January 17, 2024: Novel, Epcot, Stained Glass, and Plants

The last time I posted was last year in January, sheesh. And I remember that day vividly. I was inside a little cafe off Colonial and Mills, writing on my iPad. I swear that was only a few months ago, not a year. 

I keep oscillating between writing in my physical journal or online, and the result is that I write in neither. So although I'd like to write in my tangible journal (and not on this outdated P.O.S.), something is better than nothing. 

This is a simple update. Today (on my 18th [week]day of unemployment), I cut the pieces for the stained glass work I'm making in class (I signed up for a 4-week class at The Stained Glass House in off Virginia in Orlando. This was week 2), I went to Epcot with Bryan and Luka during the day (it's the first week of the Festival of the Arts -- or FARTS, as I like to call it), and (almost) finished the 21st chapter of my book. I've been stuck in revision mode for the past few months; but I've been making myself write a few pages a day while unemployed, and it's paying off. 

This stained glass class proves I have a knack for it. Of course I still make mistakes and am learning, but the cutting, grinding (and hopefully, foiling) come easy to me; although which cuts to make and which pliers to use still confuse me and give me some anxiety. More importantly, I deeply enjoy every step of it. I don't think there's a part that isn't my favorite. I really could see myself doing this a full-time hobby somewhere. 

My pieces so far. It's supposed to be a tulip (or ear of corn)

Me having a conversation with Walt (at Epcot) and telling him to please still hire me. I still haven't heard back from the recruiter yet.

I'm growing plants! (Again) I decided I wanted food in my back yard and to give it another shot. Although it's really cold outside and we've had a lot of 30/40 degree days, they're springing up! Hopefully, they continue to grow and don't freeze, get eaten, or run out of space again (like the cucumbers did).