The Leftovers

I am tired.  Like, really, really tired.  So you are not getting bright-eyed-let's-write-a-new-blog-post-hooray-Jen.  You are getting my leftovers.

This writing thing is honestly harder than it looks, at least for me anyway.  I've spent all week writing and re-writing, throwing my hands up in frustration, and re-writing some more an article for Exemplify Online Magazine.  I've only read one issue since I am new reader, but I highly suggest you check it out.  Anyway, I don't have high hopes for publication, but I thought it would be a good practice experience nonetheless.  (Tell me this again once I've been rejected and you  may not get this same peppy reaction, but anyway...)  So, towards the end of this loooong writing process (it was a week, but felt like a month), I asked my husband to edit it.  I already hear the snickers --  You asked your husband to do what??

In truth, both of us barely survived the experience.  As he was halfway through the editing process, I glanced over at the paper.  I could barely see printer ink!  It was covered in his own handwriting!  I felt as though he had cut a painting of mine into tiny little pieces.  I told him to. put. down. the. pen.  Step away from the essay...SLOWLY.

In the end, I let him finish the editing, but I let him know my displeasure.  The truth was, though, he was right about most things.  Perhaps that was the root all along.  How desperately I just wanted it to be perfect the first time --  not because of the time I wouldn't have to spend rewriting (of course, that would have been nice), but because I just wanted to magically be this natural writer.  Pipe dream!

You'd be proud, though.  I didn't give up.  I rewrote and incorporated most of his suggestions.  But before I submitted the article, I had to write a brief bio.  I really hate writing these things (I had to write one for an article I submitted for Blissfully Domestic.)  I thought you might find what I really wanted to say amusing:

Jen Ferguson is crazy.  Somehow she has this unrealistic belief that during the SUMMER when there is no school, she can still handle two part-time jobs, be the sole childcare provider for her two daughters from 7:30-5:30, juggle their playdates, AND begin a career in writing.  She also attempts to stay in reasonable shape so that when half-marathon training begins she won't lag behind her running partner by 50 paces, pay the bills, go grocery shopping, ferry children to swimming lessons, remember to sign up children for gymnastics, plan a fabulous weekend getaway with husband to celebrate 10 year anniversary, and find good, silent, quality-time with Jesus EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Amen, anyone?

I'm linking up with Home Sanctuary and Caffeinated Randomness!