A NaNoWriMo WoooHoo!!

I was just too discouraged to blog yesterday after only writing 400 words, but I can't be too hard on myself because at least I wrote something.  Today, I had a feeling I could plug and chug right along  - and I did! After pounding out 3550 words, I am up to 10023. I am also starting to formulate a better general structure for the project and if I have time, I will try to incorporate it in the next few weeks. My priority, though, is the word count so I am not overly concerned about the quality of the structure.  I am sure I will still have plenty of time in December for reading, revising, rereading, revising, rereading, etc., etc.

Decisions, decisions...

...to sacrifice sleep for the sake of meeting my daily and cumulative word count, or tackle it fresh tomorrow?  I am inclined to say that I will be ending my NaNoWriMo session short today, and will pick up tomorrow and cover more ground than I have in the last two days.  So, with a small twinge of regret, I have to admit that I am technically behind - on Day 4.  But I am on optimist and know that I have a lot left in me.

I make an effort not to make excuses, but today was a day out of the ordinary therefore, I have that much more confidence I can recover quickly.  We have a new member of the household here. She is a cute, 8-week-old or so, kitten that was abandoned at or near my grandfather's recently.  My mom decided it was too cute and friendly not to rescue.  She has a few health issues that we are addressing, but she and our Australian Shepherd/Sheltie mix dog Lilly are getting along quite well.  I have named the kitten Ziva, and she thoroughly enjoys the "loving" licks and nudges she gets from the dog, even if they are overwhelming at times.  She has also already played with the cat tunnel I purchased.  My other cat, Scooby, does not care for this latest development. All afternoon, he has avoided the area we have kept her and made frequent trips outside.  I am hopeful he will come around and the two can get along.

Third Day of NaNoWriMo, both easier and harder

Today  in the world of NaNoWriMo, it was easier finding a flow in my thoughts, but harder reaching my daily word count goal.  Cumulatively, I am ahead of where I need to be, but I'll try and get to my daily word count goal although it appears I'm cutting it close.  Yet I opted to blog so I wouldn't forget to do it.

I am feeling more satisfied about the approach I've taken, and feel I've had some good ideas for the revision process. It's hard not to revise or reread and edit, yet for the sake of completing 50,000 words, numerous people have suggested not editing at all and just writing. So, that is what I'm trying to do. For some reason, the last two days I have put off the writing until later at night. It's almost as if I am reliving college days and scurrying to finish up essays and projects. Yup, I was, always have been, and probably always will be a top notch procrastinator.

Day 2 of NaNoWriMo

Okay, this blog entry is actually being completed on Day 3 of NaNoWriMo, but I have to confess I was doing a bit of scurrying with my "novel" to reach my word count goal for the day. Now, I didn't have to type 1,667 words to stay on pace, but I was pretty close so I pounded out another 60 words to finish the night.  Today, I definitely struggled more with the writing, but I accomplished what I needed to so I can go to sleep happy.

If you happen to "follow" this blog at all, you are probably surprised that I would commit to a month-long writing project when I barely post to this once a month.  But I am determined to do this.   I have started to accept the fact that what I finish may not be a novel I care for, but I think it will help my confidence level going forward in regards to writing projects.

Weigh-In Wednesday update: down eight-tenths of a pound! I find this extremely impressive considering the fact that I polished off most of a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  

NaNoWriMo has begun!

Day one of NaNoWriMo is complete for me, and I'm very happy I wrote more than my original goal of 1,667 words.  So far, things are going according to the loose plan I laid out, although I have to remind myself not to think too far ahead and become overwhelmed.  So far, though, it's mostly been a lot of fun and excitement.  I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys writing and has the time to do it (or willing to commit to it).

In a couple side notes (which I know I shouldn't do, but I do put "random" in the blog description, after all).  November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and I consider it very important for people to be aware of epilepsy, for personal reasons especially.  If there is one myth that should be dispelled - NEVER put something in a person's mouth if he/she is having a seizure!

Weigh-in tomorrow...not expecting great things after not tracking my food the last couple weeks, nor have I been exercising regularly BUT since it is the beginning of a new week, it will be a fresh start.  Plus, I'm going to hop on the treadmill for at least 15 minutes, hopefully a half hour. Positive thinking!

The Latest Weigh-In: Surprising Success

This week's weigh-in yielded another pound lost, which was a bit surprising.  I faithfully tracked what I ate, or more accurately, what I ate too much of so I was WAY over my points allowed.  Needless to say, I didn't expect to see a loss this week.  My only explanation: exercise.  Ever since Fryeburg Fair, I have tried to remain consistent with my exercise routine.  I was active at the fair for nine of ten days, so I knew it would be in my best interest to maintain that level of activity. Some days, I don't think I am going to be active at all, but I tell myself "just do a ten minute video" and that tends to become at least 40 minutes.  Tonight I noticed that I was starting to enjoy the time to focus on just me and my body, which is important in developing a long-term relationship with physical activity.

World Food Day - think before you eat!

What better time to dust off the blog than to post regarding World Food Day.  When I read that phrase, I immediately think of food production and food insecurity in third world countries, but upon further contemplation, food insecurity in industrialized countries is an ever-increasing problem, too.  I know how incredibly fortunate I am not only live in a society where food of different types is readily available and easily affordable. I am also educated enough to know where my food comes from and how it is grown.

On a different angle, I can't help but think of the brief time I spent in Russia during my junior year of high school.  The difference in food culture from that of my own was significant in a number of ways.  Yes, food was prepared differently yet it was also presented differently.  During school, we sat down and were served our meals, usually in at least three courses. The idea of self-service was practically non-existent. I felt completely humbled by the hospitality, and wished we had been much more accommodating when my student, Julia, stayed with us.

Another facet of the hospitality shown by my host family was the fact that they purchased food items they would not normally buy to suit my palette. It is extremely difficult to fully ascertain the financial lengths they went to, but I have never forgotten it. This year, with the World Food Day discussion revolving around food prices and reducing the impact of their volatility, it's worthwhile to really step back and consider our consumption and its effects on others. We must also assess the factors that contribute to the expenses of food production and transportation of food goods to an increasingly urban planet.

Ultimately, food is provided by the earth, assisted by farmers' stewardship across the globe. Each of us need food for sustenance and growth; some of us consume more than we should, and yet, there are still too many people on this planet unable to meet their nutritional needs to survive and thrive. I don't know if we can solve the challenges of malnutrition and starvation, but we must continue to try.

For more information on World Food Day, be sure to check out the website of Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations.