Thursday, February 28, 2013

Deadline Madness

 
"I’m on a deadline.” That’s my answer to just about every question anyone asks me right now. I should put an auto reply on my email and phone machine…and a tattoo on my forehead
– ie: Why isn’t there any yogurt? Did you get an oil change? Did you walk the dog, sew the buttons, call the guy about the fixing the _____ ? (Fill in the blank here; it could be humorous.) And the all time classic from my mother,
“Why didn’t you call me?” Well, she says that all time, even when I’m not on a deadline.

Don’t you guys get it? I am on a d-e-a-d-line.

 
 
While clearing up my desk this morning, removing yesterday’s coffee mugs, finding my place in the outline and shoving aside a pile of bills  ie: Did you pay the _____ yet? (Fill in blank here, might not be that funny...) it does occur that I could have a better process. One that does not cause the rest of my life to screech to a grinding halt.
 
I once heard writing a book described as carrying a very heavy rock uphill, then you reach the top, and run down the other side. I can relate to that sensation, God bless the force of gravity. But sadly, I am still clawing my way to the summit. Oxygen, please!... and some chocolate?
 
 
 
Psychologist say a certain amount of stress is necessary for peak performance. Unfortunately, I didn't hear how much that was. Headaches and blurred vision I think are a bad sign. Holy Hannah, look at the time. Enough bloviating ....blogging, I mean. I'd better get back to it...  
 
Please share your tales of woe, or survival tips!

9 comments:

Camille Minichino said...

What good timing (for me) -- I just came off a deadline. I say that like it's a cliff, which it is. I wish I had a tip for all the undone To Dos other than I'VE BEEN B-U-S-Y.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Oh, boy, do I relate to your post, Anne. I'm on TWO deadlines at the moment and stress doesn't begin to describe it. As much as I hate to, I may have to ask for an extension for one of them... but I'd better get back to work, too.

Monica Ferris said...

I am under enormous pressure right now with a book due at my agent's the end of April and I'm not even halfway through it. A retired schoolteacher gave me a big sign she used to have posted in her classroom: Warning: Due Dates Are Closer Than They Look. She got that right!

Anonymous said...

My situation isn't related to writing, but it is related to deadlines. My older sister and I have been trying to overhaul our late parents' house for the last decade -- when it doesn't interfere with our employment, and now it's revved up. Our father never believed in upkeep, just waited until things completely broke down. Right now, it's the toilet. The toilet came with the house. The house is nearly 50 years old. I bought a new one, it just has to be installed. Right now, life has interfered with those plans. My youngest cat has UTF and her petite kidney has three petite stones that have to pass. Moist cat food. The elder two cats would love to have moist cat food, so I've been feeding her guess where -- the BATHROOM! Near where I've got to scrub around the toilet before we can even let a plumber into our house to install the new toilet. I don't know if my situation qualifies to be anywhere comparable to all of yours, but here it is, for whatever it's worth.

Betty Hechtman said...

I feel your pain. I was down to eating whatever I found around the house on my last deadline. Actually the butter and sliced almond sandwiches weren't too bad.

Good luck and just think of how good you'll feel when you send it in.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all your replies...and sympathy. Presently about 36 hours since that post, I may have hit the summit and am on the downhill slide. Cautiously optmistic.

Have not resorted to the butter and almost sandwiches yet, Betty...but will confess to some weird salads.

Yes, I will feel real good when I send it in and have a few days to catch up before the revision letter arrives.

Unknown said...

ps to last comment...

I meant "almond" sandwiches. Gee...
I am tired. But "almost sandwiches" sounds like a likely concotion prepared from a bare
refrigerator, too. :)

Unknown said...

Thanks for all your replies...and sympathy. Presently about 36 hours since that post, I may have hit the summit and am on the downhill slide. Cautiously optmistic.

Have not resorted to the butter and almost sandwiches yet, Betty...but will confess to some weird salads.

Yes, I will feel real good when I send it in and have a few days to catch up before the revision letter arrives.

Chrystle Fiedler said...

That metaphor is funny and true! I have to start writing Garden of Death, my 3rd natural remedies book and am finding all kinds of reasons NOT to pick up that rock! Thinking of you! XO Chrystle