What I Focused on in September:
1. The 16th draft of When Life Hands You Lymes
2. Some busy times at my non-writing job
3. A writing-ish project that I’ll tell y’all about later
Birthday Challenge and Dream List Update
4. Go to Wednesday night church 24 times {1}
6. Read 12 non-fiction “spiritual” books {4}
7. Read the Proverb of the day every day for six months {yes}
8. Writer 24 A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words short stories {4}
13. Write a monthly review on my blog within 5 days of the end of the month whenever internet is available {yes}
14. Blog my 3 (or more) top goals for each month within 5 days of the beginning of each month whenever internet is available {yes}
15. Write 24 book reviews {5}
21. Write a 1,000 words a day on my WIP every day for 24 days in a row (not counting Sundays) {Completed}
23. Read 24 non-fiction books {4}
24. Read out loud for 24 hours {around 6}
None.
Non-Fiction: 4
Fiction: 1
Reviews: 5
Audio Books: 0
Traveling
Nights gone: 3
New States or Countries: None
September Goals
Let me preface this by saying the month did not go as expected at all. It was a difficult learning experience for me, but hey, life goes on.
1. Four hour run at the correct marathon pace {No}
2. Finish first draft of City of Outcasts {YES}
3. Eat Paleo the whole month {YES} & Get eight hours of sleep twelve nights {Hopefully? I lost track}
4. Finish memorizing Philippians {No}
5. Write 23 “picture” short stories {No. Only 4}
6. Read out loud for 16 hours {No. Only about 6}
7. Read and Review 4 books {YES}
What I’ve Been Learning
Life goes on, but not always in the way I had imagined it would. I’m learning to figure out how to try and go with the flow and not freak out too much when plans get changed. (Because obviously that happens a lot.)
I read several books this month about listening to God and how to spend quality time with Him. As someone who is goal-oriented, loves to check things off, and is nearly always rushing, it’s hard for me to stop and calm down and take deep breaths and not be planning my next step, but it’s so needed. So, I’ve been striving to do more of being still and knowing that He is God.
I spent a good portion of the first half of the month working on learning stuff about WordPress and all that kind of stuff. It’s amazing how confusing something can be, but eventually I generally get the hang of whatever I’m working on.
I also learned more about myself as I worked on the 16th draft of When Life Hands You Lymes. It can be really hard for me to be corrected in my writing (or, any other area of life, really), but it’s also a needed element of growing, so I’m continuing that learning curve of embracing correction.
Other
It’s been a while since I’ve had a month that went so contrary to what I had envisioned and planned. I had some unexpected health issues this month which were pretty hard for me to deal with, even though they weren’t serious. They also put somewhat of a halt on my goal-accomplishing-dream, and reminded me once more of how extremely thankful I am to feel so well most of the time.
Nearly every day of September was spent doing at least a little bit of editing, brainstorming, and adding in more of a little sub-plot for WLHYL. I’m pretty excited about how it turned out, and look forward to hearing back from my final round of beta readers.
There were some special friend-moments in September where I got to visit with some of my lovely out-of-state friends who I don’t get to see nearly often enough. They were amazing at jumping right in and helping me with my work, holding grand conversations, and brightening up my days.
I also vlogged for the first time, a total dream come true for me. It was exciting to see how well the vlog was received, especially since I also posted it on my personal Facebook page. I was blessed by how many comments I got.
At the end of the month was my birthday. I am a grand-celebrator. I celebrate everything. For instance, I celebrate my birthday twice a day. The first time is at 9:30 am, and the second is at 9:30 pm. (You know, because I was born on September (9), 30th.) But when my actual and real birthday pops around, that calls for sparkly socks, happiness, waking up with a smile, and cheer spread to everyone. Especially since I got to look forward to this birthday for 366 days instead of just 365, thanks to leap year. My birthday was lovely and special indeed with lots of family time, lovely comments and emails from y’all, bookish decorations (thanks to my little sister), and a last-minute sleepover with my best friend.
So, what about y’all’s September? I’d be delighted to hear about it.
Noveltea 
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