Ending NaNoWriMo, NaBloPoMo and NaExerMo

I can't believe NaNoWriMo and NaBloPoMo are both almost over. Oh, and my self-imposed NaExerMo, also known as National Exercise Month. (Except it's not really national because I just made it up!)

How did 30 days pass so quickly? You want to know how I did on:
1) writing a novel in a month,
2) posting on my blog every day and
3) exercising every day in the month of November?

Alright, here's the roundup!

NaNoWriMo: Sadly enough, I did NOT get to 50,000 words. I am at 37,941 right now. I've tried to figure out some way I can write 12,059 words in the next day but I am really tired right now and I quite simply lack the time to be able to write all day tomorrow. I don't even know if I can write that much in one day.

I was quite depressed yesterday when I realized that I wasn't going to get to my 50,000 words. When I think about what went wrong, I think there were two main problems: I didn't write too much when I had the flu and I didn't write too much over Thanksgiving weekend.

I told someone about my melancholy today and her response was, "Well, that sounds crazy anyway so I wouldn't worry about it." Yeah, except that once I set a goal, I do everything to achieve it. I can't go through life not doing the things I say I'm going to do.

The glass half-full perspective is that I have 37,941 words written and that's a lot more than I had 29 days ago. I'm very proud of myself for getting that much done. And I'm loving my story.

NaBloPoMo: Guess what? One more post tomorrow, 11/30 and I did it! I posted every single day in the month of November! I've gone from writing on this blog three times a week to posting every single day.

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, even if there were those days when I was brain dead about what to write about. That's when I found myself writing about strippers and Rock Star Energy Drink. But, I managed to get through it!

Now I'm debating whether to keep posting every single day? If you did NaBloPoMo, are you going to keep the daily posting going?

NaExerMo: In exactly one month I turn 35. And I want to be smokin' hot on my birthday. I'm not kidding. Not that I want to cause another car crash or anything like that, but I want to enter the mid to late 30's getting a jump on my slowing metabolism. So I figured it would be a great thing if I could actually work-out every day in November.

I've jogged, jumped roped, hiked, gone to the gym, done push-ups and lifted weights. But did I do something every single day? Nope. Again, I didn't exercise for almost a week when I was dying from the flu. I tried and it just didn't work to run around the trail in my pitifully feverish state.

I'm going to do my best to keep the exercise thing going now that these 30 days are over.

So, that's the update! How about you? If you were doing something for the past 30 days, how'd it go?

Comments

I like to set goals as well but I think you should def. give yourself a pat on the back. Getting to 37,941 is no joke. Congrats!!
1969 said…
Congrats on all fronts, I knew you had it in ya!
nick said…
That's pretty good going! And interesting posts too, not just any old stuff to hit the target. I never even tried to post once a day, I'm far too lazy. Just the thought of conjuring up 38,000 words makes me feel giddy!
Definitely congratulations to you! I am impressed. And yes, I have done something for 30 days this month...gorged on microwave popcorn and tangerines until I fell asleep.

The up side is: I'm eating pretty healhty foods nowadays.

And the down side: Still gorging. Sigh...
Mes Deux Cents said…
Hi Liz,

I love that you have been posting everyday. I really enjoy waking up to a new post by you. So I hope that you will continue to do so.

37,000 words! Wow.

Also I post everyday so I know how time consuming and difficult it can be. But it's also very satisfying.
SarahA said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
SarahA said…
Well, if you still like your story at the end of NaNoWriMo, I think you've accomplished more than most. Last year I finished 27,000 and I didn't really like it anyways. This year I wrote 2,000, but I still think it's ok.

CalicoSarah
Nerd Girl said…
Good job! I tried to blog every day - between my home computer being on the fritz and just plain laziness on my part, I didn't succeed. I do think I'm going to try to post more frequently than I did prior to NaBloPoMo though.

I feel you on being fine at 35! I plan on rocking my two piece sans sarong this summer. Please believe I'm hitting the gym on the regular.

Have a great weekend!
Liz Dwyer said…
NYC/CR,
Thanks SO much for the congratulations! Now that the rain has cleared my brain fog, I'm feeling happier about the 37,941. I may be able to crank out another 2,000 words today...we'll see!

1969,
Thank you! I don't get a NaNoWriMo winner trophy but I'm feeling good about what I accomplished.

Nick,
Thanks for saying the posts are interesting! :) I didn't think I could post every day either, but there's something about it that just clicked for me. I'm glad I did it...think I'll try to keep it up!

DMB,
Thank you for the congrats! Love the popcorn and tangerines. And, all things considered, tangerines are a pretty healthy thing to gorge on!

MDC,
When I first came by your blog, I was SO impressed by what a prolific writer you are. I think it's fantastic. I'm leaning towards keeping it up. And besides, it's fun to read y'alls comments!
Liz Dwyer said…
Sarah,
I hear you on folks disliking the story they end up with. I can easily see how that could happen. At a certain point, two weeks in, I just started writing crap so I could make the word count. I mean, stuff that just didn't make any sense at all. I had to put a stop to that because if I wasn't feeling it, I couldn't invest the time and energy. Good for you for trying it again. I suppose I'll do it again next year! What about you?

Nerd Girl,
Go two piece! Whoo hoo! I have never worn a two piece -- I barely go outside in a swimsuit, period, but that's all gonna change!

And I love reading your posts so I hope your computer stops acting up, etc.
Ian Lidster said…
Well, since you are already smokin' hot in my esteem, you don't have to worry about how splendid you'll be on your birthday -- and congratulations on that, BTW.
As for your accomplishments this month, I think they are impressive.
On the other hand, your self-chastisement reminds me very much of myself, so I understand.
Kari Carlson said…
no pressure -- but, i for one, am so glad you've blogged every day. i love going to my google reader page and trusting that at least you have updated your blog. even when everyone else's links are dull and greyed out -- i know your's will be bold and show 1 new entry. yay!

but, no pressure. seriously.
BZ said…
God I'm such a slacker. Thanks for reminding me!
Jen said…
I'm about to sit down and write a similar post. And 37,941 words is amazing. Be happy!

And it sounds like you've done wonderfully on your other goals, too. Exercising with the flu can be dangerous.

I successfully did nablopomo (assuming I actually write that post) and I did not successfully do nano. I learned some things from trying to do both.

And I don't think I'll keep posting every day. I'd rather post when I have something to say.
Anonymous said…
Congrats on meeting (most) of the goals you set! I would just like to add that I started reading your blog daily this month and I really enjoy it. So that's me encouraging you to try to keep up the daily blogging (for selfish reasons lol). Kudos!
Allison Miranda said…
Congrats on the exercising, writing, and blogging! Keep up the good work!
I hadn't even exercised everyday for the last 30 days! LOL
Lola Gets said…
Congratulations on your accomplishments this month! I missed 3 days of NaBloPoMo, which is a shame, cause I really wanted a prize, lol. I dont think Ill keep this pace up on my blog, but I will post at least 5 times a week, which is what I was doing til October. So keep coming back!
L
storyteller said…
Congratulations on all fronts! I've enjoyed reading your posts this month and just assumed this was a regular thing for you. I briefly considered NaNoWriMo but came to my senses almost immediately, deciding that since I just started Blogging in late October ... NaBloPoMo made more sense this year. :) Maybe NEXT year I'll attempt the 50,000 words. I did manage to post each day during November on both of my Blogs, but (alas) I didn't make it to the gym regularly. Molly DID demand her daily walks and "play" time.

If you like your novel, I hope you'll continue writing until it's finished, no matter how long it takes.
Hugs and blessings,
Lydia said…
Liz,

You are the BOMB!

Having a goal and shooting for excellence is soooo important! When you started posting everyday, my goal became to post every week. I have not succeeded yet but it is amazing to know what I am shooting for.

In addition, none of your posts was frivolous or unnecessary. I get excited when I have the time to catch up!

I was so impressed to see that you had gotten the freelance job with Curves. It is an inspiration!

Big Ups to you for all that you have accomplished! I am just trying to follow in your esteemed footsteps!
Liz Dwyer said…
Ian,
Well, I'll just say I need to work extra hard to maintain whatever smokin' hotness I already have. I think I could stand to work out twice a day till my birthday next month! I'm glad you understand my self-critique. Not everyone does.

Kari,
Knowing that you were looking forward to what I was posting is pressure enough. How can I let you down? And I love google reader.

BZ,
You are hardly a slacker! You are just overscheduled and too busy. I'm an insomniac so that's the only way I get stuff done!

Jen,
Congratulations on your success as well! I have to post today and then I'm officially finished with nablopomo. I'm not sure if I'd try to do both again. I hear you on not being sure if you want to post every day. There were a couple of times that I just wanted to write, "I have nothing worthwhile to say!"

Brownsugalady2,
Thanks for the congratulations and the encouragement. I really appreciate it. And I'm glad you jumped right in and are sharing your thoughts! Some folks are shy about commenting on blogs and lurk for a long time so thanks for letting me know what you're thinking.

Randi523,
I'm going to try to keep up all three things as much as I can. I still have a lot more writing and editing to do on the book, my belly still jiggles like jello...and I love you all in the blog community too much to not post!

Lola,
I saw there are some prizes, but I'm not crossing my fingers that I'll be one of the lucky few dozen that get one. Still though, that would be nice! And five times a week isn't too bad.

Storyteller,
Thanks for your congratulations...and for the hugs and blessings! They're appreciated. Did you really just start blogging? That's fantastic that you jumped right in with NaBloPoMo. I also have another blog but I only posted over there a few times this month. I just couldn't keep up with both of them so that's pretty impressive of you.

I am going to keep up with the novel. I don't want to be on my deathbed regretting that I never finished a book!
Liz Dwyer said…
Janie,
You must have been commenting when I started replying to comments! ;) Thanks for being so supportive and encouraging. It means a whole lot I am really enjoying the Curves job...I just need to hustle and figure out what comes next!
velvet said…
Wow, I have to admire your incredible energy! Even if you didn't hit all three of your targets, you've done so much!

Very inspiring. :-)
Liz Dwyer said…
Velvet,
Thank you so much! I really think I accomplished a lot, but I always feel like I could do more.
storyteller said…
Yes Liz ... I'm a total "newbie" to all of this (though I've journaled forever). I created Small Reflections and left my very first post on October 22nd (at the insistence of a few new friends from the Taos Writers Retreat). I started my second blog, Sacred Ruminations, the very next day on October 23rd when I couldn't figure out how to separate my Sacred Life posts (something I'd promised Carla I'd do when I met her last summer) from the regular ones. I knew next to nothing about any of this and hadn't even READ any blogs previously, but friends & family had encouraged me to do this for YEARS. I've posted on both pretty much every day since. Guess it was time :)
Hugs and blessings,
Jameil said…
WE DID IT!! i'm amazed and proud! 37,941 is amazing!! fab job!! that is fantastic. i didn't even get near trying that. i was like baby steps- nablopomo first!! lol. daily exercising is too taxing on the body anyway. i think i might keep writing daily. let's see how long i can anyway.
I think it's awesome that you started a novel and have 38000 words. Hurray for you. This is the backbone of the first telling of your story. The next telling might be different - longer, shorter - but if you're loving what you are writing? Hurray!

Just don't stop - 1,000 words a day - that's the pace of a novelist.
Liz Dwyer said…
Storyteller,
I'm so impressed that you just jumped in. Very cool that you are so brave!

Jameil,
WHOO HOO! Congratulations to you too. I think you can keep it going. You definitely have lots of interesting things to share!

Claudia,
Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely have to keep it going. 1000 words a day is definitely doable...and less stressful. I didn't write yesterday and I'm taking a day off today, but I'm getting back to it on Monday!

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