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About This Author
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La Bene Vita
I am a professional musician  , worship leader , small business owner , songwriter , aspiring author and freelance nonfiction writer with a chemical engineering degree .
But that's just my resume.
My profile of qualifications is only one of the ways in which I am unique. Here I chronicle my personal and professional goals and my efforts to achieve them. Occasionally I fail. Mostly, I take daily baby steps toward all my long-term goals. Much like the stories I pen, the songs I compose, and the businesses I run, I am always a work in progress.
September 30, 2009 at 8:38am September 30, 2009 at 8:38am
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I love stuff like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1kjkUAA9VM
I applaud the men and women who were willing to break generational stereotypes and take this project on. If you read the "More Info" section, it provides an interesting explanation as to why this senior choir would choose to perform this music. 
Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
I got a new number for the painter, but I didn't get a chance to call him yesterday. I'm obviously not LISTED today...
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
I'm done advertising... WE START TOMORROW!  Y'all ready?
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Pending, at least for Easton. I played a couple oldies yesterday at Gahanna that I'm fairly certain I've never played in that store before. Easton is getting tired of my lineup, though. Mike, the full-time sandwich guy, asked when I was gonna break out some new music. 
Yesterday at Potbelly, I had two dramatic swings in my Abbott-leaving decision.
First, a security guy walked in with cash register money, and he gave me a thumbs-up, saying, "Keep that up. I used to do that forty years ago." I thought, wow. I need to stay at Abbott. How can I choose music as a career? I won't be able to play and sing like this forever, and what happens when I lose the ability?
But then, an hour later, a woman came in alone. According to the manager, she complimented me at the sandwich counter. Then she sat right in front of me, clearly listening, and at one point, I could see that she was trying to control tears. When she finished eating, she walked up to me, dropped a tip in my box, and asked if I play in any bars. I told her, "Not yet, but I'm trying to get into a couple." She replied, "I'd love to drink a beer and listen to you."  Then I thought, how did I ever doubt my decision to leave Abbott and do this for a living??  THIS is why I do it. So I gave her a business card and directed her to my WordPress blog for my schedule.
Speaking of that WordPress blog...
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending. Damn it. I should record something this morning. I have a little time and new gear that I need to figure out how to use.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
 Goal met. 
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met for September ("Is This Thing On?") and October ("Sparrow")
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Pending.
Write three Helium articles per week.
Pending. Two down, one to go.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress! ...with decision firmly in place. I'm leaning more toward Easter. Or, you know, my original date of December. Keith and I will just have to live in his house for awhile, or decrease our house-hunting budget.
December is looking desirable again, because my opportunity to move to day shift evaporated yesterday.  I'm so tired all the time, and I don't see enough of my man.
On a related note, my man is the most wonderful man in the world.  It turns out that I can tell him anything. Everyone should have that in a partner.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Weight: 151.0 FAIL. *sigh*
Meals:
8:00am PopTart (4) and coffee (1)
9:00am Coffee (1)
11:00am Root beer float (5) ...what??? It was a delish lunch.
12:30pm Chai (1)
1:30pm Sun Chips (4)
2:00pm Peanut butter cake (6?)
7:30pm Spaghetti (8?)
8:00pm Ice cream (2) with marshmallow sauce (2)
9:30pm Mojito (3?) |
September 29, 2009 at 7:41am September 29, 2009 at 7:41am September 28, 2009 at 4:56pm September 28, 2009 at 4:56pm
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Based on my long-term goals, which are outlined below, I don't see how I have time to start a new novel project. In fact, I'm not sure professional writing is in the plan at all. I may continue to do small, easy, freelance projects for the likes of Textbroker and Helium, and I'll always write songs, but I don't see myself managing a portfolio full of submissions, nor do I see any huge, long-term writing projects in my future.
No NaNo for me this year.
I have too many other irons in the fire, and they all circle around my first love: Music.
Long-Term Goals:
1. Leave Abbott
-Save enough for a house down payment
-Save enough for business down payment
-Line up replacement work
2. Sell house and move in with Keith
-Prep house
-List house
-Sell house
3. Sell Keith's house and buy a bigger house
-Save enough for a house down payment
-Stay at Abbott to qualify for financing
-Prep Keith's house
-List Keith's house
-Sell Keith's house
4. Start a music studio business
-Save enough for business down payment
-Write a business plan
-Find a location
-Obtain financing (?)
5. Pick up more regular gigs
-Leave Abbott or switch to day shift
-Record a professional CD
-Scope out potential venues or hire a promotions manager
-Distribute CDs and business cards |
September 28, 2009 at 8:17am September 28, 2009 at 8:17am September 27, 2009 at 8:13am September 27, 2009 at 8:13am
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Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
I'm just gonna hire some pros to paint, clean, and steam clean the carpets.  It's too much work to do myself.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met, and we start this coming week! Whoooooo!
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Goal met.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
Goal met.
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met for September ("Is This Thing On?") and October ("Sparrow")
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending. Heh. *checks the calendar* Will she make this one...?
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Goal met x4, with #5 in progress. Also, I plan to reinstate my Helium goal, because I'm getting close to 100 articles, and I'd just like to get there. So, my new goal is: three Helium articles per week. ...maybe.
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
Saturday: Goal met: "Invalid Item"
Sunday: Goal met: "Civilized" [13+]
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Weight: 151.2 FAIL.
Meals:
8:00am Granola bars (4)
9:00am Cake (1)
10:00am Cookie (2)
12:00pm Leftover pizza (3?)
1:30pm Ice cream
7:00pm Birthday cake (5?) and ice cream
SATURDAY:
9:45am Egg Mcmuffin (6) and small vanilla ice coffee (4)
2:15pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
4:45pm Cinnamon twists (1)
6:30pm Pizzaria Uno: Blueberry watermelon salad (3?), french onion soup (8?), 1.5 slices deep dish pizza (10?)
9:00pm Rocky Road ice cream with marshmallow sauce (8?) |
September 25, 2009 at 9:44am September 25, 2009 at 9:44am September 24, 2009 at 8:16am September 24, 2009 at 8:16am
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Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
No activity yesterday.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Goal met. I relaunched "Wake Me When September Ends" and wrote new song "Invalid Item" . I'll try to get that recorded soon.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
Scheduled for Sunday!
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com, and my new song "Invalid Item" will count toward October's goal. I anticipate being VERY, VERY BUSY with "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending. I may get to it this weekend, but probably not during the week.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Goal met. I've written four.
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
Goal met: "Invalid Item" I really liked "Corner," which I wrote yesterday, and it didn't place at all. Meanwhile, "Desert Rain," which was not my favorite, earned first place for Tuesday. "Changes" is decent, but again, not my favorite; I like "Corner" better. *shrug* Obviously, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress! Sheesh. *kicks Abbott with steel-toed boots* I just need to get to day shift, and then I can hang. I'm so freaking tired all the damn time.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Dunno.
Weight:  I forgot to weigh before I ate and dressed.
Meals:
7:30am FiberOne Frosted Miniwheats cereal (4?) with milk (3?) and coffee (1)
...normally I measure out a portion, but Keith's son Blaine poured himself a big bowl, and then decided he didn't like the fact that he could only fit one mini-wheat at a time on his spoon. Heh. So I ate it. I have no idea how much it was, but probably about double a normal serving.
Kids.
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September 23, 2009 at 7:46am September 23, 2009 at 7:46am September 22, 2009 at 10:06am September 22, 2009 at 10:06am September 21, 2009 at 8:31am September 21, 2009 at 8:31am September 20, 2009 at 8:15pm September 20, 2009 at 8:15pm September 19, 2009 at 9:26am September 19, 2009 at 9:26am
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Whew. My goals list is starting to look attainable again.
Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
In progress; no activity. We have a to-do list for Sunday afternoon.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
I started to read through "Your Song" by Elton John, which I know well on piano, but had to adapt for guitar. I couldn't quite get the key right, so I never actually sang any of it.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
"Teach Me How to Pray" scheduled 9/27.
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Goal met.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Goal met. I not only finished my "Music Lessons and Kids" article for TB, but I also wrote two Helium articles. *shrug* I was bored at work.
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
Goal met: "Invalid Item" . What is with my dark, pessimistic Muse? *kicks Muse*
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress. I got lots of sleep yesterday! After the kids left for school, I rolled over and slept like two more hours. It was a beautiful thing. And then, work was slow, so I was able to write a couple articles, post my 15-for-15 entry, find a devotional resource for tomorrow's praise band rehearsal, and update my October Prep spreadsheet. See, Abbott isn't so bad; the only problem is that I'm at work with Keith's at home, and vice versa. That part sucks, and I'm still vying for a day shift job, which won't happen any sooner than next month. Of course, day shift at Abbott is a lot more stressful (a.k.a., "challenging"?)
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met.
Weight: I may update this later, if I get a chance to check it.
Meals:
9:15am Coffee (1)
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September 18, 2009 at 10:34am September 18, 2009 at 10:34am
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Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
Oops, I forgot to log this goal yesterday. I moved the drums and a table I use for amps to Keith's; tried to move the dining table in the music ("dining," per the floor plan) room, but need a second pair of hands to get it around the wall; and planted mums. I bought paint and Spackling for touching up the walls, but we'll probably work on that Sunday... after we go to the movies. Keith's 11-year-old son has decided we're going to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" as a family on Sunday afternoon. Sounds like a romantic thriller.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met! In fact, I campaigned for judges and funds yesterday. I still need one more judge and maybe another 200,000 GPs. The Prep has received 250,000 in donations so far! We have wonderfully generous people on WDC. Every little bit helps!
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Pending, but I've been playing with chord progressions (again!) I'm not sure I have the lyrics to go with it, but I'll keep looking. It may turn into my next new song.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
"Teach Me How to Pray" is scheduled for 9/27; I'll start teaching it at tomorrow's rehearsal.
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Goal met.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
I wrote an article yesterday entitled, "Why my kids should take music lessons."  I figured that had my name all over it. It's written, but it's for an Australian audience, so I need to figure out how to check the spellings. Any Australian readers that would be so kind as to review it for me? It's only 400 words. Drop me a comment or an email.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress, but still stressing and not getting enough sleep. Yesterday I debated whether to cut back on writing time, because it earns me the least income of my jobs, but, screw it. I'm doing "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+], and there will be lyrics. Lots of lyrics. 15 songs' worth of lyrics.
The jury's still out on NaNoWriMo, but I'm going to try to do my own Prep this year. I didn't get to do it last year, so I only had participants' feedback to go on as far as its usefulness. If I get one more judge, I won't have to judge any Contest Rounds at all, which might allow me time to participate. I'll only have to monitor the forum, hand out cheerleading Merit Badges, and keep the tracking spreadsheet and website updated. Heh - "only" - LOL. Last year, that task alone took about an hour every day. Which, in retrospect, might have been great preparation for NaNo 2008 in its own right.
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
Pending.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met. I started to suspect the scale of bad behavior, after the fluxuations between Wednesday, yesterday, and today. To test it, I picked up two 3-lb dumbbells and weighed myself again. The scale read 153.6, so I'd say it's operating properly!
Weight: 147.6, which is nice, since I ate just under 40  points yesterday. *kicks self*
Meals:
10:15am Fiber English muffin (1) with peanut butter (2) and caramel (1), and coffee (1)
1:45pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
2:30pm Chai (1)
4:45pm Apple ZonePerfect bar (3)
7:00pm Apple ZonePerfect bar (3) |
September 17, 2009 at 10:35am September 17, 2009 at 10:35am
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Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
On hold.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Pending.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
We scheduled a song called "Teach Me How to Pray" by Jason Upton for next Sunday, 9/27/09. "Made to Love" by TobyMac is next on the list, but that one will need some extra time to prep and learn!
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Goal met.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
I started three different articles yesterday - two Textbroker and one Helium - and could just not get into it. Blah. I'm not getting enough sleep, and it's making my brain hurt.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
I'm leaning back toward pushing that goal up again. I've got too much going on, and the real problem is that I have too many jobs. So, to improve my life, I should get rid of something. But, what?
Abbott: If I get rid of Abbott too soon, I won't be able to meet my budget goals. I am financially independent and always will be; Keith has a great job, but I don't want to rely on him, because I think that does bad things to relationships. Also, we're both conservative enough to plan for one of us losing our jobs. I'd like to actually be able to support him, at least in the short term, if he were laid off. Likewise, while I don't want to rely on him routinely, I'd like to know he could support me if needed. The longer I stay at Abbott, the lower our mortgage payment and the higher our savings will be. So, I can't leave yet. It's too soon.
Music (Church, 88 Keys, Potbelly): If I leave one or more of my music jobs, I might not get them back, and I need them when I leave Abbott in order to meet my budget goals.
Writing: Hmm...
The analysis points in a rather obvious direction, doesn't it? But, dang it, I like writing. It just doesn't earn me as much  as other things. That applies to "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+], NaNoWriMo, and my goal to write a new song every month, as well as freelance writing at Textbroker and Helium. I'm starting to think I'd rather have some free time.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Fail... although, I'm sure this is temporary.
Weight: 150.4
Meals:
7:30am Coffee (1) and ice cream (2). Yes, ice cream. What's it to ya?!
9:30am Coffee (1) and pasta salad (2). What?? I'm just trying to purge leftovers. It's a slow process.
2:30pm Reduced fat Cheez-Its (1) with light Laughing Cow cheese (1) and nuts (2)
2:45pm Coconut ZonePerfect bar (4)
3:00pm Tall, nonfat pumpkin spice latte (5?)
5:15pm Apple ZonePerfect bar (3)
8:00pm FiberOne frosted mini-wheats (3)
8:30pm Tortilla with cheese, salsa, and sour cream (oh, prolly about 8)
9:00pm Fiber English muffin (1) with peanut butter (2) and caramel (2)
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
New goal starting tomorrow... maybe. |
September 16, 2009 at 8:18am September 16, 2009 at 8:18am
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NEW: Get house ready for market by 9/30/09
I've been doing this anyway, and it's taking time away from my other goals, which is stressing me out. I figure I might as well get credit for it. Getting your house ready to put on the market is a lot of work! Especially when your idea of housework is squeezing a load of laundry in the 20-minute window you have between lessons and Potbelly, and then moving the load to the dryer later that evening.
I have a Lowes trip planned this morning.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
On hold...
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Pending.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
We scheduled a song called "Teach Me How to Pray" by Jason Upton for next Sunday, 9/27/09. "Made to Love" by TobyMac is next on the list, but that one will need some extra time to prep and learn!
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Goal met.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Pending.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
*shrug* My feelings about this change from day to day. It would be really good if I could hang until June, from budgeting, house-hunting, and school (i.e., Keith's kids) perspectives. Last night, I about had a meltdown at work and decided I wanted out now, but that was because I was so tired. I went out to my Jeep and took a nap on my lunch break, and it helped a lot. I have to learn to sleep in the mornings when Keith and kids are getting up all around me, instead of getting up with them.
Here's the thing: I could leave Abbott at any time, starting in December. However, the longer I stay, the more money I throw in a savings account, the more money we have for a down payment on a new house, the lower the house payment after we buy. Also, the sooner we sell my house, and the longer we stay at Keith's, the more money we save up for the upgrade. See how that works? And the final caveat... obtaining financing for our upgrade will be much easier if I'm still employed by Abbott. So our future living situation depends on (1) how soon I sell my house, (2) how much I get out of my house, and (3) how long I stay at Abbott.
June would be good. It'll be easier if I move to day shift, and I have my eye on a possible opportunity, but it might be a month or two before I know. And whether I go to day shift may be a deciding factor in how long I stay. I can't keep having sleepless days like yesterday. I work my ass off at five jobs and accomplishing a long list of goals, and I do it by not wasting (much) time watching TV or playing video games, but dammit, I like my sleep.
And I deserve my sleep.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met.
Weight: 147.8
Meals:
7:30am Sausage (5) and coffee (1)
9:30am Nut clusters (3)
11:00am Mixed nuts (2)
1:45pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
2:30pm Chai (1)
5:30pm Apple ZonePerfect bar (3)
7:00pm Three pieces pizza (10), three wings (5), ice cream (4)
...and I was doing so well.
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
New goal starting Friday! |
September 15, 2009 at 8:38am September 15, 2009 at 8:38am
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I rarely review my blog statistics, but I glanced at the numbers yesterday and was surprised to find that my blog has about three times as many non-Writing.com readers as it has readers who are registered users at Writing.Com. Welcome, non-Writing.com readers!
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met. I posted in scroll and sent a group email.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
On hold. Luis was supposed to call me to discuss the status of the band, but he hasn't. I could call him, I suppose. Deep down, part of me thinks this is a good thing. I don't have the time to devote to this right now. It's a lead, though, and when I leave Abbott next year, I may pursue it with a bit more tenacity.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Pending.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
In progress. I jotted down a few more *already published* songs that I might enjoy leading: "Made to Love" by TobyMac and "You're Worthy of Praise" by Big Daddy Weave and BarlowGirl (in addition to "Lifesong" by Casting Crowns.) Have I ruled out an original song? ...slowly getting there...
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met, and you can listen here: http://michelletuesday.wordpress.com. The lyrics are by Robert Waltz  : "Is This Thing On?" [ASR].
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Goal met. See above. Go me!
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Goal met; I wrote the article I reserved last week. I also reserved another, which I will count toward this week's goal.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress. Ugh... that date seems so far out. I said so to Keith, and he pretty much said he wouldn't object to me leaving sooner, but we might just have to settle for a less desirable house.
I'm okay with that.
For clarification, Keith is not in charge of my decision. I value his input, and I want to make sure he's comfortable with what I decide to do. He's a bit more financially conservative than I, but he's also never projected out his future budget. We've been working on that together, because I'd like him to be more comfortable with my financial stability.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met.
Weight: 149.8
Meals:
7:30am Coffee (1)
7:45am Peach pie (5? mostly avoided the crust.)
8:30am Coffee (1)
11:00am Chips (5)
1:45pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
2:00pm Tall, skinny, hazelnut latte (2)
4:30pm NutriGrain bar (2.5) |
September 14, 2009 at 8:42am September 14, 2009 at 8:42am September 12, 2009 at 11:23pm September 12, 2009 at 11:23pm
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Don't be shocked, but... I may not do NaNoWriMo this year. I haven't decided for sure, but I hate to wait until December to get back to all my other goals. I have a NaNo idea, but it's waited for over a year, so what's one more, when I know I'll have more time next November? I haven't even edited last year's NaNo novel yet. One novel at a time?
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
In progress. Truthfully, I'm nervous that Luis will think I'm a slacker, since we haven't met in a month, and I still hardly know any of the songs we agreed to work on. I'm more into popular and rock, and not so familiar with this punk stuff.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Goal met.
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met, with "Is This Thing On?" by lyricist Robert Waltz .
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
In progress. I'm leaning toward "Lifesong" because writing my own song would require - you know - writing it. As in, arranging for all the instruments and actually writing the music on paper for the other musicians, not just throwing together a melody and chords on the guitar. I have until next Saturday to decide.
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Pending.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
In progress.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met.
Weight: Oops.
Meals:
9:00am FiberOne cereal (2) with milk (2), coffee (1)
12:30pm Chicken noodle soup, English muffin with butter, 1/2 cup ice cream
...and then a whole bunch of party food. |
September 11, 2009 at 4:02pm September 11, 2009 at 4:02pm
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Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
In progress. Hey, does anyone know the flippin' lyrics to "Got You Where I Want You" by The Flys? Just about every lyrics resource on the web lists them differently.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
Goal met! See  .
Write one new original song per month.
Goal met, with "Is This Thing On?" by lyricist Robert Waltz , which has not yet been recorded.
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
In progress: I (1) wrote draft lyrics for an original song and (2) picked "Lifesong" by Casting Crowns as a back-up plan.
Work on music instruction books for fifteen minutes per day.
Fail, and I should have temporarily taken this down along with the reading and short story submission goals. It comes down tomorrow.
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending.
Write one Textbroker article per week.
In progress. The article I "reserved" is due Monday, and I won't get to it until Sunday night at the earliest. I may decide to can this goal until after NaNo, too, unless I get DirectOrders. I haven't had any since the last two, so I think the dude wasn't so pleased with my service. It took me awhile to get his articles to him. *shrug* I'm too overbooked to care.
Resign from Abbott by 6/1/10.
Sheesh, that date looks really, really far away. I'm definitely on track for that, but it still might be sooner.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met!
Weight: 147.6
Meals:
7:30am
8:45am Nut clusters (3)
9:15am Ruby red grapefruit cup (2.5)
11:00am 1/2 cup chocolate marshmallow ice cream (3)
1:45pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
2:30pm Chai (1)
4:30pm Chai (1)
6:00pm Dark chocolate ZonePerfect bar (4) (cookies and cream!)
7:00pm Chai (1)
9:30pm Dark chocolate ZonePerfect bar (4) (mocha!)
New goal coming 9/18/09:
Write for "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+] fifteen minutes per day.
And just to keep tabs, the following goals are on hold until after NaNo:
Work on music instruction books for fifteen minutes per day.
Submit one short story/article per month.
Read a book in print for fifteen minutes every day.
Work for fifteen minutes on "Poor Witch" [E] every day.
Complete and edit "Poor Witch" [E] by 6/30/09. |
September 10, 2009 at 8:33am September 10, 2009 at 8:33am
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I took a four-session technical writing course at work (compliments of Abbott) and learned something interesting that I didn't know. The traditional two-spaces-after-every-period rule had something to do with typewriter fonts, and are no longer "required." It's a hard habit to break, because after years of practice, that thumb just automatically plops down two spaces at the end of every sentence.
Re: my goals, I signed up for Legerdemain  's fabulous contest, "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" [18+]. There will be a daily writing goal associated with that beginning 9/18.
Advertise "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+].
Goal met. The same plug sat at the top of scroll for over twelve hours yesterday.
Update "October Novel Prep Challenge" [13+] entry log.
Goal met! ...and this goal comes down tomorrow, which is good, because my blog is getting cluttered with goals.
Learn one new cover band song per week.
In progress. I've been listening to my YouTube playlist at work every night this week.
Launch one new Potbelly song per week.
No activity, because I didn't play yesterday.
Write one new original song per month.
In progress x2 (see below.)
NEW: Launch one new Praise Band song per month.
Y'all are never gonna believe this, but I'm bouncing around the idea of writing one. I mind-mapped the concept, with lyrics tied to the scripture for 9/27. I don't know if I'll have time to actually see it through, but wouldn't that be two birds with one stone??
Work on music instruction books for fifteen minutes per day.
Fail.
Post at WordPress at least once per week.
Pending. My brother (who, apparently, uses digital recording gear professionally - who knew?? ) recommended a unit that will make my WordPress recordings much higher quality. My parents said they would supply the gear for my birthday (which was last week) and Christmas, so I just need to order it or go pick it up at Guitar Center. Busy, busy...
Write one Textbroker article per week.
Yikes. I signed up for one, and it has a 10-day deadline, so I've been putting it off.
Submit one short story/article per month.
Pending... and I think I may take this one down till after NaNo, too.
Read a book in print for fifteen minutes every day.
Goal met! I read while waiting at the doctor's office. But as soon as I finish the book I'm on (Silhouette in Scarlet by Elizabeth Peters), I'm going to take this goal down till after NaNo.
Resign from Abbott by 12/1/09.
In progress, but because Keith and I are looking at houses together, and because we dream big (), I might decide to stay a few more months. I had been toying with staying through January or February anyway, because, let's face it: money is nice. Plus, with the new year, I get three new weeks of vacation, which makes the extra time bearable.
If I resign in time for the summer, I could start picking up evening gigs during the week. A solo acoustic act is perfect for an outdoor patio at a bar, and that's summer work. Then in the fall, I can add music students in the afternoons.
I still have close tabs on the budget, but I've been leaning toward a few more months for awhile now. So, I'll change this goal to 6/1/2010, with the understanding that I could leave at any time after 12/1/2009, if it really sucks.
Maintain 150.0 lbs.
Goal met! Even according to the doctor's scale!   
Weight: 148.2
Meals:
7:30am Nut clusters (3) and coffee (1)
9:45am Pizza (4)
11:00am Coffee (1)
1:45pm Skinny roast beef sandwich (7)
2:15pm Chai (1)
4:15pm Dark chocolate mocha ZonePerfect bar (4)
4:30pm Chai (1)
7:00pm Plain salad (0), seafood salad (1), tomato and mozz salad (1), cranberry and pecan salad (1), pesto tortellini (1)
7:30pm Tall, skinny hazelnut latte (2), half pecan bar (1.5), half brownie (1.5) |
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Comment • View 3 comments 
, also known as Michelle Tuesday, is a musician, educator and writer hailing from Columbus, Ohio.![Merit Badge in Music
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To a dear friend whose talent for writing music is sensational. May you have a fabulous New Year, (((Brandi)))!!! *^*Kiss*^*
Big hugs,
Sherri *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/genre-Music-1050.gif)
![Merit Badge in Organization
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I don't know how you do it, but I assume there's magic involved *^*Bigsmile*^* I have really enjoyed this month of planning and preparation for NaNoWriMo and I love how organized it all is. Thank you for hosting a great challenge and for your dedication to helping so many of us prepare with confidence and trepidation for National Novel Writing Month (known to sane folks as 'November' *^*Laugh*^*) at your [Link To Item #1474311]](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Organization-1150.gif)
![Merit Badge in Leadership
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For your hard work, commitment, talent and innovation in running the October NaNoWriMo Preparation each year, which helps many of us get our scattered thoughts together for November's novel-writing. And also because this badge has ducks on it.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Leadership.gif)
Anyone relate to this? 