Why I won't be submitting to the AppleDash contest. · 11:20pm Jan 3rd, 2013
That's right. Unfortunately, I've been unable to get a significant amount of writing done on a contest entry and I'm still thousands of words away from finishing.
Why?
To put it simply, my dad has cancer. I've known for a little under a month. It's a more aggressive form of cancer, but we caught it early enough and I'm optimistic that he'll be okay—we're going to the best surgeons and all that. What this means for me, though, is that I've had to take up a lot of the responsibilities around the house, from cooking and cleaning, to driving people around, to maintaining things. Another factor here is that this is going to cost the family a significant amount of money, so I've been job hunting. I have my own health issues to deal with as well—nothing near as serious, but I still need to get myself back into shape and work on ridding myself of this nasty depression stuff. What little time I have remaining has been spent developing games and learning to write music, two things I enjoy more than writing (
). Finally, I have an ultimatum for moving out. My parents head back overseas in a year and a half. I'm without a job, have no savings, and the cost of living around here is phenomenally high, so I need to start sorting out living arrangements soon.
So, with all these things combined, I won't have an entry for the AppleDash contest. I haven't made much of any progress on any other writing, either. What will happen, though, is the final chapter of Hearth's Warmin' Eve, followed by an entry for the January New Year's Eve collab (I have Twilight... and I'm thinking something Twirilee) and I'm also going to work on re-writing A Solemn Summer Night. I'm probably going to end up canning Past Imperfect and replacing it with another story (that, while similar in many regards, is also very different) that will mesh better with A Solemn Summer Night's re-write. As always, I can't tell you when any of this will happen, only that I haven't forgotten. I also haven't forgotten about the emote script. I'll be updating that when I find enough emotes for the remaining three of the mane six.
>my dad has cancer
"cancer" is not one thing. That is very ambiguous
Don't you worry. This is a hobby. If it's not fun, or if you have more important things to do, don't do it.
As far as job hunting and places to stay and things of that nature, I know people in the suburbs of DC, both VA and MD. I don't know how far afield they are from you, and how far afield you can go, but let me know if you're interested and I can see if they know of anything/anyplace, and generally ask around for you.
In general, don't be afraid to ask me for anything, from support to a place to stay. I might not always be able to offer it, but if I can, it's yours.
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Thanks! I appreciate it immensely.
I'll keep that in mind if things ever come to that.
I, too, am dropping out, but now I feel terribly ashamed for doing so.
I wish you the best of luck on positively everything that you are going through, and I know that everything is going to come out okay in the end. Cancer bug is sorta bitin'. My grandmother has Lymphoma currently, but we are positive that she'll do well also. You have a lot on your plate. I would like you to know that your friends here are available to talk if ya so desire to chat. Keep looking up!
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing.
Always look on the bright side of life.
Yes, those lines were original lyrics from a song I wrote. It's gonna be big. I think it helps the situation.
- Church
It's all completely understandable that you prioritize yourself and your family above any one form of entertainment. If there's anything I can do to help you out... I can't make any guarantees but I will absolutely do my best. Don't ever worry about asking.
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You guys. It really means a lot to know you're all here for me.