Bitchin' Blog Posts
Eight Crazy Nights - BICHOK Accomplishments
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | December 26, 2008 | Friday at 3:00 pm | 86 CommentsFrom of the awesome folks at Ninth Moon, I have 3 sets of B.I.C.H.O.K. magnets for today’s prize. If you’re not familiar, that stands for “Butt In Chair, Hands on Keyboard.” This was my mantra earlier this year while writing The Book, and I love these magnets. They crack me up.
So, want a set? Leave a comment and tell us what task you are most proud of accomplishing this year.
Mine is no secret: writing the Bitch Book, when I’d never written a book before and didn’t honestly know if I could, is something I’m ineffably proud of, and I still get all giddy when I think about it.
So what are you most proud of this year that you did? Big, small, I’m curious - I’ll pick three winners in 24 hours.
Filed: General Bitching, Go Ahead, Win Some Shit
Tagged: the bitch book, eight crazy nights, bitchery hq, bitch
Maggie Robinson said on 12.26.08 at 03:55 PM • [link]
I got an agent, and I’m still all thrilled and inarticulate over it. I finished two books of a trilogy and am 1/3 of the way through the last.
evabaruk said on 12.26.08 at 04:54 PM • [link]
I didn’t slash my ex boyfriend’s tires after he broke my heart for the second time.
Do I get credit for things I’m not supposed to do?
hollygee said on 12.26.08 at 04:59 PM • [link]
I designed and painted a trompe l’oeil door for a friend’s house. It did exactly what it was supposed to do: distract the eye—attractively—from an area of an exterior wall where she wasn’t going to be able to match the siding.
Sara N. said on 12.26.08 at 05:11 PM • [link]
I started my diet, and I mean it this time. It’s a lifestyle change that includes healthy eating and exercise. Go new, healthier me!
Geekgirlsrule said on 12.26.08 at 05:23 PM • [link]
Finally convinced myself that I am not my job, and that I do not owe them any more loyalty than they, apparently, feel toward me.
MJ said on 12.26.08 at 05:29 PM • [link]
I wrote and contracted two novellas this year-6 weeks for one and 2 weeks for the other!
ev said on 12.26.08 at 05:33 PM • [link]
I managed to get the daughter packed and shipped to CA for college, now I just have to get her there.
I also didn’t kill anyone in hubby’s family for ruining our vacation this week.
Yet.
Caty M said on 12.26.08 at 05:46 PM • [link]
I completed the first draft of a full-length novel. It’s still nowhere near ready to start sending out queries to agents and publishers, but it’s a damn sight better (and longer) than anything I’ve managed in the past.
Jennifer C said on 12.26.08 at 05:47 PM • [link]
I applied to present a paper on vampire romance novels at a conference and got in!
tracykitn said on 12.26.08 at 05:49 PM • [link]
I have managed not to completely alienate my husband over the matter of whether or not he’s actually quit smoking. I know—I have incontrovertible evidence—that he hasn’t, but I’m planning carefully how to bring it up without anger or a guilt trip. But it’s hard for me because the lingering smoke on his uniforms gives me migraines.
also, I made a nifty makeshift bookcase out of packing boxes to last me until we get the new one set up next week. I was going into withdrawal having my books all packed up where I couldn’t access them.
zumie said on 12.26.08 at 06:13 PM • [link]
I too finished my first ever book, which I started three years ago (eh, I procrastinate). Still need to revise the darn thing, but I’m hoping to crawl my way into the published world with it if I can get an agent.
KL said on 12.26.08 at 06:14 PM • [link]
My greatest accomplishment is not losing my mind this year. My husband has been deployed for all but a month and some change of the last twelve, and right now he’s in Afghanistan. At the same time as this deployment hell, I started my grad degree work. I’ve nearly completed the first draft of my thesis. I’ve also nearly completed the first draft of a paranormal romance. And - most important - I haven’t sold my wee sproglets on eBay.
It’s been a hellish year, but I’m still kicking. That’s definitely an accomplishment.
Ariana said on 12.26.08 at 06:20 PM • [link]
I moved to Chicago to live with my beloved, and have since found three jobs in this economy: barista, temp graphic designer, and now non-temp graphic designer. :)
elianara said on 12.26.08 at 06:24 PM • [link]
I got a half-time job I really like, and I’m doing better with handling my depression. And I made this really nice laptop bag for my sister for Christmas. Sewing isn’t my forte really, so I’m enormously proud of that one.
Vicki said on 12.26.08 at 06:32 PM • [link]
I finished 50029 words for National Novel Writing Month, while being a full time pediatrician and raising a grandson (and having lots of help from grandpa).
Kim said on 12.26.08 at 06:32 PM • [link]
Flew to Chicago and attended a fan convention where I knew absolutely NO ONE. And made a wonderful new group of friends.
Eliza said on 12.26.08 at 06:33 PM • [link]
I went back to college to study fiction writing. I am having such a blast and producing a lot of pages, too.
Vicki said on 12.26.08 at 06:34 PM • [link]
Oh, and congrats to everyone else, especially the ones who avoided doing things. That is hard.
Silver James said on 12.26.08 at 06:49 PM • [link]
Wow, ladies! Awesome accomplishments so far! I finally got up the nerve to start submitting manuscripts again (after almost 20 years since my last rejection). I’ve “suffered” a few rejections, gotten some great advice, and made my first sale. In other words, I didn’t quit this time.
Dena Hankins said on 12.26.08 at 06:51 PM • [link]
I’m a bad candidate for magnets because I’ll be in India another couple months, but I wanted to answer you anyway. Besides coming to India in August and all the fun I’ve had here, I’m most proud of a hackjob I did.
I finished my first manuscript about a year ago and have been doing rewrites slowly. I finished my second manuscript about a month ago. But after that second one was finished, I did something I’m very proud of. I listened to the criticism of the first one clearly and honestly (something I’d had trouble doing when it was newer). I erased and completely rewrote the first two chapters. They were not representative of the rest of the book and didn’t do the main characters any favors. Now they’re a good start to a good book.
My second book is still better, but hey…
Tina S said on 12.26.08 at 07:23 PM • [link]
I completed my first draft of my theraputical/semi-autobiographical war story during NaNoWriMo. It was so amazing to actually have an ending to one of my stories-my computer is filled with never-finished stories.
Madd said on 12.26.08 at 07:25 PM • [link]
I got out of bed every day. Considering the level depression I dealt with at times, that was pretty darned good.
I haven’t given my aunt shit when she’s does something insane. She’s only 4 years older than I. She’s so much younger than her sibling that she’s more like my sister than my mother’s. The problem is that she makes horrible choices. I talk to her about it, but I don’t go at her the way the rest of the family does because she just gets angry and shuts everyone out. Everyone needs someone they can talk to and I seems to be it for her. So far this year she’s changed her focus in school from computer tech to medical examiner. She’s had a pregnancy scare when she’s a single mom to a teenage boy who works full time, goes to school nights, and is involved with a guy who treats her like a booty call despite the fact that he’s invited her to move to Nigeria with him, which she was actually considering until I talked her out of it. Now she wants to get lap banded even though she doesn’t really need it and I know she won’t change her lifestyle to support the procedure. I doubt I’ll be able to talk her out of it. She doesn’t think anyone (read: man) will love her so long as she’s overweight. I’ve tried pointing out that she weighs less than me and I’m married, but she seems to consider that an exception to the rule. Her real problem? She’s got self-esteem issues and so dates jerks who treat her like dirt. She’ll drop a nice guy like a hot potato.
And, wow, I should not post things when I’m exhausted and on flu medicine.
Sugarless said on 12.26.08 at 07:37 PM • [link]
I don’t know, this has been a pretty terrible year in general for me. I’m probably most proud of how well I’m doing with school even though I have so much on my plate. So yeah getting through two of the hardest semesters so far with good grades and landing (and doing well in) a great internship over the summer.
Stephani Hecht said on 12.26.08 at 07:44 PM • [link]
I contracted several books and novellas this year. My daughter had the best accomplishment this year, though. She has learning disabilities and she is finally starting to learn how to read. She told me she wants to grow up and write books like her mommy.
KellyMaher said on 12.26.08 at 07:47 PM • [link]
I have two very proud moments with regards to my writing career. One was having my first new release in almost two years back in October. The second was writing and selling a short story to Black Lace for my first “original to print” release. These two things have really given me the confidence to keep me going as I’d begun to question the viability of my writing career.
Suze said on 12.26.08 at 08:04 PM • [link]
Due to work-related things (most especially working an extra month or months per year for three years running), I had burned out a little bit. Last year (2007), I worked crazy overtime again, but got all my debt paid off. This past year, I:
- worked only 24 hours of overtime.
- stayed out of debt.
- built up an emergency fund of useful size.
- started on a down payment for an eventual house.
- recovered (mostly) from the burnout and accompanying depression.
- declined to jump on every problem that presents itself, because I’m NOT the only guy who can fix it. (Even though other people’s fixes are naturally inferior to mine. Just sayin’)
- realized that I’m over 40 and have to retire someday, so I’d best plan for it.
All of which makes me look back and think, dang! I did pretty good.
Jennifer Armintrout said on 12.26.08 at 08:09 PM • [link]
I grew a tiny human in my uterus and then forcibly expelled it whilst screaming my head off.
Jennifer Armintrout said on 12.26.08 at 08:10 PM • [link]
Oh, also, I got to a point in my career in which my husband could quit his job and stay home with the kids so that I could be a full time writer.
I’m really, really proud of that.
Stephanie said on 12.26.08 at 08:11 PM • [link]
I formed a corporation and created a new comic book for knitters, blending 2 of my loves.
I also made my first fiction sale (to Paper Bag Press, which I learned about from SBTB).
I read 71 books (so far).
I was *there* when my family needed me to be. Said goodbye to my grandmother and helped clean out her house after she died. I catalogued the 750+ books in her library so my family would be able to select the ones they wanted without having to go through them all individually, and send the rest to auction. One set of 2 books sold for over $600 at the auction.
Strategerie said on 12.26.08 at 08:26 PM • [link]
I planned the largest RWA chapter conference on the West Coast. It went well.
I also finished a book.
Appomattoxco said on 12.26.08 at 08:31 PM • [link]
Starting physical therapy again and getting over my fear of needles to start botox treatment on my legs [for CP not wrinkles, my legs have no wrinkles LOL!]
KTG said on 12.26.08 at 08:42 PM • [link]
Getting a ‘B’ in Math 011, the equivalent of High School Algebra. I finally did it! I finally passed Algebra! (I’m someone who fears the thought of numbers and letters working together to confuse and scare me. ) I guess old dogs can learn new tricks! (I’m 33.)
AgTigress said on 12.26.08 at 08:50 PM • [link]
What a lot of writers we are… :)
My tenth book was finished and published but more of an achievement than that was that at last I completed and handed over the manuscript of the major academic publication that has been ruling my life for sixteen years - since long before I retired from full-time employment. So, although there will be lots of editing, proof-reading and indexing still to come, I feel huge relief, because sometimes I thought I would never finish writing the &^%$£ thing.
Cheryl said on 12.26.08 at 09:02 PM • [link]
I learned to quilt. As my “master work” of the year, I quilted a king size blanket on a standard sewing machine. If you are a quilter, you will understand the difficulty. If you are not a quilter… go to the next post ;-)
Carin said on 12.26.08 at 09:07 PM • [link]
I (along with my husband) started doing foster care again, learning to take care of a medically needy little guy along with the rest of our kiddos.
katiebabs said on 12.26.08 at 09:15 PM • [link]
I finally reached one my dreams of working for a major television corporation in NYC after 10 years :D
Chanel19 said on 12.26.08 at 09:23 PM • [link]
I’ve managed not to react to a co-worker who every shift gives me chapter and verse on why my Country should not be in Afghanistan and how all service personnel are war loving morons. My husband is currently serving there.
Dont’cha love freedom of speech.
Morgan said on 12.26.08 at 09:43 PM • [link]
I went back to school, after being a drop-out for 3.5 years. & I passed my first semester back! Wooo!
Alex said on 12.26.08 at 09:52 PM • [link]
I worked as a teaching assistant in a geology lab, and the first lab test, the class made 25 A’s, two B’s, two C’s, and one E.
Then on the last test, these friends were, not to put too fine a point on it, ditzes. I ran the review out in the hall, and they were the last to go in for the test, and they were both freaking out and saying, “I’m gonna fail, I’m gonna fail…”
I ended up running downstairs to raid a candy dish for Jolly Ranchers (so they had something to take their minds off of test anxiety), ran the test for them, and then graded them.
One made an 86, and the other an 84.
Estelle Chauvelin said on 12.26.08 at 10:11 PM • [link]
I got a librarian job with actual hours, just two months after finishing my Masters of Library Science (and therefore no longer getting any advantage out of being only a substitute librarian).
I just hope that this time next year I’m responding to a survey like this by saying that I’ve gotten up to full time.
wendy said on 12.26.08 at 10:21 PM • [link]
I stayed employed despite having a nasty moron as a boss.
azteclady said on 12.26.08 at 10:32 PM • [link]
Being invited by Karen Scott to blog with her.
Heidi said on 12.26.08 at 10:40 PM • [link]
I lost 18 pounds and can fit into my size 12’s again. Ok, in the last couple of months I’ve gained back a couple, but it’s the holidays, man. And I’ve been carrying that weight since I had my 3rd child in 04.
And I got a paying job with an employer I’ve never had before!! Yea!
And Jennifer, not to belittle your prowess, but I found out my uterus (I can’t spell but the part that holds the baby) is prolapsed and is falling out…thanks to my 3 babys…pretty soon I’ll be a *she-male* if I don’t get it fixed ~sigh~ is that an accomplishment?
Rebecca Hb. said on 12.26.08 at 10:41 PM • [link]
I learned to and successfully did make several batches of cheese. It makes me sufficiently happy that I got a cheese press for Christmas and will be exploring new cheese-making techniques in ‘09.
Theresa Meyers said on 12.26.08 at 10:53 PM • [link]
I’ve sold to Harlequin/Silhouette for the Nocturne Bites ebook line this year, which is a huge accomplishment, since I’ve been writing seriously for 15 years and been “this close” to being published so many times I’ve lost count, including revision requests, and a contract with a small publisher that went bankrupt three weeks before my book was supposed to come out. Oh, and I’ve survived the snowstorm from hell that’s had me housebound with the kids and hubby for more than a week! *looks out window* GAW it’s snowing again!!!
karmelrio said on 12.26.08 at 11:12 PM • [link]
I finished my first manuscript and entered the Golden Heart.
Babs said on 12.26.08 at 11:49 PM • [link]
I finally decided to take time for myself…as a full-time working mom I was too busy with all the other stuff. Finally realized that in order to be a good parent, etc. I needed to do some things I like to do (not just things that need or have to be done!)
Hey, sounds selfish but I’m definitely in a better place!
Jessa Slade said on 12.27.08 at 12:25 AM • [link]
So cool to read all the writing accomplishments—especially the I-WILL-persevere ones. Forcibly expelling a tiny human from your uterus is also the bomb :) and Stephani’s daughter learning to read (and wanting to write!) is beauoootiful.
I sold my first book this year to Signet Eclipse. I’m most proud of that because I’m ones of those writers who KNEW from my single-digit years what I would be when I grew up. Well, a writer or a farmer, it was gonna be one of those. And I finally did it—after close to a million misfired words. (See ‘I WILL persevere’ above.)
Natasha said on 12.27.08 at 12:40 AM • [link]
I’m most proud of getting through graduate school. Hooray!
Library Lady Terri said on 12.27.08 at 01:11 AM • [link]
I re-opened my library after an 18 month renovation!
Jamie said on 12.27.08 at 01:18 AM • [link]
I learned how to knit and knit a couple of baby sweaters for a friend of mine who is having a little girl. I also decided that I may not use the grad school degree that I am going to school for and may just be poor for awhile with massive debt because it isn’t what I want to do, and I’ll be happier doing something else.
Alice said on 12.27.08 at 01:24 AM • [link]
I survived—and grew stronger—after my agent closed her doors and kicked all of her clients to the curb. (Omitting several ugly details here, including outright lies.) I finished writing a paranormal romance, and am heading balls-out into the New Year to get a ESTABLISHED agent with a verifiable TRACK RECORD. Never give up! Never surrender!
Amelia "Fuckheady Bitchipants" Elias said on 12.27.08 at 01:45 AM • [link]
Okay, I don’t want to get too specific, but I finally worked up the courage to kick a very abusive person out of my and my children’s lives and started therapy to deal with the aftermath. It’s no fun and I’ve pretty much lost my whole family over it, but we’re all emotionally safer for it, and I have no regrets. We’re also moving (please God please) next week and not passing on that address, all for the same reason. Maybe it’s not the kind of accomplishment you’re looking for, but it’s definitely the one for which I’m most grateful.
I also started writing again after a nearly two year hiatus… which helps me keep the fragment of my sanity I have left!
JanLo said on 12.27.08 at 01:48 AM • [link]
I finished my first manuscript and sent off for my PRO pin. Also entered the Golden Heart contest, truly biting the bullet of bravery for me. On to the next novel and short stories galore.
Wryhag said on 12.27.08 at 02:08 AM • [link]
The dog who just came running in here with his “Ho-Ho-Ho” bear reminded me what I should be most proud of: taking his unwanted, muttly ass into our home and hearts, patiently getting him integrated, and making him feel secure, happy, and comfortable.
Anytime I can do that with an abused and/or unwanted animal, it far supersedes my piddly writing “accomplishments.”
(Uh . . . unless that Ho-Ho-Ho on the bear’s little t-shirt was meant to convey a different message.)
Maria H said on 12.27.08 at 02:33 AM • [link]
I lost 45 pounds in six months by cleaning up my diet and popping in those Slim in 6 DVDs I bought years ago. I also took up long distance running and ran a 5K! I plan to get the rest of the weight off in 2009 and work my way up to a 10K! Maybe a half marathon in 2010…
Susan D said on 12.27.08 at 02:44 AM • [link]
Designed a quick-change witch’s costume for an 8-string marionette (tricksy things, these wooden actors.)
Danielle D said on 12.27.08 at 02:46 AM • [link]
I’m most proud of the fact that I could semi-retired and work my dream job at an used bookstore.
Dorilys said on 12.27.08 at 03:14 AM • [link]
I interviewed before a panel and qualified for one of two slots (hehe slots) on one of the longest continuously running cardiovascular training grants in the USA.
I was damn proud, and so was my honey.
Dorilys said on 12.27.08 at 03:19 AM • [link]
Danielle D,
It is my dream to work at a bookstore! In fact, although I’m 25, I’m looking forward to retiring early so I can work full time, surrounded by books. Congratulations! And I’m a little jealous ;)
Linnet said on 12.27.08 at 04:04 AM • [link]
I’m most proud of keeping things together (the house, the marriage, and our stuff through two moves up and down the east coast) while my husband finished a year of intense schooling/work that had him gone for 70-80 hours a week and then exhausted and not wanting to do anything when home. It was hard but we made it through and now we are first time home buyers!
Tabatha B said on 12.27.08 at 04:07 AM • [link]
I’m happy I have started writing again. I thought I would never get over my writers block. Thanks
(Love the mantra)
Tab
Suze said on 12.27.08 at 04:23 AM • [link]
That’s a FUCKING AWESOME accomplishment! You rock.
Marski said on 12.27.08 at 04:56 AM • [link]
My biggest accomplishment is my SANITY and I’m writing a book too titled “Should’ve been a crack whore and can Prove It!” wish I were kiddin’
krsylu said on 12.27.08 at 05:10 AM • [link]
BICHOK accomplishment: I edited somebody else’s memoir—and got paid!
Meredith Holmes said on 12.27.08 at 05:13 AM • [link]
For me, the accomplishments were getting my first book published and also starting fertility treatments after being afraid of the doctor and pain, etc, for so long! Medical stuff and me just don’t get along so that was a big one too. Also, getting my belly dance troupe to November Noir in San Antonio and really getting our name out there in the local dance community!
Freda Burkett said on 12.27.08 at 06:03 AM • [link]
I’ve lost 25 pounds since September.
willaful said on 12.27.08 at 06:13 AM • [link]
I maintained the weight loss from last year, started biking everywhere, dared to go to a dance class, and signed up for a dance festival next year. And danced in a public parade.
And I kept my son alive, always a triumph.
Robin L said on 12.27.08 at 06:22 AM • [link]
I passed my college algebra class which included online math work. MATH SHOULD NOT BE DONE ON THE COMPOUTER!!
Robin L said on 12.27.08 at 06:24 AM • [link]
Yeah, I obviously can’t spell computer tonight. I blame it on all the oil from the eight lbs of latkas that I fried for dinner.
Abbi said on 12.27.08 at 06:57 AM • [link]
I got my Professional Engineering License.
After completing a 4 year biological systems engineering degree (in 5.5 years), passing the 8 hour Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (which happens only twice a year and has a 50% passing rate), apprenticing under a professional engineer for 5 years, getting my state’s Professional Engineering Board approval, and passing the 8 hour Professional Engineering Exam (which happens only twice year and has a 60% passing rate).
Deidre said on 12.27.08 at 07:31 AM • [link]
Hmmm…...I didn’t have a nervous breakdown, though it has been warranted this year. LOL
Deidre
Venus Vaughn said on 12.27.08 at 07:34 AM • [link]
Much like you, SB Sarah, I am extraordinarily proud of myself for finishing my first book. It’s not all typed in yet (I’m at the Starbucks typing now actually) but it’s all written and waiting for me to attack it with an editing pen.
shaina said on 12.27.08 at 07:37 AM • [link]
ok, i can’t read through that list without adding something of my own.
this year: i survived the semester from hell, in a triple-room with one girl who outright hated me to my face and another who i’m pretty certain now is mentally unstable and is very able to manipulate me and my feelings, without having a mental breakdown (though it was CLOSE).
i also got a summer job, and quit when i couldn’t take it anymore, which was big for me since i hate quitting anything.
then i survived a breakup with my boyfriend of 8 months, had a horrendous fling with a guy who stole my virginity and then dumped me, but managed to get over it and find true love once again :-D
oh, and i got accepted into my dream program, a semester at Hebrew U in Jerusalem, which i leave for in two and a half weeks :-D
this was an INSANE year for me, i’m so glad it’s over. and i can’t wait to see what 2009 holds!
sadieloree said on 12.27.08 at 07:41 AM • [link]
Just like Jennifer, I, too, created life this year. But I had the pleasant experience of have a person with many sharp implements slice me open and remove the child while I remained alert but incapable of escape. :D
Cheyenne McCray said on 12.27.08 at 07:54 AM • [link]
I asked my husband for a divorce after 23 years of marriage. He’s an awesome guy, a good person, and I admire him for his intelligence, his athleticism, and many other things. But we’ve just been the equivalent of roommates for far too long with nothing in common forever and nearly zero interaction for a couple of years.
So I truly am proud of myself for saying hey, it’s time to move on and for both of us to be really happy like we deserve to be. It’s a tremendous life change and I’ll be on my own for the first time in my life. Scary, but exciting at the same time. He’s so cool and feels the same way and it’s totally amicable and I’m proud of how we are both handling it and dealing with our two teenage sons who are still at home.
I feel like I have a whole new chapter starting in my life in a positive way.
Lyra said on 12.27.08 at 07:57 AM • [link]
I (along with a small group of other college students) built a small, working satellite. A small satellite comes out of a bigger one, flies around, and comes back ‘home’. No one’s done it on such a small scale before (our satellites are small enough to fit in an economy seat on an airplane) It is quite possibly the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Now just to convince someone to buy us a rocket for it…
KB said on 12.27.08 at 08:21 AM • [link]
Finally earned my Master’s in Library Science that has been postponed for 16 years. Working full time after being a SAHM for over a decade.
Thanks for helping me focus on the awesome achievements of the year.
CourtneyLee said on 12.27.08 at 08:27 AM • [link]
[quote=]I grew a tiny human in my uterus and then forcibly expelled it whilst screaming my head off.
That has got to be the most fantastic description of pregnancy and childbirth I’ve ever heard. LOL As well as one hell of an accomplishment! Congratulations!
I did a few great things this year. I completed therapy for my diagnosed-way—too-late postpartum depression (my daughter was 16 months when I realized something was really wrong), gained back the weight I lost due to the depression-induced low appetite, and my husband and I succeeded in conceiving another baby four and a half months ago. Yay!
Amongst all that, I improved my knitting skills by leaps, taught a few people how to knit (we’ll take over the world eventually), and made a lot of cool stuff, including a few pairs of socks and many things for my new nephew.
Sarah said on 12.27.08 at 08:40 AM • [link]
I got an internship for the agency I wanted to work for as a career over this past summer. And also applied for two scholarships, and probably got at least one of them…
On another completely different note, I figured out that I most likely need to go back to therapy, which sounds like I shouldn’t be proud, but I’m proud that I can at least see clearly enough to know that all is not right in my head.
Mandalayna said on 12.27.08 at 08:53 AM • [link]
On May 6 of 2008 I graduated and got my bachelors degree, 41 years after they said it couldn’t be done. That’ll show ‘em!
amy lane said on 12.27.08 at 09:09 AM • [link]
I finished Bitter Moon II: Triane’s Son Reigning. Nobody will read this book. Nobody read it’s predecessor. But it’s one of the best things I’ve ever written, and it hurt—it hurt so fucking much to finish. One of the kids I based a minor character on—a kid in my class that I’d known and taught for two years—died when I was editing the fucking book. Re-writing his parts ripped my heart out. I had to re-work the entire ending—I’d originally planned for a key character to die in ‘retrospect’, but not during the main action, after spending three years of happiness with her beloved. Thinking about those parts had me weeping in the car as it was, and then a good friend lost her husband a year after she married him—along with her mother and father, who also died in that same year. I couldn’t do it—I’d written this ending that ripped my fucking heart out, but I couldn’t let it stand, so I had to rewrite it—re-work all of the shit that pervaded the fucking book about it—because if you don’t get a happy fucking ending when you’re your own petty little goddess, then when do you get one? And then we were out of money—I went to part time this year so we’re rubbing pennies together—I’m maxing out our last bloody credit card for this thing, because it hurt, and then it ripped my heart out and then it gnawed on my thrashing fucking corpse and by all the fucking gods at once, it needs to see some goddamned daylight. If one person reads this book besides me and is moved by it, then it all will have been worth it.
So that’s what I’m proud of. *sigh* For all that angst, it should have been curing cancer or something.
Jen C said on 12.27.08 at 10:34 AM • [link]
I am proud of learning about investing- and actually doing so- this year. I feel ahead of the game now.
Shamelessly A Harlot said on 12.27.08 at 11:06 AM • [link]
Ok, well, I’m 23 and I finally found a guy worth having sex with. And damn, we’re pretty good at it. Years of “research” with romance novels vastly improved my first time technique, so much that he teasingly accused me of studying porn.
My reply was something akin to a Diana Gabaldon quote: “I might have been a virgin, but I was never a nun!”
Alex said on 12.27.08 at 01:03 PM • [link]
In retrospect of my earlier post, and just as a note of gratitude…
I’m proud of my stint as a TA because I found it in myself to be a good one. I have my flaws, but I liked the person I became during the lab sessions.
And I liked that I was able to give people who didn’t have confidence in their academic ability, a reason to have it. An 86 is a solid grade, especially when you spent an hour freaking out about how you’re going to fail.
So, huzzah to the Smart Bitches for their awesome contests! If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been thinking about that and had that realization.
ms bookjunkie said on 12.27.08 at 02:19 PM • [link]
I tackled the sewing machine and made Christmas gifts for my three godchildren. The finished product looked good and was in time for Christmas. Wow. I’m usually more of a ‘much ado about nothing’ kind of person, but this time I planned the project, executed it with more than satisfactory results and got the gifts wrapped in time to slip into ‘Santa’s’ sack. I also slipped a book into the package, ‘cause I’m a book-giving kind of godmother, and I figured that two and three year olds don’t have their hearts go pitty-pat over aprons, no matter how much sweat and cussing I put into them, or how much they like to help their mothers in the kitchen. I think my ultimate goal was to give them a memory. . . a memory of that cool apron their cool godmother gave them that they wore all through their childhoods and want to save for their own children to use. Humble much?
I also want to point out that the sewing machine is not my friend, and I gave up many weekends to accomplish this ‘miracle’. And if I’ gonna brag, then I might as well BRAG! Ya know?
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