Deadlines

I had a couple of deadlines in the last 12 hours. One was for a tax client who was in an awful mess and needed refilings of incorrectly filed tax returns by another accountant. I hate that taking apart of another's work and finding all the differences and anomalies. I put it off as long as I could and then sorted everything properly into new files and new headings and it all felt a little cleaner and I was able to tackle it with a fresh perspective over this past week.

The other was much more enjoyable in that it was for two stories, one I had to finish and one I had to expand a little and fine tune and then file both by a deadline. I love the process of re-write, though it is always a little nerve-wracking too, reading stuff aloud - I do this as I wander around my house, pages in hand, if anyone barges in (and they frequently do, it is the Newfoundland way after all), I am sure they think me certifiable judging by the slightly raised eyebrows and the pattings of my arm as I try and explain what I'm doing. "There, there honey, you'll be alright once you have this soup I broughtcha!"

One story I was particularly pleased with, as it has taken me a few years to refine it and I have good hopes for it. But then again, I'm never sure. Is any writer ever sure?

Old Dog + New Tricks

I spent a day tidying up my office last week, as there were far too many work projects in, completed projects needing to be filed away in archives, and also a couple of columns due.

I am a classically chaotic person by nature; I thrive under deadlines, stress and procrastination.

But these traits have not been serving me well lately. And I ponder on the causes of such behaviours such as mine (as if knowing the underlying reason for anything will automatically cure it, ha!) whilst I endeavour to change how I do things.

For the first time in my life, I put back to its place everything I move in the office, whether file, pencil, reference book or pen before I leave it. I know where every piece of blank stock, equipment (yeah even unto the battery charger) is.

And I find, as I work, and work hard, that it is all just a little more peaceful and OMG, organized.

Is it possible to change the deeply ingrained traits of a lifetime?

We shall see.

Picture above is the view I am having today from my desk of a very stormy sea while the fire behind me warms the room.

PS And I just found out I am BLOG OF THE WEEK at the Newfoundland Blog Roll. Thank you, Stephen!