Here we are in Tennessee, on our third official sit as a couple (and my fiftieth or so as an individual). It has been a whirlwind of a fall and we are both looking forward to hunkering down for the winter up on Signal Mountain.
Now that I am finally and fully embracing the wonders of blogging and social media in general, I find that I can be more distracted than ever if I am not careful. In the past I have had specific job duties, like mixing drinks or selling soaps or entering data…now I am mainly accountable to…me. Yikes.
Time to retrain my brain. Time to walk down a different street! If I want to make a living online, I need to be super organized and results-driven. I need goals, and I need to accomplish them. I can’t simply wait for someone else to tell me what to do, whether it be work related or otherwise.
So, each month I am going to hold myself accountable to not just me, but to all of you as well. Each month I am going to post a goal (or four). I know we are almost halfway into November, but I have been working hard on the following and feel the need share now, so here goes:
November Goals:
Blogsville: I am currently working with Lisa Sabin-Wilson (author of WordPress for Dummies) on this blog. It is being completely restructured in order to be more user friendly and interactive. You will see the new look this month (can’t wait to show you)!
Other Social Media: You can now find either myself or Caretaking Couple on twitter and Linked In as well as facebook. I am not sure if I will be adding to or subtracting from this list – I am just going to have fun with each and see where my time is best spent. Do you have a favorite? If so, please share.
My Writing: Most of you know that I am taking writing classes and working on a book. I have eight chapters outlined and three written. I will finish Chapter Four by the end of the month. How many rough drafts does one woman need to write, anyway?
Health and Fitness: I am looking into becoming a Beachbody Coach. There is still a bit of research to do with regards to this. I am considering Beachbody because I have seen the results in people who are consistent with it, and it is something I can do from anywhere in the US. And it will hold me accountable!
The goals above are more challenging than I thought they would be but there is nothing else I would rather be doing right now. Except for maybe going for a bike ride and getting to know the new neighborhood…another benefit of working from “home”.
Thank you for reading this, our 100th blog post here at Caretaking Couple! As always, I would love to hear from you. Enlighten me ; ) Just leave a comment on any of my 100 posts between now and December 1 and I will enter your name into a drawing for a special CC gift from Tennessee!
I like your approach, you’ve motivated me to do the same. I’m not as ambitious as you but I will set my goals for 2 a month. I was going to pick bookkeeping but I don’t want to overwhelm myself, LOL!
Will let you know what my 2 goals once I decide.
L
Re: bookkeeping (shudder)…Did you see the e-mail I sent re: the scanner?
Oh, how I long for this….
http://lifehacker.com/365016/scan-paperwork-to-pdf-in-one-step
Yes, I am becoming a complete nerd. Like I wasn’t already nerdy enough…
Does anyone out there have one?!?
P.S. Laurie, you are waayyy more ambitious than me, girlfriend!
Hey, what’s with your date, today is only the 11th, not the 12th. LOL
That is just one of the glitches that confound me on this blog, Laurie. Hopefully it will self correct when everything is transferred to wordpress.org…this is the kind of stuff I can spend hours on…meh!
Will you be giving us a clue as to the contents of the book?
It is mainly our story (from 2005 to present) with the focus being on how and why we became Caretaking Couple. It is shaping up to be a combination memoir/workbook with sections that focus on the pros and cons of caretaking, interviews with others who are choosing similar lifestyles, making a living from home (or the road), downsizing (and simplifying in general), etc.
Sorry AE – thought I already told you all about this! I have been working on it for the past several months – hoping to really focus now that we are out in the toolies : )
Caretaking is good and all, but it sure would be nice to have you guys at The Ice House tonight! ~Sadie
Awe, we love the Ice House…hugs to Charles and Cindy for me…And a big Birthday hug to Jodee! We miss you people bunches. By the way, I noticed that LB pic up on fb – do try to behave yourself, won’t you?! I fear you are having way to much fun without me!
Have a great winter you two. Miss you so much, sorry we never got to P-Town to see you before heading to Signal Mountain.
Will see Milo over the weekend — have not seen him since you were there.
T and D
I can’t believe how fast our month in P-town went by! It was great – I have pics to post, of the dune shacks and the National Seashore, especially.
Miss Milo so much – he is such a sweet boy. He will be so happy to see you this weekend! I’ve got a kitty trying to sit on the keyboard right now; Milo would never be so brazen : )
We miss you all and hope we keep in touch – what a year! Give Trish a big hug for me. XOX from us both.
Dear Valynne:
I just ran across your blogs from Chris Ducker’s Virtual Business Lifestyle blog and I must say I think what you and Paul are doing is amazing. You mentioned in one of the blogs simplifying and that has been my word this year. If we are not careful we can very easily get all caught up in the drama of life, but just as easily we can keep that drama at bay. Simplifying is one way to keep our lives less dramafied (is that a word). You and Paul have taken control of your life and I think it takes a lot of courage for someone what you are doing. Good for you guys for doing something that you love. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your blogs and appreciate you taking the time to write your thoughts down for others to read. We never know who we might resonate with. Keep on living your dreams!
Cheers,
Connie Williams
Dear Connie,
Thank you so much for this feedback. We are certainly enjoying this lifestyle we have created for ourselves…here’s to simplifying and less dramafying (teehee)! Now that I am back in Blogsville, I will be visiting your blog, which looks very cool (readers: be sure to share your blog or website when you leave a comment so we can share the love – unless you are spamming Viagra, that is!). This is such a great way to meet, enjoy, and learn from like-minded people, isn’t it? I will keep an eye out for you on Chris Ducker’s blog (he is great!) as well. Happy Holidays to you and yours,
V