Categories: translation, triumphs, trials
Date: 09 June 2009 11:58:20
Last night, I finally fell asleep at about 3.30 am. I hate not being able to sleep as I lie there thinking "argh, fall asleep, you've got to get up again in 5 / 4/ 3 hours". I don't suppose it helps.
The alarm rang at its customary 7.30 am, I rolled over, turned it off, knocked it to the floor and carried on snoozing. Some time later, I heard the telephone ring. Looked for the clock. Not there. Fell out of bed, ran to the office and answered as perkily as poss
Me: Good morning, Tiggywinkle Translations! :-)
Client: Einen schönen guten Morgen, Kerensa!
Me: Guten Morgen, Herr Lieblingsklient! :-)
Client: (in German) We've got this rush job, we need it back by 11. It's only 450 words - do you think you'd be able to do it?
Me: [Argh. I have absolutely no idea what the time is now. Quick bit of stalling for time required] Oh [all innocence] is that 11 your time or mine?
Client: Oh, of course, you're an hour behind. I'll tell you what, I'll mail it to you. Have a look and call me back immediately.
Me: Will do! :-)
Kerensa turns on computer [couldn't do that during the call as all the bings and bongs would be a real give-away], dashes back into bedroom to look at clock. Clock seems to have suffered cardiac arrest on hitting the floor and has stopped. Kerensa runs downstairs to kitchen to a) put on kettle and b) find out the time.
Phew! It's only 8 am here. It could have easily been midday. Pours cuppa, runs upstairs again to the Engine Room. Starts translating. About doner kebabs...
A couple of hours later, the job is finished. Mail it off. Seconds later the phone rings. Mr Client again. The customer has amended the document. Argh! I cry. I've just this minute finished it![And I was hoping to have some breakfast...]
Make amendments and mail it off again. Have belated breakfast.
It's now nearly lunchtime - and I'm still in my pyjamas. Shall I go back to where I was 5 hours ago and catch up on a few zeds - or soldier on and go to bed early?