Accomplishments

WHY ZOMBIES?

For some reason, I'm into zombies. I don't know why. Perhaps it was the classic movie, The Night of the Living Dead, or the funny B- zombie movies that did me in.  Maybe zombies bring out my greatest fears - dying a painful death, not being able to learn new things,and being reduced to a cannibal with no sense of consciousness. I do love other creatures such as  vampires and ghosts, but zombies are my favorite creatures.

POEM

The new year has come, and I've come to this conclusion
Don't make much of a fuss when making resolutions
Simply dream, inspire, and learn - do what your heart feels
Work hard, try your best, and don't forget to chill

- Sherry Hill

APPRECIATIONS

I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks. Here are my appreciations for this 1st blog:

My writer friend - I would like to thank my writer friend for encouraging me to do a blog. It was quite fun organizing this. I'm excited about updating information so people can learn and chill out. She takes the time to critique my short stories and novel chapters, and I enjoy reading and critiquing hers. I'm grateful to have her support.

1st Responders - I would like to thank all 1st responders. You deal with different personalities and attitudes. And no matter if people are distressed, hurt, frantic, emotional, or rude; you always have to be on your game. Being calm and knowing what to do is commendable. I appreciate that.

Z-JOURNAL

End of the World

No way. I have many stories to write. I have so many ideas. I also need to dance, inspire, and learn more. So many things to do.

I'm so glad that I didn't see many people moping around claiming that their whole lives were miserable and a waste of time. I was happy to see parties happening and people smiling before and after the "end of the world".  I believe it's important to live life to the fullest.  Everyone should spend more time enjoying life and less time griping about it. 

Resolutions

Before making resolutions, I feel it's important to note accomplishments of the previous year. Here are mine.

• Completed and submitted six manuscripts
• Participated in NaNovMo - it helped me to stop editing every paragraph when drafting
• Met with writers in several critique groups, listened to feedback, and critiqued other writers' work
• Performed more dance solos
• Read more books (fiction and nonfiction)
• Learned more about the Black Death (The Great Plague) and the medieval time period through research
• Learned basic Italian - I know greetings, colors, numbers, vehicles, some body parts, and simple verbs
• Found my digital recorder and put it to good use
• Chilled more

My resolutions for 2013 are simply this: Read, write, dance, inspire, learn, work hard, and chill.

What are your accomplishments and resolutions?

TOO MUCH Z-NESS?
Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.

Tip - Make a To-Do List

Not keeping track of what needs to be done can make a person too lazy. Try using a to-do list. Everyday write down at least five goals. As soon as you complete a goal, cross it out. Don't put mundane things like taking a shower, brushing and flossing your teeth, or using the bathroom - You're supposed to do these things everyday. Write down real goals. Here's my example:

1. Read three chapters of - Dearly Departed by Lia Habel (That's what I'm reading right now)
2. Choreograph two combos for solo
3. Write two chapters of zombie novel
4. Go to library to research stages of decomposition
5. Practice dance troupe routine

Reward yourself: When you complete all goals for a day, give yourself a star. After so many stars (like 10-20), give yourself a treat.

Here are some of my treats for examples:
Big Mac, extra scoop of gelato, chocolate, glass of wine, pizza, new hair or clothing accessory, music, something from the $1.00 store

THE CHILLING CORNER
Because sometimes you need to chill

Tip - Don't answer your cell phone for a day - just chill. If someone hounds you later about not answering your phone, just simply say, "It was my chill time." I recommend you put a chill greeting on your phone. Here's an example: "Hello, you have reached (your name) mailbox. I'm sorry. I'm unable to answer the phone during my chill time, so leave a message. I'll return your call tomorrow. Thank you and chill out."

Movie -  Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This zombie movie was so funny. My favorite parts were the singing scene, the backyard scene, and the dying stepdad scene. Check it out!

Book - Aftertime  (2011) by Sophie Littlefield  - I like this zombie book. My favorite chapters are 28 and 41. Smoke is my favorite character. Check it out and chill.

Music - "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk

This song reminds me to always better myself.


THE LEARNING CORNER

Vocabulary

daunt

1. to overcome with fear; intimidate
2. to lessen the courage of; dishearten

"daunt." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 04 Jan. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/daunt>.

The zombie's drooling and hungry eyes did not daunt Samuel; he tried to spark a sense of humanity within them by using his soft and calm voice.

Learning Moment

I learned that writing a draft in bed is not productive for me. I don't get much accomplished. I end up going to sleep after writing two paragraphs. I was wondering why I hadn't made progress on this horror story I'm writing. Now I know. If I need to get some real work done, I need to write in a chair.