2017: A Year in Review

[osprey_archer]

Well, 2017 was... a year, wasn't it? I didn't end up fulfilling either of my New Year's Resolutions, "Cook one new meat dish every month" or "Post two novellas to Amazon," although I did add one dish with meat to my regular cooking rotation - admittedly it's white bean soup with bacon, which is not very meaty, but still.

And I raised $700 for charity with my writing, which is good and useful, although it's frustrating that I got two novellas to the 30,000 word mark and then both of them just sort of fell apart on me. Which at least is longer than the two that fell apart around the 10,000 mark, I guess. But still. I used to be able to finish things! Why can't I finish anything anymore?

On the bright side, I did finish all my reading challenges for the year. And on a more practical real-life note, I got elected Partner of the Quarter at my store! Because, to quote my plaque, I am "always willing to share with others, whether it's her baked treats, her latest book review, or new ideas to turn the normal into something truly special." And also my "resiliency during high pressure moments and warm demeanor regardless of the situation."

"Boy," I joyfully told my roommate, my parents, and anyone else who would listen, as I thrust my new plaque under their noses, "I sure fooled them."

More seriously, though, the award helped me realize that I have become popular with my coworkers. It is probably the first time I have been genuinely popular, which I always thought was never going to happen for me and with typical sour-grapism had concluded wasn't very important anyway. But actually it's kind of great to walk into a place where everyone is delighted to see you.

It was a big confidence boost and, counterintuitively, it actually made it much easier to quit, because it made me feel that I really would be an asset to any workplace and probably someone will hire me and perhaps it is time to try to find a job that is more in line with my interests than a coffee shop. I don't even drink coffee, you guys.

So I've been looking into library jobs. I sent in an application! So we'll see how that goes! I probably ought to have a back-up plan in case the library thing doesn't pan out.

Comments

[asakiyume]

But actually it's kind of great to walk into a place where everyone is delighted to see you.

This made me all kinds of happy-teary. You're *great* osprey_archer, and I'm so glad this happened, and you're absolutely right: you will be an asset to a workplace more in line with your interests. Good things will come in the new year. Doubtless setbacks too, because, heh, life, but good things. I am sure of it.

You're a wonderful writer. I read you for pleasure, for choice, in preference to a world of other writing out there. I think, sometimes, things just don't come for a while. Maybe it's hard times, maybe it's worries or illness--it can be different things. But you will be finishing things again soon. I am sure of that, too. And you will find more and more readers.

Onward we go into 2018!

[osprey_archer]

I am trying to remind myself that the library has many branches, so even if I don't get this particular job, I can reapply for jobs at the other branches until finally they hire me... or something. I've been keeping an eye on the job website and there does seem to be a certain amount of turnover, so that's good.

And there's a library system in an adjacent city - and Barnes & Noble, if the libraries don't work out right now... we'll just have to see.

[thisbluespirit]

Happy New Year!

Good luck with the job hunting!

And white bean soup with bacon sounds v tasty anyway. I'm sorry the writing has been frustrating - but here's a whole new year, all untouched and ready for stuff to be finished in. Best of luck with it - and $700 for charity is an amazing thing in itself!

[osprey_archer]

Hopefully the job hunting will go smoothly & I'll be settled into something new by February! I don't like hanging in suspense like this.

The white bean soup with bacon is indeed very tasty! I have a black bean soup recipe that I want to try, but I keep not getting around to it because the white bean soup is right there and I already know I like it.

[thisbluespirit]

Yes! Job hunting is the worst, even when it's your own positive choice etc. It still is! *sends hugs*

I have a black bean soup recipe that I want to try, but I keep not getting around to it because the white bean soup is right there and I already know I like it.

I have been rotating between two soups a lot lately for pretty much the same reasons. The black bean can wait for its day. It will come, but only in time...

[rachelmanija]

$700 for charity and being well-liked is great!

[osprey_archer]

It's been a bad year in a wider, global sense, but not too terrible for me personally, so that's good at least. Here's hoping 2018 will be better all around for everyone!

[ivy]

Best of luck with the libraries! They do seem to be friendly turf.

[osprey_archer]

I hope so! Fingers crossed.

[littlerhymes]

Happy new year! I was super impressed with all your reading this year and $700 is amazing. Best of luck with the job hunt, hope 2018 is all good things for you. <3

[osprey_archer]

I've never done book counts on "how many books did I read this year?" because I feel like I would get unhealthily competitive with my past self.... but nonetheless I feel like I've read a lot of books this year. So many books!

Charity will probably need even more money this year, but I need to finish my two charity auction fics before I try to raise any more money. I was most slothful in December! Time to get things done!

[artemis_wandering]

Why can't I finish anything anymore?

My life.

That plaque is super sweet! And totally true. :) Bets of luck with the job apps! You got this.

[osprey_archer]

Fingers crossed! Something will work out eventually, I daresay.