On not getting anywhere.

I am in the throes of possibly the most insidious blogging block I have ever suffered. I could say it’s because my head is stuffed with packing tape and bubble wrap, which is true. But what little gray matter I have left is simmering with so much anxiety that nothing coherent or interesting can get through. I assume my increased anxiety level is because of the imminent move, although the specific fears and worries have little to do with the fact that we're leaving Brooklyn forever and ever OH GOD. Right now I’m pretty much afraid of whatever’s around. For instance, the other day I read an article about dog bites, and then tried not to imagine Henry getting bitten, and then failed at that because my imagination is really working at top efficiency these days. Like that. Except everything else, too.

So I’m not sure what to do. I could write about my anxiety, but it’s boring me to tears, so I can only imagine what it would do to you. It would be like someone writing about how they can’t stop running in a tight circle around their living room day in and day out, run run run run. “Hour 34: I continue to run. I’m still not getting anywhere.” This is pretty much what I’m doing these days. Aren’t you glad you came to check in?

Comments

[Marina]

I love you Alice all the way from Denmark I love you and anything you write is worth tjekking in on. Pleace take care of you self. Moving is stressfull and you do not have to blog abouth it at all. Just promise to come back to us when you are ready.

[Beverlee]

You need to get out of the house NOW! Get away from all of it for a few hours at least and then you can come back refreshed ...

[Janna]

For what it's worth, I was bitten by a dog whose rabies shot was way overdue (only because I stupidly stuck my hand in her mouth when she was trying to eat something--I'm sure Henry's smarter than that) and two weeks later I'm all healed, no harm done. So maybe that's one thing you can worry slightly less about.

Good luck wiith everything.

[Dorothy]

Hang in there! After you hit 500 laps, though, you HAVE to stop.

[Deb]

Thank God it is not just I going through something like this. Instead of blogging at my own site, I can read about your stuff and nod like an idiot.

OK so I whined a little today. One thing you NEVER are, Alice, is BORING!

I give you permission to be blocked....(did it work? sometimes it does....)

[Jem]

Read some Far Side comics!

[Dave Thomas]

There's no excuse for writers' block in this day and age. All you need is...a meme. Here's one you're welcome to:

1. Your current mood, expressed via algebraic symbols.

2. Two things you wish manatees would get through their fat skulls.

3. One thing you might have eaten today without realizing it (hint: most likely hair)

4. Your least favorite ancient Chinese warlord (not counting Chang Hsueh-liang, 1882–1948...Hello, obvious!)

5. A pop song that reminds you of ironing.

6. No kidding, the ironing's really piling up. Get on that, would you?

7. Bow ties: Seriously?

8. Compose a friendly letter to God about the noise. (You might open by complimenting his cooking, which it so happens you can smell through the heating vents; then gently suggest that he turn down the Def Leppard after 10 p.m.; finally, praise the zinnias in his window planter.)

9. An early memory involving ironing. (Gotcha!)

10. Explain yourself. (Cite examples.)

Voila. Block removed. You're welcome.

[nyarly]

Good luck on your incipient move. My less-incipient but still-kinda-incipient move is also driving me around the bend, but at least I have more months to get stressed out about it. Um, PREPARE. I meant, "prepare."

Thank god for Lexapro.

[peep]

it's times like this that one must take comfort in the cliched observation that nothing is as stressful as...

getting married (check)

having a kid (check)

moving (about to).

so hang in there! many have been in your shoes...

[madge]

Moving out of Brooklyn was the hardest thing I ever did (by choice) (or rather my husband's choice of school).

Just a little assurance from someone eight months ahead of you in Bklyn-withdrawal: It's hard, so hard for about a month. Then, you start to unclench. Slowly, but surely, you get in the groove and enjoy the new pace.

PLUS! You are a mere train ride away. You'll be fine.

[Jessica]

It's going to be O.K. Alice. You're just experiencing a temporary paralysis of reason, which also happens to me when I'm completely overwhelmed and about to be moved totally out of my comfort zone. A home and a hometown are huge comfort zones -- it will be O.K. You thought this through, and most of us agreed with you. It's going to be great -- just remember to breath regularly, and not always into a paper bag! It's gonna be GREAT!

[gillian]

I was reading the live science site about the 10 most likely disasters to affect the U.S., just for fun. They have a nice little list that ends with, brace yourself, the total destruction of the earth. Well, when I realized that we had no plan at all for the total destruction scenario I was so worried I could hardly eat chocolate!

I e-mailed my concerns to my daughter who is happily smarter than myself and a great resource. She explained that in most emergencies you are supposed to put your hands on your cheeks, make an 'O' with your mouth and run rapidly in a circle. I think maybe just running in circles without the proper hand and mouth techniques may be the problem you are having. Hope this was helpful. Would you like some chocolate?

[Denver Dad]

Wow... if you can't come up with anything to blog, I'm doomed. I just started my own blog and am already running dry! UGH!

[Alexa]

My strategy is generally to wander around mumbling that "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well" quote and occasionally bursting into tears. Sly and The Family Stone helps. Long walks help. Reading a bit of Thurber helps.
Mostly though, remember that all you have to do is get up every day and breathe in and out. The people who love you can worry about the rest, for now.
I adore you, as always, and of *course* I am glad I came to check in.

[honestyrain]

just do this. share your anxiety and stress and willy nilly thoughts. because we've all been there. we all relate. and it is fun to be on this end for once.

no, kidding. it's not fun. your pain is not fun. we are NOT having fun.

only you write it in a way that is fun so it's your fault if we are having fun. blame you. all you.

there. are you feeling better now?

[Krisco]

I finally decided to become a more regular reader - about two weeks ago - and then this. I mean, I've noticed before now of course.

I'm just hoping it's not me.

: )

[Murk]

Do you think your block has anything to do with your getting nominated/winning a bloggie? I'm writing a dissertation, and whenever I get praised, I then stall out for a week or two. At some level I must be thinking, 'OK, what I write next must live up...' I'm a new reader, so not familiar with what else is going on with you, but just a thought.

[victoria]

I love this post, I obsess about it. "Climb on my back, it's the only way." It is so beautiful.

[It's okay Sweetie]

Just started on your blog. Looking forward to updates on your move. Once you start packing you'll find you really only need .01% of what you own.