It’s the start of 2017’s Winter Quarter, and here’s what I’m attempting to pull off over the next 3 months:
Read 6 books
I fell a little behind on my goal of reading a book a week in 2016, so I’ve set my total a little lower this year. I’m using Karen Kavett’s ‘Don’t Break the Chain’ calendar to track my resolution of every day throughout the year, which is all the easier with the little e-reader I bought for myself as a New Year’s gift.
Write/revise 3 short stories
This is an area I really want to focus on improving – and will be a challenge as I’ve been neglecting my short stories while I work on a novel. Rewriting/revising is not my strongest skill, but I’d like to get some shorts up to snuff for posting online (as well as submitting some for possible publication) and putting it off isn’t helping anybody.
Complete an Online Course via Coursera
I absolutely loved the Chicken Behaviour and Wellness course that I took last summer through the University of Edinburgh’s Coursera module, and I’m looking forward to doing another course this winter. Maybe Paleobiology?
Can 3 recipes
I expect I’ll be talking here more about canning this year as it’s a growing interest. My fall fruit preserves were a success and I’m excited to try some condiments and brines this winter. Mustard is very much on the to-do list.
Finish 3 knitted objects
I blew my knitting goal out of the water last quarter (the only goal I actually met/surpassed) but I’ve set it a little lower this time around to leave room for some larger projects – namely another hard-wearing pullover.
Write 6 letters
I’ve got some fantastic new penpals to add to my buddies that I write to, and I managed 8 letters last quarter (not including Christmas cards), so this goal is not daunting.
Learn to make 3 new meals
I recently scored a cast iron skillet at 70% off and I’m enthused about learning how to cook with it.
Complete my QoL score every Sunday
I’ve written before about the Quality of Life Score tool that I use to help manage the symptoms of my mood disorders. This one’s straightforward, but important.
Watch 3 new movies
I don’t watch many films. The last movie I saw in a theatre was Pacific Rim. I would like to watch more films. I should be able to manage one a month, right?
Play 12 gaming sessions with John
We got some great new board games for Christmas, as well as the beauties already present in our collection, and while we play pretty often, I’m aiming for a game at least once a week this quarter. Some current favourites: Mysterium and Sushi Go Party.
Send out the first chapter of Steep to my Beta readers
I’ve been dragging my heels pretty hard on this one. It’s a missed goal from last quarter and the quarter before that. Right now I’m struggling with whether the manuscript actually still needs work or if I’m just scared to get feedback. I’m giving myself to the end of this quarter to figure that out.
And that’s what I’m aiming for this winter. If you’d like to share some of your Winter Quarterly Goals, please do so in the comments below – I’d love to hear what you’re up to!
Sydney More 