Is it week 4? I think it is. Something like that. Leaving the heading that way now. For those who I have no idea what I’m on about, click to learn more about ROW80, the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
I returned from my weekend birthday retreat feeling both relaxed and very sore (that’s what massages AND bush walking will do to you), and back to the humdrum of every day life. Though I did get my hair cut (see Instagram widget in the sidebar)! And work was kind of interesting/weird on Friday, when we had to pack up our entire office in preparation of them moving all our stuff to our new workspace over the weekend. I think I strained my wrist, but I’ll be all right. For the most part, I did pretty well on my goals. Even though I missed last week’s check-in, I’m just going to focus on the last week in my check-in, because otherwise it’ll get confusing. And I’ve forgotten the week before last anyway.
- Write one page in my notebook every day
I missed a day! For the first time since the beginning of the round. And it was Wednesday, too, the day when I was home, but off work, and had absolutely nothing better to do with my time.
However, I am sure I can cope with missing one day out of the last 28.
(Incidentally, it was hilarious how many Supernatural gifs like this one came up when I searched “crying gif”).
- Type up stuff in notebook on Sunday afternoons
Well… eh. I haven’t done it yet, because I spent today brainstorming, and may be scrapping a character. Most of what I wrote this week was that character’s introduction, but now that I’ve redeveloped a lot of Grace and Frederick’s back story, I’m not really sure that this other character will really fit in. There is one particular plot detail that was specific to her, but I’m thinking I may actually be able to transfer it to Grace. I’m not going to force it, though. I’m thinking I’m going to spend the next week writing more on this back story, possibly from both Frederick and Grace’s POV. There’s a lot going on with Frederick in the main plot that harks back to things he did a long time ago, and I need to really solidify that.
- Read for half an hour every day. Keep on track for 52 books in the year.
I read so much on my retreat it makes up for the couple of days I didn’t read during the week. I finished Dorothy Must Die while I was away and For Darkness Shows the Stars on Friday night. Wasn’t too fussed on Dorothy Must Die, but For Darkness… was lovely. GoodReads informs me I am currently two books ahead of schedule.
- Write one book review per week, and queue them up so I don’t miss another post
I wrote two yesterday, and started another one.
- Spend Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday afternoons working on assignments.
I tried to spend Friday night at the library, but due to my sore wrist, could only do so much. I have now completed 50% of one course’s work, and need to decide what I’m going to write my essay on for the other 50%. There are also two 10% exercises for my second course due during August. I think I’ve decided on how to approach the first one. Also, I think I might change the wording of this goal, since I do actually try to spread my uni work over every night of the week.
- Ride bike to work/walk from work into the city after work at least three days a week.
On my retreat I did two ninety minute bush walks, a fitball class and attempted archery. This is why I was so sore by the time I got home. Soreness extended for the rest of the week. Today was the first day I didn’t wake up with aching arms.
However! I finally got my bike tyre fixed! I can start riding again. The mornings have been pretty cold, but I’m actually quite looking forward to getting back on the bike. By the time I get to work, I’ve woken up properly, and then I have a shower and I’m ready to start the day.
- Devise fortnightly meal plans in the couple of nights before pay day.
I didn’t really get a chance to do this as I only got home the day before payday. I bought a pie-maker, and we made pies yesterday! Vegetable curry ones. Delicious! I’m also going through the soup in the freezer, so I’ve had to buy fewer groceries.
So! How to go about this week:
Monday: check for emails from lecturer regarding essay topic and respond based on what she says; decide on article to examine for Writing Exercise #1; comment on at least 5 ROW80 blogs.
Tuesday: begin and preferably complete Writing Exercise #1
Wednesday: sport and Wednesday blog post
Thursday: brainstorm essay topic (adapt this if I am not yet decided on topic) and make a list of potential resources; finish For Darkness Shows The Stars review.
Friday: Visit at least half of the WIPpet Wednesday and WWW Wednesday posts. Return comments on my own Wednesday post.
Saturday: will be taken up with a short play festival I’m taking part in.
Sunday: Essay work.
That’s it from me for tonight, check back tomorrow for Mirth and Music Monday!
A Keyboard and an Open Mind 
I like how Goodreads reminds me of how many books ahead or behind I am. Keeps me chugging along.
I also feel bad when I don’t write, whether in a notebook or on the computer. I usually feel lousy if I don’t write on the weekends, but weekend are my time to unplug. so sometimes I have to tell myself that as long as I am writing during the week, the weekend is not a loss.
Let’s have an awesome week!!! 🙂
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I’m a bit the same! I was sort of considering making my goal write every weekday, but for the moment I’m going to keep seeing how much I can get done on the weekends as well. It’s finding the balance between making writing a regular habit but not wanting to feel like an obligation at the same time.
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