On the eve of NaNoWriMo

Oct 28, 2009 14:39

Ok, we're still a few days off, but it's close enough (and taking up most of my free mental cycles), so here's a very belated update.

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but I have been far more busy than usual. I'm now working 3 jobs (total weekly hours varies, but it's in the range of 46+), and still nowhere near my old City salary. The income is worrying, but the work is enjoyable, so things are peachy as far as that goes.

August was the month of many concerts. I caught Journey, Depeche Mode and Def Leppard - the latter two within a week of each other. Mode was incredible, as always, and we ended up scoring a major seat upgrade when tickets didn't sell as well as they anticipated. We started w/ $40 nosebleed seats, but got upgraded to lower bowl seats at the last minute. We had a direct, uninterrupted view of the stage, and the crowd was rockin'. Def Leppard was pretty straightforward and mostly a greatest hits show. I was hoping for a few tracks from the more recent albums, but they stuck to the radio hits. Journey was surprisingly wonderful, and rekindled my love of cheesy 80s arena rock.

September went by in a blur of work, work, and more work. I decided that I wasn't going to ML for NaNo this year, but got involved with some other behind-the-scenes stuff from NaNo Central. I'm also going to the Night of Writing Dangerously, courtesy of The Editorial Department. I cannot wait! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities. I probably won't be able to do much sightseeing, but I'm hoping to at least get to the Coit tower.

This month has been even busier than last with the addition of job #3. (I officially start this Friday, but had the interview and taking up time before). I caught the U2 show in Phoenix last week and came away pretty meh. It was visually lovely, but left me flat. Then I saw the youtube broadcast on Sunday and reverted to my 13-year old fangirl self. I'm also utterly in love w/ Adam Clayton's purple sparkle Fender bass. Purple glitter + a pearl pickguard? Swoon. Yes, it's the little things in life that make me happy. I had forgotten how much better U2 is live. The studio albums tend to feel flat to me, but once you see it live, it...well, comes to life.

NaNoWriMo - yes, I'm back for novel #8 this year. I'm going to be writing a story set in the Highlander universe (the TV show, specifically). It's an idea that's been kicking around since early this year, and seems like it will be a fun project. Two of the women at work are taking the NaNo plunge, too, so I've got partners in crime. Muahahahaha. btw - i've still got a couple of pack of the NaNo shield stickers from last year, so if you want some, just find me @ a write in and ask. They're in my computer bag, so I'll have 'em with me all the time.

It's cool and windy out today - in the 50s with a very cutting breeze. Feels just like Thanksgiving to me, and now I'm craving a warm, steamy house, and the smell of savory things cooking. Despite having a NaNoWriMo with no paid holidays (I used to have up to 4 paid days off every November), I'm rather looking forward to this year. I'm really looking forward to Thanksgiving, too. I've perfected my art of turkey cooking, and mom's stuffing is always incredible.

And, since I can't let a post go by without sharing some pictures, here's some of my latest shots...

A place I housesit has a fountain in the front yard. When the fountain is off, bees flock to the fountain for a drink. I took my chances w/ the stingers and spent about a half hour taking a ton of shots of the bees.




Same house, back door - a walking stick bug.




Patches is settling right in at home




Pixie has taken refuge behind my running shoes. She spent a couple days nestling her chin into the backs of them as seen here. The cats sit at opposite ends of the hallway and stare each other down. Then Patches starts growling and Pixie charges, chasing her back under mom's bed. Rinse, repeat.




Finally, more fun at the Desert Museum, including some spectacular raptor shots courtesy of a docent out in front.




(the whole set is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/midwinter-az/sets/72157622530793459/)
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