Optimistic Mondays – Laugh So You Don't Cry

Lately, I've been surrounded on all sides by things I "Need To Do". I acknowledge the fact that many of them are self imposed, but that doesn't diminish the importance of getting them done. At least not for me.

I've divided my life into four quarters.

1. Home/Family
2. Church Responsibilites
3. Work
4. Writing

Each of those sections has many subsections within it. They swirl around me, each begging for proper attention, none able to get it.

It's very overwhelming, but I've chosen it. I choose to clean my home

. I choose to interact with my children. They demand to be fed, and I choose to quite them by listening.

I've chosen to accept my church calling. It takes more time/thought then I imagined it would.

My work is less of a choice than a necessity, but nonetheless I still choose to do it. Like I said above, my kids like to eat. Who am I kidding, I like to eat.

I don't always choose the story lines that pop into my head and talk to me, but I do choose to write them down. Writing is so much bigger than non-writers think. There's the actual writing. Then the rewriting/editing multiple times. I have to continually learn the craft. I have a critique group that I submit to, and critique for.

Blogging is pretty much a necessity for writers now. This means not only do I need to have my own blog, but I need to read other blogs. To network. To learn from others.

These four main sections of my life each try to take over as "the most important". It's a battle every day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and cry.

So what's a girl to do?

Sometimes, I cry. But the rest of the time I've adopted a new attitude.

When something goes wrong, instead of crying, I try to laugh it off. It doesn't always work, but most of the time it eases the tension just enough to where I can deal with it.

So, my advice to you on this Optimistic Monday?

Laugh, so you don't cry.

Happy Monday.

Optimistic Mondays – First Pants, then Shoes!

A few years ago my office had a "Far Side" calendar. To the left, I found a cute little "reenactment" of my favorite cartoon.

It always made me laugh. Now, I still laugh, but it's more of a reminder. Things need to be done in order. First we have to get out of bed, and then we tackle our day. Once we're up and about, we need to set priorities, and follow the order.

We have to learn to play the piano before we can perform a concert.

We have to learn the rules of writing, before we will be published.

We have to take time to really get to know someone, before we can count them among our dearest friends.

How embarrassing it is to jump ahead of things, putting our shoes on first, and entirely forget about our pants. I've done it before. Figuratively, of course! I wouldn't recommend it.

Happy Monday!

Optimistic Mondays – Do Not Follow Trucks

Last week, I drove south for my monthly ANWA meeting. The freeway is under construction, with orange cones and reduced-speed-limit signs everywhere. On the way back home late that night, I saw a sign that made me laugh. After I had a good laugh, it made me think.

A mile or so back I had read a sign that said "Trucks entering highway". I've seen those signs before, and didn't think much about it. But then I read one that said:

"Do Not Follow Trucks."

My first thought was, "Wow, I can't believe they had to make a special sign, just for that."

Next, I realized that people had actually followed the trucks, creating a need for the sign.

Finally, I related it to everyday life.

How often are we so busy following the path we are on, we don't stop and think about where we want to be?

Do we aimlessly follow the person in front of us, or do we take the lead and decide where our future will end up?

Only you can decide where you want to go. Sometimes there are unforeseen detours on the road ahead, but we can choose how to handle them.

Do not walk aimlessly, without a destination in mind.

Do not follow trucks.

Optimistic Mondays – Sting Like A Bee

My husband has an enormous fear of bees. Seriously. If you want to see me run away screaming like a girl, put a spider near me. If you want to see him do it, well...okay; he doesn't really scream like a girl, but he does run away. I'm called in to be his protector. (Just like when I make him "deal" with the spider.)

I was stung by a bee once. Actually, it was on my first date with my now-husband. The darn thing flew inside my shirt and stung my stomach. When I grabbed at my shirt and pulled the bee away from my body, it bit my thumb. Ouch. Hubby was brave then, I don't remember any screaming or running. Good thing too, since we were in his truck, driving down the road.

Today, the weather was near perfect. The temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees, and there was no wind. My family was spending some leisurely time hanging out in the back yard. My three-year old daughter was standing next to me, when she winced and started to cry. Then she started screaming. Her dad and I both tried to figure out what was wrong, and eventually found a bee inside her dress.

The bee sealed his own fate when he stung my little girl. If the act of stinging her was not enough to kill it, Daddy took care of the rest.

Fifteen minutes later, and a few pieces of chocolate too, the pain was going away. Did you know that chocolate has healing powers? It does. But two Hershey's Kisses weren't quite enough, we had to up the dosage to three.

I never would have hoped for my daughter to get stung, but there is a positive way of looking at it. I now know she's not allergic to bees. If it happens again, in a more remote area, I know she will cry, and then probably demand chocolate, but I also know I will not be faced with a medical emergency.

That brings peace of mind to a mother's soul. What more could any mother ask for on Mother's Day?

Optimistic Mondays – Failure Creates Opportunity

I can hardly believe it's already May! I had set some goals for April, and posted them on my sidebar - shamefully so. I didn't do very well.

Okay, so my writing goal came up way short. I hoped to write 20,000 words, and only came up with 7,000. I spent a lot of time working on my first chapter, to get it ready for bootcamp. I'm glad I didn't write much more than that, because after what I learned in bootcamp, I will be changing a lot.

My personal goal for April was to not weigh myself for the entire month. It was an idea I got from another blog, encouraging us to monitor our weight by how our clothes fit, rather than obsessing about the ups and downs on the scale.

I succeeded at this goal, mainly because I sent my scale home with a friend for the month. The result? Not good. Apparently I need the numbers on the scale that tell me to stop eating so many sweets. (I'm a sucker for anything sweet.)

But the good news about failing at something, is that it creates a new opportunity. I've redefined my goals for May, and hope to do better.

My writing goal is to revise my first chapter, applying what-I-wish-I-would-have-known-before-bootcamp. Also, I need to research and create an outline, before beginning chapter 2.

My personal goal? Reverse the damage I did in April, by staying in frequent contact with my bathroom scale.

What are your goals for the month of May?

Optimistic Mondays – Criticism

Even the most thick-skinned person out there has been effected by someone's negative criticism, although they may not admit it. We've all been there, and it hurts.

There is a good type of criticism too. Sometimes it's harder to come by and we don't recognize it for what it is. But it is out there. And that's a good thing.

How can any type of criticism be good?

When it's given with love. When it helps us become a better person. When it makes us want to improve.

As a writer, I subject myself to criticism whenever I let someone read my work. Take this last weekend, for example. I signed up for the Boot Camp at the LDStorymakers conference. I sat at a table with three other writers, and our instructor, Josi Kilpack. We each took turns reading our story, followed by receiving feedback from each other.

Without going into it with an open mind, it would have been brutal. Well, it was a little brutal anyway, but in a good way.

I can't tell you how much I learned during those few hours. I have such a better grasp on what I should be doing. I received advice for how to improve my writing. I gave advice for the same.

If I had gone into it thinking my story was perfect, and not open to new ideas, I would have been sorely disappointed.

We all have room for improvement. Not just in writing, but in every aspect of our lives. Having an open mind, and being willing to listen - really listen - will make the difference between growth and stagnancy.

I don't want to be stuck at the level I'm now on, in writing or life in general. I don't think I'm a terrible writer, but I know I have SO MUCH to learn. There are so many ways I can improve.

The next time feel like someone is being too hard on you, too critical, take a step back and think about it. Maybe they really are just being rude. But maybe they are trying to help you become better.

Here's my group from Boot Camp. They were amazing.

Left to right: Melanie Jacobson, Josi Kilpack, Jewel Allen, and myself.

Sadie was also in our group, but not here for the picture.

Thanks for all the help Ladies!

Optimistic Mondays – One Person

I've read a lot of blog posts lately about people feeling small and insignificant, especially when compared to the achievements of others around them.

As I've read these posts, I've nodded my head in agreement. I have those feelings too.

But with each of these posts, there is usually an uplifting message of how they overcame these feelings of inadequacy. Or at least how they are trying to.

With so many things vying for our attention, it's hard not to let it overwhelm us.

I am just one person. How can I fit it all in?

One day at a time. Sometimes it's one hour or one minute at a time.

Rather than feeling like I'm small and insignificant, I like to relate the following quote:

"To the world you might be one person,

but to one person you might be the world"

There are countless people out there who mean the world to me. Look around you. I'll bet you have that impact on more people than you realize. And one of them just might be me.

Optimistic Mondays – Live Like You're Dying

Okay, so I know this post is later than usual, but hey – it’s still Monday – at least for a couple more hours.

Sunday, I drove up to Idaho for my grandpa’s funeral, which took place today. I didn’t get a post done before I left, so here I am.

After such a weekend, I’m feeling especially optimistic.

I’m not particularly sad over my grandpa’s passing. He was 90 years old, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. He didn’t know anyone, and he didn’t remember who he used to be. I’m happy for the reunion that must be happening on the other side. My grandma passed away 23 years ago, and they are now re-united. I am sad for those he left behind, who will miss him. He left a wonderful legacy.

My grandpa had 27 grandchildren. All but one of them was able to be there for the funeral. They came from all over the country, to pay tribute. I spent several hours with family members I hadn’t seen in a long time, and got to know them a little better.

I even got to do a little research for my newest novel, and made a wonderful contact that will help me along the way.

Tonight, I’m thankful for so many blessings in my life. Among them, I was blessed with safe travel. I was blessed with helpful family members, when both of my kids needed attention at the same time. I was blessed with inspiration, and motivation.

While gathered for the funeral, one of my cousins requested a certain picture. Three of us cousins were born within months of each other, and we each turned 30 within the last few months. She wanted a picture of the three thirty-year olds together. After the picture was taken, we realized that our combined age totaled that of our grandpa.

When I think about how much I’ve learned, grown, and matured in the last ten years alone, it makes me look forward to the years that wait ahead for me. Grandpa got 90. I’ve had 30 so far. I hope to have another 60 in me, and I hope to use each one of them wisely.

Are you happy with the direction your life is going? If not, go and do something about it. Don’t waste another day.

Happy Monday

Optimistic Mondays – New Diet Plan

I'm stealing this from a signature line I saw on an email. It makes me laugh every time I read it, and I hope it brings a smile to your face too.

Wheat for man. D&C 89:17

Chocolate for woman. M&M 24:7

Words to live by!

Happy Monday.

Optimistic Mondays – Do More Then Endure

By my front door I have a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that says,

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”

It acts as a constant reminder for me to not forget to enjoy myself a little. Sometimes (okay, most of the time) it’s hard, because I have so many responsibilities. Most of them, however, I place upon my own shoulders.

When I remember those simple words by my door, I take a minute, and think. Am I enjoying my kids today, or just enduring them? Am I enjoying the wonderful gift that is my body, or only focusing on what other women look like? Am I enjoying the writing process, or wishing I were wearing someone else’s shoes, who is already established in the writing world?

If the answer I get is anything less than enjoyment, I know I must be doing something wrong. It becomes time to re-evaluate what I’m doing, and make a change! After all, what is the point of doing anything, if your not enjoying the journey?

Optimistic Mondays – Give It Back!

I don’t know who it was, but someone stole my motivation, and I’m demanding it back! (Pretty please… I’m lost without it.)

I’ve come up with a plan, just in case my motivation doesn’t show up at the door this morning. (If opportunity knocks, what does motivation do, ring the bell?)

If you know me very well, you know I like to make lists. I love to set goals. And I really love to accomplish my goals. When I have success in my life, I feel positive. It makes me want to keep going.

I have a list of things I want to do each day. Each item has been carefully chosen by a panel of judges (me). They are tasks that, when accomplished, will help me feel motivated.

I call it the list of "Motivating Moments".

1. Make Bed. It amazes me at how much better I feel, when I walk into my bedroom and the bed is made. And it only takes about a minute to do.
2. Do my makeup/Get ready. I usually do this. But I've noticed that when I don't, I feel lazy, negative, and washed out. I'm not talking about full blown makeup/dressy clothes each day. Just enough to make me feel comfortable, if a neighbor should drop by.
3. Clean Something. This does not count the daily cleanup around the house, like dishes or picking up toys. It's for things like scrubbing toilets (because, no - I don't do that everyday), organizing my desk, or tackling an item from the Spring Cleaning list.
4. Eat at least 1 fruit and 1 vegetable per day. This one sounds ridiculously easy, but I'm surprised at how often I don't have any at all. Eating healthy food always motivates me to eat more healthy food. I really do like fruit and veggies. But I also really like chocolate.
5. Read to/Teach my kids something. I'm really good about reading to my 3 year old. I'm not as good about reading to my 1-1/2 year old. I would feel so much better, as a mom, if I knew I had spent time each day teaching my children something.
6. Write 500 words. I hope this number will be higher most days, but this is a goal for my minimum. It includes any type of writing, whether it be on a book, blog, in my journal, or any other misc. writing. As long as I'm writing, I feel motivated.
7. Read my scriptures. This is a habit I already have, but I'd like to change, just a little. I currently read them just before going to bed. That's the time of day when my mind is so tired from a long day, and my eyelids are so heavy they don't want to stay open. Perhaps there is a better time of day, when my mind will register what I'm reading. I'll see if I can find it.
8. Plan ahead for dinner. I usually make a menu for the week, when I do my grocery shopping. I couldn't survive dinner-time without it. But dinner is still a little too hectic. The kids always want my attention, and it creates an unpleasant environment. This goal is to plan and prepare as much of the meal as possible ahead of time, leaving me less frazzled when dinner-time actually comes.
9. Get rid of 2 things. It feels so good to get rid of things I no longer need. This can be anything from a pair of shoes that make my feet hurt like crazy (today's example), or cleaning out the fridge. Broken toys, clothes that don't fit, expired coupons: be prepared to say goodbye.
10. Exercise. I always feel more motivated when I've exercised for the day. I am so excited that Spring is just around the corner. It's amazing how much work it is to push 2 kids up and down the neighborhood hills, in a double stroller.

There you have it. My hope is that my productivity will increase as I work on accomplishing these daily tasks.

Are there certain things in your life, that make you feel motivated?

Happy Monday Everyone!

Optimistic Mondays – Do Over

Considering how motivated I felt last week at this time, I sure don't have a lot to show for it. Except for the 2 pounds I gained, the pile of laundry I didn't do, the 160 unread blog posts in my google reader, and the feeling of being a headless chicken dancing around in my kitchen.

Can I have a do-over? Please? Fine, then can I at least go pout in the corner for a while? Thanks.

Okay, I feel a little better. Try it, it just might help you get ready to tackle the week in front of you.

I'll leave you with this thought:

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right. - Henry Ford

Lets all go out and accomplish something great this week.

Happy Monday.

Optimistic Mondays – March and Monday

It’s my favorite day of the week – Monday! And to top that off, it’s also the beginning of a new month. Both on the same day! What more could anyone ask for? Seriously. It’s like a perfect alignment of the stars. I’m ready to take charge of the week. I’m ready to have a productive month of March. And it’s a good thing too, since I have so much to do!

I’ve been writing the Optimistic Mondays posts for six months now, and I have many new readers since I started. I’ve copied the original Optimistic Monday Post, to explain my purpose:

When I was a teenage, I worked at the Hogle Zoo. I was a manager of a concession stand, and I had a set schedule. I worked Tuesdays and Thursday-Sunday. I always had Mondays and Wednesdays off. We always had the radio on in the back part of the building, and I remember one song in particular. The words to it were "It's just another manic Monday. I wish it were Sunday, cause that's my fun day...." I had made up my own little version, and sang, "It's just another manic Sunday, I wish it were Monday..." Monday's were a welcome relief after a busy weekend at the zoo.

Most people look forward to Fridays, and dread Mondays. There was a time in my life when I was the same way. When I worked in an office from 9-5, Monday - Friday, I loved Fridays. Don't get me wrong, I loved my job. But I still welcomed the weekend. Now that I'm a stay at home mom, the weekend doesn't mean quite the same thing. Yes, Todd is home, and it's nice to spend time with him. But my job doesn't stop just because it's the weekend. I still have to feed and dress the kids. I still have to wash dishes and do the laundry.

But there is something special for me about Mondays now. It's a fresh start. A new beginning. If I didn't do as well as I wanted to with something during the week, I decide that on Monday, I'll do better. Did I over eat this week? Did I not exercise as much as I wanted? Did I not get the house cleaned? It's okay, on Monday I will start fresh. I will do better. And there's even more refreshing news. If I slip up half way through the week, and don't keep up with my new found determination to succeed at whatever I had decided to do: It's only 3 or 4 more days until another Monday! A new fresh start. It's a wonderful cycle.

So as March begins, I’m ready to challenge myself, and exceed my own expectations. February may as well be written off completely. What did I even accomplish? Next month, I plan to have a long list of accomplishments!

What are your goals for the week? How about the month?

Happy Monday Everyone!

Optimistic Mondays – Be Yourself

It's Monday, and I'm running low on creativity (and time), so this post will be short. I recently read a quote that my grandma posted on facebook, and it really it me hard.

"Be a first rate version of yourself,

not a second rate version of someone else."

- Judy Garland

They are words I need to remember everyday. It's hard not to want what others have. It can range from anything as simple as wanting someone else's hair style, to wishing for their life. I look at other more established writers, and it's hard not to want to be in their shoes. But I also know that I need to make the journey myself, so I can appreciate it when I get there.

Heavenly Father did not make us the way we are by accident. We are all His creations, each one made with care and love. When we put ourselves down, we are putting our Creator down.

We all need to stand up and be proud of who we are. There may always be room for improvement, but don't ever forget who the real you is.

Happy Monday!

Optimistic Mondays – Coughs, Fevers and Runny Noses

Having sick children is miserable. Almost as miserable as having a sick husband. (Oops, did I say that?) My son got it first this time. After about a week, my daughter got it too. Such fun. The other night I swear I got out of bed 15 times during the night. No, I wasn't counting, but I should have. Maybe it was 16. Talk about a long night (or short one, depending on how you look at it).

Since my Monday posts are about looking at the optimistic side of things, I present a list of pros and cons.

Cons of having sick kids:

• going thru tissues by the box
• interrupted sleep for the kidlets as well as Mommy
• keeping track of medicine doses (when/how much?)
• excessive whining/crying
• constant need for attention
• co-pays to the doctor
• paying for prescriptions (ear infection)
• keeping track of more medicine
• grumpy Mommy

Pro of having sick kids (YES, there is exactly ONE pro):

• extra cuddle time

It is so easy for me to stress about all the things I'm not getting done when my kids are sick. Somedays, none of us even get dressed. The dishes pile up, toys cover the floor, my work is behind and my writing is all but abandoned. It's times like these when it's important for me to remind myself of the bigger picture. The kids need me. Everything else can wait.

When I focus on that important fact, and let everything else go, I can allow myself to enjoy the cuddle time. It doesn't happen very often, and it is so wonderful.

Happy Monday

Optimistic Mondays – Tomorrow’s the Big Day

This is it! Today is the last day I can claim to be in my 20’s. Tomorrow I turn 30. As promised, today I will reveal my “Mission Statement”. I’m know you have all been living in suspense. The fan mail has been rolling in. Hundreds of you have begged me to leak the secret, but I’ve been strong. I hope you didn’t loose too much sleep over this. Well, actually I hope you lost a little. That would make me feel important. Are you ready?

First a little explanation. About six months ago, I got this idea. I based it off the fact that successful businesses all over the world have something in common. They have a Mission Statement. It’s something that keeps them on track. It tells the employees what is expected of them, and it helps the clients and customers know what the company stands for, and that they live by a certain code.

I decided that if it works for them, maybe it would work for me too. So without further ado, I give you my mission statement for my 30’s.

"Digging Deeper"

Say what??? Allow me to explain.

I have spent my twenties trying to figure out where I belong. I have started dozens of projects. I’ve tried out new things. I’ve wanted to master them all. You know what I’m talking about. I wanted to be the perfect mother, housekeeper, cook, employee, gardener, photographer, scrapbooker, breadmaker, piano player, Spanish learner, singer, artist, visiting teacher, friend, blogger, exerciser, reader, craft show maker, makeup consultant, and many more I can’t think of right now.

I saw someone else succeeding at something, and I wanted to do it too. But I didn’t just want to do these things casually; I wanted to be the best there was. I never really thought of myself as competitive, I just wanted it for myself. I had a genuine interest. I loved to learn new things.

The problem was I didn’t have time to really focus on any of those things. I got so overwhelmed by the task in front of me, that I would give up, and find something else to master. It was a vicious pattern.

I’m not disappointed about my 20’s. I did a lot of wonderful things. I grew, progressed, learned, and experimented. See last weeks post.

Now it’s time to move on. This time, instead of just skimming the surface, I’m going to be digging deeper. I’m going to pick a few things, and focus on them. I’m going to let go of the rest. I’ll not be completely abandoning them, just not focus on them. For example, I love to take pictures. But somehow I couldn’t just take a picture for fun. I dreamt of being a professional. I’m letting that go.

I don’t plan to participate in craft shows. Instead, I’ll go and support my friends that are in them. Artwork? It was never really in my blood. Easy to let go of. Gardening? I want to have a garden, but no longer want to learn the proper name of each flower. I wont try to plant every variety of vegetable.

Instead, here is where I will list the things I plan on focusing during my 30’s.

1. I am first and foremost a mother. I have a heavy responsibility placed on my shoulders, and feel the weight of it every day. The next ten years will bring many moments of joy, pain, challenge, and worry to my family. My children will be exposed to the world, and things I would rather protect them from. I hope I will be a good enough mom to prepare them.

2. Recently I developed my passion for writing, and have every intention of taking it to higher levels. Sometime in the next 10 years, I hope to become a published author. I hope it doesn’t take the whole time, but even if it does I’m not giving up.

3. I own a piano. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture that sits in my living room. My children play on it every now and then, and I plan to put them in lessons when they are old enough. I used to play it regularly, but with everything else going on, I’ve abandoned it. I plan to get back into it, and regain some of my talent. I hope to be able to start lessons again.

There you have it. It’s a small list, but hey-it’s supposed to be. It’s hard to let go of so many things, but it’s the only way I’ll be able to really focus on what’s the most important for me. I will still do things that are not on my list, but I won’t obsess about them anymore.

I’ve got my shovel (literally, a friend gave me one, see picture above) and I’m Digging Deeper. I can’t wait to look back in 10 years and see what I’ve accomplished. Okay, I can wait. I don’t want it to go too fast. ;)

Happy Monday.

Optimistic Mondays – Goodbye to Yesterday

Next week, I’m going to turn 30. I am not anxious, nervous, or embarrassed about it. I’m looking forward to many things in my 30’s. I’ll do a post about that next week. I even have a mission statement. ;) You’ll have to wait until next week to find out what it is. Today I want to focus on all the things I did and learned during my 20’s.

I’ve Learned:

1. To never say never.

2. To avoid spending time with negative people.

3. It’s an amazing feeling to create something from nothing.

4. My best ideas often come to me when I’m in the shower.

5. I have, and can use, willpower.

6. Potty training is GREAT birth control.

7. How to make bread, and can jam.

8. To never try to finish the laundry, or take out all the garbage. No matter how hard you try, once you turn around, there’s always more.

9. Chocolate makes my clothes shrink.

10. Life can sometimes be hard, but it’s oh-so worth it!

I learned that I want to be a writer. I’ve learned to limit myself, and enjoy my blessings. I’ve learned to cherish good friends. I learned that I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Most importantly, I learned the joy of becoming a mother to two of the most wonderful children sent from Heaven.

As I look back on the last 10 years of my life, I’m okay with saying goodbye. I accomplished a lot of good things, but look forward to the new phase ahead.

Bring on 30! I’m ready.

Happy Monday!

Optimistic Mondays – The Day Job

This morning I find myself even more crunched for time than usual. I’m back to having a day job. This is going to wreak havoc on my schedule.

It’s a good thing, but oh how I dread it.

I’ve been an independent subcontractor for an architectural firm since I had my first baby, three years ago. Before that, I worked each day at their office. But working from home was a blessing. I got to spend my days with my children, and work while they slept. It was a perfect opportunity.

Then the office got slow, and didn’t have much work for me anymore. My husband and I had planned for this possibility and built up our savings, thankfully so.

I work on a job-to-job basis, and over the last eighteen months I’ve only had about two jobs. I’ve loved the time off, because it’s given me more time to work on my writing. I wouldn’t have finished my first draft yet, if I’d been working regularly.

Last week, my office announced they had a job for me. Wonderful news!! I really do need it. It came at a much needed time, and was an answer to my prayers.

I am, however, worried about finding time to write. The two hours I usually set aside for writing time will now be for work. I’ll need to use even better time-management to squeeze it all in.

But I do know this: I’ll find a way. The work is truly a blessing, but so is the writing. I need to do both. Now I’ll just have to find a way to pull it off, and still be a good parent.

Wish me luck, and Happy Monday!

Optimistic Mondays – Getting in the Last Word.

I’m not talking about when you’re having a fight with someone, and always want to be the one to get in the last word (not that I have that problem…).

No, I’m referring to typing the last word in a story. I finished my first draft last week, and I must say it was satisfying, but oddly unsettling.

Now comes the time for revisions, editing, and doubts. Is the story really good enough? Will anyone want to read it? Will it help anyone, make them stronger or better somehow, by reading it? Because that is the reason I want have it published. If there is a way I can write something that will help build up someone else’s testimony, or make them strive to be a stronger, more faithful member of the church, then I have succeeded at my goal.

That’s where the doubt comes in. Why would something I say make a difference in anyone’s life? Well, I have read books that made me want to be better, so I hope I too can accomplish what other writers have. I know they are out there.

For now, all I can do is keep trying. If nothing else were to ever happen with my manuscript, at least I have built up my own testimony as I have worked on it. I still have a lot to learn about becoming an author. And even more to learn about life. But who better to help me through the journey than my Heavenly Father. With His help, I just may have a chance.

Optimistic Mondays – Re-charged!

It's Monday! My favorite day! Time to re-charge and start anew.

I completely blew my goal of maintaining my weight through the holidays. Yikes! Better get back on track, or I'm going to be re-joining my pre-weight-loss size in a matter of months. Not going to let that happen. But it's okay, because it's Monday. And afterall, I love Mondays.

As the first Monday of the New Year, it is even a more powerfully re-charging moment. I've been so excited for what this year will bring. I'm optimistic about the adventures that lay ahead of me. (Not sure if I used "lay" correctly. I pulled out the trusty grammar book (By Annette Lyon), but the words lay/lie seem to be my evil nemesis. One day I'll figure it out.)

I wasn't planning on posting any goals for the 2010, but over the weekend I changed my mind. Just a couple. Not resolutions, mind you. I wrote about my feelings of those here.

There are a couple of things that I would like to do during the year. To be fair, I stole these from other people/blogs.

1. Read 50 books. About one a week. My list of 'books-to-read' is so long, I really need to tackle this one.

2. Try one new recipe a week. I'll give that a try, but may change it to two a month. I need to expand my dinner options. (Doing this while sticking to a weight-maintaining plan may be tricky, but I'll try.)

I have lots of other goals for the year, but those ones I thought would be fun to post.

It's gonna be a great day, a great week, a great month, and a great year.

Happy Monday!