Size does matter (for some things)

You see, when you are a writer (or a researcher), your future is often determined by the size of the envelop your friendly postman delivers. A small envelop means the classical "We have the regret to inform you..." (that you didn't get the job/grant/etc.) But when you happen, one morning after a job interview that went well even though you realized quickly that you just didn't want the job, you happen, so, to come home, a bit tired, and find a huge envelop bulging from the post box, your heart goes a tiny bit faster. And we you open said envelop, and see the first 3 words (we are pleased), you don't need to read the rest. You will read it, of course, once you've stopped jumping up and down in your apartment, scaring the cat. But first, you need to be that happy, especially considering just how bad the last few months have been.

So there you have it: today, before starting a new job, I learned that I was given a grant to write my next novel. It means that, technically at least, I could decide not to work. It also means that I can write the thing, figure out ways to have the time to do it. I will work, for at least a little while, but I'm no longer penniless!