Gearing Up

It is a beautiful day in Chicago: breezy, high of 65, and most of the morons are focused on Wrigleyville, leaving my neck of the woods rather quiet.

After wandering around a few neighborhoods looking for possible live-work buildings to buy (which is actually only half pipe-dream right now), I’m starting to think about the week ahead. What do I have to do? What do I want to do? How can I get as much out of each day as possible.

Frankly, the weather is a HUGE help for me. This week is looking to be cool, which automatically means I will get more done and feel better about working. If I start every day without the dread of humidity and high heat, it will be a good day.

Despite these potentially good things, I’m entering the week with a fair bit of scowling. I’m really really sick of Facebook and these ridiculously ineffective “social networks”. I’m tired of people saying they are my “friend” but not being the least bit interested in anything I’m doing. It’s an easy way to start getting pessimistic by voluntarily spending time working for people that don’t care about you.

So, I’m trying to get all of that negativity out of my system now… breathe deep, try to focus on the people that DO care, and let all the snark that I might want to inject into each day slide away. Don’t get me wrong… I love getting snarky. It’s probably the only thing the Internet is good for any more. But I don’t need it right now.

So, we’ll see how it goes!

Filed under: Note

Motivation

During the summer, my biggest problem is finding motivation. Because I feel sluggish and hot, it’s hard for me to shake off the sloth and get down to work. I’ve had one of those summers, and I feel like I may be coming out of it now. All of the projects that I’m working on seem a little bit more inviting, a tad shinier than they did last week. I’m actually finding myself eager to look in on some sites and groups that I’ve avoided for months now. Not everything I hear about design is frustrating me.

All good things.

Today a few things arrived at Sidedown HQ that really brightened up the day. Some new Ruritania Prints finally showed up, and they look great. Later, a box from Amazon was delivered. It contained Season Three of The Venture Bros. as well as the soundtrack to that same show, on vinyl.

I’m listening to it now, it’s absolutely excellent.

Filed under: Music, Note, productivity, ruritania, summer, venture bros

Being Away

It’s nice to travel, even if I’m flying solo this trip. Non-stop from Chicago to Cincinnati, five hours, still have a quarter tank left. Mini Cooper = efficient.

I got to catch up briefly with Jeremy, see Pete and his family, and am now sitting in Awakenings cafe in Hyde Park. Partially because I’m not ready to be in, partially because I think Jeremy may have made me a bum key. I’m fine with it… I actually planned on spending some alone time in a cafe/bar each night, working on various projects.

I’m listening to two guys play folk standards on guitar and mandolin. I’m drinking a latte. It’s muggy out.

Tomorrow morning I’l likely take a quick jaunt over to the UC campus, just because. Then it’s official Sidedown Hiatus business.

Filed under: Note