Unavoidable, Unmistakeable Crunch Time

Crunch time is here — the unavoidable lining up and clash of personal responsibilities that happens from time to time, but particularly during the Christmas season when so many other matters crowd in. As I mentioned previously, I plan on making December 21st the last official day of work for the year, resuming my regular business activities again on January 2, 2008.

I believe that I am on schedule, but getting there will be interesting!

One project that I’ve been working on is due in one week, but I already told the customer that I will be done on Friday, at least with the initial drafts submitted. I’ll be available over the next week for final edits, but I’ll also be building and rolling out yet another blog for a customer during that time.

In addition, I have a magazine article to write, the third in an ongoing series of automotive articles I am doing for a midwestern publication. This one is about Porsche and I don’t expect too many problems with it as I plan on covering the four models they sell for the US market. I have a rough outline in place — I just need some quiet time to give this article my full attention. The deadline is December 21st, but barring sickness or some other unknown event I’ll have it done and submitted several days in advance of the deadline.

I’m also waiting to hear back from a magazine editor who was referred to me by a mutual friend. I’ve had my eye on her publication for some time and would love to be a contributing writer. I’m ready to submit clips, have a meeting, or do whatever else is needed to get the ball rolling. That means I may need to prepare something sooner rather than later if I am accepted.

Did I say that I’m also involved with my church’s Christmas program this year? Yes, I thought my children wanted to be involved, but found out later that they weren’t interested, at least for this year. We’re doubling up practice sessions starting with tonight and will be working between now and the 23rd getting everyone ready. Lots of work is ahead of us, but with God’s help we’ll sound presentable that evening.

If I were smart, I’d do what Michi Beck over at Content Done Better did on November 14th: she wished everyone Happy Holidays and told her readers that she’d be scarcely found for the rest of the year.

You’d think I’d take Michi’s hint and do the same, but don’t hold your breath as I’m likely to keep blogging in order to keep venting off steam!

The Aftermath

The Thanksgiving holiday was enjoyable for my family as we visited nearby friends to celebrate the day with them. The balmy weather — 78 degrees by mid-afternoon — seemed out of place, but nobody was complaining. I think mostly everyone was grateful that they didn’t have to fly or hit the road, competing with millions of other travelers in their quest to get there.

Lots of folks are off today, but I decided I would work in order to stay well ahead of several writing deadlines which are looming over the next four weeks. I did decide back in September to make Friday, December 21st my final day of work for the year. Our children finish up school on that day and our plans are to celebrate Christmas at home.  I may do a little bit of clean up stuff between Christmas and New Year’s Day, but I won’t be doing client work. In order to give myself some extra time off later, that’ll mean stepping up the pace now.

For some people having a long weekend for Thanksgiving is a must. Their jobs are all-consuming and/or highly stressful and the extended break is one way for them to recharge and refocus.

Personally, I am thankful to be able to call most of my own shots and not have to answer to the man. I still must please my customers, but not having someone in authority breathing down my neck makes self employment all the more desirable.

Did I mention that I am thankful?