50 before 50 Preview.

I'm working on my 50 before 50 list! I'll be 40 in fewer than two years. The list isn't complete yet; I may make changes. I've included some 30 before 30 goals I haven't reached. Most of these goals are related to reading.

1. Publish or make a major effort to publish a book or chapbook (30 before 30).
2. Publish at least 30 pieces this decade.
3. Finish writing Break a Wish.
4. Write a total of eight books of poetry, including chapbooks. So far: four.
5. Write a collection of short stories.
6. Read a total of 50 chapter books to Oliver. So far: 18.
7. Read a total of 2,200 books (lifetime). So far: 1,053.
8. Read at least one book by each US Poet Laureate (30 before 30). I think I've read about 15/50.
9. Read at least one book (if available in English) by each Nobel Laureate for Literature since 2000. So far: I've read Kazuo Ishiguro, Louise Gluck, and Toni Morrison, but I plan on reading more by each of them.
10. Read all the Penguin Great Food Collection books
11. Read the whole Anne of Green Gables series (30 before 30). So far: I think I'm on book 6 of 8.
12. Read all the Dodie Smith books I can find (30 before 30). So far: I Capture the Castle, the Town in Bloom, and The New Moon with the Old.
13. Read all reasonably available Noel Streatfeild books. So far: Ballet Shoes.
14. Read all of Shirley Jackson's books and stories.
15. Read all of Anais Nin's published journals. So far: Nearer the Moon (but I'll read it again, probably next year).
16. Read all of May Sarton's published journals.
17. Read all of Louise Gluck's available books. I've read several.
18. Read all of Mary Oliver's available books. I've read several.
19. Read all of Sharon Olds's available books. I'm almost up to date.
20. Read 50 books from the Pitt Poetry Series (lifetime). I think I've only read six so far.
21. Read 10 Newberry Award Winners during this decade (books I've read before 50 don't count).
22. Read 10 Pulitzer Prize winners during this decade (books I've read before 50 don't count).
23. Read all Best American Poetry volumes since 2000. I've read about 7/23.
24. Read all Best American Short Stories volumes since 2020. 
25. Read all Best American Food Writing volumes since 2020.
26. Read all Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy volumes since 2020.
27. Read all Best American Essays volumes since 2020.
28. Read all of Francesca Lia Block's available books. I only have a few to go right now.
29. Read all of Helen Oyeyemi's books. I'm just getting started.
30. Read all of Anna-Marie McLemore's books. So far: When the Moon Was Ours, Wild Beauty, Blanca & Roja, The MIrror Season. I think I have four to go.
31. Read all of Sarah Addison Allen's books. So far: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Peach Keeper, The Girl Whe Chased the Moon, Lost Lake, First Frost. I'm nearly caught up.
32. Read all of Amy Gerstler's available books. Right now, I'm only missing a few out-of-print books.
33. Read a total of 800 books of poetry. So far: 271.
34. Read a total of 200 books of short stories. So far: 79.
35. Read a total of 500 Cumberland County Library books (if we stay in Cumberland).
36. Read a total of 80 books with Josh. So far: 10.
37. Go to Maine (30 before 30).
38. Take a train somewhere with Josh (30 before 30).
39. Go to art museums in Washington, DC (30 before 30).
40. Go back to New York City.
41. Go to England.
42. See a Westend show.
43. Attend AWP once.
44. Learn/relearn Spanish to fluency.
45. Take another class with FLB.
46. Take a dance class (MasterClass counts). 
47. Take ten classes this decade (MasterClass and retreats count). 
48. Pay off credit cards.
49. Take Oliver to a show (30 before 30).
50. Buy hard copies of all my five-star books.

Writing Conference Prompt: When I Am at My Best.

When I am at my best, I am

Industrious

• hard working
• steady
• focused 
• diligent

Studious

• curious
• searching
• note taking
• absorbing
• applying

Kind

• patient
• gentle
• encouraging
• loving
• empathic and empathetic

Creative

• present
• brave
• determined
• open
• passionate
• prolific
• visionary
• eager
• in wonder

Relaxed

• not tense
• satisfied
• content
• proud
• not anxious
• not guilty
• peaceful
• playful
• funny

Voracious

• exploring
• reading widely
• reading daily
• reading deeply

Integrated

• consistent
• honest
• authentic
• stable
• available
• engaged

Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Ideals.

I took my list from my last blog about the kind of person I want to be and arranged that into daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goal lists. I made charts for these, and I'm using a pink glitter highlighter to mark what I accomplish. A full spot means I've done it, and a dot means I've worked on it (such as working on grading but not fully catching up).  

Ideally, every day, I will

1. Finish a book

2. Read poems

3. Read a story

4. Do yoga

5. Shower before noon

6. Catch up dishes

7. Catch up laundry

8. Pick up the house

9. Take a shower before noon

10. Eat breakfast

11. Eat lunch

12. Eat dinner

13. Drink 3 or fewer sodas from home

14. Brush twice

15. Floss once

16. Get an hour of touch

17. Stare/zone out for <30 minutes

18. Read visually

19. Listen to an audio book

20. Stay caught up on reading goal

21. Have no overdue library books

22. Do something sexy

23. Finish a writing product or work on a book

24. Journal 5+ pages

25. Do morning pages

26. Read to the boys

27. Update my marriage diary

28. Study something

29. Send a submission

30. Make Oliver’s lunch/prepare drinks

31. Blog

32. Listen to an audio book

33. Plan for 20 minutes

34. Take a.m., p.m., and night meds

35. Stay sober

36. Talk to a friend

37. Catch up on notetaking

38. Catch up on quotations

39. Update financial app

40. Play or do art

41. Daydream

42. Catch up grading

43. Catch up E-mail

44. Catch up training

45. Get a massage or take a bath

46. Clean and wear nightguard

47. Delete/file 50 personal E-mails

48. Talk with Josh

49. Read a magazine article in the morning

50. Update duotrope

51. Meet step goal

52. Meet stair goal

53. Keep up with library app

54. Keep up with Libby

55. Read art 

 

Ideally, every week, I will

1. Read a blog

2. Finish a magazine

3. Hang out with Bruce

4. Plan submissions

5. Cook for Josh twice

6. Go on a Saturday walk

7. Go on a second walk

8. Go on an artist’s date

9. Watch a movie or two episodes

10. Talk to Mom

11. Inventory

12. Have sex 3 times

13. Write a poem

14. Write a short story

15. Complete a chapter with Josh (reading, notes, writing, discussing)

16. Visit the library

17. Finish two books 

Ideally, every month, I will

1. Stay within my spending budget ($140 + planned expenses)

2. Finish a journal

3. Keep a positive bank balance

Ideally, every year, I will 

1. Read 31 poetry books in April

2. Read 31 poetry books in October

3. Read 10 children’s books in winter

4. Read 10 YA books in spring

5. Read 10 short story collections in summer

6. Read 10 nonfiction books in fall

7. Read 100 books

8. Read 5 award winning books

9. Read Best American Poetry

10. Read Best American Short Stories

11. Read Best American Essays

12. Read Best American Food Writing

13. Read Best American Travel Writing

14. Read Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy

Specific Goal for 2023: Read 25 art/fashion/design books

Specific Goal for 2024: Read 20 published diaries/books on journaling

The Kind of Person I Want to Be.

 It was a hard summer. But now, I'm thinking about who (whom?) I want to be as I enter a new season. I started a list in my journal. Some of the items on the list I already do/am. Some of them are starflung. 

I want to be the kind of person who...

• Sparkles

• Finishes a book every day or two

• Always takes her meds

• Reads books in all forms

• Reads poetry every day

• Reads a short story each day

• Reads Best American Poetry each year

• Reads Best American Short Stories each year

• Reads Best American Essays each year

• Reads Best American Food Writing each year

• Reads Best American Travel Writing each year

• Goes on artist’s dates

• Writes poems

• Writes short stories

• Writes magical realism

• Reads all of FLB’s books

• Reads Anne Lamott books

• Reads SARK books

• Keeps an inspiring blog

• Reads creative magazines

• Cuts up magazines for art

• Keeps an art journal

• Doesn’t keep too many read books

• Always has plenty to read

• Pays down credit cards

• Keeps a journal

• Wears unique jewelry

• Has cute pajamas

• Takes baths regularly

• Likes receiving gifts

• Has a simple faith

• Daydreams

• Saves money

• Drinks a lot of water

• Uses her desk

• Uses her project table

• Spends time in the study

• Can nap

• Loves season changes

• Likes to be naked

• Reads multiple books at once

• Uses rubber stamps

• Plays with stickers

• Plays with makeup

• Color coordinates

• Listens to an audio book each day

• Sticks to a budget

• Plans expenses

• Is ready for occasional bills

• Always has money in checking

• Keeps a daily to-do list

• Checks most items off her list

• Keeps wish lists

• Collects dolls

• Collects journals

• Buys books regularly within budget

• Finds great deals

• Writes with fountain pens

• Cleans her pens

• Showers each morning

• Seeks touch from her husband

• Writes with gel pens

• Doesn’t have crushes

• Is faithful

• Loves movies

• Uses glitter

• Decorates in pink, gray, and white

• Has white wood furniture

• Makes time for snuggling

• Loves Dr. Pepper

• Loves Cherry Coke

• Loves sunshine

• Reads aloud

• Eats a mostly kidney-friendly diet

• Publishes poetry

• Isn’t too concerned with publication

• Wins writing awards

• Send a submission every day

• Reads Julia Cameron books

• Reads new poetry

• Reads fairy tales

• Collects illustrated fairy tales

• Spends time in bookstores

• Visits many bookstores

• Cleans out house regularly

• Organizes regularly

• Does yoga

• Goes to the library

• Listens to Broadway showtunes

• Goes to CFRT

• Tidies daily to help her husband feel at ease

• Prays/Meditates

• Keeps an empty work inbox

• Keeps up with grading

• Feels pretty

• Practices writing

• Loves stars

• Reads challenging books

• Reads indulgent books

• Reads with Josh

• Reads with Bruce

• Doesn’t overindulge in sweets (except soda)

• Has multiple people to talk to in hard times

• Is empathic

• Has sex three times a week

• Collects paper dolls

• Uses Libby

• Uses the library

• Finishes library books on time

• Reads in the bath

• Sends funny memes to Josh and Bruce

• Gets haircuts regularly (8 weeks)

• Uses up paper

• Keeps a notebook

• Is always studying something

• Makes and reaches goals

• Doesn’t have to spend money to enjoy life

• Goes on Saturday walks

• Goes to 10 shows a year

• Watches one movie a week

• Weighs x-x pounds

• Fits in pants size x or x

• Wears size x

• Keeps up with personal E-mail

• Inspires students

• Manages money well

• Absorbs art daily

• Reads coffee table books

• Eats three meals a day

• Tells her husband everything

• Lives passionately

• Uses page flags

• Records quotations

• Dresses with unique professionalism

• Goes to OT every other week

• Keeps good habits

• Takes classes

• Takes trips with Josh twice a year

• Has a great library

• Has a great Kindle library

• Has a great Audible library

• Rereads favorite books

• Drinks Shirley Temples

• Makes a beautiful home

• Is kind

• Inspires others

• Keeps up with training

• Is active at or around home

• Keeps house stocked

• Can handle school drop-off/pick-up

• Reads published diaries

• Always makes O’s lunch

• Keeps a marriage diary

• Reads worthwhile blogs

• Keeps up with Starry’s fountain

• Takes day trips to Raleigh

• Talks to Mom weekly

• Gives teachers gifts

• Gives teachers supplies

• Kisses Josh more than once every day

• Always has a great purse

• Finishes a journal every 3-4 weeks

• Holds hands in public

• Wears great shoes

• Decorates journals

• Uses all kinds of inks

• Learns every day

• Goes on annual writing retreats

• Supports Josh’s running

• Supports Josh’s reading

• Travels each decade

• Dances

• Is patient

• Is brilliant and insightful

• Pays attention to Oliver

• Reads Alexandra Stoddard books

• Drinks iced coffee

• Drinks grape slushes

• Throws away tissues

• Knows all about fairies

• Knows all about mermaids

• Tells interesting stories

• Manages grocery money

• Writes sexy letters to Josh

• Keeps up with flea treatments

• Always has what Oliver needs

• Goes to museums

• Sees parents monthly

• Writes letters or postcards

• Gives family Christmas gifts

• Has enough bookcases

• Has nice bookcases

• Keeps good records

• Reads 100 books a year

• Is rarely tense

• Delights others

• Brushes Oliver’s teeth well

• Catches up on laundry daily

• Catches up on dishes daily

• Reads every book she owns

• Keeps inventory

• Makes collages

• Accomplishes a lot each day

• Uses what she has/buys

• Finds cool books constantly

• Gets enough sleep

• Tries new foods

• Asks for help

• Asks for comfort

• Believes in soulmates

• Likes her husband

• Follows through

• Cooks for Josh twice a week

• Doesn’t have to try too hard to be thin

• Reads about French people

• Reads Ann Patchett books

• Reads Marisa de los Santos books

• Reads Madeleine L’Engle books

• Spends little time scrolling

• Mixes Gatorade

• Is stuffed with poetry and stories

• Sleeps in sometimes

• Has monthly weekends alone with Josh

• Reads magical realism

• Shops the poetry section

• Loves to read

• Is in a writer’s group

• Turns off lights and fans

• Reads for hours each day

• Monitors herself

• Isn’t often lonely

• Talks to Bruce every day

• Likes sex

• Gets great performance reviews

• Eats enough

• Doesn’t eat too much

• Is elegant

• Reads about libraries

• Visits many bookstores

• Sees London

• Sees a West End show

• Receives journals and books as gifts

• Reads Anna-Marie McLemore books

• Reflects often

• Is a practicing poet

• Draws sometimes

• Goes to sleep at 10:30

• Fascinates a few people

• Knows contemporary poetry well

• Memorizes phone numbers, social security numbers, and poems easily

• Sets a positive example

• Eats fruit

• Eats vegetables

• Finishes most books

• Stops reading a book she doesn’t like

• Gives great gifts

• Uses her education

• Listens to books while driving

• Listens to books while doing chores

• Listens to books while staring

• Shares music

• Listens to Josh’s music

• Keeps up with inhalers

• Lives authentically

• Is mentally stable

• Collects stickers

• Reads about her favorite artists

• Likes herself

• Manages her anxiety

• Changes sheets weekly

• Reads children’s lit

• Wear her glasses

• Doesn’t stare too much

• Can tread water for an hour

• Goes to therapy regularly

• Goes to marriage counseling when necessary

• Follows advice of healthcare professionals

• Discovers new music

• Sends comfort kits to the border

• Advocates for people with disabilities

• Checks in with list monthly

• Has a clear conscience

• Has blog readers

• Responds to writing prompts

• Contributes to family finances

• Keeps up with GoodReads

• Keeps up with StoryGraph

• Cleans her pens

• Keeps up with MVP

• Uses writer’s medic bag

• Plays with color

• Reads LGBTQIA+ lit

• Reads YA lit

• Collects gel pens

• Uses all her fountain pens

• Reads 10 Pulitzers a decade

• Encourages others to read

• Reads biographies of writers

• Lives according to her values

• Recycles pens

• Spends time with Starry

• Edits

• Organizes books

• Studies color

• Stays in touch with O’s teachers

• Studies fashion

• Studies interior design

• Reads 10 Newsberrys a decade

• Reads Anais Nin

• Reads memoirs

• Reads Faery Tale Magazine

• Reads home literary magazines

These are my thoughts so far. At the end of fall, I'll see how many actions I take.

30 Before 30.

I've seen this on many blogs including Sofia's Journal. I have a huge life list somewhere, but I liked the limited nature of this. I'll be twenty-six next week.

1. Publish or make a major effort to publish a book or chapbook.

2. Publish a story.

3. Read at least one book by each US Poet Laureate.

 4. Take Oliver to his first musical. (Image: http://fymusicals.tumblr.com/page/17)

5. Stay in two more NC B&Bs. Stay tuned!

6. Get back into all my pre-pregnancy work clothes (preferably before age twenty-seven!).

7. Get into the habit of walking/biking/skating at the park with my family three times a week.

8. Take Oliver to an aquarium. (Image: http://maybeitsyou.tumblr.com/post/5694781429)

9. See a Broadway musical in New York City.

10. Read the whole Anne of Green Gables series.

11. Read the whole Wrinkle in Time series.

12. Read the whole Borrowers series.

13. Read all the Dodie Smith books I can find. So far: I Capture the Castle, the Town in Bloom, and The New Moon with the Old. One volume of her autobiography is on its way from Alibris. (Image: http://oporotheca.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-09-16T16:30:00-07:00)

14. Finish Oliver's book with Josh (the first volume, anyway).

15. Take at least two classes.

16. Teach a literature class.

17. Teach a creative writing class.

18. Make a difference in literacy and culture at my school.

19. Decide if I want more kids and if I want a doctoral degree.

 

20. Have long, black hair like a non-Disney Snow White. (Image: http://www.art-spire.com/photographie/interview-de-felicia-simion-la-photographe-qui-monte/)

21. Get better at staying on top of grading.

22. Go to Maine.

23. Be able to buy books regularly.

24. Make sure one of us reads to Oliver basically every day from day one.

25. Use every room in my house.

26. Read tons of short stories.

27. Pay off credit cards.

28. Have a decent savings account.

29. Take a train somewhere with Josh. (Image http://pixdaus.com/index.php?pageno=24&tag=train&sort=tag)

30. Go to art museums in Washington, DC.

What's on your 30 before 30 or 20 before 20 or 40 before 40 or 100 before 100 list?