Bootcamp.I'm a little late to the blog today because for the last four weeks I've been in an excercise bootcamp. You can attend 3, 4, or 5 sessions a week. I do 3, because I'm still going to the gym and participating in my regular stuff (spin, weightlifting) as well as running 5 miles a couple of times a week. Bootcamp took me to a whole new level of...(wait for the one word)...tired.
It's been a great experience, though. I'm doing it with 3 other friends, so I have buddies there, but you make acquaintances pretty fast when you're sweating together. It's an hour of circuit training (you do 20 reps of an exercise, move to the next, 20 there, circle back). Best part is, it's outside. We're on the campus of a large church that's surrounded by undeveloped hills, so it includes short hill runs, and a long hill run over the fire trails once a week.
They include some motivational talk and last night was about attitude. Bringing a positive one to the world and people around you. Is yours worth catching? the leader asked. Then we went around the circle and selected one word we wanted to focus on in the coming days. I chose "confidence." I'm writing toward the end of the first book in my new trilogy (the "sip-lit" books) and I'm going to keep the doubts at bay and power through.
Do you notice that (as I do) about the best writers/books? I read an ARC of an upcoming Nora Roberts book and I noticed how confidently she told the story, how confident I was as a reader that I was going to be supremely entertained. When building the world of a story, whether it be something with vampires or one that's much more recognizable, it's important that the author believe--in it, the characters, her power to lead the readers along.
So what's your one word? What will be your focus for the next few days? (Hint: A lot of people said love and family, which I found delightful.)
19 comments:
I so wish I could go to one of those bootcamp. I've just come back from an almost 3 weeks vacation in Spain and let's just say that I've taken up a *few* pounds... anyway !
My one word these days would be SCHOOL. My two sons are entering school next thursday. Nathan is going to 4th grade and almost 3 y.o. Matteo is entering pre-school. I'm very excited about it (even more than my kids). I'm preparing everything for the big day : new bag, new stuff, new clothes, new shoes... Reminds me of my own school years and how great it was ;-)
Emmanuelle: Isn't beginning a new school year exciting? Like you, I'm always into getting everyone prepared (including Surfer Guy who is a high school teacher). I still make lunches in the mornings and I was just thinking about that today. What I'm going to put in those brown bags.
Energized is my word.
I'm so close to my weight loss goal (this morning I could see my outie belly button! First time in over a year. I was thrilled--still am)
I have two stories I want to write.
One story that needs a darn good cleaning.
One story that is --> <-- that close ready to start the query process.
And a contest I coordinate really kicks into high gear on Sept. 1.
Is it any wonder my focus word is Energized?
Energized is a great one, Keri. And congrats on the weight loss! My weight goal for bootcamp month was not to gain any...as this is also deadline hell time, when I sit at my desk so much and eat when anxious. I made it.
Good luck on your projects. It's a good time of year--September always feel like the real New Year's to me.
Bootcamp sounds great! Except for the outside and the exercise. (g) Yes, yes, yes. I know. I have to change my attitude.
I guess my word is going to be "focused." I've got many things on my plate and focusing will help channel energy to power through.
I'm impressed, Christie! It makes me tired just thinking about it.
I think my word should be 'discipline' because I am juggling school, promo, writing, promo...I need to eek the most possible time out of every day with no slacking off!
Exercise-- who knew I'd long for the day when I had time to sweat? Right now I'm so busy, I don't have time to blink.
So. . . focus is probably a great word for me. Though I always have time for LOVE.
:) B
My one word would be :Anticipation"..I am so looking forward to my annual gal pals weekend next month. I am hoping that nothing comes our way that for some reason or other we would have to cancel it..But I need this weekend with my friends.. They always give me a sense of renewel in myself.. And it fantastic just to be with them and share all our troubles.. So in Anticipation for this weekend, I am getting my haircut, pedi and mani done next week. I will be ready for anything that comes our way.
Christie I am so looking forward to hearing about the new series.. the Knitting series was great...I am sure this one will be just a super.
My word? Hmmm... I don't suppose BICHOK counts as a real word, nor does unprocrastinate. But it's time to stop making excuses and start moving forward again, even if it's not along the path I thought I'd be on this week.
And my spam word is hookers. That's gotta mean something!
I like all these words. It's kind of a cool little "exercise." Today I was feeling a little anxious about getting my pages in (and having them be good) because I have book club tonight and then starting thinking of all the other stuff I need to do and the pages and...
And I stopped myself and thought...
Confidence.
All will get done, and done well.
I followed your "boot camp" on twitter and I was mightily impressed.
My word is...Determined
I am determined to:
* Keep on my diet and get off the extra 70 pounds
* Finish Texas Two Step and get it out the door
* Win the PRO Liaison election
* Mail the story I wrote for Woman's World
Etc. You see what I mean. I need to be determined!
You go, Dr. C! I tried to break into that Woman's World market way long ago. The stories were fun to write. Much success to you!
ORGANIZE
I turned in a book last week--editor was on vacation so I didn't hear anything until this wekk Monday. I received the edits TODAY. How's that for somebody who's organized?
I'm inspired. With the grandkids going to school from my house, I'm doing the getting ready for school routine--which I've always enjoyed--but that got me going on the road to ORGANIZE. Clean, sort clothes, make lists.
Between books, same routine. Clean up the space. Organize the tools. I'm also between (at least I hope) contracts, and my proposal continues the series I've started, so I need to organize notes.
It's that time of year.
May I have 2 words? GRIEVE. I grieve the loss of Ted Kennedy. I remember grieving for JFK and RFK--both deaths are photographic memories for me. I will consider ways that I can honor Teddy's memory. He was human. He was flawed. He fought for so many issues that I believe in. I will miss him.
My word is FINISH. I have four writing projects that are all due next week, so it's nose-to-the-grindstone time until I FINISH them.
I don't know why I do this to myself except 1)I'm always afraid if I say no to a project, they won't ask me again and 2) I just may suffer from a little of Lois' last minute panic addiction.
Great topic, Christie. Makes me stop and think. All the words so far are great. I think mine for the next month will be: gratitude. I have a lot to be grateful for and have no riht to squander my good fortune and good health. Which means I need to get on top of my weight and exercise more because I CAN. Again, thanks for making me think about this and you rock, big time with your physical fitness!
Love all these words. They make me think, and also resolve to use several of them.
I need to finish the mip, then organize. Also to take time to be grateful. And, Kathleen, honoring someone's accomplishments as a way of grieving is such a good idea too.
This summer I've had some potentially crazy-making moments (flooded house, Surfer Guy's surgery, new puppy, general summer chaos) and the exercise has made me too tired to get worked up about all of it!
Christie, I am so amazed that you did the bootcamp fitness program. I went to bootcamp with the military and I actually enjoyed it, really I did. I am looking for a bootcamp fitness program near me so that I could get back in shape again. After being out for almost three years, things don't stay in place like they used to...lol
My one word would be COURAGE. The courage to believe in myself. The courage to believe that my health will be good...I have surgery on Monday...and the courage to sit down and start writing that first book...
Peace and love,
Paula R.
I don't think boot camp is for me, but you really touched a nerve with the confidence thing.
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