Monday, December 31, 2012

Goals for 2013

It's that time of year again, when folks start asking (or getting asked) about resolutions for the new year. I don't have resolutions so much as goals, so here are my goals for 2013 (not in any particular order):

Finish the current work-in-progress by the end of February. Actually, this one is a pretty top priority. It's been awhile since I've written a book, for various reasons and it's time to get back in the game.

Finish at least one more manuscript before Dec. 2013. See above re getting back in the game.

Book a trip (and go to) somewhere in Europe. We have many, many aeroplan miles we must use, or lose. Nice problem to have but only the air fare is free. Which is why we haven't used them already.

Lose ten pounds by May 4 (aka Daughter's Wedding Day). Although the dress I'm wearing is forgiving (empire waist, jersey knit), I need to lose at least 10 lbs. anyway.

Eat less junk food. See above.

Get back to walking either outside or on the treadmill EVERY DAY. And not just because I need to lose 10 lbs. I feel better and sleep much better if I exercise.

Spend more time in the hammock at the cottage. How can I say that after the above? Because last summer I spent a lot of time doing necessary yard work. The year before that, it was painting. I don't want to have it ingrained in my brain that cottage = work. That kinda defeats the purpose of having a cottage, doesn't it?

Finish making the small front yard at the cottage all garden.Again, this seems to go against what I just said, but I think it can be done without becoming a Major Project. I can hopefully get the bulk of the work done in a weekend, or maybe a week.

Be more positive. I've been finding myself seeing negatives before positives far too much lately, and that's got to stop. To be honest, I think this may be the most difficult goal of all. Thinking optimistically, though, it may also yield the best results for a happier me.

Whatever your goals are, and whether we reach them or not, I wish all of you a happy, healthy, safe and wonderful New Year!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Happy Holidays!

This is our Christmas tree.

On the top is the angel my sister made. This year, my husband insisted the Gordie Howe ornament have prominence. Also, the Three Stooges. We have more than one set of Three Stooges ornaments because they've been part of our family humor since the kids were born. My mom is giving me Wizard of Oz ornaments yearly, and you'll also see several cardinals because I love cardinals. You can also see the cotton ornament we got in Georgia, and several strands of Mardi Gras beads strung together. Indeed, every ornament and decoration on the tree means something special to us, whether it was a gift, or homemade, or picked up on our travels.

However your tree is decorated, I hope you all have a lovely holiday, with lots of good times and good cheer, and a wonderful New Year, too!

I'll be back to the blog in January.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Decluttering Challenge and Other Projects

I'm still working on the decluttering and re-storing of items, with this week's task being to box up some of my good china and put it in a cupboard in the basement. Here's what the cupboards are starting to look like - full but organized.

I've also been busy with Christmas sewing projects, including two dresses for my nieces that I finished last night.

I'm still trying to work on my manuscript as well, but at this time of year, that has to take a back seat for a bit. Once New Year's is past, though, it's full steam ahead on writing, because I hope to have a lot of the packing up for the new floors done by then.

I have a few more things to buy and finish making, then let the wrapping commence!

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Weekly Clutter Challenge - So many books...

So the Flooring Dude shows up on Saturday as scheduled with the samples, sees all the empty boxes in the living room and gets a shocked look on his face. I explained I wanted to take my time with the packing, a little bit a day. He was relieved - the poor guy thought he'd misunderstood the start date. Like maybe I thought it'd be next week, not the end of January. Nope, I just try to avoid stress by getting things done ahead of time if possible.

What have I tackled with all those boxes this week?

I've written a lot of books for Harlequin, which means I've had a lot of books translated and published all over the world. And I do mean all over - Japan, Germany, Korea, Australia, Italy, Scandinavia, Estonia, Spain, Brazil...and more. I have a copy of every translation I've received, plus an original edition, in the wall unit in the office/den upstairs. I boxed them up, and even I was shocked by how many there were. Sadly, I didn't count them, but I can tell you they are in several boxes.

That also meant some empty shelves, which looks a little odd, so I took some mugs that I have on display on top of the kitchen cupboards and put them on the book shelves. Those mugs can go back to the kitchen when it's time to do the floors, so I thought that would be a good substitute.

This week, I'm working on the bottom cupboards of the wall units in the dining room, where we keep all sorts of albums, pictures, etc. Talk about a trip down memory lane! I also plan to pack up the clock I got from my parents, which was a wedding present they received. I'll be doing that very carefully, and making sure it's well marked so nothing gets put on top of it.

I've also learned what should NOT be kept in a box - fabric. If I can't see it, I forget I have it. Not everything that can be put in a box should be put in a box, even if it's labeled.

While I'm packing things up, I'm also unpacking Christmas decorations and getting them up. And realizing that I've got a lot of sewing to do NOW if I'm going to get things in the mail. I'll have some serious tidying of the sewing cupboard to do after Christmas!