Rituals

Last Wednesday when we discussed our rituals I didn't really discuss mine. I'm not certain that calling them rituals is correct, and in fact calling them that may give them more significance than they deserve. Regardless of whether or not you'd call them rituals, the following is what I am relatively consistent on when I write papers:

I sit down in front of my computer. I lean over and move the books and notebook I am using for the paper from the floor to my desk. While I do this, I notice my fingernails haven't been clipped in a while. Hmm, I should probably take care of that before I forget. While I do that, I figure it only makes sense to get my toes as well. I return to my chair and look at my computer. Better check my e-mail, just in case. While I'm at it, I should probably see if anything is new on facebook. I never use MySpace anymore, and have absolutely no reason to check it, but should probably check it anyway, just in case. Before I know it I've spent an hour on Wikipedia looking up a wide array of things.

Essentially, my only real ritual is putting it off as long as possible. I've survived this way so far. I like to think I'm a good writer, and rarely alter much in the paper after I finish it. Sometimes I don't even read through it when I'm done because I don't want to think about it anymore. I think the greatest disadvantage of this is that there isn't enough time to have anybody else look at my paper. Though I don't think I'd want any peer revision among my friends. Being a client at the writing center will be a strange experience, and I'm not sure what to expect. I do not know whether or not I will be given advice and ignore it through pride or actually consider it.