Thursday Thirteen #24

If all goes as planned, on Friday I will have completed 6 weeks of consistent exercise and healthy eating. What better time to take a few minutes to make note of the progress I'm making? Yes, I've had a few moments of weakness. Yes, I've skipped my yoga workouts on the weekends more than once. But I'm discovering that it's the big picture that matters, not the little peanut butter binge or the skipped gym trip.

Thirteen Ways I'm Recognizing Real Health and Fitness Progress

1. I'm not beating myself up over that ice cream cone I had last night.

2. I made healthy choices at Ruby Tuesdays and only ate a few of my fries.

3. I've been consistently doing cardio for more than a month and I'm actually looking forward to my workouts again.

4. The scale is being relatively kind.

5. I'm not getting down on myself because my weight loss has been slow.

6. In fact, I'm actually proud that I'm being moderate in my approaches to food and fitness this time around.

7. I actually stop eating when I'm not hungry anymore (most of the time).

8. I tried on two pairs of jeans I haven't worn since Christmas and they actually fit without having to hold my breath.

9. In general, I'm more energetic than I have been in some time.

10. I'm drinking less coffee and diet soda.

11. I'm using less artificial sweetener. In fact, I'm using less sweeteners in general.

12. I can eat chocolate without feeling guilty.

13. I'm speaking kindly to myself every day, no matter what my food and exercise choices.

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Thursday Thirteen #23

Times are tight and I've recently committed to a donation of hefty proportions (relative to my personal budget, at least). This week's TT is all about saving the green for my Blogher Acts Maternal Health Donation.

Thirteen Ways I'll be Cutting Back on Spending in May

1. Stop buying sodas or bottles of water from the grocery store, vending machine or gas station. While I've given up soda most of the time, this gets tough on the weekends.

2. Take my lunch to work. Every. Day. No exceptions.

3. Buy only the essentials at the grocery store. No splurges on Larabars, kumquats or Kalamata olives in May.

4. Eat the food that's already in my house.

5. Avoid purchasing any new (or used) books on my long list of books I want. No matter how many coupons I receive from Barnes & Noble or Borders.

6. Make a list of necessaries for Wal-Mart and buy only what's on the list.

7. Limit Wal-Mart trips to twice during the month. (The less I'm there, the less temptation to buy, buy, buy.)

8. Avoid any stores that sell clothes, shoes or handbags.

9. Feed my cat only her "hard" food. (She normally gets 1 packet of rather expensive soft food each evening. Even Gizmo wants to support maternal health causes.)

10. Limit dates with My Love to things we can do for free: movies in, dinner at home, walks in the park, you get the picture.

11. Read the magazines I have instead of buying more each time I enter a book store, grocery store, or other store that sells magazines. (Clearly, I'm addicted.)

12. Take water in a reusable bottle with me to the gym instead of putting a $2 bottle "on my account" every time I go in.

13. Run all my weekend errands in one trip on one day, avoid driving at all on the other day and plan routes to any weekday meetings carefully to save gas (the biggest cash sucker out there).

How are you saving green during these tight economic times?

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Thursday Thirteen #22

I'm trying to spend a bit more time recognizing the blessings in my life. That's the inspiration for this week's list.

Thirteen Things That I'm Grateful For

1. Sunny days and warm spring air. They're making getting out of bed in the morning so much easier.

2. The ability to pay my bills, buy food, and fill my car with gas. Not everyone is as lucky.

3. A good mortgage broker who told me the whole story about my mortgage before I got it and helped me avoid the current foreclosure situation that so many are facing right now.

4. A strong body that keeps me moving toward my fitness goals.

5. My cuddly cat, who keeps me company when I'm lonely.

6. My Love, who can surprise me with the simple gift of his time and make me love him even more.

7. My mother, who has given so much of herself, not just for her children (biological and not-so-much), but also for so many others.

8. All of my family and friends, who continue to be a web of support and encouragement every day.

9. The ability to do what I love every day and make money for it (see #2).

10. Opportunities. So many opportunities.

11. A love for learning, something that keeps me reading, debating, caring and searching.

12. Everyday blessings, like bright pink blossoms on my azalea bushes, waking up to the chirping of birds instead of the beeping of my alarm clock, and a smile from a friendly stranger.

13. My dreams and goals; they keep me moving toward my best self.


What are you grateful for this week?

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Thursday Thirteen #21

It's been a busy, and slightly stressful week, but a good week nonetheless. Here's a partial list of what made it semi-wonderful.

Thirteen Things That Kept Me Sane This Week

1. The sun shined every day, which means I smiled more.

2. The days are really starting to feel longer, like summer's just around the corner.

3. Green is more prevalent than brown in just about every landscape I see.

4. I'm one day away from finishing week four of my lunchtime workouts.

5. I've been consistent over the last four weeks in getting in at least 4 workouts a week.

6. I watched Ali become the first female Biggest Loser.

7. My first landscaping project got underway.

8. My boss complimented me on the quality a user manual I produced.

9. I cooked up a delicious dinner that used up some of those frozen veggies from last summer's farmers' market.

10. I realized that I need to finish up the last few packs of frozen veggies before the farmers' market opens up again in a few weeks.

11. I'm totally anticipating fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs grown in my own garden, and plenty of delicious recipes.

12. My cat has been sitting in the open living room window watching the birds and activity outside.

13. I finished another book on my TBR list (Citizen Girl, by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus).

Hope you're having a week that makes you smile, too!

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Thursday Thirteen #20

Prompted by a little post by my friend nejyerf, I decided to list some things that have made me smile this week.

Thirteen Things That Brightened My Week

1. The beauty of cherry blossoms all over the place.

2. Compliments on my new hairstyle.

3. The sun shine of spring that's been blessing us the last two days.

4. Meeting my first weight loss goal when I stepped on the scale this morning.

5. Being tickled by My Love just because he was feeling playful.

6. Seeing Ali reach 99 lbs. lost on The Biggest Loser. (For some reason, she's got me hooked on this show.)

7. Finding out that my tax return is much bigger than I expected.

8. Also finding out that my fiscal stimulus check will be arriving around May 9th.

9. The possibility of going back to school for something that really excites me and will help me in so many ways.

10. Not feeling a single ounce of guilt before, during or after drinking a Caramel Light Frapuccino.

11. Planning a sushi dinner with a friend I haven't seen in more than a month.

12. Waiting expectantly for responses from a couple of queries I've submitted.

13. Having this unexplainable, yet undeniable, knowing in my soul that I'm reaching new levels with every step I take.

Hope you're having a week that makes you smile, too!

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Thursday Thirteen #19

Some more randomness, in the vein of last week's Thursday Thirteen.

Thirteen Things I've Realized Accepted Recently

1. I'm a book-a-holic.

2. I'm becoming more and more like my mother every year.

3. Being like my mother isn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it's got its good side.

4. I'm never going to have a perfect diet.

5. Being perfect is impossible.

6. Still wanting to be perfect despite its impossibility will drive me crazy.

7. Being too nice will get me in trouble.

8. I really should trust my gut.

9. Building a business takes work.

10. Work is hard.

11. The benefits of hard work to achieve something you've always wanted will far outweigh the effort it took to get there.

12. I'll still have to work hard to stay there, though.

13. Taking time to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and sunrises and warm spring breezes is necessary for my sanity.

Have you made any realizations this week?

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Thursday Thirteen #18

Here's a little something for a Thursday afternoon. Not much, but something...

Thirteen Things I Thought, Did or Said This Week

1. Thought, Did and Said: See my last post.

2. Thought: (In response to a post I read at a girl, a dog, and a second chance) Why do people insist on having personal conversations on their cell phones in the middle of the check-out line at Wal-Mart at levels that allow them to be heard three people back even amidst the din of the after-work crowd?

3. Did: Made an excellent shrimp and vegetable pasta dish for dinner. (Stay tuned for the recipe.)

4. Did: Taken four trips to a grocery store in as many days. All different stores, I might add.

5. Said: (to My Love after a wild rant about SUV-driving, inconsiderate, environment-destroying crazy people) "Yes, I'll still love you if you want to buy a pick-up truck, but only if it's not your main vehicle and you keep your car to drive unless you need to haul something."

6. Said: (to my co-worker after describing the wild rant I'd gone off on and the ensuing conversation between My Love and I) "I think my desire to be a better person is making me too judgmental." His response was: "You don't say."

7. Thought: (while listening to an NPR guest discuss the uninhabitability of the earth over the next century based on current human activity) Will my children's children have a planet to live on?

8. Thought: (in response to #7) Am I ever going to have children?

9. Did: Started a new routine of lunch-time workouts. I've decided I can't get up early in the morning; my body's just not having it. And I make too many excuses in the evening. So, since I'm lucky enough to go to a gym that's just around the corner from my office, lunch-time workouts are perfect. I don't have to get up early, and I can't make any excuses when it's time to go home. Let's see how long I can stick to this one...

10. Did: Watched Casanova. I don't even remember putting this on my Blockbuster queue, but I'm glad I did. It was surprisingly good for a silly romantic comedy. Also a little weird to watch because it stars Heath Ledger and I kept thinking...

11. Thought: It's so sad that Heath Ledger won't ever make another movie.

12. Did: Gave away my old refrigerator on Freecycle.

13. Did: Had major issues with my internet connection at home. Working on it, but in the meantime, my lunch break and early mornings at work are the only internet time I have. Verizon is not on my happy list right now.


What did you say, think or do this week?

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Thursday Thirteen #17

In honor of the Ultimate Blog Party, I decided to give anyone visiting who hasn't joined (really, what were you thinking?) a taste of what I've been enjoying. These are just a few of the many bloggers I've met over the last few days, in no particular order. And remember, there were more than 1300 participants when I wrote this, and I've only had time to visit a little more than 100 of them, so this list is in no way representative of the group who joined and I'm obviously leaving out tons of great bloggers that I just haven't had the chance to meet yet. Still, I thought it would be fun to share the love. So click around and meet someone new!

Thirteen New Bloggy Friends

1. Jen's Genuine Life - Living Life in the Peach State, this Native Atlantan Mom of Twins Offers Some Recipes and Menu Plans, Tips for Moms, and Glimpses into her Everyday Life

2. Girlfriendology - Inspiration, appreciation and a celebration of girlfriends

3. Crunchy Domestic Goddess - Raising social consciousness and a new generation of tree huggers since 2004

4. Quirky is a Compliment - She's quirky, 'nuff said.

5. My LA Blog - Life & Ramblings of an LA Blogger Gal

6. Cherry Blossom Adventures - An Aussie girl living in Tokyo with her Japanese boyfriend trying to make sense of her crazy yet funny Japanese life...

7. Especially Heather - Hope is necessary in all circumstances. A hopeful blog by a mother fighting brain cancer.

8. Fully Alive...Ready to Smile - ...recognize the true importance of a single moment in time, the instant when you are fully and completely alive!

9. Genesis Moments - A writer's journey

10. Cabrelli's at Water's Edge - Two Cabrelli's, a Zumchak and Ow and Colonel move to Nassau, Bahamas.

11. T with Honey - Just like tea, life can be served with lemon or honey

12. My Two Boys - Adoption, autism, family, friends and more...

13. Duckabush Blog - The musings and ravings of a bloggart family

Now remember, that's just a few of the 1300+ blogs joining in on the Ultimate Blog Party, so if you haven't already, head over there and check out a few more.

Thursday Thirteen #16

Sarah at Pink Cereal and Raspberries asked me a question about why I didn't post more about My Love. You can read my answers in her interview of me, but it got me to thinking about what parts of my relationship I might like to share with you all. Since it's Thursday, and I haven't done one of these for a while, I decided to present you with an Ode to My Love. It's kind of like my own version of "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways..."

Thirteen Things I Love About My Love

1. He's loved me through thick and thin (literally). I can rest assured that whether I'm carrying an extra 20 pounds of post-baby weight, or I reach my ultimate goal weight, he'll always think I'm beautiful.

2. He isn't scared off by my crazies. I can be a bit of an obsessive nut-case, and for some reason this doesn't seem to phase him.

3. I fit perfectly in his arms.

4. He trusts me, and I'm learning to trust him despite some serious long-held trust issues.

5. When he smiles and his dimples appear, my heart melts.

6. He helps me relax when all my compulsive tendencies tell me to go go go and do do do.

7. He believes in me, especially in those moments when I'm finding it hard to believe in myself.

8. When I look in his eyes, I can see how beautiful he thinks I am. And that helps me see it, too.

9. He's a good dad.

10. He takes care of his mother, even when it's inconvenient.

11. He takes care of me, too.

12. He pays attention to what I like.

13. He's helping me be all that I'm meant to be.

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New Year's Thursday Thirteen

Killing two birds with one stone—Thursday Thirteen and my New Year goals.

Thirteen Things to I'd Like to Accomplish in 2008

1. Travel someplace I've never been before.

2. Finish the first draft of my novel and start the editing and revising process.

3. Send my three completed essays to five mainstream magazines.

4. Write two more essays through to a final draft and send them out, too.

5. Start and finish my first ghostwriting project.

6. Take my vitamins and floss my teeth everyday.

7. Be kinder to my body, mind and spirit.

8. (Re)build habits that will improve my health and well being: (a) pay attention to hunger signals and eat only when I'm hungry; (b) exercise 30-45 minutes 4 to 6 times a week.

9. Send birthday cards on time.

10. Send at least one hand-written letter or card a month.

11. Spend more time with girlfriends.

12. Read at least thirteen hold-in-my-hand books. (Books on CD don't count.)

13. Get more involved in my community.

There are so many other things I could have listed, but I like to keep my yearly goals realistic and attainable. If I accomplish just half of these, I'll be happy. And I'm sure other opportunities and goals will crop up during the year. They always do.

Thursday Thirteen #15

After a very long hiatus, I've decided to give Thursday Thirteen a try once again. Of course, it will be all about NaNoWriMo. (I couldn't give up the theme just yet!)

Thirteen Things I've Learned About Myself

As a Writer During NaNoWriMo

1. A Starbuck's Frappuccino can be a wonderful motivator.

2. I am able to product approximately 1500 words per hour if I lock my inner editor in the bathroom or closet.

3. My inner editor is an evil person during the writing process, but is a wonderful helpmate when it comes time to edit.

4. Sometimes my inner editor doesn't like to be locked in the closet during the writing process and insists on being present. During those times, I won't get as much written and I'll use the delete key way too much.

5. Telling a story on paper isn't as scary as I thought it would be. In fact, it's quite fun.

6. A day job is no excuse.

7. I'm way more productive when I'm writing somewhere other than my living room couch with the television on and my cat nudging me for attention.

8. When I put my mind to it, I really can do things I never thought possible.

9. If I had started to doubt it, I know now that I love writing.

10. Plotting is not my strong point. I'm going to have to work on that.

11. Random strangers make great characters.

12. Writing fiction is all about understanding your characters' motivations.

13. Just because writing a story seems like it will be difficult doesn't mean you shouldn't do it anyway. In fact, it usually means you should do it.

There you have it: lessons learned from a month of rabid writing. I know I won't be able to keep up this hectic pace (many responsibilities have been neglected this month) but I certainly know now that writing the stories that are stirring inside me is not an impossible feat. Here's to many more months of productive writing and editing. And just to throw this intention out there, here's to a published novel in my near future!

---

UPDATE: Here's the daily word tally--1,213 words for today, giving a grand total of 37,796. Seeing that number makes me think I should have typed a few more paragraphs to make 38,000. In fact, I think I'm going to open the file back up and do just that. Add 204 words to today's total. I'm going for 38,000.

Thursday Thirteen #14

I've been very, very lax in the exercise department. This week, Thursday Thirteen is my motivation tool.

Thirteen Reasons I Should Get on the Treadmill

1. Because it's right there in my dining room and I have to walk past it every time I go to the kitchen to get something to eat.

2. Because I keep going to the kitchen to get something to eat.

3. Because the scale is screaming for relief.

4. Because my buttons and zippers are screaming even louder.

5. Because my chin is starting to grow a baby again.

6. Because I feel lathargic and tired most of the time.

7. Because what used to be muscle has quickly lost its firmness.

8. Because while I like my curves, I prefer them a smidge smaller and tighter.

9. Because I can definitely tell I'm not as fit as I was six months ago.

10. Because I remember (way in the back of my mind) that I enjoy exercising when I actually do it.

11. Because I could use those endorphins to pump me up.

12. Because the holidays are coming and I could use a little metabolism kick to keep me from gaining a buttload of pounds.

13. Because I got a last minute invite to head to the beach this weekend and my bathingsuit isn't looking as good as it did the last time I was in it.

If all that doesn't get me on that treadmill, nothing will!

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Thursday Thirteen #13

It's Thursday already???

Thirteen Things I Can't Live Without

1. Caffeine - Tea, coffee, soda...sometimes I just need a jolt.

2. Pens and paper - I've gotta be able to write. I don't even need a computer. Just give me a pen that never runs out of ink and a lifetime supply of paper and I'd be happy.

3. Phone - My family and friends are spread out all over the country. Phones are my lifeline to the people I care about.

4. My family - I'd be lost without their love and support.

5. My best girlfriends - Love, support, advice and fun--these girls are just as important to me as my family.

6. My dreams - They keep me going when I'm feeling useless, pointless, or lost in the world.

7. Chocolate - I think we can all agree that life without chocolate is not worth living.

8. Email - Another lifeline to the people I care about most.

9. Sushi - Some days my cravings for the stuff are out of control.

10. Reading material - Books, magazines, newspapers, blogs--I gotta read, people!

11. Nature - Even city dwellers need a little nature to remind them to stop and smell the roses, the rain, the freshly cut grass.

12. Faith in something bigger than myself - If I didn't believe in a Higher Power, I'd feel purposeless. I know there are plenty of people out there who disagree, but for me, my faith is what keeps me getting up in the morning.

13. And last, but certainly not least, My Love - OK, I'm sure I could live without him (just like I could probably live without most of the list above) but I certainly wouldn't want to.

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Thursday Thirteen #11

Busy, busy, busy.

For this week's thirteen: 13 places I don't even have time to dream about right now.

Thirteen Places I'd Like to Visit in My Lifetime

1. The Grand Canyon

2. Hawaii - all the islands

3. Sydney, Australia

4. A beach in St. Lucia

5. A Buddhist temple in China

6. The ruins in Rome

7. Greece

8. Sicily

9. Barcelona

10. Paris

11. Alaska

12. Georgia (Atlanta and Savannah)

13. A lighthouse in Maine

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Thursday Thirteen #10

Better late than never, I always say.

For this week's thirteen, I thought I'd share a few lessons I've learned (or am still learning) that I think some young (and not so young) people could also benefit from.

* Graphic courtesy of Write From Karen

Thirteen Things Young People (and Some Adults) Need to be Taught

1. Just because you can talk on a cell phone anywhere doesn't mean you should. In fact, if you're in the check out line or having dinner with a friend, hang up the phone or ignore that call. It's just plain rude not to.

2. You won't die if you don't check your email every hour, or every day for that matter. It's mostly spam, anyway. Trust me, the time you spend reading, deleting, sorting, writing and sending emails is time you'll never get back. Unless you're expecting something specific, use your time for more important things, like living.

3. And in related news: Being connected to everyone, from anywhere, all the time doesn't leave you much time to be you. Technology has done great things for our expanding worlds, but if you don't take time to yourself, to discover who you are and what you want out of life, you'll regret it later.

4. Travelling in packs doesn't exempt you from the rules of common courtesy.

5. Neither does being on your cell phone.

6. Or being in a rush to get somewhere. Look around you. Notice your surroundings. Smile. Hold that door for the person behind you. Say "Thank you" and "Excuse me," even if your friends don't. Remember, you get what you give.

7. A sincere smile does more for your looks than that lipstick, designer outfit or trendy hairstyle.

8. Your value isn't determined by the things you own, the gadgets you use or the people you know.

9. No matter what the media (or your friends, or your mother) tells you, you should judge yourself by what's on the inside rather than what's on the outside. Cliche, yes, but oh-so true.

10. Just because you treat others the way you'd like to be treated doesn't mean they'll reciprocate. That shouldn't stop you from doing it anyway.

11. Wanting something isn't the same as needing it. And no, you don't automatically deserve everything you want.

12. Hard work is good for you. It makes the finished product or final result that much more enjoyable.

13. Enjoy the ride. It may seem like you want to get there (wherever there is) as fast as possible. But you're experiencing a "there" right now. Just be, before you're 80 and realize that the "there" you were trying to get to is always out of reach.

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Thursday Thirteen #9

Something quick and easy for this week's Thirteen. I've been too busy to get creative. Just a few things you may not know about me.

Thirteen Random Things About Me

1. My favorite fruit is kiwi.

2. When I can see the stars in the sky, I always have to find the Big Dipper. It makes me feel grounded to know it's always up there.

3. My initials spell a swear word.

4. My favorite soda is Diet Dr. Pepper. It used to be Diet Coke with Lime, which still comes in a close second.

5. I used to be a poor cook. Then I stopped relying on recipes and started experimenting, and now I think I'm pretty good at it.

6. I was my high school class valedictorian.

7. I'd rather spend money on a good meal than a CD.

8. I'd rather buy a new pair of shoes or a cute bag than buy a good meal.

9. My favorite color is red.

10. I look great in brown.

11. Fresh flowers make me smile, whether they're on my table or in a field.

12. Any movie with dancing in it is sure to be on my list of favorites. Yes, I like to live vicariously through those who have that talent.

13. The smell of vanilla or baking cookies can erase any hint of a bad day for me.

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Thursday Thirteen #8

During my recent visit with my family, I realized that, despite its many drawbacks, there's a lot to love about the town I grew up in.

Thirteen Things I Rediscovered While
Visiting My Hometown

1. The light breeze that blows off the lake is the most refreshing breeze there is.

2. Thousands of fireflies sparkle in corn fields like earth-bound stars.

3. The stars in the sky are so plentiful there's little room for darkness.

4. Open green space is valuable, beautiful and necessary.

5. Just because land is available doesn't mean you should put a house on it.

6. An entire morning and most of the afternoon spent chating with a good friend or your little sister is time well spent.

7. Even the most innocuous events and comments can become major drama.

8. Fireworks displays are more exciting with a crowd of kids around.

9. Having a support system of friends and family is a blessing that should be cherished.

10. Running into old friends brings back memories--some pleasant, some better forgotten.

11. Toasting marshmallows in a back-yard bonfire gives me warm fuzzies.

12. The things you try hardest to get away from are often the things you come back to time and again.

13. Small towns are full of people with big hearts.

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Thursday Thirteen #7

We've had quite the hot week here, although it's cooled down nicely today. Enjoy this week's Thirteen!

Thirteen Things I Do When It's Almost
100 Degrees Outside

1. Worry about the electric bill.

2. Suck it up and turn on the AC anyway.

3. Sleep on the couch because I'm too cheap to turn on the upstairs window unit, too.

4. Stay up later to read, write and/or watch TV because it doesn't feel like bed time if I'm not in bed.

5. Drink a lot of water and get up a dozen times during the night to pee.

6. Quickly learn to water the plants in the container garden first thing in the morning so they don't shrivel up during the day.

7. Stare longingly out the window and wish for a nice cool breeze so I can stand to go outside.

8. Remember what it was like this winter when I was wishing for hot summer days.

9. Enjoy the time with my lazy kitty, who seems to prefer the empty bed in the hot upstairs to the cool joys of the couch downstairs.

10. Make easy meals that don't involve turning on the stove.

11. Watch the grass in my yard grow inches each day without any remorse for letting it go. I could die out there mowing!

12. Let my hair air dry so that I don't have to turn on the hair dryer.

13. Be thankful I have a job that keeps me inside in the air conditioning all day.

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Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Things I'm Doing to Amp Up My Writing Routine

1. The 14-Day Challenge to write something creative for at least 30 minutes every day.

2. Joining a Creative Nonfiction writing group that meets once a month in my area.

3. Sending in my dues for the local writer's association so that I can attend regular meetings and network with other writers.

4. Scheduling time for my writing each day so that I can't make excuses and procrastination doesn't take over.

5. Using prompts like Sunday Scribblings and First 50 Words to motivate me when my muse isn't talking to me.

6. Reading those writing magazines that are piling up in my magazine rack.

7. Doing more market research to find publications that will think my essays are worthy of their printed pages.

8. Stepping out of my comfort zone to promote my writing and editing services to anyone and everyone I come in contact with that might need them.

9. Pursuing a really exciting writing opportunity that might lead to a published book.

10. Surrounding myself with people, places and things that encourage and inspire me.

11. Stretching my imagination and pursuing every idea through at least a shitty first draft.

12. Talking to more writers and networking more.

13. Taking chances on myself. I'm contacting editors I've worked with in the past in hopes of getting future assignments, and I'm stepping up to challenges that I wouldn't normally take on for fear of not being good enough.

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*Thursday Thirteen graphic courtesy of Karen

Thursday Thirteen #5

I went to a meeting for a local writer's association last night. This is not something I'd normally do for a number of reasons, some of which are: 1) I'm awkward in situations where I have to make small talk with people I've never met before; 2) I break into cold sweats in such situations; 3) I have a deep-seated belief that I have to be liked by everyone, and inevitably I get an "I don't like you" vibe from someone in said new group. So, just in case I needed an out, or someone to talk to during awkward moments of silence, I called up a friend and convinced her to come with me. Below are the reasons I'm glad I have good friends who will help me step out of my comfort zone when I'm stuck in the quick-sand I like to call fear.

Thirteen Reasons I'm Glad I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone (Thanks, Jess!)

1. I got to eat brie and fruit for dinner.

2. I got eat this dinner at a really cool cafe'/bar in one of my favorite parts of the city.

3. I met some really nice people who also happen to write.

4. These people are also really excited about writing, which makes me excited about writing.

5. It just so happened to be Open Mic night, so I got to hear these writers read some really great writing.

6. Listening to other people's stories was inspiring and motivating.

7. Hearing other writers talk about their successes gave me hope that a successful writing career really is an attainable goal.

8. I found a community of writers that I can be a part of.

9. These writers are encouraging and supporting of other writers.

10. There was a sense of mentorship among them that I've never experienced in a group of writers before.

11. I didn't feel like I'd have to compete with these people (although I'm sure after a few meetings I'd find myself doing it subconsciously anyway).

12. I got to talk about books and writing for hours without boring my non-writer and non-reader friends.

13. I realized that fear is no reason to stay home when you want to get out and get involved.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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