Lurve.

[katernater]

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Todd and I had an intrastate gift exchange this year: he sent me about twelve pounds of chocolate, and I sent him a mix CD and a card with an 'our-relationship-as-a-sports-metaphor' theme. I'm planning to go back to Valparaiso this weekend (it's nice when your present can actually be seeing the person with whom you're in a relationship), the first time I've been back since moving to Terre Haute.

I've gotta' say: I'm pretty okay on my own, but there are times when I really miss having Todd around to talk to. We talk on the phone a couple of times a week, but it was nice to have that face-to-face, visual connection every day. I like my co-workers and my students keep me very busy, but that's pretty much the extent of my interpersonal contact these days. I'm shy about going out to meet new people. However, now that the weather's starting to turn (or at least teasing us all with the prospect), there will be a lot more outdoor activities popping up; some co-workers even go to a Tuesday/Thursday night yoga group on campus. I've just got to get over my shyness and get out there.

I also miss having free time to write in the evenings. I don't think I've written anything -- for my own pleasure -- since January. Even when I've had some free time in the evenings I haven't really felt like sitting down and committing to my word processor. I'm pretty much sapped by the end of the day. I'll go back and read old RP logs -- cringing and patting myself on the back at turns -- and wonder if I'll ever have time for it again. I really miss having that outlet. I would hope that growing up doesn't mean that you have to give up those things that you really, really love to do.

Comments

[another-myself.livejournal.com]

When you're ready, I'd be happy to start up something for us to write again. Anything that you like. I know how busy you keep, but if you need that outlet - or want it, at that - just knock on my door and I'll do what I can. :)

I'm proud of you, dear. I know how hard it can be to be on your own sometimes, but you're doing very well out there. And it's showing just how much you're growing as a person.

Love you. <3 Happy Valentine's!

[shutterbug-12.livejournal.com]

Even when I've had some free time in the evenings I haven't really felt like sitting down and committing to my word processor. I'm pretty much sapped by the end of the day. I know that feeling. I keep hoping that I'll be able to fall back into a little routine, even if it's less frequent. Being able to have a "writing night" once a week would be great. More than that would be better, but I'll take something over nothing.

And about getting out there, you can do it! I find it difficult too, but more so the build up and not the actual events. So maybe if you can get past the anticipation and build up and get yourself TO the event/function itself, it won't be that bad. <3

[msconduct.livejournal.com]

I would hope that growing up doesn't mean that you have to give up those things that you really, really love to do.

Noooooo! Don't think that! Writing is always possible when you want it to be. And the world does not need to lose a writer like you.

[katernater.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That was an incredibly kind thing to say.

[highlander_ii]

ditto what was said in the comment above - growing up doesn't mean giving up the fun stuff... and if it does - I am *so* not growing up ever!

[farstepper.livejournal.com]

I think you can continue to write if you wish (and I truly hope you do), but you'll have to make a conscious choice to do so. My experience was a bit different in that I stopped writing not because I was busy with work, but because I became busy, effectively, with my own despair. I've not written for a few years now (you, actually, were the last person I wrote with I believe) and I miss it on an almost physical level. And despite that desire it is incredibly difficult to return to. I wouldn't wish that for you. Ever. So my advice is making the time, even if it's wee bits of time, because the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to resume. And, as another said below, the world really doesn't need to lose another writer such as yourself. You've got a true talent there. I hope you foster it and help it grow throughout your entire life.

[katernater.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It is very kind of you to say that.