101 in 1001 update

I crossed two more things off the list: return to the stage and knit something wearable. That makes 8 tasks complete and 93 to go. That sounds like a lot of tasks, but most of them are fun things, so I'm not worried! I'm close to crossing a few of them off, but I won't do it until I've actually completed the whole task. I guess I could have crossed off the "return to the stage" one when I got the part, but I waited until the run was over to do it. I guess I'm just strange that way! But anyway, so that's my progress so far. Hopefully I'll be able to complete the tasks before the deadline...

A return to the stage

I'll wait until I've actually done at least one performance to cross this off my 101 list, but I had to officially announce that I'm returning to the stage! Last night, Rhea and I went to audition for a play at Theatre 98, a wonderful company in my hometown that has been around since the early sixties, and I got the call today. They offered me a part and, of course, I took it! Unfortunately, Rhea was not offered a part, but the director did encourage her to try out again because her audition was great. They just didn't really have a part for her in this play, which is sad because I wanted us to both be in it, but I think she's going to do some backstage work. She has lots of experience with lights and other aspects of backstage work (I have no experience in any of that but want to try it sometime) so I'm sure they will take her up it and give her a good job backstage!

Anyway, the play is "Fuddy Meers" by David Lindsay-Abaire. I'm playing Heidi, who is a "tough-guy" kind of girl, which is very unlike me, so I think it'll be fun. The play sounds quite funny and the bit of the script I read for the audition was hysterical. Really off the wall. I think it's the perfect way for me to return to the stage, although I actually assumed my first would actually be a musical. But that's okay. There's another local company doing a musical later this year, so I might actually audition for that once this one is over. I have a feeling that I'm going to be bitten by the bug again. It's all about being in the moment, becoming someone else, and hearing the instant reactions of the audience. I love it!

I think this is just the kind of thing I need in my life right now. I need involvement, something to really sink my teeth into, something I can have passion for and enjoy while also being in the company of others. So many of my passions are solitary, it's good to have one that is not, especially since I'm an ENFJ. (Hmm... that sounds like a good topic for another blog post. Maybe tonight...)

interesting days...

Wow, it's been a busy few days. Work has been crazy, and I've actually been having more of a social life than usual (which is a good thing.) Nothing serious, no dates or anything, but I have been spending more time out with friends and with my sister and less time at home. It's pretty much at the point where I would like to spend some time at home just to collect my thoughts and do some much-needed work around the house! The laundry situation is becoming desperate, as evidenced by what I had to wear to work today, lol. I can't complain, though. I was going to go home last night and spend Valentine's Day sitting at home watching Bones and Lost and working on one of my novels, but instead a friend asked me if I wanted to have dinner. I'm glad I went, because it was better being out and enjoying great company than being in and wishing I wasn't alone. Only occasionally do I feel lonely, and on holidays that are all about being with someone, that loneliness tends to come rushing to the surface. Normally I'm really happy about being single, because it means I have complete control over my life and I don't really have to consider someone else when I make plans. So anyway, it was a fun diversion and I'm glad I did it. However, now I'm behind on some things that I was going to do, so tonight I will need to kick it into high gear! I have a few letters to write, and I've recently gotten a fun brainstorm for one of my books, so I'm going to work on it for at least a couple of hours tonight while I'm getting my laundry done, and I need to write some stories for the SA newsletter by Sunday, so I'll probably work on one or two of those as well. Also, there's a new magazine in my area and they are looking for writers to contribute pieces, so I'm going to contact the editor today and see if they would like to see some writing samples. I found out about this through my local writer's guild, so I'm sure it's legit. I'm also going to start looking for other opportunities like this, and will hopefully find some steady jobs that I can do in the evenings after work. One thing about me is, if I have a deadline, I will cancel all plans and work until it's done... early. I always aim for several days before deadline because you never know what might happen.

So anyway, there's a lot going on, obviously! And in the midst of all this, I look at my 101 in 1001 list and realize that I haven't done much on it lately. I need to get back to it, because there are several things on that list that are time sensitive. There are a few things in the works, though. As soon as my fundraiser is over in May, I'm going to officially join the Mobile Writers Guild. I've been trying to join for awhile, but our fundraising committee keeps scheduling meetings on the same night as the guild meetings. So as soon as that's over, I'm joining! Also, I just found out that a local library has a "Classics Revisited" book club, so I'm going to join that next month. That will be two things on the list.

Anyway, I'm going to stop here, but look for a recap of my LA trip (hopefully) tonight. I'll do that after I work on the book. So much to do... so little time...

Knitting update #2

Check out my 101 in 1001 blog for an update on the knitting project, as well as a picture of my work in progress. I'm still not getting the purl stitch, so this particular scarf is extremely basic, but I figured out how to bind off and I'm getting really good at the knit stitch. I'm still not very fast, but I figure that will come in time. Anyway, there's an update for you on that!

Knitting is hard

I have to go buy a better knitting book. I've finally figured out how to do the knit stitch, but I can't figure out how to bind off. The pictures just don't explain the process very well and I'm getting totally confused. It's so frustrating because I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, but I can't manage to do this thing that millions of people learn how to do when they are kids! Of course, I'm sure I'll feel the same way when I start learning how to sew. I guess I'm in for an interesting 1001 days!

Write a 5 year career plan - Complete

Today I finished the second goal on my 101 in 1001 list. I wrote a 5 year career plan. More details can be found here. It's nice to cross things off a list!

My 101 Things in 1001 Days

So here's the skinny on a new project I've decided to start. I made a blog for it just to stay organized, but I know I'll be posting updates on the project here too. I came across this concept while randomly surfing the other day and decided it would be interesting to try. Here is some information on the project: (Full details as well as a list of people participating can be found here)

The Mission:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:

Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.