Eight months through

[smallhobbit]

Time for another review of my goals:

Goal No 1 - Write all the things

I'd hit my goal of 150,000 words for the year by the end of November which was pleasing.  Also in November I wrote the first part of my Spooks House Party AU, which I shall continue with next year, along with the Sentinel/Guide AU.  This is a departure, since I've tended not to write long AUs.  I've also been making slow but steady progress working for fan_flashworks  badges.


Goal No 2 - Continue with the art and craft work

Still very little art - I just don't seem to have the time, although I do sketch if we go somewhere suitable.  I've now finished my cross stitch Christmas cards, which I was really pleased with, since that was a new venture for me.  And now I'm sewing an owl from a small kit SM bought me last year.  I suppose I've achieved half a goal, but even that is purely sewing and I had thought of looking wider.  But when time is limited why not just do what you enjoy?


Goal No 3 - Do something new each month

October was Future Learn month, and I've since done another two courses: 'Lancaster Castle and Northern English History', which I found reasonably interesting - some parts more than others; and 'Beyond the Ballot', which was the course which originally introduced me to Future Learn.  Sadly that one wasn't as good as I'd hoped - I really wasn't grabbed by the presentation.  But I've added more courses to my Wishlist, a couple of which I've signed to do in the New Year, so whatever else happens I shall continue to broaden my knowledge.


There are so many things I'd like to do, and I think I've come to the point where I can't do them all and will have to be slightly selective.  But I do still want to be open to new experiences.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yea on the word count! I look forward to both your AUs. And I really loved your snowflake cards. And yea to learning new things. I admire that about you.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm so pleased you liked the cards - I enjoyed sewing them.

I do like learning new things, it's just sad there isn't enough time to do everything.

[corvidology]

I really admire how you set goals and stick to them.

It works much better than flailing about... or so I've heard.

[smallhobbit]

I suspect if I didn't have to blog about how I'm doing with my goals I wouldn't be as successful. And I know it really doesn't matter whether or not I do achieve them, but something about writing how I'm getting on keeps me going - just the way my mind works I think.

I still do a fair bit of flailing, which is why I choose my goals with care so that they are attainable but allow for time when I can't be bothered, or, say, hunt out yet more books to add to my 'to be read' pile.

[scfrankles]

That's a really impressive word count - very well done! ^___^

But when time is limited why not just do what you enjoy? That's so true. And I've enjoyed seeing your sewing work.

I had a look at the preview for the Dutch course on Future Learn but I must admit it looked too frustratingly slow, now that I've learnt the basics. But I am planning to eventually have a go at their Frisian course - it's exciting that there actually is a free Frisian course online ^__^ I must have a proper rummage and see what else grabs me. I keep falling into a rut - you continuing to try new experiences is very inspiring ^__^

[smallhobbit]

Thank you! I'm delighted you liked my sewing.

I'm glad you've found something that appeals. I currently have 24 courses on my Wish List - the good thing is if you try something (and there is a wide variety to select from) and don't like it you haven't lost anything except some time - and I never think time is wasted in trying new experiences, because how will you know whether or not you'll like something until you try it.

[mafief]

Congrats on meeting your writing goal. :)

What verse will your Sentinel/Guide AU be?

Oh! I thought of you and your do something new list when I was reading a plant book. It talked about the history of the Harrogate flower show and farmers/hohobbiests competing to grow giant vegetables.
https://www.flowershow.org.uk/show-highlights/giant-vegetable-competition

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Sentinel/Guide is going to be Spooks (MI5) - I've written a drabble and a ficlet as the starting point.

Our garden is paved, with flowers growning in pots, so giant vegetables are out of the question!