Now that I know who I am, and I know exactly what I want to be, I am going to have to make some changes in my life in order to achieve my goals. The biggest change(s) that I will have to make are with my daily schedule / current routine.
Since I last checked, there are still only 24 hour hours in a day (8 of which I have to dedicate to sleep thanks to my fragile immune system). I have learned I need to be a little bit more selective about choosing how to spend those other 16 waking hours wisely.
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about how much of my time (10 hours each day) is hijacked by commuting and that fulltime day job thingy.
(The only good thing about commuting? Using that time to call back the people in my ‘Real Life’ whom I tend to neglect.)
Simply between getting the proper amount of sleep each night and going to work, leaves only 6 hours per week day for me to decide what to do with that time.
Minus One Hour – Dinner With My Family.
Minus One Hour – Quality ‘Family Time’ After Dinner.
(Which includes checking my sons homework and all of us getting together to watch some TV.)
Minus ½ hour to get ‘unready’ at the end of the day: wash my face, brush my teeth, get into my beloved pajamas, set my alarm clock…ect.
Total “Free Time” for me to “Work With” = 3½ hours per week day.
Sounds like a lot right?
Wrong.
I can assure you that a measly 3½ hours is NOT NEARLY ENOUGH time to read and reply to all of my emails (which I love so never stop sending them) swing by everyone’s blogs, leave comments, and construct a new post for this blog.
This past Sunday, I came to the realization that I am never going to finish writing my book if I don’t truly buckle down and start treating that more like ‘a job’. Complete with blocking off specific chunks of time solely for the purposes of directing my efforts, time, and undivided attention towards completion.
(I am not getting any younger over here. And as much as I wish I could transfer what’s in my head onto paper without really working at it, I don’t think any book has ever been written via osmosis.)
-Thus implementing some STRUCTURE in my life has become a necessity. –
While yes, it is true, my writing comes off much better when I am legitimately ‘inspired’ to write. However in this case, I am extremely driven and 100% dedicated to this project. As such, I must act as if my book really is a project. (Like with deadlines, and due dates, and outlines, and All That Jazz.)
As much as it pains me, I don’t think I will be able to keep up with daily posting and working on my book simultaneously. As much as I’d like to suspend the reality of my situation, its going to be entirely too difficult to turn the mundane details of my everyday life into a riveting read, AND, whip out chapters.
I have a very different writing style for the book which takes A LOT out of me. I have to go to That Place where I can remember everything in vivid detail in order to produce sentences that will evoke the reader into feeling the experience.
But…do NOT get me wrong.
I am NOT taking a ‘break from blogging’. I am NOT leaving ‘The Internet’ by any means. I am way too addicted, attached, and involved with my community of kick ass people. And I love it. And I love every single one of you.
But, I think? I am going to TRY MY BEST to refrain from blogging every day. I am going to attempt to only post on a Three Day A Week schedule. Like Monday’s, Wednesday’s & Friday’s?
Unless, of course, something exceptionally ‘blog worthy’ actually occurs.
(Like a ‘Liz Lemon’ moment, or “Vitamin Shot” Wednesday’s, or when I need to complain about the massive traffic, or when I can’t get rid of an annoying hangnail, my split ends, or even stubbing my toe. Yanno the really IMPORTANT stuff like that.)
I am going to try and subdue my incessant urge to post Every Single Day. I am going to hold myself back from filing in the gaps with emailed jokes or posting bullshit posts just to post something. (If that makes any sense?)
Sometimes, I fear that if I don’t post every single day, that I may loose some of the readers I have worked so hard to maintain. On the other hand, I know there are a loyal bunch of you that will stick by my side and continue to read this blog no matter what. And for that I will be forever grateful.
This is not goodbye. This is not a break. This is not an away message.
I am just changing things up a bit.
I will still be HERE. And I will still be popping over to all of your blogs; supporting and laughing with (or in some cases AT) you.
I just need to focus those 3½ hours a day constructively.
And somewhere in the midst of all of this, I need find The Time to actually ‘Live A Little’.
evolution is where its at… do what you gotta do… you know i for one will be here… that video of jackson… priceless…
I know!!!! I *love* that video of Jackson.
“TWO”
will forever make me think of him.
And Thanks Paisley….I knew YOU would understand.
xxooo
Well I think it is good that you are going to create a structure for writing ‘The Book’. I know it’s been something you been trying to finish for a long time now. But stress and the fact that you catch every Flu/Cold that comes down the pipe has to say the least, slowed you down. Good luck with “Off The Pole” I know when it is finished it will be a great read.( Like All Your Posts ) And don’t hesitate about asking me for help on those ‘Gray’ areas of your life when I was around. For some strange reason I managed to keep my memory of those foggy times.
Consider it a Public Service Announcement or a Community Update… Either case I’d say thank you for keeping us informed.
Glad you are finding a way to get your priorities in order. The book is important to you then put that first. The great thing about blogs is that you can get an RSS feed for them. So when new posts go up you can just go to the site and read about the new happenings in your bloggers life.
I’ll be around as long as I have the internet. So its all good over here.
I wish you the best!
I will follow you to the ends of the Earth and back! How could anyone not stop by to see what you’ve written?
Deadlines…ugh!
Its nice to see you prioritizing the important events in your life. You have my unwavering support!!!
I know how much you love blogging but I also know how important it is to you to finish your book. Prioritising your time is the only way to go because that book NEEDS to be written. You have inspired me to do the same. My novel is starting to curl at the edges. I need to work on it right now not when I have the time. I am delighted for you. Just think, in 3 to 6 months the book could be finished. Wishing you all the best with it!
You won’t lose me! Go for it!! We’re behind you all the way!
I can relate to the fear of losing people. LOL…. But I’ve gone 4-5 days without so much a peep! Shows how much I care, eh? (I really do, though… but when I got nuttin’…. I got nuttin’)
Anyways, you have been in my reader for a bit… so yeah. I’m not going anywhere. And honestly, I don’t expect ANYONE to post everyday.
Good on you for “buckling” down. I fear I may have to actually get organized and more structured as well. What happened to the good ole days when the ONLY thing I had to worry about was doing my homework and grabbing a snack?
Danny:
I am counting on you to Fill In The Blanks
Urban:
Thank you. It is nice to know that you are in my corner!
Dazd:
Aww….well, you have been around for as long as I can remember, so I whole heartedly believe what your comment.
Selma:
Oh!!! You HAVE TO write your novel. Have. To. I am off and running with mine for the first time in a long time. Xxoo xxoo
Momo:
You f*cking rock.
Jillian:
Buckling down is really hard, yanno? I am so tempted to see whats UP with the blogging universe…but, I am never going to get anywhere unless I get on top of this and really focus.
I’m behind you every step!! You won’t lose me as a reader. I consider this a PSA!
Oh, thank God! As I read, I thought I could see the writing on the wall and I was telling myself, “She’s going to announce that she’s quitting the blog. Oh, NO! Oh, NO!”
I’m so glad you are simply taking charge and making things more manageable while still keeping up with your awesome blog. I would miss you tons if you quit!
Chef Mom:
This really was like a PSA !
🙂
And I KNOW I can count on YOU my dear.
Thank You for that.
xxoo
Terri:
Quit Blogging? Oh Hell NO. I have way too much fun up in here and with ya’ll. I have laughed and learned more than I ever expected from this little Blog That Could. I promise I am not going anywhere! xxoo xxoo
I think you have the right idea… post when you feel it. Loyal readers automatically check for new posts so I can’t see it being a problem.
It’s too easy to burn out when you try to do it all.
Sounds like a great compromise to me 🙂
I need more time in my day. 24 hours isn’t enough. I don’t get 8 hours of sleep. I get 4 to 6 hours depending on the day. I usually wake up by 5am on my days off so that I can write. I would write full time but I also have a pesky job…job is required if I am going to pay my bills.
There’s no need to blog every day. I know how you feel, and it’s like pulling teeth not to do it, but I am SO SLOW compared to you, so have had to get used to it. And I agree on the 3/5 hours not sounding like very much time. It isn’t. Hell, it takes me 45 minutes to get warmed up — especially to go to what you describe as That Place. I know that place. It’s where I have to go to write, too, and it’s a bit dark, so I push it away not wanting to relive all the stuff that needs to be written. Best wishes to you as you begin.
You won’t lose anyone. we’ll all be here, obsessively clicking every day just in case you post something extra, I’m sure.
Meanwhile – SEPTEMBER. I can not wait to see you!
i’m really proud of you, sweetpea!
xoxoxoxoxoxox
I think it is great that you are planning to specifically allocate daily time for the book. It’s the only way something will get done. You might just inspire me to finally do the same and write the stories that keep tumbling inside my head.
i hear ya Meleah and everything you say is true…you can’t do it all. something has to be put on the back burner. that’s my posting schedule…3 days a week and if something else should come up, i throw it in there. my time is spent editing even the simplest of posts…it takes time though.
take it easy and don’t try to cram too much in one day. we’ll be here….waiting on your book 🙂
Dawn:
Thanks for your support sweety. You are also one of my ‘original readers’ …so that means alot to me. xxoo xxoo
Marsha:
These Damn Day Jobs. Ruin everything!
KellyPea:
45 minuets IS just a warm up. I know YOU know That Place…it is dark, and it’s hard to shake off when you want to leave That Place, but in the end…if I make all those trips back & fourth to That Place, its going to make the end result all the more grand.
Leslie:
Doooooooooooooooooood! September I Know. I am flipping out with anticipation. 🙂 xxoo xxoo
Mom:
I am proud of me too. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, and for truly supporting my dreams. You are The Best Mom. In The World.
Ingrid:
Now THAT would be something!! You are so talented and you don’t even know it.
Valerie:
Aww….Thanks grrl. As one of my newer readers THAT is wonderful to hear.(Oh please, if you all only knew just how much time I spend writing and editing my posts. I can, and have edited and edited and rewritten, and wrestled the English Language simply to find the perfect word. Meanwhile it seems as if it comes so naturally to others…there have been times where it has taken me an entire week to get One Post Just Right.)
You do what you have to do, my dear. We will all be here whenever you need us. xxoo
Dood, I’ve been thinkin’ the same thing…Not that I’ve been consistant lately, but I get where you are coming from.
I have a LOT of catching up to do….
I missed you tons and I love ya’ for checking in
Good luck with the writing; we’ll be stopping in every couple of days to see if you’ve had a chance to blog.
CMK:
You are the one of the best people I have met along the way. xxoo
SomeGirl:
Hey woman! How are you feeling these days? Any better? Man! I have missed you tons. I sincerely hope all is well. (you know I will always check in on you!)
Bob G:
Thank you! Thank you.
Oh God I am going to have withdrawals..Beautiful Meleah only three times a week…I shall have to fortify myself with JD to get by..:)
I understand completely and have been trying to do the same.
I wish you luck on your book!
You know, I have noticed this is a trend lately, many of the blogs I read regularly have scaled back and are posting less frequently (including myself) so don’t even think twice about it! your “fans” will always check in to see what you are up to and if you lose anyone in the process, well then they weren’t worth keeping anyway. Good luck, I cannot wait to read your book!
Robert:
You will be fine! Im still here. xxoo
Hammer:
Thank you for the well wishes.
Beth:
aw. Thats very true. Thank you so much. I will be sure to let everyone know how its coming along with updates..and I will absolutely tell everyone when its finished!
As you may have noticed by my lack of commenting lately, I’ve backed off a bit too. I just don’t have enough time in the day to get everything done. I need more hours dang it!
Wait a minute…you’ve been laughing AT me?? 😉
You should take the time to write your book since it is very important to you! But 3 days a week, really?? God, I hope you commit DAILY Liz Lemmons!! 😉
I just finished watching SNL with your hubby from last night since I was gone and didn’t get to watch it live. It was sooooooooooooooo damn funny!!!
Mrs Schmity:
I know. I wish there were MORE hours in a day, or LESS hours spent in the office.
Michael C:
Of course I have been laughing AT you. (just kidding). I will do my best to commit to one ‘Liz Lemon’ act per day…just for you.
And…I *heart* Alec Baldwin. Forever and ever and ever and ever.
It’s not called FREE TIME for nothing! It’s yours to do with as you choose! Write your book & blog when you feel like it!!! It’s funny/weird how blogging can really take up ALL of your time if you aren’t careful…I saw a t-shirt the other day that says “My House is a Mess….but my Homepage looks GREAT!” HAHA! That is SO ME!!!!
Don’t worry about loosing readers….we’re as addicted as you! 🙂
Support… CHECK! Look, blogging should be done as a leisurely sport, when you can…
xoxoxo
Olga:
You are one of my Biggest SUPPORTERS
(literally & figuratively)
Blogging takes up massive chunks of time and I don’t even realize it. Just poppin in on my DAILY READS takes 4 hours. (I timed it a few nights ago.)
I want that T-Shirt too! Ha ha ha ha.
CatScratch:
Thank you woman!
OMG Meleah, that post was sooooo inspiring!!! You are so right about choosing how to spend your time. And GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!! That is soooo awesome!!! Do what you have to, we’ll be here waiting for you. Really. We love you and want you to finish that book so we can say, “I knew her when she was blogging in her P.J.s!”
Thank you for also reminding me that my time is precious too and I should spend it wisely.
xoxoxoxoxo
RC
RC:
I am so happy to hear that you found this post inspiring.
Thank you!!
And I will always be know as the Girl That Blogs In Her Pajamas….
I would also like to be known as:
The Girl Who Wrote That Book In Her Pajamas,
The Girl Who Goes Grocery Shopping In Her Pajamas,
The Girl Who Flew On A Plane In Her Pajamas,
The Girl Who Wont Take Off Her Pajamas……..
well… you get the idea…
Time is precious and fleeting my friend.
It’s a good plan. I reduced a lot of my online time too…it’s been very beneficial. 🙂
The first time I read your blog i KNEW what you were: a writer, a damn good one. Your plan sounds great….I hope you can stick with it. I hate the fact that we have to work stupid ass jobs just to pay the bills. I hope you are able to write your book and make enough money to quit your job and making WRITING your only profession. YOU ROCK MELEAH!
wow thats really disturbing. i never broke it down like that – like a math problem. 3 1/2 hours out of 24 is all thats left. that makes me want to run away. thank god for our vacation otherwise we would def have to resort to antidepressants. i think your new plan makes alot of sense…..cutting out the “obligation posts” will help you use your time wisely & make progress on your book. I don’t know about everyone else, but i have been waiting & anticipating the rest of your story.
Drowsey:
I’ve noticed that. I’m glad it’s working to you advantage. That only reinforces my decision.
Barbara:
Shut up! That’s only The Nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, about me.
THANK YOU. I think you rock.
Fanny?? !! ?? !!:
Wow! You never leave comments up in here! I am impressed. xxooo
I know when I broke it down all sorts of mathematically I realized that’s why I always feel like I like have No Time. I really don’t have that much time to ‘work with’…
I cannot wait for our vacation. 40 days? And counting- till we go to the D.R.P.C.
wheeeeeeeeeee
This will be great, Mereb. I think you have a completely workable plan. You absolutely do have to treat the book like a job. Let us know as the chapters progress. xoxo
HollyGL:
You all will be the first to know how its going and where I am with the book. Im sure Ill be posting about how hard it is to really Get In To The Guts of this whole book!
Thanks Steph, for all of your support, all of the time! xxooo xxooo
Wow, I absolutely feel your pain. I’ve recently undergone a “restructuring” of my own; since I am currently stuck in a lease with three friends for the next four months, there is little I can do to create any tangible changes.
For instance, it was decided, in my absence, that our house was to host a Cinco de Mayo party this evening, despite the fact that I need to be AT work, thirty minutes away, at 8:30 a.m. The rest of the house, meanwhile, can sleep the day away. Such things make devoting time to my projects / writing somewhat difficult, if not entirely impossible.
I’ll be following your lead, however; thanks for the (inadvertent) advice!
-The Rev.
The Rev!
Hey YOU!
Ugh! That is awful. I have never had a roommate situation like that. Fortunately I have always been able to live on my own, (or with mom and dad who do not stay awake all night throwing parties…at least not on weekdays)
Hopefully you can move? Or set some serious ground rules for what is an what is not acceptable behavior?
hang in there! at least you write one hell of a great blog!