Yes, that is correct. I am starting the Ultimate Blog Challenge hosted by Michele Scism and Michelle Shaeffer. All I have to do is write and share a new blog post every day for the month of July. This’ll be a bit challenging because of the week that I’m gone for camp, but I think I can handle it. Just gotta plan ahead….
But since my blog isn’t narrowed in on a specific topic, it’s hard to make sure I’m giving an equal amount of updates on all areas of my life (maybe I talk way more about EATING food than training for my half marathon – which is very possible….). But I need to hold myself accountable for training each day and updating it on the blog each week so that I’m consistent and stick with my training plan. But I’ve discovered a way to keep myself structured: Daily Themes!
The best part about these daily themes is that they parallel with my birthday goals from a few weeks ago.
Marathon Monday:
I’m running the Long Beach Half Marathon on October 7th and found a really great first-time training plan online. The actual start day of the plan is July 1st, so I’ve just been half-assing I haven’t really been giving it 100%. Mondays will be the day that I will have to report back with my weekly progress (how many miles I’ve run, average pace/mile, any comments/fun experiences/shin splints that occur in the process).
Teacher Tuesday:
Yes, I’m a teacher. <—-woah, sounds weird. But because I haven’t started work yet, I haven’t had much to report on this end. But I will use Tuesdays to share fun and engaging lesson plans, effective strategies, or research articles that have breakthrough information regarding evidence-based practices. With so many great Twitter chats (especially #ntchat and #ptchat), there’s always resources to share and study up on.
Weigh-In Wednesday:
I’m participating in the Lose A Marathon Challenge started by Jess over at Run With Jess. Weigh-in Wednesdays will also help me hold myself accountable each week and be able to see the progress I’m making.
Thankful Thursdays:
As I mentioned in my Birthday Goals, I need to make more of a conscious effort to appreciate the GOOD in my life, the JOYS that I experience each day, and the people that I LOVE so so much. I will obviously be doing this every day, but Thursday will be the day that I delve into these happy moments a little more.
Foodie Fridays:
Whether it’s a restaurant I’ve recently eaten at or a recipe I’ve created (or borrowed from Pinterest!), all of my food-related posts will be posted on Friday.
Wandering Weekends:
I’ve created bucket lists that just sit there – untouched year after year. I’ve passed the same restaurant multiple times a year with the idea that I’m going to try it some day. But I don’t. But that’s one thing I’m working on this year. In my Birthday Goals blog post, I mentioned that I’m a “creature of habit.” If I like the taste of something, I’ll eat it forever. If I like a place, I’ll go back over and over again. My goal is to get out and explore – go see new places, go visit new areas, get up off my butt and do something DIFFERENT. Wandering Weekend posts will allow me to share my experiences doing these fun, new adventures.
So there it is. This isn’t to say that if there’s some pressing education issue that I want to talk about on a Friday, I’m going to have to hold off until Tuesday. I’ll say what I want, when I want. It’s just to allow me some more structure and some more accountability. Ready, set, THEMES! =)
Your new themes sound like a fabulous idea. I cannot wait to read them all!
I love this idea, what a great way to stay focused and motivated for daily posts in July! I’m half tempted to do the Ultimate Blog Challenge myself (and might totally steal your idea for creating daily themes!)…
Do it!!! I’m already stoked about the idea of sticking to a routine, and the themes make it so much easier to do it. Do it do it do it! Excited to see what themes you come up with 🙂
I decided not to officially join the blog challenge, but I’m still thinking I’m going to adopt some daily themes soon and use them to help me post more! Thanks again for the great idea.
I love your Thankful Thursday theme. We all need to be more thankful for what is in our lives. Good luck on the UBC this will be my third and it has helped me to grow a lot in my writing.
Thank you so much!! =) I realized I was taking way too much for granted and I needed to really sit back and reflect on everything I’d been given and everything I worked hard for.
I’m impressed that it’s your third time!!! This writing things not easy – has it helped you get faster in writing your posts?! That’s something I need to get better at!
I love this idea of how you’ve given yourself a theme for each day….starting to think I might need to do something along those lines, like you said to try and cover each aspect of your life….I look forward to reading more from you
Do it!! Can’t wait to see what themes you come up with! =)
I really love your idea for daily themes. I had an idea for Favorite Quote Friday, but oops..forgot about it when I got back to posting on my blog this week. My last blog had a new theme each month…things like springtime, famous birthdays, silent films, etc. It keeps things more organized when you have a theme. This post reminded me that I should really get back into planning themes. Thanks!
I LOVE the idea of Favorite Quote Friday! I hope you continue to do it – I have an entire Word document of quotes that speak to me and that I can relate to. Even when I read books, I’m writing down lines or paragraphs that I want to remember. But they’re all just there – sitting there and I’m doing nothing with them! What a great idea!!
My own Word document is the reason I thought of it! lol I always write down quotes so I never forget them. Glad I’m not the only one!