In which I consider the year ahead: a personal ad.

Yes, we're well into 2010.  That doesn't mean I shouldn't think about what I still want from the year.

So:

What I want:

Meaningful work.  It doesn't have to be a full-time job (multiple part-time jobs or plentiful one-shot work is just fine with me).  But it has to effect people who don't live in the same apartment as me, and it has to be in at least in a neutral way, preferably in an ideal way.

It ought to involve writing, at least tangentially.  Editing is fine, too. If I can make some money off my blog, that would be awesome, but I don't expect that to be a major source of income this year, at least.

As a sub-request, I need the focus to keep my blogs updated more frequently, and to apply to positions I come across online

How this might work:

My current opportunities could prove fruitful.
You, my dear readers, could take advantage of my talents.
Friends whom I've helped in the past can spread the word.
I could fall in love with something I find online.
Something else I haven't thought of, and I'm open to suggestions.

My commitment:

I will work hard with my current opportunities.
I will stay current with invoices.
I will mention that I am available for hire in public fora (hint hint!).
I will apply to jobs I find online.
I will make blogging a priority, instead of viewing it as a selfish luxury that has to wait until everything, ever, is finished.

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In which I evaluate the past week.

I recently read this article at Marc and Angel Hack Life about the end-of-week review.  I figured I'd give it a try, and if it works, great -- maybe I can use it to increase my blogging production!

So:

What did I learn last week?

At a certain point, it ceases to be sangria and becomes marinated fruit salad.  This, in itself, is not a bad thing.

What was my greatest accomplishment over the past week

After eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Chris mentioned to me that it would be great if we found a similar recipe.  I found such a recipe provided by that restaurant!

Which moment from last week was the most memorable and why?

Going to the gym when it was crowded and having to stand around "hot" while waiting my turn to cool down.  I ended up just walking home the long way, and it really annoyed me.  I won't be going at that particular time again.

What’s the #1 thing I need to accomplish this week?

 Emailing our videographer with our music selection.  I've been putting it off for way too long.

What can I do right now to make the week less stressful?  

I'm doing it!  That is, I'm working on my blog so it's one less thing to worry about.  I always feel like it's a luxury I have no right to work on, because other things are more important... but then the blogging doesn't get done at all.
 

What have I struggled with in the past that might also affect the upcoming week?

 
That's private.  Suffice to say I'm keeping it in mind.

What was last week’s biggest time sink?

The new TV! I've already been avoiding it.  

Am I carrying any excess baggage into the week that can be dropped?

Sure -- there's a bookcase needs building that I should have put together last week.  When it's done, we'll have one fewer box and a heck of a lot fewer piles. 

What have I been avoiding that needs to get done?

Noted and on my to-do list.  I've mentioned two already.  

What opportunities are still on the table?

I've bookmarked several interesting jobs.  I should apply to at least one this week. 

Is there anyone I’ve been meaning to talk to?

Yeah, but I suck at it.  How can you hold an interesting conversation with an old friend when the two of you no loner have a shared frame of reference? 

Is there anyone that deserves a big ‘Thank You’?

Chris, for working so hard. 

How can I help someone else this coming week?

It's a surprise. 

What are my top 3 goals for the next 3 years?

Do work that is meaningful and/or enjoyable, cultivate a social life, and travel more. 

Have any of my recent actions moved me closer to my goals?

Not especially, and in at least one case, not for want of trying.

What’s the next step for each goal?>

Keep applying for jobs, attend local events, save money. 

What am I looking forward to during the upcoming week? The Lost premier!  OK, it's not really related to my goals, but I'm really looking forward to it!

What are my fears?

 Nothing I'm going to share publicly at this point.  Well, heights and clowns, but you know...  

What am I most grateful for?

Loved ones, health, and written language. 

If I knew I only had one week to live, who would I spend my time with?

Chris, my family, and as many of my friends as I could squeeze in,


So... would you be interested in seeing more of this?  Are you willing to do your own?

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