My newest book “Alien Harvest” is with ISOTUT Publisher Michael Kiser. I want this book to succeed with all the world! 11 months ago

Well, it’s clear that this Army thing was a mistake. My skillsets would clearly have been better applied in pretty much any other endeavor. But as long as I’m stuck here for the next four years, I’m going to make the best of it. I may never be a great soldier, but I’ll do my absolute best. I’ll volunteer more, lead more, get out more, work out more, anything that I can think of. Competence is still my goal. It’s just a whole lot harder now. Just put up with it for four more years, writing on the side, and then I can do something better for me. And I’ll be a better person for it. 13 months ago

that in my quest to accomplish this goal, I am pushing too hard in some areas and my life is not really balanced or enjoyable, it is all about accomplishing this or that goal. I am forgetting to enjoy it. I was going to take 2 weeks vacation and just go to school. I don’t know if I want to do that. I am not sure I can do all of this at the same time. This switch to nights is one thing. I can learn to deal with that it will just take some time to adjust my schedule. The new manager will take at least a year to gather all the skills necessary to be successful. School on top of that is quite a burden. I find this new job so stressful and then to leave work and then add more stress by taking a class is difficult. That leaves no time for the things that allow you to De-stress. That is why I am second guessing this class in May. It will be something to think about. All work and no play makes lovingmex43 a dull girl. 13 months ago

Time to come to grips with reality. I’m in the Army. I will be in the Army for the forseeable future. My focus needs to be on being the best soldier possible and adapting to army life.

As painful as it is, this means I have to work on looking nice and professional. So try to get some new uniforms, look into cleaning supplies, and keep my room clean.

So step 1: after PT, I can’t do anything until my room is spotless.

Of course, there’s a whole lot of other, larger problems. Confidence, social ability, physical fitness, etc. I’ll tackle them when I’m not so tired. 14 months ago

Enough indecision. I choose to win. 15 months ago

Wednesday is the climax of my current path. It is the day that determines whether I become an EOD tech or a normal man. I’ve had a three-day weekend to prepare, and I’m still not sure which I want. I’m definitely going to try my best on the test day. That’s just who I am. But if I were sure I wanted this, there would have been a lot more prep work over the weekend.

In the end, though, it doesn’t really matter. In my experience, awesome things don’t tend to feel awesome while you’re doing them. A job’s a job. I’ll succeed whatever it is.

Anyway, I just realized how awesome energy drinks are. My new goal is to have that level of energy all the time. Without caffeine. Definitely challenging, but totally worth it. I’ll be one step closer to being like my real-life hero. My fictional heroes too, now that I think about it.

Recently cleaned the room again, and it feels amazing. Definitely keeping it clean this time.

Need to do some paperwork before bed. It’s been fun, y’all. 15 months ago

Too much. Too far. Almost failed a test today. Need to refocus on priorities. Cannot waste energy pursuing writing, relationships, etc. Must increase focus on school. Meditate. Mentally rehearse. Create exercises to improve my attention to detail and focus. Healthier food, more PT. Read a bit to relax, but nothing I will obsess over, like Star Wars. Maybe do some math. Increase thoughts on why I want to graduate and my ability to do so. Optimize motivation.

And on the off-chance that I fail, I should probably figure out a back-up plan. 15 months ago

came with a raise that was phenomenal 29 increase!!! I can’t believe it. And another 12 for shift allowance. I am so overjoyed. I have about ten thousand ideas of things to do with this extra money but I don’t even know where to start. I am overwhelmed. I have a long list of items I would like to purchase but also would love to pay off my car loan and student loan, I also want to save to buy a new condo. Where should I begin? student loan and car loan are close to 12K. If I could save that kind of money I would have more than enough to buy a Condo. Maybe it is not that tough of a decision. Buy the condo, I will still be making the kind of money I need after the fact and can pay off student loan and car then. Why continue paying rent. 15 months ago

Clearly I want to succeed, but what exactly does that mean? A general answer would probably look like something that maximized psychological needs, which include competence, independence, and healthy relationships.

So obviously, I need to work on my social skills. Competence and independence both seem career oriented. I used to have dreams of being successful in something like acting or research. Something that it takes a lot of effort to get into. But I’m already in the Army. I should just maximize my efforts with that. If I play my cards right, I can probably end up a Lt. Colonel in the end. However, this is not optimal for independence. So I will pursue writing on the side with my eyes on becoming a professional. However, I still have the more realistic military back-up.

Now I am tempted to instantly do all sorts of crazy goals and cut my free-time to a minimum. Historically, that does not work at all. This time I will start small, and add on as things become habits.

1. Every Saturday morning, I will start my laundry at 8. While it is going, I will write in my journal. I will include an honest evaluation of my progress as well as an analysis of my budget.
2. I will write 100 words each day, 200 on weekends.
2a. I will write at least 10 words before I go to school. This is to prime my creativity.
3. I will work out whenever my friends do.
3a. If this is not possible, every Tuesday and Thursday, I will do 50 push-ups and sit-ups, run two miles, then do 50 push-ups and sit-ups again.
Standing task: Think like a hero. I can prime myself on the bus ride.

That’s good for now.
Future goals:
Figure out the optimal workout.
Win a significant writing contest.
Develop my leadership abilities.
Become more social.
Improve my posture.

But can’t work on this until 1-3 becomes routine. 15 months ago

spent a lot of time on the floor this week. People are not used to that. The previous manager was very busy with other areas of his job which makes it good for me in a way. They will get used to seeing me. I think things are going pretty well so far. I am sleeping that is good. 15 months ago

every morning. It is making it hard for me to concentrate on anything else. I may have to dump my Calculus class as I am not keeping up. Need to bust butt with my reading for stats as well. But every time I sit down to do homework I think of another thing that I should be doing with my job. Crazy. 15 months ago

is getting my own office. I just went by and they are painting it right now, Not one of those ugly yellow offices but nice chocolate brown. I am thrilled. 15 months ago

I need for the frame for my window. I figure a square frame covered in dark fabric will block out the light. Handles on each side to slide it in and out of the wall every day for ease. Sleep is the most important part of succeeding at this new job. 15 months ago

for another management position.

Scary, I think this time I made it. 16 months ago

I should also take a moment to decide, define, what success means to me. 16 months ago

I made myself a sandwich, ate it and I am now ready for a nap. Sounds like such a small thing but I feel like I just climbed Mount Everest. 17 months ago

she told me about a possible opening. Suggested I talk to the manager in that area, drop hint that I would like to work for him. I get along well with this guy and have spoken to him many times. I feel bad for him, he is a new manager and feeling overwhelmed. I stopped by his office and told him I was interested in a very specific type of job, mentioning vaguely the type of work this person who could potentially be leaving is involved with. He said some very hopeful things. I sent him a note today thanking him for his time. He stopped by today, on his day off, to tell me he is off this week but will work on the matter we discussed when he returns.

It left me feeling very hopeful. Now to plant some seeds in my managers ear so she is aware that I am still looking and also seeking her support.

Hope this may get me closer to what I am looking for. 17 months ago

with a local company. Seems like it went well. I should hear back by them by Friday good or bad. I expect official interview next and then second interview. Time to prep. Understand my skills, list them, explain them. Answer some test questions. Pay rate is $16K more than what I make now. It will make my life a lot easier. 18 months ago

who is stealing a lot of our business in regards to talent. I got a call back yesterday. Going to make a call today to set up an interview.

One and a half times the money I am making now.

Wish me luck. 18 months ago

who is also unhappy in her job. Looks like I am not alone.

Need to find a new job. 19 months ago

my buddy like a brother just left for another company! can’t believe it! was hoping to one day be sitting in as a second line with him. looks like it will never happen unless I change companies too. Let’s see how things go. Stranger things have happened. 19 months ago