No, I haven’t dropped off the earth. I’m still doing pretty well, give or take a few days; and I haven’t forgotten you all while I foray into writerdom. So what’s happening? Why no posts? Well, I have a problem. It’s worse than hemorrhoids, worse than constipation. It’s even worse than MENOPAUSE (that’s a whole ‘nother post).
My multi-tasker is broken.
You know, that skill set that allows you to do ten things at once, not well, but still multiple things. I excelled at keeping balls in the air in the past even when plagued by Winston, the black dog of depression. However, Winston ran amok this time and broke a few things, mainly what the diagnostic manuals call concentration, persistence and pace. These abilities are more precious than a Ming dynasty vase and crucial to performing daily functions – like working. When I retired, Dr. G. and I assumed relief from the stress would help put the pieces back together again. Well, the answer has been yes and no. Yes, I can concentrate better, complete more detailed tasks, and work on ongoing projects; the foray into writing original fiction has been better than what I anticipated.
But I can’t seem to multi-task to save my life. You know, doing more than one thing each day: writing fiction and exercising; writing fiction and dieting properly, writing fiction and blogging. Things normal people accomplish in their daily schedules. Now that I’ve progressed to more detailed tasks and I want to, say, write AND blog in the same day, the gal in the control room says: sorry, the multi-tasker is still broken; did you insure this thing? I don’t even know what that insurance would look like.
Therefore, I’ll blog when I can. Right now, I’m still prepping for NaNoWriMo which kicks off next month. Since it’s an exercise in total creative writing obsessiveness immersion, I don’t expect to be even eating then. I’m also preparing to formally submit a short story for publication for the first time ever. Then I’ll wait eight weeks for my first rejection letter ever. I’m really chuffed.
But don’t worry, the psych pose wants a summit to discuss problems (the newly named Julie has more to say, to the chagrin of Jada and Jodi); Patty the pom hints at divorcing me if her attention allotment drops any more; and The Man is overdue for another adventure. (Speaking of The Man, I submitted one of his stories for review. Reviewers that got it loved him; the ones who didn’t asked: why doesn’t he have a name?) I’ll try to post when I can and see if I can find the warranty on my multi-tasker.
I wish you well on all of this!
Has Dr. G speculated on why this would be? I have had this problem a fair amount (I can still multitask under extreme pressure) and my conclusion has been that the near constant deprival of calm and happiness for so long has meant that when I find something that stimulates a pleasure center, I just want to keep on doing it.
Judi, Glad you’re still plugging away at the writing. Very exciting about the short story. Hope the novel goes well! Miss you!
I have the same issues. Life chores have been getting in the way of writing, and more issues come up daily. I’ve managed chronic illness and multiple priorites for years, but recently, I can only do one thing at a time. I don’t know what to do except persist and be patient with myself. Please share any tips on any ways you find to deal with a broken multitasker.
Meanwhile, I read some of “The Man” series to a girlfriend who really needs a good laugh, and she was howling with laughter, declared it “great”.
Miss Judiang!
Great to hear from you! I keep meaning to fb msg you, but I get distRActed. Hmmm. Personally, I’m learning to let go of my inner multi-tasking robot and not worry about task #33. Not easy, but there are only 24 hours in a day.
Theoretically there are 24 hours. Hmmm. I think we all need a staff to do our bidding–or at least help alleviate the demands upon our time so “we” only have to do the “fun” stuff.
And for me, my eye time per task (fun or otherwise) is a diminishing proposition that cramps my reading/writing/social media-ing groove. I know you had some eye issues as well and wondered how you were doing?
Love & Hugs! Grati ;->