Thursday, January 31, 2013

I'm Stepping Out

Each of the past two years, I spent the month of April doing a little thing called the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. (For those interested, sign-ups opened yesterday.) This basically entailed writing 26 letter-themed posts and visiting scads of other like-minded bloggers, all whilst doing my best to ignore the pleas of my family, my stomach, and my tired eyes. But this year I'm going to handle things a little differently.

This year, I'm also ignoring the Challenge.

And, I say, it's about time. Literally. They say time is on your side, but it's not.1 I never have enough time to do everything I want to do. And I'd rather spend April with The Professor, working on my novel, taking photos, and doing improv. So that's what I'm going to do. Don't worry, I'll still be visiting your blogs; I just won't be visiting a metric ton of them like the rest of the AtoZers. And I may only write a handful of posts myself.

"But Nate," you might say, "how will we survive without a daily dose of your trademark wit™ and patented footnote-heavy style (patent-pending)?" Easy. For one thing, I'll have you know every single one of my jokes is recycled. In fact, I already used the trademark thing here and the patent thing here. You see, dear readers, it's all a sham.2 So if you find yourself overcome by Natelessness in April, simply peruse the archives.3

Until then, I wish any Alphabeteers out there the best of luck. Better you than me.


1 They also say you don't always get what you want. Which, considering what I want is more time, is very true. They are very wise (and of course, by wise I mean wizened).
2 I used the sham thing here.
3 I was going to call them the Natechives, but that looks too much like I've created my own brand of seasonings. And no one's supposed to know about those until they launch in the fall.

11 comments:

  1. It does take a huge time commitment. First one made a huge impact on my blog so I'm a fan for life.

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    1. Oh, I'm still a big fan. As you know, I love playing with the English language, which the A to Z lends itself to very well. But I also happen to love not having to make a huge time commitment. And ice cream, though that's not entirely relevant here.

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  2. Nate we will miss your wit and footnoting (my favorite part of your blog). Go have fun with your family...can't get that time back.

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    1. I wouldn't say you'll be missing it, Chuck. Unless that's already how you feel. It'll be just like any other month here at The Wheel: A handful of posts, complete with complementary footnotes. I may even try to be funny.

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  3. I, too, am checking out this year.

    Not because I couldn't think of 26 subjects - I am sure I can. But because I can't do that AND visit my fair share of blogs AND work on my novel.

    What is most important to me - working on my novel. And there are only so many hours in the day. Even if I were to hook up with my local meth dealer.

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    1. Oh, you know Steve? He's gonna miss your business, but yeah, it's probably in your novel's best interest that you go methless.

      And no, creativity certainly isn't the issue with me, either. I already had a grand idea for the A to Z, but realized I wasn't going to accomplish it, not if I wanted to do anything else that month. So unless I get my hands on Hermione's Time Turner -- or run into Steve -- I'll go without this year.

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  4. Replies
    1. And I like complete non sequiturs. So, good on you.

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  5. I never could to the A-Z Challenge. I'm challenged by just posting once a month! and as for your recycled humor--well, the sign of true comedic genius is that it's funny every time, and you still get me giggling; probably having a short memory helps! ;)

    ...and good luck on that novel...

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    1. Comedic genius? I don't know about that, but I suppose I do have my moments. And you know what, I should be proud I recycle my humor. Otherwise, it would just be trash.

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  6. Brilliant! That's really all I have to say about that. :)

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