I don't Have a Title For This Post

You read that right. I actually do not have a title for this post, because trying to come up with one would stop me from writing. I have successfully deflected the urge to put writing aside until I found a suitable title. Now, what do I win?

First of all, I have finally succeeded in getting a post up for the website I write for. If you are interested, you can read it here. This is the second article I have written for them and the first one they've posted: the first post I did for them resulted in me needing to step away and calm down.

It's a matter of differing opinions and in this case, I did what I thought was the right thing: I removed the article and put it on my personal website. No mess, no fuss, but it did leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth for a variety of reasons.

My article dealt with specific examples taken from my experiences regarding gaming with guys. I wrote it because I felt guys were getting the short end of the stick when it comes to role-playing. Apparently, my article made all the girl gamers feel like I was telling them they weren't really gaming unless they gamed with guys, which was just downright ridiculous. If your self-esteem is directly tied to other people's experiences, then the real problem here isn't me, it's you.

Moving on: I've been contacted by another group to write for them as well. Haven't put anything together as yet but have a few ideas. We'll see how it goes!

I am also looking for new opportunities on the job front. I think I have done all I can in my current gig and it doesn't look like there will be much in the way of challenges for me. That being said, I am going to try and make some challenges: there is lots to do here and I might just need to step up a bit.

The real news is this: I'm looking for an agent. I am at that stage where I want to pursue my writing more aggressively and I think having an agent will increase my chances. I am almost halfway through writing my book and will be looking for an editor in the next couple months to get it in shape for submitting. So exciting!

That's it, that's all, there is no more. At least, not right now. It could all change in an instant.

Challenges Are Good, But Magic is Better

Something that I am in constant awe about is how people deal with challenges. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms, and I find it fascinating to watch people as they try and figure out solutions. It's equally entertaining to step in at the right time with an offer of a solution and see if they choose to implement it or not.

My current boss decided that my computer would be given to a co-worker and that I would start to use one of the big, beautiful Mac's that the graphic design team work on. The computer comes with wireless mouse and keyboard, which requires bluetooth to be installed and enabled in order for the wireless items to pair and sync with the computer. I watched the IT guy switch my old computer with the new one and retrieve my emails from the server. So far, so good.

He then tried to pair the keyboard and mouse. They were both blinking, which meant they were searching for each other, but the little screen that is supposed to pop up to ask you if you want them to sync with the Mac didn't appear. It was then that I had a suspicion, but I kept it to myself because I figured he knew what he was doing. 

Four hours and a very angry boss later, I suggested that perhaps the unit did not have bluetooth installed. My boss was furious that the process was taking so long and told me that all of the Mac's had been purchased at 'the same time with the same stuff inside them'. Exact words. I nodded and went back to my magazine.

After countless troubleshooting attempts, numerous online forums, and a brief but tense meeting, I managed to point out that there was no bluetooth. Clicking on the 'About this Mac' proved I was right.

Silence.

A flurry of confusion. How can that be? How did the previous employee use the computer with the keyboard and mouse if there is no bluetooth? We all saw her use it?!

Those are all very good questions. I have a theory as to the answer.

Magic.

What else could it be? I can't figure it out and neither can anyone else here. It's a bit of a mystery. Every now and again I am reminded that we don't always have the answers and that some things just are. Like knowing who is on the phone the instant it rings. Or buying your partner flowers 'for no reason'. Magic does exist; it just goes by different names for different people.

Sometimes, just asking the question is enough of an answer.