Do you ever have weeks where it feels like everything that could possibly happen all happens at the same time and it seems like you can’t even find time to think? That was the last couple of weeks for me.
This general sense of life busyness started 11 days ago. In that time I’ve worked full time, plus… played two soccer games, gone to one birthday party, driven to and from Minnesota twice (for a total of about 18 hours in the car), gone to dinner, took a sick day, volunteered, went to an author event, went to my book club, visited all of my grandparents, visited a friend’s family in the hospital, and attended a funeral. I also wrote two freelance stories and a guest post and read two books.
I also got it in my head that I could accomplish more if I just slept less, which worked exactly as well as you might expect it would. I need my sleep.
So… it’s been a long 11 days.
I got back from my second trip to Minnesota last night around midnight, then got up early this morning to finish a second freelance story. Now that the piece is finally mailed, I can take a little breath. And blog. And read, I hope!
Over the last week I tried to read Ted Conover’s new book, The Routes of Man: How Roads Are Changing the World and the Way We Live Today, but I was having a hard time getting into it right away. As you might expect, roads are initially glamorous so I suspect the book takes a bit of time to really get going. I’m going to give it another try, just not when my brain is so loopy on busyness.
After abandoning The Routes of Man, I picked up Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff, which starts off very exciting, with a plane crash in the Amazon and one of the best opening teasers I’ve ever read:
Near the end of World War II, a U.S. Army plane flying over the island of New Guinea crashed in an uncharted region inhabited by a prehistoric tribe.
In the weeks that followed, reporters raced to cover a tale of survival, loss, anthropology, discovery, heroism, friendship, and a near-impossible rescue mission. Their stories features a beautiful, headstrong corporal and a strapping, hell-bend paratrooper, stranded amid bone-through-the-nose tribesman reputed to be headhunters and cannibals. They told of a brave lieutenant grieving the death of his twin brother; a wry sergeant with a terrible head wound; and a team if Filipino-American soldiers who volunteered to confront the natives despite knowing they’s be outnumbered more than a thousand to one. Rounding out the true-life cast were a rogue filmmaker who’d left Hollywood after being exposed as a jewel thief; a smart-aleck pilot who flew best when his plane had no engine; and a cowboy colonel whose rescue plan seemed designed to increase the death toll.
I’m only six chapters in, but so far the book lives up to all the nuttiness promised in the beginning. I cannot wait to get back into the book sometime today and to spend a relaxing Sunday getting caught up with life. But first, I think a need a nap!
What books are you diving into this Sunday? Have you wished your mom a “Happy Mother’s Day!”?
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You definitely had a busy 11 days. I say that some serious relaxation time is called for.
Trisha: I agree. I have very little planned this week other than hanging out around the house, reading, and being a lazy bum. I cannot wait!
Your crazy 11 days sound a little like mine, except crazier! I definitely feel like this whole week has been dedicated to taking care of one obligation or another with only a little time left over to sleep. Here’s hoping life gives you (and me!) a little more breathing room soon!
Megan: It’s funny how life can sneak up like that. It didn’t look like that much written down, but the execution was a killer. I hope your life eases up soon too!
Wow–that teaser from Lost In Shangri-La really is something–glad to hear it’s living up to that. Hope you’ve got some time to breathe and sleep coming up!
Lisa: Yes, so far it is very, very good. I might even finish it tonight if I don’t get sucked into watching television or something 🙂
Wow, you have been busy! I hope life slows down a little bit. I have wished my mom a Happy Mother’s Day.
bermudaonion: Thanks, me too! I think it definitely will. And a happy mother’s day to you 🙂
Slowdown! 🙂
I just heard about this book today, and then pop over here and what do I find? Love it when that happens.
Care: I haven’t seen many (any?) reviews of it, other than some big-name publications. I really like the book so far — it’s definitely going to be one I recommend.
I wish I was one of those people who could not sleep and be fine. If I don’t get my ten hours I am a total trainwreck. I need minimum of seven hours. I’m glad Lost in Shangri-La is exciting! It’s great how you abandoned a heavier nonfiction book for a more entertaining one. Most people would just go for a YA novel or something.
Ash: Every time I get busy I think I can just sleep less, but it NEVER works. My roommate has this aggravating quality where she can get by on very little sleep, but without my 7 or 8 hours I am all out of sorts.
I suppose jumping from one nonfiction to another says something about me and what I find most entertaining! But honestly, how could you not read the book after an intro like that one?
I feel your head-spinning, spread-too-thin, can’t-concentrate pain. For the past five months, I’ve been in this maelstrom of read, blog, read, eat, blog, sleep, eat, read, blog. I’m pretty exhausted right now.
But I *did* take time off on Sunday to not only wish my Mom a happy Mother’s Day, but to cook her lunch (Costa Rican Pork Tenderloin with Coffee Glaze, Asparagus with Bleu Cheese and Mandarins, and Field Greens with Mustard-Tarragon Dressing). Good times, good times.
The day before, I finished reading “The Sojourn” by Andrew Krivak (excellent World War One novel) and am still fiddling around with “The Architect of Flowers” by William Lychack and “The Pale King” by David Foster Wallace.
I also have a copy of “Shangri-La” sitting on my desk and I agree–it’s an attention-grabber. Hope to get to it soon.
David: That sounds exactly like my life, if you replace “read” with “do things I don’t feel like doing”! Your Sunday menu sounds divine, I’m jealous. I just finished a DFW book myself, The Broom of the System, which I thought was excellent.
This all sounds very similar to my May so far. I’m now at 4 books finished for the month, which is WAAAAAAY behind where I usually am now.
Jen: You know, I got a surprising amount read for being that busy, just not a lot of time for anything else. I’m only at 4 books for May, but that seems about on par.