couch in the living room. Writing will happen in August along with a couple of blogs and hopefully some youtube videos.
August is a big month. Applying for jobs, trying to write, lifting heavy and my birthday. Hope it goes better than July. Hoping for good things this month.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
First Powerlifting Meet and Youtube
At long last, the blog post about the experience I had at my first powerlifting meet. I took part in Elite Spring Challenge within the APA-WPA federation. It was held in Oregon and was a qualifier competition for another meet that will be held in October. Here is the video I put together with the lifts someone was nice enough to film for me along with the details of my experience at my very first and definitely not last powerlifting meet.
Had a great first meet experience. Another lifter offer to have her friend film me too and email it to me, so that was super nice because I had no one (friends or family) there with me. I didn't get all 3 attempts on all of the lifts but overall am pleased with how it went. Considering making notes on kg during training instead of just lbs to practice cause that conversion was a little rough at times when making decisions on my next attempts, maybe.
Squat - 3 white lights on the first two but failed on near 210, started to lean forward when trying to grind it out but that's okay. Got 198 on second attempt and all of my attempts were kinda slow, so things to work on.
Bench - First attempt 3 white lights, 1 red on second (not sure reason but eh, still counted) and failed the attempt at close to 125 (pesky conversions). That pause is just too long for me at that weight for now. 115 was my second attempt so that's still my max for good reps though I've done 125 touch and go.
Deadlift - Got all three attempts with just 1 red light on one attempt. I ended up going for a little more than planned on the third attempt as the second went well and trying to pick a decent weight with the conversion. Managed around 248. Not quite at goal of 2 times body weight but getting closer.
For a half minute or so, held a total record, which was kind of fun in the moment as he announced when your attempt was for a record before the lift.
Results, I don't remember the exact kg total but around 560ish lbs. Ended up placing second in the open division for the 132 weight class. This meet was also a qualifier for a "world" meet that is held in the same location in October. So, I'm qualified to compete in that one and can focus my training in preparation for APA-WPA World. Maybe I can get my total to above 600 if I get those last attempts worked out in bench, squat (okay, increase a little on both) and get over 2xbw deadlift. #goals
Really enjoyed the meet. Everyone is nice and encouraging. I had a good time, lots of nerves and energy and can't wait to compete again.
My Youtube Channel
Aside from the video of my lift and a couple lifts I'd put up for a little competition on bodybuilding.com, there are other videos along with future plans. I decided to start my own youtube channel in connection with the topics of this blog.
Fiction & Fitness Youtube Channel
The channel will have similar topics as the blog with a little more emphasis on the fitness than writing as it's a little easier to show video of lifting and food compared to the writing side. There will be writing ones too though, I can guarantee that. I have many plans in how to use topics for the video along with the longer worded stuff for here on the blog. It is a little weird filming myself and hearing my voice on the videos because you sound so very different in your head compared to recordings. Taking time to get used to it but should be more consistent with content as I learn programs, editing and get to posting different videos and blogs.
Coming soon: LA, Music Festival and Novel Updates.
Had a great first meet experience. Another lifter offer to have her friend film me too and email it to me, so that was super nice because I had no one (friends or family) there with me. I didn't get all 3 attempts on all of the lifts but overall am pleased with how it went. Considering making notes on kg during training instead of just lbs to practice cause that conversion was a little rough at times when making decisions on my next attempts, maybe.
Squat - 3 white lights on the first two but failed on near 210, started to lean forward when trying to grind it out but that's okay. Got 198 on second attempt and all of my attempts were kinda slow, so things to work on.
Bench - First attempt 3 white lights, 1 red on second (not sure reason but eh, still counted) and failed the attempt at close to 125 (pesky conversions). That pause is just too long for me at that weight for now. 115 was my second attempt so that's still my max for good reps though I've done 125 touch and go.
Deadlift - Got all three attempts with just 1 red light on one attempt. I ended up going for a little more than planned on the third attempt as the second went well and trying to pick a decent weight with the conversion. Managed around 248. Not quite at goal of 2 times body weight but getting closer.
For a half minute or so, held a total record, which was kind of fun in the moment as he announced when your attempt was for a record before the lift.
Results, I don't remember the exact kg total but around 560ish lbs. Ended up placing second in the open division for the 132 weight class. This meet was also a qualifier for a "world" meet that is held in the same location in October. So, I'm qualified to compete in that one and can focus my training in preparation for APA-WPA World. Maybe I can get my total to above 600 if I get those last attempts worked out in bench, squat (okay, increase a little on both) and get over 2xbw deadlift. #goals
Really enjoyed the meet. Everyone is nice and encouraging. I had a good time, lots of nerves and energy and can't wait to compete again.
My Youtube Channel
Aside from the video of my lift and a couple lifts I'd put up for a little competition on bodybuilding.com, there are other videos along with future plans. I decided to start my own youtube channel in connection with the topics of this blog.
Fiction & Fitness Youtube Channel
The channel will have similar topics as the blog with a little more emphasis on the fitness than writing as it's a little easier to show video of lifting and food compared to the writing side. There will be writing ones too though, I can guarantee that. I have many plans in how to use topics for the video along with the longer worded stuff for here on the blog. It is a little weird filming myself and hearing my voice on the videos because you sound so very different in your head compared to recordings. Taking time to get used to it but should be more consistent with content as I learn programs, editing and get to posting different videos and blogs.
Coming soon: LA, Music Festival and Novel Updates.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
The Reveal aka My In Progress Photo Update
A very long overdue post. It's not a final one, just a progress report, but I've wanted to share some of the success I've had in the last year+. I waited because of reasons involving family, who hadn't seen in in over a year and didn't know the changes I'd made. Now, however, I am posting online again. Just hadn't posted on the blog. This is also the first time I'm posting pictures of myself on here. May have more in the future but not very often. For other pics, check out my instagram account @fiction2fitness where there is me, other stuff and of course, cats.
Starting off with the picture that I took back in September 2014 to use for my updates like this one. I started on the little journey weighing in at 211 lbs (not my heighest), which was pretty heavy for being only 4'11.5" in height. The picture wasn't right away, so the weight had dropped a little to 209. I tended to fluctuate over the years between 205 and 220, so it wasn't unusual but I did make the decision to try and eat a bit better and add some exercise to my life around that time. And yes, there is a lot of laundry soap because of sale prices plus coupon. ;-)
I also put together a progress photo from two family events. The first image was taken back in 2011 at my older stepsister's wedding in DC. I weighed around 220 and the dress was a size 22, though was more of a size 20 and had issues with my capri pants being too big on that trip. We had a great time out there. What I remember most is dancing with my grandma (grandpa passed away a few years beforehand) both slow and fast songs, and hoping she didn't really know what some of the lyrics meant. It was fun. May not like some of the photos of me but the memories are better. Things were a little different in 2015 for younger stepsister's wedding, but not by much. We were in Colorado at a small place, in November with the ceremony outside (it was not that cold, at least). Being around family was the best and we had a good time. My dress was a size large from the junior's department and I still don't like pictures taken of me. Either way, time with family was great, I was just a little smaller.
And this is just me from the gym with my struggling posing attempt (might work on that in 2016, lol). Over a year later, from 211 to around 140 lbs. I've fluctuated between 136 and 140 since before the wedding to now, varying during the months. However, in those months I also managed to lose inches in waist, hips, and chest during as I measure once a month.
Summary: That is me. Still working hard and gyming in 2016. My stomach still sticks out some but I'm making slow progress. I'm working on getting into the 120's and will go from there once I make it as I'm taking the slow route. Have some plans for fun things, new adventures, maybe some filming and of course writing.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about both fiction and fitness.
Starting off with the picture that I took back in September 2014 to use for my updates like this one. I started on the little journey weighing in at 211 lbs (not my heighest), which was pretty heavy for being only 4'11.5" in height. The picture wasn't right away, so the weight had dropped a little to 209. I tended to fluctuate over the years between 205 and 220, so it wasn't unusual but I did make the decision to try and eat a bit better and add some exercise to my life around that time. And yes, there is a lot of laundry soap because of sale prices plus coupon. ;-)
I also put together a progress photo from two family events. The first image was taken back in 2011 at my older stepsister's wedding in DC. I weighed around 220 and the dress was a size 22, though was more of a size 20 and had issues with my capri pants being too big on that trip. We had a great time out there. What I remember most is dancing with my grandma (grandpa passed away a few years beforehand) both slow and fast songs, and hoping she didn't really know what some of the lyrics meant. It was fun. May not like some of the photos of me but the memories are better. Things were a little different in 2015 for younger stepsister's wedding, but not by much. We were in Colorado at a small place, in November with the ceremony outside (it was not that cold, at least). Being around family was the best and we had a good time. My dress was a size large from the junior's department and I still don't like pictures taken of me. Either way, time with family was great, I was just a little smaller.
And this is just me from the gym with my struggling posing attempt (might work on that in 2016, lol). Over a year later, from 211 to around 140 lbs. I've fluctuated between 136 and 140 since before the wedding to now, varying during the months. However, in those months I also managed to lose inches in waist, hips, and chest during as I measure once a month.
Summary: That is me. Still working hard and gyming in 2016. My stomach still sticks out some but I'm making slow progress. I'm working on getting into the 120's and will go from there once I make it as I'm taking the slow route. Have some plans for fun things, new adventures, maybe some filming and of course writing.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about both fiction and fitness.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
End of NaNoWriMo 2015
The chaos has ended and we're now into December (okay, over a week now, pesky cold and work distracted me). How did writing go for you?
This year was different for me. The result was similar to last year, in that I didn't make it to 50,000 words and I was okay with that because the overall writing was still a success for me. I also did something I hadn't done before during NaNoWriMo: I took a vacation. Actually, it was my longest vacation in years and the most time I had ever taken off from work. Between travel with long hours of driving, work and gym, that made for a busy November with less priority put on writing compared to other years.
Result = Just over 33,000 words on North West.
So, almost 17k below goal, but around the halfway point in the novel based on a general estimate of how many words the story might take. Not bad for one month, really. I tend to be slower with YA when it's not fantasy and this one is just a contemporary story with a bit of a boy/boy romance. It also hits on slightly tougher subjects than my usual so I'm okay with it taking more than a month to get the first draft done.
And that's also why I like NaNo. Even if you don't make 50,000 words and "win" that is okay. I am 33,000 words further in the story than I was at the end of October.
2015 is almost over, the year goes by so quick, so I will do an overview soon of the goals I made for the year before looking into 2016. Have lots of fitness and writing goals, along with plans for blogging more. Plus, maybe a little vlog action. Some decisions are being considered. We will have to see what happens. ;-)
This year was different for me. The result was similar to last year, in that I didn't make it to 50,000 words and I was okay with that because the overall writing was still a success for me. I also did something I hadn't done before during NaNoWriMo: I took a vacation. Actually, it was my longest vacation in years and the most time I had ever taken off from work. Between travel with long hours of driving, work and gym, that made for a busy November with less priority put on writing compared to other years.
Result = Just over 33,000 words on North West.
So, almost 17k below goal, but around the halfway point in the novel based on a general estimate of how many words the story might take. Not bad for one month, really. I tend to be slower with YA when it's not fantasy and this one is just a contemporary story with a bit of a boy/boy romance. It also hits on slightly tougher subjects than my usual so I'm okay with it taking more than a month to get the first draft done.
And that's also why I like NaNo. Even if you don't make 50,000 words and "win" that is okay. I am 33,000 words further in the story than I was at the end of October.
2015 is almost over, the year goes by so quick, so I will do an overview soon of the goals I made for the year before looking into 2016. Have lots of fitness and writing goals, along with plans for blogging more. Plus, maybe a little vlog action. Some decisions are being considered. We will have to see what happens. ;-)
Friday, August 14, 2015
A Weight Goal Achieved
Yep, I made it to one of my goals and am dedicating a post to a little scale victory.
I don't know how many of the followers will remember, but back in May of 2013, I took part in a health blog hop and talked about weight goals. Link to Blog Post
That was over 2 years ago. My goal at the end of that post was to make it to 160, which was still obese for my height. However, it wasn't a final, that is the lowest I could ever attempt, type of goal, which I had to clarify in the comments. It was an interim goal since the lowest I had been as an adult was 179 and it was hard to picture lower.
I now weigh even less than that goal.
I reached 160 on April 18th. As I got closer to that weight, my goal changed to then make it to 150 because that marked the line at my height for overweight instead of obese.
On July 20th, I reached that goal too. In fact, I now am at 143 and still slowly losing weight. Have a ways to go in order to reach what is deemed a healthy weight for my height, but I can see it more now. When I weighed over 200 it was hard to imagine even weighing 150 let alone much less. As I make my way down this path, I see things a bit more now. I don't have a final goal range just yet, and I may even one day do a bulk (purposefully gain weight at a very very slow pace in order to gain muscle), but for now, things are going well. I will reach the year mark from when I decided to be more active in a couple of weeks and have lost over 65 lbs. Even better than that is the things I can do and the activities I want to try doing in the future.
I can jog 4 miles and hope to soon increase that number. I also can squat 160, deadlift over 180 and bench 100 (all in lbs for either 3 to 5 reps).
I still have many goals, which still includes novel writing, as it's not about the end but the journey it takes to get there.
I don't know how many of the followers will remember, but back in May of 2013, I took part in a health blog hop and talked about weight goals. Link to Blog Post
That was over 2 years ago. My goal at the end of that post was to make it to 160, which was still obese for my height. However, it wasn't a final, that is the lowest I could ever attempt, type of goal, which I had to clarify in the comments. It was an interim goal since the lowest I had been as an adult was 179 and it was hard to picture lower.
I now weigh even less than that goal.
I reached 160 on April 18th. As I got closer to that weight, my goal changed to then make it to 150 because that marked the line at my height for overweight instead of obese.
On July 20th, I reached that goal too. In fact, I now am at 143 and still slowly losing weight. Have a ways to go in order to reach what is deemed a healthy weight for my height, but I can see it more now. When I weighed over 200 it was hard to imagine even weighing 150 let alone much less. As I make my way down this path, I see things a bit more now. I don't have a final goal range just yet, and I may even one day do a bulk (purposefully gain weight at a very very slow pace in order to gain muscle), but for now, things are going well. I will reach the year mark from when I decided to be more active in a couple of weeks and have lost over 65 lbs. Even better than that is the things I can do and the activities I want to try doing in the future.
I can jog 4 miles and hope to soon increase that number. I also can squat 160, deadlift over 180 and bench 100 (all in lbs for either 3 to 5 reps).
I still have many goals, which still includes novel writing, as it's not about the end but the journey it takes to get there.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Quick Update
Wow, I really haven't posted since the A to Z challenge back in April. Craziness.
April was quite the hectic month and I have to admit this year, the A to Z Challenge was more than I could handle. I did succeed in posting in both blogs every day, though a few of the posts were rather late in the day. However, I missed the mark on commenting and it was a struggle to keep up with those posts. I appreciated the people who did stop by on my blogs and the few who left me comments.
Since then things did get quite busy. One major change is that at the very beginning of June, I moved apartments. Moving in general is a hassle. There is all of the packing, handling everything for both and new places then the actual move, which me and my mom did alone. Fun times moving from a second floor apartment and driving a moving truck. Settling into new place has taken time too and I still have kitchen stuff in boxes cause not sure where to put it at this point s the new place comes with a roommate.
I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things with writing and the blogs now that I'm more settled down. I have still been going to the gym, jogging and eating somewhat healthy.
Upcoming posts:
my first 5k
weight update
summer novels
And hopefully more beyond that. I continue to write, working towards submitting TT, lift heavy weights and just keep pushing. Write on.
April was quite the hectic month and I have to admit this year, the A to Z Challenge was more than I could handle. I did succeed in posting in both blogs every day, though a few of the posts were rather late in the day. However, I missed the mark on commenting and it was a struggle to keep up with those posts. I appreciated the people who did stop by on my blogs and the few who left me comments.
Since then things did get quite busy. One major change is that at the very beginning of June, I moved apartments. Moving in general is a hassle. There is all of the packing, handling everything for both and new places then the actual move, which me and my mom did alone. Fun times moving from a second floor apartment and driving a moving truck. Settling into new place has taken time too and I still have kitchen stuff in boxes cause not sure where to put it at this point s the new place comes with a roommate.
I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things with writing and the blogs now that I'm more settled down. I have still been going to the gym, jogging and eating somewhat healthy.
Upcoming posts:
my first 5k
weight update
summer novels
And hopefully more beyond that. I continue to write, working towards submitting TT, lift heavy weights and just keep pushing. Write on.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
5 Years and A to Z
Holy Metal, Batman! I have had this blog (though in different name for over half of the time) for 5 whole years. I started It's in the Book DE back on March 17th, 2010. Wow did the years go by fast.
Here was the first post, back when the only focus for the blog was my writing: http://fictionandfitness.blogspot.com/2010/03/introduction.html
That first year was quite ambitious between random posts and blogfest entries (which I used to do all the time now I never know when any are being held) I managed to post over 100 times within the year. That number diminished a fair amount over the years as things have developed and changed. Progress wise, I haven't submitted any novels yet but I have one that I am going to submit to agents this year, so think things are going pretty well. Plus, now that the fitness side is added, there are plenty of options available for future posts.
Don't worry though. I'm going to post more than 18 times this year, that I can promise because other announcement time. I'm being crazy enough that I am doing the A to Z challenge with this blog and my first blog (DawnEmbers). So, next month there will be a surplus of posts.
Check out my blogs and all the others who have signed up, or you know at least a few cause there are over 1000 blogs that will be signed up to take part, here: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html
I will be doing a post each required day with both something on fiction and on fitness. Yep, I'm using both topics every single post, somehow. Letters like Q and Z will be fun. I'm up for the challenge and hope you all enjoy the posts next month.
Here was the first post, back when the only focus for the blog was my writing: http://fictionandfitness.blogspot.com/2010/03/introduction.html
That first year was quite ambitious between random posts and blogfest entries (which I used to do all the time now I never know when any are being held) I managed to post over 100 times within the year. That number diminished a fair amount over the years as things have developed and changed. Progress wise, I haven't submitted any novels yet but I have one that I am going to submit to agents this year, so think things are going pretty well. Plus, now that the fitness side is added, there are plenty of options available for future posts.
Don't worry though. I'm going to post more than 18 times this year, that I can promise because other announcement time. I'm being crazy enough that I am doing the A to Z challenge with this blog and my first blog (DawnEmbers). So, next month there will be a surplus of posts.
Check out my blogs and all the others who have signed up, or you know at least a few cause there are over 1000 blogs that will be signed up to take part, here: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html
I will be doing a post each required day with both something on fiction and on fitness. Yep, I'm using both topics every single post, somehow. Letters like Q and Z will be fun. I'm up for the challenge and hope you all enjoy the posts next month.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Weight Lifting: Stronglifts
I plan to write about cardio but first, I am going to do a post
dedicated to weight lifting. This one gets dedicated to Stronglifts
because it's the routine I went to first and there will be others
discussed later. I'm not an expert, this is more about the general
aspects of lifting in particular while working on fitness and weight
loss, but do research and consult a doctor when necessary.
My Background: I first did weight lifting back in high school. While we didn't do any for most of the sports back when I played (none for volleyball or basketball), during the few years I did track, I was in shot put and discus, so that meant lifting as part of the practice. I remember doing bench press with my best friend. I also remember avoiding squats. Because we weren't the top, the coach focused not on us so we didn't learn things like cleans and snatches. But we did do some lifting with the bar along with a few machines. Then I took a class in college (the one I first attended required one) where I did more circuit type with machines and became acquainted with the leg press. Not much over the years except the occasional gym with machines as the options are limited in small town Utah and Wyoming.
I decided to try Stronglifts based on a couple of reasons. Compound moves are good for beginners and that concept made sense. I didn't have Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting (both are books). Ice Cream Fitness is similar but has few different lifts as it also incorporates accessory lifts with each workout. Pull-ups never interested me, which some programs try to help people accomplish, but they just remind me that I'm short. In the end, I went with the simpler approach that had a couple of lifts I was familiar with and a little less that I'd have to learn compared to some other beginner programs.
Web site: http://stronglifts.com
However, I will admit that after learning the routine, I didn't use the site much. I watched the videos a couple of times to see the form and such, but that is all. I don't get any emails and I don't have the app. I just recently got a phone that can even do apps but I don't keep my phone with me while I workout. I use a small notebook from the dollar store to record each session. The creator is entertaining if you watch the videos that show the workouts, but beyond that, I don't follow him or anything else.
Workout A:
Squat 5 reps for 5 sets
Bench Press 5 reps for 5 sets
Row (pendlay) 5 reps for 5 sets
Workout B:
Squat 5 reps for 5 sets
Overhead Press 5 reps for 5 sets
Deadlift 5 reps for 1 set
5x5 is a the general rep scheme with the noticeable difference with deadlift. It's a progressive overload focused workout, so each time the idea is to increase the weights each when possible and de-load after 3 fails (missed reps and unable to get proper form are fails). I didn't always move up, in particular when the weights got heavy on squats and deadlifts, and like many my overhead press is still on the weaker side. I also was in a calorie deficit. On a side note: I do have bad knees, arthritis in my back, problems with my hip, elbow and wrist but I am always cautious and have seen a doctor but have found the lifting doesn't aggravate any of them with good form.
Verdict:
It was fun. I started with just the bar for many of the lifts and had never done rows, deadlifts or rows before. I did have a trainer at the gym help at first in order to learn the proper form on each lift and that was very helpful. There are also many videos on youtube that are helpful as well. I made it through 12 weeks using the program before I took a week off from the gym (due to getting sick) and I did enjoy lifting.
Stats:
Starting Numbers * End of Week 12 in lbs
Body weight: 188 * 175
Squat: 45(bar) * 150
Bench: 45(bar) * 85 (90 but not 5x5)
Overhead Press: 30 * 65 (70 but not 5x5)
Row: 30 * 105
Deadlift: 65 * 200 (4 reps, 197.5 for 5 reps)
Overall, not bad for 12 weeks of lifting. I enjoyed it even though some of the lifts had me curse under my breath *cough* overhead press/row *cough*. I do recommend lifting as part of fitness goals because it definitely has many benefits but there are some who won't like it. Just like I don't like spinning, at all.
That's my overview of Stronglifts. Next up in the distant future will be New Rules of Lifting for Women. I'm in the middle of Stage 1 now.
My Background: I first did weight lifting back in high school. While we didn't do any for most of the sports back when I played (none for volleyball or basketball), during the few years I did track, I was in shot put and discus, so that meant lifting as part of the practice. I remember doing bench press with my best friend. I also remember avoiding squats. Because we weren't the top, the coach focused not on us so we didn't learn things like cleans and snatches. But we did do some lifting with the bar along with a few machines. Then I took a class in college (the one I first attended required one) where I did more circuit type with machines and became acquainted with the leg press. Not much over the years except the occasional gym with machines as the options are limited in small town Utah and Wyoming.
I decided to try Stronglifts based on a couple of reasons. Compound moves are good for beginners and that concept made sense. I didn't have Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting (both are books). Ice Cream Fitness is similar but has few different lifts as it also incorporates accessory lifts with each workout. Pull-ups never interested me, which some programs try to help people accomplish, but they just remind me that I'm short. In the end, I went with the simpler approach that had a couple of lifts I was familiar with and a little less that I'd have to learn compared to some other beginner programs.
Web site: http://stronglifts.com
However, I will admit that after learning the routine, I didn't use the site much. I watched the videos a couple of times to see the form and such, but that is all. I don't get any emails and I don't have the app. I just recently got a phone that can even do apps but I don't keep my phone with me while I workout. I use a small notebook from the dollar store to record each session. The creator is entertaining if you watch the videos that show the workouts, but beyond that, I don't follow him or anything else.
Workout A:
Squat 5 reps for 5 sets
Bench Press 5 reps for 5 sets
Row (pendlay) 5 reps for 5 sets
Workout B:
Squat 5 reps for 5 sets
Overhead Press 5 reps for 5 sets
Deadlift 5 reps for 1 set
5x5 is a the general rep scheme with the noticeable difference with deadlift. It's a progressive overload focused workout, so each time the idea is to increase the weights each when possible and de-load after 3 fails (missed reps and unable to get proper form are fails). I didn't always move up, in particular when the weights got heavy on squats and deadlifts, and like many my overhead press is still on the weaker side. I also was in a calorie deficit. On a side note: I do have bad knees, arthritis in my back, problems with my hip, elbow and wrist but I am always cautious and have seen a doctor but have found the lifting doesn't aggravate any of them with good form.
Verdict:
It was fun. I started with just the bar for many of the lifts and had never done rows, deadlifts or rows before. I did have a trainer at the gym help at first in order to learn the proper form on each lift and that was very helpful. There are also many videos on youtube that are helpful as well. I made it through 12 weeks using the program before I took a week off from the gym (due to getting sick) and I did enjoy lifting.
Stats:
Starting Numbers * End of Week 12 in lbs
Body weight: 188 * 175
Squat: 45(bar) * 150
Bench: 45(bar) * 85 (90 but not 5x5)
Overhead Press: 30 * 65 (70 but not 5x5)
Row: 30 * 105
Deadlift: 65 * 200 (4 reps, 197.5 for 5 reps)
Overall, not bad for 12 weeks of lifting. I enjoyed it even though some of the lifts had me curse under my breath *cough* overhead press/row *cough*. I do recommend lifting as part of fitness goals because it definitely has many benefits but there are some who won't like it. Just like I don't like spinning, at all.
That's my overview of Stronglifts. Next up in the distant future will be New Rules of Lifting for Women. I'm in the middle of Stage 1 now.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
New Year Goals and Past Reflection
Wow am I late. So, yeah ummm... We're in 2015 and have been for a few weeks now. But I am going to post here and reflect on the end of 2014 and the goals I have for 2015 anyways.
2014 ended pretty well. Started walking in September and that quickly became an almost every day event. Then in the end of October, before the cold weather really set in, I joined a gym. Started lifting weights in November and I'm still doing that. Lifting weights 3 times a week(stronglifts program) at the gym and doing other stuff when I feel like it on the other days. I didn't go with PF but ended up at the 24 Hour Fitness location, which is better suited for my goals even as a beginner with lots of weight to lose. Though I might look to transition later as I would like to learn some of the olympic lifts that we don't have much room for at current location.
Here are some fitness goals that I posted in October 2014:
Run 5k (color run 2015)
Deadlift (learn how)
Kayak
Jump high enough to block (HS volleyball, could never do)
Take class on hand to hand combat
Lift heavy weights ;-) (will be more specific once I get to some weights)
I am signed up for 2 5k runs so far. Pride Glow Run in June up in Portland and a Bubble Run Portland in August, which is a type of color run. So, going to be reaching that goal in 2015 for sure and might even add one more in September if I can find one I want to do. I do know how to deadlift now and last night I lifted 190 lbs, which means that goal is achieved. I'm doing 145 squat, 85 bench and 65 overhead press so I'm starting to lift heavy weights (at least they are still heavy for me but also making progress to lift heavier). We'll count that one. Just need to try the kayak, work on jumping and find a combat class and those will all be done.
I've also steadily been losing weight. Though I have a no picture policy in place at the moment, on facebook in particular, I have a goal for November and might be posting actual pictures here on the blog then as well. Have a big family event to attend and want to surprise all of the family as I will have not seen them in almost a year and some since I weighed like 220. Back on October 26, when I posted a weight update, I was 194.2. I am now down to 175. It was faster at first but now I'm going steady at 4-5 lbs per month, which is a good rate since I still have a fair amount to lose. Lifting while eating at a deficit can be a challenge at times but it's manageable.
Now to move on and discuss what I want to do for the rest of this year. I have lots of goals, of course, and some are writing while others are fitness related. How much I get done will be seen in December because I've got a lot of writing to do and it's getting a little slow right now. Hope to pick things up in the next couple of months. February Editing Month maybe?
Goals for 2015
Submit novel to agents
Edit 3 novels
Finish 2 novels
Run three 5ks
Blog more often
Learn more lifts and try out a different lifting program or two (NROLFW perhaps)
Get to the Overweight range (currently still Obese) = lose 20+ lbs hopefully by November
More posts to come. I have writing topics to discuss, plus a few posts on lifting. I'm hoping to be less silent on here for the rest of 2015.
Big plans for this year? How is your fiction and fitness going?
2014 ended pretty well. Started walking in September and that quickly became an almost every day event. Then in the end of October, before the cold weather really set in, I joined a gym. Started lifting weights in November and I'm still doing that. Lifting weights 3 times a week(stronglifts program) at the gym and doing other stuff when I feel like it on the other days. I didn't go with PF but ended up at the 24 Hour Fitness location, which is better suited for my goals even as a beginner with lots of weight to lose. Though I might look to transition later as I would like to learn some of the olympic lifts that we don't have much room for at current location.
Here are some fitness goals that I posted in October 2014:
Run 5k (color run 2015)
Deadlift (learn how)
Kayak
Jump high enough to block (HS volleyball, could never do)
Take class on hand to hand combat
Lift heavy weights ;-) (will be more specific once I get to some weights)
I am signed up for 2 5k runs so far. Pride Glow Run in June up in Portland and a Bubble Run Portland in August, which is a type of color run. So, going to be reaching that goal in 2015 for sure and might even add one more in September if I can find one I want to do. I do know how to deadlift now and last night I lifted 190 lbs, which means that goal is achieved. I'm doing 145 squat, 85 bench and 65 overhead press so I'm starting to lift heavy weights (at least they are still heavy for me but also making progress to lift heavier). We'll count that one. Just need to try the kayak, work on jumping and find a combat class and those will all be done.
I've also steadily been losing weight. Though I have a no picture policy in place at the moment, on facebook in particular, I have a goal for November and might be posting actual pictures here on the blog then as well. Have a big family event to attend and want to surprise all of the family as I will have not seen them in almost a year and some since I weighed like 220. Back on October 26, when I posted a weight update, I was 194.2. I am now down to 175. It was faster at first but now I'm going steady at 4-5 lbs per month, which is a good rate since I still have a fair amount to lose. Lifting while eating at a deficit can be a challenge at times but it's manageable.
Now to move on and discuss what I want to do for the rest of this year. I have lots of goals, of course, and some are writing while others are fitness related. How much I get done will be seen in December because I've got a lot of writing to do and it's getting a little slow right now. Hope to pick things up in the next couple of months. February Editing Month maybe?
Goals for 2015
Submit novel to agents
Edit 3 novels
Finish 2 novels
Run three 5ks
Blog more often
Learn more lifts and try out a different lifting program or two (NROLFW perhaps)
Get to the Overweight range (currently still Obese) = lose 20+ lbs hopefully by November
More posts to come. I have writing topics to discuss, plus a few posts on lifting. I'm hoping to be less silent on here for the rest of 2015.
Big plans for this year? How is your fiction and fitness going?
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Silence Reason Holiday Edition: Retail
Yep, I work retail. So, that is part of my reasoning and apology for the long silence on this blog. Retail and holidays tend to be a bit on the chaotic side starting around Thanksgiving, even when your retail is pharmacy focused. (I don't work in pharmacy, it's just a key part of the store.) On top of that, we had a new hire just stop showing up weeks ago so that put us down a person during a time when we needed even more. Short staffed and holidays with 10 days of increased hours the store was open made for a long few weeks.
I didn't work the Friday after Thanksgiving, so that was nice, though we aren't anywhere near as crazy as other retail stores that day. Our big coupon stuff is actually on Thanksgiving and we get more in that morning, I think, than the day after.
However, I also work a good part of my shifts in photo department, so the weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest for that department. Cards, calendars, photo gifts and just lots of pictures get printed within a short amount of time so by the week leading up to Christmas Day, we are just overwhelmed with orders while dealing with technical issues that always happen at the worst times. And I worked Christmas Eve till after midnight, and then close shift on Christmas Day. I kept busy this year.
So, I've mostly worked for the past month or so and not much else. Well, not much in the way of writing or blogging. I've written maybe over 1,000 words on the Snow novel and a couple online things that needed done. But I've also gone to the gym 3-4 times per week. But I'll talk more about that in the next post, which will include updates, 2015 plans and more. Later I'll have some fitness only posts so look forward to thoughts on fitness with the blog and a couple just about lifting weights.
I hope everyone had a great set of holidays and are ready to rock 2015.
I didn't work the Friday after Thanksgiving, so that was nice, though we aren't anywhere near as crazy as other retail stores that day. Our big coupon stuff is actually on Thanksgiving and we get more in that morning, I think, than the day after.
However, I also work a good part of my shifts in photo department, so the weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest for that department. Cards, calendars, photo gifts and just lots of pictures get printed within a short amount of time so by the week leading up to Christmas Day, we are just overwhelmed with orders while dealing with technical issues that always happen at the worst times. And I worked Christmas Eve till after midnight, and then close shift on Christmas Day. I kept busy this year.
So, I've mostly worked for the past month or so and not much else. Well, not much in the way of writing or blogging. I've written maybe over 1,000 words on the Snow novel and a couple online things that needed done. But I've also gone to the gym 3-4 times per week. But I'll talk more about that in the next post, which will include updates, 2015 plans and more. Later I'll have some fitness only posts so look forward to thoughts on fitness with the blog and a couple just about lifting weights.
I hope everyone had a great set of holidays and are ready to rock 2015.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Putting Fitness in My Fiction Blog
Hi there.
It has been a bit of a slow year on my blog, though I notice I post here more than any of my other blogs, so that says something at least. But since I've been more active lately, it's probably time to do an update health wise and talk a little about fitness before we get into the crazy fun of November and National Novel Writing Month (yes, I take part in it every year so this year is no different).
First: Update
September 5th was my last weight post, which included a goal to lose 10 lbs by nanowrimo. I am currently at 194.2, so have lost almost 15 lbs since that post since I had a weight of 209 when I made that post. The walking once a week, the week after I posted, ended up more like 6-7 days a week. I've only missed a few days in the last month, and a couple of them were from a cold. Using myfitnesspal, I can get a slightly generalized idea of calories consumed, which is the main reason for the current loss but the scale is just a small factor. I have many fitness goals, which is really where this blog will focus on (though I will occasionally post weight numbers and maybe some day measurements, plus hoping to one day have before/after images). It has been a slow adjustment and I think it's time I got some fitness into this blog.
Fitness
I am a fan. I always have even though liking something and doing it are not always connected. And I like many kinds. I used to be in sports (volleyball, basketball, track, softball) but I've also enjoyed walking, zumba, swimming, hiking, and weight lifting. Only thing I haven't enjoyed so far is spinning, just not for me but I wouldn't mind some day trying out cycling.
For now, I walk. I started end of August with a random 5k walk for charity event and from there just started walking 2-4 miles almost every day with a few times where I didn't walk at all. It's a start and has been fun because I've walked with a couple coworkers and might walk with one other when it's not stormy and rainy.
My next plan for winter, at least, is to go to a gym. There are several in the area but most are out of my price range at this time (even the YMCA is over 40$ a month, which I can't afford). The 24 Hour Fitness has a lot of the amenities I'd appreciate such as weights, zumba class, and swimming pool. However, it is out of my price range as well, though might get a discount through work. There is a Planet Fitness near enough and that is in my price range for the next two months. I'm going to check out a few places tomorrow, then make decision for November and December.
Fitness Goals (a few with more to come in future)
Run 5k (color run 2015)
Deadlift (learn how)
Kayak
Jump high enough to block (HS volleyball, could never do)
Take class on hand to hand combat
Lift heavy weights ;-) (will be more specific once I get to some weights)
I also have some ideas for a few things, which might include researching trademark and such. We'll see how this goes and if there is some community interest down the road. Right now it's one step at a time.
What do you do for fitness?
It has been a bit of a slow year on my blog, though I notice I post here more than any of my other blogs, so that says something at least. But since I've been more active lately, it's probably time to do an update health wise and talk a little about fitness before we get into the crazy fun of November and National Novel Writing Month (yes, I take part in it every year so this year is no different).
First: Update
September 5th was my last weight post, which included a goal to lose 10 lbs by nanowrimo. I am currently at 194.2, so have lost almost 15 lbs since that post since I had a weight of 209 when I made that post. The walking once a week, the week after I posted, ended up more like 6-7 days a week. I've only missed a few days in the last month, and a couple of them were from a cold. Using myfitnesspal, I can get a slightly generalized idea of calories consumed, which is the main reason for the current loss but the scale is just a small factor. I have many fitness goals, which is really where this blog will focus on (though I will occasionally post weight numbers and maybe some day measurements, plus hoping to one day have before/after images). It has been a slow adjustment and I think it's time I got some fitness into this blog.
Fitness
I am a fan. I always have even though liking something and doing it are not always connected. And I like many kinds. I used to be in sports (volleyball, basketball, track, softball) but I've also enjoyed walking, zumba, swimming, hiking, and weight lifting. Only thing I haven't enjoyed so far is spinning, just not for me but I wouldn't mind some day trying out cycling.
For now, I walk. I started end of August with a random 5k walk for charity event and from there just started walking 2-4 miles almost every day with a few times where I didn't walk at all. It's a start and has been fun because I've walked with a couple coworkers and might walk with one other when it's not stormy and rainy.
My next plan for winter, at least, is to go to a gym. There are several in the area but most are out of my price range at this time (even the YMCA is over 40$ a month, which I can't afford). The 24 Hour Fitness has a lot of the amenities I'd appreciate such as weights, zumba class, and swimming pool. However, it is out of my price range as well, though might get a discount through work. There is a Planet Fitness near enough and that is in my price range for the next two months. I'm going to check out a few places tomorrow, then make decision for November and December.
Fitness Goals (a few with more to come in future)
Run 5k (color run 2015)
Deadlift (learn how)
Kayak
Jump high enough to block (HS volleyball, could never do)
Take class on hand to hand combat
Lift heavy weights ;-) (will be more specific once I get to some weights)
I also have some ideas for a few things, which might include researching trademark and such. We'll see how this goes and if there is some community interest down the road. Right now it's one step at a time.
What do you do for fitness?
Friday, September 5, 2014
Goals for Fall and Beyond
My goals for now and all the way up to summer 2015.
Summer is over here. Yep, it's now September and so much has happened over the past few months, yet I forgot to blog a good part of the time. Oops. Anyways, here is a quick run down and then fall goals type of blog post for you to enjoy.
I turned 30 recently, which ended up being tame and not as stress inducing as I thought it might be. My mom came to visit, so we went to the beach on my birthday. It was a very nice day too, so we managed to get to the ocean after struggled attempts finding a place that would actually be easy to get to from the parking spot. Also saw a light house, got some nice ocean pictures, looked around little shops, got salt water taffy and ate fresh sea food by the ocean. Very nice day overall. Didn't panic or anything even though I'm not where I'd thought I'd be at 30, but I'm at a good point to make some changes and work towards my life goals.
On that end, I have many fall and winter projects to work on and need to get to busy to accomplish them.
Organize:
Apartment and belongings - My mess is mostly just unorganized stuff. So need to get it all organized and put in appropriate locations: paperwork, clothes, etc. Get rid of some, donate some and put in better spots for the rest. Would make cleaning easier too.
Pictures - Cat ones need scanned and combined onto cds. I also need to write on the backs of all the other pictures I have that are mine for when I can't remember who and such anymore.
Write:
Finish novel draft
Write a couple stories
Query letter
Edit:
TT needs the final edit done
Standing Ground needs started with the edit
Adult novels need rewrite or edits, but those will wait for other decisions
Blog:
Post in blogs
I have adsense on one so that needs content posted at least a few times a month. I need to write several posts in advance, have like a blog day or two a month, then schedule them so other days I can comment on people's blogs.
World Build:
Need to prepare for NaNoWriMo by world building Epic Fantasy.
Exercise:
Walk 2 miles once a week, starting out, and increase activity from there.
Health:
Watch calories consumed and track on myfitnesspal
Lose 10 lbs by NaNoWriMo (aka November) this is starting at 211, which was what I had on the myfitnesspal
I weigh 209 now. So, my basic goal is to get to 200 soon. My overall goal for summer 2015 is to lose 30 lbs, which would equate to weighing almost 180. It's not an ending point, but a good reach that I can visualize and from there and I can visualize the next steps. Maybe even some day a swim suit. We'll see. ;-)
November will, of course, be NaNoWriMo, so I'll write at least 100,000 words that month. But I've also got work and trying to make more money, along with crafts I want to do, painting and sewing, etc. So much to do this fall/winter.
What about you? Are you ready for Fall/Spring?
Summer is over here. Yep, it's now September and so much has happened over the past few months, yet I forgot to blog a good part of the time. Oops. Anyways, here is a quick run down and then fall goals type of blog post for you to enjoy.
I turned 30 recently, which ended up being tame and not as stress inducing as I thought it might be. My mom came to visit, so we went to the beach on my birthday. It was a very nice day too, so we managed to get to the ocean after struggled attempts finding a place that would actually be easy to get to from the parking spot. Also saw a light house, got some nice ocean pictures, looked around little shops, got salt water taffy and ate fresh sea food by the ocean. Very nice day overall. Didn't panic or anything even though I'm not where I'd thought I'd be at 30, but I'm at a good point to make some changes and work towards my life goals.
On that end, I have many fall and winter projects to work on and need to get to busy to accomplish them.
Organize:
Apartment and belongings - My mess is mostly just unorganized stuff. So need to get it all organized and put in appropriate locations: paperwork, clothes, etc. Get rid of some, donate some and put in better spots for the rest. Would make cleaning easier too.
Pictures - Cat ones need scanned and combined onto cds. I also need to write on the backs of all the other pictures I have that are mine for when I can't remember who and such anymore.
Write:
Finish novel draft
Write a couple stories
Query letter
Edit:
TT needs the final edit done
Standing Ground needs started with the edit
Adult novels need rewrite or edits, but those will wait for other decisions
Blog:
Post in blogs
I have adsense on one so that needs content posted at least a few times a month. I need to write several posts in advance, have like a blog day or two a month, then schedule them so other days I can comment on people's blogs.
World Build:
Need to prepare for NaNoWriMo by world building Epic Fantasy.
Exercise:
Walk 2 miles once a week, starting out, and increase activity from there.
Health:
Watch calories consumed and track on myfitnesspal
Lose 10 lbs by NaNoWriMo (aka November) this is starting at 211, which was what I had on the myfitnesspal
I weigh 209 now. So, my basic goal is to get to 200 soon. My overall goal for summer 2015 is to lose 30 lbs, which would equate to weighing almost 180. It's not an ending point, but a good reach that I can visualize and from there and I can visualize the next steps. Maybe even some day a swim suit. We'll see. ;-)
November will, of course, be NaNoWriMo, so I'll write at least 100,000 words that month. But I've also got work and trying to make more money, along with crafts I want to do, painting and sewing, etc. So much to do this fall/winter.
What about you? Are you ready for Fall/Spring?
Friday, June 13, 2014
Summer Plans
I haven't done a goal or update post for a little while. Since it's June and I'm doing a focus on novels for summer, it seems like a good time to do a post about my plans for the three months.
Since at the beginning of the year I focused on writing short stories, submitting and trying to write on a regular basis, I decided that summer was a good time to focus on novels. After summer there is enough of a break to rest a little before NaNoWriMo. Plus, I have plenty of novels that need work done. So, most of my writing and editing is going to novels for June, July and August.
Summer Novel Plans
Edit Tattle Tell (goal is to finish edits by August)
Finish writing Lighting the Wall (it's at 25k so far)
Finish writing Angel/Demon (it's at over 32k so far)
Write In the Horizon He Saw Rain (rewrite from short story version)
Write List 13 (rewrite from novelette version)
I haven’t forgotten about the health side. No worries. I only dropped about 3 lbs last month, going from 216 to 213. It's a hard range that I buoy in often, so still trying to get lower. Won't be anything special loss wise till I get down under 200. Either way, hoping to keep it going in that direction. I’m consuming more vegetables and fruit, which I think is helping. Then again, I’m going from barely eating maybe a serving or two a day or less to more so it’s easy to increase that amount. Also, cutting down on the buying of candy though I’m also practicing cake decorating and cupcake, so that is a new challenge.
Next, I need to up the physical activity. I do a lot of walking around, standing and even lift heavy things at work, but at home more sitting is involved. I have plenty of dvds and a little space in front of the small tv I never use. I just have to make sure I exercise at a time where stomping is okay cause I’m pretty sure if I start doing work out dvds, the people below me won’t appreciate if it’s at a sleep time. Either way, as I up the healthy foods, I can up the physical activity (or well, as I work on cakes I should up the exercise cause I don’t eat much of it, but I do taste a little and those calories count too).
So, that is my summer plans. Work, novel, eat healthier and exercise. Maybe I can get down to 205 by my birthday. The big 3-0 is approaching. I’ll bury my head in novels till it gets here.
Do you have summer plans?
What are your writing, reading, editing or health plans for June, July, August?
Since at the beginning of the year I focused on writing short stories, submitting and trying to write on a regular basis, I decided that summer was a good time to focus on novels. After summer there is enough of a break to rest a little before NaNoWriMo. Plus, I have plenty of novels that need work done. So, most of my writing and editing is going to novels for June, July and August.
Summer Novel Plans
Edit Tattle Tell (goal is to finish edits by August)
Finish writing Lighting the Wall (it's at 25k so far)
Finish writing Angel/Demon (it's at over 32k so far)
Write In the Horizon He Saw Rain (rewrite from short story version)
Write List 13 (rewrite from novelette version)
I haven’t forgotten about the health side. No worries. I only dropped about 3 lbs last month, going from 216 to 213. It's a hard range that I buoy in often, so still trying to get lower. Won't be anything special loss wise till I get down under 200. Either way, hoping to keep it going in that direction. I’m consuming more vegetables and fruit, which I think is helping. Then again, I’m going from barely eating maybe a serving or two a day or less to more so it’s easy to increase that amount. Also, cutting down on the buying of candy though I’m also practicing cake decorating and cupcake, so that is a new challenge.
Next, I need to up the physical activity. I do a lot of walking around, standing and even lift heavy things at work, but at home more sitting is involved. I have plenty of dvds and a little space in front of the small tv I never use. I just have to make sure I exercise at a time where stomping is okay cause I’m pretty sure if I start doing work out dvds, the people below me won’t appreciate if it’s at a sleep time. Either way, as I up the healthy foods, I can up the physical activity (or well, as I work on cakes I should up the exercise cause I don’t eat much of it, but I do taste a little and those calories count too).
So, that is my summer plans. Work, novel, eat healthier and exercise. Maybe I can get down to 205 by my birthday. The big 3-0 is approaching. I’ll bury my head in novels till it gets here.
Do you have summer plans?
What are your writing, reading, editing or health plans for June, July, August?
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Reading Rehash
Yay reading. I mean, hi.
I was quiet here on this blog because I took part in the A to Z blog challenge like last year, except instead of this blog or Dawn Embers blog, I used the book review blog. Which meant I had to read. Yay! Well, I had some awesome help from three others who did reviews, one of whom did 10 of them for me and is joining the blog as a regular reviewer. So, that blog is doing great but now it's time to get back to having all the blogs getting posts on a regular basis. Like this one.
It was great in that it really helped get me back to reading. Last year I only read 10 books for the whole year. Last month, I read 8 books. Along with a little nonfiction book I finished yesterday, that makes my total so far this year already at 11. My goal was 15, but I'm probably going to try for 25 books this year since I'm already at 73%. I will try to read 2-3 books a month from this point, though if I get more great cause we know during November with NaNoWriMo I probably won't read anything then.
I do like reading though I didn't get much writing done in April. Between work and everything, I got the blog and reading done, but not a lot else. Hoping to get things fixed but I'm happy to be reading again either way. There are so many great books out there. I can't wait.
Books I've read so far this year:
HIVE (Higher Institute for Villainous Education) by Mark Walden
Ash by Malinda Lo
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Beneath My Mother's Feet by Amjed Qamar
The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Revolt, She Said by Julia Kristeva
March on Earth vol 1 by Mikase Hayashi
Touch of a Thief by Mia Marlowe
The Secret Societies Handbook by Michael Bradley
May Reading Plans:
I plan to finish reading The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier. I also have picked a few other books to read and we'll see how it goes from there. If I finish a couple of them early I might find a book from the library too. The ones picked are: First Test by Tamora Pierce, The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau and the book "and Falling, Fly" by Skyler White. Need to pick next nonfiction book too but I'll do that later. Either way, the plan is to keep reading.
That is what I've been doing. What about you?
What book are you reading?
I was quiet here on this blog because I took part in the A to Z blog challenge like last year, except instead of this blog or Dawn Embers blog, I used the book review blog. Which meant I had to read. Yay! Well, I had some awesome help from three others who did reviews, one of whom did 10 of them for me and is joining the blog as a regular reviewer. So, that blog is doing great but now it's time to get back to having all the blogs getting posts on a regular basis. Like this one.
It was great in that it really helped get me back to reading. Last year I only read 10 books for the whole year. Last month, I read 8 books. Along with a little nonfiction book I finished yesterday, that makes my total so far this year already at 11. My goal was 15, but I'm probably going to try for 25 books this year since I'm already at 73%. I will try to read 2-3 books a month from this point, though if I get more great cause we know during November with NaNoWriMo I probably won't read anything then.
I do like reading though I didn't get much writing done in April. Between work and everything, I got the blog and reading done, but not a lot else. Hoping to get things fixed but I'm happy to be reading again either way. There are so many great books out there. I can't wait.
Books I've read so far this year:
HIVE (Higher Institute for Villainous Education) by Mark Walden
Ash by Malinda Lo
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Beneath My Mother's Feet by Amjed Qamar
The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Revolt, She Said by Julia Kristeva
March on Earth vol 1 by Mikase Hayashi
Touch of a Thief by Mia Marlowe
The Secret Societies Handbook by Michael Bradley
May Reading Plans:
I plan to finish reading The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier. I also have picked a few other books to read and we'll see how it goes from there. If I finish a couple of them early I might find a book from the library too. The ones picked are: First Test by Tamora Pierce, The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau and the book "and Falling, Fly" by Skyler White. Need to pick next nonfiction book too but I'll do that later. Either way, the plan is to keep reading.
That is what I've been doing. What about you?
What book are you reading?
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April and May
Here is to the rain that will bring the flowers. Also known as, goal updates, new goals, talks of April challenges and plans for spring for my life and writing. Fun times indeed.
April is many things. One is the A to Z blogfest challenge. The last two years I took part in the challenge using this blog, with the most recent (2013) being one where I was crazy and used both Fiction and Fitness (It's in the Book was the title then) along with my Dawn Embers blog. This year I went with a different kind of crazy. I am taking part in the challenge. Just not this blog or Dawn Embers. Even though I've been slacking on reading and don't have active co-bloggers at this time, I took the leap and put in Reading at Dawn. I found an awesome reader who is doing a good portion of the reviews, so it's not just me, and my sister has a couple days. It's crazy but I'm hoping it gives the book review blog a boost and I can push it forward from there. Check out the other blogs taking part (over 1700 of them) over at A to Z Challenge. And check out my posts at Reading at Dawn.
February and March were pretty busy. Here are my past goals and how I did on them:
February Goals
Submit 4 stories to publications. - I sent out 3 in February
Write chapter in AF. - Failed. I've still got a couple chapters left to write overall.
Finish reading HIVE - This one I did accomplish and there is a review posted on Reading at Dawn.
Post 5 blog entries overall. Managed but barely, over all the blogs.
Apply to one job a week. Ish. I was doing good in Feburary, since then not so much.
Batch cook on day off from work. Nope. Still working on planning and cooking.
March Goals
Edit TT. - Fail. Didn't edit at all with all the other things I had to do on WDC this month.
Finish reading 1 book. - I finished Ash on the very last day.
Keep submitting items if they get rejections. Stalled but then I sent out 7 stories on 1 day so I'm doing better again with this one.
Apply to one job a week. Fail. Got distracted.
Eat 3 servings of veggies a day - not quite but I'm slowly adding more veggies though I need to maybe try and eat more than 2 times a day.
Weight loss didn't happen lately but I haven't put much focus on it either. I haven't really gained either though, so that's good despite needing to buy less candy. I'm at 215 so need to make a goal for April and May to try and get down some as I start cooking and using more veggies.
April Goals
Edit 5 or more chapters in TT.
Read books and keep up with A to Z challenge.
Write 250+ words a day.
Submit 2 stories.
Start doing recipe changes by adding more vegetables.
Lose 3 lbs.
Post at least one post in my other blogs.
May Goals
Write 250+ words a day.
Edit chapters in TT. (amount pends how well April goes)
Start rewriting query letter.
Send out 2 stories.
Get activity ready for summer novel writing.
Post at least 4 blog posts overall.
I have been writing every single day. Some days it's only 250 words but other days it's 1000 or 2000. I'm at over 70,000 words written so far this month and even though I've never been the write every day type. I'm actually liking it and the challenge. Rest of my time is taken up by work but I keep going. And I sleep sometimes too.
But I'm ready for April and May. Always more to do.
How are you?
Did February go well?
What are your goals for April or May?
April is many things. One is the A to Z blogfest challenge. The last two years I took part in the challenge using this blog, with the most recent (2013) being one where I was crazy and used both Fiction and Fitness (It's in the Book was the title then) along with my Dawn Embers blog. This year I went with a different kind of crazy. I am taking part in the challenge. Just not this blog or Dawn Embers. Even though I've been slacking on reading and don't have active co-bloggers at this time, I took the leap and put in Reading at Dawn. I found an awesome reader who is doing a good portion of the reviews, so it's not just me, and my sister has a couple days. It's crazy but I'm hoping it gives the book review blog a boost and I can push it forward from there. Check out the other blogs taking part (over 1700 of them) over at A to Z Challenge. And check out my posts at Reading at Dawn.
February and March were pretty busy. Here are my past goals and how I did on them:
February Goals
Submit 4 stories to publications. - I sent out 3 in February
Write chapter in AF. - Failed. I've still got a couple chapters left to write overall.
Finish reading HIVE - This one I did accomplish and there is a review posted on Reading at Dawn.
Post 5 blog entries overall. Managed but barely, over all the blogs.
Apply to one job a week. Ish. I was doing good in Feburary, since then not so much.
Batch cook on day off from work. Nope. Still working on planning and cooking.
March Goals
Edit TT. - Fail. Didn't edit at all with all the other things I had to do on WDC this month.
Finish reading 1 book. - I finished Ash on the very last day.
Keep submitting items if they get rejections. Stalled but then I sent out 7 stories on 1 day so I'm doing better again with this one.
Apply to one job a week. Fail. Got distracted.
Eat 3 servings of veggies a day - not quite but I'm slowly adding more veggies though I need to maybe try and eat more than 2 times a day.
Weight loss didn't happen lately but I haven't put much focus on it either. I haven't really gained either though, so that's good despite needing to buy less candy. I'm at 215 so need to make a goal for April and May to try and get down some as I start cooking and using more veggies.
April Goals
Edit 5 or more chapters in TT.
Read books and keep up with A to Z challenge.
Write 250+ words a day.
Submit 2 stories.
Start doing recipe changes by adding more vegetables.
Lose 3 lbs.
Post at least one post in my other blogs.
May Goals
Write 250+ words a day.
Edit chapters in TT. (amount pends how well April goes)
Start rewriting query letter.
Send out 2 stories.
Get activity ready for summer novel writing.
Post at least 4 blog posts overall.
I have been writing every single day. Some days it's only 250 words but other days it's 1000 or 2000. I'm at over 70,000 words written so far this month and even though I've never been the write every day type. I'm actually liking it and the challenge. Rest of my time is taken up by work but I keep going. And I sleep sometimes too.
But I'm ready for April and May. Always more to do.
How are you?
Did February go well?
What are your goals for April or May?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Goals and updates
I think I'm going to change to posting my monthly goals three months at a time on here because that way I don't have a goal post every single month because then it feels half my content gets focused on either what goal am I attempting or did I make any progress. Both good things but you all deserve more.
But for now, I did January goals so need to give you that update. Then I'll do February and March and we'll go from there.
January Goals
Write 4 short stories
Submit 5 items to publications.
Finish writing AF
Work on TT Edit
Start Vegetable focus using canned, frozen and fresh veggies.
1. Not quite. I started at least 4 stories during the month but I didn't finish them all. In fact, I only actually finished 1, which is already submitted, but I worked on 3 others I'd written in the past and sent those out.
2. Close. I submitted 4 different stories in January. 1 received 2 rejections and is awaiting response at the 3rd place. Good progress still since last I'd submitted was 1 story 4 times in 2009.
3. Nope. But I thought of a better ending. yay!
4. ish, not really.
5. I did post a thing, we are looking at green beans.
Also, current weight = 214. Down from 217 I believe so it's a start.
February Goals
Submit 4 stories to publications.
Write chapter in AF.
Finish reading HIVE
Post 5 blog entries overall.
Apply to one job a week.
Batch cook on day off from work.
March Goals
Edit TT.
Finish reading 1 book.
Keep submitting items if they get rejections.
Apply to one job a week.
Eat 3 servings of veggies a day
How is your year going?
What are your goals for February and/or March?
But for now, I did January goals so need to give you that update. Then I'll do February and March and we'll go from there.
January Goals
Write 4 short stories
Submit 5 items to publications.
Finish writing AF
Work on TT Edit
Start Vegetable focus using canned, frozen and fresh veggies.
1. Not quite. I started at least 4 stories during the month but I didn't finish them all. In fact, I only actually finished 1, which is already submitted, but I worked on 3 others I'd written in the past and sent those out.
2. Close. I submitted 4 different stories in January. 1 received 2 rejections and is awaiting response at the 3rd place. Good progress still since last I'd submitted was 1 story 4 times in 2009.
3. Nope. But I thought of a better ending. yay!
4. ish, not really.
5. I did post a thing, we are looking at green beans.
Also, current weight = 214. Down from 217 I believe so it's a start.
Veggie Feature: Green Beans
February Goals
Submit 4 stories to publications.
Write chapter in AF.
Finish reading HIVE
Post 5 blog entries overall.
Apply to one job a week.
Batch cook on day off from work.
March Goals
Edit TT.
Finish reading 1 book.
Keep submitting items if they get rejections.
Apply to one job a week.
Eat 3 servings of veggies a day
How is your year going?
What are your goals for February and/or March?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year, New Goals and New Format
It is a new year and time to roll out the new. But first: a quick Salute to 2013! And a great big Welcome 2014!
I didn't do much blogging in 2013 in general. I did the change over from It's in the Book on this one, to Fiction and Fitness but haven't done a whole lot after the April blog challenge. But it's a new year and time to get the blog up and running in a more effective and useful manner. And with that, a new background and new post formats. I still plan to do goal type posts at the beginning of each month, but no more Insecure Writing posts. Hope all who take part in the blog hop continue to do well. I have a few other ideas I'm bringing to the blog though.
First, I am going to do a couple more posts on health and fitness. This includes a focus on vegetables segment, which will probably first be in another post, then two weeks later I will post some recipes I tried that incorporated the vegetable showcased. Thinking twice a month for now on that feature.
Then there is the writing. Aside from talking about my goals for writing each month, at least twice a month after that I need to post updates. This will in particular focus on what I've written, edited, submitted and any books/publications I've read.
The big thing is simply, blog on a regular basis. Now for the goals part of the blog.
I did goals for 2013. Here is the results of those goals.
Writing (novels)
Edit TT and SG, send to test readers, prepare for submission (edited TT, sent to test readers, on final edit, however just started SG edit barely).
Finish first draft of AF, OiEM, LtW and/or AD, TK, GaD (Finished TK and almost done with AF).
Try not to start new novel at least until November if at all (Fail but by accident, shorts became novel ideas).
Be closer to submitting by my birthday (Was closer though not there yet).
Reading
read 50 books/manga/etc (Not even close, with manga and such think the total is 20).
Life
Eat healthier (eh, need to write this goal better for next year, be more precise)
Make progress in life plans (In ways yes but always room for improvement).
Now for 2014 Goals
Writing
Finish final TT Edit.
Edit SG.
Finish first draft of 2 YA Novels.
Submit more short fiction to markets. (this breaks a goal making rule, but I am not specific for my year goal because each month I plan to make a specific goal for this item)
Read 15 books
Blog once a week minimum, taking all blogs into consideration.
Fitness
Change diet over from fast and cheap, to vegetables and home cooked but cheap.
Do a physical activity for 30 minutes 3 days a week, not counting work.
Lose 25 lbs. (Current weight is 217).
January Goals
Write 4 short stories
Submit 5 items to publications.
Finish writing AF
Work on TT Edit
Start Vegetable focus using canned, frozen and fresh veggies.
How did 2013 go for you?
Do you have any goals for 2014? Any goals just for January?
(image link)
I didn't do much blogging in 2013 in general. I did the change over from It's in the Book on this one, to Fiction and Fitness but haven't done a whole lot after the April blog challenge. But it's a new year and time to get the blog up and running in a more effective and useful manner. And with that, a new background and new post formats. I still plan to do goal type posts at the beginning of each month, but no more Insecure Writing posts. Hope all who take part in the blog hop continue to do well. I have a few other ideas I'm bringing to the blog though.
First, I am going to do a couple more posts on health and fitness. This includes a focus on vegetables segment, which will probably first be in another post, then two weeks later I will post some recipes I tried that incorporated the vegetable showcased. Thinking twice a month for now on that feature.
Then there is the writing. Aside from talking about my goals for writing each month, at least twice a month after that I need to post updates. This will in particular focus on what I've written, edited, submitted and any books/publications I've read.
The big thing is simply, blog on a regular basis. Now for the goals part of the blog.
(image link)
I did goals for 2013. Here is the results of those goals.
Writing (novels)
Edit TT and SG, send to test readers, prepare for submission (edited TT, sent to test readers, on final edit, however just started SG edit barely).
Finish first draft of AF, OiEM, LtW and/or AD, TK, GaD (Finished TK and almost done with AF).
Try not to start new novel at least until November if at all (Fail but by accident, shorts became novel ideas).
Be closer to submitting by my birthday (Was closer though not there yet).
Reading
read 50 books/manga/etc (Not even close, with manga and such think the total is 20).
Life
Eat healthier (eh, need to write this goal better for next year, be more precise)
Make progress in life plans (In ways yes but always room for improvement).
Now for 2014 Goals
Writing
Finish final TT Edit.
Edit SG.
Finish first draft of 2 YA Novels.
Submit more short fiction to markets. (this breaks a goal making rule, but I am not specific for my year goal because each month I plan to make a specific goal for this item)
Read 15 books
Blog once a week minimum, taking all blogs into consideration.
Fitness
Change diet over from fast and cheap, to vegetables and home cooked but cheap.
Do a physical activity for 30 minutes 3 days a week, not counting work.
Lose 25 lbs. (Current weight is 217).
January Goals
Write 4 short stories
Submit 5 items to publications.
Finish writing AF
Work on TT Edit
Start Vegetable focus using canned, frozen and fresh veggies.
How did 2013 go for you?
Do you have any goals for 2014? Any goals just for January?
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Hiatus - Blog Under Construction till 2014
Hello wonderful followers!
I'm sure you all have noticed my lack of posting. Alas work and the likes keep me busy but I promise I've been working on writing and as usual at this time of year am getting ready for National Novel Writing Month. This year I'm going tamer than last year. My plan is to write a sequel to Tattle Tell so my hopes are to get a 75,000 words first draft done. Will be under 100k this year but that is okay. It will be fun to dive back into the mutant world and play around a bit.
I won't be adding much content but I do expect to come back with maybe a NaNo update in November and one update in December, but other than that, for 2013 there won't be any other content as I'm reorganizing and replanning this blog. Don't worry, no name change this time. I hope to come back with a better schedule and some new feature items for 2014 (and maybe some news of querying).
For now, this blog is on hiatus and under construction. See you in 2014.
I'm sure you all have noticed my lack of posting. Alas work and the likes keep me busy but I promise I've been working on writing and as usual at this time of year am getting ready for National Novel Writing Month. This year I'm going tamer than last year. My plan is to write a sequel to Tattle Tell so my hopes are to get a 75,000 words first draft done. Will be under 100k this year but that is okay. It will be fun to dive back into the mutant world and play around a bit.
I won't be adding much content but I do expect to come back with maybe a NaNo update in November and one update in December, but other than that, for 2013 there won't be any other content as I'm reorganizing and replanning this blog. Don't worry, no name change this time. I hope to come back with a better schedule and some new feature items for 2014 (and maybe some news of querying).
For now, this blog is on hiatus and under construction. See you in 2014.
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