I always remember this conversation, over 15 years ago, with my friend Dorothy. She was suggesting blowing off going to church choir rehearsal so so I could hang out with her and my future wife. As tempting as that might have been, I declined. It is better for me musically to get as much rehearsal as possible. Moreover, it would easily become the case that if I blow off one rehearsal, to blow off another, and another.
That’s because I’m basically lazy, and would rather read all day, or visit with y’all.
For me, the rhythm thing has long been true of exercise. When the local Y closed a few years ago, my opportunity to play racquetball regularly, which I had done for over 25 years, went with it. There was some recent minor holiday when I COULD have played racquetball at Siena College nearby, but it simply never entered my mind.
It’s accurately descriptive of work. I check my e-mail and whatnot in the morning. That first reference question is usually the hardest to finish. Once I’ve gotten my “reference rhythm”, I can generate more reference, unless stopped by a meeting or some other force.
I was thinking on this because, prior to this year, I had a very regimented pattern of going to donate blood every eight or nine weeks, barring illness or other legitimate circumstances. I’ve donated over 18 gallons over the years. But I did the apheresis thing early this year, and somehow that’s thrown off my standard clock so that I didn’t donate again until June.
This blog is much the same way. If I can’t write something at least every couple of days, it feels quite likely that I won’t ever do so ever again. Whereas writing begets writing. When I get stuck scribing one thing – “why won’t it write itself?!”, as I am wont to say – and as of this writing, I’m really stuck on one particular piece, I’ll put together something, ANYTHING -even if it’s a puff piece like this one.
I know the feeling. I have managed to turn out something every day since the 23rd of June — that’s the 23rd of June 2000 — but some days I have to stare at the screen and dare characters to appear on it.
I’m always impressed with your ability to keep up with your blog. I’m glad, too, because I enjoy it!
I never tried aphersis – as a matter of fact, my iron count is usually so low, they won’t take my blood. I’m not anemic, either! They do the spinner thing, they try, but it’s only about once a year that they actually take a pint.
But every time I do, I remember my father. He was treated for malaria with quinine and thus could never donate. He said we should all be sure to donate as often as possible, for him. And I look up as I’m laying there and say, “Hey, Bud!” when I donate.
Unlike you, I can’t seem to write ahead, which I regret. “Puff piece”?! Well, one thought popped into my head: I would LOVE to spend a day visiting with you!
I simply can’t write a post every day and am in awe of those that can (archived or real-time). That’s also why I don’t do the 365 day photo challenges either. I would NEVER get anything else done!