IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IT'S ALREADY DECEMBER EVERYONE GRAB YOUR EGGNOG AND SWEATERS AND TUNES AND LET'S JAM OUT TO THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DESCENDING UPON US!

I really love Christmas...

And you know what would make it even better?

A complete first manuscript.

Guess what, guys?

I...didn't finish...

"...42%, 12,878 words out of 30,000", far behind, barely got past the beginning of the book.

I have to say, I'm disappointed. In myself. In how much I still lack, the things I haven't yet done. I thought this was the year, but...

But I had it coming. I have to say, I wasn't as dedicated to this as I wanted to be. I wasn't trying as hard as I should have. I didn't do enough. I'd like to blame it on people telling my not to. I'd like to blame people on not encouraging my enough. I like to blame a lot of people. Honestly, I think I will (not like I'll tell them or anything...)

Really though, I'm the only one to blame. Even when I wasn't writing I was distracted from my homework as well. (Right now I should be doing stuff that I'm not...ain't that swell...)

Well, let's just say this month has been insane. It started with stories, blended with fears, clouded thoughts, changing times, changing people. Ended with heartbreak and horticulture and...and I honestly have no idea what's going on, what's gonna happen, what already even happened and just...life in general has become a kind of FWOOSH BAM WHAPAO and I feel like Hinata trying to describe it, but it's just the only thing that really fits.

But as we take this journey, remember, no matter what we've lost, where we've gone, what we're doing right now, whatever you're feeling, we're all in the Winner's Circle. We've won countless battles, we've beaten the odds time and again. Look around. Think of all the anime you still have to watch, the stories you still have to share. Think of a guest conductor that might change your perspective of music. Think about pocket French horns, miniature Schnauzers, the next Star Wars movie. The library of books you still need to read, the people you've yet to meet. The love you've yet to feel, the songs you've yet to sing, the orange juice you still haven't drank.

Because it's not over til we've lost. And losing isn't an option.

We are winners. We are fighters. We will sing ours songs louder still. We will make it home at the end of the day, and we'll be warm and comfy in our beds as sleep comes and and you're hugging you're favourite stuffy and thinking about what you love, be it Isaac Newton and Edmund Hally, the next episode you've yet to watch, the friends you love, the family that cares, fan fiction and poutine, drawing and happy thoughts. Remember the time your crush lip-synced to Fifth Harmony, when all your friends grouped up in the washroom when you started to cry. Remember the people before you, the people backing you up. Remember the team that you're on. The team that faces everything together.

As the Christmas season rolls around, focus and the happy things. The things that matter, the pretty lights, the first snow fall. Think of the upcoming vacation, think of huge dinners and fluffy pajamas. Think of cookies. Always cookies.

I know it seems like I'm rambling, but, it's been bothering me a lot lately. How easily we are overcome with negativity and shame and hurt because we overthink and overestimate and just can't see the other side of the mountain.

It happens to everyone.

But you are a winner. And there's nothing that can take that title away from you. Because you are strong, you are special, and you matter.

And you're here. And what a time to be alive!

The holidays are around the corner! And I hope it fills you with joy and sweet memories, and lots and lots of food! I hope you watch lots of TV and have lots fun and roll around in the snow and write lots of things down!

So go out there! Face the world! And if you're not ready yet, perhaps turning in early tonight will give you the energy to bring yourself up tomorrow. So whatever you gotta do, go wash your face, go eat a cookie, strain orange juice pulp through your teeth like a whale. Keep your spirits up. Keep your head held high. Clip off that annoying hangnail. You've got this.

Sorry if this post is a little all over the place, and a little disorganized and frenzied. I haven't posted in a while, and this definitely could've been written better, but I really hope you get what I'm trying to say? And I hope you know, if you're ever feeling down, there is a suite ready for you in Saltshaker City.

Stay saltful!

#hwaiting #nanowrimo2k16 #writeon #saltshakercity