laramie

I did survive the first week, but quit my new assignment after working two days this week. I could handle the work itself, (scoring student essays) but the working conditions were just too stressful for me. I must have some degree of phobia when it comes to feeling confined in crowded conditions. I didn't have an arms-length of distance between me and the rather large man seated next to me (in a large room with a hundred other people) and I was expected to sit still in that situation for hours at a time. I found myself tensing up and twitchy to the point where I was about ready to jump up and throw a screaming fit.

Not good; there's got to be something better. I'll keep checking with my agencies, and in the meanwhile work on my home-based projects.

I was inspired, reading all the student essays, to write an essay of my own, on the theme of what steps I might take to lead a happier life. I spent enough time on that, and on music practice and singing at the filk circle that I qualified for 500 creative points. If I want to make more progress with art and writing projects I'll have to make a more specific goal to earn some points in those areas.

Otherwise, I think I did well on daily stuff and weekly chores.

I didn't do anything with my tax preparations, but I paved the way by paying off the current batch of bills and updating my checkbook.

I didn't finish sewing my new slacks, but I did make considerable progress. The sewing might go faster, but I am using French seams throughout.

For next time:

* Earn 400 points through artwork or writing fiction,
* at least 100 points for music practice; prepare 1/2 hour set to perform at Minicon
* Keep up with daily stuff and weekly chores
* Finish preparing tax materials, go for tax help on Saturday
* Finish sewing new slacks
* Prepare display-setup for huckster table at Minicon
* Continue job-hunt (check job boards, check back with Carolyn, who's going to check with Human Resources at Ameriprise)