New year, new beginnings...
Hello, my loves!
Last Saturday was my 26th birthday. A year older, a year wiser. As I'm coming down off the second-to-weirdest birthday of my life, it's a good time to go back over the year, both recent events, and overall developments. There's been a lot of change and growth. Lessons learned, rewards earned. Friends made, friends lost. And mostly, choices have been made. It's a good theme, because in the end, it all comes down to the choices we make. The difference between what is right and what is easy can depend completely on your point of view. Sometimes, changing course can be the hardest thing in the world, because it's easier to continue along with the track you've already selected. However, if you can sleep soundly at night, you can know you've made the right one. Knowing that you can move forward with your life is also a good clue. The sense of standing on your own two feet, despite pressure to do otherwise... very important. Feeling surrounded by people who care deeply for you - best proof anyone could ever ask for. Despite all the bumps in the road, I've had an excellent year. Here's a peek into where I've been:
In this past year, I've finally begun a true career at a biomedical research firm in Cambridge, MA. I have a phenomenal boss, and some awesome coworkers. I couldn't ask for better. I fell into it partially by chance, but mostly by damn hard work and searching. I've been promised a promotion to full-time salary, with full benefits, starting no later than the end of the year. I even got enough of a raise that I'll be able to afford my own apartment now! In the military, I was promoted to First Lieutenant, and just last week, was offered the position of second-in-command (the Executive Officer) for the battalion headquarters company of my old unit. (Oh shit, I still need to e-mail the commander, don't I? HA! Chalk that up to the to-do list.) And in fandom... I FINALLY finished "Eclipse". I know, you'd all been waiting for that. And I know, I REALLY need to post some new fic. Well... guess what?
I've dug up some of the fics I began but didn't finish, and I intend to really start working on them again. I found my post-Hogwarts, and the post-HBP fic that was intended for the Big Bang. I realized that the plots and themes can merge perfectly, so I think that's what I'm going to do. I also think I might chop the Epilogue off of Eclipse, and write a sequel. I found "Cheque Please?", a smutty little comedy that I left dangling. I'm almost done with "Baseball Slash". From Lumos, I took on the challenge of writing a fic with Harry in Las Vegas, and he randomly picks up Draco's "card" on the street, and decides to purchase services. And on a random request for inspiration, I promised
painless_j that I'd do a fic where Draco sucks his own cock. (THAT ought to be entertaining!)
Also this year, I went to Lumos. Yes, I know, I haven't done a Lumos write-up. I've been a bit preoccupied lately. But while I was there, I got to hang out with some of the same awesome people from The Witching Hour, and met some new awesome people. I taught Potions for the Magical Night Classes, attended multiple panels and lectures, assisted in the Horcrux roundtable (because poor Genii had partially lost her voice), and wrote CRACKFIC! Gods above, I love fandom. I love fandom people. I love fandom events. This last one was tainted by clueless, delusional creatures that fancy themselves celebrities worthy of a paperazzi following, but bad blood will out, right? Oh! And technically, The Witching Hour happened after my last birthday, so I can count that too! Ha! It's been a great year to be in the fandom. I love it. And next year... I don't know how I'm going to do it, but somehow, I'm going to make it to all three. My sister will be in England, so I'll have no excuse not to attend Sectus. Prophecy is within driving distance (carpool, fellow Bostonians?), so I would be crazy not to go to that one. And Phoenix Rising? I have WAY too many friends going to that one for me to not go. So... looks like I'll have a busy vacation schedule!
So, it's a new year, a new beginning. I'm 26 now. There was a time when I wondered if I'd make it to 26. Actually, that was about a week ago. So, I derailed that train, and changed tracks. Just because someone else's life is a train wreck doesn't mean I have to go down that path, too. This week, I was reminded just how many friends I really have, and I cherish them more than words can say. You know people are your friends when they go out of their way to do things for you, big things, even when there's nothing they stand to gain in return. To have people come all the way from New Jersey for my birthday was more than I could have hoped. I had the most wonderful birthday. Cake, ice cream, picnic dinner, great weather, and mostly, great friends. I've been gifted with art, fics, and even a tid bit of technology from someone who really shouldn't have splurged on me (but I thank her for the gift, most graciously, of course). It was a marvelous birthday. Thank you to everyone who made it shine. The same goes to those who wished they could be there. And next year, I'll throw a proper birthday party. I'd like to invite
emmagrant01, who shares August 12th with me, and maybe we can make a fandom event out of the double birthday. What do you think? *nudge-nuzzle*
The weekend after next, I think I've been asked to come to a fandom get-together in New York. My internet access has been sketchy lately, and I haven't had quite as much time to poke around, so I've been getting my info via third-party sources. Either way, if that's how it pans out, I'll be there with bells handcuffs on. *wink*
And finally, for those who have been wondering where I've been, what I've been up to, and whether or not I've gotten some inconveniences sorted out... yes, everything is fine. It's nice being able to sleep soundly at night, not having to worry about being pressured into committing a felony for a couple of ingrates who have shot themselves in the foot so many times, they can't even realize they're the ones holding the smoking gun. When I'm all settled in my new place, I'll have a bit of a party. I don't know how many people my new apartment can comfortably sleep, but it will be at least six (comfortably), and I'm considering getting roll-up futon pads and/or air mattresses. I want my new apartment to be a place people like to come visit. Maybe it could be the crash-pad for a group in the area after the Book 7 release party. Up-all-night reading, with a steady supply of coffee and tea. Who's in?
Anyhow, must get back to work. If I want that promotion, it's good to remain on the boss's good side, yes?
Love you all!
*SMOOCH!*
Last Saturday was my 26th birthday. A year older, a year wiser. As I'm coming down off the second-to-weirdest birthday of my life, it's a good time to go back over the year, both recent events, and overall developments. There's been a lot of change and growth. Lessons learned, rewards earned. Friends made, friends lost. And mostly, choices have been made. It's a good theme, because in the end, it all comes down to the choices we make. The difference between what is right and what is easy can depend completely on your point of view. Sometimes, changing course can be the hardest thing in the world, because it's easier to continue along with the track you've already selected. However, if you can sleep soundly at night, you can know you've made the right one. Knowing that you can move forward with your life is also a good clue. The sense of standing on your own two feet, despite pressure to do otherwise... very important. Feeling surrounded by people who care deeply for you - best proof anyone could ever ask for. Despite all the bumps in the road, I've had an excellent year. Here's a peek into where I've been:
In this past year, I've finally begun a true career at a biomedical research firm in Cambridge, MA. I have a phenomenal boss, and some awesome coworkers. I couldn't ask for better. I fell into it partially by chance, but mostly by damn hard work and searching. I've been promised a promotion to full-time salary, with full benefits, starting no later than the end of the year. I even got enough of a raise that I'll be able to afford my own apartment now! In the military, I was promoted to First Lieutenant, and just last week, was offered the position of second-in-command (the Executive Officer) for the battalion headquarters company of my old unit. (Oh shit, I still need to e-mail the commander, don't I? HA! Chalk that up to the to-do list.) And in fandom... I FINALLY finished "Eclipse". I know, you'd all been waiting for that. And I know, I REALLY need to post some new fic. Well... guess what?
I've dug up some of the fics I began but didn't finish, and I intend to really start working on them again. I found my post-Hogwarts, and the post-HBP fic that was intended for the Big Bang. I realized that the plots and themes can merge perfectly, so I think that's what I'm going to do. I also think I might chop the Epilogue off of Eclipse, and write a sequel. I found "Cheque Please?", a smutty little comedy that I left dangling. I'm almost done with "Baseball Slash". From Lumos, I took on the challenge of writing a fic with Harry in Las Vegas, and he randomly picks up Draco's "card" on the street, and decides to purchase services. And on a random request for inspiration, I promised
painless_j that I'd do a fic where Draco sucks his own cock. (THAT ought to be entertaining!)
Also this year, I went to Lumos. Yes, I know, I haven't done a Lumos write-up. I've been a bit preoccupied lately. But while I was there, I got to hang out with some of the same awesome people from The Witching Hour, and met some new awesome people. I taught Potions for the Magical Night Classes, attended multiple panels and lectures, assisted in the Horcrux roundtable (because poor Genii had partially lost her voice), and wrote CRACKFIC! Gods above, I love fandom. I love fandom people. I love fandom events. This last one was tainted by clueless, delusional creatures that fancy themselves celebrities worthy of a paperazzi following, but bad blood will out, right? Oh! And technically, The Witching Hour happened after my last birthday, so I can count that too! Ha! It's been a great year to be in the fandom. I love it. And next year... I don't know how I'm going to do it, but somehow, I'm going to make it to all three. My sister will be in England, so I'll have no excuse not to attend Sectus. Prophecy is within driving distance (carpool, fellow Bostonians?), so I would be crazy not to go to that one. And Phoenix Rising? I have WAY too many friends going to that one for me to not go. So... looks like I'll have a busy vacation schedule!
So, it's a new year, a new beginning. I'm 26 now. There was a time when I wondered if I'd make it to 26. Actually, that was about a week ago. So, I derailed that train, and changed tracks. Just because someone else's life is a train wreck doesn't mean I have to go down that path, too. This week, I was reminded just how many friends I really have, and I cherish them more than words can say. You know people are your friends when they go out of their way to do things for you, big things, even when there's nothing they stand to gain in return. To have people come all the way from New Jersey for my birthday was more than I could have hoped. I had the most wonderful birthday. Cake, ice cream, picnic dinner, great weather, and mostly, great friends. I've been gifted with art, fics, and even a tid bit of technology from someone who really shouldn't have splurged on me (but I thank her for the gift, most graciously, of course). It was a marvelous birthday. Thank you to everyone who made it shine. The same goes to those who wished they could be there. And next year, I'll throw a proper birthday party. I'd like to invite
emmagrant01, who shares August 12th with me, and maybe we can make a fandom event out of the double birthday. What do you think? *nudge-nuzzle*
The weekend after next, I think I've been asked to come to a fandom get-together in New York. My internet access has been sketchy lately, and I haven't had quite as much time to poke around, so I've been getting my info via third-party sources. Either way, if that's how it pans out, I'll be there with bells handcuffs on. *wink*
And finally, for those who have been wondering where I've been, what I've been up to, and whether or not I've gotten some inconveniences sorted out... yes, everything is fine. It's nice being able to sleep soundly at night, not having to worry about being pressured into committing a felony for a couple of ingrates who have shot themselves in the foot so many times, they can't even realize they're the ones holding the smoking gun. When I'm all settled in my new place, I'll have a bit of a party. I don't know how many people my new apartment can comfortably sleep, but it will be at least six (comfortably), and I'm considering getting roll-up futon pads and/or air mattresses. I want my new apartment to be a place people like to come visit. Maybe it could be the crash-pad for a group in the area after the Book 7 release party. Up-all-night reading, with a steady supply of coffee and tea. Who's in?
Anyhow, must get back to work. If I want that promotion, it's good to remain on the boss's good side, yes?
Love you all!
*SMOOCH!*