Post-book rewards

[ksmith]

Question for the house--how do you reward yourself after you've completed a book/major work? If you're not a writer, any major work-related project would count.

A friend on another list asked how I planned to reward myself for wrapping up this puppy. Book-related rewards didn't count--the joy of having finished it, of seeing it on the shelves, etc. It had to be a non-book itself related reward.

I'm guessing that the vacuum cleaner I bought yesterday doesn't count.

I do have a history of end-of-book rewards to self. Sometimes it's jewelry--a Laurie Edison piece, usually. Sometimes, it's a new computer, and while I do see a MacBook in my future, I don't want to get it while I still have warranty time on the iBook.

I am actually considering upgrading the iBook RAM and installing an Airport card so I can use wireless internet when I travel. I could even install wireless in my house, but that's still at the *let's think about it* stage.

Comments

[pbray.livejournal.com]

As one of those who also writes while toiling away at a day job, my usual reward is time. I'll give myself permission to not write, and instead indulge in an orgy of video watching, day trips on weekends, or simply making a dent in my TBR pile.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I actually do have a boatload of reading obligations to to fulfill. Trying not to think about that.

Time, yes. I need to get my dining room is shape for the holidays--wash the walls, new wallpaper trim and baseboards. Need to clean my office. It's an indication of how far gone I am that I'm looking forward to all this.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

I go to the ocean for the day and look for seashells and driftwood. If that's not possible, I go for as long a ride as time permits, just taking in the scenery and letting the brain relax.

Also, I tend to binge read and watch videos.

We're all about the reward, we are... *g*

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm...I very, very rarely watch TV, and that includes DVDs I own. So for finishing my YA fantasy The Dark Horse, I watched several seasons' worth of Stargate SG-1 over the course of a week. For finishing The City Beyond Play I spent two days going through Firefly.

I also ate a lot of ice cream while doing this.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

I have once or twice demanded presents from others, leaving all that pesky decision making to my loved ones.

[ferragus.livejournal.com]

I'm guessing that the vacuum cleaner I bought yesterday doesn't count.

Depends, was it a Dyson? :)

Big projects for me (IT geek) usually involve a major state of sleep deprivation. So first is sleep, at least 8 hours, then I play with the cats until we're tired and we take a nap :)

I often get myself a treat too, single malt of course, is my favorite treat.

Whatever you decide, here's hoping you enjoy it!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Depends, was it a Dyson? :)

It is actually one of those advertised-as-just-as-good-as-a-Dyson bagless brands, found on eBay when I was looking for used/refurbished Dysons. If it's better than the one I have, an ancient Hoover that belonged to my grandmother, I'll be content.

[thecurlyboy.livejournal.com]

Since major projects for me usually include not seeing or having fun with my wife and friends, my reward for myself is almost always the same. I take myself and my wife (and sometimes my close friends) out to spend time doing *something* (usually a night on the town in NYC, but it can be anything). Dinner, dancing, theater, jazz, comedy club, going to a ski resort, whatever it happens to include, so long as it's out, having fun with people I love and have knowingly abused/ignored during the project.

It's never something tangible, it's always an experience of some sort. Tangible gifts that I need, I buy when I can afford 'em (RAM upgrades, for example). Tangible gifts that I want, I leave for people to buy me for my birthday/christmas (I can be a hard person to shop for).

Ideas

[technomage.livejournal.com]

Let's see....
Trip to the spa
Outragous dinner with SO
Jewelry
Ancient book
Piece of science history
Technological marvel
Trip over the Northern Border
New guitar

[moon-happy.livejournal.com]

For me, it's a movie at the theater with popcorn and candy. That's much cheaper than one of the nice Laurie Edison pieces (I have two.) Such acquisitions are left to the actual arrival of the check! But let us know how YOU decided to celebrate!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

So far, I have bought some memory for the iBook. I will soon be visiting Drs Foster & Smith to buy stuff for the pups. This weekend, it's to the hardware store I go.

Finally having the time to do these things feels pretty good.

At some point, I also need to balance my checking accounts.