FRIDAY STIR FRY - New Directions; Editing; Freelance Writer; Social Media Manager

https://morguefile.com

So, there were a couple of incidents at my day job in the last few weeks that have me contemplating my future. First, the powers that be, fired two people in our office. Snap, just like that. One had been here over 30 years and was the office manager and the other was my best friend. We started here around the same time, sixteen years ago. She worked as the receptionist this whole time. And let me tell you from experience, that is not an easy job. They hadn't done anything wrong. They were scapegoats. Changes are being made, and they were perceived to be in the way of those changes. 

Second, I lost my mind over coffee. You see, the office manager, who is no longer here, always purchased the coffee. Last Thursday, you guessed it, no coffee. I pretty much threw a fit. Apparently, some people didn't appreciate my outburst. Long story short, I got wrote up. Over coffee. I'm drinking tea now, even though they bought coffee. 

What these incidents have told me - no job is safe here anymore. I spent the long weekend trying to figure out how I would live if I got the ax. Of course, I would apply for unemployment, but there are no guarantees I would get that. I would have to withdraw my pension for sure. But what else could I do to try and produce income? 

I really enjoy helping my writer friends edit and proofread their books. I love the idea of helping them make their novels something a reader doesn't want to put down. And they've said I'm good at it. Perhaps freelance writing? I can write, after all. I just need to find paying customers. I wore out You Tube watching people tell me how to do that. Also, the last month, I've been helping a realtor friend of mine with his social media networks. You know, posting on his Twitter and Facebook pages interesting content and working on building his audience. I could do that for others. 

I'll keep my day job, for now, I hope anyway. I don't feel I have any control over that decision any more. But, I also plan on building my path to this new and exciting chapter in my work life. 

If you're interested in my services, contact me at wandafittro@att.net

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Oops - Make That Saturday

http://www.morguefile.com

Yeah, I forgot it was Friday. Well, I knew it was Friday, I forgot I was supposed to blog. To be fair, I was still in a turkey coma. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Or, if you don't celebrate the holiday, you at least found something to be thankful for. After all, that's what it's all about (although the eating part is pretty great).

Here is my list of thankfulness.

1. Family. Even though they don't live close by, I at least get to talk to them on the phone or see posts on Facebook.
2. Friends to spend the day with. What a great bunch of people.
3. A roof over my head as humble as it may be.
4. A job I hate. Sounds weird, but really, not many people like their jobs. I'm blessed to have one.
5. A car to drive to that job.
6. America. I don't go around waving flags and such, but even with all our country's faults and troubles, I'd certainly rather live here than Syria.
7. Which brings me to freedom. I can dress however I want. I can go wherever I want. I can read whatever I like.

That's pretty much it. Take a moment and compile your own list. I guarantee it will make you feel better about life.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - If Wishes Came True

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I've determined my day job is trying to kill me. I don't know what I ever did to it except show up most every day and work. I think that's where the problem lies. I show up. And I work.

We had somebody quit in our department and our supervisor has been out for a few months taking care of her husband. That left three of us to do five work loads. And, apparently, they are not going to hire anybody. No wonder I'm stressed and wore out. Plus our clientele are extremely demanding and needy. And my co-workers get on my last nerve. I could go on, but I'll spare you any more of my pain.

My wish?

I wish I could just stay home and write. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out a way to do that. It would require moving into Public Housing so my rent and utilities would be paid. Not the worst place to live, but not my favorite either. I would have to be careful with my meager pension. No frivolity. Or, son, I could move in with you. Just kidding. Pick yourself up off the floor.

I wonder if I could stand to be by myself that much? Would I drive myself crazy?

People ask why I can't quit since I'm close to being published? Don't writers make a lot of money? No. Not unless your name is Stephen King or Nora Roberts. The money just isn't there. I write because I enjoy it. There's nothing like creating characters and telling their story.

That old saying comes to mind. "Be careful what you wish for." So true. I know there are things in my life I thought I wanted, but later I realized it wasn't such a good thing.

Do you have a wish?
Are you sure you really want it?

RIGHT BRAIN, LEFT BRAIN

So, I started a new job a couple of weeks ago. Same company, different position. I'd been doing the same job for 11 years. You could say my brain was numb. I didn't have to think, I just did it. But, the last two weeks, I've had to buckle down and re-start my brain cells. And, believe me, it hasn't been easy. My old brain rebelled at first. "What do you mean, I have to think?"
My writing has been pretty much non existant lately. I failed NaNo this year. I failed JaNo, also. I want to finish my work in progress but, something has been holding me back. Dead or asleep brain cells maybe? But, walla! Suddenly, I am wanting to write again. My brain is swimming with ideas. I've often heard that to get out of writer's block, you need to change your scenery. Although, I'm in the same office building, I am at a different desk and different job. Has that made the difference? I don't know. I'm just glad my muse is back. What do you do when you hit a writing block?