Duvet
I’ve done this blog, against considerable odds, every day for five months plus. This is the first time I genuinely thought I was going to break the pattern and lose my record. I might still. I’m stuck somewhere where I can’t get on a computer. My only chance is the app on my phone which is not entirely reliable. Goodness.
Well, if this works, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. But your initial reaction will be disappointment because there isn’t a proper blog up. But it will hopefully turn to relief when you realise how close we were to disaster. I mean, you might say if I can’t write something of substance, why bother doing a 10 year blog every day, for the sake of it? But, y’know. It’s like the 24 hour shows. They would have been more consistent if they’d been 7 hours. But that’s not what I do.
Sorry again for low quality blogging. It’s
been quite a hard week though. Should do better tomorrow. Which is quite a good motto for us all.
Going to try posting this as I can’t stand the suspense of not knowing if it’ll work. I believe some people use the phrase ‘duvet day’ to mean a day when you are allowed not to work. You get three a year or something. Can someone clarify? Anyway, consider this one of mine.
Posted by Nuala on July 31, 2010
Why don’t you just blog first thing in the morning, then if you’re running late you still have all day. Just a thought
Posted by Rachael on July 31, 2010
I think you should be allowed way more than 3 duvet days a year, if not I have been breaking this rule alot.
Posted by Lydia on July 31, 2010
I guess at least this way if you ever wanted to go back over everything you would have a more realistic view of your life. And well done for getting it on here in time.
I agree with everyone else. No one would be mad about a duvet day considering the week that you’ve had. I hope you’ve caught up on some sleep now.
Posted by ChrisP on July 31, 2010
I thought one of the reasons for having this blog was as a kind of diary thingy? If that’s the case then it still does it’s job fine.
One thing that has been bothering me; what happens if you fail to blog one day and you break the chain? There’s no point in stopping then is there? Given that you have got this far?
What if there was some sort of forfeit or compensation that would have to be done if a blog was missed. I’m sure this can be opened up for discussion of whatever if you watned. Maybe you would have to skydive. or something. Just a thought.
This is written as an optimist trying to find look for ways to avoid failure, not a pessimist assuming a failure. Today’s blog shows some impressive dedication.
Posted by LisaBrunders on July 31, 2010
Eleven update, it arrived today, despite the email saying it’d be the 5th of August! Brilliant, I’m thrilled. It’s so much more than a book to me, and I haven’t read a word yet.
Posted by Megan on July 31, 2010
Oof, that level of desperation/dedication is super admirable. And a little nuts. But in a good way.
I could’ve had a duvet day today (it’s the last day (!) of my vacation – it’s been grand (mostly)), but I’m doing laundry. On my last day of holidays. It’s a weird obsession of mine to make sure that most of the clothes in my luggage are clean when I go home. (I don’t want airport security/customs officers going through my dirty stuff. They never have, but yeah.)
I am going to have a lazy day, though, in London.
Posted by Anna on July 31, 2010
I don’t think anyone would have minded if you had missed a day this week, considering what you’ve had going on. In fact, I think you probably deserve a duvet week, not just a day.
I’m doing my best to have my own duvet day today, as it’s my birthday (last one of my 20′s, eek!), but I get the feeling it’s not going to happen, due to an insane, screeching, teething toddler who has learnt to sign ‘monkey’, (complete with monkey sound effects) running around the house like a child possessed.
Posted by hornseygirl on July 31, 2010
Well done for making the deadline, in spite of a challenging day/week.
Can you believe there’s a website dedicated to duvet days?!
http://www.duvetday.org/
This organisation promotes each February 29th leap year day as the official duvet day – roll on 29-02-12!
Mental well-being and CO2 reduction benefits all round!
Posted by Juliet on July 31, 2010
Ahh so relieved haha and don’t you worry for the quality, we all know you’ve been very busy this week and it’s actually great that you managed to stay in touch and keep on writing, thanks for that
Posted by LisaBrunders on July 31, 2010
Morning, sorry I didn’t stay awake, but very glad you made it. I agree with all the other comments, pleased with any blog, impressed by how much effort you put in and how much you care. Thank you.
I don’t comment often these days, but still reading avidly every day.
PS For some reason Amazon aren’t delivering my copy of Eleven til 4th August.
Posted by Ally on July 31, 2010
I think it’s about time you realised that no one who reads the blog will ever be disappointed by these mini-blogs
We’re just always so pleased that you managed to get something up!!
Posted by Heather on July 31, 2010
Any blog is a worthy blog, as almost everyone else has exclaimed before me. I too, would appreciate even a “Shit! That was close, eh?!” number, if the situation arose. I think it’s admirable that you’re so concerned and dedicated.
Posted by Shell on July 31, 2010
Mark – you made it, that’s what counts and after the week you’ve had it is very impressive. I hope things improve massively now with the tiny person’s health and the rest/sleep front for you all.
Seriously, if you are ever so pushed for time that all you can do is type: “Shit! that was close eh?” or I’d particularly appreciate “Frisbee!” as an emergency codeword for that – we’ll all laugh and cheer. Not cos we have low expectations of this blog, quite the contrary, but because we ‘get’ the spirit of it and appreciate it and you.
Hey! I just started reading ‘Eleven’ this evening and I’m having to be very firm with myself so that I put it down and go to bed now. You had me at “…leaving coquettish paw-print trails…” on page one.
x
Posted by Katie D on July 31, 2010
Regardless of length, subject or time it’s posted my daily fix of Watsonian blogging makes me smile, even if sometimes only internally (not for lack of wit, but say if I’m feeling melancholy, a Watson blog might lift my spirits). It’s nice that there is something to rely on….That bloke might not call, the plumber won’t come on time, the cat will never learn where to vomit but there will be a little fix of comedy waiting for me usually before bedtime.
I sound like I’ll jump off a bridge if you miss a day. I won’t, and I concurr with everyone, that you deserve a duvet day after this week!
Posted by Maddie on July 31, 2010
You most definitely deserve a duvet day. Next time, perhaps we can organise a ‘Watsonian Duvet Day’, in which we all partake in bugger-all together? =)
Also agree with the others, your blogs are never, ever, a let down. Never ever.
x
Posted by A lot of Rach[a]els on July 31, 2010
I also agree with Aislinn. My initial reaction wasn’t disappointment it was merely woo more words by Watson.
Just heard that waterstones are shipping Eleven, I’m very excited.
Posted by Zoe Fell on July 30, 2010
I agree with Aislinn. Every blog is a cracker.
=D
Posted by Laurs on July 30, 2010
You never cease to amaze. If anyone deserved a duvet day, it’s you after a week like the one you’ve had. I’ve heard some companies are now introducing them formally to their pay and conditions as it stops sick days being taken advantage of.
I digress, hope the three of you get some much needed rest and sleep. x
Posted by Kathryn on July 30, 2010
Such is the quality of this blog that we appreciate it no matter what you write. I hope next week is better for you.
Posted by Anji on July 30, 2010
Bless you. You always succeed and never disappoint. After they week you’ve had we understand the need for a duvet day – I almost wish it had involved the whole day for you, giving you time to recoup and stuff.
Well done Mark.
Posted by Aislinn on July 30, 2010
Surely no-one would ever be disappointed at reading one of your blogs. Surely!
Posted by Misha on July 30, 2010
*breathes sigh of relief*
I do believe that’s what a duvet day is. I also have Mental Health Days (a phrase from my mum who was a phsyciatric nurse) which refers to having a day off for the sake of your mental health, probably more important when working with mad people. (her words not mine). I hope you get home soon.
Posted by Heather Jones on July 30, 2010
Big hug for getting your mini-blog up before the witching hour! Well done, Mr Watson. I am now off to my own duvet….