Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Quitting party at my blog!!!

I'm really good at quitting. Ask my dad! I used to be even better but now I try and not do things that will lead to me quitting them.
Today, I am quitting NaNoWriMo. And I don't even feel bad about it. Why? Why am I quitting or why don't I feel bad? Same answer. It did the trick - it got me through the stickiest part of the revision and now it isn't neccessary. I'm starting to feel bad because I'm so behind in hours - going to Saint John to do the Healing Circle, real paying work, driving kids thither and yon, being on the writing panel yesterday - I'm five days behind and can't catch up. So I'm quitting. I'm having a little party to celebrate. Want to come?


All you have to do is tell me something you quit and how it was either a positive or negative thing to do. Just let me know - I'm serving humble pie which is very much like bumbleberry pie only not so flamboyant. I'm not eating anything to do with crows though. Ick! No, I'll serve humble pie and home-made elderberry wine -as I'm an elder berry and proud to be one.



I think it is important to have celebrations when one is suffering from some disappointment or discouragement. I mean heck, who needs a big party when you get a raise or get married or have a brand new house. I never did get why hotels gave newly-weds, who would hopefully be glad to sleep together on a straw mattress on the floor they're so mad for each other, the big ole 'honeymoon suite'. There should be a room for those who have almost forgotten why they got together in the first place - the 'reviving jiving suite' I'd call it. So let's celebrate my giving up in true Queen of Chaos style. Bring all your quittings, your tired masses of discouragement, your failed attempts at things you weren't even sure you wanted and we'll have us one heck of a whoop-de-do. Spread the word.




14 comments:

Julia Kelly said...

At first I thought you said- "quilting party"!! But a "quiting" party is a great idea too- I love what you said about the honeymooners could just have a mattress of straw- so true-
I am trying to "quit" thinking too far ahead or behind and not living in the moment- not quite there but trying- and quiting second guessing thing!

Anonymous said...

Jan - I think you made a healthy decision to leave NaNoWrite if it has served its purpose for you. Good for you to re-assess, re-evaluate and use NaNoWrite for your own goals.

Daisy Hickman said...

Excellent creative thoughts, Jan! I've quit a few things in my life: law school, for starters. Turned to sociology instead and writing and working with nonprofits. Best move I've ever made and it required quitting! So good for you, follow your instincts. And if you need a little breather, check out Winter Reflection in SunnyRoomStudio. Would love to know your thoughts! Best always, Daisy

Jan Morrison said...

Julia - hmmm...a quilting party. Not a bad idea -no!!! No more ideas! I like your quitting being in the future - that is most excellent! Have a slice of pie, my dear.
Margot - thank you very much. I really value your good opinion. Would you like a small glass of wine? You aren't driving are you?
Daisy - yes, you are a soul sister! I'll be by your sunny room very soon...

Carol Kilgore said...

Good for you for turning the frenzied pace of NaNo into something that worked for you and quitting when you accomplished your goal. That's a win. The last think I quit was a diet.

Elspeth Futcher said...

Elderberry wine? Really? I went immediately to "Arsenic and Old Lace", but that's just my twisted brain. I'm still hanging in at NaNo, although it looks as if I'm far behind because I haven't updated my word count. It's my small act of rebellion.

Mason Canyon said...

Sounds like you made the best decision for you - so 'good for you.' As for my quitting does it count that I started three different baby blankets before I finally stayed with the fourth one I started? BTW, the elderberry wine is really good for us.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Hart Johnson said...

Well if it served its purpose, then good for you! Congrats and HAVE FUN!!!!!

I am singularly BAD at quitting and never do it. It is how I end up with too many things going, but I am strangely at peace with this aspect of my personality (the FOMS, you know)

Danette said...

Very nice. Enjoyed your blog on quitting. I celebrate quitting my bad marriage each year. Wrote a post on it a few weeks ago and celebrated with coworkers (brought in chocolate cake as we couldn't have any booze) :)

Glynis said...

Well, Jan . . .
I celebrate quitting MySpace. Ya, I know. Why was I there in the first place? I was trying to network. The site is just too silly for me. Do you want me to bring cider?

Anonymous said...

Great, i found what i 've been lookin for

Anonymous said...

I am planning an eco-friendly baby shower for my sister, and, trying so hard to think of different things to do. Anyway...... I came up with a wishing well where each guest will be asked to bring one organic jar of baby food, but I don't know how to present it in invitations or at the shower? I searched and searched the internet and could NOT find anything to help, hoping you ladies can!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

post-Nice. Merci

Anonymous said...

What a nice post. I really love reading these types or articles. I can?t wait to see what others have to say..