2011 Check-In, Month 6

Wow, half way through the year already! Here’s my last update, from the beginning of June.

Writing: I was supposed to write a short story and start a new proposal. I wrote (most of) a short story. This month I’m definitely starting a new proposal (and I can’t wait! This will be my first new book in almost two years).

Home: The only thing I accomplished on my last month’s goal list was starting work on the Ent. I cut down all the vines I could reach, but they are still surviving (and choking) my beautiful 100-year old maple. I’m not sure what to do except keep going up (though I may need pro help) and hope for the best. Other goals for this month include:

• finish cleaning out my closet (I have two big boxes to donate/trash but I bet I can get another one)
• get rid of the furniture we don’t use anymore, (including two dressers)
• finish babyproofing as Q grows more mobile by the day (she’s crawling with her belly up now, and pulling herself up on anything she can reach)
• put in the rocks around the AC units near the patio
• clean out the flower garden and replant
• create an herb garden
• Do something about the vines/weeds taking over our yard.

Blog: I blogged 11 times in June. Not bad. I’ve already blogged 4 times in July. I need to keep it up. But I’ve been a bit seduced lately, by Twitter and Pinterest (especially the latter, as I get interested in homey stuff).

Quality Time with SB: Quality time with SB devolved into a lot of sitting on the couch and watching Modern Family. We should work to make our time more “quality” — not that I don’t love Modern Family. I’m thinking of trying to plan a mini-break somewhere we can all — the four of us — go. Beach house, mountain cabin — someplace fun. Any ideas?

Rio: She’s better! Yay! We changed her food and she cleared right up. Except, her teeth are still chipping and I’m not sure what’s she’s chewing on, as I’ve removed all her bones and hard things from her toy box. Does she just have really soft teeth? We’re also continuing with our evening walks, and she goes to the park a few times a week.

Garden: Ahem. But obviously, the rest of my yard needs massive work.

And, the big list:

1. Revise/finish my contracted novel.
2. Write short story #1
3. Write short story #2
4. Write short story #3
5. Write short story #4
6. Write essay #1
7. Write new proposal #1
8. Write new proposal/book #2
9. Go to one writing-related conference.
10. Walk my dog.
11. Plant a garden.
12. Make sure I spend quality time with Sailor Boy.
13. Do at least two home improvement projects.
14. Cut our budget.

Notice there’s a new item on this list? That’s right, I signed up for another project this month. Yay!