Day 13 + GreaThings day 1

Now that GreaThings has started, I’ll just try to combine the two. So today’s GreaThings subject is:

“Great memories and moments you’re thankful for this year.”

1. Dad staying up late to play a game with the boys, even though he had to get up at 3:30 to work in the morning (I can’t remember if it was this year or last year, but it doesn’t really matter). It was special father-son time, something Dad does not do very often. But I remember that, even though it was a while ago. Because Dad took the time to do it.
2. A chance to visit the States. I think one of the most special memories I have was when I was with my cousins that we had basically lived with for the last five years before we moved. That was really special.
3. The evening of worship and Bible study I attended there in Ohio, that last week in the States. Even though our time there in Ohio was SO jammed full of seeing friends and family and doing last-minute packing, that is one jewel that stands out from that time.
4. Being at and helping bring about my aunt’s wedding. That was also very special. I remember being up fairly late at night finishing the preparations. Although at the time it was a little aggravating to have so much to do, looking back I’m really glad I was able to help. Even when the nights ended up pretty late. :)
5. Showing our corner of NZ to friends and family. First it was Grandpas in late February/early March, and then we had a visiting Creation speaker come through, and we showed them around a little, too. That’s always special. :)
6. The thrill of figuring out the back story of my villain. That was fun.
7. The ability to make sourdough. Mum pulled me into it, making it a part of my school, and at the beginning I was a bit hesitant. But now I’m all sold—it’s so easy!

That was fun. :) I look forward to tomorrow’s. :)

Writing went really well today. I got about 1,000 words down, and then procrastination hit, and I couldn’t think of what to write. I wanted to stretch where I was at the moment, but I couldn’t come up with anything new. Then, I came across this bit of encouragement. (Am I ever glad I made a “NaNoWriMo Encouragement” board!)

So I wrote this:

“Okay, what am I trying to write this time? I’m trying to write about her getting money so she can buy her siblings back. But it isn’t working very well. I’ve already gone through the first two steps, and the third will only be another thousand words or so. Maybe I should just write what I know, and work on coming up with the rest later. Sounds like a very, very good idea. (Thank you, Jesus!) So, here goes…”

And after that, I thought, Okay. Why don’t I just write what I know I want to happen, and then go back later and fill in the rest? Duh. So I did that. And I was able to shoot out another 1,862. :) So now I’m officially at 60%—almost 2/3 of the way! Hooray! :)

After I had that breakthrough, it went a lot easier. :)

That’s where I’m at tonight. :)

~Esther