Jenn Sadai's Blog, page 4
September 23, 2015
Dark Confession
I get nervous when I know a book lover is reading Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman. People who read on a regular basis are not usually impressed with my story. They see the value in my message, but are put off by the lack of detailed descriptions and creative characters.
To quote my favourite review of my book;
"Sadai's novel is not one of YA contemporary romance or fantasy flowered with magical powers, alternative worlds, and perfect endings. It is an awe-inspiring, breath-taking introduction to what most adults spend their lives running away from; and that thing is what we like to call reality."
http://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot.c...
I want book lovers to be impressed with my writing style, but I've accepted that it won't always be the case. My story was written for those who are struggling, lost, or trapped in tragic situations. It is meant to inspire hope, healing, and recovery. I kept it simple to ensure its intent was understood.
Maybe I should have put more effort into the storytelling instead of focusing solely on the purpose of the story itself? It's too late now to change it. Fingers crossed that my lack of creativity doesn't land me a poor review.
To quote my favourite review of my book;
"Sadai's novel is not one of YA contemporary romance or fantasy flowered with magical powers, alternative worlds, and perfect endings. It is an awe-inspiring, breath-taking introduction to what most adults spend their lives running away from; and that thing is what we like to call reality."
http://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot.c...
I want book lovers to be impressed with my writing style, but I've accepted that it won't always be the case. My story was written for those who are struggling, lost, or trapped in tragic situations. It is meant to inspire hope, healing, and recovery. I kept it simple to ensure its intent was understood.
Maybe I should have put more effort into the storytelling instead of focusing solely on the purpose of the story itself? It's too late now to change it. Fingers crossed that my lack of creativity doesn't land me a poor review.
September 21, 2015
Daily Confessions
I'm tired of running.
I've finished 2 full marathons, 4 half marathons, and about a dozen 10km and 5km events. I am training now for my 5th half marathon, which I'll be running with my mom on Oct 18th.
I am excited to watch my mom complete her first half marathon, but have zero desire to run it myself. I don't have anything left to prove to myself and I've accumulated many injuries over the past 5 years. My knees and hip now ache when I run.
Running has been very good to me. It boosted my confidence, rebuilt my self-esteem, and help me achieve real physical fitness for the the first time in my life. The feeling of freedom as my feet gently grace the pavement has inspired me creatively and eased any mental stresses that were plaguing my life at the time. It will always be a part of who I've become.
Unfortunately, I think I'll be hanging up my competitive runners after Oct 18th. My body is ready to retire. I'll have to find new ways to obtain that same feeling of accomplishment and self-pride. It makes me sad to admit it, but I'm simply tired of running.
I've finished 2 full marathons, 4 half marathons, and about a dozen 10km and 5km events. I am training now for my 5th half marathon, which I'll be running with my mom on Oct 18th.
I am excited to watch my mom complete her first half marathon, but have zero desire to run it myself. I don't have anything left to prove to myself and I've accumulated many injuries over the past 5 years. My knees and hip now ache when I run.
Running has been very good to me. It boosted my confidence, rebuilt my self-esteem, and help me achieve real physical fitness for the the first time in my life. The feeling of freedom as my feet gently grace the pavement has inspired me creatively and eased any mental stresses that were plaguing my life at the time. It will always be a part of who I've become.
Unfortunately, I think I'll be hanging up my competitive runners after Oct 18th. My body is ready to retire. I'll have to find new ways to obtain that same feeling of accomplishment and self-pride. It makes me sad to admit it, but I'm simply tired of running.
September 15, 2015
Dirty Secrets
I just approved the final proof for Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee! I'm super excited and equally nervous about its release. It's not easy to publish every mistake I've made in my career, especially since I'm nowhere near being financially set. I'll need to maintain my current job (or similar employment) for the next 30 years, so hopefully my new memoir doesn't affect my chances of gainful employment.
Regardless, this story needs to be told. For most people, professional successes and failures are directly linked to one's self-esteem. If we fail in our careers, we feel like we've failed in life. In reality, every person and every company makes mistakes. One wrong turn doesn't eliminate any future hope of success.
Here's a quote from Dirty Secrets of World's Worst Employee that sums it up pretty well;
"My imperfections helped me discover my talent and my purpose. They gave me an interesting story to tell and advice worthy of sharing. The world is filled with passionate people who are proactively pursuing their purpose, all of whom are flawed. Never let self-doubt or the fear of failure stop you from chasing your dreams with enthusiasm. You only fail when you stop trying."
Regardless, this story needs to be told. For most people, professional successes and failures are directly linked to one's self-esteem. If we fail in our careers, we feel like we've failed in life. In reality, every person and every company makes mistakes. One wrong turn doesn't eliminate any future hope of success.
Here's a quote from Dirty Secrets of World's Worst Employee that sums it up pretty well;
"My imperfections helped me discover my talent and my purpose. They gave me an interesting story to tell and advice worthy of sharing. The world is filled with passionate people who are proactively pursuing their purpose, all of whom are flawed. Never let self-doubt or the fear of failure stop you from chasing your dreams with enthusiasm. You only fail when you stop trying."
September 1, 2015
Daily Confessions
Today's confession is something my husband doesn't even know about me. Fortunately, I'm confident he won't find out, because he would never go on goodreads. The only thing he reads is the sports section of the newspaper.
I have an old credit card with an insane amount of debt. I've had it since I was with my ex boyfriend 13 years ago and it is almost impossible to pay off. The minimum payment and monthly interest charges are more then I can afford, and the bank won't let me consolidate it with my other debt because of the high dollar amount.
Every month I give the credit card company hundreds of dollars and the balance barely moves. The rest of my finances are in decent shape, but that one credit card causes me to toss and turn most nights. Hopefully, I'll win the lottery or write a best seller and be able to pay it off one day. Otherwise, that debt is going to follow me to the grave.
I have an old credit card with an insane amount of debt. I've had it since I was with my ex boyfriend 13 years ago and it is almost impossible to pay off. The minimum payment and monthly interest charges are more then I can afford, and the bank won't let me consolidate it with my other debt because of the high dollar amount.
Every month I give the credit card company hundreds of dollars and the balance barely moves. The rest of my finances are in decent shape, but that one credit card causes me to toss and turn most nights. Hopefully, I'll win the lottery or write a best seller and be able to pay it off one day. Otherwise, that debt is going to follow me to the grave.
August 31, 2015
Dirty Secrets
Every workplace is filled with political games, secret strategies, and internal sabotage. I struggle morally with the constant lying, blaming, and manipulation that accompanies most employees' rise to the top. It used to bother me to the extent that I would force honesty and expose fraudulent behavior, even at the expense of personal relationships.
Dirty deeds in the workplace will never disappear and I can't force others to be more open and forthcoming about their agendas. As long as there is greed in the world, there will be people pushing and shoving to increase their paycheck. There is a lot of truth in the old saying, "money is the root of all evil."
Today's Dirty Secret is that I'm participating in it to some degree. I pride myself on being brutally honest and I am...for the most part. My former manager was recently demoted, they are looking to lay someone off, and she's very unhappy in her current role. So, I'm encouraging her to be vocal about his dissatisfaction even though I know it will not be appreciated by upper management. I selfishly want it to be her laid off instead of me. She asks me advice and my advice is sometimes self-serving.
I like her as a person and respect her as a professional. I honestly believe she would be better off working somewhere else and I've convinced myself that I'm actually helping her. If she wants to make a big stink about all the issues we face, then she should. Right?
Dirty deeds in the workplace will never disappear and I can't force others to be more open and forthcoming about their agendas. As long as there is greed in the world, there will be people pushing and shoving to increase their paycheck. There is a lot of truth in the old saying, "money is the root of all evil."
Today's Dirty Secret is that I'm participating in it to some degree. I pride myself on being brutally honest and I am...for the most part. My former manager was recently demoted, they are looking to lay someone off, and she's very unhappy in her current role. So, I'm encouraging her to be vocal about his dissatisfaction even though I know it will not be appreciated by upper management. I selfishly want it to be her laid off instead of me. She asks me advice and my advice is sometimes self-serving.
I like her as a person and respect her as a professional. I honestly believe she would be better off working somewhere else and I've convinced myself that I'm actually helping her. If she wants to make a big stink about all the issues we face, then she should. Right?
August 29, 2015
Dirty Secrets
This secret is actually dirty, because my house is dirty. My mom taught me to keep a spotless home at all times and I did a good job of it for the first few years with my husband. Then we got two dogs that shed like crazy and it seems impossible now.
I clean the kitchen and bathroom pretty thoroughly once a week, but the other rooms get the basic sweep and dust. I know there is a mound of dog hair behind the couch, dust on top of the curtain rods, and the floor needs to be washed. It doesn't mean I'm going to waste my weekend doing it.
I'm tired of cleaning the whole house only to have the dogs run around for ten minutes and undo all my hard work. For the past two years, I only clean my house properly when company is coming over. Otherwise it is not worth the time. I'd rather be having fun with family and friends.
I clean the kitchen and bathroom pretty thoroughly once a week, but the other rooms get the basic sweep and dust. I know there is a mound of dog hair behind the couch, dust on top of the curtain rods, and the floor needs to be washed. It doesn't mean I'm going to waste my weekend doing it.
I'm tired of cleaning the whole house only to have the dogs run around for ten minutes and undo all my hard work. For the past two years, I only clean my house properly when company is coming over. Otherwise it is not worth the time. I'd rather be having fun with family and friends.
August 28, 2015
Daily Confessions
I'm nervous about my second book and have been procrastinating on finalizing it. It is supposed to be released in September, but I haven't approved the final copy. My publisher loves it and I know the content is interesting and informative, but I'm worried about the repercussions.
Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee exposes all of my past career mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others. Although I've changed everyone's names and done my best to hide people's identities, some of my former employers were unethical (almost evil) and they will not appreciate that I've published their bad behaviour for the world to see.
I addressed my concerns in the story itself and find myself constantly referring back to what I wrote in the book.
"I am now a brave woman, sometimes too brave. When I’m fighting injustices, I feel invincible. I would like to believe that as long as I am being honest and fair, I will be protected from prosecution. However, reality doesn’t always mimic my ideals. I can't allow the fear of what might happen stop me from doing what I know is right."
Yes, there is a chance someone may try to sue me. I feel pretty confident they won't win, but life doesn't come with any guarantees. I've told the truth and I have evidence to support my claims. I must have faith that it will be enough to keep me protected.
I can't predict my former employer's reaction to my story. However, that shouldn't prevent me from being brave. My story needs to be told for every employee who was unjustly made to feel like the world's worst employee.
I guess that means I need to approve the final draft. Here goes EVERYTHING!
Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee exposes all of my past career mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others. Although I've changed everyone's names and done my best to hide people's identities, some of my former employers were unethical (almost evil) and they will not appreciate that I've published their bad behaviour for the world to see.
I addressed my concerns in the story itself and find myself constantly referring back to what I wrote in the book.
"I am now a brave woman, sometimes too brave. When I’m fighting injustices, I feel invincible. I would like to believe that as long as I am being honest and fair, I will be protected from prosecution. However, reality doesn’t always mimic my ideals. I can't allow the fear of what might happen stop me from doing what I know is right."
Yes, there is a chance someone may try to sue me. I feel pretty confident they won't win, but life doesn't come with any guarantees. I've told the truth and I have evidence to support my claims. I must have faith that it will be enough to keep me protected.
I can't predict my former employer's reaction to my story. However, that shouldn't prevent me from being brave. My story needs to be told for every employee who was unjustly made to feel like the world's worst employee.
I guess that means I need to approve the final draft. Here goes EVERYTHING!
August 27, 2015
Dirty Secret
Today's confession is actually a dirty secret of mine. I love smoking a cigar after a stressful day at work. I'm a runner and advocate for healthy living, but there is just something soothing about puffing on a thin, yet masculine cigar after a tough day. I feel horrible admitting it since I inspired people to quit smoking cigarettes when I first quit six years ago. However, I won't beat myself up anymore just because I have flaws. I've never claimed to be perfect and I love my imperfections.
August 25, 2015
Dark Confessions
My biggest confession is that I intended on writing confessional blogs daily and then only ended up writing one. I try so hard to stick to my commitments, but I have a tendency of agreeing to do more than I can possibly accomplish. No excuses, I failed to follow through.
I truly believe the world lacks honesty and I'm determined to change it. I've seen too many good people become depressed or end up in foolish arguments because they aren't open about their feelings and opinions. That's the purpose behind these confessions.
I can admit I'm flawed. I didn't keep my promise to my readers in regards to these posts and I'm sorry. However, instead of pretending that I didn't set this goal, I'm owing my shortcomings and promising to try harder.
God bless.
I truly believe the world lacks honesty and I'm determined to change it. I've seen too many good people become depressed or end up in foolish arguments because they aren't open about their feelings and opinions. That's the purpose behind these confessions.
I can admit I'm flawed. I didn't keep my promise to my readers in regards to these posts and I'm sorry. However, instead of pretending that I didn't set this goal, I'm owing my shortcomings and promising to try harder.
God bless.
April 14, 2015
Daily Confessions
Full disclosure! Dark Confessions of an Extraordinary, Ordinary Woman and my soon-to-be published second book, Dirty Secrets of the World's Worst Employee share everything about my life with the reader. My dreams, my faults, my mistakes, and my bad habits flood every page. I'm proud of my crooked past, because it led me to the incredible life I'm living now.
I would like to continue this new trend of utter honesty with daily confessions. Every day I will post a new blog confessing something I've done that I would ordinarily hide. I encourage others to do the same. It's freeing!
Today's confession - I used my fingers to scoop a chunk out of husband's leftover Chinese food before work. I didn't want to dirty a fork. Shhh, don't tell him.
I would like to continue this new trend of utter honesty with daily confessions. Every day I will post a new blog confessing something I've done that I would ordinarily hide. I encourage others to do the same. It's freeing!
Today's confession - I used my fingers to scoop a chunk out of husband's leftover Chinese food before work. I didn't want to dirty a fork. Shhh, don't tell him.
