2020 Goals

I haven't given a lot of thought to 2020 yet. I spent all last year planning the migration from Illinois to Kansas. It was a huge undertaking. Hank being diagnosed with lung cancer and his broken ankle and rehab took a big chunk out of my time. Both in actual work time but also emotionally.

Joshua is doing better physically but I did not have time to help him. So a lot of my 2020 goals are to put in place ways to get regular, defined work hours.

1. We need the house moved onto the basement and an actual move-in. All my stuff needs to be in one place.
2. I need to hire a part-time aide for Joshua. Ideally, I'd like somebody who can take care of his physical needs, getting him up in the morning and feeding him, as well as getting him set up on his Tobi and talking to him. Computer skills would be a bonus but if the aide doesn't have them, then I need to get him a tutor.

I've been asking Sharon if she would do it. But I'd prefer face to face and she might have to do it like Kathy did. Josh likes facetime okay but I think he needs real people interaction.

3. I asked Joshua what he wanted to work on first. Writing, or art. He chose writing. So my goal for him is find some dedicated hours during the week that he works on his stories.

4. I need time that belongs to me without interruption. I prefer early mornings and if we can get an aide that would come in and take care of Joshua's morning needs, I could carve out time from six to noon. I'm sure some of that time would be given to Hank. He has needs now, too. but if I could get just twenty hours a week to pursue my goals, I'd be a happy camper.

5. I know that my studio/workshop space won't be in finished condition for at least a year but the space is there. I can work in it. It just won't be pretty. So getting proper art supply storage is a priority. I want to know where everything is at. I'm hoping Larry will help me figure out a good workshop space so it's functional and accessible. Again, it won't be pretty but it will be usable.

6. I have a good idea where I want my office to be. I won't know for sure until I'm in the house and furniture in position whether it will be as functional as I'd like. Again, I want proper storage for supplies. Easy to get at and neat and organized. I'm moving into a new space. I might as well set it up the way I want it from day one.

7. I need to get Knock Knock done. It's been sitting long enough. That has to be a writing priority.

8. I want to get my scene cards made and rough draft done for Cosmic Justice. I know what the story needs to be. Getting it written shouldn't take that long to do if I can just dedicate time to do it. Having a three book trilogy done would be a real feather in the cap for me.

9. I want to write Lucky's story. I have a feeling about her.

That said, 2019 has hit me with a lot of depression. Sadness. A feeling of missing my window of opportunity. I felt defeated until I figured out that all this means is I stop playing the game. I don't have to stop, or give up. I simply need to entertain myself. My goals are my goals. I can let them be whatever they chose to be. I can fling my words to the wind and let them land wherever God takes them. When I picture the words like a celebration of confetti falling down on me, I no longer feel like a failure but more like the leader of the parade. So, I'll keep writing. The words will be my words. The platform will be mine and we'll see what God has planned.

10. I'm taking my time in the motel to practice cartooning and illustration. I have a bunch of videos to finish. I can't really work right now but I can grow my skill level. I do want my cartoon strip to see the light of day. I do want to be able to illustrate if I need to. It doesn't take much room and I don't do boredom. So, I'm working. Studying, practicing.

I want to podcast. I've wanted to for a long time. I do think Roth Writers needs to start up again and see if we can draw in some of the younger ones who might feel the call. If nothing else, it will allow us to get together for fun and laughter. I'm always up for that.

I'm sure there are other things on my list. Just can't think of them right now. I like seeing goals. Love having directions. Just need to figure out a way to get dedicated work hours.

I imagine it's hard to get much done while living in a hotel room, especially one shared with three people. That's a lot of not having space and would drive me crazy.

At least you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that must be exciting! I hope things start going smoothly and you get moved settled quickly.

I've made some adjustments in my daily schedule and I'm pleased with how much more productive I've been. I want to keep up what I'm doing and make some of these changes permanent. But one step at a time.