Monthly Archives: November 2007

I Rule

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It’s a list. Of five things. That I post on Fridays. Let me know if I’m going too fast.

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One Through Four Add Up To The Fact That Is Fifth:

  1. I successfully completed 30 days of blog posting.
  2. I wrote a 50,000 word novel.
  3. I took three incredible vacations.
  4. I had three Thanksgiving dinners.
  5. I totally owned you, November.

Yeehaw. What’s next?

NaNoWriMo: Check.
NaBloPoMo:Check.

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How To Write A Novel In 3 Days

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Keep in mind this advice only gets you as far as I get for the rest of the day, I’m right down to the wire…that might not be a whole novel, maybe just most of a novel. that this is the advice of an expert, and I wouldn’t really advocate any of this, seeing as I can only barely feel my fingertips now.

  • Shower when you’re stuck for an idea. It’ll make you creative.
  • Find someone else to cook for you.
  • A way to record your progress that motivates you to keep it going.
  • Loud music.
  • Specific & measurable goals. Like three days, 40000 words.
  • A reward schedule for making said goals.
  • Write things down on paper if they don’t fit. They might later.
  • Bad weather helps.
  • Someone losing their memory. I should have used that.
  • Wrist pads. Which I did not have, and regret.
  • Sugar free Red Bull.
  • Cashews, or snack of choice that you shouldn’t be having.
  • Lucky socks.
  • Eye drops.
  • Desperation.

NANO TOTAL:nano_07_winner_large.gif
NaBlo Day 29: Check.

Feeling A Little Green

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It’s Christmas time! It’s time to buy reindeer and decorate! Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls! Charlie Brown was on last night, awww. In my steps to make the world a nicer place (by not talking about my book) I thought I’d let you know the answer to your burning question:

Is it “greener” to buy a real tree or a fake reusable one?

tree farm photo on wikipedia in public domain from United States Department of Agriculture

If you want a tree for the holiday, the experts at Grist and TreeHugger say it’s actually better to buy a cut real Christmas tree than an artificial tree.

Why? In a word, plastics. Fake trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Producing this type of plastic creates a lot of pollution, and PVC is difficult to recycle.

Plus, lead has been found in PVC. According to a report (PDF) in the Journal of Environmental Health, lead levels are higher in older artificial trees. You’ve probably heard about lead in children’s toys, so just imagine the kiddos hanging around lead-tainted branches of your fake Christmas tree. Not a merry scene.

Farmed Christmas trees are ultimately a renewable resource. Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide, and after the holidays, the trees can be recycled into mulch. Check Earth 911 to see where to take your dead tree after the 25th.

What about a live tree? This is often promoted as the ultimate eco-friendly holiday option. Well, it’s not that simple. First, you have to live in the right climate to plant a tree after Christmas. If the ground is frozen outside, you can’t do it.

Also, you must carefully consider how much space you have in your yard to plant trees. Remember, these trees may grow up to 60-feet tall.

So, the most practical solution for earth-friendly folks who celebrate Christmas is to look for a locally grown tree. Ask if the farm uses integrated pest management instead of tons of chemicals. If you can, find a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. It’s good family fun too.
~via green.yahoo.com

NANO TOTAL: 35023. Can I Do It???
NaBlo Day 28: Check.

P.S.~I updated this post for you, if you hadn’t heard the news.

Uphill Battles

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You might have noticed, unlike last November, I’m not talking very much about my writing. This book, which I’m fine saying is my second, is good. I have no idea where it came from, but I like it. While my first sits around collecting dust and rejection letters, I’m proud to not give up on either. I have two more days to finish about 30,000 words. And I’m going to try. I can average over 1,000 words an hour if I’m focused. I get focused every two hours or so. I might make it. You never know. Even if I don’t, I’m going to finish this one and send it out into the same world of depressing no thank yous.

It’s getting to be kind of funny. I never dealt well with rejection and now I’m learning first hand what it’s like to put yourself out there and get let down. You have to believe what you’ve done is good, is worth it, and know that you’ll find success, that trying isn’t failing.

I want to catch up on life and tell you my stories and call my family and friends, but everything is put on hold while I try to bust this out. I don’t want to be a quitter. I’ve done that before too- it’s time for the new me to get to work. I’ve got to sell 1000 books if I want to get us a house out here anyway. Can’t burn out before number 2.

rejection
www.users.wirefire.com

NANO TOTAL: 20037 words. (!)
NaBlo Day 27: Check.

In Defense Of New England

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There are some really really cute baby pictures from when my parents took me to New England Patriots Spring Training. Then there are some not so cute ones as I grew up. But the point is I was there. I didn’t buy a pink Patriots hat the first time they won a Super Bowl. I’ve been there, as has my family, through all the ups and downs. The late 80s/early 90s (1-15 in 1990, 2-14 in 1992) were less than glamorous.

Why are the Patriots the newest team to hate? Because they win games? At a restaurant last night I heard a guy say ‘Pats fans are the new Yanks fans’. If he knew anything he wouldn’t lump me with the team I hate (see here). But I’m a nice kid. Supporting a great team like I always have, through thick and thin no matter where I live. Whether we win by many points or just scrape by. A team that plays hard and just maybe has no match this year. A team that is doing what football teams are supposed to do. This same guy said nothing would make him happier than ‘the Pats making it to the Super Bowl unbeaten, then losing’. Why? ‘To shut up all the stupid fans’.

Maybe he’s a Dolphins fan. Maybe he kept betting against the Pats. I’m not stupid, I’m just like anyone else that’s seen the highs and lows of a franchise. I don’t rub it in your face, and I’ve never hated anyone because of their sports affiliation – besides the Yankees. But I feel like everyone’s out to get us, and I don’t even walk on to the field on Sundays. Can’t we all appreciate good football? That’s what it is. It’s that simple, and that hard.

the old school pats

Another thing I keep hearing: ‘It’s a great time to be a New England fan’. If you knew anything about us, you’d know timing has nothing to do with it. I’m never not a fan. That’s not an option.

Here’s a great blog: Evil Patriots

And another: Pats Pulpit

NANO TOTAL: 12614 words.
NaBlo Day 25: Check.

 

 

Vacation At Home

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Returning to Austin after 7 months or so felt a little strange. It was also the best ever, since right after we got off the plane we were eating Barbecue. And calling MK to rub it in his face. I got off the plane with this excitement and uncertainty. I was in a place I knew so well, that wasn’t really my home any more. My friends, family, and as a matter of fact my furniture may all be there, but I was just a visitor.

We went out for a nice dinner with the MIL and PH and my family. Barbecue again. Mmm. And perfect iced tea and all that good stuff. We ran some errands and time was flying by but I managed to make it out for some delicious margaritas at Polvo’s. I appreciated so much that everyone knew I only had the one night to see them and made the effort to come out in the middle of the week. It hit me so hard that all my friends are there and I’m not, and they’re surviving just fine without me. We went and saw a show and said our I miss you’s and our see you again soon’s. I’ll be ready to book the pirate ship.

The next morning was great as I got a good run in and enjoyed the weather and environment before we set out to Wimberley. My aunt got us an incredible 5 bedroom mansion to spend our time in:

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and we got to eat more good food and I got to have 2 sleepover parties with my mom and cousin. Aww. I think my aunt had a good birthday, and since that was the purpose of my trip (to make sure she did!) I’m glad. My mom uncle and grandma might be the most hilarious people I’ve ever met, and I think if outsiders saw our family engage in a battle of Cranium they might die laughing. It flew by and I was sad to leave, but I had other important parties to attend…

NANO TOTAL: 12614 words.
NaBlo Day 24: Check.

New Place New Things

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If you’re visiting – click here for information. No one ever does, I’m used to it.

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Five Things I Did Not Expect Yesterday:

  1. The great dane that opens doors.
  2. Arm wrestling, and winning.
  3. Wheelbarrow races.
  4. A 24 lb turkey. That’s a big turkey.
  5. Spending Thanksgiving with 20 great people.

wheelbarrow racing
www.mkheritage.co.uk

NANO TOTAL: 11004 words.
NaBlo Day 23: Check.

The Thankful Challenge

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This is a list of 100 things I’m thankful for. I randomized them, and tried to keep them really simple – but 100 is a lot, I had to get a little creative. I hope you enjoy, think of some things maybe you forgot, and tell someone you’re thankful for them this holiday. Enough sap, here’s the list:

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  1. My faith.
  2. My husband.
  3. My health.
  4. My parents.
  5. My grandparents.
  6. All the rest of my relatives, I have a great family.
  7. Old friends.
  8. New friends.
  9. Sunny weather.
  10. Live music, especially outdoors.
  11. My writing.
  12. Laughter.
  13. My college degree.
  14. Freedom.
  15. Becoming fit.
  16. Puppies.
  17. All my vacations, now too many to count!
  18. All the places I’ve lived.
  19. My memories.
  20. My in laws.
  21. Running water.
  22. The power of prayer.
  23. TV on the internet.
  24. Margaritas.
  25. Learning how to cook.
  26. My car.
  27. Enviga.
  28. Not working.
  29. Good radio.
  30. Soft blankets.
  31. Fires in the cold.
  32. Learning to ski.
  33. Growing up in the 90s.
  34. mp3s.
  35. Everything anyone’s ever given or made me.
  36. Paper and pens.
  37. Trying new things.
  38. The ability to forgive and be forgiven.
  39. Migas and breakfast burritos.
  40. Sunrises, sunsets.
  41. Every pair of my shoes.
  42. Everything I’ve made myself.
  43. Childhood accomplishments.
  44. A1. Yes, the steak sauce.
  45. Learning humility.
  46. Helping strangers.
  47. The internet, my blog.
  48. 1999-2006 in Austin.
  49. Cameras, pictures.
  50. Dimmed lighting.
  51. Hummingbirds.
  52. My gym membership.
  53. How good I sound singing in the shower.
  54. Common sense.
  55. Holidays.
  56. Learning from mistakes.
  57. The NFL.
  58. France.
  59. Parties.
  60. Birthdays.
  61. Learning patience.
  62. The Red Sox.
  63. Calligraphy.
  64. Romance.
  65. Sundays.
  66. Pedicures.
  67. People with great senses of humor.
  68. Zombie jokes.
  69. SXSW.
  70. Surprises.
  71. Feeling whole.
  72. Understanding.
  73. The ability to grow.
  74. Crying until I laugh, but only sometimes.
  75. Knowing when to back down.
  76. Knowing when to stand firm.
  77. Knowing I still have a lot to learn.
  78. Daydreams.
  79. Being taken care of when I’m sick.
  80. The invention of Imitrex.
  81. Chicken Noodle Soup.
  82. Emerson.
  83. Surviving high school.
  84. Thick skin.
  85. Glitter.
  86. Poetry.
  87. Pajamas with feet.
  88. Hope.
  89. Massive Attack.
  90. People who recycle.
  91. Nalgene bottles.
  92. Mini skirts.
  93. Dr. Scholls.
  94. My wedding album.
  95. My husband’s work success.
  96. K cups.
  97. Experience.
  98. Parades.
  99. Volunteers.
  100. Love!

thankful
www.origins-photography.co.uk

Somegosoftly wishes you all a great Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?

NANO TOTAL: 10439 words.
NaBlo Day 22: Check.

Turkey Talk

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Gobble, gobble, gobble…no, not like a turkey, about turkey.

This morning the radio show prank called the Butterball help line right when my little radio alarm went off. I wish I could wake up laughing that hard every morning. “What exactly is a giblet?”

MK and I literally spent 30$ on this embarrassing list: a cooked turkey (like, just the meat), a bag of salad, a can of cranberry, cooked potatoes, pre-made gravy, stuffing, beans, a roll of pastries, two cooked pies, and fat free cool whip.

I would maybe some years ago mind sharing that with you, but I feel like we’re on vacation. It’s going to be just us, and we don’t eat much. Or want to spend all day cooking. It’s supposed to be really nice, and we’re planning a walk on the beach. We might go see a movie, I did it once with friends and thought it was hilarious.

Sure, I miss my family and all the food being made for me and sleeping in front of the TV and, well, that’s all we used to do…but I guess we have to start our own traditions. If the premade turkey is good, MK and I have decided that’s a good tradition. Jayne is having ham, I like that too. Sybotee is on a road trip. Tradition doesn’t have to dictate your good time. So what are your big plans?

thanksgiving food
www.jupiterimages.com

NANO TOTAL: 10162 words. Over a hump!
NaBlo Day 21: Check.