Raven’s Range
Blather around a virtual range

It’s the last Thursday in January, so I figured I’d make good on my 2008 road map and do an update. Some you win, some you lose. :)

1. I will obtain my American citizenship
   Started filling out forms. Had inevitable panic attack. Borrowed books from library. Need to get away from internet for a few days to give myself fewer excuses not to work through it.

2. I will (relearn) to drive
   See above: one big project at a time.

3. Earn a living from the fruits of my labors, i.e. writing and Markeroni
   Published article #2 is due out any time now. Have done some work on building a network and following through on emails, comments, and links. Have some ideas to roll out for marketing. Signed up second blog for paid posting, only to find that it has a page rank of zero. Bah.

   Steps in the right direction: posting an outstanding set of reader comments on A Little Twist of Texas, starting the Markeroni Challenge, helping set up a member-driven financial challenge to meet Markeroni’s goals.

4. Markeroni goals
   Data entry projects are being set up–good. Tagging/categories is almost done, and would be done by now if I hadn’t run into a bit of burnout caused by taking on just one bit of code too many. I’ve posted a couple of blog posts, and have started a Twitter account as a kind of work log/ongoing account to show people what is involved in running the site. Still working on meeting the $1300 goal: 8.5% of the way there.

5. Blogging
   Blogging schedule is still a little hokey due to having gotten caught up in programming, above. I’m learning that I can either blog or program–the two forms of creativity are sort of incompatible. Therefore, a new lesson is to not take on more than one small piece of a programming project (a day’s worth) at a time.

   I’m doing much better with comments and greeting members who swing by via BlogCatalog. Experimenting with Entrecard and Twitter. I’m actually noticing that if I say hello to a BlogCatalog person they’re much more likely to add me as a friend. And I’ve been learning, learning, learning.

6. Being kinder to my body
   As of yesterday I was at 196 pounds, so I lost 2 pounds and am thus on track to lose 24 this year. I notice a difference in overeating and being conscious. I’ve started going for walks, and am thinking of checking out Volkssporting. Haven’t managed daily exercise yet, but I think it’s coming. I forget my vitamins, and I spend way too much time at the keyboard still. Early to bed? Not so much.

7. Motorcycling
   I’ve been out every week, but I haven’t been for “a ride” every week. On the other hand, we’ve had some very nasty weather that makes riding something that you need to do to get food in but not otherwise.

8. Snarfing
   I finished logging 2006’s snarfs except for one snarfari, which I’m working on. I have kept up to date so far this year except for one short snarfari that I haven’t done yet. Still–so far so good. Likewise, I have one 2007 snarfari left over. No progress on Raven’s Quest yet.

9. Productivity and whelm control
   To my absolute amazement, I am keeping on top of email. It’s really just a case of not having it open all the time, and of working through the usually quite short actions required on a daily basis. I have a road map spreadsheet that is kind of a guide to what needs doing, and that works, though I’m not doing so well with Flylady. I’m doing pretty well with “Do it now.” Making a public whelm level indicator at Markeroni has also been good for a) reminding myself to just keep hacking at it and b) spotting when it’s getting out of control (asking for help).

10. Spirit
    One interesting side effect of walking is that it gives me moments of perfect centeredness, especially associated with the wind blowing. I have done some divination but it’s not a habit. No meditation except that which is achieved almost spontaneously–I’ve sat in Starbuck’s a few times staring out of the window and realized that I have been thinking about absolutely nothing, which is wonderful.

    I’m doing pretty well with not complaining.

11. Mind
    I’m doing much more reading than last year. And I have been writing down puzzling words. I just haven’t gotten around to looking many of them up yet. (Duh.)

12. Writing
    I haven’t been writing up my travelogs soon enough. Rather than notebooks, I’m keeping file cards with me to jot down notes, and have found my tape recorder.

13. Interpersonal
    Hmm, not sure how I’m doing there. I semi-volunteered to help with a (potential) convention for something I’m involved in, and I’m not sure if that was a good idea. I am doing a bit better at thinking about what I say, and dealing with the aftermath of saying what I didn’t mean to say. I guess I’m not doing too well at keeping in touch with loved ones, but that’s something that can change.
    

So. How are you doing with your resolutions/goals/wishes for 2008?

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Puss Reboots
   
2. Robin
   
3. Nicholas
   

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