P.A. Moore's Blog, page 2

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Week in Review! February 2016

Personal:
Purchased tickets for Valentine's Weekend Date Concert
Made Reservations for Valentines Weekend Dinner 1
Purchased tickets for March Date Night Concert
New bright pink gel Manicure & light pink Pedicure
Colored grey hair at temples with Clairol Loving Care #5A
Shopped for Super Bowl Party
Returned impulse purchase items to QVC - didn't fit
Bought 4 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies
Attended 1 Pilates Class/ Missed 1 class
Purchased New Pilates mat - so I don't have to use the grungy ones at the gym
Read Mornings with Jesus daily devotions 7 days in a row


Writing:
Registered for RWA Conference in San Diego in July
Completed Hotel Reservation
Completed Tactics and Actions Assignment for Strategic Planning Course
Didn't final in Great Expectations Writing Contest
Investigated possibility of attending Romance Slam Jam Conference in Detroit 2016

Mission Statement

I've been taking a class on Strategic Planning for my writing career. The course is sponsored by the Passionate Ink Chapter of Romance Writers of America and is held in a great online forum for class work called Moodle. Love it. Hate classes held in Yahoo Groups.
Anyway, one of the assignments was to create a mission statement.

My mission is to become an award winning, best selling author by writing and re-writing, learning from other authors, entering and judging romance writing contests, participating in critique groups and taking classes online and in person.  I network by making friends with other romance writers, joining professional organizations and volunteering my time and energy to support the craft of romance writing. I work daily on improving my craft. My mission is to have fun, live well and enjoy the process.

Week in Review! February Dreams!

Completed 2 one hour Pilates classes
Completed 3 mile and one half lunch time walks
Critiqued one manuscript
Completed Strategic Plan workshop - Goal Setting Assignments


Set up new tablet purchased from QVC - uncertain if I will keep or return
Picked son up from Basketball game and took him to the emergency room
Son to Orthopedist on Monday
Daughter to Dermatologist on Monday
Car to tune up on Tuesday



February Dreams!




















Review critique suggestions on my manuscript
Participate in February critique exchange
Register for RWA San Diego Conference
Complete Strategic Planning Course

Identify contractor for home bathroom remodels
Walk 4 days a week at lunchtime
Attend Pilates Class 2 X per week
Add strength training to workout
60 Cardiovascular workout at gym 3 X per week




 Mommy's Rose Garden

Week in Review!

Shave Ice from Hawaii. Snow doesn't have to be all bad.
 Author P.A. Moore at Diamond Head in Hawaii Nov. 2015
 I've been working hard on my developing my writing career and getting published. Working hard on improving my health and well-being as well.
Enrolled in Passionate Ink Chapter - Strategic Plan CourseCompleted 3 exercises on Values, Vision, MissionDeveloped Mission Plan, Vision Statement and Clarified ValuesDrafted MotivationsDrafted Blurb for Rumors, Revenge, RemorseDrafted Blurb for Over pack, Overdress, Over DoseEntered Washington Romance Writers WRW Marlene ContestDrafted 5 page Synopsis for Rumors, Revenge, Remorse Wrote 2000+ words this weekEdited synopsis to 675 words for Rumors, Revenge, RemorseEntered Kiss of Death Chapter Daphne contest  Sign up for Graze snack delivery service at workSold Coach basket online to pay for Hauge class 2/13 sponsored by Silicon Valley RWA Signed up for Cultural, Interracial and Multi-cultural Chapter of RWACompleted Critique for 1 or 2 Manuscript
Progress on Exercise
Attended Pilates Class 2 X this WeeksWalked or Cardio Workout at least 3 X per weekTracked foodWore Fitbit daily
Other Things
Took son to hospital on Friday night for evaluation of sprained or broken ankle.
Next Week's Wish List
Attend 2 Floor Pilates Classes (Tuesday and Thursday Nights)Cardiovascular Exercise 3 X per week ( Elliptical or Bike or Treadmill or Walk)Complete 2nd ManuscriptComplete Synopsis for Deadly TreasuresComplete Synopsis for Deadly VoyageGet oil change for carGet car tune-up serviceSon to orthopedist appointmentDaughter to dermatologist appointmentSchedule February 2016 massage appointment

Check out Graze Snack Delivery Service.

Kids at the Honolulu Zoo in November 2015

Week in Review!

Pele - The volcano goddess
Me in front of the smoldering volcano caldron in Hawaii - December 2015
I'm well on my way to achieving my goals for 2016.
Worked out 4 days at the gym this past week. Tried out the elliptical machine and discovered its my new favorite cardio machine. Discovered there is a walking tracker on my Samsung phone and put it to use to walk around my office building during breaks. 6 laps around equals 1 mile. Made 2 walks during the week when it was raining. Tracked my food daily including my 2 glasses of Beringer White Merlot white that I enjoyed on Friday evening. The super large baked potato with butter I've been enjoying this week as well. Still managed to stay under caloric goals. Spent a day in bed because I was feeling depressed, anxious and not well. I completed a 2016 vision board aka collage and hung it near my bed. Signed up for the Kiss of Death - Romantic Suspense Chapter of Romance Writers of AmericaReserved a room at hotel in San Diego for the RWA Conference albeit not at the conference rate so it is super expensive. So far hubby is planning to go with me so it might be a fun get away even though I won't be able to totally relax with him there. It will be nice to have him company. Last time I looked at the RWA reservations I think there is an option for partners to come along to some of the events such as the dinners and some parties. Reread rules for new critique group I joined at the end of last year. First exchange is this week so I am looking forward to getting to know the women in the group. Entered 2 different manuscripts into the North Texas RWA Great Expectations contest for feedback and possible bragging rights. Deadline was January 4th.Figured out an unusual method of death for one of my mysteries. I hope it is feasible. Goal for next week is to research and ask questions on Crime Scene Writers yahoo groups.Drafted rough outline for new erotic romance novel or novella.Listed Things that were not in my plan but needed to do them:
Purchased a set of Philosophy scented shower gels from QVC - Can't remember the price but it was on easy pay. Auto delivery with 4 different scents arriving every 4 months for a year. I've been buying drug store scented gels and decided to treat myself this year. Purchased a large 10" tablet from QVC - One time only value $129 with easy payPurchased a Susan Graver Faux Leather lined blazer. 5 easy pays of $8.99. QVC didn't have the size I wanted so I am afraid the blazer won't fit. Most likely will send it back. Goals for the coming week!
Begin work with critique group.Prepare entry/ entries for NEORWA chapter contest. Clarify rules and entry requirements.Write 2000 words on Deadly Voyage.Exercise.Get manicure/ pedicure.Pick up pretty journals at TJ Maxx or Ross.
Me in front of the Kauai Marriot Resort. I think I'll stay here when I visit Kauai again.

2016 Goals

PersonalLose Weight 2 plus pounds per week
Track Food on Fitbit
Exercise 5 times a week at Gym
Walk 5 days a week during lunchtime at work
Work on drought tolerant garden in front yard.
Graduate daughter from high school.
Get daughter into 4 year college with dorm.
Wear hair natural.
Make at least 2 good women friends.
Pay off at least one bill.
Don't buy any dolls.
Clear clutter from garage. Sell/ donate some garage stuff.
Attend at least one scrapbook crop event.
Finish scrapbooking cruise pictures.
Save cash for RWA conference so don't have to charge
Learn WordPress
Set up Etsy vendor page
Attend at least 3 Outdoor Afro Events
Attend at least 3 Girlfriend Social Club events
Hire plumber for replace toilet and other plumbing upgrades.
Replace house front door and screen.

2016 Writing GoalsAttend RWA Conference in San Diego in July 2016
Keep something in the mail! - Write One . Sub One.
Join Cultural, Interracial and Multiracial CIM Chapter of RWA
Join a local RWA chapter
Complete 3 novels that are partially complete
Submit novella to Carina Publishers
Query Agents
Obtain Agent representation
Volunteer at RWA conference
Enter 4 RWA writing contests for feedback and bragging rights
Enroll and complete at least 4 RWA writing classes
Review RWA University classes
Update Blog Monthly
Learn Word Press
Create another blog/ website
Come up with a pen name(s)
Participate in new critique group monthly
Identify a regular critique partner outside of the group

2015 Year in Review! Goals Recap

2015 Personal Goals and Outcomes:Track Food on My Fitness Pal App - Occasionally. Just recently linked Fitbit to food diary. Plan to use it more in the new year.
 Eat vegetarian at least 4 out of 7 days - Tried. Even went all out vegan for a few weeks. Deciding to go low carb in 2016 in order to lose weight.
 Walk 4 out of 7 days per week- No. I was a butterball by the end of the year. Very little exercise and the pictures from Hawaii prove it. Will do better in 2016.
 Go camping at least 2 times this year - Camped 1 time with Outdoor Afros at Col. Allensworth State Park in June. Kids in front of one of the stores at Col. Allensworth State ParkAttend at least 3 Outdoor Afro events - Attended 1 event Allensworth Campout Kids putting up the tent at Col. Allensworth ParkAttend at least 2 Girlfriends Social Events - Attended 2 event - The 2015 Vision Board Party in January 2015 and the Napa Winery Tour/ Outlet Shopping Trip.
 Pay down Visa card balance - Charged up and paid down 2 new cards. Refinanced remaining balance to 0% interest card.
 Keep hair natural/ No Weave in 2015 - Sigh. Yes hair has remained natural i.e. no relaxer. Did a big chop/ shaved cut in February. Had hair braided in February. Weaved up in April or May. Re-braided for Hawaii. Natural / Afro in late December.
 Attend at least 1 scrapbook crop this year - Attended Scrapbook Expo in Santa Clara in August 2015. Stayed late for the Crop but didn't stay overnight as I like to do.  Missed having a hotel room to go to for bathroom breaks and rest from the crowds.
 Create drought resistant garden in front yard - Dug up bush on side of garage. Replanted with smaller drought resistant plants. Cut back succulents in front of house. Pulled weeds. Edged border with red scalloped bricks.
Side of Garage Before
After but before removal of roots and replanting
After but before replanting
Front of House After Trimming Succulent
Forgot to take a Before Picture so here is the after picture. Update blog 2X per month - No.  Recap Writing Goals for 2015 and Outcomes:Become PRO w/ Romance Writers of America RWA - Yes. Submitted ISBN and manuscript. PRO is now required to become a general member.
 Complete the 2 in progress Novels Deadly Treasures, Deadly Rumors - No.
 Find Critique Partner/ Partners - I did join a critique group for part of the year. It was very structured, we had to post our reviews to yahoo groups in the email, we didn't use track changes, the moderator had to approve the critique before she posted it.  By August, the group had gone on hiatus.
 Obtain Agent representations - Didn't even try or query any agents.
 Complete 2+ erotic novels - No. Didn't even write any new manuscripts.
 Complete at least 2 writing courses -  Completed 1 course through the Guppies Chapter of Sisters in Crime. I felt the Yahoo groups was difficult to follow.
 Enter at least 3 RWA writing contests for feedback and potential bragging rights -  I intended to enter some contests last year but didn't.
 Attend at least 1 writers conference to network and meet potential agents - No.
 Join local RWA chapters- No.
 Join Sisters in Crime - Northern California Chapter - Yes. Also joined the Guppies chapter. Didn't feel that the group was supportive as I would like it to be. Folks were rude in email and when suggestions were offered. I'm letting my membership lapse and focusing on RWA groups.
 Attend at least 3 local chapter meetings of each. - No. Didn't feel that the Sisters in Crime group was welcoming. RWA Meetings weren't convenient but will try to reach out next year.  Other 2015 Accomplishments Not Planned:Taught 2 teenagers to drive.Celebrated 25th Wedding AnniversaryCelebrated 51st BirthdayFamily to Hawaii for 10 day trip over Thanksgiving. Cruised. Visited 4 islands including Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai.   

Quarter in Review! January thru April 2015!

Hubby and I in New Orleans, April 2015
Hubby in French Quarter - April 2015
Bourbon Street - New OrleansBooked and cancelled Alaskan Cruise for late July
Booked and cancelled Southern Caribbean Cruise for post Christmas
Researched hotels in New Orleans. Booked four including a condo timeshare before cancelling and deciding on Courtyard Marriott Iberville where we stayed.
Booked and traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana during spring break with hubby (see photos above)
Created polyvore packing list pictorial and traveled with one carryon suitcase.
Wine tasting and outlet shopping in Napa Valley with Girlfriends Social Club
Attended Supper Club dinner at Lake Chalet with co-workers
Took hubby to Cheesecake Factory for 53rd birthday
Celebrated my Daddy's 80th birthday at brunch
Celebrated Easter with custom made Easter baskets
Planted porch flower box with Daisy plants
Planted 6 bushes for beginning of drought free front yard garden
Let lawn grown into a weed meadow
Planted tomato plant in planter in backyard
Harvested cup full of tomatoes
Dressed daughter for Junior Prom
Cut off natural hair to short afro. Hubby hated it. Looked too butch.
Braided hair. I loved it but braids kept fall out on short pieces.
Returned to weave hair. Oh well it works.
Had car brakes repaired. $1000 added to credit card debt.
Savored two bottles of wine from winery tour. Great investment but
Attended co-workers baby shower
Listed 7 items on eBay and sold 5. Purchased 2 items.
Refinanced high interest credit card to 0 % interest card.
Nursed hubby through heart attack at home, emergency room visit and 4 day inpatient hospital stay.

Weekend Wish List
Attend Derby Day at Golden Gate Fields with Girlfriends Social Club
Submit novel pages for review by critique group
Draft blog
Identify a writing contest to submit to within the next 60 days
List 3 items on ebay for sale
Search for desert drought tolerant plant seeds to sprinkle on lawn to replace lawn.
Fish at Deane's Seafood New Orleans
Breakfast in the French Quarter Market
Steak dinner at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse - New Orleans Grandpa Silas at his 80th birthday party
My super short hair cut in Feb 2015
Hubby in the French Market at New Orleansc

2015 Goals

Personal Goals include:
Track Food on My Fitness Pal AppEat vegetarian at least 4 out of 7 daysWalk 4 out of 7 days per weekGo camping at least 2 times this yearAttend at least 3 Outdoor Afro eventsAttend at least 2 Girlfriends Social EventsPay down Visa card balanceKeep hair natural/ No Weave in 2015Attend at least 1 scrapbook crop this yearCreate drought resistant garden in front yardUpdate blog 2X per month   Writing Goals for 2015Become PRO w/ Romance Writers of America RWAComplete the 2 in progress Novels Deadly Treasures, Deadly RumorsFind Critique Partner/ PartnersObtain Agent representationsComplete 2+ erotic novelsComplete at least 2 writing coursesEnter at least 3 RWA writing contests for feedback and potential bragging writesAttend at least 1 writers conference to network and meet potential agentsJoin local RWA chaptersJoin Sisters in Crime - Northern California ChapterAttend at least 3 local chapter meetings of each.