Positivity, productivity, and insanity

I've been talking a lot about positivity here. I don't really do the whole new year's resolutions thing, but I try to pick one general thing that I'd like to focus on in the coming year. For me, this year it's positivity. I've been going through a lot of tough stuff and have trouble remaining positive. There are days when I just don't want to get out of bed (we all have those, huh?); days when I am so tired of having to work at keeping the momentum that I just want to give up. This is mostly related to the job search. However, I vow to not to let the whole process consume my life. Yes, I slip here and there, but overall I really want to try to focus on other things around me, while putting energy and effort into the search but not letting it take over and interrupt everything else.

I think this is why I've been so continuously productive when it comes to my hobbies, especially quilting. As I struggle through the job search process, there is very little result, especially tangible result. By quilting, not only do I use a different part of my brain, but I also throw myself into the task at hand (ie. distracting myself from the negative thoughts/anxiety), but also work toward a tangible goal that feels good in the process. As many of you know, if you've been in - or are currently in - similar situations, searching for jobs and submitting applications is incredibly tedious. It also makes you feel very vulnerable, especially when you see a negative response (or no response at all - so common). By quilting, I'm not only able to work through a process/task that brings enjoyment, but also results in something! When we create, endorphins are released - who wouldn't want an opportunity to feel that?!You end up with an actual result for all that effort and hard work. I know that eventually, the job search will end up essentially the same way, as I will have a job (not tangible, but definitely a result).

For now, in order to keep the insanity/negativity/anxiety away, I just keep on creating.

Waiting

Well, it's now 8 pm and still no snow. I'm kind of annoyed that work canceled my shift for today seeing as how not a flake has fallen yet. ::hrmph:: Obviously, it's canceled for tomorrow too since the snow is actually going to start in a few hours and continue all day. My poor little bank account. The switch back to part-time is definitely not good. While my main focus is on meaningful full time work, at this point mostly in DC, I still need something now that actually allows me to pay the bills. Hopefully I'll be able to find something quick (and yes, I'm going to just stick to easy things like retail since I think that'll happen the fastest...sigh).

Sorry for all the pouting. In spite of a lovely weekend a few days ago, 2011 is off to a bit of tough start. I'm really focusing on positivity, like I promised. I'm trying to keep things in perspective. This too shall pass, right?

My sweetie is out of town through Friday so Louie and I are holed up here, waiting for the snow. I spent the day alternating between job searching/emailing/applications and sewing. It helps to keep a balance since the two activities are so different. In keeping with the StashPact11 promise, I dove right in and hacked up my Kona Cotton jelly roll. I picked a simple pattern from this book and the quilt top is coming together fast! (Check out the progress in my flickr stream.)

I better take Louie out for his evening walk before it actually starts snowing (wet, smelly paws are no good for snuggling!). We'll probably watch some TV and knit. Well, I'll knit as Louie doesn't have thumbs... ;-P

Stay warm!