The Doldrums

I've spent the latter part of this week stuck in what I call "the doldrums."  The real doldrums are the regions of little-to-no winds on the oceans that would strand sailors.  Think of the scene in Master & Commander where they're stuck on the ship in the baking heat, unable to make progress.

For me this stagnation came as a result of realizing how far I'd come (almost 3/4 of the way done!) and realizing how far yet I had to go.  I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it was like those dreams where you're running and running and don't ever go anywhere.  I felt like I wasn't drawing any closer to the end.  If I could just get a little bit farther, the manic energy as the story coalesces would carry me to the end.  Just a little bit farther...

Added to that, the workload at my day job has ramped up, leaving me drained, and then staying up late trying to press onwards compounded the problem.

I am happy to report, however, that after a few helpful brainstorming sessions (thanks, girls!) and catching up on my sleep, the first stirrings of breeze are fluttering my sails.  Managed 2400 words last night - but I cut 400 from an old scene I was reworking, so I'm only 2K to the good - and I feel energized and hopeful for today. 

Mini-goal is 75K by tonight.  That's 3K(!) from where I am at the moment, but we'll see what I can do.  If I pull that off, or even get close, the end-month goal of 80K isn't out of reach just yet.  Then I'll probably take Labor Day weekend off to recover, and ready myself for the final push.  Hopefully by that point the winds will pick back up and carry me to the finish line.

I already have my personal reward planned: DH gave me a certificate for a massage for our anniversary, and I haven't used it yet.  I also cashed in 10-years'-worth (seriously!) of points I'd been stockpiling from MyPoints.com for $300 worth of gift certificates to Sears, JC Penney, and Old Navy.  I'm planning a day at the spa and shopping spree.  Definitely something to work towards!

Onward...