Some progress is better than no progress. What's your milestone?

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, 1:55 a.m. PST.

Words written in the past 4 days: 6055.
Daily average: 1514.

I want to congratulate you on your steady progress, which is impressive. Great start!

I don’t think I can join you, though, because this open venue does not seem like a safe enough place to share my progress on my projects, which are part of my gooey, soft center. No guidelines, frequent judgment by those with no skin in the game. Can’t do it.

Also, I had a bad flashback when I saw the date and time stamp. (Grin)

Sweet progress!

Feb. 8th, 2009 @9:36am:

Working on my story in the past two or three days, I wrote about 2400 words, which is surprising to me considering how slow I work. In my “ideas” journal I wrote around 1600 words. But watch, I’ll probably go for a week with only writing like a couple of sentences. Depends on how busy it gets.

@Jeruba – Wow you have been busy! Nice job!
@Introverted_Leo – Jeepers, you sure jump started your project as well.

Feb. 8, 2009 12:48pm CST

I have begun to start learning Dreamweaver and relearning Flash so as to be more marketable and find a job. Also, I am restructuring my resume.

I need to lose weight…this is especially important because I have PCOS and am insulin resistant (makes me gain weight).

I’ve lost 2.5 pounds in two weeks!! YAY!

I know that doesn’t sound like much, but it’s very difficult for insulin-resistant people to lose weight. I’ve eaten very well and went to the gym everyday.

It’s small but I’m happy. :)

Oh gosh, I need to get a resume together. I want to do an internship this summer. :/ Scary but exciting at the same time.

And hooray for Seekingwolf! ^_^

Oh yeah, and I’m in Arizona time, which doesn’t have daylight savings. :P

I’m not doing anything, but I’ll keep you posted about how long I can keep that up. Really, I just wanted to get this thread in my queue, so I can see what happens. Good luck to all of you who can work!

Good work, everybody! Progress side by side, without comparison or competition, can be a great motivator. Let’s see if we can keep it up. Writing, weight loss, learning projects, secret ventures—all are welcome. @Marina, just tell us you’re carrying on with what you’re trying to do. @daloon, who doesn’t need a cheerleader? Thanks!

Sorry, I didn’t mean to give anybody nightmares with the mention of date. (That was before my time.) I just wanted to mark the start of a new week by time-stamping the first Sunday post. We could do it like this instead:

============================= 2/8/09 =============================

Would that be better?

Anyway, it’s okay to leave this off until somebody makes the first post next Sunday—then we need a new marker.

@Jeruba Thanks for the encouragement.

I had a wonderful new book idea yesterday. I am letting it rattle around for 24 hours, but plan to start the notes and outline tomorrow. I’ll check in next Sunday with an update.

@seekingwolf – Keep it up! And don’t belittle the effort! Everything is different to different people! You go!!

I put another layer of plaster on the wall I’m repairing. Only 20 more layers to go! Ok, maybe not 20, but it sure seems like it.

My apologies for being late to comment and congratulate on progress. I was out of town.

@Jeruba 6055— fantastic progress! Bravo!

@Introverted_Leo – 2400— terrific! I am eager to see how far you get by next check in!

@seekingwolf – a good cause to be certain. May you report progress next week!

@Marina- Perhaps by now you have put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and begun to let the idea grow. Look forward to the update.

@augustlan- I should be doing that too. Glad to see you have begun to tackle it.

@Bri_L- My apologies- missed your Dreamweaver/Flash goal- How is it going for you? A great challenge especially with flash.

Great thread everyone- encouraging and inspiring! By next week I should be able to report some completed work as I was delayed in travel prior.

Should I feel slighted here?

No, I wish I knew how to make flash videos! That would be a useful skill to have. What’s Dreamweaver, though? I’ve never heard of that.

@Introverted_Leo – Short answer: it’s Adobe software for creating websites.

@ dog – I was just teasing you. Sorry about that.

I had written “it’s things like this that keep me naked and at home” but I had hi-lighted a spelling error to change it and I guess I deleted it. I nee to proof my post better.

I forgot to come back to this after seeing it on my way out the door the other day. I only ended up writing 4 out of 7 days this past week. As far as being consistent goes? Not so good yet. I’ll write more here next week with better news.

Meh, I hate being the first…

============================= 2/15/09 =============================

I like that template, Jeruba.

Okay, my writing progress this week on my actual story was 5,177 words.

. . .

Knowing that I have to provide a word count by the end of the week seriously makes me write more. This is like a new record for me, lol. Sweet.

Good job! I don’t know how you all do that! I sure hope I get to read some of it.

I finished the first draft of my new resume.

I lost 1 pound this week…again, ~1,500 calories a day plus going to gym 3x a week.

On a better note, I am feeling much better! The only carbs I eat now are brown rice and the occasional Cheerios. I can’t wait to get the metformin so I can lose more weight and not get all sweaty after having just a little rice…

Kudos to Bri and SW! ^_^

@Introverted_Leo

Hehe thank you! ^^

Sadly, no progress at all for me this week. I’ve been sick and in a lot of pain :(

Oh, man! Well, rest up. I hope you feel better soon. : )

@Introverted_Leo High-5!
@seekingwolf Great progress! Kudos on the workouts!
@Bri L Great job on the draft

I met two painting deadlines and started another painting. Sold three paintings.

Yeay Seeking wolf

Auguslan – new goal, get better!!!

Dog! your out of control good! That isn’t just ordinary good.

.

What great reports! Thanks for starting, @Introverted_Leo, and you made fabulous strides. It’s working!

Resume progress for Bri_L, weight loss for seekingwolf—hurray, hurray! @Augustlan, so sorry, and I truly hope something perks you up real soon. @Dog! Three sales! Congratulations!

My end-of-week total is 6542, a gain of only 487. But some progress is better than no progress. The good news is that I’ve done something every day.

I have to say that I really admire all of you for making progress! Some day, maybe I’ll be able to emulate your fine example! Meanwhile, I think you’re doing great!

@Jeruba That is great progress considering the rocket-start. Keep it going!

This is great news from everyone! Can’t wait to see what’s in store next week.

Yeay everyone!

@Jeruba – progress everyday is huge!

I did get my outline done. I am still confident that the concept is viable. I fleshed it out a little more when I put it in writing.

My goal for this week is to determine which of four ideas I should work on first. I want to pick one and stick with it until I am finished.

@Marina Yes! Outlines are tricky little buggers!! GOOD for you!

@Marina Awesome- keep running with it!

@Introverted_Leo great going!

@Jeruba The second week can sometimes be harder than the first. You had a lot pent up. Now you are soldiering on doing some every day. That is several hundred words you did not have before. Good work.

@Bri_L Excellent!

@seekingwolf Fantastic! It is even hardly to lose weight when you are insulin resistant.

@Augustlan I am so sorry you are not feeling well. Make sure you do not add beating yourself up to the mix. Your projects await. Your health is more important.

@Dog Meeting deadlines is very important and sometimes hard. Way to go!

Great cheerleading, @Marina. Thanks.

(I was also on vacation the first week and not the second.)

@Marina: That’s big. Sitting down and actually finishing one of those things took me far too long, lol. I’m glad you had a better time of it.

I am finally starting to feel better, half way through a 10 day cycle of antibiotics. Woo!

Actually, on a side note today (about my weight), I ran into this girl at lunch. She can be really annoying b/c she’s really narrisistic. Anyway, while talking to me, she sort of stopped and said “you know, you look really good. have you been trying to lose weight?”

I was in shock. And she said “well your stomach looks flatter.”

I mean, this was awesome! Her complement meant so much to me because she’s really self-centered and NEVER gives complements! I was really happy!

@seekingwolf BIG TIME COOL! That is so neat.

Oh, yay, I’ll let Dog post first. :P

========================
2/22/09
========================

Happy Sunday Everyone!

It is the day we check in with our progress of the week!

Let’s hear the good news!

Sweet.

This week my word count was 10,491 words (about one and a half chapters). O_O I wrote for like two days where I had like nothing to do, and then I burned out…and now am stuck on my story, lol. I can’t seem to pace myself, either. It’s like I’m either on fire, or I’m stuck and start writing in my journal more trying to figure out what’s not working out still.

@Introverted_Leo BRAVO!!!! that is tremendous progress!
I think it is also normal for creativity to come in bursts followed by resting time while the muse ” re- charges”

Awesome Work!

Thanks Dog. : )

Submitted more resumes. Still no replies :(

Thanks for starting, @Dog. How’s your week been?

@Introverted_Leo, that is fabulous. And journaling when you can’t seem to advance on your project is a great strategy. Not only do you get to whine (privately) to your heart’s content about your frustration but sometimes you can work out story problems that way—and it counts as daily writing, even though you can’t include the word count in your cumulatve total.

@augustlan, I know how hard that is. You just have to keep submitting and stay optimistic. You may not get a lot of nibbles, but for sure you won’t get them if you don’t.

As for not nibbling, three cheers for you, too, @seekingwolf, and congratulations on getting some recognition. (That was a nice overture, too—maybe a potential new friend?)

My week:
gain: 2008
total: 8550
Worked every single day.

I am finding it much harder than I thought to write what is essentially memoir (at least in its raw form). My writing until now has been mostly fiction. I thought it would be much easier just to record real stuff than to make everything up. Maybe the truth is that it isn’t easy to write anything.

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there Jeruba… it isn’t easy to write anything. Maybe even harder to do when we can’t bend the facts to our liking! Even so, you are writing every day, and making lots of progress. Keep up the good work.

@Jeruba – I agree with @augustlan here- to write the truth would be even more of a challenge than fiction when you cannot change it to whim.

@augustlan- Awesome on submitting the resumes. Eventually one will click and a job will come through!

@Jeruba- FANTASTIC PROGRESS INDEED! Great work here!

This week I completed a complex painting which was picked up yesterday by a manufacturer. It will be offered for sale in a catalog as a Christmas Card this year. Gotta love licensing work- it is like planting a garden. If you are patient you get fruit.
Now I have to finish a painting of black bears.

Hi, everyone. This week I actually wrote every day. It wasn’t all in one place, but I think the consistency is building toward something. I think another few weeks like this and I can add to it. Cheers folks.

Also, augustlan, you are not alone. I need to get back to submitting resumes. It’s to the point where it depresses me, and I just haven’t done it in a while.

@cyndyh good job on daily writing.

@augustlan: But hey, you got ‘em done, right? That’s good. I hope you get some favorable responses soon.

@Jeruba: nice job! I know I wouldn’t be able to write about my life. It’d probably be pretty boring, even as I get older, lol.

@Dog: high-fives to you! That’s great your work is paying off. : )

@cyndyh: nice, can’t wait to hear what you come up with!

Excellent, @cyndyh! The discipline of writing every day is a major step and in time becomes a blessing, like daily meditation. I kept it up without a single lapse for three years, through some extremely trying times, until I got involved in a side project so big that I couldn’t do it. This weekly accounting is what is bringing me back to it.

You folks are so great with the support. It’s great reading about other people’s progress and makes me want to make the news good for the next week, too. Thanks to all of you.

@augustlan: Don’t let it get you down, especially in todays situation. I have been trying for 1.25 years. Hang in there sistah.
@Jeruba: I would think “yourself” would be the hardest thing to write about if you do it honestly. My brother would have no trouble writing his. He makes it up. We got together for our birthday. WE turn 40 on the 26th and posed the question “what was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?” He blatantly told a story that happened to me and put himself in it. Don’t worry about the pace. Worry about the truth.
@Dog: Awesome!!!! I would love to illustrate steady for work!!! I would love to see some of your stuff if I could. Great job!!
@cyndyh: right on with the write-on! How ever much when you can. Excellent.

My resume is done. I am going to start submitting again. Wish me luck. As I said, 1.25 years, my health insurance runs out at the end of Feb. and I have 2 children, gifts truly, and a wife. I am freaking a bit. Freelance and contract here and there but I need steady.

@Bri_L Great job on getting the resume ready to go. I challenge you to submit to 20 prospects this week. that is if you are not in a tiny town in the sticks

Another pound gone!! :D

I should be seeing more progress too…I just got my Metformin today in the mail from my parents which should help with the weight loss/insulin resistance.

@Dog – Zoinks! I better get going!
@seekingwolf – Way to go. just think i you keep that up each week or 2 eh? What is Metformin?

@seekingwolf EXCELLENT PROGRESS!

@Bri_L – you can do it!

@Bri_L

It’s a drug for people who have PCOS. (like me) It makes people less insulin resistant, which will help with weight loss. When you’re insulin resistent, your body has to make more insulin to break down sugar, and that extra insulin can cause weight gain, appetite increase, and increased fat storage. Metformin will help with my insulin resistance and thus, it will be easier to lose weight!

Oh, okay. Thanks! I appreciate your sharing.

@Bri_L: good luck getting the job!

@seekingwolf: <gives you high five>

@Introverted_Leo

Yay! <high five back>

@Introverted_Leo – Thanks much!

[lurk, lurk]
Lurve and support!
Good job, guys. =)

========================
2/24/09
========================
I just got back from a meeting. I secured the solo graphic and video support for a new company. Also, I am going to be applying to two places by weeks end.

I updated my Video DVD last night.

I created a PDF Portfolio.

and I gathered 6 more video samples.

I was up until 4:30 but I was SO PSYCHED!

AWESOME!!!
@Bri_L you just made my day!

::claps for everyone!::

Thanks! I am SO excited. One of the places I am applying to I have already done contract work for. OMG I am hoping like never before!

Metformin made me feel nauseous today. :(
Having PCOS sucks. I don’t want to take medicine if it makes me feel sick! That’s like the worst side effect EVER for me!

I don’t know if I should consider this a setback or what, but let’s hope it doesn’t happen again…

@seekingwolf Take it an hour at a time if you must. You can keep on track!

@Dog

I’m trying, I really am. :(
I can take it either WITH food or without. I’m wondering what is best. I just don’t want to feel ill so I can go either way.

I took it with food today so I will try without food tomorrow…

@Bri_L: Go Bri-i, it’s ya birthday! :P Congratulations!

@seekingwolf: yuck, I hate taking medicines that make me feel sick. (I just got off amoxicilin, and the first time I took it was w/o food like I do with most medicines…BIG MISTAKE. o_O) I hope you figure out what works for you.

@Bri_L Way to go! Your hope is rubbing off on me :)

@seekingwolf Give it a few days, either with or without food. Our bodies have a way of adjusting to what we’re taking. I hope it doesn’t last!

@all So, I’ve been kind of staving off a depression for the last several weeks. Basically just surviving the days in La La Land. Yesterday I gave in, and had a good cry. I gave myself permission to wallow in my despair for one day only, and I did. I feel better today, if no more hopeful for a quick resolution. I think I’ll be back on track tomorrow.

@seekingwolf- can you take it before bed?

@augustlan- sometimes we have to look down into the black hole before we can focus again on the clouds. May tomorrow be a better day.

@seekingwolf – That is key, just finding the right method. No matter what don’t give up.

@augustlan – Nothing wrong with a good cry. Helps you really feel what is going on. You hang in there.

@all – My meeting went great. I didn’t get a permanent job but I will get all their graphic, photo retouching, web graphic and video work as well as consulting on their marketing.
WHOO HOO!!!

@augustlan, a good wallow, with suitable music and theatrics if you’re so inclined, can be cathartic. I think we’ve all been way down at one time or another. Just don’t get stuck there. Things will turn around. You’re smart, talented, and plenty young yet. And you’ve got a whole cheering section right here.

@Bri_L, three cheers for you! As we say at my house, some dollars is better than no dollars. And that is a great way into further opportunities. So glad you’ve shared this news with us!

You guys make me feel happy :)

yay augustlan!

@augustlan: I’m glad you seem to be feeling better.

@Bri_L: Getting their work is getting their work, so that’s a good good thing these days. Cheers!

You guys are awesome :)

And I didn’t feel barfy today!

I bet barfy wouldn’t have minded being felt up a little. Just kidding. Glad to hear it!!

hehe :D

===================== SUNDAY, 3/1/09 =============================

This wasn’t my best week.
Total: 9762
Gain: 2112

I was sick most of the week, and I had to spend two evenings’ writing time on a newsletter article. But some progress is better than no progress. Did I lose ground? Nope!

I painted with my kids today, cleaned up the horrific mess we made, and made Monte Cristo Sandwiches for dinner. That’s a pretty big deal for me, all in one day :)

I’m sorry you weren’t feeling well, Jeruba. Hope it’s all better now.

@Jeruba – try not to judge best or worst, only progress or not. You succeeded! That is great! Just like you said. AND I am glad you feel better!

@ augustlan – Painting with the kids rocks! Cleaning up after is unheard of!!!! the rest is cream cheese in comparison! good job!

I applied for another job. and kept my temper with my agency who is not serving me that well right now.

@Jeruba: you made progress despite not feeling well. That’s dedication! I give you kudos. ^_^

@augustlan: your kids should be wearing “I’ve got the best mom in the world” t-shirts. Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun.

@Bri_L: kudos for keeping cool and the application. : )

I made good progress this week with just under 8,700 words.

To put this in an overall perspective, I decided to do a count of all my writing so far (hadn’t done that before) and it’s nearing 106,000 words into my 14th chapter. I have about 18–20 chapters planned (I’m getting there!), so I guess since we started posting here I’ve been writing about a chapter or two a week. Some of it is internal notes to myself, as well, but I can definately tell I’m gonna have to pare some stuff down when I get to the editing stage. (Meh, more work!)

Since we started posting here 3 weeks ago, about 25% of my overall progress so far has been accomplished with all of your support. The other 75% I’ve been working on since Jan. 1st of 2007…over two years ago. O_O (That also includes worldbuilding, coming up with ideas, outlining, etc. in addition to writing. I went through three other versions of my story before I finally settled with the one I have now.)

Thanks to you guys!, I think my rate of progress has improved tremendously. I can’t stress enough to you how slooooowly I felt was working before this, lol. I’m really glad to be doing this with you guys. ^_^ I just hope I can make something out of all of this when all’s said and done…

@Introverted_Leo That is fantastic!!!! I want to mirror your data and say that my progress has greatly increased by way of accountability to you, a group that cares! I truly thank you.

Oh, crap. I haven’t done so well this week and here we are around to this again. Sunday came too soon this week. I’ll write more later on.

Thanks, all, for your encouraging words. My hat’s in the air for Introverted_Leo! @IL, now you know that you are one of those folks who are really motivated by accountability. (Some of us are so contrary that it has the opposite effect.) Have you thought of joining a critique group? Your progress is fantastic and definitely an inspiration.

@augustlan, that’s the kind of day your girls will remember happily many years into the future. A great gift and well worth the cleanup. (Yes, I’m feeling much better now, thanks, except for a lingering cough. Husband has it now, though. Hope you are all mended.)

@Bri_L, good going. Using the momentum you’ve gained is very smart. Your agency (any agency) is probably overstressed right about now, and you will gain points for being understanding. (Now, there’s a field that probably has job openings…)

@cyndyh, you get points just for showing up and reporting something. Thanks for being here!

Lurve to Cyndy. ^_^

@Jeruba: no, I haven’t. I wouldn’t know where to join one, though. But that does sound like a good idea. I don’t have many people I can show my work to who can give me objective feedback and I could definately use some, as scary as the prospect of critique is, lol.

@cyndyh – The key is not to dwell. The key is to get excited about the brand new opportunity tomorrow brings. We are all excited about your next update!

@augustlan Sounds like a fantastic day!

@Jeruba- Progress it is! I applaud steps forward!

@Introverted_Leo BRAVO!!!!! You are an inspiration!

@Bri_L New opportunity will be knocking! I look forward to the next update!

@cyndyh We all have off weeks- post your progress even if small (as mine is this week) then next week we will roar like lions!

I finished two paintings and the muse took an unexpected holiday.

I am analyzing the cause of the change of attitude and feel that it is perhaps the fact that I have finally given over the bulk of control of my art to the agent whom I signed on with two weeks ago.

Let me explain- In my entire career I handled all the licensing and painting sales. As of the last 2 years the licensing has taken more and more time away from my painting and I found I was spending more time doing contract work and the business end than I preferred.

There were two art agents who had approached me wanting to represent me and last month I finally determined that having an agent would be the wisest course of action.
So I researched both very well- both having excellent reputations in licensing and both with working relationships with the companies I was interested in. So I chose one and signed on.

Now for the first time in years I am not painting under the gun and on a deadline. Thus I am at a momentary loss as to what to do.

I am assuming that in a day or so I will again dive in to the paints.

Nice job, Dog! It must be nice to kick back for once, eh?

By the way, what kind of paintings do you do (mostly)?

Mostly animal art- but someday I will take up classical art again. My goal one day is to paint a life-size painting of a Victorian era Scottish pub scene.

@Dog, does being under the gun stimulate you? Do you miss the pressure? Maybe you can work out a compromise solution.

Meanwhile, just to warm up, you could paint two smaller-than-lifesize characters sharing a pint in a Scottish pub.

@Jeruba you hit the nail on the head. I do need the deadline. Thank you! I will call my agent and ask to be assigned work and in the meantime I will sketch the pub scene. I have been wanting to paint it for years.

@Dog: that would be an awesome painting! Good luck!

@Dog, will you describe it for me?

I’ve carried certain pictures in my head for years, too, but I don’t have what it take to paint them. I wish I could put a camera behind my eyes and snap the pictures that I see as if they were projected onto my eyelids from a projectionist booth in my brain.

@Dog Is your avatar one of your paintings?

It is a traditional Scottish pub- lots of rich milled woodwork and leaded glass. The atmosphere lightly hazy from pipe smoke as the gents in the corner play a friendly game
and drink.

There is a dog under a table getting a scrap from his master
and outside the window a proper wife waits with an expression that is a cross between boredom and
disapproval.

There is a coat of arms on the wall and the patrons are
weathered old characters. Mutton chop whiskers and eyes that show a dash of humor.

That is a bit of where I am headed with it so far.

Yes- the avatar is one of my worst paintings. I will change it out tomorrow with a better one.

Sounds lovely.

I’m so glad I found this thread, and I’m hoping if I lurk long enough I’ll feel motivated to share some goals of my own. Cheers to every single one of you for your efforts and support of each other.

@bythebay: the more the merrier. : )

No weight lost this week…absolutely none. Zero. Zip. Zilch. :(

gosh, I feel so yucky. I’ve been taking my Metformin and what’s good is that it recently has started to decrease my appetite (all I wanted to eat for dinner was a bowl of broth), but I’m so tired of getting up in the morning with a metallic taste and feeling “sour” in my stomach. I need to get used to it because I think that’s what metformin is supposed to do to you.

I want to try Slimfast as a lunch replacement, since my appetite is almost all gone and I don’t feel hungry much anymore. I tried one today for lunch and it was chocolately chilly delicious-ness! Lots of protein too. I drink chocolate milk everyday so this is no big deal for me. I need to buy some more.

This is a difficult time for me, but I need to keep up with it. I don’t want to get diabetes!

@seekingwolf – No worries! Your doing great! Just keep at it!!! HOWWWWLLLLLL!

You can do this @seekingwolf. One day or one hour at a time. We are here cheering you on.

Keep it up, @seekingwolf! You’ll get there. : )

I’m sorry you’re feeling crappy SW. Hope it improves soon. Meantime, you didn’t gain any weight! Keep your spirits high.

===================== WEDNESDAY, 3/4/09 ==========================

I believe I got the head of the department where I am applying for to call and endorse me. I also know they like and are very impressed with my photo shop skills. He said he was happy that I applied. I have done some work with him and another worker in the department who also liked working with me and, it turns out, I went to school with. The only real problem I for see is that they might think I am way over qualified. I am hoping I quashed that by talking to my contact. Also my rep called them as well. Not to mention, with the way the economy is, they should want fewer people who can do more things. That would be the smart thing to do. I would think it wouldn’t hurt to have me in and say “we can only pay you this much.” Then I jump in their lap say “yes” and it’s a done deal.

@Bri_L That is incredibly encouraging! I am grinning thinking of you jumping in their laps.
I have a real good feeling about this one for you!

BTW: I so dislike that “over qualified” nonsense. Why would one apply for a job if they did not want to work it regardless of experience or qualifications?

Oooh, oooh, I have an update too! Not a job, though :(
I finally got back to work on the ‘man cave’. Did some more plastering and prep work yesterday. Today, I started paneling the window wall. I’m using tongue and groove ‘rustic’ style boards. I only got three up today, but it looks so good!

@Bri I’m so excited for you! Good luck :)

@augustlan I bet it is awesome seeing those boards up- are you imagining the whole room now? Getting to the finish work can be so exciting!

I agree with you, @Dog. I first ran into that when I was 19 and had dropped out of college. (Some years later I went back and finished.) I kept getting turned down for that reason, and finally I argued with someone, saying basically what you said. She answered, “It’s not in our interests to hire somebody with some college education. They won’t be happy and they won’t want to stay. Come back and see us when you’ve got your degree, and we can talk about other opportunities.”

I said, “When I have my degree, I won’t want to work in an insurance company.”

She looked at me steadily and said, “We don’t owe you a job.”

I thought of that many years later when I was in a hiring position myself. Someone who is obviously overqualified is also obviously desperate. A person who gives off desperation in the same way that some people give off a scent of fear to a dog just trigger all your don’t-hire instincts. That’s why you can’t carry any anger or even much anxiety with you into the interviewer’s office. It’ll make you unhirable.

Good for you, Aug! Accomplishment feels good and gives you a boost for the next challenge.

@Bri_L, super! Your thinking is right on the mark. I hope you can sell them the bonus-package idea.

@Jeruba Your post shows how they are thinking. Very interesting the mind games involved in interviewing.

Oh, yeah, and there was the time (I was desperate) that I joined a line of applicants for a job packing candy at the Necco factory. They were hiring people right out of the line, and honestly, some of those specimens didn’t look like they could even count to 12. When my turn came they rejected me. I asked why. (Actually it was more like ”WHY???!”) The recruiter said, “Well, if somebody with your education has to apply for a job like this, we figure there is something wrong with them, and we don’t want them either.”

Luckily I did find a job without having to lie about my education, but it took me 2 months, a long time in those days.

Excellent points you guys.

@Aug – Work around the house the toughest job of all! Way to go!

@Bri_L: Nice! I hope they give you the job! Sounds like you’d blow ‘em away.

@augustlan: Great progress! I already love the imagery and ambience that’s coming across from your descriptions. : )

===================== SUNDAY, 3/8/09 =============================

Who’ll go first?

Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me!

1) Almost all of the plaster work is done in the ‘man-cave’.
2) I think I’ll finish the paneling today.
3) Next step: Paint and load in the furniture!

@augustlan I bet it is looking incredible! There is nothing more rewarding than finishing up a home project. One on that large a scale must be double rewarding.

My Week:

It was a slow week for progress but a little was made:

I gave the studio a complete cleaning out and reorganization.
A gift company contacted me regarding creating some fun Christmas Cards with Horses thus I am doing a lot of sketching deciding how I want to approach each idea.

Another company that makes wall decor contacted me and I passed it on to my agent.
It would be lovely to get a contract with an advance to help with the finances before my exhibit in NY. (for the first year I have had to put some of the show expenses on credit. Usually royalties and art sales pay for it entirely but the economy has hit us all)

@augustlan: yay! It excites me to hear how your painting is coming along!

@Dog: nice! That sounds like a really good opportunity. Let us know how that goes. : )

<is formulating other part of post>

Great going, @augustlan! That’s real accomplishment. <cheering for you>

@Dog, nice going yourself. A week that isn’t all fireworks can still be very productive, and if every week stands out then none does. Good prospects there, even in the face oif tough times.

I had my best week since starting to report here:
Total: 12,193
Gain: 2431
And I did log some miles on my keyboard every day without fail, holding to my renewed goal and commitment.

The process is slow because I am drawing on old memory, some of it long-buried for a reason, and things keep coming up that lead to other forgotten things. I keep backtracking to make corrections and then pausing for a little research when my personal chronology syncs up to outside events. The writing is much more coarse and clumsy than I usually allow myself to let stand even for a night, but I am forging ahead to see where it goes instead of fussing over the language. It has no beauty now unless it is the beauty of a beach strewn with seaweed, broken shells, soda cans and bits of rotten plastic, and the occasional molding corpse of a sea bird or harbor seal.

@augustlan, sorry, I went to bed right after posting the week marker and without even stopping to report, so I didn’t see your hand waving all night. Of course I’d have picked you!

@Jeruba: sometimes I feel the same way, always needing to go back to things rather than moving forward. And it’s hard for me with such a critical eye to see any beauty, like you say, in what I’ve already written.

But still you’re pressing on! I think that’s the hardest part.

Meh, okay, so I wrote about 6,800 words this week. I made progress, but somehow it does seem like it.

I’m getting frustrated with myself. I had a friend read part of my story once, and he told me my problem was focus. (Of course, I didn’t start him from the beginning, which didn’t help either.) I think I want too many things all at once—too many sub-plots—and I haven’t really paid enough attention to the integrity of the main plot. I like complexity, and I’m thinkin’ perhaps I want too much of it in my story, lol. This can be fixed in the editing stage, I guess, but it also means I’m gonna have to kiss certain elements of my story goodbye. And right now I’m not exactly sure which I’ll have to cut. : (

Also, I just bought the book “How to Write a Damn Good Novel” by James N. Frey (really good so far) and I got to the part where he talks about genres. Basically, what he says is if you ever hope to sell a novel (which I might—I mean, what’s the point in writing one if you aren’t gonna share it?) you have to consider what genre you’re writing in and know what “works” in that genre for it to sell.

I don’t want to get too worried about that, but I was thinking…hm, what genre would I be in? And I think the best genre to describe it would be fantasy, under the subset of urban fantasy. I’ve read different types of fantasy, but I’m thinking maybe I need to read more urban fantasy to see how things are being done, what works, etc.

Blah, blah, blah…anyways, sometimes I wonder if this is a project I should save to finish at another time when I’ve actually written more things and gotten better as a writer. The only creative writing I’ve done before this was a few years of online role-playing with a small online community (though I thought they were all pretty good at it) and some side stuff I write for myself. I’ve got too much “book knowledge” and not enough actual experience. (Boy, isn’t that the story of my life?) And a lot of people suggest “beginner” writers don’t attempt novels to begin with…

I think I’m expecting too much from myself in this project and perhaps I should do something less…big. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t have enough confidence in myself, idk. <hangs head and sobs>

Sorry, I’m done with my rant, lol. Yeah, so welcome to my crazy world. Part of it, anyway. I want to finish this thing, but I don’t know if I should.

@Introverted_Leo, many writers go through just the kind of self-doubt that you are experiencing. And many first novels do wind up being abandoned. Some say you have to throw one away before you can write anything worthy of an audience. Some say “If anything can stop you from writing—let it.” One thing I have learned after years of monthly writers’ club speaker meetings, two writers’ conferences, and a lot of reading is this: every bit of advice given by one writer will be contradicted by another. (Even that one, I bet.)

Whether to keep going is up to you, but I would say you have more reason to forge on than to stop now. Something is driving you. Go with it. Time enough later to decide what to do with it.

They do say (more writerly advice): “You have to kill your darlings.” I too want to tell about 40 different stories under one cover—each of them interests me so much. The novel I worked on for 2 years was probably half a dozen different novels, really. I had trouble finding my story. You might want to ask yourself: whose story is it? In which character are you most involved? Which character interests you the most? You can pull out a lot of extraneous stuff and save it for another story.

Read Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere for a good urban fantasy that is practically textbook Jungian archetypes (never a bad blueprint)—even if the “ordeal” does seem lame—and watch what he does. You could do worse than take lessons from this very successful imaginative writer.

@Dog Sounds like you were very productive, even if what you were doing wasn’t your first choice! I wish I lived in New York so I could see your work. Will you consider sharing some of it with us?

@Jeruba Wow! Good work. Just keep slogging through it. You’ve got plenty of time to make it beautiful later. And you will.

@Introverted_Leo I can practically feel your frustration. You are evoking that emotion, so you must be a pretty good writer, right? Keep going! Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with six novels from this one.

@All Well, I didn’t finish the paneling, but it wasn’t for lack of effort… I ran out of material! I’d say it’s about 4/5ths done. I’ll get to Lowes this week and pick up some more. I hope to have it all done by next week.

@Jeruba (Again) Thanks so much for starting this little support group. It means a lot to me. : )

@Jeruba & @augustlan: thanks for you guy’s encouragement. It’s really easy for me to see all the negatives and lose sight of the good things.

@Jeruba: I’ll definately check out Geiman. And thanks for the advice!
@augustlan: hey, you still got the bulk of it done, so kudos!

@ all – heads up keep it going. Sorry I can’t put more. I am sick.

@Bri_L I hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself. : )

Sympathy, Bri. Next week will be better.

Thanks all.

@Bri_L May you feel better today.

@Introverted_Leo Sounds like you are brainstorming from within. Glad you are making progress and I know you will find your course and run with it!

@Jeruba- In the fine art world most of the “experts” will contradict one another as well. It is interesting how the creative process is approached differently by each person. For me a deadline seems to fire me up while others lock up on a deadline and would rather clean out the sock drawer than finish on time. Your post was very interesting.

@augustlan- give me a moment and I will post a link to one. Here is one of my oil paintings. Not a great photo but it is one of my original paintings. It represents what I love to paint. Most of my licensing work is more whimsical.

@Dog Very nice! I’d like to curl up in that room, too. Thanks for taking the time to link us to it. I see you’ve made it your avatar, too!

@Bri_L: get well soon!

But take your time. :)

Thanks, :-)

@seekingwolf Where are you?

@Dog – good point! How about it seekingwolf?

I am partially cured from my headache.
I have ordered my business cards.

On the downside. I have just applied for a $9/hour job where I will stock shelves and sell stuff. I vowed never to sell things unless I made or created them. My dignity as a professional who makes $35/hr to $50/hr freelancing and $24/hr salery is shot to hell. I will be giving up my evenings with my kids who I already don’t see enough. I feel like a failure as a man, a husband and a father because in a year and a half I can’t get a job.

@Bri_L consider this a very temporary job and not a beacon of the future. This is a short stop on the way to success. YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Think of it as a stepping stone. Below are a few stepping stones that may help you see my point:

Bill Gates was a congressional page at the Washington state Capitol

William Watkins, current CEO of Seagate Technology, worked the night shift at a mental hospital restraining people who got out of control

Sidney Kimmel, founder and current chairman of Jones Apparel Group, was a shipping clerk for Morton Manufacturing.

Bill Murray stood outside a grocery store selling chestnuts

Rush Limbaugh shined shoes

Robin Williams performed as a street mime

When no stores were interested in carrying his jeans, designer Tommy Hilfiger sold them to buyers from the trunk of his car.

Jerry Seinfeld sold light bulbs by phone

Demi Moore worked for a debt collection agency

Van Halen’s David Lee Roth fluffed pillows and emptied bedpans as a hospital orderly

Madonna worked behind the counter at Dunkin’ Donuts

Jennifer Aniston was a waitress

Brad Pitt moved refrigerators

Just months before setting world records in country music, Garth Brooks was a salesman in a boot store.

Actor Jack Nicholson was “discovered” while working in the mailroom at MGM

Author Stephen King, who was a janitor, was cleaning the girls’ locker room when he became inspired to write the novel “Carrie.”

@Dog – Thank you very much. I really, really needed that. I can’t thank you enough.

@all – I just posted the following on my “Did you ever feel invisible?” thread:

Well, I am having a really bad day so I may be a bit over sensitive but I am feeling invisible on about 90% of the threads I participate in on Fluther lately. If I go back and look you could remove my answer to no effect. What a waste of time. Time for a break.

I will be coming back to this thread because I really like what we have going here and I want to know how you all are doing.

@Bri_L I have been where you are. Sometimes we just need to step back and breathe. I have my fingers crossed for great opportunities for you and look forward to your Sunday update.

I’m here guys! Sorry I’ve just been busy with work and tests before spring break!

I lost 2 pounds!!! YES 2 POUNDS!!
The medicine is going better. I don’t feel so sick, well, maybe a little in the morning, but it’s more of a “sour” feeling like there’s a lemon in my stomach.

Anyway, yes! I’m very happy.

@seekingwolf – Way to go! Great news about the medicine. That is just super. Thanks for the awesome news!!!

Yeah sorry I was late in replying….>< I haven’t touched the internet much with all of my school work. Luckily, I’m procrastinating now at 12 am. :)

@seekingwolf YES!!!!

@Bri_L I think the consensus on the invisible thread is for you to hang around more. I, for one, very much enjoy your posts.

@Bri_L We lurve you baby. I totally feel your pain. I just applied to be a cashier at a grocery store and at a tobacco store… and didn’t even get called for an interview for either place! Crappity-crap-crap. Things will get better, but in the meantime we’ve gotta’ do what we’ve gotta’ do. : )

@Dog Your post helped me feel better, too. Thanks for that.

@seekingwolf Way to go! I’m so glad you are adjusting to the medicine, and having success with the weight loss, too. High-five!

@all I can’t find the paneling I need to finish my wall! The place I bought it from isn’t carrying it anymore. I found a place that has the same type of paneling, but it’s not a guaranteed match. I’m going to check it out on Friday. I am willing myself not to panic. Just barely succeeding.

@seekingwolf: Woo! Hooray for SW! ^_^

On another note, I’ve totally been procrastinating as well. Now I’m paying for it trying to get two projects done before the end of the day, lol. o_O WAH!

@Bri_L: Dude, that must be really tough, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I can tell you really care about your family and you’re giving them your absolute best. They can’t ask for anything more than that! Hopefully something better, though, will come around in time. Mucho lurve for you. <3 <3

@Dog: and lurve to Dog for the words of wisdom. : )

@All: yeah, I don’t have any good news (except that my spring break starts tomorrow, haha). But I’ll wait ‘til Sunday to see if something redeeming happens.

Hurrah for you, @seekingwolf! Thank you for letting us share your success.

@Dog, that is one comforting list. Thank you. And I think your picture is beautiful.

@Bri_L, I very much understand the feeling of conflict and the blow to your pride and professional identity. But you have to think of it another way. At my house we say this: “Some dollars is better than no dollars.”

Using abilities that you have in order to earn support for your family through decent labor is both dignified and respectable. Your real abilities include the ability to move your body and use your eyes, your hands, and your brain, and you don’t take those for granted or shrug them off lightly after you’ve spent time with someone who’s lost them (or you start to have arthritis and lower back pain yourself). Exchanging these and not your finest talents for a paycheck takes nothing away from the fact that you do have greater abilities and professional skills. They will also find their market in their time. But right now you are able to fulfill a demand in the workplace and receive compensation for it, and hundreds of thousands around us can’t say that.

I commend you for having the courage to both seek and accept employment that is beneath your level of ambition. Maybe it will lead to other opportunities and maybe it won’t, but you are wise to do what you can for now when better choices are long in coming.

@augustlan, I admire your ability to stay focused and productive. I hope you can find the materials you need.

@all – thanks. I will draw on your words of encouragement. Thank you!

===================== SUNDAY, 3/15/09 =============================

Not a strong week for me:
Total: 14033
Gain: 1840

But I have still done something every day. I’m in chapter 6 now, and I have been through some difficult territory. So even without a high word count, I know I’m making progress.

How about you? Regulars, let’s hear your stories. Lurkers—what are you up to? Tell us how it’s going.

@Jeruba: it’s good to see you’re still persevering! (I was thinkin’ about dropping for a while, haha.)

Alrighty, so I was hopin’ my word count would increase by the time Sunday rolled around…

Didn’t happen, lol.

Here’s the deal: basically, after taking Jeruba’s advice about characters and reading some more things, I’m shifting the focus of my story and reconsidering the entire plot. There’s a lot of things I’ve already written I’ll be able to use, but I thought the foundation of my story needed some major changes. In a sense, I guess I am kinda starting over…again. : /

I hate this ‘cause it’s not the first time I’ve done this…but I feel good about the changes I have planned this time. Unfortunatelly, I did all the other times as well so I’m not so sure how much that’s saying, lol. Idk, I’m going back to the basics with detailed character sketches and re-doing my outline. I’ve got a different vision of where I’m headed, but I need to solidify the plan before I actually restart the writing process. (I feel like I just built a building on top of a really crappy foundation and am now paying the price to keep it from totally crumbling to the ground.)

<sighs> So yeah, that’s my “progress.” I’m not throwing in the towel, but still. At least I’m seeing the flaws in my work and learning from it.

Well, I didn’t die. That’s something, right?

I also did not get the paneling yet. Will look tomorrow. :(

Always! Living another week = good.

Woo!

@Jeruba Fantastic! Wading through the difficult parts and still stepping forward!

@Introverted_Leo You can do this! If this is your litmus test then next week we are hoping that you will report a solid start on the new direction!

@augstlan May today be fruitful!

My progress this week: Sold one painting. Was given an offer on another which I declined and then later kicked myself for not taking it as in these times larger paintings are not selling as well.

Other than painting one small painting I have not accomplished much. Next week should be better.

@Dog: thanks for the encouragement. ^_^

It seems a lot of us this week are feeling we haven’t made “much” progress. But at least there is some going on.

Everyone is still trudging along, and reporting in. That’s a great thing. Like the question says, ‘Some progress is better than no progress’! Keep up the good work, and thanks for the encouragement everyone.

Waiting on @Bri_L and @seekingwolf

And cyndyh and maybe Marina.

And—who knows?—perhaps Nimis and aprilsimnel and daloon will uncloak and let us know how they’re doing on whatever they’re doing.

@ Jeruba – Again, considering the topic matter you go!

@ Introverted Leo – Hey the process is part of the result. If it wasn’t you would walk into the room and there would just be this book. How confusing. How much more satisfying will this be knowing that you didn’t settle?

@ Dog – One painting in today’s economy is great and who knows what may happen with the other one. I know for me, once a piece of art gets in my head and under my skin it grips me. Don’t give up hope.

I got a migraine. BUT I got my business cards. I also applied for another real job. Didn’t hear from the other real job or the part time one yet. But I just keep trying. I am learning html and CSS and when I have something to show I will give you guys a look see.

Thanks for the support all.

@Bri_L: likewise! (Can’t wait to see some of your work! ^_^)

Good job Bri! No where is seekingwolf? I sent off 4 more resumes last night.

@Jeruba Yes! What about cyndyh, Marina, Nimis, aprilsimnel and daloon?

@Bri_L Good news on the business cards and further learning on html and css. You will get one of the real jobs soon. I would like to see some of your work too.
Hope the headache is gone.

Have to paint this week- last night my good ol’ dog got sick and I had to take her for treatment at a 24 hour Veterinarian. I was there six hours and it cost nearly $100 for each hour. I am grateful though- it looks like she will make a full recovery which will not be the case for many of the pets who came in last night.

So – new motivation- to get the Vet bill paid off through paintings and to sell a few more to catch up on household bills. I know I can do this.

@Dog I’m glad your doggie is going to be ok! Now get to work and pay those bills ;-)

@Dog, I wonder if your veterinarian would love a beautiful animal painting in full or partial payment of the bill. Not every vet really has to frame and hang pictures of dogs playing poker.

^^ Great idea.

@ augustlan – Did you say 4 resumes? WOW! Great going!

@ Dog – So very glad your dog is ok. That had to be a worrisome night. Begin a new.

Lost 1 pound this week.
I’m getting there!!! :D

AWESOME SEEKINGWOLF!

@Jeruba- great idea on the barter however I already paid. The good news is that I painted yesterday and the painting literally sold within 1 minute of posting it for sale. I am now going to studio to paint more!

@augustlan Fantastic on the 4 resumes!

@seekingwolf I’m so glad it’s going well for you! Also, I’m glad you posted… I was getting worried about your absence.

@Dog One minute? Wow!

Three cheers for @seekingwolf and @augustlan! (does the three cheers :P)

@augustlan

Oh don’t worry about me being late. :)
I’m currently on Spring Break at home and am just enjoying the peace. I’m not on my computer as much as I would be if I were at school. But don’t worry, I’ll be more active soon, once I get back to school.

Enjoy your break. : )

CHEER CHEER CHEER for Seeking wolf! I re-read the tread and you are coming along so well do you know that!!!!

===================== SUNDAY, 3/22/09 ======================

Looking forward to everyone’s reports.

This is an unusual week for me. The anniversaries of both my parents’ deaths fall within the same week: my mother’s a year ago this date, and my father’s 25 years before that. I am committed to journaling memories each day of this week to share with my siblings. So far I have done the first three promised narratives. Total word count: 4434.

These are outside my usual writing, but they partly fall into line with what I have been working on. The main thing is that I am keeping up every day.

@Jeruba Your work this week most certainly is on the lines of your major work and I am touched you are doing such a special thing for your siblings. It is an incredible gift that will be passed down the generations. AWESOME!

This week I was able to sell a painting and my agent brought me a contract for wall decor using 10 images I have painted. Much to my shock one of the images I do not have a quality digital file of though I was sure I did. The original sold back in 2005. There is only one solution- to re-create the work.

I started re-painting it on Friday and should have it finished and photographed today.
Then I will send the 10 digital files to my agent and the contract will be signed.

I do wish that these contracts meant I would get $ in advance but with the economy royalty advances are non-existent. But the good news is that in 2 years I will start to get actual royalties. :) It is like planting a fruit tree.

So that is my week- and my goals for next week are to paint 2 more paintings.

How about everyone else?

@Jeruba and @Dog: great job you guys!

I’ve made progress, some high word count or another…but other things haven’t been going so well in my life. I need to take some time to focus on bettering myself starting from the inside out. I know that sounds really vague, but let’s just say I need to find my own personal motivation to get me through life before it’s too late.

That said, I may or may not actually make much progress on my story until I get this sorted out.

@Dog, you are really sizzling. Great report!

@Introverted_Leo, life can get really messy sometimes. I understand. And I also understand the simultaneously discouraging and upifting realization that you need to go back and drastically rethink things in your work, as you told us about last week. Maybe those two things can work together. Keep writing if you can. Don’t try to write specifically about what you’re going through right now. Just write your story, to the extent you can, and draw upon your own experience as much as you need to to make the story work. But always give your attention where it’s needed most. I am sensing that there might be another commitment you have to make right now, and if so, best wishes with that.

@Introverted_Leo I can completely relate to having to rework ones life before proceeding with a project. So
Your goals are shifting a bit- now your short term goal is to get on solid emotional ground.

Good for you for seeing the need to work on your life before getting too far off track.

I found a substitute for the paneling! I’ll be outside today, cutting all the pieces to size and inside tonight, attaching them to the wall. Yesss!

@Jeruba Wow… that’s a great idea, and will surely be appreciated by your siblings. I have a feeling it will also be quite helpful in regards to your main project. Good job!

@Dog Sorry to hear that you have to ‘recreate the wheel’ but glad to hear that you can! Great news on the sale and the future royalties. Sounds like you’ll be harvesting that fruit for a long time to come!

@Introverted_Leo Life sure does get in the way sometimes, doesn’t it? It will still benefit you and your work greatly in the long run. If there’s anything we can do to help you with your internal work, please let us know. There is no greater reward than successful work on YOU!

@All Off topic completely, but may be very helpful: Does everyone know that if you type a space before the @ sign (on a new line, or in the middle of a sentence), the drop down list of user names will pop up? Saves a lot of typing!

@augustlan Alas- it does not work on the iPhone…
Great news on the paneling substitute! Now there is nothing hold you back!

Still Seeking Bri_L, Seekingwolf and possibly cyndyh, Marina, Nimis, aprilsimnel and daloonagain.

OK all….jumping in a bit late here. I hope that is OK? I am losing weight. I have lost 9 pounds in as many weeks. I finally feel like I am starting to get some traction.

Gosh, it has kinda sucked. Like SeekingWolf, I finally feel like my appetite has decreased. It really felt like I was going through some kind of withdrawal as opposed to just changing habits for the first few weeks.

Welcome, @Snoopy! Of course it’s ok. A lot of support here. Good for you for your efforts and your success! Next Sunday I will post a new date marker, as I do every week, and you be sure to stop in and let us know how it’s going. You can join the cheering section too.

@augustlan, catching up with you—I worried about your paneling all week! So glad to know you are on the move again.

@all: thanks for all of your support. ^_^ I’ll try and make progress on the story if I can, but one of my goals is to, well, not keep pushing higher priority things aside. I can be somewhat of an escapist at times, lol. NO ES BUENO.

@augustlan: That’s exciting! I’m sure it’ll turn out fantastic. : ) (And thanks for the tip!)

@Snoopy: Welcome to the club! And congrats on your weightloss! Keep up the good work.

Yay Snoopy! Glad you’re here, and doing well.

I. Finished. The. Paneling. Whoo! It looks great, very rustic, which is exactly what my husband wanted. Next: Paint the other three walls, and install trim.

@augustlan I am not sure what you are finishing, but we are currently finishing our basement. What a slow progression. Every week we focus on the fact that it is a little further than the week before….Walls sealed. DriCore flooring done. Studs up. Electric done. Insulation done.

Paneling is our current project. Guess what? Lowes sells Light Birch and MtVernon Light Birch. Yup. We got them mixed together by accident. UGH! Borrow a truck (again). Back to Lowes to exchange. Sold out of the one we wanted. To another Lowes. Sigh.

I, too, feel your paneling pain.

@Snoopy WELCOME!
Congrats on the loss to date! Great job!

Hurray for you, Aug! How nice to be able to see real, concrete, visible evidence of progress. My dang hard drive looks exactly the same no matter how many words I pile on it. Maybe I should go plant a flower.

@Jeruba Every Sunday, I write in my planner my current weight. This allows me to see that there is actual progress, no matter how slow.

Perhaps, you could do something similar w/ a word count one time per week….?

I didn’t lose weight this week. It stayed the same, down to the 2nd decimal place. :( Seriously!

I’ve been feeling yucky and fat lately. even though I didn’t gain, I still feel like I did! I think it’s because my monthly is coming up and I feel all bloated and disgusting. :(

I’m going to my meditation group in about 30 min though, that should make me feel better!

Oh, on another positive note…I’ve found that my finger tips have been peeling incessantly and are all dry and wrinkly (weird). I asked my dad about it, who is a doctor, and he explained to me that it’s a good sign! It’s a common thing that happens once someone starts a medicine like Metformin because it’s a sign that their insulin level is decreasing and returning to normal! w00t!

I also really like my Slimfast. If I freeze it partially, it tastes just like a milkshake. I drink the “rich chocolate royale” and it’s really yummy. I don’t feel deprived at all.

@seekingwolf no gain is still great! Glad the meds are working.

@agustlan Wow! The man cave must be looking awesome!!!

To be honest, it still looks like shit… all except that one wall, with it’s new windows and paneling job!

@seekingwolf No gain is a good thing, don’t be discouraged! Yay for your peeling fingertips! << Something I never thought I’d say.

I’m so proud of you guys. :)

@Snoopy, I do log a daily word count, and that’s what I post once a week. And I know it’s real work (real work, especially lately), and I am not ashamed of it. But I still feel sometimes like I have nothing at all to show for my efforts. A few awards, yes, but no publications. And no freshly paneled rooms either.

@Jeruba Ahh. Oops sorry! Well think of it this way….The words that you have gained are there….never to be lost (unless you hit the delete key…)....compared to weight loss——where there is the constant threat of backsliding.

I am not comparing the struggles….just pointing out that this is at least one thing you don’t have to worry about :)

it is all very clear in my head, I assure you….ahem

Out of curiousity, have you attended any writer’s workshops or something comparable? Something where you are in the trenches w/ other writers giving each other encouragement/suggestions…?

@Jeruba I know what you mean about nothing tangible to show for the effort. Though I have several contracts with manufacturers the economy
has delayed production and thus royalties on several of them.
We are trying to live as modestly as possible and are hoping the economy improves before the complete depletion of our savings.

I know the economy will recover but I feel that without the big royalty checks my work is not validated.

@augustlan it may not be perfect yet but look at how far you have come!

@Snoopy, oh, yes. I belong to a writers’ club, attend monthly speaker meetings, contribute to the newsletter, attend special workshops, attend open mic readings and read my work, take special classes from time to time at university extension schools, have attended two writers’ conferences, and submit work all the time. I just can’t cross over into the realm of legitimate publication, or anyway haven’t so far.

I do thank you for your encouragement (and I am no stranger to weight loss struggles, so I see your point).

@ All – I just want to say how heart warming it is to see everyone hear each week. Even in times when one of us chimes in with what we perceive as a less than stellar week of output, the others see to it that it is viewed with perspective. Again, I encourage everyone to read from the start of the thread on down and just look how far we have all come. Read how the tone in our efforts has changed. How different the way we approach our goals and our hurdles is.

I thank you all. I have but one complaint.

Snoopy. I need a spring Snoopy please. :-)

I didn’t get the job at RWBaird. Turns out there wasn’t really one there. It was a formality posting.

I am applying for one at UW Milwaukee that sounds pretty neat.

Keep up the good work all. You all brought me a warm heart with your efforts, your stories and your viewpoints.

@Bri_L Bummer about RWBaird but I am encouraged about UW Milwaukee! Will keep paws crossed for you on that one.
Hey- where did you live in California?

<<<<<< Only for you, @Bri_L :)

@Dog I tried the link for your work (as above) but it didn’t work…?

My apologies Snoopy!
Here it is again.

@Dog Thanks :) If I may, the thing that strikes me the most about your link is, well, the lighting. I am no expert, but it looks spot on….the reflections off of the pottery and the relections due to the whiteness of the sheet.

It is fascinating to me how there is no way in heck I could paint anything like that….My paiting is limited to toddler-esque skill sets.

Bravo!

@snoopy ::blush:: many thanks!

Hey Bri, I’m so glad you posted… I was missing you! Good luck on the UWM job :)

@Dog I might be overstepping here…forgive me if I am….
Taking off on the suggestion above of bartering of your work w/ your vet….
What if you asked to hang a few things in the vet’s lobby? You could then 1)potentially commission paintings from people or 2) sell your work or 3) simply advertise your work w/ a clear NFS sign with your contact info.
You never know who the vet’s other patients are….

@Snoopy- interesting thought. I will look into it. Thanks for the great idea.

@Dog: wow, nice painting!

Great idea, @Snoopy!

Glad to see you here, @Bri_L. That’s just the spirit in which we keep posting. Best of luck with your application.

@dog – Davis then Alameda.

===================== SUNDAY, 3/29/09 ======================

Not ready to report yet, but here’s the marker. Take it away, gang!

Okay, it’s 2:07 a.m. on Sunday, and I have just wrapped the last installment of my project for this exceptional week. So I am going to count it all as part of the week. I wrote all day long last Sunday, about 11 hours total, and every night this week and all day today, to complete the promised memoir. I sent it to my siblings one day at a time.

Word count for the week: 12,606
Total for the project (10 days): 17,040

Each of these pieces has included a selection of illustrations, both from family photos and from web searches, and the pieces have all been nicely laid out with inset photos and drop caps and then turned into PDFs. The result is more like a small book than a bunch of little essays. I am planning to add a preface and an epilogue, but the committed work is done.

@Jeruba Wow… you had quite a week! No wonder I was seeing less of you here. Congratulations on finishing your project, I hope your sibs are enjoying it.

Well, my big (not) accomplishment for the week was picking a paint color for the man cave. My kids helped me decide on one today. Mocha it is! I also sent out a couple more resumes, with the same non-results. :(

@Jeruba Wow! You had a great week….are you doing a POD (print on demand) type thing to get it out to your peeps?

@Augustlan Congrats on more forward progression

OK….so here is my check in….abandon judgement before you read on….

So….here is the deal. I haven’t lost any weight this week. However, I haven’t gained. My husband has worked funky hours, ALL of us have been sick w/ the crud (clods, coughing, snot, etc.). One kid had pinkeye to boot. I am the nursemaid for everyone….and the job doesn’t stop if I become a patient. Ahhhhh, motherhood. So, I haven’t exercised at all.

My husband agreed to try to lose weight as well. Neither of us is obese by any stretch of the imagination….not even close….we could just stand to “lose a little weight”. I have lost 9 pounds in 10 weeks. My husband jumped on the health bandwagon 3 weeks ago and has lost 8 pounds. His job is physical, so apparently all he has needed to do is decrease his portions a bit and not eat at night and voila, he is dropping weight left and right.

Now (guilt, guilt, guilt)I am proud and happy for him but part of me is like….“Cripes!! This isn’t fair. He doesn’t even care if he loses weight.”

Weight loss is very, very simple. You must burn more calories than you consume. It isn’t that hard. What most people lack is willpower and strong desire (and that includes me….). IMO.

I could absolutely lose more weight quickly. I cannot stand to exercise (<<<< this is the real problem), but have amazing willpower when focused. The thing is, it is pointless to put myself throught the torture of losing weight by severely decreasing caloric intake, as it is not likely that I would maintain it long term.

What I am trying to do, is modify my diet in a reasonable, maintainable way….

My achilles heel is the exercise. I hate to exercise.

This is the missing puzzle piece. Worse, I know it. More guilt, guilt, guilt.

I have a NordicTrack that someone gave to me. We are members at a place to get my kids started on swim lessons. We get in the pool w/ the kids to help them learn to swim (outside of swim lessons).

I can give you all of the BS reasons why I haven’t/don’t exercise. It really all boils down to…..I don’t like it. Period.

I have erased and retyped this multiple times. I am not super comfortable w/ this being so, uh, public. I don’t know how much I will continue on here, sharing this much honestly. I don’t mind the weigh in, I suppose….but it seems a little hollow, if I am not sharing as above. I don’t mind sharing w/ those of you who are posting in here….but the notion of running nude amongst all of the Fluther community? eh, no.

@Jeruba WOW- and I really mean WOW. You are on fire! To have gotten so much done is a proper and orderly fashion is beyond impressive. Your organization is inspiring.

@augustlan Great job picking out the mocha for the man-cave. It should make a nice warm manly area. Do not be discouraged on the resumes. The important thing is that you are stepping forward with each one and you never know which one might be re-evaluated and garner you an interview in the future. How many will you send out this week?

@Snoopy Yeah- I know what you mean about exercise. I am forcing myself to take a walk this morning. Walking does not seem like exercise and I do not sweat which is my real aversion to big workouts. Not gaining is awesome.

@Bri_L I live in Los Angeles/Ventura area and was just curious- we are of nearly the same age so I thought perhaps we might have crossed paths. How is the search going?

Will post update soon (I am working on finishing something so I can add it to my list :) )

I just found this online, regarding the Nirvana Fallacy

Worth a look at for all in here….

We have a similar mantra in our household, referenced in part of the article: Forward. Progression>

i.e. any progress, no matter how small, is just that….Progress

@Snoopy That article is great. #5 is my key point. Getting started on a project is the hardest step. Also #4 is important.

@Jeruba: nice progress! Btw, what are you doing up so early? lol

@augustlan: mocha is such a nice color. I bet that’ll look real nice on the paneling. ^_^

@Snoopy: I love your candor. At least you’re being honest with yourself, though, right? But it’s like you said, you didn’t gain any weight and that’s still a good thing.

Speaking of not really wanting to do something…I entered this contest for novice interior designers and was accepted into the competition. This is great, but the thing is I thought we only had to actually set up the room we designed if they chose our room renderings as finalists. Apparently everyone who was accepted into the competition has to set up their room on provided 10’ x 20’ displays and provide their own materials. That includes furniture. <flatline glare>

Alright, so I came up with a design for a sunroom area and decided to only use furniture from IKEA to place boundaries for myself since there were virtually no real rules for the actual design of our space. But, to be honest, I’m not really proud of my submission. Nothing really makes me excited about it. Granted, I waited ‘til the last hours to do it and turn it in, which would explain part of it. The other part is that I just didn’t want to do it, especially since we had to come up with our own furniture and supplies, which can cost a lot.

Unfortunetely, lol, I’d told my mom about the competition before and how there were large cash prizes for the top for designs. Given that I’m in financial need, she was pretty pissed I tried to put it off and basically had to crack the whip and tell me to get something together for submission…gah, my grandma just called, sorry. Lost train of thought…

ANYWAYS, I have to go down to IKEA to see if they can sponsor me in the competition so I don’t have to pay for all of this stuff, otherwise I won’t be doing it. (I’m a college student, for goodness sake! I’m trying to win money, not spend it!)

Idk, I just don’t really want to do it that much anymore. We’ll see what IKEA says.

On another note, the only progress I’ve made on my story is some brainstorming and journal writing in my old-school pen-and-paper journal (I get so used to the computer sometimes).

Every time I try to do this story, I feel like I’ve never really “nailed” the concept of it. Sometimes I think I have, and then I begin to write it and I see that my vision has stopped at some point in the development stage. I mean, I’ve got some good practice in characterization and world building throughout all the re-writes, haha, but I’d really like to nail this thing this time around, asking myself tough questions and making sure there’s a reall, working logic to the things that happen in the “world” of my story. I’m really trying to consider the bigger picture as well as my protagonists’ roles in the story and making sure they support each other (micro vs. macro). It really is sorta like trying to be God for a…well, several years, lol.

I want to keep it simple, but my mind just doesn’t work that way. I get so excited with little ideas. It’s hard not to overlook the overall larger story arc beyond the characters (I have two protagonists).

Wow…sorry for the long post. <_< This really is just like my typical journal entries—long and pointless! </sarcasm>

@Introverted_Leo What about doing a room design from thrift stores? Saves money and you could do something retro….?

I feel really spent today, as you do after completion of a project. I am so glad to be tired out by something other than my job for a change! It was only ten days of intensive writing, but it was also a headlong traversal of my childhood years and personal history across a gap of decades, with many pauses over details and many digressions that were ultimately curbed. Reflecting now, I’d say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It was very much worth the doing. It turned out that one chapter really summed up my family life growing up: the one with the theme “Sundays.”

Among unanticipated outcomes is that now I have created several doors, points of entry into past time, and I can reenter them at will. I don’t have to start over by searching for signposts.

I wrote it for my siblings, but it also gives me something to hand to my own children if they care to learn about their family background.

Most remarkable to me is the color and tone of the profiles of my parents as they emerged in this retelling—very much from my own point of view, and not knowing how accurately I have recalled or interpreted things. It shows me just how complex, conflicted, and ultimately sad I thought their stories were. And that is without ever getting near to the years when their marriage was breaking down.

All this emotional overlay is part of why I’m worn out today, and yet feeling rather satisfied and pleased with myself, as if I’d actually accomplished something.

@Snoopy: I thought about doing that, but the thing is I don’t want to spend any money, lol.

@augustlan, I wouldn’t underrate any kind of progress. Having something constructive to do, where you can actually see results, while you go through the very draining and demoralizing process of looking for work (any time, but especially now) is very healthy. I say good for you.

@Snoopy, I understand what you mean about feeling exposed. It is hard to write those things down plainly for yourself to see, never mind others, and you are on the Internet, for God’s sake—the antithesis of privacy. You never know when you might be outed, either. I spotted someone here that I’ve known casually for 30 years, but this person hasn’t recognized me yet. You never know. So—don’t say any more than you feel comfortable saying. But you do know that we are all interested in your progress and are cheering you on, and sympathizing with setbacks. Thanks for sharing your tale. (And I have the same exact problem with weight loss as you.) I have a little spray bottle of something called “Guilt-Away” that I think I ought to lend to you.

@Introverted_Leo, I am interested in your design propject and wonder if the IKEA store would let you carry it out right on their premises. Might be some publicity in it for them, too. As for your story, I so sympathize! I think your problems and mine are very much alike. This is one reason why I feel so proud of having told the sprawling, intractable story of my childhood and my parents’ histories in ten one-day segments, each gathered around a theme. I left out huge, huge amounts of material but tried to make a little stand for a lot, and the chapters range from 800 to 2600 words—really not very long. This tells me I can handle big material in manageable chunks. A timely reminder!

@Dog, looking forward to your update as soon as you have one, and a big thank-you to you for being so generous with your encouragement of others.

Thanks, all, for staying with this thread for seven weeks now. I feel like we all have a stake in each other’s success.

@Jeruba: that’s really awesome that you were able to complete your memoir and be able to share that with your family. I’m too young to really understand why anyone would want to read a memoir about me when I get older, heh, but apparently families love to hear about their loved one’s lives. I like how you said you added pictures. That would certainly add a nice personal touch to it.

And with the whole being greater than the sum of the parts…that’s is like the magical quality of a good piece of work. <sighs> Hopefully I’ll eventually be able to accomplish the same with my project.

@Snoopy: I really like #8 on that link you posted. Sometimes my progress is stunted for the fear of not being able to create something “perfect” or a masterpiece. Which is funny because I know that even the “masters” out there aren’t capable of absolute perfection. Still, I find it dificult to abandon the desire for perfection and to just strive for my best and accepting that it isn’t going to be perfect.

@Snoopy Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us. I know it can be uncomfortable to do that, but I’m so glad you did! Not gaining any weight during a period of illness and care-taking is pretty damn impressive in my book. BTW, nothing unusual about your husband losing weight faster/easier than you are… it’s pretty common (if utterly frustrating!). Sometimes, life just isn’t fair dammit. Also, great article! I’m going to send it to my 14 year old perfectionistic (is that even a word?) daughter.

@Introverted_Leo Wow, that took a lot of courage to enter the design contest. I would love (and be terrified by the idea of) that! If you are allowed to alter your design at this point, could you see if any friends/family would loan you some furniture? If not, and Ikea doesn’t sponsor you, perhaps your mother would like to ‘invest in your future’, since she was so keen on you entering. ;) As for your story, every little thing you’ve done and are doing will make it that much better in the long run. Keep at it!

@All Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.

@Introverted_Leo I can see where you would struggle with the contest. It is a challenge and would have been ideal had you known in advance it would COST you right off. You never know though- you may still place!

Here is my update. We had company for the last two weeks and it threw off my work. Now I am sitting around wasting my precious time but will kick myself in the posterior as soon as I have posted and get my displays ordered for my exhibition in NY.

I did indeed sign this week on the wall plaques and processed the images and sent them in. I repainted the one that was bad and the new one is an improvement on the last. Other than that I did go on a hike by myself yesterday just for me. The family was all supposed to go but everyone was stalling so I just went. It was very peaceful.

This week I need to find energy and motivation to get caught up on on the work piled up. I accepted another commission to paint a design that will be set as a tile mural on the outside of an Italian Restaurant. I really do not have time for this one and am annoyed with myself. I cannot deny that the money would be nice though. In this economy I feel I must accept anything offered.

So that is it for me. I was very much hoping to be able to say I had already finished my exhibition work and was painting the Christmas Horses.

@Dog The sign for the restaurant sounds interesting! Just put one foot in front of the other…..perhaps pick the easiest of your tasks that remain so that you will feel good about your accomplishment :)

@augustlan: maybe…I guess it couldn’t hurt to ask. (Oh, and believe me, I am very terrified, lol.)

@Dog: yes, I hope I can place! Even honorable mention wins 500 bucks.

And your mural commission sounds like a really neat opportunity, though not having the time for it sounds like it could be kinda stressful. Were you still going to do it, or have you changed your mind? (It’s hard to tell by your answer.)

@all: I did get to IKEA today to speak with someone (several someones) about possibly sponsoring me or lending out their furniture. Of course, there was some beauracracy to go through and I ened up not really getting an answer, but a lady is supposed to give me a call sometime soon (she was in a business meeting). I may sound a little terse b/c I had to drive out of my way to speak to them so I could actually show them the information about the contest and my rendering. But ah, well, I guess that’s what email is for!

So no final answers, but hopefully they might be able to lend something.

BTW, thanks for all the encouragement from everyone one. And let’s keep up the good work!

@Introverted_Leo – The creative process can ware a person down, but it is a vital part of it. Don’t discount what your doing in your writing.

@Jeruba – Awesome job! You rolled!!! It must have felt amazing!

@augustlan – Picking the color for ANYTHING is a task, let alone the walls. Good job!

@Snoopy – Share only as much as your comfortable with. But congrats on what you didn’t do, gain weight. Also, when your losing weight, hitting a flat line now and again is part of it. That is when people fall off the wagon. Don’t let it get you down. Just keep aware of your intake and keep trying!

@Dog – I am living vicariously through you my friend. I love hearing about your success. I would love to see your work if you have a site or something. Great job. I have never been to Los Angeles. I live In WI. I did live in Davis, CA the Alameda for 3 years.

I am keeping up with applying to at least 1 job I would like to get a week. This week a local fine cheese company is looking for a graphic artist. I love cheese. If you meet anyone who knows me you ask them. It is even listed as an interest on my resumé. I would really like this one.

Bri- do you have a website? I will exchange via PM if you do!

@Bri_L Good job guy! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your cheese job… that would be a perfect fit. :)

I worked more in the room today, and bought the paint and primer. I also sent out 4 more resumes today, and convinced my local tobacco store that I am serious about working there. I think the next time they have an opening, I’ll get a call! Even working part-time at minimum wage will be better than what I’m doing now. Bonus: I can smoke while I work there! I know, I know, I should quit. Not gonna’ happen anytime soon.

@Bri_L Good luck w/ the job (I have to tell you when I read your name I pronounce it in my head as “brie”, like the cheese)
Wisconsin? Cheese? Sounds yummy.

@Augustlan Great job on the room!!! Ours is progressing as well…about 2/3 of walls are up…..After that the ceiling.

@Bri_L, so glad to hear from you! Thanks for checking in. You are doing great at staying with the program. Good luck winning the hearts of the cheesists.

@augustlan, great going. Rooting for you all the way.

Oooh… I finally did my taxes! Good news is we’re getting a nice refund. Bad news is my efile attempt was rejected so I have to file by snail mail. It can take 8 weeks to get the refund that way. :(

===================== SUNDAY, 4/5/09 ======================

Thank you Jeruba for starting us today!

Let’s see. I sold two paintings this week but painted nothing. I have 5 days to paint three paintings so I must use dicipline.

I lost the mural commission but in truth it was a relief as I was getting overwhelmed.

How about you all?

I may have lost a pound. If I exhale and stand precariously teetering on the edge of the scale. Just kidding. Sort of. I had a business meeting on TH and although I tried to compensate (no booze, no appetizers, two bites (literally) of dessert—), fresh rolls, filet mignon and garlic butter apparently isn’t the best on a diet.
But it was free. And delicious.

In the end? Worth it.
:)

My attention this week has been focused on gathering info. for taxes (congratulations, @augustlan)! and not on much else, so I don’t have any significant accomplishments to report.

I did write a preface and epilogue for my little collection of memoirs, which is now at 50 pages, and gather them into a booklet that looks like a keeper. I’m making two copies, as usual, so later on there’ll be one for each of my children.

Here’s a curious thing—another bug in the interface? I typed ”(congratulations, @augustlan!)” with the exclamation inside the parens, and down in the live preview it appears with the exclamation outside the parens, like this: (congratulations, @augustlan)! What kind of bug is that??

<is in heaven listening to Enrique Granados played on cello> ^_^ Anyways…

@augustlan & @Jeruba: nice job on the taxes and memoir additions and @Dog with selling more paintings!

Bad news from IKEA: not enough time to sponsor me. They said they needed “at least 4–6 months advanced notice for this kind of stuff.” o_O Well, at least now I know. : / Yeah, so I won’t being doing the competition this year. But next year I’ll be more prepared, heh.

As for my story, I managed to write an introduction/preface of sorts that I think will help establish a base for some much needed focus in my story. I’ve gotten ahead of myself by writing a random 3,800 word portion of a chapter…but I’m trying to finish a new outline before I get any further.

This music I’m listening to is giving me a lot of ideas! It’s gonna be hard not to jump ahead without doing some planning first—I’m easily distracted and impatient, lol.

No weight lost. :( Eh, I don’t know. I ate a lot this week…not like overeat, but more than I usually eat because I’ve been working out more than usual and I was STARVED. But I didn’t gain…

I think I’m going to step up my workout routine. I’ve noticed that I am more fit now and it takes a lot more to get my heart rate up to where I want it (~170 consistently). I used to get it at 170 with the routine, but now it’s teetering somewhere between 155–160…and I haven’t done anything differently!

What do you guys think? I think I’m going to change my routine so it’s harder.

otherwise I’ve been fine…except my mom forgot to send me my birth control pills so I am like a BEAR now…acne everywhere, bloated, aches pains, and I can’t stop sweating. PCOS sucks and I’m kind of miffed at her for forgetting because I feel yucky.

Oh this is how I test my fitness: usually every week, I have some paper due to a professor who is on the top floor of a building on the opposite, god-forsaken side of campus that nobody even bothers going to..I literally run that way every Friday because I’m usually late.

Usually I’m out of breath and stuff but this week, after I left the building…I wasn’t breathing hard at all. A little sweaty sure, but I wasn’t winded! w00t!

@seekingwolf: Oh man, that sounds sucky. : ( I hope you get your pills soon. But that’s great having a fitness test, as you call it. That must have felt really good when you realized you weren’t winded when you reached the top!

Heck, I can’t run up the stairs in my house without getting a little winded, haha. I keep saying I’m gonna go bike-riding more to get more exercise, but meh. I’m lazy that way.

@Dog You’re selling things left and right! Good deal :)
@Snoopy Free gourmet food sounds like a good week to me. Yummy!
@Jeruba Why do we wait so long to do the damn taxes? Every year I say I’m going to do better next year, but I never do. Good job on finishing up the memoir project. Your kids will appreciate all the effort that went into writing and binding them.
@Introverted_Leo Too bad about the contest… but like you say, you’ll be better prepared next year. That preface idea, along with your outline, should help you get a better grasp on your story. Keep up the good work!
@seekingwolf Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. While you are getting fitter, your scale might not reflect it, but that’s ok. It’s how you feel that matters… and you feel more fit. That’s fantastic! I agree with your idea to step up the intensity of your workout, but make sure you don’t overdo it. Wouldn’t want you to get burned out. :)

I finally started painting the man-cave. I got two coats of tinted primer up on the walls (except the paneled one, which I’m leaving in its natural state). I started cutting in with the actual color today. I wanted to have two coats of that done by the end of the night, but I only got one and a half finished before my body couldn’t take it anymore. The Fibromyalgia has reared it’s ugly head, and I’m in a lot of pain. :( I figure I’ll be better by Wednesday, and hope to finish it off then.

@Dog – You also helped me out with those links!

@Snoopy – No doubt worth it. Besides, if you look at losing weight at a lifestyle change then you can indulge every now and then

@Jeruba – Taxes can be taxing and full of strange sin-tax! It always feels good to be done with them.

@ Introverted_Leo – Sorry to hear about the contest but glad it didn’t turn you off of next year. And way to go with the writing!

@ seekingwolf – what augustlan said is right. And also remember that you will burn fat more efficiently with those work outs as well.

@ augustlan – I am so living vicariously through you. My man-cave looks and feels like a cave. Sorry to hear about your Fibromyalgia. Hang in there.

As for me, I further tweaked my resume. Started on setting up my portfolio for my website (thank you Dog) and have found a few sites I might be able to use as well (thanks again Dog).

This week is turning out to be a wash because my wife is sick.

@Bri_L Glad to help. Love your work and cannot wait to see your greeting card line as it develops! Hope your wife feels better too.

@Snoopy – Good job on balancing on a scale! I admire your ability to NOT have wine!

@Jeruba – I bet it is a relief to have the taxes over. BLAH!

@Introverted_Leo – Perhaps it is a blessing about Ikea? Sort of how it was a good thing I lost the mural? Now you can focus on next year and really win! Great job on the writing!

@seekingwolf – Awesome on the not being as out of breath! That is really great and shows that you are indeed making progress!

@augustlan – Painting is my favorite part! Everything comes together!

I am so happy everyone is hanging in there! Do you all realize how far we have all come in these last few weeks? I for one am more focused and productive!

Update: It’s Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I got the first coat of the final color on the walls tonight. It’ll probably need a second coat, but so far it looks good!

@Bri_L Sorry to hear that your wife is sick. Good for you though, doing all that tweaking and preparation! Is there somewhere we can see your work in the meantime?

@all This thread always brightens my day. :)

@augustlan Me too! Awesome on the first coat!

@augustlan: sounds like it’s really coming along! What will you do after the walls are painted?

@Bri_L: yes, we’d all like to see some of your work! It sounds like good stuff!

@Dog: I wish I was feeling more focused and productive, lol. Right now I’m feeling the exact opposite! I’m such a scatter brain right now. I don’t know why, but it’s hard to stay focused on anything for too long, especially at school. My mind is everywhere except where it needs to be. I hope I can snap out of this soon. : /

@augustlan We are making forward progression on our basement as well, albeit very slowly.

@all A coworker said “Have you lost weight?” I had to restrain myself from embracing him This is especially satisfying as he is a body builder and does private personal training on the side….

@all As we are all learning through this exercise, as long as we can look back and see that we are further today than we were yesterday, last week, last month or even last year….we are doing fine :)

@Snoopy What your coworker said- that rocks more than the numbers on a scale! Awesome!

@Snoopy – very cool! that is a professional opinion he gave you!

===================== SUNDAY, 4/12/09 ======================

I have lost 10 pounds and hubbie has lost 12.

I am feeling rather overwhelmed this week….a new chore for the progress log.

We have historically been “keepers” or “savers”. What if we need this some day? We paid good money for this, we can’t get rid of it.. This is still functional….we might need it some day.

I go into my basement and feel utterly overwhelmed. At every turn there is a pile of stuff. We aren’t candidates for an Oprah episode as hoarders, but still…..

We have decreased the inflow of crap into the house. There are multiple sources. Stuff given to us, garage sales, consignement shops, sales, etc., etc. We have (believe it or not) already, over the years, rid ourselves of a ton of stuff…But still there is more….and it is depressing.

I have read mutliple books about organizing and purging. They have helped….

I donate, sell, and throw away. Just today I unearthed two old pair of eyeglasses. Why oh why did I keep them. Luckily I found that I can donate them for refurbishment for someone who can use them. Kids clothing, books and furniture are on the hit list.

Does anyone else have this “too much crap” problem?

Maybe this should be a separate question…?

@Snoopy: nice job! That’s good to hear that the both of you are making progress.

About the “too much crap” problem, I can’t say I do have a whole lot of that going on (my mom’s a neat-freak : / ). If I were on my own, I’d probably have “neat piles of stuff” all over the place. Eventually I’d probably just start throwing stuff out, but I’m just too lazy to go through stuff unless I absolutely have to.

As for my progress, idk. I’m brainstorming, a lot, and doing some critical thinking for my story. No actual writing for now. I realize there’s more things I need to nail down before I do that.

Other than that, there isn’t a whole lot of progress going on elsewhere, nothing I feel like mentioning. I’m getting through school (I can’t wait ‘til I’m done!). Still, two more years of that. Seems like it’ll never end, but then when it does I’ll probably be wishing I was still in it, haha. Oh, but I did get registered for classes through two of the three colleges/universities I’ll be enrolled at simultaneously for next semester—what fun! (Ha, not.)

@Snoopy Great on the 10lbs. Yeah- I have the crap problem cause of the kids more than anything. With kids it is easier to say “what if they will want it/need it when they get older?”
Great goal!!!

@Introverted_Leo Brainstorming is good. College is so time consuming and I was in two colleges at once for a while are they far away from one another? I put over 120k miles on my car during college.

I have little progress to report. I have been working on images for display still and had a person ask me about the availability of a painting I have yet to finish.

To be perfectly honest I think I need to force myself into walking or running to fire up my brain and motivation.

@Introverted_Leo I remember wanting to be out of school…the one thing it does give you that you may be taking for granted is….structure. (—I know I took it for granted). What I mean to say is….you know what you will be doing for the next two years. There is some benefit to that….

@all I am happy to report that I just returned from a family who-ha and was able to pawn some of my crap off on to others who will actually use and enjoy the stuff…..some fiction books, bags, craft crap…..with eager commitments to take more.

@Snoopy AWESOME! You are off to a running start!

@Dog: oh no, the two are basically on the same campus (both about 40 min. from where I live), but the third I’m enrolled in doing online classes. It was just kinda…different going through all their processing. I still gotta fax one school my driver’s license info so they don’t charge me out-of-state tuition. o_O

And I, too, could use a new motivation factor. I thirve best off do-or-die situations actually, haha. Or more milder versions of it, at least. (Some of my greatest work is stuff I was crunched for time to finish.) Even though I don’t particularly like it, I need the pressure to keep me from getting too lazy. My internal clock runs slower than most of society’s…

@Snoopy: yeah, good point. : )

@Snoopy Great job on the weight loss and the ‘stuff’ loss! I could use a little of both, myself… especially after the meal I had today.

@Introverted_Leo Brainstorming is hard work!

@Dog Just because you haven’t finished doesn’t mean you haven’t progressed… and how cool is it that someone wants to buy a painting before you’re even done!

I finished painting the walls on Friday. It looks good! Next up, fix, apply and paint the trim, paint the ceiling.

Still no good news on the job front, but I have an idea to create my own job. Tell me what you guys think. I’d like to hire myself out as an independent contractor providing administrative support to small business. That is, businesses that can’t afford to (or don’t need to) hire a secretary or office manager as an employee, but might need someone for 3 or 10 (or whatever) hours a week to do office tasks or have a one-time big project that could use an extra set of hands. I can do everything from stuffing envelopes to business writing to payroll. I’d charge a flat hourly rate that is cheaper than a temp agency would charge. The business would save by not having to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on my ‘salary’. I figure if I could get enough of these little jobs, it could add up to one regular job, or nearly so. Do you all think such a thing is do-able?

@augustlan I definitely think it is doable. Do you have a company in mind who may use your services? Or are you going to be “cold calling” all potential clients?

Remember too that they would also not have to pay healthcare.

If you do get this going, keep in mind that you will have to pay quarterly estimated taxes on your earnings, in case you didn’t know that already…..

@augustlan I do think it is doable and smart! Also there is no need for benefits and that would be an attractive incentive for business. Great Idea!

Off to finish the painting.

Oh- I may not be on Fluther much this week. I really need to focus on the work piling up in my studio. I will be checking in here though. :)

@Snoopy

Awesome with the weight loss! How long did it take to lose the 10 lbs? Still, that is extremely impressive and I’m a little envious, I’ll admit :D

I lost 1.5 pounds this week and I’m really glad!
I’ve discovered GRAPEFRUIT. I think it suppresses my appetite. It’s very odd, but I still eat it anyway with lots of Splenda because it tastes good and it’s a nice break from bananas and apples all the time hehe.

@seekingwolf Awesome on the 1.5 lb loss!

@seekingwolf I have lost the 10 lbs over 11 weeks (I think I miscalculated in an earlier post….but this is where I am today). It has been a struggle. A two steps forward, one step back kinda thing….

My husband has lost his 12 lbs over 5 weeks.

I am happy w/ where I am so far. Neither of us have a particular number or goal in mind, which takes a lot of the pressure off…...we are just trying to do better.

My big weakness is snacking. Especially at night. I am focusing on 1) trying not to snack and 2) if I do, to try and eat fruit, popcorn and the like….

And I drink tea. Lots and lots of tea….

Grapefruit? Ugh. Not for me….One of the few fruits I don’t like…..

How much weight have you lost overall? If you mess up as I have, don’t beat yourself up too much….just try and figure out why and correct…..

Anyone can lose weight quickly. The trick is get in to habits that you can maintain. You shouldn’t deny yourself all treats. That isn’t fair and you are unlikely to be able to do it in perpetuity. Small incremental changes do add up over time.

@Snoopy

Well the time span isn’t really a big deal…I think I read that if you lose weight like 1 pound a week, you’re more likely to to keep it off than doing 2/2.5 per week…that’s just too much for the long term. At any rate, good job!! :D

Do you have any advice for how to lose weight, like what has worked for you? I’m always on the lookout for advice.

I agree, snacking can be difficult. I used to have problems but now that I’m on the Metformin, my appetite has decreased.

What has helped me is a lot of nice cold water! I like filtered water so I got a Brita filter pitcher and I drink from it a lot. Sometimes when you’re thirsty, you feel hungry instead and then you eat, so drinking plenty will help avoid this. Plus I just feel better when I drink more.

@seekingwolf I can’t remember if I sent you this link already (forgive me if I did—)

http://www.fluther.com/disc/41209/im-having-trouble-sticking-to-my-diet-is-there-any-easier/#quip530042

Some of the big things I do that have helped:

*Cut where it doesn’t hurt. i.e cut things you (personally) really won’t miss: skim instead of whole milk, diet instead of regular pop, low fat mayo and salad dressings instead of regular, hamburger w/out the bun, etc.

*I allow unlimited fresh fruits and plain, steamed veggies in any give meal.

*When snacking, choose wisely. Fruits, pretzels, popcorn, dried fruits, etc.

*Eat consciously. I don’t sit w/ an open bag of dried fruits in front of the tv. I get a bowl, a portion and eat. If I want more, I am aware of it….no mindless eating or snacking. i.e. I do this w/ meals too. I start off w/ a scoop of whatever and go back for more if I am really hungry.

*I drink lots of water and tea. It is filling.

*I have to be really, really hungry before I allow myself to snack…..and if it is close to a meal (like 90 minutes or less), I suck it up and don’t snack.

*All fats are not evil. They are filling and you do need fat in your diet. (Some make the mistake of cutting or severely elimintating all fats…..unfortunately they then sometimes overeat lowfat stuff…..as they aren’t as filling…., so they haven’t really done anything to help themselves….)

*I get off of my butt and try to move on occasion. This may include just paddling around in the pool w/ my kids….but hey, it is more exercise than I was getting 6 months ago.

*I weigh myself. Everyday. Multiple times a day, actually. A little obsessive, but it keeps me on task.

@seekingwolf: awesome job!

Good job @seekingwolf!

Well, I haven’t been much of a cheerleader this week, but I do admire and congratulate you on all your progress.

@Snoopy and @seekingwolf, great work on the weight loss! Wonderful to see your efforts paying off.
@Snoopy, I am there with you on the too-much-stuff problem. Want to make a side project of that?
@Introverted_Leo, I am a bit bogged down too, so I sympathize. Brain work is real work, though, don’t forget.
@Dog, you are still moving forward. Some progress is better than no progress. Good for you. How great to have a loyal and interested following!
@augustlan, that is a terrific idea! You would have to go through some steps to set up for yourself, such as getting a business license and taxpayer ID number (I think) and filing quarterly estimated returns. We have self-employed people on fluther who could help with that (post a question?). I think you have an excellent idea in that these days small businesses need versatile people and don’t want to pay for more help than they actually use. You could be a godsend! And any one such client could turn out to lead to a part-time or full-time position further down the road. Go for it! You will need some business cards and flyers, and you may have to paper the businesses in your town by going door to door with your list of skills, rates, and availability, but that could really pay off for you. Good luck!

I don’t have much to report. I am feeling like a slug right now. I did polish my ten memorial essays and gather them under one cover with an explanatory preface, a summing-up epilogue, and a detailed set of notes on all the pictures, and I will send a copy to my siblings. I also see it as a legacy for my own kids. It’s just a tip-of-the-iceberg sort of thing, but like our progress, it’s something. It isn’t nothing.

@Snoopy

thanks so much for that advice! I agree with all of it and am going to try some new things that I haven’t yet.

I wish I could have unlimited fruits but I can’t. :( Because I’m insulin resistant, I gotta watch my sugar intake and that includes fruits. However, fruit is still a staple in moderate amounts and boy do I like it!

Speaking of weight loss I’m going to the gym in 20 min :)

@jeruba- awesome on getting the little touches done!

@Jeruba It is something! Sometimes, all we can do is take baby steps… and that’s ok. :)
I’m feeling like a slug myself. It’s rainy and gray here, which certainly isn’t helping my mood. About an hour ago, I opened every shade, turned on every light, and tuned in to my favorite rock radio station just to get a little spring in my step. It helped me face the mountain of dishes left from Easter. It was like a battle had occurred in the kitchen! Now, it’s peaceful and serene in there.

Thanks for the advice and tips on my business idea, everyone. I’m in the research phase right now, and I’ll let you know when (if?) I get past that.

@augustlan & Jeruba You do not need a different tax ID. You can just use your own SS #. The only reason you might need to get a separate number is if you were to set up an LLC, etc which is not necessary.

@SeekingWolf Yes, the DM is something that I don’t fortunately have to deal w/ and would certainly complicate food choices. Hopefully you will find that your DM will be easier to control/maintain w/ your weight loss. Keep it up :)

@Jeruba. I am happy to report that I got rid of a 3×4 foot dry erase board to my kids’ preschool today. They were thrilled to get it…..I also took 3 bags of kids stuff to a kid charity resale store. I have targeted a few blankets for consideration of elimination. I am familiar w/ an independent living facility that deals w/ poor seniors that is on the look out for this type of stuff….

@Snoopy

DM = Diabetes? I don’t have that and I hopefully won’t get it!

I have insulin resistance because of my PCOS. I’m on medication and when I lose weight, the insulin resistance will go down even more.

@seekingwolf Oh duh! I knew that you had PCOS! I am so sorry…. I flaked out there for a bit.

(yes, DM = Diabetes Mellitus)

@Snoopy and @seekingwolf, holly WOW! That is fantastic the both of you!

@Introverted_Leo, I consider every day surviving school an achievement in itself!

@Dog, progress is progress! And any interest from buyers in todays economy is awesome though not surprising given your work!

@augustlan, you rule! The greatest number of successes I have heard about in my weekly meetings are about just that. People who created their own way!

@Jeruba, it most certainly is something. Don’t forget that!

I filed for unemployment. Finished applying for Badger Care Health Insurance. Updated my Linked-In account, added another job search engine to my batch and started getting stuff together for my site.

I am now getting back on my med’s which will once again get rid of these crippling panic attacks I have. I had to stop all my meds because I couldn’t afford refills without insurance.

@Bri_L I’m glad you’re getting your health insurance sorted out… I’m in the same boat! Luckily, my docs have been very helpful, giving me samples whenever they can. That has really saved me. You’re doing all the right things, and I sure hope some of it comes through for you. :)

@Bri_L what you did this week was a big achievement. Kudos to you for tackling the red tape (the very thought of which overwhelms me) and getting the benefits. It is great that you are taking care of your health as I am sure your stress levels are unhealthy right now.

Your work will take off and a
great job is forthcomeing. You have the talent and your portfolio will really showcase your work.

@Bri_L & Augustlan I am not sure how to qualify, but Walgreens drug store clinics are offering free health care to those who have suffered a job loss. FYI.

@Bri_L

I wish you the best of luck! :)

I was about to mention the Walgreens clinic but Snoopy beat me to it!
If you use Sprint as your wireless carrier, they will pay your phone bill for up to 3 months when you’re let go from your job.

I can’t really add much else, lol, so lurve to @Bri_L. ^_^

Hey @seekingwolf & @Snoopy I just found this site- it is FREE and the more I explore it the more awesome it is! I am setting a goal for more exercise for myself and drinking more water. The support on this site is incredible.

Disregard if you have already discovered said site. :)

@Dog I had seen someone else recommend that site as well….please let us know what you think of it!

@Snoopy From what I have explored so far I think I love it! I used to pay $29. a month to be on WW online and this has everything ww has plus a lot more for free. Plus it is easier to navigate and faster than WW

It has a diet plan
food tracker
iphone app
challenges
There is a lot more but I am going to walk for 15 minutes so I can log it then I will maybe explore more.

But best of all it has a very very positive community and a LOT of success stories.
Oh yeah- and did I mention it was FREE? (I love saying that!)

@Dog oooooh. I just got chills. Lurve for free :)

@Dog

Thanks so much for mentioning this!
I’ve been looking for an online support weight loss group with tools…not WW though cause I don’t have 30/month to spend :(

Thanks again!!!

Thanks gang!

===================== SUNDAY, 4/19/09 ======================

My husband got a job! His old boss called and asked him to come back, but can’t afford to pay him what he was making. It means a $15,000/year paycut, but comes with a company truck, cell phone and (most importantly) health insurance. He starts back Monday morning. :D

I’ve been researching the average hourly rates for Administrative Assistants in my area, and average temp rates for the same work. I figure I’ll need to price my services somewhere between the two. I’ve started a rough draft for a brochure, and am trying on business names for size. That reminds me, I need to post a few Qs about this.

@augustlan AWESOME!!!! Congrats to your family on your husband getting his old job back.

Keep up the research on your job!

Neither of us lost any weight this week boooooooo.
On a positive note, we didn’t gain any either :)

I had only a couple of pairs of work pants that fit (which prompted me to really try to start losing weight in the first place—) and they were both in the wash. Out of desperation I tried on some pants that I knew were probably still too small….only they weren’t—they fit!!!

Additionally, I needed to wear shorts yesterday. The shorts I wore last summer were waaaaaay to large and I had to dig to find the smaller sizes that fit great….and I couldn’t even come close to wearing them last summer.

No weight loss….but still a good week :)

@Snoopy Clothes do tell the tale, don’t they? They’re often more reliable indicators than the scale! Yay. :)

@augustlan, what terrific news! That is such a relief. Hurray! And you are still working toward setting up your own business. Great progress!

@Snoopy, that must have felt great! Good for you. And not gaining does count.

@Bri_L, I missed congratulating you on your progress last week. Thanks for checking back in.

I am still feeling like a slug, dull and lethargic, and I am starting to think it may correlate to a new medication I am taking. I am trying to figure out how to assess my rather complex meds in relation to one another in a personalized way (not just through Drugs.com) that helps me figure out if interactions are causing me problems. I don’t expect to have the energy of a 30-year-old, but I am on a downturn that I don’t like.

Still, I did pick up again with my narrative and made a little progress. Maybe next week I’ll have some numbers to post.

Jeruba Hopefully you can talk w/ your internist or pharmacist to give you clues about possible medication issues.

Perhaps you have a medication from a specialist that is interacting w/ one of your “regular” drugs or something over-the-couner? Perhaps there is a medication that has been added that might cause you to feel sleepy that could be switched to being taken at night?

Hang in there….

@augustlan: wow! That’s great news with your husband! And it sounds like the plans for your new job are coming along. Keep up the great work!

@snoopy: that must have been a great feeling! Good to hear. : )

@Jeruba: I hope you’re able to find out what’s causing the lethargy. That doesn’t sound like fun. And good to hear that you’re still keeping at your narrative!

I’ve probably made some progress here or there on stuff, but nothing really sticks out. I’m just trying to keep at my school work mostly. I am writing in my story journal, but still no actual writing for now. We’ll see how that comes along.

I gained 1.5 lbs. WHAT??!

I have no idea what’s going on. However, my legs are more toned now that I’ve been working out faithfully every day (except for last time – but it was because I jogged 2 miles to a cemetery with a friend @ 9 pm and then we both got SOOO spooked we ran back! haha)

Anyway, I’ve been eating well and working out. I know I’ve been eating well because when I went out to dinner and treated myself to a ground-steak sandwich and a salad. The sandwich literally “sat” in my tummy for hours and I felt so heavy. :( I don’t eat like that at all…so why did I gain weight?

My father says it’s because I’m gaining muscle.

I’m just really upset because my tummy fat hasn’t decreased yet. That’s what I want to get rid of first because it’s VERY bad to have lots of tummy fat and it’s the worst kind…I really don’t want to get diabetes! Why must it all settle there? I’m so apple-shaped.

Oh, and I’m drinking TONS of water, like 4 20 oz bottles a day. I feel odd if I don’t drink that now, so that’s a good sign, right?

@seekingwolf

Muscle weighs more than fat.

I don’t know what your weight is (or was) or what your BMI is (or was). If you are getting more toned….that is what I would focus on….keep up the good work :)

@Jeruba I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad! I hope you get your situation sorted out soon… it sucks to feel like that. It’s good that you’re still working anyway!

@Introverted_Leo Sometimes slow and steady does win the race. It’s all forward momentum!

@seekingwolf Snoopy’s right, muscle weighs more than fat. It sounds like you’re doing great with your eating and exercise routines… keep up the good work! Oh, and that belly fat can be so stubborn! I usually lose weight everywhere else first. :(
I love that you and a friend jogged to a cemetery, but ran back!

Aww thanks guys! I’m just going to keep it up I guess. I’m feelng a lot better now that I’m more fit.

Keep at it, @seekingwolf! From the sound of things, it seems you’re doing a fantastic job, regardless of what the scale says. ^_^

I was waiting to post my progress because I could not bear to post nothing for another week. So I shut off fluther and other distractions for the most part and finally put in the hours it would take to create my New York exhibit and ordered it.

For the first time ever I am not sweating out at the last minute. I will actually be able to relax and create new art for the show because the panels are all done.

@Snoopy AWESOME!!! WOW! That must feel great to be in clothes that were too small before! Bravo!

@augustlan Great News about your husband. We have taken a large cut in the last 2 years and just having a job right now is a wonderful thing. How are you doing on your planning now for your work? I do recommend you make a web site. Are you on a mac or pc?

@Jeruba Here is hoping that you are feeling better by next check in! It is good you are taking the incentive to investigate.

@Introverted_Leo School is hard work in itself. You are doing great just keeping focused through classes.

@seekingwolf Muscle does weigh more than fat and also helps burn fat. I think you are doing fantastic!

@Dog Great job at being proactive…...often a difficult hurdle to overcome :)

@Dog Whoo! I am impressed. I wish I could be in NY to see your exhibit. Good luck!

In answer to your questions, I’m getting there :) I’m on a PC, and know nothing about making web sites but have determined that the domain name I’d like is available. I’ll have more to report on Sunday. I hope.

@augustian I have suggestions for your web site. First secure your domain name (I reccomend Godaddy- and at checkout try the promo code chill3 for a discount)

After you have your domain you can actually make a fairly decent web site out of a free blog like wordpress or blogger.

Once you have your blog-site ready have your domain name forward to the blog URL and use the masking to make the blog URL never show.

Out the door your website will cost under $10.00 :)

@Dog Thanks for the tips. Is there any advantage to securing my domain name through Godaddy vs Google Apps? I really mean it when I say I know nothing!

@augustlan I just went to check out GoogleApps and they are more expensive than GoDaddy. GoDaddy has excellent help via phone too. You can talk to a human :)

I am looking at GoogleApps and it looks like an email client with perks? Am I right?

For what you are doing it could be overkill to pay $50.00 a year for email. Personally I would sign up for a gmail account in your business name and use that because it is reliable, easy and free.

Also when choosing a domain name be sure it does not have any periods, underscores and that it is a .com Think of how you will tell someone your url- it should be really easy to remember and spell. (and the world always assumes the .com)

Be sure when you get the domain NOT to buy any of the multitude of extra stuff they offer on the way to paying. You do not need any of it- no hosting, no privacy, no additional urls etc.

I just tested it out and using the promo code chill3 still works and drops the price from $10.69 to $7.49

Thanks!

@Snoopy That is the coolest when you can slip those old jeans on. Feels great! Great job!
@augustlan Awesome to hear about your husband. I am excited to hear about your venture as well. I am doing the same thing so it is nice to have a comrade in arms. Akin to what Dog was saying about your domain name, most people will guess ”.com” if they try to find your name.
@Jeruba I feel for you. I am on 3 different meds all of which over lap and say “may cause drowsyness” I always wonder what else they are doing to me. You hang in there and don’t be afraid to ask questions and investigate.
@Introverted_Leo What Dog said. When I think back to what I had in school. Then look at what you are trying to do. Then look at what you want to do on top of that. Darned impressive. You don’t get down on yourself
@seekingwolf I can’t tell you anymore than what the others have not. Muscle does way more than fat. Your leg muscles are some of the biggest in your body. Your tummy is often the last place you lose weight. Just keep at it and know your benefitting in ways other than losing pounds.

I have a job lead. An old buddy of mine contacted me about doing 30sec to 1min video previews for self published books for that branch of Amazon.com. I am really psyched as he knows me and my work already. I posted my samples, as limited and client filtered as they are, up on Vimeo. (http://www.vimeo.com/user1642167/videos if anyone is interested). I should hear next week.

WOOT! Bri_L that would be an awesome job!!!!!

@Bri_L Thanks for linking to your videos… very cool. Good luck on the job lead!

@Bri_L cool videos I totally have NO idea how to do that stuff!!!

@all – Thanks. I want to add all these disclaimers because there is so much I wanted to do but wasn’t allowed to by the client or my supervisor.

@Bri_L: that’s fantastic! Good luck getting the job! And nice videos, btw.

================ Sunday, 4/26/2009 ===================

Good Morning Everyone!
My newest goal is to post here on the designated Sunday even if I have nothing to report which is the case for me today. Aside of a few slogans and sketches I have come up with for a series of paintings that involve chocolate I have not touched a brush to canvas.

I will have good stuff to report next week though because my spouse will be on the road which means I can selfishly wallow in my studio creating to my heart’s content without interruption.

How are you all doing?

@Dog: sketches and slogans are good! Sounds like you’re brainstorming, getting the juices flowing.

I’ve been doing the same, in a way, with my story. I think I finally have a working plot coming along and I’m excited about the scenes I have plan so far. It seems writing in an actual paper journal helps me visualize them out before I actually write them and also keeps me from getting distracted on the internet, heh. I was having a hard time trying to meld fantasy elements with an urban industrial world. Eveything I was doing seemd so contrived and…meh. But I think I’ve found a nice balance of the two elements.

I’m gonna keep planning some more, but I’ve already written out bits and pieces of scenes I had in mind, that and a combination of regular journaling and mind mapping, which is helping me figure out the most important elements of my story and figuring out how they all relate to each other as well as finding and filling in plot holes, etc. Yeah, so we’ll see how it comes along. ^_^

But now…I have to get back into the mindset of getting my school projects done. I haven’t done any of that so far this weekend with guests coming over and whatnot. : / Only two more weeks of school but I’ve been ready for it to be over as of like a month ago, lol.

@Dog I like the idea of posting whether we’ve made progress or not… but I’d say you have made progress. I envy you your alone time in the studio this week. Have fun!

@Introverted_Leo How exciting! I know you’ve been having trouble with your story, but it sounds like you are on the right track again. Buckle down on your school work and the next two weeks will seem to fly by. :)

Thanks to Dog’s advice, I purchased my domain name through GoDaddy at a discount! Per Dog’s and Bri L’s instructions, I got a dot com name. I also created an account on wordpress, but so far I have no idea what I’m doing. Anyway, my business name will be Creative Administrative Services or C.A.S. for short and my domain name is CreativeAdministrative.com (nothing to see there yet… just a placeholder).

@augustlan: nice! One step at a time.

Great going, you three! Not all progress has visible outward manifestations. Figuring things out is a step. Setting goals is a step. @Dog and @Introverted_Leo, what you’re doing counts.

@augustlan, you in particular are out there in new territory. We’re pulling for you! (Let me know if you want a proofreader.)

I have a gain of 1685 words since last week and about 2000 since last report. I got back into my narrative this past week and passed through some rather difficult territory.

I also suddenly remembered—and found—a piece of paper I wrote about 20 years ago that actually listed the chronology of events in the period I am writing about, written back when I could still recall the sequences (and in many cases the exact dates) I’ve lately been trying to reconstruct. It turns out that I had a number of key events in the wrong order. Maybe some of my difficulties in piecing together the narrative will go away when I’ve corrected them!

@Jeruba Good job! I can’t believe you were actually able to find a 20 year old list… I can’t even remember what (or if) I ate yesterday. I’m glad you’re getting back in the swing of things. :)

As for your offer of proofreading, I’m all for it… once I have something to show for all of this. What I really need right now is a quick course on how to design a website!

@Introverted_Leo Fantastic progress- to peck away at your goals while concentrating on school! Not easy and admirable that you are journaling and putting bits and pieces together.

@augustlan AWESOME!!! This is wonderful! I love the name!

@Jeruba What a Godsend to find that paper! And 1685 words are to be applauded!

@Introverted_Leo Great job. School and all that makes me dizzy.

@augustlan I also love the name! CreativeAdminitrative! I am so excited for you!!!!!!!

@Jeruba Wow, you have quite the memory my friend! I can’t even remember if wrote a paper in college. Nice find!

@Dog I love selfish wallowing!!

I got 9 computers, 4 CRTs, 2 printers, 11 keyboards, 3 mice, and 2 external hard drives up out of the basement and to the recycle center. I also cleaned off 2 desks and a drawing table. Went through 7 stacks of cd/dvd to verify what, if anything was on them. And I found the info I needed to take apart an inherited eMac and bring it back to life.

@Bri_L WOW!
You are an inspiration with your Recycling and organizing!

I need to do it- that kind of cleaning always inspires a rush of creativity!

@Bri_L I’m so impressed! and jealous
Will you pay a visit to my basement please?

@Jeruba: wow, what a find! Keep up the good work. : )

@Bri_L: holy moly, that’s a lot of stuff! Hey, I could use a mouse. ^_^

Hey! Where are @Snoopy? and @seekingwolf?

Time to go on a manhunt! er, womanhunt.

My wife was pretty happy to.

I’m here!!

Sorry I’ve been studying for finals so I’m rather scatterbrained hehehe
@Dog thanks for reminding me to come to the thread >< Things have been so hectic here!

I’ve lost like… 1/2 of a pound? I think that’s good!
My tummy feels flatter. I was able to wear a shirt that I couldn’t before (well, I could, but I hated wearing it)

The odd thing is I sweat TONS now. It’s not that I get tired or exhausted, but I’ve noticed that when I work out or I even feel a little hot, it’s like WATERWORKS. I may not even feel that hot, but it still happens. it’s so weird.

I am drinking tons and I’m not going to stop doing that because now I’m sucking down water all the time. I have to carry a bottle with me and refill it or else I feel really thirsty. I can’t quench my thirst with anything now other than water…is that odd or is that just a sign that my body is used to lots of water and doesn’t want to do without?

Otherwise, I’m doing great! I can keep my heartrate around 180 for 10–13 minutes at a time which is MUCH better than before!

@seekingwolf- How much water are you drinking per day?
Awesome on the half pound. Also on the shirt!

Hey….sorry all! I am here….

taking a mini-Fluther vacation on the rest of the site, however

I lost a pound. Whoo-hoo! Slow and steady.

I have a long to-do list and knocked a couple of things off of it today that have been weighing on me….I am also continue to shed stuff from my basement (good job Bri).

Keep up the good work all!

@Snoopy AWESOME!!!!
Great job on the basement progress too! See you next week!

@seekingwolf Great job! Glad you checked in, and good luck with your finals. Have you mentioned the sweating and water craving to your doc?

@Snoopy Whoo hoo! Slow and steady wins the race. :) You and Bri should form a company… my basement could be your first job!

@seekingwolf & @Snoopy: nice job you guys! Let’s keep at it!

@seekingwolf great job!!! keep it up. and drink drink drink the H2O

@Snoopy welcome to the club “get this crap out of my basement!” Good job and nice job on the weight loss!!

I gave away a tricyle to a neighbor and I am taking in a huge box of books to the resale store tonight (making some money is better than no money).....the purge continues!

@Bri_L Is this useful to you….?

Whooo hooo @Snoopy!

@augustlan

I mentioned it to my mom (she’s a doc) and she said that when someone is in good cardiovascular health (and drinking more water) they tend to sweat more easily and more of it. So I guess it’s healthier.

The water craving is probably a result of me sweating more. I’m not too worried because I know I’m not pre-diabetes.

@Dog I’m drinking about eight 20 oz bottles of water now…I don’t buy it though, it always comes from my Brita filter or the drinking fountain, whichever is colder. I also drink juice in the morning and milk at lunch or dinner.

that reminds me, I need to go refill my bottle now…

@seekingwolf sounds like you are not excessive. :) High-5 for proper hydration and working out!

@seekingwolf Awesome! You have built-in medical advice. Seems like you’ve got it all under control.

@Bri_L….looks like both Staples and Office Depot are both offering a similar deal…...

@Augustlan Staples’ free deal includes business cards :)

@seekingwolf: Wow, that’s a lot of water! I wish I could drink more of it. It’s a feat for me to drink just two 20oz. bottles, heh. But I wake up every morning already feeling parched. It’s like I have to force myself to drink more water ‘cause I’ve gotten so used to not drinking a whole lot of it for so long. Got nose bleeds, felt really tired… I wonder how long it takes a person’s body to get acclimated to a big influx of water intake?

When I am drinking enough water I feel much better and even look better. Today I will put in the effort to drink water.

@Introverted_Leo

It’s slow process to start drinking a lot of water. If you want to drink more, then just start with one 20 oz bottle a day and work your way up slowly…don’t force yourself! :)
Eventually, your body will start to crave it and then you’ll end up like me hehe.

I started drinking 1–3 a day when I started working out, and then it just increased naturally. I’m so used to it now and I’m starting to really enjoy the taste!

Sometimes it helps to drink Crystal Lite if you have trouble just drinking plain water. I still do it sometimes because i like their lemonade variety.

@Dog

Oh I totally agree! My acne is 10x better now that I’m taking in more water – no extra face washing or extra meds required!

I’m more of a juice person, which may be why it’s difficult for me. I usually drink fruit smoothies, cranberry and grape juice, lemonade, etc. and usually stick with stuff that’s healthy for me, but I guess those can’t be subsitutes for water. However, like you say, Crystal Lite does have a good lemonade flavor…and I like good juice. ^_^ I’ll give it a try.

@Introverted_Leo

MM I really like juices too…however I started to need to watch my sugar and then I couldn’t have them as much. Water is definitely the best choice, but you don’t have to eliminate juice. I still have some everyday. :)

================ Sunday, 5/3/2009 ===================

Good Morning Jeruba!

I am logging of the computer at this moment to work on my overdue Christmas painting. I will be reporting this as progress later today.

Howdy peoples! I don’t have much to report. I am drinking more water! But I’m lagging behind with getting my projects done, lol. Then end of the semester is this Thursday, and I’m just procrastinating, so I’ve gotta gather up the willpower to just get it all done as fast as I can. And as for my story, I’m still working out the plot. It’s coming along. Taking some steps forwards as well as back, but more going forward so that’s a good thing.

Yup, so that’s all I gotta report. :D

I am painting.

The painting is of a horse being ridden by an Elf with Santa nearby.
So far the horse is done, elf is 80% done. People are not my forte.
So now I must break as it is my Mom’s birthday and I need to go get her a cake etc for a dinner party.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I will be when this painting is finished. I have been struggling with this task and so it grew in my mind from a small molehill to a mountain.

@Introverted_Leo Water is good. Progress is progress.

I am done painting the man cave! Well, I might need to touch up a few areas… I’ll know tomorrow when I can see it all in the daylight. One giant step closer to a finished room. :)

@Introverted_Leo Good job with the water… you reminded me to go get a glass of it myself. Wake up tomorrow, throw the shades open to let in the light and get cracking on your school work. You can do it!

@Dog Sometimes starting is the hardest part, right? Sounds like you’ve made great progress on it, and you’ll be done before you know it! I’d love to see it when you’re finished.

@augustlan WOW! Can we see progress on the man cave? I bet it is looking incredible!
Did you make any progress on the business?

I forgot to mention that the posters arrived for my art exhibition in NY and they look awesome. I taped the backs (packing tape- this way the sticky squares to hang them will come off easy without damaging the posters) and put them in the tube so they are ready to go. Usually I tape them at the show but this year set up is going to be fast so I can go walk the city and people watch. :)

I also renewed my DBA (doing business as fictitious name statement)

So I did make some progress this week. I will work on the dumb elf painting this morning and will post pix of it when done. :)

No weight lost this week. sigh

I’m still drinking my water like mad but I wasn’t able to work out that much this week cause I have finals and I’m studying a LOT. It’s just very stressful.

I am proud to say that I am not “stress eating” and my eating habits have remained the same!

@seekingwolf – Kudos for not giving in to the stress eating. I consider this a huge victory as you are holding your ground.

May finals be smooth and may you have total recall!

Ah scholastic ones, don’t be to hard on yourselves. You will look back and be amazed at what you accomplished.

@Dog – Paint like the wind! Hehe. I am impressed however. Your good enough to paint an elf such that his intelligence is apparent.

@augustlan – you go! I really love hearing about it! It keeps me going on mine. I threw out more pieces of stuff this week. and I am fixing and old emac. Yesterday, disassemble and order parts. Soon, reassemble and repurpose. It will hold all our families pictures and video, all of which is backed up on dvd and tape elsewhere.

I also applied for another job. and edited two short videos for the library group I go to.

Oh I also went and gathered a ton more work for my web site and organized it. I hope to have it up this week.

@ jeruba – Hope all is well.

@Bri_L Awesome!
When you get the site hopping drop us a link please!

@seekingwolf Be proud that you are maintaining during a very stressful time! That’s usually when I’d fall apart, and let everything go to hell. You’re not doing that, so yay!

@Bri_L Wow, you’ve been busy! Good work, man.

@all I was offered two jobs yesterday! But, I had to turn them both down. :(
One involved heavy lifting (which I can’t do for medical reasons) and the other required working every weekend. Since I only have my kids with me every other weekend, that was a no-go. Anyway, it gives me hope that maybe things are turning around!

I have not made any progress on my business in the last week. I’ve sort of put it on the back burner to conserve my energy so I can finish the room. I’d like to get it done this week. All that’s left is to put up crown molding and trim out the paneled wall. Oh, and replace the light fixture. Shit. Since the wiring is antique ‘knob and tube’, I can’t do that myself… have to get an electrician for that one.

@ALL: I am hearing rumblings in the art industry that the recession is lightening up and may be over by the end of the year.

Here is to thinking positive and increased income for all!

@augustlan The work will come! Perhaps an electrician will barter :)
Do you live in an antique home?

@Dog Well, an old home at least! It was built in 1929 (or 1931… I can never remember)... and still has all it’s original moldings, and even it’s clawfoot tub. The wiring is a definite throwback to a different, far more dangerous time. ;)

@augustlan Ohhh I have major house- lust! I adore vintage homes! Pix when done please. :)

@Dog: hey, people are tough to draw/paint. Sounds challenging! When is your exhibition again?

@augustlan: yay for finishing with the painting! I can’t wait to see it when it’s done. ^_^

@seekingwolf: hey, stay in there, SW. I’m with you with the finals. Suckiest week of the year, haha. (I’m totally cramming in last-minute stuff right now.)

Oh, I got some (potentially) good news today! I asked one of my professors if he had any job or internship opportunities and he told me he just recieved one today. I’ve got an interview to work as a design assistant with a woman who runs her own interior design business. Since I’m just looking for something that pays and is within the field of interior design, this is good news. I’ll get some experience and hopefully develop some contacts within the field. And it’s part time, but if I get the job I’ll definately push for more hours. (I’ve got tuition to pay for!)

Meh, back to the impossible task of studying & finishing those 2 projects that are due on Thursday… : /

Here I am, the lagger. I’m still having a bit of a struggle, physically as well as mentally. Both affect my energy level and motivation.

I did transcribe that old found record of about 5 years of personal melodrama onto the computer, and in so doing I saw, or think I saw, a telling pattern…just below the surface…something that wants to come out but I can’t quite discern yet. It feels like one of those life truths that people are always confronting dramatically in novels and movies. Rarely in life do they really come in a big climactic scene with tears and fireworks. This one might come while I sit alone staring at my computer screen. There is something there. I just don’t quite see it yet. If you don’t know the truth, how can you tell it?

I’ve read all your postings above and am excited to hear everybody’s progress. Those who are going through finals—that IS an accomplishment, the end of an academic year and a milestone. It definitely counts. I am proud of us. Sorry I’m not posting bigger accomplishments myself at this point.