Hello, all. I’m just checking in. I hope you’ve been enjoying the holidays as much as I have. Actually, that’s not true. I hope you’ve been enjoying them just a tad bit less than I have.
Remember a few weeks ago when everyone was writing posts about how to gear up for the holidays so we could stay productive during this hectic time? Heck, Tamara even wrote one called Freelancing for the Holidays. We were all sharing our advice on how to schedule our work loads, find time away from family, etc.
So, I’m wondering how that’s working out for you all . . .
Me, I’m doing o.k., but I wouldn’t say I’ve been at a stellar level of production. I accepted one new assignment shortly before heading to Montana for five days, and it took some serious self-prodding to make sure I got stuff accomplished. The excruciatingly slow internet connection didn’t help, which is why I hit the library before my trip and had actual books to use for research during the trip.
Tamara and I had decided in advance that we’d post here on Monday and then not again until Thursday, so I haven’t had to feel too guilty about this blog. I have a couple of others, however, that really did require internet research. I managed to keep up pretty well, although I am currently one post behind (on one blog only) where I should be right now. Not too shabby, right?
All-in-all, I feel like I’ve kept up pretty well, although the siren song of visiting, napping, and reading for fun were just too much for me to ignore throughout my trip. (I read an entire 400-page novel in one day just because I didn’t know when I’d ever be able to get back to it if I didn’t finish it before I went to bed on Tuesday night.)
Why am I telling you all of this? Three reasons, really. First of all, I was feeling like a bit of a bum, so I needed to type this all out to show myself that I really did a pretty good job. We knew the holidays would distract us from work, and we planned accordingly with fewer assignments. Secondly, we’re facing another holiday week here, and I need to make sure I’m properly geared up for it. Being home with a great internet connection should make things a breeze, I suspect–as long as I keep myself focused, of course.
Finally, I’m curious as to how everyone else is doing. There’s nothing more isolating for a blogger than to be nearly completely cut off from the internet for five days. How are my friends and colleagues out there? Are you keeping busy or taking it easy? Have you been able to keep up?
I’ve been in the wilderness for nearly a week. Talk to me, people! ;-)
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Chin up. The first years in freelance business aren’t the glorified ones people make them out to be. This is the first year Harry and I have said we’re stopping for the holidays - and we really haven’t, just slowed down. Previous years have been working holidays, where family and friends kept asking, “Are you done yet? The dessert is served…”
But time off is a must. Extended holidays? Maybe not. Taking some time, though, even if it’s just a couple of days, is important. Probably more so than worrying about your blogosphere compatriots
This has definitely been a working holiday for me….but I’m excited since this project is going to bring some exciting changes to my business in the coming year. Ideally, I would have liked to take the week off…but I’m glad I took a couple of days off to spend with the family.
I’ve been taking a few days off from blogging, and I am lucky in that my contract work won’t begin again until the new year (although I have a business call in 30 minutes!). I’m using this time off to plan my projects and how best to tackle them.
I took Christmas Day off, does that count? Unfortunately, due to a little snag, my own blogs were down for three days, but I still had to work on my paid ones, so no real rest.
Plus, like you, I took on some holiday gigs, one was due noon on the 24th and the other is due tomorrow. And, like you, I´m feeling kinda lazy and uninspired! Ah, well, life must go on! Congrats on getting this far in your freelance biz, both of you!
I, tend to spend the holidays reading and NOT WORKING. I read Gabo’s “Memories of My Melancholy Whores” and Fuentes’ “Aura”. I adore adore adore reading for hours straight over the holidays.
I also have an extra kid- a niece- so I tend to be more child oriented, flying remote control helicopters, going roller skating and to movies. I love the holidays!
James - My chin is high. I feel like we did a good job of planning ahead so we wouldn’t fall behind!
Courtney - You have me totally curious! Good luck with the project and the changes.
Lis - Good for you in taking some time to take a deep breath and to regroup for the upcoming year.
Genesis - Thanks so much! It’s one of those things where we have to sort of “hurry up an wait,” but it’s awesome to see the business growing.
Allena - Sounds like you’re having a blast. Taking the time to relax with a good book just doesn’t compare to anything else in the whole world.
I too found it difficult to get much done during a holiday week. Frankly, all I want to do is curl up in bed with a good book and cup of tea. However, I’ve scored three great projects, so all in all, the holidays have been good to me work-wise. Sounds like you pulled through pretty well too! Nice job!
Melissa Donovan
Writing Forward
I LOVE this post. Makes me feel much more normal! It is definitely hard to stay focused over the holidays, with all the parties, family, friends, food and spouses on holidays surrounding us. I’m also thrilled to know that I was not the only one reading an entire novel in a day, and for the same reason! Thanks for writing something so honest.
Loralea Prentis
Esprit Delegation