Sometimes I intentionally give myself challenges that will stress me the hell out. Anyone who writes will probably know that November is National Novel Writers Month, where (insane) writers everywhere challenge themselves to write a novel in one month. And, of course, they’ve chosen one of the shortest months in which we’re to craft these 50,000 word works of art. I know . . . it’s only a day, but what a difference a day can make!
I’ve tried this once before, but I got off to a bad start after contracting the flu during the first week in November and was never able to get back on track. I’m trying not to get sick this time so that I can get through this torturous exercise. Besides, I have a better story this time.
I’m using this as an avenue to talk about something that I’ve been wanting to get out, which is the 10 months of my mother’s illness which led to her death. So already I’m cheating because it’s supposed to be a novel. Even though I’m technically fictionalizing some of it, to protect the innocent (or guilty, in some cases).
It’s not being written to be published, per se, but I’m looking at it as more of a cathartic experience. If anyone’s ever lost a parent, you understand the emotional wreckage and how you can look up one day and realize the weird ways that grief manifests in your life. Since, unless I’m angry, I’m not an overly expressive person, this could be the emotional detox that I need.
That said, who knows if I’ll make the 50,000 word requirement, or meet the 11/30 deadline? At least it’s the kick in the ass that I need to get started. And the best part is that, when I’m done, nobody has to read it.
To avoid driving myself and everyone else crazy (or crazier) I’m not going to provide regular updates about my project, nor willl I post excerpts, but I will check back in at the end of the month and let y’all know how I did. (And of course I’ll blog about other stuff intermittently. Not that I need to direct any writing energy away from the main project, but really? What’s life without a good rant?)
On another note, a few posts back I talked about an injury sustained to my left foot. Well . . . I’ve taken my commentors advice to heart and spoken to a few medical professionals about it. Taking into account my symptoms (the most telling being the gradually developing pain, particularly with any weight bearing activities) it is suspected that I have a stress fracture in either my 4th or 5th metatarsal (feels more like 5th). I’m going to an ortho surgeon to get x-rayed this week.
So, what would a stress fracture mean to me? Well . . . according to everything I’ve read, here are my three treatment options:
Rest — I don’t even know what that means. Because of my knee, I’ve already been warned against running, or anything that could shock my knee. However, I’m assuming that speedwalking, tennis and dance classes should be off the docket.
Protective footwear – orthopedic shoes, here I come. I’ve often fantasized about abandoning my heels in favor of less attractive but comfy Naturalizers. This might be my chance.
Cast — perish the thought. That would be torturous for me in this season, with my dry skin issues.
Surgery — Ummm . . . SURGERY?? How is this cosmically possible?? With 6 surgeries already under my belt, it hardly seems fair that I would have to endure a 7th. Crossing my fingers HARD that surgery isn’t my best option. What they would have to do in surgery is insert an internal fixator, such as a pin or a screw, to hold it in place. It sounds evil and invasive. I want no parts of it!
I’ll post the final verdict, but I’m putting positive thoughts into the Universe that my treatment option is the least severe.
