Reading and Writing Goals 2013

This past year I participated in two reading and writing challenges.
- the Mount TBR Challenge 2012
The goal was to read books from your "to be read" (TBR) pile. I signed up for the Pike's Peak level.
- the 500 Words a Day Challenge

How did I do?
I didn't quite make the reading challenge. Yes, I read more than 12 books, but I didn't read 12 books off of my "to be read" pile.
I solidly hit my goal for the 500 Words a Day Challenge. Most of this writing was for the classes I teach and for translation freelance projects. However, I'm still pleased with hitting this goal.

What's up for this year?
Writing: I'm planning on continuing the 500 Words a Day Challenge. It worked well for me last year, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with this goal this year.
Reading: My plan is to read a total of 52 books this year. I doubt I'll actually read exactly one book a week, but I would like to average out at one a week. I would like some of them to be books I already own, but I know that many of them will also end up being from the library.

How about you? Any reading or writing goals for 2013?

30-Day Giving Challenge 2012 - Final Week

Here's a look back at my final week in the 30-Day Giving Challenge.

Monday - sent an encouraging note to a friend
Tuesday - made a donation to Project Night Night
Wednesday - helped with my church's Wednesday evening kids' program
Thursday - made a donation to the Salvation Army
Friday - volunteered at a local library

Even though this has been a busy month for me, I've appreciated the time I've been able to spend focusing on others instead of myself. May we all continue to carry this mindset into the weeks that come.

30-Day Giving Challenge 2012 - Week 4

Here's a recap of my fourth week in the 30-Day Giving Challenge.

Monday - made an apple pie for my husband to take to work
Tuesday - helped a friend who recently moved with some of her unpacking
Wednesday - surprised a friend with an apple pie
Thursday - spent time with family
Friday - spent time with family
Saturday - spent time with family
Sunday - helped with my church's music ministry

It's hard to believe that this month is almost over. I've enjoyed watching opportunities to give come up.

What opportunities have you had to give? If you need some ideas, check out this Pinterest board or follow #30DayGive on Twitter.

30-Day Giving Challenge 2012 - Week 3

Here's a look back at my third week in the 30-Day Giving Challenge.

Monday - sent out cards to our troops through Holiday Mail
Tuesday - made a donation to Room to Read
Wednesday - helped with my church's Wednesday evening kids' program
Thursday - spent some time with a friend who is going through a difficult time
Friday - volunteered at a local library
Saturday - helped with my church's English classes for immigrants in our community
Sunday - helped with my church's music ministry

What opportunities have you had to give? If you need some ideas, check out this Pinterest board or follow #30DayGive on Twitter.

30-Day Giving Challenge 2012 - Week 2

Here's a recap of my second week in the 30-Day Giving Challenge.

Monday - dropped clothes off at the Salvation Army
Tuesday - donated to Awana International
Wednesday - helped with my church's Wednesday evening kids' program
Thursday - left quarters at a vending machine
Friday - volunteered at a local library
Saturday - helped with my church's English classes for immigrants in our community
Sunday - helped with my church's music ministry

What opportunities have you had to give? If you need some ideas, check out this Pinterest board or follow #30DayGive on Twitter.

30-Day Giving Challenge 2012 - Week 1

This past Thursday the 30-Day Giving Challenge began.

Here's my summary for this past week:
Thursday - left quarters at a vending machine
Friday - volunteered at a local library
Saturday - helped with my church's English classes for immigrants in our community
Sunday - my piano studio held its fall recital at an assisted living home

What opportunities have you had to give? If you need some ideas, check out this Pinterest board or follow #30DayGive on Twitter.