It’s late. It’s late at night and I’m writing this post. I could have done this hours ago. Hell, maybe even days ago. But this isn’t another rant about my problem with procrastination or lack of ideas to write about (God knows I beat those two horses to death!). See: there’s nothing better than staying up late writing. Chabon calls it “the midnight disease,” and its one of the greatest feelings in the world. Ever scored a game-winning touchdown? Or saved a child’s life? And his/her supermodel mom thanked you…sexually? Yeah, those are great. I mean what I’m talking about makes you rundown and question your sanity over debating word choices when you need to leave for work in four hours. It isn’t that the writing is any better than from a normal time, I just love the idea that while everyone else in the entire world is sleeping, I’m creating something. I know. I’m a weirdo.
I was the king of all nighters. Just ask any of my college roommates—I even drove one to the brink of insanity by disrupting his sleep so much (Don’t worry, he was from Poland—they don’t count.). I don’t think I ever started working on a term paper before 11PM. And for my graduate school thesis? I was up till 2AM every night, except when I slept all day on Sunday. I would even stay up late writing my own stuff just for me. I could stay up the entire night without any sleep and make it into work the next day. Of course, I’d be groggy, but that’s why there’s coffee. Glorious, glorious, coffee. The thing is: I always remember being able to do this. Even as a little kid, I would stay up late reading or drawing my own comic strips until my dad came in and yelled at me to go sleep. And then I would pretend to go to sleep so he’d leave me alone and I could get back to work. I think it’s why my parents won’t let me move back in with them.
But that’s all over now. Now, if I don’t get at least six hours of sleep, I’m a zombie. And coffee, my sweet nectar of the caffeinated peppy Gods? Well, you know how a drug addict’s body builds a tolerance to their narcotic over time and they have to increase the dosage to keep attaining the same high and then they end up just taking massive quantities to feel normal? My bladder can’t take it.
In the end, maybe it’s a sign that I’m no longer a kid anymore. That I need to tackle my writing in a more mature, orderly manner, and not just with a childish manic excitement. Still makes me feel old though. Now if you will excuse me, I’m off to get some sleep.
July 9, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I am in exactly the same spot. Up all night was my default mode in college and into my professional life. They became more patchy over time, but I could still do them. Now? I have serious doubts. And I’m also totally reliant on stimulants. The other day I couldn’t remember whether I had taken my Adderall, and then I realized I just hadn’t had my morning Diet Coke. So hard to keep track of my uppers.
July 9, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Do you ever write about anything except yourself??
Wordy Ninja: I don’t know. Why don’t you scroll down and read some of the book reviews I’ve posted or the reoccurring “Profiles in Awesomeness” series? Hell, what about my guide to awful movie trailers? Are those about me? How about I write about people who make overarching statements before they know what they’re talking about? That wouldn’t be about me. Also, I apologize if there are too many self-reflective essays on MY BLOG. I’ll try to retain my objectivity next time.
July 10, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Funny thing about Chabon is that he wrote about the midnight disease, but I’ve read that he treats writing like his day job (which, for him, it is). He writes every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maybe he’ll write a little more, if his four kids allow it. But never less than those five specific hours a day.
July 10, 2009 at 11:05 pm
i like getting up at 4 or 5 in the morning, after going to bed early. there’s still that “everybody is asleep” feeling, but i’m also well rested and have a clear head