Hi everyone! This last week was a long one for me, filled with work and family duties and now the cold that has been going through my family has caught up to me. However, all that said, this was not a bad week. Yes, a couple things had to be set aside this week because of the schedule but the planning and prioritization that I’ve worked to put in place, paid off in the end.
I’m still reading Danse Macabre (fascinating read and I’m learning a great deal) so instead of a book review I’ll let you in on couple secrets that got me through this week.
1) I know everyone in ROW has a rough stage from time to time – things just don’t go as planned – sudden demands on our time arise or unforeseen events intrude. If we struggle or run we are likely to end up capsized or overwhelmed, however, if we accept that what is going on requires our attention we will be able to focus on it and get back to the things that are important to us more rapidly.
2) Priorities minimize losses. I attach a priority to most of my activities: some of these are sacrosanct, such as, family, the day job that pays the bills and writing. Below these sacrosanct things are Needs, Wants and Desires. When a ripple rocks our boat the things that are sacrosanct are the things we make sure don’t fall off. When pressure needs to be relieved to keep the boat from tipping over – it is the desires and wants that go first. This week, I had to take a blog break and my exercise goal bit the dust for the most part – but, the writing held steady.
3) Realize that what you let go can’t always be returned or made up. Actually, trying to recover that which we sacrificed has a way of weighting us down at the exact time when we need to be stabilizing our world. Once the ripple is past simply moving back into your original flow is the best way to go.
Hope that make sense – if not, chalk it up to my being medicated and have a lovely day *grin*
So, here is how my week went.
-Write 7k of fiction. Yes, made this one, although just barely most days. Really have to thank my wife on this one – she helped protect my writing time and her help made all the difference. Nothing has moved with WWBC this week – one of the things that got sacrificed although I have been scribbling down notes and working out the logline during spare moments.
-30 minutes of treadmill 5 times a week. Yeah, I got in two. Once this cold passes I’ll be back on it but I think this goal may be taking a radical shift heading into Round 2.
-Read 4 books by April 30 (listed on 3-11 update). I’m about two-thirds of the way through Danse Macabre. Always love reading King, he has an interesting way of both informing and instructing at the same time. Hopefully, this one will be ready for a review when we return in a few weeks for ROW Round 2.
-Sponsor duties. I visited almost 30 of you last week, although I think that will be a bit lower today due to the nature of this cold. Round One is drawing to a close in a few days and this will be my last update until Round Two – but before I go I wanted you all to know how fantastic I think each of you is and how proud I am to share this journey with you. May the muse guide your pens and the sun ever shine upon your gloried paths. Hope to see you all back for Round 2, starting on April 2.
Peaceful Journeys!
Gene Lempp ~ Writer 
Yay Gene! Hope you are feeling better… smart man not tread-milling while under the weather..
7k on fiction.. Wowzah!!! You are doing such a fine job, Gene!
I love reading King as well, but have never read Danse Macabre.. looking forward to the review!
Enjoy the rest of your day, Gene… 😀
You have an awesome sponsor, Gene, and you know we all adore you! *high five* for getting in your word count despite the cold and a heavy schedule! Kudos to your wife for respecting and helping to protect writing time!
You’ve done so well with the exercise this round…I’ll be interested to see how you change it up. I’m thinking you may be at a point where you can just maintain your current fitness level.
I think you’re absolutely right…when you’ve gotten behind in your goals, just back on schedule. Catching up is great but isn’t always possible.
Great round…see you in Round 2!
Go, Gene! For a germ-riddled fella, you sure rocked the ROW this week! I get what you’re saying about “making up” things having the negative effects of weighing you down and holding you back. Some things you just have to let go. Nice work.
Hope you get past this cold soon! Congrats on all you did get done.
Its always motivating to read your updates. You’re always on schedule. See you in Round 2.
Feel better soon!! You had a fantastic round Gene, completely rocked the ROW 🙂
Get yourself recharged and rejuvenated for next round, Gene. It’s been awhile since I’ve stopped by – and I’m glad I did. You’re a great example of successful goal setting with realistic expectations.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Colds are the worst. You’re such a hard worker and thoughtful person, Gene. What great comments on getting off track.
Oh Gene – I hope you feel better soon! Your post was full of wisdom. I’ve learned so much through ROW80, and this round I finally got right! Just in time for me to play around with those goals for next time, lol.
No need to stop by, you deserve time away to rest and refuel. Thank you so much for being you and such a positive force! Get rest! 🙂
I can’t believe you still made your 7K when you were sick. What an inspiration you are! You’re so organized, too. I really need to start writing down a schedule for myself to make sure I’m not wasting time. My big problem is when I write something down, I’m so rigid with myself, it’s all or nothing. LOL
Darlene: Loving Danse Macabre – King really delves into what horror uses to tap into primal fears and concerns which I think carries well to other genres as well. Thanks for the support 🙂
Marcia: Maintenance is most likely the direction I’ll be taking in the future as far as exercise. Would love to do more but there is simply no time. Thanks, friend 🙂
Alica: Thanks!
Nicole: Thanks – see you in Round 2 🙂
Raelyn: Thanks!
Nadja: Always great to see you Nadja and thanks for the support 🙂
Stacy: Ugh, yes this cold is no fun, an energy drainer but I’m working in between naps. Thanks for the support 🙂
Marie: Actually, I think I was on your site while you were here – you should consider being a sponsor some round, I think you’d be great at it. Thanks, my friend 🙂
Lauralynn: Rigid is a rough master – flexibility and self-forgiveness are the real keys. I started rigid, however and totally understand what you mean – the schedule is meant to keep us on track, just like an outline in writing, but there is nothing that says we can’t diverge from the path when life or events necessitate. Try it out – but be easy on yourself and remember that you are the master of your path – not the schedule 🙂
Your three points are music to my ears. I don’t think I have ever heard a better explanation about how we ought to view and use our time. I believe the waters of your heart run deep and that keeps you from capsizing. Thanks for all the encouragement this quarter.
Sorry you are feeling poorly, it does really knock things a bit sideways!
Well done on all your achievements, you have had a great round! Take care and enjoy the last four days 🙂
Feel better, Gene! Even being sick, you rocked in so many areas. And fab for you on the prioritizing and taking care of yourself and the things that are most important first. Wise words on not rushing back to make up everything that we might have to temporarily let go. One would never catch up or find balance then. Moving forward in the calm is key.
As so many say here, Gene, your blog is always inspiring, informative or both so I make sure I have time to read and enjoy. Really enjoy following your blog and will see you in round two as well.
Karen
Such as fantastic sponsor and ROWer, Gene! You were one of the main reasons why I joined – have I ever told you that?
I’m tremendously sorry THE COLD caught up with you. It really feels like and all CAPS one, in my opinion. It raged through our household and is finally, finally easing up for all. Feel better – blog breaks are a good thing, and something I’m considering when I go to DFWCon in May.
See you in Round 2!!
Feel better soon! Stellar week, even sick – wow!!! And I love the wisdom you share with all of us – so true!! You’ve truly outdone yourself as a sponsor and cheerleader and I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciated your kind and motivating words. Really made a big difference to me so…thank you!!!
Here’s to getting the cold behind you and having a rocking week on all fronts. 🙂
Wow, you’re the sponsor poster guy. Your words of wisdom and encouragement are always appreciated by participants. Nice job on the word count. I’m learning to flip my schedule and make sure I get that important writing in first! Knock it out in these last few days!