Alive and Kicking, Apparently in LA
12 Feb 2008 | Filed Under: Crankypants + Design + Domesticities
Contrary to appearances, I am not actually dead. This is a bit disappointing, on account of the fact that I look fabulous in black and had planned to dress accordingly for my own funeral. On the plus side, I can put off that particular shopping trip, which is always a bonus.
On the minus side, it’s all gone to shit in the past week.
For a start, I have walking pneumonia or something, which is never going to be a barrel of monkey fun. Unless the monkeys are also smoking pot. I, however, am smoking menthols. Medicinally.
Second of all, I have insomnia brought on by working with clients across not one, not two, but three different time zones. My body is currently under the impression that I am 22, can pull all nighters for days without end, and am living in LA. Where it is midnight, and not 8 AM.
Finally, I have hit The Slump. This happens about once every two or three years. Normally when a client comes to me for a design, I get a picture in my head of how to bring their needs together under a cohesive design, sit down, and churn it out. The actual churning part can be very time consuming, but I am fortunate to have a high batting average in this, and usually get it right the first time.
Every once in a while, the picture never solidifies. I sit down, I open my graphics program, and get precisely nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Bupkis.
When this happens, it is horrifying. Particularly if you are my husband. Because unless you come bearing cigarettes, coffee or design inspiration, I pretty much just want to be left alone in my hell hole to quietly, repeatedly bang my head against the same wall. And even if you do come bearing design inspiration, I am very likely to tell you that your idea is terrible and COULD NOT POSSIBLY WORK and then perhaps cry until you go away.
So, I’ve been an exhausted, sick, frustrated, mean treat of a woman to live with for the week.
While I am prepared (and somewhat embarrassed) to admit that I occasionally fail in my professional capacity as a designer, I am at this point comforted by the fact that in this instance, it’s due to a really craptastic client brief. As in a non-existent one. I’m prepared to let myself call this one a case of “You gave me nothing, now it’s all I got.”
And as if the past week wasn’t enough, my husband will now divorce me for quoting U2 lyrics.
Thriftcriminal says:
As always in these cases I precribe some Ze:
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 11:05 amhttp://www.zefrank.com/theshow/archives/2006/11/110906.html
Thriftcriminal says:
OK, I just checked that show and it is possibly a slightly extreme starting point for the whole Ze Frank thing…… No offense intended :-(
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 11:11 amDeborah says:
Jeebus Sabrina! Hang in there! I was wondering where you got to. I am also a supporter of the menthol cigarettes, although I do miss my… wait for it… Benson and Hedges Ultra light menthol 100s! Heh! Feel better soon and take care of yourself woman!
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 11:53 amCoastal Aussie says:
Thinking of you… hope you’re on the mend soon.
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 2:22 pmAnton Mannering says:
In fairness he’s right about the lyrics. I feckin hate U2 and Bono with his “I’m gonna save the world by being cool and but you’re not getting my money” attitude. Fuck off Bono! Ahhh feel better now! :)
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 5:47 pmClaire says:
Ahh, the slump, I know it well. After the flurry of creative projects you’ve been responsible for lately it’s only inevitable that your creative parts have to shut down and recharge. Sometimes you just have to listen to the bod and have a rest, part of the joy of working for yourself. Mind you…I never take this advice either so I don’t know what I’m doing writing this :D
Tuesday, 12 February, 2008, 9:49 pmomar says:
hope you get well soon…
i know how frustrating work combined with other physical/emotional draining factors can be.
-omar
Wednesday, 13 February, 2008, 1:12 amSabrina Dent says:
Thriftcriminal, not only am I huge Ze Frank fan, but the designer in that program is basically a perfect combination of me and my husband. I love that one, thanks :)
Deb, Coastal Aussie and Omar, thanks for the well wishes :)
Claire, what is this rest you speak of? (I am so looking forward to the blog awards, since I AM NOT TAKING A LAPTOP!)
Anton, it would totally be reasonable grounds for divorce; you’ll get no argument from me. Glad I gave you an excuse to vent :P
Wednesday, 13 February, 2008, 1:36 pmThriftcriminal says:
Phew, sigh of relief. Ze is the dude, I watched avidly and contributed an RTFEDD animation once. Glad that turned out ok :-)
Wednesday, 13 February, 2008, 7:51 pm