For weeks 44 through 47, here we go!
NaNoWriMo 2023
The weekly blog posts are always paused in November because of National Novel Writing Month. As per usual, I wrote a romance novel. I find them easiest to write and I consider it a good exercise in writing. Some little details:
- title: WHISPERS IN THE NIGHT
The male character is bilingual (French/English by way of Canada) so I peppered in some French via Google Translate. They meet, they fall for each other, etc. If I get to editing it, I’ll probably want to add more external tension. Is it possible to have characters who are too well adjusted? - word count: 52,441
I hit the 50k word count on November 23rd but didn’t official finish the story until November 25th. - average word count: 2,097
I was trying for about 2k words per day with the thought of hitting 60k words. I didn’t get to 60k this time mostly because I just wanted to finish the story. - muse: Thomas Beaudoin
Not sure how he got to be my Muse this time around, especially since I have a story where Ben Barnes plays the main fella that I could write. It was nice having a very new Muse though, so thank you, Thomas!
I don’t know if I’ll let anyone read this one. Maybe if I re-work the ending a bit, add more tension?
TV & MOVIES
Loki – If the season finale was a series finale, I am good with it. The show did such a great job of exploring the character of Loki and the relationships he forged. There was something so bittersweet about the end. Loki is such a great character and if this is the last we see him, it’ll be sad but understandable. If it’s not the last time, I wouldn’t mind that either. Variants, y’all!
The Marvels – I very much enjoyed the latest Marvel movie. I liked it so much that I saw it twice! I laughed, I tried not to cry, I was thrilled by the action. I don’t think you needed to have watched the Disney+ shows but it wouldn’t have hurt. There was such joy in the movie, along with some somber moments, but it was really a good time. It’s a bummer that it didn’t do well at the box office but it was really good and hopefully people go out and watch it…
One thing I did notice about the movie on second viewing– the music. During certain sequences, the music sounded familiar, making me think of the show Chuck. When I got home, I did a comparison of two songs: from Chuck, “It’s Not All Work,” and from The Marvels, “The Marvels” (showcases the similarity best). There are parts that are definitely hitting the same notes.
Blue Beetle – Finally got to watching this one and I liked it! I certainly liked it better than the last offerings from DC. I almost wish I had taken the chance and watched this one in the theatres.
The Creator – We just watched this one and I liked it. It was such an interesting story with some heartbreaking moments.
Atoms Model 251.1 – New shoes! These are the second collaboration between Atoms and Marques Brownlee. I missed the first collab so when I saw this one, I just had to get them. I was never a sneaker head back in the day and I only buy them when I need them or they catch my eye. Then I’ll wear them for YEARS. I plan on wearing these for years. They’re comfortable and cute. My feet look so small in them!
Our department had its second annual holiday dinner the Friday before Thanksgiving break. I sat in the same place as I did last year at the table in Attraversiamo. It was such a good time! I’m so glad that our department can get together and share a meal and lots of laughter. I had a couple of drinks, including the cocktail of the month. So good!
And speaking of work, on the 1st of November I had a meeting with the reclassification committee. I had finally submitted the paperwork to get reclassified from District Secretary/Receptionist to District Secretary. I was oddly nervous for the meeting, even though I knew everyone on it. It was awkward talking about myself and why I think my position should be reclassified. I was glad when the meeting was over and I didn’t really think too much about it in the days afterwards because I was working on my novel for National Novel Writing Month. On the 13th, I received an email informing me that my position has been reclassified to District Secretary. SUPER SWEET!
Most of my duties have fallen in the secretary spectrum as opposed to receptionist and I should have submitted my reclassification paperwork long ago. I’m glad I finally did it and that the result was in my favor. It’s a change in position title as well as pay scale. Since our union just ratified the latest contract, I will be getting even more of a raise. Good times!
Thanksgiving week – I was off the whole week for Thanksgiving. I spent a lot of time writing. I watched The Marvels for a second time, this time in IMAX, which I recommend if at all possible. We had a lowkey Thanksgiving, spending it at home. Dinner was yummy and filling and not cooked by me. 😉
Family Time – Sunday was my Auntie Doreen’s surprise party! Not sure how surprised she was but I think she might have been surprised by the people gathered. It was such a lovely time with great company, yummy food, and good drinks. The last time I saw my extended family was my grandmother’s funeral so this was a more joyful time. We gathered at The Preacher’s Daughter in Alameda. The weather was cool but refreshing and the skies were mostly clear.
One of my favorite moments was getting to hold the baby boy Bishop. He is such a cutie! He was very chill and so very sweet. Adorable! It was wonderful to see everyone in person. Even though I love that I can see everyone’s updates online, it’s much more fun to be able to talk in person and hug and all of that.
Back to work tomorrow after a week off. I could have done more during my time off but I’m satisfied for the most part with how I spent it. We’re almost down to the last month of the year. What goodness will close down the year?