A few life musings, and some writing progress

Hark!  I was a bit undecided about what to post today, but since many people's posting seems to be winding down as the holidays approaches, I figured I'd just do a little personal update.

I finished my semester up about a week ago, and though I only have one left and will need to plan for it in January, I am allowing my mind to not think about school at all now.  It has been, as I hoped and expected, extremely refreshing.  I have managed to make some decent progress in the novel-that-was-taking-forever-to-start as my creative energies have returned, much to my delight.  Don't get me wrong; I've still had some false starts and parts of it feel very drafty.  But it's quite a change that I've been able to stare at a computer monitor and relax enough to write instead of wanting to stab my eyeballs with pointy things.

It's funny in light of the fact that so much business elsewhere slows down in December.  My school is done for the year, the school where I work just finished its own quarter, and everywhere people are prepping for vacations.  I feel I must be crazy to start a new novel, but I find this time of the year invigorating and think I'll be more productive than I have in a while.

I'm taking the next week off, taking my sister to Disneyland since she's home from India this year!, and then driving up north to see my parents from the 20th through probably the New Year (or close to it).  It leaves me with an odd feeling that this might be my last blog post of the year, with how busy I'll be up there.  All my computer time may be reserved for writing, and even that can be difficult to squeeze in sometimes between obligations and celebrations!  But I'm sure I'll squeeze out a post or two as the inspiration strikes.

Also, I will be traveling with the cat.  In a carrier.  For eight hours.  I am not sure how this will go.

I am excited, though!  And hope my strange, alien-filled tale will continue to flourish.  There's a story-within-the-story, and I'm writing that first, but as I am wont to do, am wordier than is acceptable and getting very into the characters.  I fear this will try to become its own novel.  No!

2012 is going to bring a lot of events.  Aside from finishing up grad school, I'll be working on the novel, probably trying to get some short stories written and published and/or get an agent, eventually searching for a new job (as a librarian for reals this time), maybe traveling, playing maid of honor in the best friend's wedding, and who knows what else.  Ack!  No, I expect it to be fine for the most part.  I hope, for the sake of my sanity.  This past semester was stressful enough.  Let's look forward with optimism, yes?

Alright, I'll wrap up this short ramble of a blog post and devote myself to thinking of better, and more universally applicable, topics for next time.  Happy Holidays and God bless you all!  Let me know if you're going to do anything fun, interesting, or unusual.