Skip to main content

It's Not A Job

A sigh of relief, a project completed, phew. I finished NaBloPoMo and didn't miss a day. When I first started blogging over a year ago, I had no problem posting every day and would sometimes even post two or three entries on any given day depending on my level of motivation and inspiration. But doing something willingly and being forced to do it changes the nature of the project. And completing the job that is required feels a lot different when you're finished, like the pressure is off.

The thing with NaBloPoMo is that it's voluntary, and the consequences of missing a day really are minimal. So you can't win a prize in the end. Big deal. It won't look bad on a resume if you don't complete NaBloPoMo. Your reputation won't be tarnished. It just seems like a job once you sign up. It just seems like something that is required, and now that it's over, even though I enjoyed myself, I welcome December when I post when I want to and take break when I choose.

During these last 30 days, I spent an entire week talking about tuna fish. I learned about toilets and toilet paper and sanitation around the world. I went back to acknowledging the birthdays of interesting people in history, something I may continue doing. And I recorded myself playing the piano and the recorder, something I also may continue doing, although probably not on Saturdays. I may come up with a feature like "Listen to This, Would Ya Wednesday," but my repertoire is limited—any requests?

I like working on week-long series subjects and have been challenged to explore mashed potatoes. I am up for the challenge, although it may take me some time to put my thoughts together. While I think about spuds, are there any subjects you think I should dig into and spend a whole week rambling on and on about?

Comments

dive said…
Congratulations on completing / enduring another NaBloPoMo, Robyn.

You are right about it becoming a chore when you have promised yourself a post every day. Last year I found NaBloPoMo tough going, but this year - when I didn't take part - I had no problem posting every day because the pressure was off.

Your Tuna Noodle Casserole Week and Toilet Week were wonderful, and I'm so glad to see the birthdays feature making a welcome return. I love your recordings although I don't want to put you through hours of practice just to play requests. Bill Evans' piano interludes from Miles Davis' "Blue In Green" might be nice to try, though.

Mashed potatoes sound fun, too. Good winter comfort food. As for other subjects, I'll have to think some up. I'll try not to make them too "Dive" Hee hee.
NaBloPoMo and a big YAWN!!
Mrs. G. said…
I learned more about tuna casserole and toilet paper than I ever thought possible. Thanks for the good times.
Scout said…
Dive, did you really post every day anyway? I'm a little afraid of the subjects you might suggest--I'll have to get a dictionary.

Rich, I'm sorry. Are you bored? Shut up.

Mrs. G, I had no idea there was so much to say about those things either. Glad you enjoyed yourself here in my humble home.
Gina said…
I don't think I will do NaBloPoMo again next year. But congrats for finishing!

How about going into the history of food in different eras? Or how we eat? Or the history of marching bands?

It seems to me that you are interested in broad, historical perspectives, thus, my suggestions.
Sorry; what is NaBloPoMo? I'm obviously out of the loop.

I'd like you to explore innovative ways of making extra cash!

Quick & easy recipes

How to get our fab novels actually published.
Scout said…
Lynn, it stands for National Blog Posting Month, and by joining up, you agree to post every single day for the month of November. At the end, a few of those who made it through are chosen randomly to receive handmade gifts like mittens and scarves, etc.

Gina, I'm not sure if I'll do it either. It was interesting to come up with a post for every day, but it saps the energy, and I found I was less likely to spend time reading other blogs.

Popular posts from this blog

Classic Green Bean Bake

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, I feel I must post a recipe with plenty of good old American tradition. The classic Green Bean Bake was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist who worked for the Campbell's Soup Company. A study was done determining that 50% of all Americans have eaten the classic Green Bean Bake, and 38% of those believe it is best served during the holidays, mainly Thanksgiving. So, for the other 50% and for those in other countries where this dish may be unfamiliar--my treat: The Classic Green Bean Bake serves 6 to 8 1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon soy sauce Dash of fresh pepper 1 20-oz. bag frozen cut green beans, thawed* 1 2.8 oz can French-fried onions -Preheat the oven to 350 F -In a casserole dish, combine the soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper. Stir in the green beans and half of the onions. -Bake until bubbling, about 25 minutes. Top with the remaining onions and bake for 5 more minutes. Serve hot. *Or cook 1 ...

Bring On the Bombs

In today's edition : I generally try to keep on top of cultural trends even if I don’t adopt them, but there is a growing movement that I have only just discovered. Not long ago, I was walking along in Berkeley, California while visiting my daughter, and I saw a signpost that had been covered with yarn, like someone had sewn a knitted scarf to it. It was colorful and randomly striped, and I pointed it out as if it were the most unusual thing in the world. That’s when my daughter explained the nature of what is known as yarn bombing. It’s when knitters attach something they’ve created to a public object, most often doing their deed stealthily and anonymously. They leave a “bomb,” so to speak, for no other purpose than to brighten up the place and to bring a little cheer to those passing by. Their work has been equated with graffiti, except that the woven yarn is not permanently installed and does no damage to the object it covers. And instead of signifying the territory of a street ...

Cindy Loo Who In October

What is it with people and Cindy Loo Who? Of my last one hundred blog hits, forty have been direct visits from regular readers, and fifteen have been as a result of people searching for "Cindy Loo Who," the little pixie from Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas . A couple of years ago, I posted an image of the original Seuss illustration as compared to the TV cartoon image, and for some reason, that post is bringing in the crowds, relatively. Maybe it's the weather. It isn't even November yet, and already we've had frost and have had to dust off our winter coats. When it gets cold like this, I start to think about Christmasy things like listening to Nat King Cole and decorating the tree. It's ironic because I am offended when retailers start pushing holiday stuff early, but I don't mind my own private celebrations. When my sister and I were much younger and still living with our parents, we would pick a day in July, close the curtains to darken the ...