Sunday, December 6, 2009

Weekend Mishmash: Twelve Wins and One Near-Stroke

Well, that was one mighty exciting football match today. Until the New Orleans Saints nailed the touchdown that threw the game into overtime, I seriously thought their perfect record was in jeopardy. And I could feel the tension everywhere – my heart, my head, my feet. In fact, I kept scurrying out of the room where the hubby was listening to a radio broadcast of this nail-biter. And while I’m happy – ecstatically so! – that the Saints won in overtime by three points, I can’t help but wonder... is it healthy to internalize something like this? A game over which I have absolutely no control.

Probably not. But then, don’t we all do that at times? Don’t we all get nervous about things beyond our influence – everything from Best Picture winners to presidential elections? Even which agents will respond favorably to our queries. Well, at least in that case, we have some amount of influence. After all, it’s up to each of us to prepare the best manuscript, the most compelling query, the most enticing website and/or blog, the most meaningful connections in the social networking universe... But even with all that, we still have to leave a bit of this publishing stuff up to chance – and the so-called will of the publishing gods.

So, what in this crazy world gets your heart and head thumping with anticipation?

6 comments:

Joshua McCune said...

Good game -- it was a win-win situation for me. Happy to see The Saints win, but saddened that my hometown Redskins once again FUBARred a game.

As far as anticipatory reflux -- usually not too much outside the writing and sports world.

Stephanie Thornton said...

I'll admit I did get pretty anxious about the last presidential election. And sometimes I get stressed about ridiculous little stuff at work, like getting a pile of papers graded. If I died tomorrow it wouldn't matter, right?

And I'll be querying in late-February so I know I'll be a bundle of emotional stress. I'm sure my husband is looking forward to that. :)

Laura Martone said...

Bane - Oh, I didn't realize you were from D.C. I've been in that position before, though - rooting for both teams at once. But the Saints always win out for me... even if the Redskins should've won. On the other hand, the Saints have pulled off a few near-losses this year, so good for them, I guess. Just wish their defense were stronger - they're gonna need it in the playoffs.

And, yes, you don't really seem like the type to get his feathers ruffled beyond sports and writing... especially since you haven't voted in a while, and I already know how you feel about the Oscars (and awards shows in general). Hehe.

Laura Martone said...

Steph T. - Yep, it's true. Much of what we fret about won't matter in a few years (or even tomorrow), but it's not necessarily a bad thing to care so much either.

Good luck with your upcoming querying frenzy. My hubby won't be much happier when I begin mine. Well, he'll be happy in theory - he just won't know how to deal with the insanity, methinks.

Stephanie Damore said...

I love getting all geeked up about sports, books, politics, movies, etc. To me, it's what makes life exciting. Being a lemming can be fun :)

Laura Martone said...

Hey, Steph D.! Yeah, getting "all geeked out" (teehee) about movies, books, etc., can be a hoot. It doesn't make you a lemming - just passionate about the world. I'm with you there - I just try not to let the stress consume me. Course, some days are better than others. ;-)