The Happiness Thread

I applied for a professional development grant about a month or 2 ago. Realize after i sent it that i had a typo literally in the first sentence.

I gave up on it. Pushed the grant out of my mind because (my type A brain) typo (in the professional capacity)=imperfection=failure.

......found out today that i got the grant

 

That's great news! Good for you.

 

Got some stones taken up from the backyard (and uncovered an insanely huge ant colony) and then I spent some time writing down a song I've had stuck in my head. It's been outstanding having Gertrude back. (Piano is named Gertrude Steinway)

 

Wife started a Youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZ-rhVCJLJNUtRX7HdzHRg The Criminal Imagination. Very excited today!

 

I had a really good writing day. I finished the first draft of a new short story. I hardly ever write a story in a single day, but when I do those days feel sort of magical. I think it's a good story. I kind of think I love it, but we'll see if I don't hate it tomorrow. The last few short stories I wrote were nothing special. This is a good story. I know we can't really judge our own work accurately, but I know the difference between my good stuff and shit most of the time. I think I really love this story. Today made me feel like just maybe I've still got it.

 

Geek Squad was able to transfer everything to my new computer (yay!)
The only thing is, i dont know how to pull back up my "sticky notes" (apparently i used stickies without making an account and they were not saved)

I had story ideas and character names written on those sticky notes... -sighs-

oh well! I now have a working keyboard so I'm happy!

 

Not having a computer is the worst. I've been there and also lost things. May your new keyboard and your fingers find the perfect harmony for creating many wonderful stories.

 

Update; I passed the course

 

Are they fine wines?

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all, get the hell off my lawn!

 

Covid silver lining: I've been able to conduct four pieces of business with government offices online that I would have had to drive to the proper office to complete, pre-virus.

 

Tomorrow we finish work at midday and it's the weekend again ... Yipeeeee.

 

I'm going to a zoom book launch party this weekend. In person, I remember a few of these having free drinks. Still, even without an open bar, I'm excited to have something like this that I really like on the agenda. I got my hands on an advance copy of the book and loved every word of it so I'm even more excited. It's been a really long time since I've done anything. I used to go to as many literary events (readings, lectures, launches, parties) as I could. I'm happy to see publishers trying to make this work.

I attended an online lecture on translation over the summer. It was great, and the stream of comments was interesting to read while the lecture was taking place. I'm not sure how this one will go, but I am looking forward to it. The invitation was pretty strict on wearing party attire.

Anyone else have any fun virtual things planned for the weekend?

 

This is the happiest thing I've seen in a long time

 

I love it, but I'm also reaching for a Benadryl or seven...

 

Debit and credit cards rock. I haven't had to go inside a bank or gas station in years.

 

So where do you get your beef jerky and energy drinks?

 

Amazon.

 

You fool! Don't you realize how slender the margins on gasoline are? Just like movie theaters and popcorn, gas stations rely on sales of processed meat product, sugary drinks, and (most lucrative) pine-tree shaped car air fresheners to stay afloat. Now do your patriotic duty, get in there, and snap into a Slim Jim!

 

I suppose your party dress need only extend to the limit of your screen. Not sure how I feel about zoom, I've had a few chances to do something on that platform but so far have passed. I hope you enjoy yours though.

 

Won't someone think of the Bezos?