A New Leaf

I'm feeling pretty good today. Things are starting to pick up at work, which means busier days. I'm starting in a new position ... a woman who worked in our department for 26 years is retiring and I put in for her job. It's going to be a lot of work, as she handled some of our largest accounts, but I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm also scared stiff. I only found out that I got her job Monday, and her last day is tomorrow. I'm overwhelmed and extremely nervous about next week. I know I'll get through it, but it's gonna be rough!

I found out yesterday that I won a first-place award from the West Virginia Press Association for the column I wrote when I was editor of a small newspaper. The association hosts a contest each year for all of the state's newspapers. I've done well in the past, earning a few first- and second-place awards for news, feature and lifestyle writing. And I've always been excited about them, because having your hard work recognized on such a large scale provides such a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. I work in an industry where recognition and appreciation are hard to come by, so it's nice to experience that once in a while. This year, though, I was even more excited than I have been about any other awards. I think it's because this time around, I was totally on my own with my work. I was editor of that rinky dink newspaper, flung out there all on my own without the benefit of editors, mentors or even close peers. It was just me and my words. And I won. Granted, it was in a small category of small newspapers, but still.

It made me realize just how much I miss writing. I visited the Web site of my hometown paper, where I worked for three years, and read a story about the awards they earned in the same contest. The staff has changed a little since I worked there, but reading that article made me miss it so much. I know it's crazy -- ludicrous, actually -- that I'm uttering these words when all I could think about when I was there was getting out. But miss it I do. I've always loved words, and I'm a much better written communicator than I am a verbal communicator. Always have been. Steve and I have most of our major discussions via instant messenger. It gives me time to really think about what I'm saying and actually mean, rather than just shooting off my mouth.

(I know, I know ... you're reading this ramble of a post and thinking to yourself "she's a writer?" Bear with me. It's late.)

And now, for a complete change of subject. I dyed my hair tonight. It's now a chesnut brown instead of blonde/highlights. I loved my highlights, but my roots were showing somethin' fierce and I just couldn't afford to have them professionally touched up. So it was me and a box of Loreal this evening. It turned out okay. I bought some new shampoo and conditioner in hopes my hair won't be so freaking dry. So now I'm dark and silky.

And on that note, I'm going to bed. Peace out, y'all.