Jennysha's job log: 16
Jennysha Patel
- September 2009.
The story so far… Jennysha graduated three years ago, and is looking for ways into publishing. Meanwhile she combines work in a bookshop and a library.
No escape
I am actually sulking a little whilst writing this. It’s because I know I am a little late getting this to the editor and it’s making me dislike deadlines and wish I didn’t have to write it. But I know I will be mad at myself if I don’t write it. So I’m just going to have to smile through gritted teeth while writing this and get my skates on as I start work at the library in under an hour!
So, since the last blog, I am, well, not really happy or unhappy, that I wasn’t targeted for the redundancies at the bookshop. I am actually pretty indifferent about the whole situation. Like I’ve said in the past, I really enjoy what I do there, but the people, or the management specifically, spoil the atmosphere and it doesn’t feel worth it. At the same time, though, it’s a job and I should really hold onto it and thank my lucky stars I’m not still in the position I was in last year: sat in misery unemployed and without hope. So I guess my bookshop days are not quite over, but I have a feeling they might be numbered.
As for the weddings and the whole ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ (well ok I’ve only been a bridesmaid that one time, but hey, it helps the story I’m telling), I was indeed proposed to the other week! Can you believe it? I was so in shock I don’t think I even said yes (although I did mean to) and instead hugged the man asking me. He’s perfect. He works at the bookshop and always gives me hugs and asks how I am and makes me smile. It’s funny, I didn’t realise we are both born romantics, lovers to our core. So the date’s set, it’ll be in the next few weeks as both of us don’t have other plans. We’re made for each other but the only thing I’m worried about is…he’s gay. I’m sure we’ll find a way to work it out.
More heart-stirring action
Other, equally exciting things which have happened are: I was mentioned in a blog!!! I was so excited - it’s only a small mention to the fact that I said I adore Ugly Betty in a previous blog of mine, but hey, I appreciate all recognition, no matter how small. I feel it is appropriate to mention Sophie Playle whose blog it is (and provide a link to her page). Funny thing is, we are indeed in one way or another, each other's competition - this was the essence of that particular blog post of Sophie's. Having said that though, I feel it’s always nice to support one another in similar ventures - network and all. It’s a small world and you never know when you’ll encounter people!
Second, I have discovered my hidden talent: making cookies. I kid you not. If I could invite you all to try them, I would. The other week I decided I would make some to take into the bookshop and the library on the same day as well as give some to my gran. I then realised I had promised a couple of friends, so I had to rush in between shifts to make more cookies for them all. Then decided to make some for the colleague who had volunteered for redundancy at the bookshop, before ending my fifth batch in the week for a friend I was staying with for a fun girly weekend in Leicester, as a thank you gift. I am set for a Saturday of baking cookies - this time to go abroad to India (!) with my uncle who was absolutely blown away by my cookies (there’s no point being modest here), for my sister and her colleagues in Manchester and for other family and friends. So that’s my backup plan should the publishing fall through.
Lastly, but by no means least, I have progressed with my poetry. I attended a poetry night in a local bar this week and although I chose not to read on that occasion as it was my first time and I wanted to scope it out, I feel confident and excited to read something next month. Not all disappointing though, the next day it was the writers’ evening, run by a fellow library assistant. He had indeed suggested I read some of my stuff and him likewise. The moment he introduced my reading, I felt my heart beating so fast and it felt as though it had jumped up to my throat so that when I spoke, you’d be able to hear it beating through my voice. Luckily, as some people were making a couple of points about poetry, I told myself to just relax and took a few deep breaths and took my time and read my piece. I was so proud of myself and ecstatic and got a great response and some very insightful critiques. My next plan is to read at the poetry night, which also happens to be run by a local publisher of poetry, and who knows, I might make my way into publishing via a different route than planned.
Read my previous job logs
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