Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Can You Say Super Bowl Champions?

That's right! Before we do anything here, we need to talk about the Super Bowl and how my Steelers finished it up by toting that trophy. What a game! I had my interview the next day, and with a cold threatening to steal my voice, I had to swear off yelling at the television. This is difficult for me with any sporting event, but with a game like that? Crazy! But I managed, and it was a thrill to watch them win even though they made me a nervous wreck in the process.

To put the cherry on top, I survived my television interview. The Lord really took over and removed my anxiety, so thanks to everyone who prayed on my behalf. If you want to take a peek at how it went, check it out here. This will take you to the station's video player. Just scroll down the list until you find me.

In a couple weeks, I'll be at the Christian Writers Guild's conference, and I can't believe it's been a year since Fireflies In December won their Operation First Novel contest. I also can't believe I don't have my conference wardrobe yet. Anybody else notice that the spring clothes come in way too early?? I need to dress for temperatures somewhere around freezing, but the clothes in the stores are all for sixty-degree weather. I'm checking clearance racks everywhere, but clearance racks tend to be all the things people didn't want... and there's usually a reason why people didn't want them. But even when you find things that you actually like, there's always the problem finding it in your size. Sigh... I may be wearing the same outfits on alternate days!

Clothing problems aside, this year has flown and crawled by all at once. A friend just remarked to me that it seems like ages since I won the contest, and in some ways it seems that way to me, too. That's probably because my life has changed so much since last January. But in other ways, I feel like I started writing 2008 on my checks just a few months ago. It's strange how life can seem poky and speedy all at once.

The slow parts may have something to do with the fact that I'm picking up this publishing business piece by piece, and that can be quite the learning process. And we all know how excruciatingly slow learning processes can seem. I've had my first book signing, my first online interview, my first television interview... but, I still don't have my feet fully wet. Instead, I feel like I've just tipped my toes in.

But in other ways, it's gone fast, and I've had a ton of fun along the way. Challenges aside, this has been a great ride, and I'm so grateful the Lord is taking me along on it. I can't wait to see what He has next.

That's life! (My nephew will have something to say about that phrase since I tell him that all the time!) Life is slow. Life is fast. It's easy. It's hard. It's tedious. It's fun. And we learn SO much along the way.

I just hope I learn how to find winter pants in February.

17 comments:

Ethan M. said...

I can't think of anything to say about that phrase...Holy cow. Let me sleep on it

Jennifer Valent said...

You're speechless?? I'm writing this down on my calendar!

Ethan M. said...

Life is...Life isssss...GAH! NOT FAIR!

Cristi said...

"That's life! (...) Life is slow. Life is fast. It's easy. It's hard. It's tedious. It's fun. And we learn SO much along the way."

Jen, what a fantastic way to sum up life!

Hi Ethan!

Jennifer Valent said...

Thanks, Cristi. I think I drive Ethan nuts with the old, "That's life!" I use it on him all the time. :)

Ethan M. said...

Hey, Cristi...Ms. Cristi...Er, what do you prefer to be called? I see you got a kick out of my book review. Did she send you the "unrevised edition"?

Cristi said...

Cristi is fine. :-) I loved your book review! Your aunt is very lucky to have someone as enthusiastic as you in her corner!

Hope you're feeling better Jen.

Ethan M. said...

Haha! Well I wasn't faking it or anything! That's one awesome book!

Jennifer Valent said...

I'm feeling a good bit better, Ms. Cristi! :) Thanks for asking.

Jennifer Valent said...

Aw, Ethan! How sweet!

Ethan M. said...

Well it is! When can I get my hands of a copy of "Cottonwood Whispers"?

C.J. Darlington said...

Ethan-- can you be my nephew? LOL. Jennifer's blessed to have your encouragement!

Ethan M. said...

Haha! Sorry, but there's only enough total awesomeness to go around. My Aunt Jen just happens to be the lucky owner. *sigh* Oh well.

Jennifer Valent said...

Yes, I'm the lucky owner of one HUMBLE nephew! Sorry you can't have some of the total awesomeness, C.J. :)

Ethan M. said...

Haha! Man, this comment spree is going on for a while! Might want to start thinking of a new post Aunt Jen!

Jennifer Valent said...

Okay, king of total awesomeness, I'm gettin' to it!

C.J. Darlington said...

You guys are a hoot! Ha ha.