LOST WORK

It’s been a few days since I wrote. The bad news is that I had a few rough days physically and barely left my room. As a result, I didn’t talk to anyone over the long weekend so do not know what is going on. Well, I don’t know much.

I was back at it and had a great walk to the park this morning only to return and watch the heavy hail that arrived 30 minutes later. It got dark and gloomy. Had to open my blinds fully just to get enough light in my place. When my walking group left about 10:30 the sun was shining and the wind was still. Now they are warning us about a major snowstorm headed our way over night. Since we are only about 20’ above sea level and in some sort of low spot — but we could be missed all together. I will never figure out the weather patterns on the coast.

I broke my own heart today. The March newsletter is due at the head office by the end of the day Wednesday. No problem. There wasn’t much to do to finish it up. I just needed to finish a profile article on my next-door neighbor. I wanted to add a cartoon to the front page as well. I found what I wanted, cleaned it up and pasted it on the front. As I usually have to do, I retyped the caption so the words would be large enough to read. When I was finished I needed to make lunch so I would be ready for my Bible study group at 1:00. I closed the newssheet and then closed the cartoon. At the time, I thought I was closing the newssheet and it asked if I wanted to replace the old one. I said yes and it closed. As soon as I did it I realized I had replaced the entire newssheet with a cartoon. I lost it all. Since I work on the paper from the beginning of the month, I am not exactly sure of what I lost. So instead of eating I started over with what I remembered.

I knew there were four announcements. I could remember three. Not too bad. There were three files expanding on calendar dates. I knew all of those and there was a cartoon. I still had that on file. Column three was the first thing I did at the beginning of the month. It was jokes about proofreading. Everyone knows that is one of my many weaknesses. I have no idea where I found it or where to find it. I will have to find something new for that column.

Also, I decided I didn’t like the cartoon chosen for the cover. I have a lot to do tomorrow.

There was a day when I loved these rush deadlines. I admit to loving the pressure, the need for instant creativity, and the satisfaction of meeting the deadline. I usually have a month for my one creative project and this is the first time I feel the old adrenalin rush to meet a deadline. It’s fun. I don’t want it all the time, but knowing I have no time to waste is a kick.

I know that sounds strange. But for years I really enjoyed working 60+ hours a week with deadline upon deadline. Not everything was to the standard I liked, But I loved that something had to be done by —. I don’t miss those days at all, but I remember them fondly.