The Distraction Period

clocksI’m back in limbo phase, craving distraction. Baby Girl Sowul was due yesterday (Monday, 10/17) and I’m still waiting. I know the waiting will likely only last another week at most, because unfortunately (and despite much, much effort over the past 4 weeks) the baby is still in breech position. I’m scheduled for a C-section next Monday. This is not something I wanted, and I’m trying to get my head around the fact that she has failed to turn after 4 weeks of chiropractor visits, acupuncture, moxibustion, yoga poses, sitting on a balance ball, heat and ice and flashlights. But parenting has taught me that you can’t control most things about life with kids, and the birth process is just the first of those non-controllable elements.

As I’ve finished teaching, turned in my manuscript to my agent (yay!), and am trying not to obsess over the C-section, I need distraction with a capital D this week. My usual distractions don’t seem to be working. I’ve started a new writing project, but I can’t spend the whole day writing. I can only exercise for about 20 minutes at a time. Cooking and cleaning get tiring and boring after awhile. I can’t drive very far without risking going into labor far from home. So I’m turning most often to books and TV shows… but I can’t seem to find ones that truly distract.

I seem to be getting very picky about what I’m reading and watching. Of the last dozen books I’ve picked up, I’ve only fully read and enjoyed two or three. I get a few pages in, and they’re just not capturing my attention. In a phase of my life where I need the ultimate in distractions, my bar for good writing and great storytelling is apparently higher than normal. I’m watching a lot of Aaron Sorkin shows (The West Wing, Studio 60) because I know I can count on great writing from them, but they’re all repeats; I’d love to watch something new. I’m reading mostly new releases from authors I already know and like, but some of them are disappointing, and all of them cost more because they’re new.

I need page-turners with great writing. I don’t care what genre, as long as it’s good! I need TV shows with lovable characters and engaging storylines. I want to get obsessed with a book or a show, just for this week, just to get me through the Distraction period. Any suggestions?

7 thoughts on “The Distraction Period

  1. Awwwwww. *hugs* I’m sorry to hear about all of this. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be… But you’re almost there, Leanne. Hang on.

    OK, suggestions… I don’t watch much TV, but one of my favorite shows right now is Orphan Black. It’s a science fiction / crime drama mash-up about a group of female clones (all played by the same actress, who just won an Emmy for her work on the show) who are trying to learn more about their origins and fighting for their independence from the corporation who “owns” them. It’s not a show for everyone, but it’s an amazing tour de force of character development, and has some hilarious comedic moments, too.

    As for books, have you read any of Rae Carson’s Gold Seer novels? They’re YA historical fantasy set in Gold Rush-era America, and they follow a young girl who has the ability to sense gold in the earth. The first book Walk On Earth A Stranger came out last year. I love the narrative voice that Rae uses for the protagonist there; it really “sounds” like a girl her age from that time period and part of the country (Georgia).

  2. Thanks, Sara! I’m in a bookstore right now- I’m going to go find Rae Carson 🙂

    I have heard good things about Orphan Black. I’ll check that out too!

    I just downloaded a few new things onto my Kindle, and fortunately I’m finding them engaging. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin is holding my attention, and I have high hopes for the new Jenny Colgan book as a fast, fun read. I’m thinking of splurging on the hardcover of Jodi Picoult’s new release while I’m here in the bookstore. I used to love Picoult but I haven’t read her last few adult releases because they had “trigger” subjects for me. This one looks interesting, though, and there’s no one like her for writing deep characters.

  3. What a tough time! Have you seen Sports Night? Some people think it’s the best Aaron Sorkin series out there. If you like Sci-fi, Farscape is the best (imo). Also, Dark Matter is pretty compelling. You’ve probably already seen Parks & Rec, but if you haven’t, start with Season 2 or 3. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries got me through a tough time after we moved–also Foyle’s War. As to books: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (especially if you like her TV shows–also binge-worthy). I’ve also been reading Alan Bradley’s books lately which I find delightful. At any rate, I hope your girl comes soon and as easily as possible!

    1. Yes yes for Miss Fisher! SO GOOD. Also, Sherlock will suck you in a kill some time, because each episode is practically the length of a movie. And Diana, we’re on the same wavelength. I was also going to suggest Alan Bradley. They’re such quick reads, and quite light, even with the murder.

    2. Thanks for all the suggestions, Diana! I haven’t seen Sports Night (not sure if it’s on Netflix, or Amazon Prime?) but I have dabbled in watching Newsroom. I LOVE Parks & Rec, it’s one of my favorites. I’ve been meaning to read Year of Yes, too.

      1. Sports Night isn’t on Netflix nor is it included in Prime. You could rent it from Amazon or check it out on Hulu. Good luck!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *