I should have done this post last week and saved the NaNo update for the final day of the competition, but since when do I do things in the proper order?
Over the past week I’ve thought a lot about the things for which I’m thankful. Pretty much every aspect of my life has changed in the past year, almost all for the better, and I think I’ve finally closed the door on the chapter of my life that had dominated me for far too long.
In no particular order:
I adore my apartment. I’ve been in my place for almost six months and I absolutely love it. There’s a dog park for Owen, lots of trees, and soothing wall colors.
My new job is better than I could have hoped for. I’ve just started the actual work, but I love the atmosphere, the people, the perks… and the fact that it’s in Grand Rapids is icing on the paycheck.
I’ve gone public with my design business. Ink Slinger Designs is alive and kicking after YEARS of half-hearted freelance work. I’ve always known I wanted to specialize in something but couldn’t pinpoint my niche. Book covers feel like the perfect fit AND they’re fun to design.
The Book of Good is still going strong. I haven’t talked about here like I’d originally intended, but I’ve written in it just about every day this year. It’s a journal where I have to write at least three good things that happened each day. When things were especially difficult last winter, I decided that forcing myself to find even the tiniest good things would help me see past all the bad, and it’s really helped. I don’t allow myself to write anything negative (although I admit I’ve written “I didn’t kill so-and-so today” and “I survived today”), no matter how strong the urge. That’s what my regular journal is for.
My friends got agents, have been published, or are about to be! Including:
Stacey Graham – Girls’ Ghost Hunting Guide
June Kramin (as Ann T. Bugg) – Before Happily Ever After
Trish Stewart – Taking Lessons from Ernest
Jamie Mason – The Liar’s Margin
My mom gets to retire next summer. Her excitement is contagious.
I finally feel like I’m home and part of a community. When I first returned to the US, I didn’t have any intention of staying here. When I got divorced and signed a lease of my very own, I thought maybe I’d stick around for another year. Well I’m happy to report I’m slowly making real life friends (gasp!), I’ve joined activities away from the computer, and I’m looking forward to staying in west Michigan.
Writing. Unfortunately writing has fallen behind everything else going on, but I still consider myself a writer and have high hopes for my writing career in the next year.
This past year was just a warm-up.
Nothing but blue skies from now on, babe!
I sure hope so!
LOVE ya! I’m so thankful for YOU! You are a great friend and only Fabulous things are coming your way. I love posts like this ;o)
I’m thankful for you!! I just wish we lived closer… but we will soon enough!
So glad you’ve had a wonderful year! We may all be up in the air, but at least there are more ups than downs. 🙂
I’ve certainly had setbacks this year as well, but the point at which I’m at now is definitely up. 🙂
You are very sweet to me. My lovely friends top my list of things to be thankful for.
I’m glad this year is looking up! I love the idea of the Book of Good. I might have to steal it. 😀
It’s really helped me a lot. Some days I have nothing to say except “my dog is sweet” and “I had a good dinner”, but it’s something.
you know dude… you make moving back to Chicago ‘almost’ possible… LOL! I’m thankful we’ve stayed connected and remain friends. LOVE the positive book idea… may steal that one too!
What do you mean? Are you moving back? I definitely think you should give it a try. I have to write at least three things each day. Sometimes it’s a bit of a struggle, but I always come up with something.
I’m dreadfully behind on reading blogs! Just saw this one! 🙂 The good is just beginning for you. I’m glad you made it through the last year with so much positive. (hug)
Thanks Trish! I’ve been really behind too, but at least you’ve had a good excuse!