I’ll be honest, I’ve been working my ass off, but I don’t feel like I’m really getting anywhere.
I’d planned to have short story finished, a book revised and expanded, and be at least a quarter of the way into a new novella. However, that’s not quite how things worked. An ugly case of anxiety and depression have pretty well immobilized me.
However, I have kicked ass at gutting my house and getting rid of stuff. I still need to wash out the fridge, and take stock of the freezer, but then I’ll be done with the kitchen. I’m doing this 52 Week Organized Home Challenge. So far, so good. And in some areas, I’m working ahead – like my bedroom.
This is this month’s to-do list from my bullet journal. Things that are half-filled in are started, arrows mean they’re migrating to next month, and filled in means they’re done. Yeah…still hoping to start that yoga program by next Tuesday…
(Apologies for my hideous handwriting.)
But, I’ve been doing a lot of editing and some writing. Jess and I will have a new newsletter out next week, too. So if you want two new free short stories, sign up for the newsletter – they’re exclusive to newsletter subscribers only.
I’ve also been doing a lot of knitting. I made pussyhats for the Women’s March, and I’m still going. I think I’m on hat number nine. And a bunch made it to the marches in DC, Atlanta and Lansing.
Another thing I’ve accomplished this month is building a website for The Michigan Highlanders, the Highland Games organization my brother Martin belongs to. And if you want to follow them on Instagram and Tumblr, I’m sure they’d love that. (I would also love that. I’ve worked very hard on this – lol!) In case you’re wondering, my brother is the one who’s ripped the sleeves out of his shirts.
Okay, my goals for February are:
Continue with whatever’s next on the Organized Home Challenge
Finish revising and expanding Mist and Stone.
Progress on DN & EP
Finish 5 more pussyhats
Progress on the other two websites I’m putting together.
Oh yeah, and start that damn yoga program.
Be sure you check out the other bloggers check-ins! Jess, Deelylah, and Paige.
This month I discovered – quite by accident really – an effective tool to help combat – or at least cope with – that anxiety and depression thing. One of my big tools is hiding in a book. Great for you authors. I get a lot of reading done, but not much else. This month I plugged into the audio book. Dug out my Dresden Files collection on audio and blissed out to listening to James Marsters. *sigh* That alone is quite relaxing. He is so . . . *sigh* Anyway, listening leaves the hands AND eyes free to do other things, like knitting and crocheting. The output of crafted goods I produced this month amazes me. Socks, mittens, fingerless gloves, a pair of actual gloves, (an experiment that came out rather well) finished a couple of sweaters that had been in the basket for years, and even did a blanket style shrug.
Wow! I knew I was feeling better with all the crafting I had accomplished this month, but listing it like this . . . Wow! I did good. AND the mood is somewhat manageable. The house is still neglected. I am not good doing floors and they need attention. So I commend you on your Organized Home Challenge. Awesome!
Guess we can’t have everything. But every little thing does count. Doesn’t it? 😉 Plus I have ten books “read” for the month. Now if James Marsters could read the stack of ARCs I have over there . . . 😛
Thank you for sharing this monthly update. It is inspiring and encouraging.
Pansy! That is freaking AWESOME! Go you!!! When I was doing a bunch of holiday stitching, I listened to podcasts and watched Galavant and Parks and Rec, which made me feel like I was at least enjoying exacerbating my carpal tunnel syndrome – lol.
But I love that idea. I never used to be able to listen to podcasts or audiobooks before – I think it was the undiagnosed/untreated ADD making itself known. However, I’m thinking I should give audiobooks another chance. I’ve been meaning to read The Dresden Files, too. My husband loves them. And well, James Marsters…who doesn’t want that?!
I have to admit, as much as I loathe cleaning, having a more organized living space with less crap has been helpful for the moods, too.
Thank you again for making my pussyhat! I love that a little part of you went to DC with me. And I think it’s freaking awesome that people still want them.
You are so very, very welcome! I feel like a piece of me went to DC with you, too! <3
You have been doing awesome! I know it sucks when things don’t go exactly as we plan (oh, do I know!) but you’ve been getting shit done even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Great goals for the month–you’ve got this!
*HUGS* We are doing the things!!!
I’m working on a project that I’m SOOO excited to show you, but I’m waiting for more to be done. I also want to set up another tutorial for BG and me – but nothing in the immediate future, as life is a bit crazy. Anyhow – I say this b/c you are an inspiration to me and wanted to let you know!
Now, if you need help with your writing stuff, let me know. Cause I will read. 😉 But seriously, know I love you and will do what I can to support you! xoxo
I can’t wait to see it! You guys are doing so well! I’m so proud! And we can totally do another one here just as soon as stuff settles down some for both of us. 😀 And thank you! I love you, too, honey. And I think I’ll be taking you up on that offer. <3
YOU GOT THIS, LADY <3