November to do list

There are pros and cons to the “To Do” list. One, there’s the pressure to complete the list, which could swing in either direction… Either way I’m making my own this month so that I can stay on top of some simple goals.

Plan out Thanksgiving
We were too busy to celebrate Thanksgiving last year! We had just gotten Booker and I was too preoccupied to gather recipes and grocery lists, let alone make the food needed. This year we’re planning on celebrating so I need to do all the things required for a delicious meal! I don’t think we’ll be able to find a turkey here but chicken should be a good substitute. I’m also looking for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe, and speaking of which… That leads me to task number two!

Make one autumn cake/treat
After Halloween comes the more savory treats. Pies, tarts, roasted nuts and soups are among my favorite things to enjoy during this time of the year. We’re in the home stretch to the end of 2017 and before that arrives, I want to make one delicious and fantastic baked good. My mom’s Rum Raisin cake is definitely on that list.

Plan out Halloween Party
It’s difficult to plan an event where all of our friends can attend so our Halloween party was pushed back to the 2nd week of November. I don’t mind at all because it allows for Halloween to last just a little bit longer! But in all seriousness, I need to get a menu ready and make sure there’s enough sitting spaces for all those who attend. Ah, the problems of throwing a party in a small home. Thankfully for us, Sander and I have maybe one party a year!

Catch up reading
Most of October was filled with me doing Halloween things both in house and in video games. Needless to say, I’ve fallen behind in my Goodreads challenge. I have a list of books I’ve set aside to finish before the New Year and that list includes a reread of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. I stopped midway through the books because I was so tired of forgetting what had happened in the previous novel. Now that I’m both older, and have the complete set, I’m going to finish the series once and for all! I picked up the first book in a used book store when I was 13 (yes, I know this series is for adults but children’s books were so boring back then) and now it’s time to finish it!

Prepare for a new family member
No set in stone plans just yet, but Booker might be a big sister before the end of the year!

Take part in Nanowrimo
I used to use writing as an escape when I was younger and the hobby has followed me ever since. I skipped last year because I was in a pretty bad funk but this year I feel ready to rejoin the battle! Nanowrimo is a self challenge where the writer completes a novel of at least 50,000 words in a month’s time. That averages to around 1,700 words a day if one is on the ball. Some days it’s super easy to reach and other days it’s a slog through the mud. I’ve completed the challenge every year since 2009 and I just had to break my streak last year… Either way, this November is going to be busy!

What are your plans for November?