Today is a bit of a download. Sorry. Just what it is. I'd like to find out how you function. What makes up your days. How do you handle change, transition, a rearrangement of your plans. I am pretty good at adjusting. It's how our household is made up. But...
Well, I'm leaving for Italy on Saturday. My usual trip. No big deal. Yet, there are moments it seems a big deal. I thought I had today and tomorrow to write, fuss about the house and then finally pack (I'm a last minute packer). Nope. Not happening that way.
I'm now leaving for Boston to apartment hunt for my daughter. I haven't packed, shopped, thought about what needs to be done around the house, and my dear husband is returning tonight from a trip. I can't wait to see him, but then also the evening is not about me getting ready to exit, it will be out catch-up time.
Enough of that. I am not a complainer. Rather I'd like to talk about how you get it done. What are your strategies to mitigate the unexpected? What are the ways you cope to stop the drain on your time? What do you do to protect your writing opportunities? You can see I'm fussing here. I want YOU to give me new ideas. Spill.....
This is a short post because my list is long of what needs to happen today. Give. I want to hear from you!
10 comments:
I am struggling with the same problem these days. I have a deadline fast approaching, and I am getting way behind.
I know I said I was a schedule person and not to stray from that, but you're right, Cassy. Even those of us with the best intentions get off track.
Sometimes when that happens, I just have to go away somewhere. In fact that's exactly what I'm doing. Tomorrow, Barbie Jo and I rented a hotel room. As soon as the kiddies get on the bus, we are taking off to get food from grocery story, check in, get comfy clothes on, and write our butts off all day and night long. Then return to our crazy lives on Saturday after check out.
I can't wait!
I so need this. A marathon writing retreat with my best CP.
Kari! What a good idea!! There is something about being in the same environment that causes one to slow down. I've already had 6 phone calls and I don't know how many emails. People think you are totally available. Maybe I need to find a local hotel. Let us know how it goes!!
Boy, would I love to be able to run away for the night and hide. Even if I didn't write, which I probably would. So, instead I try to prioritize. On Monday I had five writiing things I needed to get done. Now I'm down to two and I still haven't gotten my dryer fixed. Guess that's not high on the list.
So Cassy, guess I"m the wrong person to ask. I hope you find your answer.
Good Luck.
I think we all struggle with this, Cassy. I'm finding it so hard to deal with deadlines, email, house, hubby and kids. And I'm totally panicked now because my in-laws are coming to town, not staying here, but they'll be visiting. It's nice because they'll be here for my son's birthday, but my house is not company ready. Enter my mother. Truly a saint. She's coming tomorrow to help me clean. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Count me in as a fellow struggler. There are just some things way more important than writing, but still, the stress level goes off the charts during those times.
AThinks like housework, TV, naps, Sodoku, etc. go by the wayside.
I feel your pain. good luck with the apartment search.
Oh, Kari. I'm sooooo jealous. I think I'm going to do this with Dana soon. Great idea. What I'd love to do is go to Nora Robert's inn, it's only a couple of hours away. She told me at the WRW party that they offer packages, one of them being "girl trips". She said it's really fun. I know one past RWR president who used to hole up there to write. But I think that would be too pricy for me. I KNOW it would be too pricy for me. You and Barbie have a blast. And you too, Cassy. Oh did I mention jealous already? Italy! I've never been. One day perhaps...
Anita,
Wait until you hear some of Cassy's stories from her trips. If I didn't know her I'd say she made them up, they're that good and funny.
Cassy, my sympathies. It sounds like a lot of things to accomplish in a short timeframe, but I'm glad you have some relaxation to look forward to.
I don't know that we ever have enough hours to accomplish what we want or need to. I've gotten more done today than usual, but it's 2 p.m. already, which seems too late!
I don't have an answer except to say to do what you can, and be kind to yourself for what you can't do. :)
I honestly don't think there's one firm tactic that works. Since school started in the fall, this has been a very chaotic year for me. Ask Kari, I've ALWAYS been able to work my day job, handle the house, kids, man, AND get in my writing. Not this year. Just when I think I've found the balance...something screws it up.
I personally go on autopilot. I just "do". whatever doesn't get done, doesn't get done - and sometimes it's the writing. (sucks) And that can be a brain-drain because out of everything it's the one thing I want to do. It's my outlet. And to not have the quality time to put toward it..can zap my energy and drive.
BUT..that's what the mini writing getaway is for! A full day and night of uninterrupted time! I just know Kari and I will be super productive!
Not to get off track (I know...me?? off track???) but Cassy, it's best to look at these things as "phases" and they will pass. You know where the priorities are, it's just a matter of YOU making the decisions to ignore or act. and the one thing I've learned through all my years of writing is that family always comes first (because for a while, I was so driven I lost sight of that).
so don't sweat the small stuff. Cherish the family stuff. That's why there's mini laptops and loooong flights to Italy!! Ciao!!
Okay, my late entrance here tells of my day. Up and out tomorrow to Boston for the apartment hunting. Thanks each of you. Great boost. I do appreciate it. And, as I am always the "upbeat girl" I am moving on.
Hugs to you all.
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