Reflections |

Reflections

March 24, 2011 by Lauralynn Elliott

As I look back on the first round of ROW80, I have some mixed feelings. I was doing so well at meeting my goals until my mom had a heart attack. The good thing about ROW80 is that it’s very forgiving and allows you to change your goals at any time. But I didn’t even set any new goals. This was mostly due to the tremendous work load from my full time job. I just can’t take that much work home and still write. Some people might be able to do it, but I just don’t have that much stamina. So I didn’t finish my book.

Turning to the bright side…Round Two is coming up and my work will hopefully slow down to the point that I won’t have to take work home with me. I won’t mention my ROW80 goals in this post because I’m sure there will be a chance to state those at the beginning of Round Two. I will mention one thing, though. I am determined to get in better shape physically because when I’m in control of my body, I seem to be in much better control of my mind. Funny how it works that way, but it always does for me. When I’m in control of one aspect of my life, the others start falling into place and it’s like a chain reaction.

I’ve really enjoyed doing this challenge with all of you. Even when I was really busy, I tried to be a halfway decent sponsor and encourage those in my group for that check in. I think I only missed 2 or 3 check ins when things were the worst.

Congrats to everyone who met their goals, and for those who didn’t, it’s not failure…just restructuring. I look forward to seeing familiar faces (figuratively, lol) and, hopefully, some new ones, too. Good look with Round Two!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged goals, last check in, Round One, Round Two, ROW80, writing challenge | 25 Comments

25 Responses

on March 24, 2011 at 4:50 pm | Reply Susan Bischoff

You’re the awesomest. And next time we get together, we’ll spend at least part of the time walking instead of the whole time sitting on our butts in the sandwich shop. Deal?
- on March 24, 2011 at 5:04 pm | Reply andrewmocete
  
  Sandwiches to go!
- on March 24, 2011 at 5:06 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  That sounds like a plan, Susan! We actually sat there for about four hours, I think. There are some great places to walk in my area, so we can definitely do that.
on March 24, 2011 at 5:05 pm | Reply andrewmocete

I know you’ll have no problems meeting your goals. Before your whole world exploded, you were doing awesome.
- on March 24, 2011 at 5:09 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks Andrew! I was really happy with my progress until things went astray. Hopefully, round two will be uneventful. Except for the writing. :0)
on March 24, 2011 at 5:41 pm | Reply Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Things going astray is how life is. I think you did a great job! And, dang it, that I live all the way over here because I’d love to have a writing/walking buddy. 🙂 You were a kick ass sponsor and I appreciated all the comments you left me. Best of luck for round two!!
- on March 24, 2011 at 5:57 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Stacey. I wish we lived closer, too. Your sense of humor cracks me up. I would probably be giggling the whole time we were walking. :0)
  
  Maybe someday we’ll have this huge writers conference that all of us can attend. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
on March 24, 2011 at 9:44 pm | Reply Claire Farrell

You did so well, Lauralynn. I know personal stuff knocked you off-balance, but you cracked on when you could and before that you were steam-rolling along. 🙂

See you in round two!

P.S. – if there’s a huge writerly conference, it better be in Ireland. 😉
- on March 24, 2011 at 11:10 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Claire. Round Two, here we come!
  
  I guess my son probably doesn’t want to take me along to Ireland on his honeymoon….
on March 24, 2011 at 11:34 pm | Reply alberta ross

life happens and life is more important than goals – you did well when there was time and you didn’t give up – hope to see you in April – keep smiling
- on March 25, 2011 at 2:51 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Alberta. I love the encouragement I get from all of you.
on March 25, 2011 at 12:14 am | Reply CMStewart

Best wishes for your mom’s continued recovery, and good luck with your personal goals. I hope your work load lightens, and I’ll see you in the next round!
- on March 25, 2011 at 2:53 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks CM. I really need my work load to lighten so I can dedicate time to my novellas. I’m glad you’re going to be in Round Two (see how I always capitalize that?). I know some have had to drop out, but some of us are sticking around. And I bet there will be some new people for Round Two.
on March 25, 2011 at 3:08 am | Reply Anya Kelleye

You know I’m proud of what you have accomplished given all the circumstances you’ve had to deal with. Good luck on the next round. Can’t wait to see how the next round goes for you! I’m already searching for pics! 🙂
- on March 25, 2011 at 2:54 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Anya. And sorry about switching from the gnome story to something else after you spent so much time looking for evil gnomes. But I’m still going to do that story, just later. And thanks for being a great cover artist for me.
on March 25, 2011 at 7:51 am | Reply Craig Hansen

Lauralynn, a very touching post. Please feel encouraged that you were able to do anything at all at a stressful, demanding time like that. Not everyone can, so the fact that you did anything at all says a lot. I’m sure you’ll get it sorted. And we’re all here for you. 🙂
- on March 25, 2011 at 3:09 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks for the encouragement, Craig. I’ve really enjoyed interacting with everyone in ROW80.
on March 25, 2011 at 7:45 pm | Reply Cathryn Louis

I agree with you about the chain reaction. Maybe I’ll post one day about why I started to get back in shape – it’s pretty funny.

I also think it’s been great with everyone on the challenge. I love all the support.

I hope all is well with your family. I’ll be doing round 2 so se ya there!
- on March 25, 2011 at 8:17 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Okay, now you’ve got me really curious about why you started getting back in shape. You have to share! I see a blog post potential.
  
  Thanks for your comments and encouragement. See ya soon!
on March 25, 2011 at 9:00 pm | Reply Sharon

Restructuring–yeah, I did that a lot this round. LOL

Life knocked you sideways during this round; you kept on where many would just give up. You did well. 😉

I wasn’t going to do Round 2, but I think I will just set editing goals–I have a crap-ton of editing to do, and the thought of “going it alone” is daunting. I need me some cheerleaders. 🙂
- on March 25, 2011 at 11:41 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Sharon. I’m so glad you decided to do Round Two. You can make your goals all about editing. And you’ll still have all the support that the ROW80 people give. :0)
on March 25, 2011 at 11:52 pm | Reply Jason

I don’t think I would have even thought about ROW80 if I’d had those things happen to me, so you did extremely well to even keep it in mind. I hope everything settles down for you again, and best of luck in round two!
- on March 25, 2011 at 11:54 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  I appreciate your comment, Jason. It was really a crazy time. I hope Round Two will be much easier in the “life happens” area.
  
  I hope to see you in the next round!
on March 26, 2011 at 7:31 pm | Reply Belinda Kroll

I think everyone else has covered everything I wanted to say, so I guess I’ll just say, “Yes. That. All that.”

Life doesn’t get in the way, life just happens and like you said, we restructure our expectations and goals. Glad you’ll be in the next round.
- on March 27, 2011 at 1:04 pm | Reply Lauralynn Elliott
  
  Thanks, Belinda! I’ll see you in Round Two! :0)