NaNoWriMo Huh?

NaNoWriMo stands for National November Writing Month. This was a movement created to help fledgling writers motivate. And, anyone who is or knows a fledgling writer, knows that we need motivation. You commit to writing a 50,000 word (or roughly 175 page) novel during the month of November. I did this last year. Well, rather, I started last year and only got to about 4,000 words. So, this year I am going to dust off that document and see if I can finish it. Or at least make a dent. I challenge anyone who has a story inside them to do it. Just open up a word doc and start writing. Sign up here.

Knitting for a Cause

I certainly don't need an excuse to knit especially since I have been a roll this Fall. However, when I friend and fellow knitter told me about a fundraiser, I jumped aboard. There's a little boy in Charlotte with neuroblastoma, a cancer common in children. A local woman, who also runs a knitting store, created a pattern with proceeds going to help this little boy. Read more about it here. It's a throw knit with about 8 different yarns. Different textures but complementary colors. So, this friend was kind enough to schlep to this woman's house and pick out the colors for me, which I love - all pinks and purples. I picked up the big bag of yarn last week and and have yet to start since I am finishing up a smaller project. However, I am anxious to dig in. What a great excuse.

Through The Lens

About 7 years ago just prior to our honeymoon, CityCrab and I bought our first digital camera. CityCrab is a man of extreme research so he scoured the internet, polled people, bought Consumer Reports and spent several weekends trying out cameras. When we were ready to pull the trigger, I clearly remember the cold February morning we schlepped over the new Best Buy on 23rd St and plunked down almost 400 bucks for a Sony digital camera. 400 bucks? But it had everything. It took video and crystal clear pictures. That camera took us around the world including 3 different states we lived in, through a million holidays, 2 dogs and the birth of CityBaby. That last one is especially important to the story because it was that same prodigal son who thought it would be a fun science experiment to drop the camera down the stairs. Clunk, clunk, clunk all the way down. The funny part is that except for the lens that wouldn't recede and the fact that the back screen was black, the camera still worked. But clearly, it was time for a new one. And, I decided if I was going to get one in a timely manner, I better do the research myself. So, I asked around, purchase the $5/month Consumer Reports online subscription and got to work. I thought I was sold on the Canon Powershot. But for some reason I was drawn to the Nikon. Was it the name? Was it my rebellious side to buck the system and reject the ever-popular Canon? Not sure, but when the final decision was made, it was the Nikon Coolpix. This time we bought it online for a cool 254 bucks. The jury was still out since CityCrab had completely delegated the purchase to me. This was a little stressful. I felt as though I had to put together a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation outlining my overall strategy with a sensitivity and cost-benefit analysis. I was holding my breath for the first 2 weeks. Then we were on vacation at the beach and he turned to me and said, "Good job, D. This is a great camera." Huge sigh..........

A BAD Case of the Mondays

Monday was a doozy. We had just returned Sunday night from a whirlwind South Florida trip. CityBaby was due back at school and not happy about it. Reuben was emotionally scared from spending the week at camp and physically sick, too. CityCrab was complaining of a cold. And, me? I was holding it all together with a paper clip and a rubber band. It started early with CityBaby coughing himself awake. Then Reuben dashed downstairs ahead of everyone to wait at the front door with that "you better let me out" look. I let Reuben out, I dressed and fed CityBaby, I got dressed (I think) and I ran out the door to head off to school. I literally ran out the door because as I was sitting in the car, ready to pull out of the driveway, I noticed I actually left the back door open. Yes - wide open. I get in the car, already late, and decided that rather than wipe off the side view mirrors or wait for the heater to clear them, I'll just wing it. Heck, I've done this a million times. Well, I winged it alright. Right into our DirecTv dish. Which also happens to sit adjacent to our house. I was met with a loud crunch and then a "Whoa!" from CityBaby. Oof! I got out, checked the damage (broken light, scratch on the car) and actually bent back the dish, like if I did that then it would be alright. But, hey, I was late. I didn't have time to linger. I filed it under "Deal with Later." I jumped back in the car and made my way, safely, out of the driveway. Then my cell rings.
I answer as calmly as I can.
"Hello?"
"Did you just drive into the side of the house?"
Pause. How often do you expect to have to answer that to your husband?
"Um, yes." I had nothing. I had to go with the truth. I needed to garnish all the favor I could.
"Ok, well, we have no TV."
Pause on both ends.
"I'll call DirecTv and see if they can get someone out here today."

How's that for a Monday?



























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Off The Grid

The last 8 weeks have been chaotic. Since the beginning of September, I haven't had a week without travel or a holiday. It's exhausting. I just completed my last trip and feel like I missed Fall. I have been making an effort to disconnect from time to time. For exmaple, I have stopped checking emails or reading online at night just before bed - it gears me up. And, I have really tried to put down the blackberry while waiting at a stop light or when waiting in the line at the store. But, now that I am home and have no travel plans ahead, it feels good to be back on the grid. I can re-stock the refrigerator and not worry about buying fruit that will turn before we eat it. And, I can unpack my toothbrush. And, it's finally time to delve back into that book I started over the summer.

Return of Craigslist

Remember the tale of the Craigslist nanny? Well, consider this Craigslist Part Deux. Mama Ruth has a rental property that she manages on her own. We all think this is crazy. There isn't any reason a 92 year old woman needs to be doing this but she likes to be hands-on (read: control freak). So, she asked me to help her post her ad on Craigslist. Apparently, since the murder and all, she has educated herself about it. So, using my journalistic expertise, I help her construct an ad that would actually attract someone (but not a murderer). I post it. I call to tell her it's up and she tells me she just got off the phone with an interested party. How is that for real time? Feeling pretty confident in my abilities, I pat myself on the back. Then I get the call. I pick up the phone and she is already talking, as usual. "...need to put the ad at the top of the page. Go back in and re-post it." Seriously? So, 6 months ago you thought people got murdered online and now you know about search rankings? You don't own a computer, your answering machine has a dial on it that you use to rewind the tape and you go to the bank everyday to cash a check and get your balance. Well, wonders never cease.

And, if for some reason you are looking for a nice beach rental, check it out here.