Deadlines are my lifeline. I use them to push me forward and make me produce. I am known for my hurrying, scurrying, frantic it-has-to-get-done- now mode because it is already practically too late.

So, all day I reassured myself. I will come up with something to write about. Even if I stay up really late. An idea will take hold. I just need to make sure I observe, notice and remember.

I forgot to take into account that today included the final day for parent/teacher conferences and a lack of adequate sleep.

By evening, all my words are gone -- talked away. My brain sputters and struggles to pull together a coherent thought that can be represented by several sentences. There is nothing. The all-powerful deadline signals a rare defeat.

A new day is required and demanded.