Morosity aside, I am proud to announce that I am officially employed! *happy dance* It’s official! I’m so excited! So, while I am usually careful about talking about my private life on this blog, as I like it to remain relevant to writing, I did have a thought (which will explain the depressing, albeit beautiful, music from Evita).
What happens to my blog from here?
Okay, okay, don’t panic. I don’t plan on taking down the blog or even stopping my regular posts, but I do wonder…when I start my 40 hour work week, will I have the energy to write? To blog? To read blogs?
It’s not like this is my first time working 40 hours a week. I’ve done it in the past. So, I don’t think my energy level will be as affected as I fear…On the other hand, though, it’s one thing to keep up my blog these days when I don’t have a set, regular schedule. When I start working, will I have the same energy to blog? Or will this site fade away like some of the blogs that I used to follow…that just…stopped and haven’t come back at all?
Well, with that thought hanging in the air, I am taking extra precaution this week. My main goal for this week will be to do what I can to prepare for this new schedule. I’d like to schedule my blog posts three weeks ahead to post Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 AM. I also heard of a thing with Twitter that you can use to schedule tweets, so I will look into that as well…that way I can promote my blog posts without worrying they aren’t being read. And still remain connected to you fabulous, wonderful people.
Okay, so let’s all take a breath…in……out……in…..out….okay, we’ll be just fine. We can do this.
On an entirely different note…I have some exciting news to share with you!
I received my second award two weeks ago!
It’s the Leibster Blogger Award!
Thank you so much to Tonja @ Tonja’s Musings! Ah, this is what makes the blogging community great, huh?? So, apparently the word “leibster” means dearest or sweetheart in German. Isn’t that cute?? Oh, I thought so too!
Yup, there are a few rules to accepting such a fancy schmancy award…
1) Thank the giver (Thank you Tonja!)
2) Pass on the award to 5 other blogs with less than 200 followers – leave a comment and follow them. Okay, this is the fun, but most difficult part. The last award that I received, I passed it along to 15 blogs, so this is a little easier this time. The thing is I also want to make sure I pass along the blogger love to some of the newer blogs I follow! So, here we go. Drum roll please! *drum roll*
1) http://vicariousmisadventures.blogspot.com/
2) http://daily-writing.blogspot.com/
3) http://acreativewriterinprogress.blogspot.com/
4) http://www.mindogandmetch.com/
5) http://thesouthernscrawl.blogspot.com/
*applause* Yay to all those wonderful fabulous bloggers out there! Way to go!
3) Copy and paste the award on your blog (done deal)
4) Hope your followers will spread the love to other bloggers
…So, go check out these great, entertaining blogs I have listed and tell them I said, “Hi!”
Wait! Wait! Don’t leave yet! I have one more cool announcement to announce.
As you know, I’m a big fan of online blogging communities and I’ll admit, I’m on way more than I can keep up with half the time, but they’re a fun way to connect with other bloggers and enhance the entire blogging experience. One of them I’m on Studio30Plus (yes, I know that’s supposed to be for bloggers 30 and up…and yes, I’m only 24…but for some reason, it took me a really long time to figure that out. Although, I did find out it’s not a secret club that you can only get in if you know the password and the way cool handshake).
So, anyways, yes…that’s one of the blogging communities I’m on…
What was I saying?
Oh! My news! Well, yesterday I checked my email and one of the people with Studio30Plus (is it okay to name names? Not quite sure…) contacted me about writing a featured post for their magazine section!
How cool is that?
Quite a lot of stuff going on…which is how I like things to be anyways! Not only that, I also have a new project (not a book…yet) that I am undertaking that seems to have a lot of possibility.
Isn’t it inspiring? So, I’ll ask you my dear readers…how do you keep up with a busy schedule? Do you schedule your writing times? Or do you count on that certain window of free time that you manage to find during the day? (I love blog posts that end with a question, so I thought I would try that on this time!)
YAYAYAY!!!N OUR FIRST BLOG AWARD!!!
Thank you Nicole for sending the blog love our way!
We will definitely post our wonderful award ASAP!
Congratulations Nicole!
Lots of great news!
🙂
All the best,
Rob
@Metch – Yay!! thank you for accepting it!! Congrats! You deserve it! I love your site!!
@RK Charron – Thank you Rob! Thanks for following too!
In real life, are you as upbeat as you write? I have this image that you are never still! lol Thank you for the award, I really appreciate it. When will you be writing for Studio30Plus? I'll have to keep an eye out for your article!
Indeed lots of great news. Congrats to everyone and congrats for the new job!
You will be fine!! I am at the office for almost 10 hours a day, have a small child and still blog – we can do it! 🙂
@Judy Harper- Ha ha ha ha ha!! Actually, yah!!! I would say I'm the type of person that always needs to be doing something! My blog post should be out on September 1st! I'll be talking about the importance of blogging communities!! Thank you for reading!!
@Kat – Thanks Kat!!
@E.D. – Good to know it's a possibility!! I have hope!!
Congrats on everything. I always say blog what fits into your schedule. If it changes as your life changes, that's cool. Good luck with the new 40-hour opportunity and everything else going on.
@Stacey S. Jensen – Thanks Stacey! That's very true! I hope it fits in well for me! I'm planning on it being okay, though! *fingers crossed*
This all sounds very exciting for you, Nicola and I have no doubt that you will manage spledidly. You're only 24, remember? Lots of energy still. It's when you get to my age that things really do start to slow down…you have a looooong way to go before you get there 🙂
Congratulations on The Job, The Writing Assignment, The Award! And, in answer to your question…I am fortunate in that I am homebased, so although busy, it's definitely a lot less stressful than working away from home each day. I blog when I have time and something to share, currently a lot less often than in the beginning, as I am now fulltime Mom to 5 dogs, 2 of which are still puppies and my daughter's puppy is staying with us too, while she is away.
Sorry…typo…splendidly!
I work at home full time for a private air charter company–that said–I am able to homeschool my older daughter, work, manage the house and other kids and still have time to write…and yes I try to keep to a schedule or I'd be lost.
Congrats on your new job! That is particularly exciting!! I wish you all the success 🙂
Congrats on the job!!! Awesome. I hope you find time to continue your blog, but do what is best for your lifestyle. 🙂
Hey, thanks for the lovely award!! I appreciate the shout out!
Hey, your site looks different…I love it. Congrats on the award!
I have the hardest times finding blogs to follow, and your blog seems pretty great.
I saw it on a comment you posted at Southern Belle View, and thought I'd check it out.
You have a great writing style, keep up the good work, I will check back soon!
–Kiersten
Congratulations! It is always nice to feel vindicated at whatever it is you are trying to accomplish! I am a new follower of your blog thru GFC and would love a follow back when you have some time. Keep up with the great writing and it will all fall into place. Have a great day!
Mary@http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com
Absolutely fantastic blog!!! Glad I found it! Love it!!!
Lola x
http://lola-x.blogspot.com
@Desiree – Thanks for the encouragement! I have a gut feeling I'll be able to keep up my blog! *crosses fingers*
Oh that is lucky that you work away from home, but it does sound like you have a lot on your hands! Blogging when I have time seems like that best route too!
Thanks for reading!!
@Jenn – Thank you Jenn!! Scheduling seems like it's the way to go!
@Optimistic Mom – Thank you!! I hope so too!
@Katie – THank you!! And congrats — you deserve it!! 🙂
@Laila Knight – It does!! I wanted a format, although I'm not quite sure I'm settled yet! 🙂
@ChasingCloudNine – Hello!! I spotted yours as well! (I think I even remember your comment – congrats on the writing awards and accolades!) Thanks for following, I am following your blog as well!
@mmbear – Congrats! I'm following you back as well! I love your site!
@Lola X – THank you Lola!! FOllowing back also! Welcome!!
@ChasingCLoudNine – Actually, I'm not sure I was able to figure out how to follow your blog. Is it just me?
I've struggled with the whole work vs blogging vs writing vs having a life for quite sometime…even to the point where I pulled the plug. I think I've found an equilibrium now which involves posting only when I have something relevant to offer (i.e. no schedule) and visiting blogs that only leave comments. Its seems to be working so far. Good luck finding the balance that works for you!
Congrats on the job! That is fabulous news…good luck!
Yes congratulations on the new job!! I honestly still have a tough time keeping up with a full time out of the house job; a full time writing job and keeping up with my house, family, dogs and a blog. I do all this and then I torture myself by joining a platform campaign (check it out on my site. The deadline is 8/31 to sign up)…what can I say I work well under pressure.
I already follow so just popping in from Crazed Fans:)
@DL Hammons – Thanks! Once I get used to my schedule, I think I will find a way to make it work! But like you said, something will have to give!
@Good Girl Gone Green – Thanks!!!
@Doreen – wow!! You certainly have put the pressure on!! It's inspiring to me though! 🙂