I survived my “busiest work week” of the year at my day job, so most of my worries are behind me (or at least better-cloaked.)
In between it all, here’s where I am. Not bad for mid-October:
Poetry:
- I’ve found more time to write and turned 2 previous drafts into more final drafts, plus started a couple new poems.
- Still reading Hicok & Guest.
- I heard back from a literary journal that is still considering 2 of my poems for publication; should hear back from them in a month or two, they said.
MFA applications:
- Filled out half of the recommendation forms/application forms for schools. Still about 5 more to go…
- Secured J. Rice for letters of recommendations, bless him.
- Filled out transcript-request forms & mailed them to Queens (and crossing fingers that the Registrar’s office does all the paperwork on time for once. We’ve had a mutual blacklist for years.)
Poetry Group:
- I talked to one of the owners of Century the other day about our project plans. He said they’re still interested, and also gave me more history of what they’re all about: a start-up place for cultural groups. He told me about a previous slam group that met there and then grew out of the space (they’re now at Wine-Up.) I felt very encouraged by his enthusiasm.
- I’m meeting with Lindsey this weekend to finalize more details. We’re still not set on a name yet, which I think is really putting us behind (I can’t start a MySpace page until we have a name/email address for our group.) But I know she’s been working hard and has a back-up venue for us in the same vicinity as Century, too. Plus, she’s better about getting the word out to other poets than I am.
- Moment of doubt: I’m wondering if we’re going to get this off the ground before Christmas, considering how busy we both are right now.
General:
- I finally got a good hard cleaning of my apartment out of the way, so I can sit my laptop down in just about every room without having to move a cat/ball of cat hair, pile of magazines, and 2 coffee mugs. Happy house = happy writing life.
- Halloween Party on Oct. 27. BOO-YAH.
- Shopping sprees are amazing for the mind, body and soul. Thanks for the inspiration, Tim Gunn. Thanks for the paychecks, Corporate America.
- Food – I’ve cut myself back down to eating meat only once a day, mostly. I’m also eating out less, so I can control all my meals and how many vegetables, whole grains, etc. goes into everything. These are basic things that I’ve upheld for years, but fell away from for a while. It feels good to be back “on track.”
- I’ve had a technical fairy come through my life and make some much needed upgrades. More on this later, when I’m actually writing from my home computer.
Sound board – how’s everyone else out there?
