Friday, July 22, 2011

Getting Ready to Go

I am trying to get ready for my next trip, which is really a trip within a trip. I’m feeling a little distracted. There is the first trip to Chicago. I’m concerned with the weather which sounds uncomfortable to put it mildly, a malfunctioning air conditioner which thanks to the Internet I think I know how to fix, and some plumbing work being done to my place which will require holes in the wall and probably lots of banging.

Then there’s the trip within a trip. I’m going to Minneapolis for the Knit and Crochet Show. Thanks the a newbie list I’m on, I have gotten some idea of what to expect and what to wear, etc., but there are the two classes I signed up for and the supplies I need for them. I sort of know what roving is, but there’s no place around here to get it. Surely I can buy it there. Then I need to cancel one hotel reservation because the sold out host hotel suddenly had rooms. I need to bring bookmarks to give out, but how many?

The dog and cats are already giving me dirty looks because the suitcase is out.

In the midst of all this preparation, I got the first pass pages of Behind the Seams and You Better Knot Die from my editor to proof read, which they need back August 1 and August 3, respectively. Guess who will be lugging manuscripts and reading on the plane? And when all those holes are being made in the walls and the pipes being banged on, I’ll be sitting in front my hopefully working air conditioner, reading.

I hadn’t really thought about it until I read the messages on the newbie list for the Knit and Crochet Show, but apparently everybody wears some of their own creations. Uh oh. Most of the things I’ve made for myself are wooly and warm and not at all right for the weather in Minneapolis. I came up with a cool idea for an evening scarf. It’s light and airy and should look really pretty when I finish it, which I have to do before the first banquet. So, when I take a break from proof reading, it’ll be crochet time. I won’t even go into the hank of yarn I had to make into a ball so I can make a light weight cowl as well to wear during the show. It’s kind of double duty because the cowl pattern will be in the book I’m writing now - Knot What It Seams.

And to top all of it off, I am planning to work on Knot What It Seams, too. You can see why I might be a little distracted.

How do you center yourself when you feel pulled in a lot of directions?

12 comments:

Liz V. said...

Multitasking never worked for me, so I prioritized and then plowed through. And, I tried to not carry extra baggage (figuratively). Can you reasonably proof two books plus work on a third? Maybe just take one, so you're not feeling swamped.

Delegating works. Anything you can give the dog and cats to do. Mine are great at cleaning the frig by eating leftovers.

Good luck.

Sandy said...

Wow! I’m hyperventilating! I hope your air keeps working during this hot season. Can't wait for your next book!

I’m a multi-tasker and sometimes that can be more of a curse than a gift. I find Yoga is a great way to center myself when I am spinning my wheels. To Do lists also help in keeping me focused. Have fun at the show and safe travels, Sandy

Ellen said...

How do I center myself? I panic.

When I recover from panic, I look at deadlines. Deadlines clarify priorities. If something doesn't have a deadline, it gets pushed to the back.

There is the old adage that the urgent drives out the important. I simply hope I'm not doing that.

Planner said...

Sounds like it's time for one of your yoga class--if taking the time for a class doesn't cause added stress!

I guess I use music to center myself and lots of optimistic "take one thing at a time" and "it will all be fine soon" thoughts.

Have a wonderful trip!

Betty Hechtman said...

Liz, thanks for the good advice about working on my books. I just printed up one manuscript to take with. Once I finish working on it, I'll print the other one. And the book I'm writing will go to the backburner.

Betty Hechtman said...

Sandy, you and me both hope that air conditioner works. Good for you for being a multi tasker. I'm not that good at it.

Betty Hechtman said...

Ellen, I'm with you about the deadlines. I keep sorting out what I have to do by what has the closest deadline.

Betty Hechtman said...

Planner, yes yoga would have helped, but I didn't go because of all the time the class would take up.

I forgot to mention that in the midst of all else this week, a tree feel over in our driveway hitting my car. Luckily, it was just the top branches and only scratched the paint here and there. But the tree totally blocked the driveway. Again luckily, I was able to get it taken away the next day.

Julie said...

Betty, after reading about the tree on the driveway and car, plus the 3-manuscript/travel situation, I feel your pain. It doesn't accomplish anything concrete, but when in the middle of a confluence of cosmic demands like that I sometimes feel better if I shake my puny fist in the air and say, "Okay, universe, we're done now!" Good luck and have fun!

Betty Hechtman said...

Julie, I am already feeling less stressed. I got both crochet pieces well on the way and started proof reading the first manuscript.

Now, if I can just fix that air conditioner when I get to Chicago Saturday night.

Monica Ferris said...

Oh, I wish I had looked at this blog entry on Friday! There is a shop in Minneapolis where you can buy rovings. It is:
Depth of Field Yarn‎
405 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1032
(612) 339-6061

I hope you see this in time to take advantage of this great resource!

Betty Hechtman said...

Thanks for the suggestion, Monica. It is in time since I don't leave Chicago for Minneapolis until Thursday. I checked the vendor list for the show and I am pretty sure I can get the roving there,