waiting to upload

Hello OHbaglady,

Sounds like you're using iCloud Drive. If you see 'Waiting to Upload' this would mean that it is in the process of uploading your recent changes to these documents or adding them to iCloud. This should clear up once the process has completed.

In case you're having issues with connecting to iCloud, then we'd recommend taking these related steps: If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud - Apple Support

Should you continue to have issues, what happens exactly, if you restart the Mac normally? Does it process these files/documents after starting back up? As restarting can often resolve simple issues, it may help us out. To restart your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu.
2. Select Restart.

Let us know how it goes, take care.

Hi OHbaglady,

Thanks for providing those additional details. Let's have you try starting up your Mac in safe mode to see if the issue occurs there as well. You can see how to start up in safe mode here: Start up your Mac in safe mode

Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.

Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.

2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.

3. Select a volume.

4. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Start up your Intel-based Mac in safe mode

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.

2. Log in to your Mac.

3. You might be asked to log in again.

On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Starting in safe mode will take a little longer than normal, because it verifies and repairs the directory, cleans caches, and loads only Apple-critical items.

Kind regards.