International Media Festival winner again!

I found a note in Fiona's bookbag this morning mentioning that last year's Media Festival entry by her 2nd grade gifted group won, again. Fiona narrated again with the same girl as the year before (why would they change that, I guess, since they'd won the year before as well?), had written portions of the script and of course had artwork in amongst the slides. I asked her what this entry was called, and she didn't remember--"but I came up with the name". She thinks it was Spectacular Sea Creatures. Anyhow, I know they work long and hard for months on these media festival projects, and it sounds like a huge deal--"winner of the International Media Festival"--but they're so nonchalant about it. As in, I don't know if that means they got grand prize or were one of 300 'winners'. Age divisions? Number of entries? There's no banquet or anything...just a P.S. on a crumpled note in the bottom of her bookbag. Guess I'll bug them for a copy of it again. Her teacher actually made me a CD-ROM version of Awesome Creepy Crawlies, the first year's entry, (after I'd asked many times), which was too cute.

A Farm Girl

Hah...just learned that Fiona is planning to be a 'farm girl' and an artist. After dealing with the grumpy director and the loss of the Sugar Plum Fairy to a broken leg, the magic of the ballet seems to have subsided! Hmm, wonder how long she'd want to be a 'farm girl' if she actually had to work a garden for a little while? :)

Fiona in the Nutcracker

Fiona was a Sugar Plum Fairy Attendant last night in The Nutcracker ballet by the Columbia City Ballet. Her role was rather tiny, only a few seconds, but I think it was a great experience for her to deal with the process of the dress rehearsal and backstage--to see the grumpy director and learn about small stuff, such as the nude leotard that performers wear underneath the company costumes.

Neat experience for her, though I have discerned the true purpose for all the tiny roles for children, besides their invaluable 'stage candy' appeal, and that is 'instant audience'. We nearly convinced family members who otherwise would never have gone to the ballet to come and see it, until I realized how very small the role was. Still, they sold 3 tickets that they wouldn't have otherwise, as of course the children's parents and only sib are going to come anyway!

Oh, but it was a lovely show. I was more impressed this time than I was a couple of years ago with this company's Cinderella, perhaps due to lowered expectations. Very nice show, with a very special little ballerina making a cameo appearance!

40% there!

Word count: 20,270
40% there.

Hmm, I was going to put the 20,400 word count aspiration, but I did build in a couple extra days to the plan to accommodate for Thanksgiving. Luckily, I've managed to nearly keep up, but my sister and her children are due to arrive in a few minutes, and Fiona's Nutcracker performance is tomorrow, so I'm not going to put the pressure on for now.
Michael has been lovely about taking care of the kids and holiday stuff while letting me write, so I've been a bit luckier than I expected on that front. And, truthfully, this novel is now rolling off the fingertips more easily than the first novel ever did (knock on wood). Just as disturbed stuff, though, if not more so.
Hmm, I'm gonna have to figure out some sort of moral lesson or inspirational story to aspire to if these are successful, as a debt to society. The purpose of these stories? Emotionally dramatic entertainment, I suppose!
It was Tolstoy, I believe, who declared his own work, including Anna Karenina, to be trash in his later years. However, while my assessment of my own work sometimes mirrors his as I wonder what the purpose of this writing is, it would be awfully lovely if its success does so as well. :)

Not Just a Whimsical Whirl

There's a quote out there about just a little extra effort turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. I believe it's really true. When we have goals and strive for them, just a bit above and beyond what we're required to do, then we can succeed at almost anything that we want to do. Within reason, of course!

So, yesterday was a bit frustrating. While I'd felt pretty good about my progress so far on the book, it seemed a bit inconceivable that yet another word count mandate existed...after that Herculean effort to get caught up. Then, when perfectly ordinary and even desirable family stuff happened (and I do want to be and enjoy being mommy and wife), I felt terribly guilty about my resentment at those ordinary happenings.

Left feeling at a loss for what to write next and critical of my own inability to balance family and writing, I knew with a certainty that without the word count mandates, the book would yet be another unfinished project, gathering dust with everything else.

Michael generously suggested that I work after the kids were in bed, and I, like the rule-follower that I am, settled down to obey my word mandate and try to plunk out the next bit of the story, a section I had not yet really envisioned. It was hard, but it happened. I won't attest to the quality of the writing, and I wonder about my constant swapping of perspectives, but there is a definite satisfaction to meeting difficult goals and making progress. I honestly keep a printed calendar where I tally the word counts and give myself a sticker--different colors for different numbers of words, with the highest being gold for 'merely' achieving the goal. Thus, any writing at all gets rewarded. No sticker if I don't write, so even a little effort has a certain reward and it's not all requirements for perfection.

Actually, this writing program was one I purchased in a kit from Barnes & Noble for $20. It's called The No Plot? No problem! Novel-Writing Kit by Chris Baty. I think I mentioned it last spring when I wrote Silk. There's a great progress bar that you fill in on the left of the calendar, and it is very exciting to see how rapidly it fills when you stick to your writing schedule. Motivational cards are included, which I find of varying value. The program also includes penalties for not writing, but I leave all that out. I don't see how fulfilling penalties will ever get me closer to catching up, if I do fall behind.

So, what am I doing here instead of writing on my book? Procrastinating...and processing. Reminding myself to stick to it and turn the ordinary unfinished projects and wishful thinking into the extraordinary completed novel and fulfilled dream. Yesterday was a little bump in the road, and, being a bit spoiled and used to things coming to me easily, I felt disheartened. But that experience validated the value of a stringent program, one that keeps your goals in mind and makes you suck it up. And, while I know there are some awfully hard-working and self-motivated folks out there, I think that at heart I'm a pretty ordinary, somewhat self-indulgent girl--but an ordinary girl who has discovered the power of the little extra effort. No, you may not want to write a novel, but if you have a dream that you can conceive of fulfilling, then give it not just a whimsical whirl, but outline a plan for success and stick to it through a few bumps in the road before letting it go.

On track, 20% there!

Killer word count day! Hurrah!
Goal: 10,200
Actual: 10,397 (oh yeah!)
Quantity rules! Quality? Whatever!

I'm a happy gal. Kisses to hubby for giving me a big writing day! He took the kids on a chicken coop tour (two awesome pics to come--I'll get to it one day!) and to Famous Asian restaurant, a new find that totally rocks!

Lunch and a Play

Well, as life doesn't stop for anyone or anything, we are approaching the weekend, and stuff is coming up. Yes, I like stuff and choose to do stuff, but, given my obsessive yet easily distracted nature, I'd almost like to go into a cocoon while I write. It's very hard for me to get into it, and I'm so easily distracted from it, so it feels imperative for me to put everything I've got into it, if it's going to get done.
However, as it happens, given family and kids and holidays...I don't get a cocoon. In fact, I thought I'd have today to write, but my sweet little girl wants me to come to school for 'lunch with parents' day. Now, any normal person would be able to extract themselves from writing, go have lunch, then return and write some more. We'll see...
I suppose I'm a little worried because my writing daily word counts don't stop for weekends or kids or anything. I'm happy to have caught up a little...
word count: 6107
desired word count as of last night: 6800
...but am worried about the weekend.
Yes, normal people balance their activities, but part of it is the fact that it's really difficult for me to get into it. It's not like a box of truffles, where I can thoughtlessly and happily pop one in my mouth whenever I have the chance. Once I do get in the 'zone', though, as I did last night, it can sometimes pour out. Thank goodness for that.
No, balanced is not my nature, and unless someone's going to provide me with a life coach, I feel like I have to obsess, or I won't do it at all. Yes, I'm lazy, and unless there's a fire under my butt (i.e., strict deadlines to meet), it just won't happen!
Anyway, going to meet Fiona for lunch today, and tonight we're going to try to go see 'West Side Story' at SAA, if we can get tickets! Now, aren't those wonderful things? Okay, I'll try to enjoy my wonderful, fun bits of life and let go of 'work' for those hours!

Creepin' along

Hmm...word count: 3931
desired word count as of last night: 5100

Actually, not as bad as I thought on word count. Not sure I'll be able to catch up, as I'm working so hard right now...it's not like blogging, where I can go nonstop! Michael let me read what I have to him last night, and he gave a bunch of encouraging feedback, so it does feel like it's happening at this point. I'm just not sure it'll happen within my allotted time! Oh, and yes, it's creepin' along in more ways than one :) !

Check-in

It's begun...just 1000 words today, and I don't think I have more in me today, but it's a start.  Tomorrow is an energetic Aries moon, a time of beginnings, so let's hope that things take off dynamically!  Oh, and, honestly...I've no idea where I'm headed with it tomorrow!

Day 1, Novel 2

I haven't officially started, though my time's officially ticking away. I thought I'd be more pulled together. Where is that blasted dictionary? And my motivational writing cards? However, computer is open and my Word program arrived today (installing now--thanks, Laura!). So happy to not have to switcheroo computers after starting!
Word count: 0
Mood: scattered but positive

Okay, program loaded and heading to get my coffee! :) Writing to follow soon, hopefully!

Warm Fuzzies at Ellis

So perfect...Ellis seemed like a little utopia yesterday to me. I went in for Alex's quarterly conference, and I had to wait for a bit, so I went to the media center with Fiona to catch up on some of her AR quizzes (they're short quizzes on books, and the kids are supposed to read a certain number per quarter--while Fiona did the reading last quarter, she forgot to take the quizzes, so I'm being a little more diligent).

Anyhow, Ms. Rebecca, the librarian, spoke with us a little. Have I gone on about her before? She's the most perfect librarian. I like to call her that, even though I think it's technically 'media specialist'. She's perfect--a bit prim and always dressed so neatly in a skirt, with her hair just so, but warm and caring about the kids. She'll censor what they check out, and she's asked me before about a scary book Alex wanted to check out. I had no problem with it, but it felt lovely to know that my kids were being looked out for. She's wonderful, and, okay, I'm going to resolve now to volunteer for working at the next book fair! I always mean to help her with that, but it's easy to procrastinate and then not do it. Just love Ms. Rebecca, who takes work home with her, even after hours, and has been so sweet about ordering AR quizzes that I've requested.
Then, I headed up to Alex's sixth grade classroom. Middle school is notoriously hard on kids, but I feel as though Alex is totally sheltered from that. For one thing, they segregate 6th grade away from the 7th and 8th graders--who are even on a different hall. Alex's classroom is actually next door to his little sister's room. What a relief. I have no desire for the kids to grow up too fast. The curriculum, however, is getting more intensive for the sixth graders, and Alex has two primary teachers for his core subjects. They were both at the conference, and they seemed so earnest and warm and enthusiastic about teaching. They both seemed to have high regard for Alex, and they made light of his 'chattiness'. Ms. Carol is planning to move him away from his best friend in class, though. She says, "While I know Alex has no trouble getting all his work done, everyone else isn't the same way!"
Anyway, it was so pleasant. His math/science teacher informed me that he's giving Alex tutorials from the end of the 7th grade math text, so even my worries about Alex not advancing in math were somewhat assuaged. Lovely school, lovely energy, and I'm one lucky parent.
It was Alex's first ever 'report card'. He received all 96 and above. Montessori is not about the numbers, so up until now it's only been check marks, and check plusses for outstanding. However, they have to have grades for their high school applications, so this is the first year they're implementing them for the 6th graders.
You know, not all the parents are so lucky. Many have discussed concerns the teachers have and difficulties with certain subjects and such, but I feel blessed, and as though Alex is living a bit of a charmed life at school. He's happy and sheltered and completely interested in all of his subjects. It's wonderful!

Oh, right! Fiona's conference was last week and went quite well, too. She's having some trouble with completing her work plans. I'm not sure if it's only because she's a slow worker, but I think so. I feel for her, as I was the same way when I was little. I remember how awful fifth grade was, as we had to complete a certain amount of work before lunch, and I'd often miss lunch completely, as I'd be too embarrassed to get it after everyone had been done with their lunches for ages. Anyhow, that's been Fiona's main stressor this year, as she's always worried about finishing her work plan, which rarely happens. I hate for my little sweetie to be so worried about it, especially as she's working pretty diligently, I believe. However, her teacher was very warm and positive, and we've agreed to try it for a couple more weeks. If it continues to be an issue, Ms. Cara will try to adjust her work plan to have a bit less quantity, while retaining the level (so, perhaps just the odd-numbered problems of a math assignment).
I was tickled to see, to my surprise, a poster of the Nutcracker on the inside of Ms. Cara's classroom door today. At rehearsal yesterday, the Columbia ballet gave each of the girls some posters to give out and post. I didn't think too hard about it, but Fiona took it into class and there it was! How sweet that she put it up there. I'm sure Fiona feels special to have her event on the door like that!
Actually, I was a little disappointed at the rehearsal, as it turns out the children seem to be mostly stage candy. Fiona has a little larger role than most, as she traverses the stage and presents to the Sugar Plum Fairy, but it'll take maybe 10 seconds. Oh well. It'll be a good experience. I think she was hoping to dance. The ballet walk is a bit of a dance, I suppose, but not so much.
Okay, that's my catch up! Still hoping to start writing novel 2 on Monday and feeling a bit intimidated!

Alex trounces his folks

I suppose it's time to admit that Alex is officially smarter than us, at least in certain ways. He beat both Michael and me, repeatedly and decisively, at Connect Four the other night.

I'm looking forward to playing chess with him again soon, as, though he's won occasionally, I'd like to see if he's become a truly serious or even superior opponent there, too!

He's always had informational categories that he was more informed about than me, but that's always been specific stuff. However, he retains and absorbs so much general world and historic information that I'm starting to see him as a more well-rounded resource about everything, rather like his dad. In fact, the joke is that if I ask Michael an informational question and he says, "I don't know," that I will assume he's just refusing to tell me. That's close to being true!

Anyhow, just feel like it's a milestone. We've made a big deal about him beating us at that sort of thing before, of course, but this is the first time that he blew us away and totally trounced us! Alex is the Connect Four King!

Old Pants

Alex was wearing a pair of awesome knee-length shorts today. They're well-worn and green, a very lightweight corduroy type of material. Believe it or not, we bought them for him when he was two. We were at REI and there were no kids' clothes. These are size 14, for youth. However, the waistband was elastic and had a canvas adjustable belt. They were down to his feet, then, but they just seemed like baggy pants, and he has been wearing them ever since. Talk about buying big! Anyway, they are starting to get a little worn out, but I thought I'd write about them today, as they have huge sentimental value and have honestly been constantly used for the past ten years or so! (I snapped some pics of the 'Old Faithful Pants' today, so I'll post them sometime soon!)
Oh funny...I was just about to say that I personally don't have any clothes that old that I still wear often, but then realized that I am, as I write, wearing a robe that my folks gave me for Christmas when I was 17! Yep, it's heavy-duty and thick and I've always hated the hot pink color, but I never could find one as thick to replace it (believe me, I've looked) and have worn it quite regularly through the winters over the past 19 years!
P.S. But no, my robe did not fit me at the age of two, so, while older, it's definitely not as versatile as Alex's shorts!

I Installed the New Monitor Myself!

As I'm writing, I'm looking at a brand-spanking-new 20" monitor on our old computer. It's rather amazing the difference it makes. We had one of those original, enormous monitors, and it was flickering dangerously on us. The color would come and go, and it made the whole system seem ridiculously touch-and-go.
As I was at Staples perusing laptops yet again yesterday, the monitors caught my eye. I had lots of questions. Would the monitor be compatible with our old, old computer? How old? I don't know, really old! Would it fit our space, width-wise? Maybe I'll go home and measure...nah, I'll risk it. Which one should I choose? The salesman confided that some of the generic brands seem to have much better resolution that the name brands, and he recommended the least expensive one. Speaking of money, is now the wisest time to spend this money? Never mind...
Anyhow, I picked it up and bought it, sans even speaking with Michael about it. At home, I took the unprecedented step of trying to set it up myself. Granted, Michael had the old monitor hooked up, so I carefully followed cords to see where they led, and I just imitated the existing hook-ups. I was amazed that it worked! I actually hooked it up myself! Okay, so not much more difficult than plugging in a toaster, I guess, but I was probably excited the first time I plugged in an appliance and used it, too.
Oh, but this is great. The monitor is so crystal clear, bright, and smart! It restructures the screen so that, somehow, instead of having the oh-so-tiniest-of-tiny box to type in on hotmail, I now have an absolutely huge screen that I can see. I had wondered about Hotmail and how they thought they could keep going as they shrunk our writing window smaller and smaller, but I suppose other folks had not-such-antiquated hardware!
Weren't these flat screen, liquid crystal display monitors ungodly expensive many years ago? I remember wanting one and thinking it a huge luxury, but this was only $119 plus tax, not even on sale. Energy-star and eco-friendly supposedly, too, though I actually didn't notice that until I got home!

Amazing how it feels like we have a whole, brand new system in a way. Of course, we still can't run some of the newer software on this old baby, but what we can do looks real nice!
Alex is even more excited than me, maybe. He pulled out his Age of Mythology CD-ROM game and was in heaven--and before Michael even got home from work. Generally, all this sort of thing stays in the box until Michael can take care of it. Not that he was left in the cold, uh-uh. We thoughtfully identified a printer issue for him to fix. Wouldn't want him to feel not needed :).