Mambo with Words

When as a writer, you attempt to put words down on a page or screen, you necessarily want to start with at least some direction. Direction of course, is usually at least some kernel of an idea, some word, phrase, or passing fancy to begin the metaphorical creative first step. Once you have this idea, you can then usually turn this first step into a dance of sorts, by putting one word after another, one sentence after another, and one paragraph after the next. Eventually, you are then moving from a simple cha-cha of words, to the tango of a story. However, like in any sort of dance, the first foot forward, has to know a little of where to go.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Jeff, whom you can visit via the Friends and Family link, caught up with me and let me know he'd be in town with, well his family. Family in the loss sense of the word, being the people he cares about, hangs out with, and decided to come to town with, including his significant other MC. Knowing I would be up for a change, and having met several of his family before, he invited me to have lunch with them all, and basically introduce me to MC. I agreed, as any social life addition is more then welcome. Although as I found out later, I almost had to deal with his visit, another friend's visit, and another friend's birthday party on the same day. This of course being a karmic revenge for having little to no social life for the last four years, and of course now moving to shift that might allow it. The bad news, was the second friend ending up not being able to come down. But I was less harried, although still pretty much out the entire day.

As I digress, I eventually met up with Jeff and his family for lunch, which ended up being, me, Jeff and 9 or 11 women at one table. This wasn't as bad as some people might imagine, as most of the women were under 30, and those that weren't, didn't pay it any mind. So conversation wasn't the type cast girly, and it was a rather enjoyable meal.

After we had finished the meal, various groups went in different directions and I decided to walk with Jeff and MC. While strolling the conversation at one point turned to writing. As Jeff and I have both struggled with writing over the years, each with our own demons to fight in trying to become what we would call a writer, this type of conversation was not wholly unexpected. MC being relatively new to it, metaphorically kicked both our asses and pointed out things we knew, but had ignored. As such we both eventually fell to her authoritative arguments and agreed we'd try writing, again, and again, and again, till we finally break through the last wall to find ourselves, writers.

Whether or not this actually happens, I can at least say that MC is a great women, and Jeff is a lucky man to have her in this now time. And yes, this counts MC! Cheers.

Light of Many Days

A couple of weeks ago, my job decided to move me from graveyard shift to second shift. I'd been on graveyard for about four years up till then, and thus was both willing and nervous about changing shifts. Willing, because four years of only working from 9pm till the next morning, tends to impact the things you take for granted on many levels.

For one, you live opposite everyone else. When you go to work, everyone else is at home. When telemarketers call, they aren't interrupting your dinner, or leaving messages while your not at home, they are instead interrupting your sleep. Your social life basically goes to pieces, so if unless you are married, have kids, or a serious significant other already, the chances of meeting people, friends, or gaining new acquaintances is shot. You also are usually more tired, see light as the enemy, and generally never get anything done.

On the plus side, you usually make more money, don't have to deal with traffic, and can drink beer in the mornings, although this could be a big minus depending on your state's blue laws. Night work is also usually slower then daytime, although in my case, it wasn't, but that was due to work being unable to staff up correctly part of the time.

As is, going for four years, and one gets used to things. Thus moving to a day shift was going to need some adjustment. I was certainly all for the move, just internally a little apprehensive, over both the different work atmosphere, as well as the possibility of rejoining the human race in my own timezone.

Being several weeks now, I can still say I'm glad of the whole move. Work is different, but not in a bad way. I never really had a lot of time on the graveyard shift, but now I'm more focused on set procedures and work then before. My diet is also coming under control as I'm able to eat at more regular times, and have a lot more choice. I still don't have a big social life, however already I'm not stressed when friends show up in town, and want to do lunch, as now, I'm certainly awake.

It'll still take some time to fully adjust, and more time adjust my own self perception and get back on the dating horse again, but now I see the light in the distance, as a beacon, and not as this hostile otherworld.