What a Year

I can't believe we're 2/3 of the way through 2020!

At this time last year, I'd started a full-time temp administrative job at a large hospital and hoped to become a full-time (permanent) administrative assistant. I was excited about having my first full-time job, and about my hourly wage. The department where I worked was full of wonderful people and did great work. I was proud to work there.

I right around the time I knew I'd be upgraded to permanent employee status, it felt like my life fell apart. My grandfather, to whom I was very close, and who I talked to at least once a week, died the same day I got the call saying we should come see him.

My anxiety and depression, which felt like they were under control, kicked up.

Last December, I made the difficult (but I think wise) decision to leave that job. It was a great job, great workplace, but it was more than I could do.

I took the next couple months to focus on getting better and rethinking what would be a good life/work balance. I decided to move in with my boyfriend in May.

Due to COVID-19, I ended up moving in sooner. Due partly to the pandemic and partly to my mental health needs, I decided to become what Boyfriend calls a "stay-at-home writer."

During NaNoWriMo, I finished a rough draft of a story I'd been writing and writing for 4 years - Mémé Knew Best. After that, I knew I could finish a novel. Since NaNoWriMo, I've written material for other stories in the MKB universe, and worked on revising the current version of MKB.

My writing group, which I found during this chaotic time, is amazing. It's a group of friends who lift each other up and send each other purple heart and sparkle emojis. Love y'all