One Continuous Fulfillment

Reference Blogs: Update 2012 Continuous Goals; Farewell 2012: The Year In Review; 2013-One Shots and Continuous; Checking In On The One Shots

I know it has been a while since I've done a full update.  Normally, I would take the time today, but my time is limited due to preparation for Operation Full Glam...lol.

One of the continuous goals I have in place (since 2012) is to meet new people.  In 2012, I struck out, but as you read in the blog, it wasn't for lack of trying.

However, this year, about a week back, I struck gold.  I was able to meet someone who's writing I have a great amount of respect for, a little after Memorial Day.

No, it's not the first time I've been to Philly.  I have been a couple of times before but it was years ago, and each experience wasn't exactly favorable ones.  So I did admit to being a bit skeptical.  Plus, it had been years since I've met anyone new.  That also made me feel a bit cautious.

However, once he and I met, all of the nervousness slowly started to dissipate.  I realize the only thing I can do is be myself and recognize that being myself may not be everyone's cup of tea.

The weather was slightly against us because it was raining.  Luckily I had my umbrella and it didn't rain too hard.  He was a very good host and showed me a number of sights.  It was like going on tour but without the boredom.

I got some great shots of the Liberty Bell without having to wait almost an hour to go in for the tour.

I had to get a shot of the First Amendment.

I was also fascinated by this statue.

In addition, there were some pretty murals I couldn't help but to capture.

I also was able to engage in some wonderful treats, like a Philly cheesesteak at Iskabibble's as well as a delightful dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy.

I also was able to enjoy the tastiest butter pecan ice cream cone ever at The Franklin Fountain and was brought back to my childhood by savoring a tall glass bottle of Coca Cola.  In addition, I had some chocolate from Shane Confectioners that I wish I would have gotten more of.  I smiled at the old fashioned cash registers and was very impressed they actually worked.  Both The Franklin Fountain and Shane Confectioners had them.

I found this interaction very refreshing, and it helped that he and I have so much in common outside of the writing--although writing is definitely important.  

I will definitely be coming to Philly again.  However, this time I will take the bus to Trenton Train Station instead of parking my car in the parking lot.  The reason I say that is because I came back to bumfoolery happening to my car, which I covered in Decline of Decency.

Update:  As of this date, no information as to who vandalized my car, but I did get my window fixed this past Saturday.

Peace.

Checking In (on The One Shots)

Reference:  2013 Goals--One Shots and Continuous

So how about those one shots?

I know it has been said that many people make New Year’s Resolutions in December only to fall short of them come end of January or February.  I am not one to make Resolutions but in the past few years, I have made some goals for myself—one shot, continuous, or both.

I feel like I should do a bit of a check in—just to see how I am doing so far (plus to give you an update).  This not only serves as reminders but to keep me focused as well.

2013 One Shots:

      1.       To obtain my passport—Status: In progress.  

      The application has been printed.  Originally, I thought I could do it online, but since this is my first time applying, I have to print the document and submit it in person.  I also discovered that one can get a passport book or a passport card; however, the passport card doesn't cover international air travel.  I am definitely getting the passport book, but am contemplating whether I should invest the extra $30 and have the passport card as well.

Aim: To set up an appointment next month. 

      2.       To get another flat screen TV for the game room—Status: Temporarily paused.  

      The reason it is temporarily paused is I want to get out a lot of the old before bringing in the new.  I can’t quite gauge how much space I am working with, so as soon as I’ve finalized getting rid of the old—via donating to those less fortunate or just trashing because they are too worn or broken to do anyone any good, then I will invest putting a TV on layaway.

3.       A new dresser or chest of drawers—Status: In progress.  

      The original set I picked out for my room is no longer available.  However, the furniture store has a new selection in, so I have to take time to check to see if there’s anything I like from the new batch.

      4.       To secure the domain name for my customize project—Status: On hold until May.  

      Reason being that my creative energy is going in a lot of different directions at the moment.  

      Some may believe all types of creative energy are the same, but it isn't.

      Like the same type of energy that goes into my writing a poem or prose isn't the same that I use when I’m writing a short story or a novel.  

      It isn't bad; it’s just different.  

      I do have the ideas saved; I even have an idea of what I want them to look like, but I want to complete the book I’m working on since that enthusiasm and energy is at the forefront right now.  It is near completion, although I may not release it until late summer, early fall.  There’s a project before it I want to do, more of a catharsis than anything else. 

5.      To obtain the dress, undergarments, shoes and other accessories needed for an upcoming ceremony for late spring/early summer—Status: On the move. 

Dress:  I found the perfect dress that screams elegance and glamour.  Plus, I can wear it to other occasions.   It is in one of my favorite colors.   The neckline complements the chest while not being too low.  The sleeves are nice.  I was worried it might make me a bit too hot but because of the material, I don’t think it will be much of a problem.  I was able to get the dress on sale, so it’s wrapped in plastic ready for use.  It’s a little bit looser in the hips, which made me gauge that my hips have actually gotten a bit smaller from my working out, but not bad enough to where it isn’t fitting properly.

Shoes:  A lady whose eye for detail and creativity I admire turned me on to this website with shoes on it.  They are very reasonable in price and I see a few shoes that fit my fancy.  I will have to order these ahead of time so I can get used to the feel of walking in them.  I don’t think the dress will be done proper justice with flats so a heel of some sort is definitely appropriate.

Jewelry:  The same lady in question is assisting me with some jewelry that can coordinate with the dress.  I can’t wait to see what she has in store for me.

Lingerie type stuff:  Well, since my bra size has changed, I would have to get a new bra.  Although the way the dress is made doesn’t warrant it, it may be a good idea to invest in some Spanx for the future.  Flesh colored thigh highs or stockings, indeed! 

6.       To finally use the Groupon that I purchased.  Status—Awaiting a response.  

      The last time I talked to the company, they were booked until around February.  Where the place is located, however, is right near the Jersey Shore.  Superstorm Sandy hit and a lot of businesses did get impacted, so I did take that into consideration.  I am waiting to hear back to see if April will work for them so I can go ahead and do this.  I can then add it to my Bucket List.  Who knows?  If I like it, I may just try it again.

7.       To have enough saved for a new desktop.  Status—About 25% of the way there.

      Realistically, I don’t see this blossoming until close to the end of this year.  There are a few more things that need financial attention that puts this on the back burner.

Well, that's my update.  I will cover the continuous ones in a separate entry.

How about everyone else?  Are you still keeping your Resolutions or goals?

Peace.

2013 Goals--One Shots and Continuous

Okay, confession. I have been feeling a tad bit on the lazy side. 

For the first time in a very long time, I was able to get Sunday off from the second job, so I tried to spend as much time as possible off of the computer or interacting with technology. I did a few poems for my upcoming book and really focused on spending some quality time with the Sweetie. 

The way our schedules have been, especially since he got switched from working 4pm-12:30am to working 11pm-6:30am, has been a bit trying. Like he's sleeping when I'm awake, and when I'm sleeping, he's awake. It was pretty nice, nicer than it has been for a long time.

I took time off today, and I wasn't even scheduled for the 2^nd job. Originally, I had off from there until Wednesday, but he needs me to come in for the evening shift tomorrow. I think working on New Year's Day counts as holiday pay, but I'm not certain. 

I attempted once again to see Django Unchained at the local theater, and the time it was supposed to be showing, the theater still looked closed, but I found a door unlocked. Then, one of the people (the manager I'm assuming) said she just got the go ahead to open since they had been shut down for a while (whatever the reason, I don't know), and she was trying to get some crew to come in to work. It just seemed so ridiculous to me, so I will have to wait another day for Django. That had me a bit aggravated; I may make a separate entry about my experience in TheFame and The Shame.

I'm glad that I moved my laptop back into my office space area. However, when I'm feeling lazy, sometimes I don't feel like going to the other room to do my entries. The move was best because there were times when it was hard for me to get to sleep simply because the computer being near my bed was so accessible; I'm just trying to get the bed back to its' original purpose—for relaxation, not any of the extra.

So, before the clock strikes midnight on the East Coast, I'd like to share 2013 Goals—Both One Shot and Continuous. I'm not sure if I will add on later, but I will put in the ones that come to mind.

2013-One Shot

1. 
   To obtain my passport. I've always been curious about what it would be like to travel outside of the United States. True, I don't have any outside of the United States money, but when I do have it, I have to already be prepared to go. Plus I hear it can take up to eight weeks to get a passport, and they are good for up to ten years.
   
   
2. To get another flat screen TV for the game room. I don't care if I put it on lay-a-way (and it definitely won't be at Wal-Mart), but it'd be nice to have. It's hard to see and plan strategy on an old school nineteen inch TV.
   
   
3. To acquire a new dresser or chest of drawers. The other one has definitely seen better days (aka barely holding together). Plus I have to make up for the fact that I don't have a closet in my apartment.
   
   
4. To secure the domain name for my customize project.
   
   
5. To obtain the dress, undergarments, shoes, and other accessories needed for an upcoming ceremony for late spring/early summer.
   
   
6. To finally use the Groupon that I purchased earlier this year. I did talk to the company and Groupon and they said I could still use it even though due to circumstances beyond my control, it ended up expiring.
   
   
7. To have enough saved for a new desktop. I know a lot of people rely heavily on a lap top, but I do miss having my desktop. I like to save stuff on it more so than on my laptop. My old desktop went through a crash and has never been quite the same since.

2013—Continuous

1. To meet some new people. Yes, it is the same one as last year, but I do see glimmers of hope that I may meet some new people this coming year. Three of them have spoken about the possibility within the next six months.
   
   
2. To continue to eat healthy and stick to my proper portioning. I'm off to a good start; I just have to continue to stick with it.
   
   
3. To do research on possible additional enhancements to help my healthy eating, exercise, and weight loss efforts.
   
   
4. To continuously increase my exercise efforts—including gradual increases in weights for strength training as well as increasing time on cardio.
   
   
5. To give feedback on any product or services that I obtain.
6. To reach out and call people more, especially those who would rather talk than text or write.
7. To write more letters to those I love.
8. To try more new things, food, and activities.
9. To start doing my poetic writings via audio again—I used to do it years ago but stopped a while back.
10. To experiment with Thrift/Goodwill shopping—I bet this will save me so much money.
11. Continue to donate or throw away things I do not need.
12. To treat myself to something at least once a month on a budget in which I feel comfortable. (I feel as if this one will be the hardest one for me to stay continuous on)
13. To continue to take things one day at a time.
    
    
    I wish everyone lots of peace and joy for the New Year!