Fair Warning:
The first person who lectures me after reading this post gets virtually punched in the nose.
And with that warm welcome…
The old adage says that I’m “burning the candle at both ends”.
In reality, I’ve got a freaking candelabra burning up in here.
And not a pretty, dainty, simple candelabra like this:
Oh, no. No. That would be too easy.
My proverbial candle burning more closely resembles something like this:
In other words, I have a lot going on right now.
For example:
>> I’m hosting a party for Nintendo in less than two weeks – and have yet to get the final invitations sent out. I’m really excited to do this because I get to give a bunch of my friends a party and free stuff, and I get to give away something really, reallllly cool on this blog pretty soon because of this party. But also? I kind of want to pull my hair out with the planning at the moment.
>> I’m officially getting paid to write on four separate blogs now. Which is AWESOME. I’m thrilled. It gets me closer to one of my ultimate goals. But also? Four. Separate. Freaking. Blogs. Not counting the two blogs of my own that I maintain just because I like to.
>> The fourth and most recent blog that I’ve been hired to write on is Babble’s FameCrawler site. It offers the largest income potential of all of my current writing gigs and I am so, so, so grateful that I’m actually starting to earn something resembling a living through writing. But also? It’s a site about celebrity parenting. I actually tagged a post I wrote recently as “celebrity parenting advice”.
>> Have I mentioned yet that I just started a new writing job? The thing about any job is that it requires a lot of work and focus and attention when you start out. And while I am still grateful and am having a lot of fun doing it – OMG THE STARTUP PROCESS FOR NEW JOBS IS DRAINING.
>> I’m turning 30 in January. I’m planning a big celebration of some kind for my friends and family. I’m hoping to use some of my connections as a travel writer to turn part of the big celebration into work. All of that? Is good. But also? OMG I HAVE TO WRITE A FREAKING PROPOSAL NOW. And by now? I mean, it probably should have been done yesterday.
But, you know, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got going on here.
I mean, unless you count the kids and the marriage and the friends and the regular 9-5 full time paying full time job and the OH! RIGHT! The MARRIAGE. Because, ya know, THAT is requiring its own mountain of work and focus and attention right now. And those things – the kids and the marriage, specifically – are balls that absolutely can. not. be. dropped. They can’t even be tossed around, you know? They have to be held on to and appreciated and polished up as often as possible.
Because in the end, those are the two lights that keep everything else burning.
And I’m not even bitching. Not really. The mass chaos right now is temporary. The party will come and go; the new job will become one of the old jobs soon enough. And, by the grace of God, every single one of the things on my plate at the moment are things that I adore and am grateful for.
I’m just saying… um… I have a lot going on right now.
And also?
Best. Post. Ever.
Wow. Yeah. Hi, my name is Britt and I get paid to write. And this post is a stunning example of why.
Clearly.
Photos by Brenda Starr and choctaw ridge, because it’s not nice to steal.
Are you kidding me? All I have going on is being sick and I can’t even formulate a clever comment here today. I think you are doing juuuuust fine and like you said, you’ll get a rhythm in time.
(I also had to spell check rhythm. Twice. Yes, seriously.)
@Hilly, the world will never know how many words I spell check every day.
Or how many I *should* have.
Ha. Now I feel like an enabler! Congrats on the Babble gig. I’ve always wanted to write for them.
@Maria, enable away, baby!
(Although so far, all is quiet on that front.)
Believe it or not, there are many of us who are living vicariously through you on these writing gigs. I know what it’s like to dream of being a writer and actually making a living at it. You’re right there on the cusp and I think things are really coming to fruition for you. Your gift for the written word is AMAZING and even with what you deem to be a craptacular post, you entertain and just ascertain and affirm why I (and everyone else in the PRB)read your blog(s). Hang in there and keep all of those wicks lit. I think you’re doing an amazing job!
@ZenBitch, your encouragement is awesome. Thank you. I *do* feel like I’m on the cusp, and I’m trying to be careful about what I do next.
You’ll know when you’re 100% done. I think some people need a ton of stuff going on while others can’t handle it. As long as you can handle everything, in the ends that’s all that matters! You know what’s important and what needs to be done.
Good luck in all your writing!
@B, oh I would die if I had tons of things going ALLLL the time. But once in a while, I can survive it.
You know, if you earned your money the old-fashioned way, by winning the lottery, you wouldn’t have to burn so many candles. Jeez.
@avitable, OR you could give me a raise.
I mean, a bigger one.
Again.
Also, one that didn’t require actual work. That would be cool.
HAHAHAHA! And you didn’t even mention your kids! Yes, I’m laughing at you. Why? Because you’re not the only one going through this, and if I don’t laugh I’ll cry. Really I’m laughing at myself through you and our mutual time-suck problem. Hell, I haven’t even posted on my personal blog in like… forever.
@daniel, *ahem*
“I mean, unless you count the kids and the marriage and the friends and the regular 9-5 full time paying full time job and the..”
So HA!
@Miss Britt,
(this is done in a high “snooty” almost British accent style voice)
Yeah, I caught that. Did you mention helping out with their schoolwork or their activities? Dealing with any of their problems?
(now, super sarcastic)
NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
@daniel, What?!?! I’m supposed to be doing that?!?!
I thought it was feed, bathe, bed.
Shit.
@Miss Britt,
oh, honey…. no wonder you need counseling. you always bathe the kids after they shit.
In all seriousness – breathe. This too shall pass.
who was it that said, “i burn the candle at both ends, it will not last the night. but oh my friend and oh my foe, it gives such pretty light.”
you ARE the light.
@hello haha narf, or a fucking blaze of fury. Whatever.
p.s. regarding the birthday? WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
@hello haha narf, well, don’t woo hoo yet, but I’m working on it.
If nothing else, you’ll be here. That’s all that matters.
Such good things are happening for you! I’m excited for you, even though you’re feeling a bit frazzled. That’s temporary, like you said. You’re getting closer to where you want to be, and that’s awesome!
@Lisa, thank you! I’m excited too, and it’s so much more exciting to have people be excited with me!
What’s that quote from “Parenthood”? From grandma? Something about liking the roller coaster because you get more out of it?
Let’s pretend I said that.
@Finn, Dude, I have no clue what you are talking about. LOL
@Miss Britt, O-K, that went well.
Didn’t have time to look for the quote before. Here it is:
[Gil has been complaining about his complicated life; Grandma wanders into the room]
Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
You’re “worst blog post” is 100% better than most others normal posts – no worries!
@Cheri, dude. I just reread it after reading your comment. If someone else’s “normal” or “best” resembles that at all, they should, um – well, sing maybe.
You. Are a hero.
Really.
Such an inspiration. I bet you have really buff fingers.
I am amazed at what a wonderful writer you manage to be with all of the other writing you do! I would be falling apart. I’m struggling badly in my Journalistic Writing class… school alone is… hurting me. I comend you and look up to you. Wonderful job. Congrats on EVERYTHING. And being married… wow… God bless you Britt. He does. Thank-you.
@Charleen Scott, wow. Gosh. Thanks. That was an awful lot of really nice stuff in that one comment.
So, I suppose this would be a bad time for me to complain about how I never get to see you anymore and why don’t we do something together and hey, you’re supposed to be my friend and that means hanging out… ::giggle:: I love you, it’s awesome that you have so much going on. And, come on, you know you love it. You LOVE it.
@Faiqa, I WOKE UP THINKING THE SAME THING.
Really.
Would I lie to you in caps lock?
You know what you should get to help you relax and unwind? A dog.
Oh, never mind, that creates a whole other job. Y’know, the walking, the vet visits, the walking, the vet visits, the walking, the playing, the walking.
Anyway, you seem to be faring just fine with all this stuff going on. I admire your stamina. I really do.
@Dawn, you sound like my daughter.
Fabulous wonderful amazing things all. Try to enjoy all the goodness instead of feeling overwhelmed by it, it makes it much more fun!
@Michelle, I am definitely trying to do exactly that – it’s not something I’ve done well in the past.
Cool. You’re headless too! It’s nice here, but don’t mind the mess.
@Headless Mom, but I have such great hair!!
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night;
but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends – it gives a lovely light!
> Edna St. Vincent Millay
This is my e-mail signature. For good reason.
@bad mummy, it sounds so pretty when you say it like THAT.
@bad mummy,
That IS a neat verse!
I’m going to hafta write it somewhere (Lord knows I won’t remember it’s here…)!
And I was going to suggest you make a trip to New Port Richey for margaritas!! Heh….put on your superwoman cape…you can DO IT!!
@Tammy, I’ll add it to the list!
Well, at least you aren’t bored!!
(You can handle it.)
@Sybil Law, dear God no. Not that. That’s true. LOL
So uh, when can we start using you to get our own writing gigs? Really, I know it’s heinously stressful, but I’m happy for you that you’re doing so much. Too much is often way better than not enough, right?
@Zoeyjane, please disregard my helpful emails. LOL
Oh gawd… does this mean your Twitter feed is going to be overrun with pleas to click through to your FameCrawler stories so you get a bonus or a free Cuisinart or whatever? Kill me now…
@Dave2, Uh, no. The only posts that show up in my feed on a regular basis are this one, buy-her, and work it mom, which I write once a week and get no traffic bonuses on.
LUCKILY, there’s always that handy little “mute” button you’re so fond of!
@Miss Britt, And by MUTE do you mean UNFOLLOW? Ooh… let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
@Dave2, it’s my understanding that there is a mute AND an unfollow – but I only know the one (unfollow), so some lawyer type should probably be standing up right now and saying “OBJECTION! HEARSAY!”
But damn, Dave. What you got from this post was “oh great, you’re going to be twittering too much now.” Really?
I make an effort in most cases not to be an annoying tweeter, but if it happens, it happens. I don’t consider an unfollow on Twitter to be a death sentence.
@Miss Britt, What you should get from my comment is that I care about you, not celebrity gossip!
@Dave2, Oh.
Well.
That sounds MUCH nicer.
But, no, I write up to 7 posts a day at FameCrawler. I’m not planning to tweet all (or most, if any) of them.
That is AWESOME and you are my HERO.
@Aunt Becky, I’m gonna get a cape now.
@Miss Britt,
*Clears throat*
I have a sewing machine… Say the words and that can be your Xmas gift
No wonder “Clearly you’re Retarded” went the way of the Dodo. I miss that show.
Congrats on the many candles!
You need to pick up some hobbies or something with all that spare time you have.
Me? I fill the extra hours with sleep and bourbon.
Just think – this is everything that you ever wanted and more…and will only lead to bigger things. I am so damn happy for you and only see greatness!!
Side bar….is it selfish to say that I so hope to be invited to your 30th birthday party?
You know what? I think you should just go for it. It’s a means to an end and if you’re not feeling incredibly overburdened, then do what you have to do. You will find things will settle into a routine that is very manageable quite soon. You’re going to get to where you want to be because you have a strong work ethic and the right attitude. Good on you!
Holy crap, my head just exploded. I can barely keep up with kids/house/husband/Community Sherpa/paranormal investigating/HOA drama. I am in awe of you.
Someday, I’m gonna grow up to be just like you.
@Coal Miner’s Granddaughter,
Ooh, paranormal investigating? (I’m totally gullible so I hafta ask: For real or are you being facetious? I’m a lameass…)
Yay you! I never comment, but I can’t seem to stay away….keep working on the balance, I think that is why I keep coming back. You are surviving, so maybe I can too.
Getting paid to write is certainly something. Be proud of yourself. Just remember to breathe.
So happy for you on your professional success, and rooting for you and your personal life! If you ever figure out how to write for a free trip to Paris please let me know. I would be interested in that. Right now I am going to work on your recipe for perfect curly hair (I found your post last week) because I love yours so much and in my whole life I have never been able to get my naturally curly hair to look like that. I Chi it EVERY single day. I will get back to you on that when I hit Aveda for their expensive goodies.
I ust wanna say I love you! Your writing, your willingness to take on challenges (and subsenquently being good at the tasks at hand) and also you’re pretty. But yeah. I’m a huge fan and not just because I’m your brother’s girlfriend
XOXO
*Just*
#BreMoment
Congrats! So, where are we going for your 30th?
I think you and Adam are the only blogs I make time to read any more. Being busy is great when it means money, but it’s not good for maintaining friendships.
@muskrat, ain’t THAT the truth?
@muskrat, Aha! That’s why my Friend Crusade is needind some TLC… LOL
This weblog is being featured on Five Star Friday – http://www.fivestarfriday.com/2009/11/five-star-fridays-edition-78.html
Welcome to the world of freelancing! Yes (mama said) there’ll be days like this, but there will also be days when you watch Real Housewives marathons and wonder when your next job is ever coming. Hypothetically.
Hi Britt!
New to your blog, but I see that we were both born in 1980, and both also have blonde hair. We obviously have A LOT in common and will get along famously.
Just wanted to say that I understand how you feel, but I don’t have kids yet. And I am frequently stunned that I can be so overwhelmed without kids, so how will I be when the babies get here? For this, I admire you, and all the other working moms. Sounds like all exciting things though, so I hope you are taking a little time (like, a minute a day when you can find it?) to enjoy your success!
Melissa
You appear to be morphing into Whit.
Apart from with better hair obviously.
May I just say… wow.
congrats and I’m so jealous! Well, of the writing…
I was scanning along when I read the words “turning 30″ and “travel.” First, bitch. YOu’re only 29? I’m falling to the floor weeping right now. Second, the only place to turn 30 is in Las Vegas, the city o’my home. There travel writer stuff solved.
I hope a few of your candles blow out soon!
You can do it, sistah, go go go.
Ah, I love you. Because this? Is officially my new favorite Miss-Britt.com post.