I have overhauled this site and streamlined it.

I decided I wanted to focus on what is useful.    I have narrowed down my favorites and figured that I could share.   If nothing else, I could store my best links here.

I use these sites for inspiration, idea building, and fact checking.   Here is my list, in no particular order:

• Wikipedia
  
• This is why I am broke 
  
• How to Geek
• Smithsonian
• National Geographic
• NASA
• Steam Store
• Spotify

This is a good start.    I am sure I will return to add and delete and add more.

Maybe it is just me.   No, it can't just be me.    Others have heard this crap, too, right?   You know what I mean.   Those stupid things people say when you share that you have hopes of someday becoming a writer.

I once ignored these comments.   Ignoring didn't work well.   Eventually, I started storing a list in my head.   And, finally, I shifted to actually writing down their stupid comments.

Since my novel writing is moving slowly today, I thought I could share my list.

1. You know that writing a novel is hard, right?    Really?  Duh!   I hadn't noticed. I have just been working on this for over 6 years.   Thanks so much for sharing that important point with me.     I feel so enlightened now.
2. Why don't you find a new hobby?    Of course, that sounds great.   I have this dream about being the world shuffleboard champion.   Or maybe I can take up knitting or snorkeling or, I have got it...   I will become a magician and then I can just wave a magic wand and you will disappear.
3. Will you be like J.K. Rowling?  My son loves Harry Potter.    Everyone loves Harry Potter and, well, I am not writing a fantasy book.   Mine story is science fiction and not the same.
4. Will you create a character after me?   Why sure, and then I can make sure to make them ugly, mean, and focus the story on how to kill them off, too.
5. My uncle once was an author.    Ok, that's nice.    I have an uncle, too.   He was a funeral director.   By the way, I think business is slow.   Do you want me to call him and see if he is taking reservations.   I could maybe get you a spot this week. 
6. Do you have your books for sale yet?     Uh no, I am still writing them.    I think the point is that you sell finished books.    But, maybe the trends are changing.
7. When will your books be in the store, I would like to buy one for my son for Christmas.    Why that's nice but, I am still finishing my book and Christmas is just a few months away.   Maybe you can buy him a sweet pony instead.
8. What makes you think you can write a novel?   Uh, nothing.   Why do you ask?
9. You know you are going to have to have a day job.     I do have a day job, thank you.    
10. Are you still writing that same novel?   Weren't you working on that last year?  Oh my, you are correct.    I didn't realize that.  Thanks for pointing that out.

You get now, right?    Or, perhaps, you have heard these same ridiculous statements.   Writing them down has actually help get them out of my head.    I think I am now ready to get back to that novel writing.   Wait... what makes me think I can do that?

Let’s face it.   Not everything is about us.  I know this fact very well.   Everyone wants a piece of me.    I struggle with finding time to accomplish much of anything.  
Old habits are often hard to break.  We may wish them away.  I know I do.  But, let’s be honest, we typically remain stuck in the same old place.   Change takes work and focus.
So, if you are like me and looking to make some self-improvements, I have gathered up some of the common tips given to me along my life.  

1. Take Time for You –The truth is you need to take time for yourself in order to be that better person. If you are burned out and stressed, you will not be a positive contribution to anyone.  Kids, spouse, work, you will not have much to offer anyone.
2. Create Personal Time Daily – Once you understand that taking time out for yourself is essential then it’s time to schedule it.   Set aside some time daily.  Guess what? You can find 15 minutes every day.
3. Choose How You Start Your Day – You can choose to start your day grumpy or energized.   The choice is always yours.   Attitude adjustment.
4. Practice Journaling Randomly – This is important for everyone and not just those who want to become writers (like I do).
5. Keep Good People Close to You –  Snag that friend,  share positive energy and maybe even talk things out.
6. Keep Negative People out  – You will never rid yourself of all the negative people in your life.   That’s impossible.   After all, some of them are your employers, co-workers and family members. You can control how close they get.   You can choose to step out of negativity.
7. Listen to Music – Music will change your brain waves and your attitudes.
8. Laugh it Off – Having kids helps me with this area.   Rather than get upset, laugh it off or start singing a stupid kid’s song.   Just make yourself laugh. 
9. Smile at Strangers – Smiling releases serotonin.   If you smile at someone, they typically will smile back.  Crazy, but just smiling will make you feel better.
10. Get Organized – Throw out your unnecessary junk. Once the initial work is done, all you have to do is maintain the organized systems.
11. Shut Down and Unplug – Take time off from technology and unplug from your social devices.   You need to see faces and hear voices and so do other people.
12. Set  Goals –  Pick one big goal and then break it down. Completing smaller goals will keep you motivated no matter how long it takes you to reach the final big goal.
    
13. Get moving – Never forget the importance of staying active.  Keeping fit is critical  and it doesn’t have to be sixty hours of cardio.  A simple power walk will do just fine.   
14. Pay Attention to What You Eat –  Avoid foods that only drag the body down.
15. Take a Time Out –  Close the office door or just sit in the car.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.   Just a few minutes of deep breathing reset your mindset.
16. Get Enough Rest – Lack of sleep can make you feel miserable.   Get to bed earlier.    Just do it.
17. Hydrate enough -  Drink a glass of water before bedtime to hydrate your body. Drink another glass first thing in the morning before anything else to get going.

 
Seems simple enough.   Everyone wants to be the best they can be.   We just need reminders.   Taking care of ourselves is the first step to accomplishing our big life goals. 

When you feel balanced,  everything just works better.   There you have it. 
 

I am trying to revive this blogging habit.   Here I go again, part 3.   This time maybe I will be more profound and find more persistence.

Oh, and that writing thing, I am ready to make that happen now, too.

Ready set go!