I have a PhD in Procrastination (Thesis title: I was going to write this thesis but I just needed to catch up on what my Tweeps were up to, reorganise my post-it note collection, make a quick trip to buy some new pens, make a cup of tea and randomly search the web. Oh look, a LOLcats picture about waiting.)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Given my natural ability for wasting time, you would think that having to sit around waiting for something to happen would be a dream come true for me. Having an actual excuse to not start planning or implementing a project should be ideal. Guilt free Words with Friends, here I come.

Unfortunately, my fondness for procrastination only seems to kick in if I have a deadline or commitment that I can ignore.  When I am forced to wait for something, I find it hard to resist the compulsion to start making lists and plans and strategies. Maybe a few flow charts. And a spreadsheet.

Case in point: I’m applying for the #SleepingOnTheJob role with Sealy Australia. For a month, they want someone to keep a sleep journal and road test one of their beds.

I'm not #SleepingOnTheJob yet, so this is not a photo of me. Volunteer sleeping duties do not include photo shoots.

Sounds great to me. Getting paid to sleep? I’m up for that. I’m even willing to throw in some relaxing, resting, dozing and nanna napping for free. I’m generous like that.

The deadline to apply for the position is today. Sealy Australia will narrow it down to their favourites and then I think there will be a public vote. Finally, a gazillion years after the competition was launched, the winner will be announced.

If I was sensible, I would apply (which I’ve done) and then calmly wait for the announcement. If unsuccessful, I would go back to my unpaid volunteer sleeping role. If successful, then I could enjoy a month of sponsored sleeping. Instead, I’m making plans about what I could do with my month #SleepingOnTheJob. John & Yoko style bed-ins for a good cause. Maybe a theme each weekend (recommendations for relaxing music to sleep to, cotton v flannelette sheet debate, breakfast in bed recipes). Some random posts on bed related topics like alarm clocks and iGadget sleep apps.

If I’m not successful, brace yourself for a month of totally random sleep-related blog posts. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Unfortunately, my 12-year-old son seems to have inherited my just-can’t-wait-patiently-without-doing-something tendencies. He is a finalist for the LITTLE Committee project and has two weeks to wait for his interview. How is he filling in the time? He has put together a résumé and a list of tasks he feels that he would be able to facilitate in his role as a member of the committee. By the time his interview comes around at the end of the month, I imagine he will have a timetable of events, suggestions for promotional activities and a checklist of suitable print and social media networks. I know that he is perfect for this role and I hope when he arrives for the interview that they are inspired, not scared, by his enthusiasm. If you know Natasha Stott Despoja, the group mentor, you might want to give her a heads up that he is on his way. Probably best to not let him take her by surprise.

How do you distract yourself when you are waiting for good/bad news? Do you keep busy or kick back? Have your children inherited your coping techniques?

PS You’ll know if I’ve been shortlisted for #SleepingOnTheJob if I totally bombard you with requests to vote for me. Once again, don’t say you haven’t been warned.

PPS The LITTLE Committee is such a fantastic idea that I will no doubt be promoting what they do whether my son is successful in his interview or not.

PPPS Don’t you hate it when people write lots of PS’s at the end of something instead of writing the original letter/post properly in the first place? So annoying.

PPPPS Sorry