As of March 23rd, I have officially surpassed the 50k milestone for my novel!
Of course, I didn’t scrap my plans to celebrate this achievement, but the lunch/dinner I mentioned in my previous post did develop into something more than just that.
See, I had a trip to the Caribbean planned with family and friends — an 11-day cruise which was years in the making. And I have been looking forward to this vacation for quite some time.
But since this was already planned, I couldn’t consider it my 50k milestone celebration.
So I thought to myself, moments into writing that 50,000th word and a few days before my flight to Puerto Rico, why not just up the ante?
Why not just splurge on my trip? Buy the things I’d typically hesitate before buying. Get the cruise package I passed up on earlier. Go to that fancy restaurant and eat as much seafood as I want. Buy that colorful outfit from the city vendor who said it complements my eyes.
I did all of that. And it was a 50k milestone well celebrated.
I mean — what’s one measly lunch in comparison to the memories I’ve created on this trip? Nothing.
And considering the fact that I didn’t even pause to celebrate my first 25k words in this project, I consider this celebration to be long overdue. I had to go all in.
So these past two weeks, I got to venture to islands I’ve never been to before, listen to the histories that shape them, and partake in the cultures that give them life. I took my time with this trip, ensuring it was as educational as it was adventurous.
My Kincaid-Cesaire piece has instilled within me so much admiration and respect for my family of the Caribbean. I cannot just see myself touring without learning an island’s history.
My experience in the Dominican Republic was an especially pleasant surprise for me, considering the history. A discussion, perhaps, for another time.
And, of course, I’ve made such amazing connections. I was tempted to return to Instagram to keep up with them all. But for now, WhatsApp will do.
Now I’m off to upload some pictures. I’ve got a lot of backdating to do! My next milestone celebration will be for 75k words. <3
