There is a woman in the neighborhood whose business is called something like 'ducks in a row' who makes a killer living running errands and organizing stuff.

It's kind of amazing, as she has near to no social skills and is a thoroughly annoying communicator...still she does a great job and makes a living.

One thing I will say about the errands vs. home repair business is that you are opting into situations where customers can be uber-picky and 'zilla-y.

Even in the home repair side, I'm having to cajole a client into paying us for a lock repair that went horribly wrong based on HER specific request. I'm having to chastise our fixer-woman for ever taking such an unrealistic gig, but nonetheless, the work requested was done. What happened after that is not our problem. Still? Massive push-back.

People can be blind, deaf and demandy.

I'm trying to distract myself from financial woes and write, although I'm not allowing myself good, distraction-less writing conditions. I'm having difficulty making any progress. I keep rewriting the same paragraph over an over, and can't get past it. I do this all the time and it makes me crazy.

if you are on a mac, Writeroom is a great distraction free writing program.

Although I'm a Scrivener fanatic.

smonster can hire me on a per-call basis for 'zillas.

"Hi, this is Erin, Super S's counsel (hey, like Polonius; if they think "lawyer" that's their bad.) I hear you have an issue with the service, and are refusing payment unlawfully.

I have a copy of the contract, a work log and photos. Uh huh. Uh huh. That's nice. What a banal usage of invective. The full amount is due tomorrow — I've been called that name before, hon. You still owe the money. Ever hear of small claims court? It's a really fun place to be -- for me. Would YOU like it? OK, then! Yep, the address to send the payment is..."

Sean, you have my complete sympathies. I have been in that state very, very often. Would using Written:Kitten! help for motivation?

Although I'm a Scrivener fanatic

I've become hooked on Scrivener! My project is all organized and stuff!

Hi. I'm procrastinating. I should be recording the podcast/radio show thing that was supposed to have been done, oh, last week. I feel weird admitting this, but I think I have stage fright. ::hangs head in shame

Interesting, le n. Although it won't help with the TV, or my lack of good workstation. I need to find a better place to write. Not having a car of any kind really doesn't help with this.

Seriously. Annoying.

However, we really are in the wrong in terms of making a super-dumb mistake in taking the gig. It was to repair the cylinder of an ancient gate lock. We fixed that, then the bolt spring broke.

We originally suggested the lock be replaced. The owner said no. We should have walked away.

It's my job to communicate with people in such a way that they do what we want and don't badmouth us to the neighbors. I just wish we didn't make such blatant errors that I then have to smooth over. ERgh.

Would using Written:Kitten! help for motivation?

What on earth is that?

Written? Kitten! Every "x" amount of words you input, you get a new kitten picture. It's silly, but sometimes it does get me to keep writing when I hate everything.

Where's Written? Hottie! I could do with that. I mean, I have nothing to write, but I could start.