Maggie’s Blog

I am so tired. Beat into the ground tired. I don’t even know why–am I that lazy? It’s only been 2 days of full-time work, and I’m just so tired. All I did today was make phone calls–that’s not hard. In fact, it’s easy, and yesterday I really enjoyed it. I guess the novelty wore off after the 200th call in which I said the same thing. Everyone was super nice, though, so that helps. ^_^

Actually got to some of those submissions in my inbox today! YAY! Sorry for the delay, guys. It’s still under 20 days, at least. I’m just usually a lot faster. The whole FT work thing has taken a bite out of my Apex time. T_T All the same, have been doing what I can to keep up. I think a lot of it is just getting into the routine.

But I lost my MASTER LIST OF DOOOOOOM! I had it all worked out–what house-hold chores would be done when, what we’d have for dinner every night–*everything* (in Zim voice–we’ve been watching a lot of Invader Zim lately, hence, the Gir quote in the title. ^_^) It must be around here somewhere… BUT NOW I’LL BE BEHIND! NOOOOO!

Writing Stuff (more…)

So I took a little personal time this Friday/Saturday (will return to regular duties Sunday), and I gotta say, it’s been a lot of fun.

On Friday, Andy, Kaku, and I hung out, finished up Season 2 of Dexter (fun!), halo’d it up, and then headed over to Costco to get some ink for my insane printer (now tentatively name “Rita” since our new group swear is “Friggin’ Rita” and if you’ve seen Dexter, you may understand this and even find it humorous). After the Costco run, where we had lunch (mmm! Hot dogs!), we dropped off the stuff back at the apartment, swapped cars, and headed downtown. Andy got his hair cut, I borrowed Neuromancer from Kaku, and then we all headed over to Pinocchio’s for HH. I tried the Autumn Sidecar (very yummy), and later the cranberry-vodka well drink ($3!), which was very tasty. Needless to say, I was *slightly* buzzed after that, but I’m glad. The shoes I’d decided to wear turned out to be evil in the end, and I was getting some mighty blisters. The alcohol did at least make it easier for me to ignore the pain.

After Pinnochio’s, we headed over to Powell’s, which was probably dangerous, considering I *was* buzzed. Ended up succumbing to my bookworm addiction and bought 4 books, though the total was under $20 (yay for frugality!): Wild Seed (Octavia Butler), Nova (Samuel R. Delany), Triton (Delany), and The 22nd Century short-story collection (John Christopher). Christopher was the one who originally broke down my defenses against spending, because his stuff is so hard to find, and I’ve been dying to read some of his other works. (John Christopher is the author of When the Tripods Came and the whole White Mountain series about the tripods, which I love dearly). Then there was Delany, and Butler, and I just couldn’t turn them down. Plus, the books were used, so they were cheap. Love that. And when I had those four books in hand, I painfully picked my way back on painful feet to where Andy was browsing the music section (yes, they left me *alone* to browse the SF/Fantasy section–dangerous, I know), and we headed out with my prizes. ^_^

Headed to McMinnigan’s for dinner, which was yummy! The food was actually surprisingly good, considering it’s a pub. Andy tried the Terminator stout beer which came highly recommended, and we both agree it’s quite good. Dark as mahogany, with a distinct smokey aftertaste. Like what cigars, I always imagined, would taste like, without the ew. After dinner there, we made our way back to Kaku’s car (with Andy carrying me piggy-back only a little of the way), and headed back here to the apartment for some more halo and some Futurama. It was much fun! ^_^

Today was also good, but the details are below.

Writing Stuff

I finished Chapter 16 of The Thief Dilemma! YAY FOR ME! It’s been so long in coming–literally six months–I’ll be amazed if people are still patient enough to still read it. I’ve continued to get regular hits on the story, though, which still blows me away. Thanks guys!! You should be knighted and sainted for your patience.

The Thief Dilemma

81,601 / 80,000 (102.0%)

(Looks like I need to re-estimate how long this story is actually going to be! Also, the last count must not have counted a few chapters. Sorry about that. This is the right word count now.)

Just got back from my second training day at the FT temp position I’ve got for the next six weeks. The work is really relatively easy, and I seem to be picking it up fast, but man–the early mornings leave me wasted by the end of the day. Today was a little rougher–not work wise, but commute wise–because right after I finished putting on my work makeup, I got the mother of all bloody noses. I hate them. I don’t get them too often, but when I do–watch out! They never give you warning, it’s just a “huh? Oh SH*T” situation. Needless to say, it took me much longer to get out the door than I would have liked, though I still managed to get going only a few minutes later than usual (and luckily there was no traffic). Did skimp on breakfast a little (hard to eat oatmeal when you’ve got wads of tissue shoved up your nose), but I figured that was all right, since I had a baggy of goldfish to tide me over to my late lunch. Naturally, when I get to the car, the thing is fogged up like crazy, and even after I wipe it down, it wants to fog over again. Makes driving really difficult when you can’t see. AND have a wad of tissue up your nose, just to make sure it doesn’t start bleeding again.

Also, I’m pretty convinced our emergency break is dead or useless, since I apparently drove all the way to work on the highway with it on, and the car didn’t so much as lug or seem sluggish. :-\ Oh, and the vents still smell like dog crap. Even with a wad of tissue in between it and my scent detecting organs, I could still smell it. Needless to say, I was glad when opening the window cleared up the interior fog on the windshield.

Otherwise, work was good. Melody, the lady I am filling in for, is so much fun. I felt a little bad, because I kind of take up her space, and she ends up watching me do database stuff (definitely not a fun spectator sport). Still, it’s always a lot of fun when she’s around. I’m really going to miss her company (and her guiding advice). Did better on the phones today–wasn’t afraid to have people spell things out when I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. Seemed to work pretty well, but I tell you what–I’m getting sick of automated phone messages. Does anyone *actually* listen to them?

But otherwise, it went really well. I don’t officially start full-time work until Monday, but if Melody has her baby tomorrow or Friday, then I’ll go in then. Baby’s due tomorrow! WOO! Exciting! We’ll see what happens.

Writing Stuff

And to my shock and self-amusement, I actually got my 500 words a day done. Imagine that! Yesterday, I wrote them after we all finished a brief Dexter viewing (pre-planned, which was good, because otherwise I might have collapsed I was so tired). Today, I wrote them during lunch. HAHA! Brilliant. I’m so proud of myself, can you tell?

2,698 / 21,000 (12.8%)

It’s been one of those days. Maybe it’s because I know work is coming, and I won’t have all my time to myself. It’s just been very difficult to get anything really important done. I mean, I did get my morning writing done; I did get the house tidied up; but as for the things I really *should* get done due to the time constraint, that has been like pulling teeth to sit down and do it. It’s very exhausting doing anything and everything I can to procrastinate. Bah, it’s frustrating.

Writing Stuff (more…)

Did a bunch of Apex stuff today, not the least of which is finally posting some FREE PDF versions of “Lizzie’s Pears” and “Nothing to Gein”, two of the poems from Brandy Schwan’s upcoming CATACOMBS AND PHOTOGRAPHS poetry chapbook. They’re both fantastic poems, and they’re also two of the ones Brandy and I discussed in our interview.

I’m also gathering delightful goodies for our Apex Raffle. It’s turning out to be a really awesome list of booty, so make sure to keep your eyes open at www.apexbookcompany.com for details on entering to win. I’m excited just *thinking* about all the cool stuff we’re going to have raffled off! XD!

Andy’s been hitting the books all day today (with minor distractions), but later we’re heading out to do some running around and general food-eating/job-getting-celebrating with Kaku! YAY! Plus, I’m guessing there will be Dexter. Because seriously, can the three of us ever get together *without* eventually succumbing to our addiction? No. It’s impossible. And that’s the way it’s going to stay!

Writing Stuff

Not quite as productive today as I have been the last few days, but met my 500 goal at least. Need to keep reminding myself that this is the rough-rough draft, and it will be completely reworked before I let anyone read it even as a rough draft. The bones. I’m going for the skeleton, not the meat right now. I need to prove to myself–as much as to anyone–that I can get this rough-rough-vomit-on-paper draft finished for once.

7,393 / 80,000 (9.2%)

Today’s been a day. Pretty calm, so I won’t bore you with the details. Got some Apex submissions stuff done–as the new marketing fairy I get a lot more email, so I have to be particularly on my game about marking new submissions as they come in, so I don’t lose them. So far, I haven’t missed a one, and I don’t think it’ll be an issue. ^_^

On a random side note, I’m almost through Zelda: Windwaker for the *second* time, while Andy is still on his first time through. Mwaahahahaha. XD!

Writing Stuff

Section IV complete. Commence section V tomorrow.

6,651 / 80,000 (8.3%)

Had my second interview today which seemed to go really well! Hooray! And I just got the call to confirm that I did–absolutely–get the job! YAY! I start next week! ^_^

Also, I just won a staring contest with a stray cat. Now if that isn’t productive, I don’t know what is. (It was a long contest, too, I’ll have you know.)

Also got my 100 Must-Read SF Novels book! It’s TINY! But it looks like a good survey of SF, so I’m looking forward to increasing my knowledge of the genre. I’ve actually already read a number of them (and own several others), so it seems like I’m on the right track. ^_^

Yesterday, after the post, naturally, I got a ton more done. I tidied up the house (needed it), and cleaned the kitchen (desperately needed it), made dinner, and then topped of the evening with Invader Zim! ^_^ YAY! I<3 Gir. So much.

The Write Stuff

(OH, PUN!) Got down the next section, and once again surpassed the 500 word requirement. ^_^ YAY! Now, that’s productive for me. Still moving in the positive direction, still keeping my inner-editor at bay. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep this energy up, but it will be interesting to see what happens with it when I begin regular work. At least I’ve got a twenty-minute (at least) commute, so I should be able to do some brainstorming!

I suspect my overall word-count production will probably drop down to more reasonably around 500. Ah well, I’m enjoying being ahead of schedule for now. ^_^

4,805 / 80,000 (6.0%)

So it’s been another hectic day! I’ve been trying to get the house at least slightly ready for starting work* so that I don’t have to come home to a cluttered, messy apartment (which shouldn’t even be that hard to keep orderly! >.< GRRRR). Haven’t made a lot of headway, though I feel like I’ve been working super hard. Ah well. Did get grocery shopping done, which was desperately needed, did Apex stuff, and wrote. Wow, is that it? I feel like I’ve been running around with my head cut off. Blah.

*Though I apparently *do* basically have the job, apparently one of the co-founders wants me to do one more interview with him tomorrow, since he hadn’t been informed that I was interviewing for possibly longer-term. So if that all goes well tomorrow, which I’m hoping it will, then I may be starting sometime next week. But we’ll see how this goes. *le sigh*

Writing Stuff

Another 1000 words done on the “novel”! lol. Novel. That sounds so lame to me. But whatever, that’s what it is, isn’t it? Section three or 500 words of it goes down tomorrow morning.

2,750 / 80,000 (3.4%)

It’s been a very busy day. Apex stuff dominated, which is good, though I’ve still got a lot left to do. That’s why I keep a nifty to-do list! ^_^ But made progress in a lot of key areas, which was lovely. Lots of emailing done today.

In other news, I GOT THE JOB!!! XD!! Andy doesn’t even know this yet. Just a few minutes ago, I had written that I hadn’t heard anything, but while typing, I got the call! Now it’s just finalizing the pay-rate and figuring out when I start! YAY!!! *****SUPER HAPPY WIGGLING DANCE OF EMPLOYED ME!!!!*******

Oh my word, what a relief. XD!!!!

Writing Stuff

Got the novel started! YAY! Plugged in my time this morning before anything else (looks like the only time that will work, realistically), and managed to surpass my 500 requirement by 1,000! YAY! So it’s been a day of successes after all! ^_^

So far, the section seems to be going where I want it to. I’m trying not to be overly critical with it. Tomorrow, I’ll move on with section two, in which Marha actually shows up in person (rather than simply being talked about).

1,583 / 80,000 (2.0%)

So today we went to the Japanese Tea Garden! We’d been meaning to check it out for a while, and since we went to Pinocchio’s and India House for Andy’s birthday, that meant we had to do something for mine. So when we read that this weekend would be warm enough, and sunny enough, we figured we’d better take this opportunity.

It’s a beautiful garden. Really makes me want to study the aesthetic of this style of gardening, because I’d love to have one of my own someday (not this big, naturally, though that’d be dreamy!). Every detail is so carefully thought out–even the rocks laid into the path are deliberate. And everything is so neat and tidy. Made me feel rather slovenly for letting our apartment get so cluttered. (I cleaned when we got back.) Everything was just stunning. My only complaint (which can’t really count, due to its nature) is that I wish I could have been there without the crowds. I don’t suppose that’s really possible, but it felt a little like no one could truly appreciate the garden to its full extent when we’re all moving through.

Andy took lots of pictures at my request, and he did a marvellous job of it too!:

Writing Stuff (more…)