Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Cramming Time

I've been quite overwhelmed this past week, although I suppose I can't really complain because the resulting stress is of my own doing.

Rico and I clearly want to use our remaining time in Moz to make as much money as possible, so we've both taken on double jobs in the short-term. It's definitely a feasible load, but we are busy, and evenings and weekends are filled up now by work instead of 100% play.

I keep reminding myself that, in my case, this rhythm will subside on the 22nd when I turn in the massive translating job that has been the source of my overwhelmed state as of late. I also keep thinking about the dollar figure, which helps me become more motivated to do just one last page of translating before bed.

It's a strangely satisfying rhythm, being super busy for short spells. It reminds me of being in school and having to survive midterms and final exams. Except now, instead of eating dry sugar cereal out of the box and hanging out with roommates while studying, I sit at my computer with a glass of wine and a cat in my lap, with Rico keeping me company while trading stocks online. Same underlying feeling of a bit too much to do in too little time, but with a much more sophisticated exterior...

10 comments:

Fly Brother said...

I always seem to get more done when I'm short on time. When I try and do things ahead of time, they never seem to get done; but with that figurative gun to my head...

Monkey McWearingChaps said...

Where are you thinking of moving after Moz?

Ali Ambrosio said...

~Fly Brother - I operate on exactly the same principle. Definitely more productive when I'm overbooked. Nothing like a deadline to make me get it in gear...

~Monkey - We are going to the San Francisco Bay Area!! Now we've just gotta buy a house.

Unknown said...

Hang in there!

Alessandra Cave said...

Oh Ali! So good to catch up on your stories and so happy to here you're coming to SF! I can't wait :)

Marie said...

Bon courage Ali !

Monkey McWearingChaps said...

You're moving to SF! Awesome. I think house prices are holding in the Bay Area but it's still a great time to buy. Let me know if you want any info on first time home buyer programs. My friend administers those for the Feds.

Anonymous said...

omg...your former childhood pal: http://perezhilton.com/2009-05-18-completely-gratuitous-195

Safiya Outlines said...

Wow! As you know I tend to read several of your posts at once. I saw the remaining time in Moz bit and was really shocked, figuring I'd missed something.

What made you decide to move? Although, from what I hear SF is wonderful.

Unknown said...

~Laundrygirl - I just keep thinking "CCA, CCA, CCA!".

~Gypsy Alex - Menina, you are on my list of people to look up asap once we have moved to the Bay. Can't wait to put a face to your sweet blog.

~Marie - Obrigada, thank you. It was a tough spell, but I made it through respecting all deadlines.

~Monkey - Awesome. We've been working with a mortgage broker (after getting dreadful service and 100% incorrect advice from Wells Fargo). I think we're going with an FHA loan. Still trying to get all the paperwork together. I'll let you know for sure once we are closer to actually getting the $$ if we have questions for your friend.

~Anonymous - Wow. What more can I say??

~Safiya - Yes, moving to SF is a huge change for us, a real end to an era. However, it's time. Both Rico and I feel our experience in Mozambique has been drawing to a close for a while. We've accomplished much of what we set out to do here, we've had incredible experiences both professionally and personally, but we've also learned that 1) neither of us want to work in "development" long-term, and 2) it is very hard living so far away from family and other loved ones, in particular for me. We're ready for some different challenges and for some family time. Rico will be working in investments, and I will be going back to school to pursue a career in jewelry design. I suppose that's it in a nutshell!