I was afraid to do it, even after a friend told me he was, because I know if I sign up, I have to do it. No failing! It's a commitment, and scary one at that, for one who fears writing. However, it's one of those things that I couldn't excuse myself for not doing. Am I going to live my life in fear?
Therefore, I (with a touch of fear) proclaim that I am a Nanowrimo participant for 2006!
I can't stop being both proud and dismayed at myself at all I've done and not done this morning. However did I used to do this on top of school and work?
The kids spent the night and don't have school today. I overslept and didn't wake until 10am--not typical of a day with kids. The rest, however, is.
I stumble out of my room to see three children, assorted Halloween candy, cartoons on tv and a living room floor that has not an inch of carpet showing. "Okay, guys, we're not doing anything today until this is cleaned up." And so I start, inch by inch. "Whose paper bag is this? J., do you need this plastic spider?" But the more I go along, the more that arises, of course. One kid gets a time out for making fun of another and being disrespctful to me, but she won't go down without a fight. One kid is playing with a hammer and nails. Another asks for coffee. Another wants cheesecake muffins, but one thinks they will take too long.
We went to Starbucks after play rehearsal. We decided we were celebrating Shay's perfect score on her science test--she was the only person in the class who got a 100%, and if you've ever been the person to set the curve, you know how awesome that is--and even more so because she struggled a bit with the subject last year.
Also celebrated: that J finally has gotten the hang of turning in his homework and taking care of his papers. This, too, is a huge accomplishment.
But this was all brought on by Bri's state project--a mobile display on the topic of Texas--getting a perfect score! (I had been so worried! It was a huge project, and it came due while I was away in San Francisco.) We went to school, lugged the project into the backseat, went to rehearsal, and then to Starbucks.
Me, in the car on the highway, finding my view blocked by her display: Uh, Bri, I can't see out the back window.
Bri, with mock excitement: Yes! My project is an A+, and a driving obstruction!
(Bri and Shay both responded the same way when I just called to remind them we have rehearsal in an hour: "Ugh! But I don't waaaant to go to rehearsal!" Seeing as this will be our first rehearsal and we have them four to five days a week for the next two and a half months, this does not bode well for our endeavour!)
I am making chicken stock from scratch, something that just makes me happy--so aromatic and cozy! I'm glad I'm a girl who *can* make her own chicken broth. (I think I'll never be good at cutting up a chicken, but it's a fun activity for one in an aggressive mood. Blood, guts, knives, and breaking bones! Arrghh!)
The next dinner on my list will be a carmelized onion-brie pizza topped with slivered almonds. Doesn't that sound awesome? Shopping I realized I dream of being in a financial situation where I can buy the ingredients I fancy and cook with more things like nice mustards, shallots, fresh garlic, pine nuts, salmon, and balsamic-red wine reductions--and less 25ยข boxes of macaroni and cheese.
I can dream, can't I? Of preparing lentil salad with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, of red potatoes in saffron marinade, or herbed asparagus torta, braised chicken breasts tapenade, or pear clafouti?
