My vacation week in review

Since today is the last day of full-on vacation (I don't go back to my nanny job until Monday, but I work both days this weekend), I thought it would be a good time to review the week.  I had a good vacation week, but it seemed altogether too short, and I'm afraid in some respects I wasn't as productive as I wanted -- even though I have to be fair to myself and admit that (as usual) I was overly optimistic about what I could achieve.

Nearing the end of 2013

My weekly goals check for 2013 has fizzled out, I am afraid.  Being a bit burned out after November, I sadly haven't written much lately, so I haven't completed my NaNoWriMo novel, let alone gotten back to revisions on my novel series.  I never did get around to updating my blogs and websites, let alone my other writing projects, and I am still stuck on the first novel I tried reading from my 2013 reading list.  Even my horses haven't gotten a lot of attention lately (partly thanks to NaNo, partly thanks to getting sick almost as soon as it was over, and partly thanks to the deep freeze Denver experienced after November ended).

Goals check for the week of October 14

Let me start out by saying that last week was not a terribly productive week.  I've been pretty stalled with my novel, and have hardly worked on it at all.  Partially as a result and partially because I had an idea I liked, I've decided to take a break from my novel series and work on something completely different, a "fun" story that I'm not actually investing with any plans for the future, this November during NaNoWriMo.

Anyway, here is last week's rundown.

Goals check for the week of October 7

Last week was an odd mix of productive and unproductive.  I participated in the Muse Online Writers Conference, and I knew going into the week that the conference would replace any work on my novel.  (In some ways, I have to admit, I was glad of it -- I've been very frustrated with feeling "stuck" on my novel, so I was glad to be taking a break from it for a week, but I was also hoping the writers conference would inspire me to get back to work.  Too early to tell yet if it's had that effect.)

Goals check for the week of September 30

Last week wasn't a very productive week.  I've still been feeling stuck on my novel -- I completely lack the interest in working on it, as well as the motivation to make myself do it anyway.  Hopefully this week will help to repair that, since it is the week of the Muse Online Writers Conference, and I am planning on participating in quite a bit.  And with NaNoWriMo coming up, too, hopefully that will help me to get back in gear.

Goals check for the week of September 23

Last week was a difficult week for me.  I didn't ride all week, and I only did minimal work on my novel.  My first foray into a writing critique group was difficult for me, and although it wasn't all bad, I have struggled with wanting to write the past week.  The horses got very little attention too, primarily because my week conspired to keep me away.

So this will probably be the most dismal post of the year as far as my goals go, but I'm going to write it anyway.

Goals check for the week of September 16

Yesterday was a crazy start to the week -- I had my annual eye exam that included having my eyes dilated.  That usually takes forever to go away on me, so I took the entire day off from work of all kinds.  Today is technically the first day of the week for me, therefore.

I had a reasonably productive week last week behind the computer, though not as productive when it came to horse things.  I made good progress on the novel, though, which makes up for the lack of attention the horses got.  (I think so, anyway -- they might not agree.)

Goals check for the week of September 9

I am writing this late Sunday night because I have a number of things to do Monday that will keep me out of the house pretty much all day until I have to pick up the kids from school.  It's not a good way to start a week, especially if I want it to be a productive week, but hopefully I can make up for it on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This past week was middling -- a little less productive on my novel than last week, but the horses got more attention, which is probably where my noveling time went.

Goals check for the week of September 2

Last week was happily more productive than previous weeks, at least as far as my novel went -- and this despite the holiday and the fact that my husband was home from work all week long.  I am hoping for even more progress this week, now that hubby is back to work -- though admittedly, that might be a tall order, since I have several things (riding lessons, doctor's appointments, and my mother, oh my!) conspiring to take up my mornings.

Goals check for the week of August 26

Today is Labor Day and I am spending it by laboring away!  I have an extended weekend away from my nanny job, which I am celebrating by working on other things.  Writing really has become my non-day job in so many ways, the most obvious being that I consider a day writing to be "a day off."

The past week wasn't as productive for my goals list as I'd hoped, though -- my new computer has motivated me to get some things done, but that means I've spent more time doing admin things such as setting up the computer and going through email.  It is necessary stuff, however, so I can't feel too bad about it.

Goals check for the week of August 19

Last week was both fun and productive.  Not only did I get my new computer and spend a lot of time playing with it, setting it up, and enjoying the heck out of it, but I also had a very productive week in terms of both writing and horses (my biggest priorities).  I feel like I've been given a great gift, having an extra couple of hours every morning and afternoon before I have to go to work.  Unfortunately I do have to work earlier today (the kids have a half day since it's their first day of school), but overall it feels great to be back to my school-year schedule.

Goals check for the week of August 12

One more report of disappointing progress, but from there on out I think things will improve dramatically!  Already, two days into this wonderful week, I am getting lots done and having a great week.  I look forward to seeing what the rest of the week will bring.

Last week on the other hand wasn't so great.  It was the last week of my summer schedule, though, so I literally just gritted my teeth and rode it out...

Goals check for the week of August 5

I am now in full countdown mode until the end of my summer schedule -- currently three more days.  Last week and this week have been very busy, though, so not much progress to be expected until the kids go back to school.

Goals check for the week of July 29

I'm in the middle of another busy week, which is why this is again a day late.  I keep reminding myself that there are only two more weeks until I go back to my regular school-year schedule -- it's the only way I'm getting through these last few weeks of the summer.  The family I work for has company and so things have been busier and more hectic than ever.  Once I am only working after school hours again, however, I'll have my mornings and early afternoons to myself again...  I can't wait!

Last week being the first week of their company, I worked some extra hours and didn't have much time for my goals.  I've had worse weeks, but I've also had much better.

Goals check for the week of July 22

Last week was, quite simply, nuts.  I worked a lot all week, and although the kids and I went to the barn a lot and therefore got plenty of horse time in, I didn't get much else done on my goals.  I had various things going on most evenings during the week, and therefore didn't get a chance to do any work from home until the weekend.

Goals check for the weeks of July 8 and July 15

This past week was so busy that I didn't have a chance to post about last week, so I'm doing a two-for-one post.  Since I was on vacation the first week, and the second week was almost the reverse (constantly busy), this post is going to be something of a mixed bag.

Goals check for the week of July 1

I've been having such a productive week -- this week being my week off (and my week being home) -- that I haven't wanted to blog about last week.  Not that last week was bad, mind you, I just was on a roll and didn't want to take a break from that.

And actually, since I have limited time to work today, I want to squeeze as much work in as possible -- so let's give you the quick rundown so that I can get back to it.

Goals check for the week of June 24

Today is not only the first day of the week, but also the first day of the July session of Camp NaNoWriMo, which I will be using to keep my revisions going throughout the month.  Last week was only moderately productive, but I am hoping that with the pressure of Camp NaNo, the next month will be more productive -- especially next week, when I am taking a "staycation" with the intention of spending almost the entire week on writing and some admin tasks (tracking work expenses and such) that I've been putting off.

Goals check for the week of June 17

Last Monday, I acknowledged that the week might not be very productive, since I had a lot of other responsibilities taking up my time off.  I was right... in a way.  I didn't get much done while we were home, but once we went on our vacation, that all changed.

Goals check for the week of June 10

It just figures that immediately following two of the most productive weeks I've had all year, this last week would be my least productive.  At least, I think it's probably about the least productive.  It was my first week of my summer schedule, and it was a reminder of how much busier I am when the kids are out of school, and my hours double.