February 13, 2014

Leslie's Goals!

Leslie, 24, San Francisco 

I want to watch: More documentaries about the great outdoors/animals

I want to read: Short writings about spirituality

I want to: paint my wood blocks

I need: Patience, painting skills, self motivation



February 6, 2014

Carrie's goals

Carrie, 24, San Francisco

I want to watch:
Batman the Animated Series.

I want to read:
Blueberries for Sal and a letter from Pete.

I want to listen to:
Elvis Presley with Felix and I Want to See Pulaski at Night.

I want to finish:
weaving a bracelet on my bead loom and learn how to weave a Russian Spiral.

I need: 
time and patience.



February 4, 2014

Emily's goals

Emily, 25, San Francisco 

I want to watch:
More Ted talks (like this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html and this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/david_christian_big_history.html)

I want to read:
Wendell Berry essays
More Infinite Jest

I want to do:
a 5-10d
Start my first sewing project!

Things I need to acquire to do some of those things:
A Wendell Berry book of essays
Time
Mad climbing skills
A pattern, fabric, thread



February 3, 2014

"think about many things, but do one thing." - Dad



Someone once told me (last night), that setting goals for yourself is one of they key elements in the pursuit of happiness. Achieving these goals, whether big or small, will give you a sense of worth. 

My response was "well my problem is I can never finish anything." 
His: "well you have to change that." 
Me: "but why?" (i'm stubborn to a fault) 
He: "Because I want you to finish the painting you started for my birthday!!" (which was 5 months ago)
Me: "grumble, grumble"

I had to ask myself, is this really what I think or is this a defense mechanism? - this is something I wonder often. Perhaps if you're wondering whether it's a defense mechanism, then it most likely is. But really, what behavior isn't some sort of defense mechanism? I guess lately (always) I haven't started things because I have this voice in my head that tells me I never finish anything, so what's the point. Is it the winning or the taking part? Am I just incredibly lazy or am I afraid of failure to the point of inaction? All are questions worth pondering...

Anyway, I decided that I would start to make myself little tiny (achievable) goals. Or at the very least, plant the seeds of goals.. and publish them on a blog so in some way I feel accountable (that is to say, if anyone out there is actually reading this). 

Goals for week 6, 2014

i want to watch
- 'Elaine Stritch - Shoot Me' (she's Jack's mom on 30 Rock)

i want to read
- the lady in gold

i want to do
- weave a tapestry
- publish a blog post twice a week (baby steps)
- submit something to a friend's website
- finish the painting
- pitch a story
- get rid of clothes I no longer wear

things i need to acquire to do some of those things
- a small loom
- motivation

So there you have it...wish me luck! What are your goals for this week? 

here's that painting I was referring to...