With only just over a week until November, I've started panicking about what I'm going to do with my blog while I'm obsessively writing my NaNoWriMo novel. 

I've come to the conclusion that I have to be very organized. I've scheduled out my posts, and will do a fair amount of pre-writing. 

I plan on answering any questions you have about me. So if you have questions, please ask them!

Time Travel Tuesdays:

Stories, pictures and videos from my past. Embarrassing, heartfelt, laughable moments.

It will start at the beginning of the month, and you'll have a chance to enter again each week. On Thanksgiving Thursday, I will present the winner!

I'll let someone take control of a post for a day, therefore helping to lighten my load!

Where I'll update you all on my NaNoWriMo progess and leave you with an excerpt of my writing from that week. 

So there you have it. My blog schedule for the month of November! It's going to be a crazy one! Wish me luck!

The cornier the better. It reminds you what it's like to laugh, and that things aren't always so serious.

(Optional: Add a fuzzy blanket. Nothing is better than having toasty toes while giggling at teenage girls and swooning over boys playing adolescent jail bait.)

2. Get out of the house!

Even if you only go to the grocery store, it's good to stop hiding away in your room.

I suggest looking halfway decent first. I looked like a slob and was genuinely terrified that Stacy and Clinton were going to apprehend me at any moment.


(Optional: While you're out, go through the drive through and get yourself something sweet. Nothing too big. Don't want to break the diet. But just remind yourself that you deserve a treat. You're a good person. Good people deserve sugar.)

3. Do something with your hands!

Write a blog, clean your room, make your Halloween costume. (I decided to combine all three.)


Doing something with your hands effectively distracts your mind from depressing thoughts. All of your attention is focused on tying that piece of tulle to the ribbon.

When you are finished, you have done something productive with your time, and maybe you'll have made something to be proud of!

(Optional: If you make a costume, another way to brighten your spirits it to play dress up. It is guaranteed to produce a giggle or two.)

4. Remember how blessed you are!

I think so many of us (myself included) are so inclined to focus on the bad in our lives. The things we wish we had. The things we don't have and aren't doing.

It's such a spirit booster when you sit down and think about the blessings you have in your life.

(Optional: Write a list. Like Pringles: "Once you pop, the fun won't stop!" The blessings you have in your life will just keep pouring out onto that list!)

What do you all do when you need a lift?

P.S. Thank you to all of the beautiful people who commented on my blog! You all made me smile. 

I'm feeling down.

Down like a bird that can't fly.

Down like a fallen dish, shattered on the floor.

Down like... something that's not up. (I'm out of metaphors.)

There are a few reasons why this is...

1. I think it's finally sinking in that my Grandma is gone and that she's really not going to be there the next time I go to her house. Anytime I think about Thanksgiving, or Christmas Eve, it really hurts. She was the center of both of those holidays and traditions, and change scares me. I miss my grandma.

2. I'm unemployed again. When I started my job, I knew that it might only be temporary. I was taking the place of a 70 year old woman who had broken her arm and had a myriad of other health problems. But they wanted her back when she was better if her doctor gave her the okay. She wasn't supposed to be back until November. When I showed up for work on Wednesday, she was there. Two weeks early. She and my coworker were shocked that no one had called me. I went down to my bosses office trying not to cry. 

3. I had to take down my green screen out of the spare bedroom. And I have no idea where I can put it now when I make my next book review. But that's kind of minor. I'm just a little bummed.

4. National Novel Writing Month starts in 9 days. While I think I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm doing, I'm a little bit terrified.

5. I just want someone to hold me.

Enough of me whining. Here are some happy things too.

1. It's raining and smells wonderful. The sun is shining through the clouds and the wet, colorful leaves look beautiful.

2. I'm about to play (and maybe finish) Zelda: Ocarina of Time. That's awesome!

3. I've started making my Halloween costume! It's poofy!

Things aren't so bad. I've got a good life and things to keep me busy.

To my friends:

I just want to say thanks for being there for me during this time in my life. It meant so much to me.

Bloggers!

Thanks for being patient with me. I know I haven't been blogging much. Also, thank you for all of your kind words. You're all so sweet!

Hey Bedroom!

I just cleaned you! Why are you so messy already! Do something about that, will you?!

Work:

I'm not so thrilled that you're back again tomorrow. You're like a zit. I can't seem to leave you alone. I'm sure if I did, you'd go away. Bah.

Dearest Guitar,

Why don't I play you more often? You're fun. I should do so. Please don't hurt my fingers!

Dreams;

Why are you so silly? My grandma isn't a robot with ninja moves on a mission to destroy me! I am not a frog!  There is no way that I can play basketball with the NBA! I would appreciate it if instead of being so random and silly you would give me ideas for the plot of my novel! 

My wonderful grandma,

I miss you so much. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. I love you.

Your loving grand daughter.

I am thankful for a wonderful family who love and supports me and each other. It's so great to be able to come together this weekend to celebrate my grandmother's wonderful life. I love you all SO much.

Good night everyone! 

What are you thankful for?

My grandma is one of the most amazing women I know. She is spiritual, and loving and has had such an amazing life. 

She passed away an hour ago. I was able to be there when she passed and it was such an amazing, peaceful experience. My mind is still comprehending it. 

I love you grandma. With all of my heart. Thank you for helping to start this wonderful family that I belong to. 

Thank you for being there for me whether I was sick and needed you, or whether I was in a play and just wanted you to see me on stage. 

Thank you for being the center of nearly every family tradition we have.

And most of all. Thank you for being my grandma. 

I love you!

My grandma and me on my blessing day.

My grandma and her 7 children. (This is one of my favorite pictures of all time.)

My grandma and me September 12, 2010

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful grandmother. I will miss you so much!

Until we meet again.

Rae Rasmussen
April 23, 1922 - October 15, 2010

Nine years ago, I became an aunt. He was such a beautiful little boy. 

He is still a beautiful boy.

He is a picky eater. A whiz with video games and putting together Legos. So good at math.

I love you Jeff!

Seven years ago, I became an aunt. Again. She was the most adorable, personality filled little girl.

And she still is.

She is so creative. The best reader and writer. Swims like a fish.

I love you Megs!

Happy Birthday to both of you! I'm excited to watch you grow another year!