It seems like it was just yesterday when I was checking out those goals for 2009 -- probably because I was. ;)

For 2010, I'm switching things up a bit, mainly because I'm finally realizing that I suck at multitasking. Seriously, even when I work from home I can't seem to remember to flip the laundry or feed the cat. Poor Zaphod.

So to make things easier and less stressful for those residing at Casa Staring, I'm limiting myself to five goals.

That's right: five. Talk about focus! Such streamlining!

Before you go thinking that I'm downsizing my dreams, take a look at my list:

1. Go for it
This covers just about anything and everything, whether it's landing a literary agent, another magazine column or that game show host gig I've always dreamed about. No more excuses; if I want it, I need to stop whining and go for it.

2. Finish what you start
Of course, this does not apply to boxes of chocolate or bags of chips. ;) This is mainly about the novel writing and the lure of the shiny new ideas that only come around when I'm in the middle of the project that should be done already. The way I see it, the more experience I have with finishing a novel, the faster I'll be able to write them. At least I hope so!

3. Think before taking on new things
One thing I've discovered over the past few weeks is that writing every day, working five days a week and getting in regular exercise and essentials like eating and sleeping can take up a lot of time. So before I add anything new to the mix, I better make sure it's something that brings me joy or saves the world.

4. Pay it forward
Sometimes I forget how freaking lucky I am with a husband who loves me (and cleans the house) and a cat who lets us reside in said house with him. Not only do I enjoy the work I do (okay, most of the time), I also get to work with some great people. And I'm also inspired by a great group of writers out there, both published and unpublished. So doing at least one nice thing a day for someone else is my way of thanking the Universe.

5. Clear out the clutter
This covers physical and emotional junk that is getting in the way of everything else. Of course, watching A&E's Hoarders makes me realize I gotz nuttin' on some folks, but I do have some work to do. And yes, it'll probably be a constant on every goal list I'll ever have, but it's an important one.

How about you? Have you cut back on your goals for 2010 or shaken them up to celebrate a new decade?

Labels: fun, goals

Wow, where did the year go? Heck, where did December go? Time flies when you're having turkey...

2009 was an interesting year for me. Interesting in how easily distracted I was. Perhaps I lived as a magpie in a past life, or a burnt-out air-traffic controller. (And I say that with the utmost respect, as I shudder to think of the focus necessary to do that job, let alone for longer than two minutes.)

So here I am, with my list of 2009 goals at the ready.

1. Stay active
STATUS: A mere pass (5.5/10)
This was a challenge for me. In an effort to make it easier for me to get in some cardio when most of my day is taken over by sitting in a chair, I now have a treadmill -- and am using it an average of three times a week. So that's progress, I think.

2. Finish two more books
STATUS: One down, one to go (6/10)
Book one is so done I can barely remember it, and the revisions to book two are taking longer than anticipated. Now that could be because I basically ignored it during October and November. Le sigh.

3. Land a literary agent
STATUS: Feeling closer than ever before (8/10)
Do I need to say any more? Didn't think so.

4. Do it already
STATUS: Done! (10/10)
Have done a whole bunch of things (the game show, flying to Chicago for the day to see the Harry Potter exhibit, joining Facebook) that I would have probably talked myself out of last year. Well, maybe not the game show. ;)

5. Give back
STATUS: In progress (see Goal #6) (7/10)

6. Declutter
STATUS: Oh man! (in tandem with Goal #5) (5/10)
Unfortunately, the holidays meant more stuff has entered our home, so any progress made has been lost in the shuffle of all this new stuff. Ack!

7. Quality time
STATUS: Still working on it (6/10)
This one is hard to measure, but I am making more of an effort to take time for me, even if that means missing out on a project because the deadline is ridiculous.

8. Time off
STATUS: Done! (10/10)
The recession has made it easier for me to take the time off that I need. ;)

9. Let go
STATUS: In progress (6/10)
Yeah, I still have some baggage, clutter and other stuff that keeps on sticking to me like a piece of toilet paper.

10. Laugh more
STATUS: On it! (8/10)
While I must admit that I spent most of the fall in what I call "the darkness," due to what the characters in my WIP were going through, 2009 was a year full of good cheer, good friends and even better times. Is it because we're all learning to appreciate what we have? Live well with less? Heck, I don't know, but I sure do appreciate the positivity.

Final score: 71.5%

Of course, this tally clearly demonstrates that I need to be easier on myself. LOL Oh well, maybe next year...

How did you do on your goals for 2009? Will you be carrying any over into 2010?

Labels: goals, ideas, writing

BREAKING NEWS--Leaked documents reveal that a Canadian woman, and not a young girl named Chloe from Rochester, New York, was the model used for the cover of Kelley Armstrong's novel, The Awakening.

Our reporters were able to get their hands on this photographic evidence, proving the story must indeed be true:


*If you dare to believe this, may I interest you in some priceless Beanie Baby cards?

Labels: fun, writing

I know, I know. Here I go again, asking for your help when I really haven't done anything do deserve special treatment or even paper umbrellas. But Grandma always says, "If you don't ask, you don't get." And she's a verra, verra smart cookie.

Help me win
I'm entered in a Canadian contest to win a trip to Cuba for 20 people. Talk about a par-tay! Of course, I need to wrack up enough points to be in the running to win, so that's where you can come in to help. Just click on the link, sign up and post a photo. Don't worry about the daily photo voting if you don't wanna. Here's the link:

http://www.tripcentral.ca/TRIP420/?1961045471

Help me earn a few cents
I've been writing for the Examiner for a while as the Toronto Freelance Life Examiner, but I haven't been telling people about it. So now I'm telling you. If you're a freelancer or know a freelancer, come on over and check out my articles on finding gigs, dealing with clients and other fun freelance life stuff. Here's the link:

Toronto Freelance Life Examiner

Thanks for your help! Oh, I better get some new tunes for my portable karaoke machine, Cuba is gonna be amazing!

Labels: adventures, contests, ideas

Looks like the puddle I stepped in led to another dimension. One filled with snack foods and reality TV. ;)

The holidays are mere moments away, I have too much work on my plate (yeah, me!) and my current WIP is making me go there. You know, to a place where people suddenly don't crack jokes and burst into song.

Well, it's tempting, but the characters won't let me.

And there I was, back about the same time last year, thinking about how hard it is to get the words on the page without cracking a joke or bursting into song. Or Johnny Depp. Here's my blog post about it:

http://bonniestaring.blogspot.com/2008/11/bonnies-excuse-of-week_21.html

And you know something? It's hard to write anything as long as you think it's hard.

Yeah, I'm rolling my eyes, too. But it's true.

It's a lot harder to write when you think about writing instead of actually doing it. Yes, sometimes you need to let the ideas simmer and wait for the great shashoombas, but if you don't show up (by getting your butt in the chair), how will the muse know when to arrive?

Okay, must get back at it before the bad guy finds the karaoke machine...

Labels: blahs, ideas, writing