Doing It All

It feels like it sometimes
So much to do so little time
I look around and wonder
How do they do it all?

Well, I've made a questions and have told myself it's okay to modify the schedule if something comes up. I have the original schedule printed and I'll compare how much modification I made at the end of the month. My priority this month is to finish three books as one is some essays on George Bernard Shaw, another is his monologues and the third is some plays other than Pygmalion.

So far, I've thrown some other stuff in the mix as priority such as exercise for my health which I have to leave and go do now...

Don't forget! Next Saturday is the 1st poetry reading at Cinema Paradiso's courtyard for 2015 and I hope to see you there!

What Keeps Us From Writing?

I don’t know what kept you from writing in 2014 (or even 2013) but this is 2015 so let’s get writing!

Not so fast, you say? I have a WIP from 2013 and I should be ashamed it is taking me this long to finish (plus I started 3 more WIPs in 2014)?

Okay, you're right but I had  so many things to do (which by the way are still undone such as the bathroom organizer I finally put together on December 31, 2014 that was purchased in March 2013 and I still have another already purchased box waiting to be assembled). 

Hah! I can’t believe how much I procrastinate. My go to excuse is work (my day job). For 2015, I have to get stuff done. Period.

So I did a little soul searching: There was no way the college me could have succeeded living the way I do now. Back then, I had two jobs (most of the time) and carried a full load 12-16 credits. So what was different? I planned out everything for the semester. Hmm. This could be something I carry forward. Next, I download a write-able calendar and just plan the first quarter.

Two self-led courses, writing and exercise takes precedence. Of course, put some honesty in it such as TV time. I got some favorite shows: 2 Broke Girls, Hot in Cleveland, The Exes, Sirens, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Middle and Elementary (some will just have to be watched On Demand on Fridays). My day job likes to have functions on Wednesdays when the full work force is there so I won’t put an early evening start.

As I promptly put together my new grill the evening it was received, I realized that I needed to clear up (or assembly my other box) soon. This should clear up last year’s thing-to-do and give me a fresh start for Monday, January 12^th. Here’s the core of the schedule which I have placed on a planner and in several prominent spots around my home:

Monday	6-8 pm: CBT 8-9 pm:TV 9-10 pm: WRITE
Tuesday	6 pm: glider, rower or reformer 8-10 pm WRITE
Wednesday	7-10 pm: CBT 10-11 pm: TV
Thursday	5 pm walk 8-9 pm: TV 9-10 pm WRITE
Friday	Cake making, cleaning & TV night
Saturday	9 am BLOG 10 am Yardwork 4 PM CP
Sunday	8:00 am walk WRITE

I also factor in some outings that I am aware of in my calendar. I’ll let you know at the end of the quarter if I am closer to finishing my WIPs. Two questions for you:

What keeps you from writing?

How do you propose to fix it?

2015 is Here

What can I do for you?

I hope my writings have entertained you. I hope my poetry makes you cheer or jeer depending on the subject matter. However, I have a problem with time management which is complicated by this time of the year.

Every year at this time, as much as I say that it's not really a resolution, let's face it, it is. And personally I do need to maintain some regular exercise. Good news, today I met some people who walk so this seems to be promising.

Exercising could provide that much needed boost to write in the evenings. I hope to have some new books this year so enjoy!

Looking Back, looking ahead

I was dismayed at the turnout of the last election. Just because it wasn't the presidential election, less people at the polls, opportunity for an otherwise, unpopular resolution to pass (which by the way increases property tax for only those people who own property in "school district" but amendment/referendum open to all eligible voters). So even you live in a community that is exempt from paying "school district" tax such as 55 and older community, you can vote "yes" for the bond and only those people (like me) who live in "school district" will feel the pain of increased property tax. WT???

This gives me an idea for the next mid term election: ban on private use of fireworks.  

Fireworks can be dangerous if in the wrong hands and have been known to increase numbers in emergency rooms during certain holiday period. In the hands of inconsiderate neighbors who don't care if you have work the next day, fireworks are a nuisance. Moreover, unlike commercial firework operators with city permits who have to clean up after display, private use burdens the city with cleaning up the debris otherwise the city becomes an eyesore. So for any next election except presidential, I propose we add a ban on private use of fireworks. What do you think?

Every Eight Years

That's what they say that every eight years, my birthday will be on a Saturday and that day is today. So I will  host some poetry, check out some art and who knows dance the night away. But before all that, what to do with my hair?

I am going to tend to that but will I see you later? Poetry perhaps?

Twas Five Days Before Christmas

Twas Five Days Before Christmas and a scream from down the hall. Contractions were closer so they took her to the maternity hospital where a baby girl was born.

That was some decades ago and no, I will not give out the year as you don't need to know my exact age.

Next Saturday, December 20th, I will celebrate that day by hosting a poetry event and I hope to see you there.

The Concept Fair on 12/06/14

I adore art but it took me the day before the end of the fair to make it. Tuesday was the preview but it much too much to drive from work to Miami. I did it today and I-95 was a stop and go foot pain. We made it. Parking cost $15. Pricey. They changed the layout from last time: 3 levels of art but no Swarovski birds. No Swarovski anything! I was looking forward to seeing those statement pieces.   It seems the art galleries were different from last year but definitely the art was different. Once I went to an art show in Palm Beach then to Miami and saw almost identical items, so whew!

I overheard complaint about the lack of buyers. Yes, the yacht is near the Intercontinental but it also close to the kiosks at Bayside. So my suggestion is to also sell some posters along with the pricey art. The pricey art for the people who can afford to stay at the Intercontinental and posters for posers (like me). We can have a $20 version of some pricey art. Some people like fake Coach bags, I like art posters. I would have paid $20 for a poster of Ring of Light by Jorge de la Torriente as I liked the realism with a touch of surreal and great use of light. The main object was a palm tree with what looked like a halo around it. It was beautiful digital photography and very pleasing to my eye.

I have a poster of Starry Night that I have framed and hanging on a wall. I had bought it from a museum I visited. Maybe not a good example but some of these galleries displaying could take a hint from the museum and sell some posters.  It would help promote their artists.

One of the displaying galleries had some Monet pieces. The ornate frame alone had me sighing. I was too scared to look at the price.

My other new favorite piece was an oil on canvas by Tomas Sanchez. I adore gorgeous landscapes!  However I don't like when the sign says "request price." I wish they had a poster for that too.

Then I went over to Bayside entrance to look at some installation art on war. I walked past the dome project - completely missed it. Overall, it was a nice art fair with some nice art. Now that I feel inspired, time to write poetry!