If you are in any way like me (which I truly hope not for your film’s sake) you have a gazillion films lying around waiting to be developed. Granted, there will always be the odd one, but I actually have a bag full of 35mm, 110 and 120 rolls, with the odd cine film too. Ooops….
After taking a year out to study for my MA (in retrospect a rather foolish decision) and gaining a new nickname – Bob (long story) - I’m back on track for developing. Well, except for the fact that I ended up with a trapped nerve and couldn’t move my right arm much, but that said, I really want to get the developing tank rotating again. But hey, I’m a soldier – I can handle this!
First problem though: which ones do I start with?
Being a geeky German, I’ve grouped all of them into “chunks” of location, subject and interest. “Yeah, good work Lisa.”
Second problem: my classification system doesn’t help…. No hierarchy…
So I created a timeline – yes, actually drew on a rather large piece of paper – and placed my films onto it.
“Better job Bob, you’re on fire”
Third problem: still no clue of where to start… maybe a timeline is too restrictive and not “free-thinking” enough, maybe I need to stop thinking and start connecting in other ways -  guess I’ve learned the odd thing from my MA.
“I need a mind map – get the crayons out again”
Fourth problem: Nope, just confused myself even more … Hmmm…. not groups, not a timeline, no hierarchy, not a mind-map…. I could write a reflective diary entry and see if I can somehow uncover my subconscious wishes…. No, sounds too scary and stupid! Maybe just draw one blindly from the bag.
“Bob, you are so clever!”
So I put all of them back in the storage bag and drew one.
Fifth problem: Lake District – Roll 4 – Pentax ME Super – nah, there are far more interesting films to be developed. Back in the bag. Next go: Filter Test – Mamiya – hmmm, sounds boring too, can’t even remember when I shot that. Best out of three – new draw: Chicago – Day 2 – Architectural Cruise –  yes, that sounds good to me.
“Spool One – Chicago: Check.”
Sixth problem: seven more spools to fill. Lake District – Double exposures – sigh… just landscapes? I want something more exciting.  Walking - wtf? No date, no camera, just the catchy title of ‘walking’??? Not the right time for this. New draw: Blenheim Place – Vintage Car Show – yeah, that’s it, and it’s a 120 roll so will need less films now to fill the tank.
“Spool Two – Retro Cars – yay!”
….
Hours pass.
…
Finally I had all my films and was ready to get going, but kind a low on energy … Coffee Break!
“Coffee rules!”
Seventh problem: Come on, more issues? All I wanna do is develop some film……
The chemicals look rather old and exhausted. Let’s check the date…. Oh, February 2010?!? No wonder they look old, they are! 
So I disposed of them, washed the bottles, got a new packet out and mixed some fresh ones. Ready to go – yay!!
Eighth problem: kinda hungry now…. Better have some food.
“Man, this is not my day, is it?!”
…

Later in the day:
Ok, fed and watered, new chemicals, films ready to go – nothing can stop me now!
Damn, where is the film opener?? I’m sure I had it in this box…. When did I have it last???
“Come on, think Lisa, think!”
Maybe in my camera bag, why on earth it would be I don’t know, but worth a look….. no, dead end. With the black and white chemicals? No. In the film bag? Nope. Arrgghhh, this is starting to annoy me…. I do have a spare opener though, I’ll just use that one.
Ninth problem: damn, can’t find my spare one either….. I could call my boyfriend, he might know.
“Yes, he always knows where stuff is, I’ll call him”!
Tenth problem: I don’t want to call him…. He will laugh at me and tell me that I just didn’t look carefully enough and in the end it will be right in front of me. I will have another look myself, I’m sure I can find one of the two somewhere.
…
Hours pass again – the house is a mess
…
Hmmm….cameras, films, bags, lenses, set of filters, books, journals, adapters, …… Ahh, my Diana! I was looking for my baby weeks ago! How I missed Thee! I have found my Diana – yay- , maybe I just go out and try that new filter I bought for it!
“Yes, better plan Bob, you can’t find the film opener anyway!”
…
Eleventh problem: It’s almost dark and my Diana hasn’t got a flash. Would be almost pointless to go out now and I should really tidy up…. Hmmm…. Better clean up, maybe I find the film opener.
…

Ages later:
Yay, I’ve finally found the damn opener!! Now I can finally get those damn films developed!!!
“Phew, successful after all!”
Hang on, I can hear a key in the front door… Oh, it’s that late??? Better have some dinner now, almost bed time…
“Hmmmm….”

So, like I said before, I hope you’re nothing like me when it comes to developing films…