Instead of working on my paper for one of my classes I’m going to blog instead. And what better way to procrastinate than to expound on my plans for the summer? So, in no particular order I’ve outlined all of the things I would like to accomplish in the coming months.

1. Exercise More

The Torture Machine

Sure, this may sound like a lame goal, but this summer I’ll finally have the time to exercise. I realize this isn’t a terribly exciting thing to try and accomplish, but this is only the first item on my list. So, let’s continue.

2. Make Money

It's all about the Benjamins

I currently work as a part-time freelance writer. I’ve had the job since April, but I haven’t been able to get much work done since I’m taking 14 credit hours this semester. However, all of that will change as soon as finals are over. I’m honestly kind of excited about this, since past summer jobs have included movie theaters, ice cream parlors, and Target. With this job I get to do something I love (write) all from the comfort of my bedroom. Not too shabby.

3. Play Guitar

I've always been a tele man, myself

For the first time in many years I will once again be taking guitar lessons. I used to play guitar all the time. Then I bought a bass and played in a band for about nine months, and my six-string skills sort of fell by the wayside. Why not take bass lessons, you ask? Well, for a number of reasons. Mainly because I don’t know of any good bass instructors in my general vicinity. I do, however, know of an excellent guitar player and teacher who’s willing to come to my house for an hour each week. He isn’t exactly cheap (hence the importance of number two), but by all accounts he’s worth it. Also, a lot of the stuff I’ll learn on guitar will be fairly transferable to bass playing, but the opposite isn’t as true.

4. Adapt a Novel into a Screenplay

First edition cover

And not just any novel, mind you. I want to adapt The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. Do I have the rights for the screenplay? No. Do I have any idea what I’m getting myself into? Sort of. Am I pretty pumped about this? Yes. For those of you who haven’t read The Bean Trees, do yourself a favor and go pick up a copy. I could give you a brief synopsis, but that would be boring and tedious, plus I don’t really feel like it. Besides, you won’t want to be the only one among you’re friends who hasn’t read it once this baby hits theaters. In preparation for my screenwriting debut, I expect I’ll be reading and rereading The Bean Trees as well as Screenplay by Syd Field.

Four has always been my lucky number so I think I’ll stop there. Plus, unless I start taking copious amounts of speed, I won’t have much time for anything else. I should probably go work on that paper now. Ugh.