So now that the first week of the year is behind us, I’m looking at some of the firsts that I’ve had so far:

First assignment of the year: Query, and you will receive. I sent out a few ideas on my first day back to work last week, and an assignment’s already in the bag. From a newspaper I’ve been itching to write for.

First sale of the year: It turned out to be a reprint, but hey, everything counts. I’ve got a solid two-sales-a-week goal this year, and I’m on my way to achieving it.

First rejection of the year: Came from Rolling Stone magazine. As far as rejections go, I think that’s a hall-of-famer.

First paycheck of the year: I’ll admit it. I’m super lazy when it comes to invoicing. I came back to work on January 4 to e-mails from three editors waiting to send me money if I could just send them the bloody address. Done!

First snafu of the year: Check, check, and recheck your information people. Someone I was told was an Iraq war veteran turned out not to be. It’s back to the drawing board on that one.