Goals
Friday, June 20, 2008This is my summer of goals. I'm not usually Mr. Goal Maker Guy, but my time has gotten squeezed lately, forcing me to be more active about the things I want to accomplish. Somebody once said that a goal is just a wish until you write it down. So apparently most of the stuff I've accomplished in my life so far has been wishes coming true. But now here I am, writing down some actual goals.
Of course the main goal at the top of my list this summer is writing an outstanding fourth Fablehaven book. That means about two chapters a week, and I think I should be able to swing it. I'm currently on chapter 4. The story already feels exciting. I can't wait to get deeper into it. Sometimes I wish I had a machine that would automatically translate my thoughts into words that artfully relate the story I have in mind. Then I realize that's a lazy man's wish. The closest I'm likely to get is a machine into which I can type my words. I'll keep you posted as I progress deeper into Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary.
I also have a weight loss goal. I'm aiming to lose about 20 pounds by the end of the summer. This is actually a momentous occasion—I've lost and gained weight in my life, but never as the result of a strict, focused diet. My wife Mary is organizing what I'll eat and helping me count calories and make good choices. Hopefully as I add my willpower to her organizational and culinary skills I'll be able to shed some of the pounds I've put on as I travel around the country on book tour eating at restaurants. I definitely have the appetite of a very fat man, so the time has come to fight back!
I've lost about five pounds so far. At the outset the hunger made me grouchy. Then I got used to eating reasonable portions of healthy food, and usually I suffer less than I did at the outset. I'm getting on the treadmill a few times a week and messing around with Wii Fit as well. Hopefully if I can hang in there I'll be able to live better for a longer portion of my life. I had to do something before I swelled into that level of obesity from which there is no return!
One thing I have learned is that as I diet, food tastes better. Suddenly fruit actually tastes sweet and almost like dessert. And desserts taste like explosions of taste. Hunger really is the best gravy.
Yet another goal I have made is to blog at least once a week, so here I am fulfilling one goal as I talk about others!
A mini-goal I have is figuring out a fun family vacation. We're currently debating between Sea World and a cabin north of Glacier Park.
So many goals, so little time. At least it is summer, and I'm home writing, so I'm more in control of my time than usual. Hopefully sharing these goals publicly will give me a little extra incentive to stick to them!
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June 22, 2008 8:36 AM
My goal is to read 4 novels before school stats again. One of the books is Candy Shop War.
Micah,