Slide some ice from your hoo-ha to your, um, delicate flower...

That sounds like a line from Steph's next editorial test.

I hope the shot helps your head soon, Steph.

Laura and Bonny, I'm sorry your days have been so stressful.

And in a completely separate post: I need a pep talk or something. I have a little over 3 weeks of earning a paycheck while not having any day job responsibilities. This is a gift of time that I need to be using to finish the novel, and I know it. I am just having a little bit of a problem actually, oh, sitting down and writing. Because stage fright and Self-Esteem Demons and if it isn't good and doesn't sell OMG I'm letting everyone down. (Hi, I have baggage.)

You guys, it's beyond my knowledge base. Seriously. It is doctorate-level shit. I am out of my depth with this one. I'll still do the test, and give it my best, but I read it and just went O_o. Granted, my head is exploding, but...yeah. It's above my knowledge base, I think. We'll see.

Steph, your head is exploding. Try taking a look at it once the migraine has calmed down.

And Jilli, go write! I am trying to remind myself to write whenever I have time, even if I can only sketch out a scene. Better to get it out of my head and onto the page.

Jilli,

Have you tried the pomodoro method? Whenever I have a case of the "don't wannas", a serious block, or whatever, the pomodoro method keeps me in line. It is easy, you can get started right away, and you count your progress in 25 min increments.

Today has not been boring.

Why "may you live in interesting times" is curse.

I spent yesterday with my cousin's and her 10 month old baby, and today with my nearly 1 year old niece, so I have had lots of adorable baby time, and lots of driving back and forth to RI. In it's a good thing my niece is adorable news, her new way of telling you that she is done playing whatever game you're currently playing with her is to run her teeny tiny but very sharp nails down your face.

Teppy, feel better and please cut yourself some slack.

Jilli, I'm also having trouble actually just sitting down and writing the book I am working on. Tons of ideas in my head, but when I try to get them on the page I freeze.

I have just downloaded the pdf of the pomodoro method.

{{{Laura}}}

Bonny,your life has been way to crazy lately. I'm sorry, and I hope it calms down soon.

Steph, I can concur that toradol is a painful IM. I hate most of them, but that one the most. You're way past duck nibbles at this point, lady. Easy does it.

It's above my knowledge base, I think. We'll see.

Better than no challenge at all. You don't know the thought behind sending this level of material. It may not be typical for the position at all. I know this is a particularly silly thing to say, but don't over think it. Do that thing you do and if the job is the right fit it will happen. Slacker, oh my no.

Jilli, I am giving you my stern look. You know what you need to be doing missy!

Here, well I am doing the work I left undone to run off to the hospital with SIL. It is past my bedtime and I am emotionally exhausted. But, it is all okay really. SIL is surrounded by lots of family and loved ones. DH and both my sons, her mom, husband, friends. Apparently her doctor is fine with as many people as she wants. She has tried for 12 years to get pregnant and we are all over the moon with joy. They induced her, but 'gently', they are saying delivery probably mid day tomorrow. Her blood pressure is much better than it has been the last week. So when the other people arrived I left to go home and do my work. I'm a morning person so I'll go back early - with my laptop so I can work while I wait.

Goodnight my dear ones.

You guys, it's beyond my knowledge base. Seriously. It is doctorate-level shit. I am out of my depth with this one. I'll still do the test, and give it my best, but I read it and just went O_o. Granted, my head is exploding, but...yeah. It's above my knowledge base, I think. We'll see.

What Burrell said: make the assessment after the migraine leaves you, because maybe your brain can't be trusted right now?

Hey Steph, I am judging you RIGHT NOW because you are not slacking enough. Do you hear me? You better not do anything until that migraine is gone. ::sideeye::

bonny, I am flailing at the idiots you work with. And I am also so, so proud of you for standing up for yourself and drawing boundaries and not accepting blame for shit that is not your fault.

Jilli, seconding le n on using a timer. It saves my ass all the time. You can do this, girl!!

Laura, much easy-delivery~ma to your SiL. Blessings on her and your whole family.

I got some very good news today: a raise. A significant raise, from $15 to $18/hr. I have teared up with relief several times in the past few hours since I heard. I've got to be careful, of course, to use it wisely and not loosen the reins too much, but oh what joy that I may be able to afford a night out every week or so, to pay off my credit cards faster, and to start saving for retirement. I can't even tell you how good it feels that our hard work is being recognized and rewarded.