How long to machine engine?

My machine work was going slow when I had my short block built. I really was not in a hurry for it (it's just sitting on an engine stand right now), but I felt the machine shop should process things in a first-in-first-out order. What was happening is they were working on their regular.. a.k.a. 'preferred' customers stuff first and then in their spare time working on the other stuff. Once I figured this out, I started calling the shop every 1-2 days asking how things were going. I made it a point to make small talk and take up some of the owners time. After that, things sped up considerably. Don't be a pest, but let them know you are getting a bit anxious. If they don't pick up the pace, tell them you need to come pick up your stuff and take it somewhere else.