Secondhand Sunday

Sunday, February 28, 2010

I'm basically too lazy to think of anything new to say so I'm re-posting a "vintage" entry.

If you aren't in the mood for repeats, please feel free to change the channel.


"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?


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....

6 comments

  1. 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!

    * I Don't Give A Damn

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  2. 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.

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  3. We 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.

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  4. This 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!!

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  5. Alan 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 :)

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  6. YEY!!!! 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!!!

    Jessi

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