A Hazardous Occupation -

4/16/10 09:12 pm

Today in 1746, the Battle of Culloden was fought between the Jacobites and the British Hanoverians. Kiss a man in a kilt today!

It's been a hall of a week. On Monday, the School Board unanimously voted to accept the proposed budget cuts for next school year. Which means my job is gone. Along with a whole mess of other jobs and programs. I will finish rhe school year, of course. It's next year that I'll be job-free. My friends at school have been coming to the library to feel sorry for me, but really, I feel sorry for the people who'll still be working. The chaos that we barely manage to control with a full staff could overwhelm the place when they're down to a skeleton crew.

I saw this coming a long way out, so the hubby and I had time to start getting our ducks lined up. I keep seeing this as a blessing - I'm about to become a full-time writer. *grin* Several folks have tasked me with writing a bestseller now that the time is there, so I'll be getting right on that.

I've had some weird trouble with my eyes the last couple of days. I have random moments of intense photosensitivity, in which my eyes redden and water. It's especially bad in the sun, but it happens indoors as well. It vanishes as quickly as it appears, though, which is what makes it so bizarre. I haven't worn my contacts all week, so I don't think it has to do with them. Yes, I'm going to the doctor.

Just a reminder...if you're planning on coming to Balticon in May, let me know so we can be sure and say hello! I'm excited about being there!

Current Mood: calm

lonesomenumber1
4/17/10 02:14 am (UTC)

Today in 1746, the Battle of Culloden was fought between the Jacobites and the British Hanoverians.

Just had to point out that there were clans who fought for the Hanoverian side (along with clans who fought on both sides). :-)
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 03:56 pm (UTC)
  
  I can understand that...being from SC, where secession is the first suggestion every time there's any sort of politicial disagreement and the average idiot thinks the president is a Kenyan secret agent for THE OTHER SIDE (whatever side that might be), I could see myself going against my neighbors in a fight. :D
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autumncat
4/17/10 02:33 am (UTC)

I'm so sorry about your job. That sucks.
I do hope your bestseller comes easily for you!!

Won't be attending Balticon - but, we live only about 30 minutes up I83 from there. Used to work across the street from the hotel.
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 03:56 pm (UTC)
  
  Thanks darling!
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aerinha
4/17/10 02:39 am (UTC)

'm sorry about your job loss; and hopeful that this turns out to be the best blessing-in-disguise ever for you.
I am among the crowd eagerly awaiting anything you write and publish. Also my daughter is rapidly (ack! SO rapidly!) approaching reading level to read good, well-written adventure... so, more pressure!!

Hope your eyes don't have anything too serious going on.
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 03:57 pm (UTC)
  
  Thank you, sweetie! I'm determined to write that bestseller not only so my wonderful friends can read it, but also so I can arrange a book tour and come riding with you!
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  - aerinha
    4/19/10 01:45 am (UTC)
    
    I think that sounds like a WONDERFUL plan... we have a fantastic independent bookstore here in town and I will personally make a mission of getting you here. *grin*
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sealgair
4/17/10 04:32 am (UTC)

Sorry about the impending job loss, congrats on becoming a full time writer! Have you seen haikujaguar's Three Micahs column on the work of being a full time artist? It's really interesting, and I think you'd like it... If you haven't seen it yet!
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 03:58 pm (UTC)
  
  I hadn't seen it - that was great! I think I might have to send the link around to some other folks I know. :D Thank you!
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  - sealgair
    4/18/10 05:45 pm (UTC)
    
    you're quite welcome!
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baka_kit
4/17/10 07:49 am (UTC)

I hugged a man in a kilt today -- my best friend's husband was working the Utilikilt booth at the Anaheim Comic-Con. :)

Best of luck with the bestseller!
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 03:58 pm (UTC)
  
  Lucky! I had to make do with a man who might one day wear a kilt for me. *grin*
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elfmama
4/17/10 03:27 pm (UTC)

Hey Misty! Thanks for the Culloden reminder- I'm a sucker for sadness. *grin* Have you ever read Outlander? great book.

Sorry about the job but I am selfishly glad you'll have more time to write. I can't tell you how many times as the young, new teacher I was declared an "overage" at the end of the year. What a yucky term. It basically meant they let me go so they could keep up the football coaching staff.
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 04:02 pm (UTC)
  
  Definitely read Outlander! I loved the first four books, but somehow I lost the magic after Drums of Autumn, so I didn't read any further.
  
  Looking forward to seeing you at ConCarolinas!
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eldritchhobbit
4/17/10 07:55 pm (UTC)

I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming job loss (although it certainly sounds like a situation best escaped while the escaping is good, as it were), but congrats on becoming a full-time writer! I await your bestseller - and anything else you write - with great excitement. *hugs*
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 04:04 pm (UTC)
  
  Thanks, sweetie! Hey, I want to pick your brain a little at ConCarolinas, if that's okay. It's for the New Shiny, which I haven't started writing yet. I'm working on the world-building...
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  - eldritchhobbit
    4/21/10 07:08 pm (UTC)
    
    The New Shiny sounds very... shiny! I'm excited. *bounces*
    
    I did get some bad news, though; due to a work conflict from which I simply can't extricate myself, I'm going to have to miss ConCarolinas. Very disappointing. I told the organizers a few weeks ago, and they were lovely about it. I will be at ReConStruction/NASFiC in August, however. (Will you? I hope so!) But I'd also be glad to visit with you in the meantime, however's best for you, as well.
    
    I'm sending good thoughts your way!
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    - madkestrel
      4/21/10 09:01 pm (UTC)
      
      I will be at ReConStruction/NASFiC in August, however. (Will you? I hope so!)
      
      Alas, no. As much as I wanted to be there, it coincides with my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. I hate missing it but Mama's party comes first. *grin*
      
      I'll miss you at CC! I'll get my thoughts together and drop you an email about the New Shiny.
      
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vg_ford
4/17/10 11:36 pm (UTC)

Ugh on the job front. That sucks. :( But yes, now you have to write the best seller!

So I'll be at Balticon, and I have some books for you to sign.....
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 04:05 pm (UTC)
  
  Thanks, hon! Can't wait to see you at B'Con! I'll start doing wrist exercises so I can sign and sign and sign... *laughs*
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ladyleo
4/18/10 01:06 am (UTC)

I am sorry to hear about the job loss, budget cuts suck.

Here's hoping for more writing and more published *huge hugs* Have you in my thoughts, and hoping that the loss is the closing of one door and the opening of another *Loves*
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- madkestrel
  4/18/10 04:06 pm (UTC)
  
  *loves* you right back! I sure hope I get to see you sometime soon - I miss you guys!!!
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flaming_rose
4/20/10 10:00 pm (UTC)

Well I'm glad you are prepared and I also look forward to the next novel. I saw a banner once at a highland games that read "April 16, 1746 2nd Place". I laughed for days...
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- madkestrel
  4/21/10 12:45 am (UTC)
  
  "April 16, 1746 2nd Place"
  
  Bwa ha ha ha ha!!! That's hysterical!
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A Hazardous Occupation

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