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"DOES ANYONE HAVE THE TIME?"
Original Post Date, January 16, 2009
9:33 p.m.
That's the time that I'm beginning this post. I'm obsessed with time. And not in a "I'm getting older and realizing that the years are slipping away and whoa is me...where did the time go..."way.
9:34 p.m.
I just have this need to know what time it is. Constantly. I've had this obsession for as long as I can remember. Even if I have nowhere to go and nothing to do, the first thing I do in the morning is put my watch on and the last thing I do before I go to sleep is take it off. If I lie in bed too long before I fall asleep, I have to turn and look at the clock. 11:30. 11:35. 11:38. Then the thoughts start running in my head. Fall asleep. Fall asleep. Fall asleep! Because before you know it, it will be 5:30 a.m. 5:35. 5:40.
When I go on a date, I check my watch all night long. "Um, is there somewhere you need to be?"
I have a clock on my computer, my desk, my phone, my pager, the bank sign on the way into work, the window of the bakery shop, the dashboard of my car. Everywhere I turn, I see the time. And I'll look at all of them and still check my watch. Some women collect shoes or purses. I collect watches and clocks.
9:36 p.m.
Do you remember the song "Time" by the Alan Parsons Project? Even today, when I hear that song, I get so sad. And I couldn't even tell you why. Wait...okay I'm remembering the words now. Oh, it makes me sad because it's so damn depressing. Okay, scratch that. Bad example.
I found out recently that there's a name for my problem. It's CHRONOMANIA. (Greek khronos, time + Greek mania, obsession, madness; cf. megalomania, balletomania) - obsession with time and speed; inclination to utilize every moment and to submit one's life to a total time control.
Yes, that would be me. I'm a chronomaniac.
I wonder if there are support groups for Chronomaniacs. As with a lot of 12 step programs, I'm sure the group would focus on abstinence from the behavior so how would we know when the meeting was over?
Yes, that would be me. I'm a chronomaniac.
I wonder if there are support groups for Chronomaniacs. As with a lot of 12 step programs, I'm sure the group would focus on abstinence from the behavior so how would we know when the meeting was over?
Well, anyway, it's been a busy week and I told myself I wanted to be asleep by 10:00. It's already 9:40 and 10 seconds, 15 seconds....20 seconds....
I used to be a Chronomaniac, but I eventually discovered IDGAD* and ever since then my life has been a lot more stress free. I loved the Alan Parsons song and have it in my CD player in my car now. Yes, depressing, but it's catchy. Great post!
ReplyDelete* I Don't Give A Damn
I check my watch way to much. Not sure why. I feel naked when I get to work and realize I have forgotten to put on. I look down and think... Oh, My watch is a little off. I never really cared too much for that song. My worst time is at night. Waking up looking at the clock thinking I gotta get to sleep. Then wake up checking the clock to see if it is 6:00, time to get up. 5:00, 5:11..... Drives me nuts.
ReplyDeleteWe are time-driven as adults. It is like work, having a watch on our wrists. That's one of the things i take off as soon as I get home.
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny! I fear I'm just the opposite. I'm constantly looking up at the clock and saying, "Oh, crap! Is it already (insert time much later than I thought)?" I think I like your issue better!!
ReplyDeleteAlan Parsons song? You won't find that on my Ipod and you won't see a watch on my wrist ever. Now vintage jewelry? That's a different story :)
ReplyDeleteYEY!!!! I missed you!!! having the internet again is wonderful!!! now i can continue to stalk you!! and yes, i am also an obsessive clock watcher, i cant help myself!!!
ReplyDeleteJessi