Pact
On Saturday night, I made a pact with my friend Alana that we would post on our blogs at least once a week. I don’t remember whether I suggested this plan or just agreed to it, but my motives were self-serving. I love Alana’s stories, and I want her to write more for me. As for my own writing—well, it’s become clear that I need a push to do anything in life beyond lying around, eating bon-bons and buying shoes on eBay.
It didn’t take us long to start debating how little we could get away with. Four lines would count, but a tweet would not. A photo would be acceptable if it had a meaty caption. We moved the deadline from “by Monday” to “Tuesday…any time.” We asked Dr. Boroditsky to harass us if we failed to produce, and she agreed.
We didn’t name an end date to the experiment, and frankly, it’s shaping up to be a bit like my mother’s so-called Slimming Club. For years her friends have met every few weeks to report on their dieting progress, over a glass of wine or three. If they haven’t reached their target, they pay a fine. And when the group raises enough money—once or twice a year—they all go away to a hotel for a weekend and promote themselves to gin-and-tonics. My dad and I were once baffled by this incentive scheme, but it fits right in to this era of twisted bonuses.
Tuesday, March 31st 2009 at 2:44 pm
now that’s a pact i can get behind. more dervala.net is always a good thing.
I’m ashamed to admit i was looking forward to reading about your ordeal of shopping for a green-card-husband, but congratulations nonetheless on getting a card on your own.
Tuesday, March 31st 2009 at 2:47 pm
And if you fail in your pact, should we force you to eat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts until you return to your keyboard?
I like your mom’s idea. It was worth saving up to get this view: http://url.ie/1e87
Tuesday, March 31st 2009 at 6:22 pm
If you saw my daily pastry/chocolate intake you’d know it wouldn’t take much forcing, Bernie.
So glad you had a good time in New York. I’ve been pining for it since my February trip.
Tuesday, March 31st 2009 at 10:32 pm
Pact VERY GOOD. Hurray for you and Alana.
Tuesday, March 31st 2009 at 11:03 pm
I would love to see more Dervala letters —
Thursday, April 2nd 2009 at 12:48 pm
No fair using the pact as your blog post!
We start next week for realses. I post tonight. I owe you wine or bon-bons or perhaps even an entire auto company.
Friday, April 3rd 2009 at 1:14 pm
I am having the strange experience whereby I have posted my first and am suddenly paralysed with what to do next. Fascinating and agonizing, and Tuesday comes without slowing.
Saturday, April 4th 2009 at 1:00 pm
The world cries out for more Dervala as its bits and pieces are too widely scattered. More kind miss!
Saturday, April 25th 2009 at 6:07 am
Sic ‘em, Dr. Boroditsky!