Month of April - Write a Manuscript

As you know I have been interested in writing a novel. I was at Borders the other day and found a magazine "Write Your Novel In 30 Days". And so what I going to do? Write a novel in a month. This will require more focus than I normally have but were there is a will there is a way.
Obviously, at the end of 30 days there will be no published copy or fully edited novel, but I can at least have a rough draft. The magazine lists some common pitfalls of new writers, which I have already encountered a few of. So far I have 6 pages, a character grid, and a rough outline. The recommended word count for my novel is roughly 90,000 words. That means I need to be cranking out 3000 words a day. I may have to be a bit of a hermit for awhile as I now have a very pressing priority.
I know there are a lot of people who may feel me writing a book is an exercise in futility. I may never be sold on book stands or have book signings, but I will never know until I try. For now I am keeping the details of my book to myself and a few very supportive people especially in these early stages. I believe that I have the ability to lead the life I want to lead. I think people can be successful and fulfilled without a 40 hour work week. It just requires a mental shift of what you believe you are worth and how you value your time. I think a lot of people were raised in the same mentality that the harder you work the more you are worth. Meaning if you aren't sacrificing some amount of life than you are not going to amount to anything. Well I believe you can have your pie and eat it too.
It is time for me to find my pie . . .
I will update you all as the novel unfolds. Some people might feel it is impossible to write a book in a month. To which I say, if my book gets done in 2 months do you think I will complain? Absolutely not. Moral of the story don't let anyone steal your dreams!

How is Kickass going?

Well up to date I have lost 20 lbs since beginning Project Kickass. Still 20 more to go until my goal is reached. The weight loss has become a more gradual process recently my portions are smaller than ever and I generally work out 3 to 4 days a week. Things will become easier as summer roles around so then we can break out the bikes and start swimming again. I would love to feel comfortable in a two piece.
I was looking at my previous vision blog and realized I am right on track for reaching all of those goals. Tom has applied to University of Washington which would mean moving to Seattle. Back up plan involves University Of Oregon. I plan to attend a community college there until I also attend UW for English. As of now, my dream is to be an English teacher or a writer. Which brings me to my next project. . . I am writing a novel. I don't think I am ready to divulge all of it's plot right now but it will be witty, dramatic, and intriguing. The goal is to make it a series. I am working on character charts and the first chapter. So many ideas not enough time.
Next on my list was to be fluent in French and or Spanish. I picked up a French work book and will now be practicing my French on my breaks at work. I also need someone to practice my Spanish skillz with. (Yeah that is right with a "z") Believe it or not I was once nearly in fluent in Spanish.
Another goal of mine was to volunteer. My fellow coworker is amazing and so involved in a volunteer organization called Wags To Riches. They help place dogs in loving families. So starting next month Tom and I will be volunteering there. Which is great considering we love dogs but cannot have one in our apartment.I will be updating every one on our involvement there.
So long story short, come next October life will be right where it should be. I can't wait for our new lives to begin in Seattle. I can't lie I am already having separation anxiety and miss my lovely family,friends, and coworkers. Can't wait to fill you all in on the progress. :)