November is History

So here are the final NaNoWriMo 2013 totals:

Now I just have to edit the damn thing. I haven't read it over yet, but I know there are things that got dropped in the madness. There was at least one theme that was supposed to run throughout the novel that got forgotten around chapter 3. And I was walking the dog the other day when I realized that I'd forgotten about certain key elements in the last few chapters. In general, it's probably a pretty big mess as far as consistency goes, but I think I can fix all that pretty easily.

And now for the family reactions (during Thanksgiving):

• My mom says she'll buy it if I put it on Amazon and it doesn't cost more than 99 cents.
• Multiple family members asked me if there was sex in the novel. (Answer: no) Then they asked why anyone would want to read it. Really, guys, do you want to read a sex scene written by your sister? Wouldn't that be just the slightest bit awkward? (Answer: yes)
• K-poo read my novel synopsis aloud, and then she and Jeff proceeded to make fun of one of the elements in it for the rest of the day. Then they claimed that it must be good if it inspires a parody. They're both off my Christmas card list.

 Anyhow, Thanksgiving was good. I ate too much. (Surprise!) Eric has a "minimalist" approach to his house, which means that he doesn't have any furniture in the dining room, and he has absolutely nothing hanging on his walls. He also lacks a gravy boat, gravy ladle, serving dishes, a second baking sheet, wood cutting board for rolling out dough, and bar stools. I only bring this up in case anyone needs ideas on what to get him for Christmas. Or, failing that, what to bring along for him to borrow if he gets conned into hosting next Thanksgiving as well.

Even though he has very little worth stealing (at least in the kitchen), his theft-deterrent system is excellent. In order to get in through his unlocked front door, you must repeatedly throw your whole weight against the door. (He, of course, only ever enters his house through the garage...) To say that it sticks would be an understatement.

And, just like last year, his next door neighbors put a bunch (6+) of really tacky blow-up Christmas lawn ornaments in front of their house, thus ensuring that no matter what Eric does the rest of the year, he'll never be that guy in his neighborhood.