I think I’m about ready for August to be over. The fact that it’s already November boggles my mind. What did I do with two months worth of time? Where did it all go?
I guess I’m writing this to find out in addition to continue my efforts towards accountability (how’s that for vague).
I wrote my previous accountability post in September, so let’s first see how I did tackling those goals. Then, I’ll try to piece together the rest of what I’ve been up to before I set new goals for November/December.
Let’s get started, shall we? (Oh god, I’ve been watching too much Threadbanger, haven’t I?)
How’d I Do?
1.) I wanted to have the Kickstarter rewards all sent out by the end of September. This still hasn’t happened, but I have made progress, so that’s gotta count for something. I started sending out Downloads before I got sidetracked by a family emergency (more on that some other time), I got out some more physical rewards, and we found a manufacturer for the t-shirts!
2.) In the realm of writing, I’ve been continuing to query, and I attended the World Fantasy Convention in Baltimore last weekend. I did quite a bit of socializing and networking at the con and over-all had a pretty good time. I also completed the line edit of the book I’m querying, and I’ve started a New Project!
3.) I wanted to start a YouTube channel. I think this will have to wait awhile, but it’s still something I’d like to try at least.
4.) My banjo progress has come to a standstill. It’s again something I’d still like to pursue, and I’m hoping that when my life calms down, I’ll get more time to actually have dedicated banjo time.
5.) The personal things are ongoing.
What Else Happened?
1.) I taught bass at Vacationland Bluegrass Jam camp. Ya hear that? I’m a teacher now! Anyway, this was the second year my band hosted our jam camp and the first year I taught, and I had so much fun, and I came away from the experience feeling as though I actually gave valuable instruction, which was super rewarding. Also, I got paid and for some reason being paid for doing something like creating music is so much more satisfying than any salary.
2.) The band went back into the recording studio in September and again this past week. We’ve recorded almost all of a new full-length album. I have one more day left of recording, and then my contribution will be finished. So, yet another super rewarding and creative experience. What even is my life?
On a slightly bittersweet note, I played my last gig with the band. At least, it’s the last gig until I’m settled here in the US and not doing this crazy back and forth shenanigans. But I had a stronger reaction than I was expecting to have. So, strong that I didn’t process my emotions very well and ended up having quite a snit fit after the gig. It was pretty ugly, and I’m ashamed of how I behaved, but at the time it was easier to be an angry brat than it was to accept how sad I was and to process the loss (even temporarily) of a major part of my life. I’d like to write a piece on that.
3.) In October, my friend/bandmate Emma and I went down to Boston where we attended the My Favorite Murder live show, which was magical AF. And then I got a tattoo. I’m gonna write a post about the process of planning, deciding to get, and ultimately getting the tattoo when I get the chance. But basically, that entire weekend was about confronting one fear/anxiety after another: crowds, permanently altering my body, driving in Boston, etc.
4.) In mid-October, my grandfather fell ill, and I rushed out to Arizona to see him in the hospital. He passed away on October 16th. It feels somewhat wrong to memorialize him in a numbered list, but he was a private person and so, to honor him, I’ll keep that experience to myself.
5.) After I got home from Arizona, I got sick. I slept a lot. I processed my grief. I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I made to-do lists for what I need to get done before I leave for Australia.
6.) I underwent Neuropsych testing to evaluate whether or not I have ADD or if it’s all wrapped up in my anxiety. That was this Monday. Tuesday, my brain was soup.
7.) I VOTED!!! Did you?
What Now?
1.) Finish recording and Kickstarter! If I do nothing else before I leave for Australia, it must be this.
2.) Writing! My goal is to keep on querying and to keep exploring this New Project. Also, I need to remember that writing is fun, that I do it because it’s fun. If I can remember that, hopefully, I can keep myself from folding under self-imposed pressures. That said, I’d like to finish the first draft of this New Project before the new year so that next year I can work on revisions and writing more short stories.
3. Get to Australia. Collapse. I’ve been going pretty much non-stop since May, and I need to just take time to not do much of anything. I want to spend an entire day reading. I want to sit in a park and bird watch. I want to have absolutely nothing on my calendar.
Thanks so much for reading!
Tell me in the comments how you handle multiple commitments/juggling day job and creative pursuits.