I'm an overcast girl. I enjoy cloudy days, rainy days, stormy days and snowy days. They are when I work best and when I can more easily focus on the job at hand.
It's not that I have to work on those days because being outside isn't fun; it's because I truly enjoy the close proximity of the elements, the sense that they are surrounding me and supporting me in my endeavours.
Unfortunately, some people misinterpret my love for the gloomy weather. They think I'm completely nuts, or suffering perhaps from a reverse case of SAD - seasonal affective disorder.
A word to the wise - none of the above.
Over the years, all manner of people have tried to convert me, but I remain steadfast in my resolve - love the sunny days, but overcast days are bliss!
Actually, whatever is going on outside, I prefer to look on the bright side of the weather. Unless catastrophic circumstances are looming, I don't see any point in complaining about the wind and the rain and the snow and the cold and the heat and the whatever. But for too many of us, if it's not to our liking or our planning, we take issue with it. Especially the forecasters, who seem intent on spelling doom every time it rains, snows or blows.
Well, other than avoid it completely by staying holed up inside, there's really nothing you can do about the weather. Much better to not get all hung up on that which you can't control anyway.
Instead, be a good scout and adequately prepare for whatever Mother Nature has dished up for you. Grab your raincoat or your windbreaker or your sunglasses or your snow boots - and save your complaining for something you can actually do something about.
Go on! Look on the bright side of the overcast day. If you make the most of it, you probably won't even notice the weather.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Back to basics
Is it possible? Have I done it? Am I fixed?
Now, I don't want to tempt fate here, but I think I might have done something wonderful to heal my somewhat aching back. And it was oh, so simple.
Over the last while, my back hasn't been quite right. I thought it was worn-out discs perhaps, or sitting slumped at my desk, or walking all tensed up, bad posture, or simply old age.
So, I began to pay attention to when things hurt, and consulted a multitude of books and "experts", implementing various stretching, walking and exercising regimes, sitting up straighter, adjusting my chair, and changing the usual place I sit on the sofa while watching TV.
A little bit of difference, but not so much that I felt fixed.
Until I started to bend.
An almost overlooked notion in one article that said when you pick up something, don't bend over at the waist; bend at your knees instead and stop putting so much pressure on your lower back.
Indeed, I have to say that at first, I thought the notion was silly, until I realised that bending over at the waist was exactly when my back hurt the most - at the point I straightened up and for a few minutes after the fact.
Bending at the knees wasn't all that comfy either, but the article said to persist because it will strengthen my knees, take the pressure off my back, and was a good habit to adopt.
And adopt it I did - on a trial basis for a week. And hip-hip-hooray - no more lower back pain. None. Narda. Zilch! As well, my knees and legs do feel much stronger and a lot happier, so yeah!
Okay, maybe it was a combination of everything else I tried and this was simply the icing on the cake, but as far as my back's concerned, it worked. Bending at the knees is definitely a habit I've adopted for life.
And I'm also looking at other areas of my health and well being that could benefit from getting back to basics. When all else fails, it's a good start to fixing what ails you.
PS Unfortunately, I didn’t save the article in question; only took what I needed and applied to my situation. But I have found since that many back health disciplines prescribe this particular notion to protect the lower back. Look and ye shall find what works best for you.
Now, I don't want to tempt fate here, but I think I might have done something wonderful to heal my somewhat aching back. And it was oh, so simple.
Over the last while, my back hasn't been quite right. I thought it was worn-out discs perhaps, or sitting slumped at my desk, or walking all tensed up, bad posture, or simply old age.
So, I began to pay attention to when things hurt, and consulted a multitude of books and "experts", implementing various stretching, walking and exercising regimes, sitting up straighter, adjusting my chair, and changing the usual place I sit on the sofa while watching TV.
A little bit of difference, but not so much that I felt fixed.
Until I started to bend.
An almost overlooked notion in one article that said when you pick up something, don't bend over at the waist; bend at your knees instead and stop putting so much pressure on your lower back.
Indeed, I have to say that at first, I thought the notion was silly, until I realised that bending over at the waist was exactly when my back hurt the most - at the point I straightened up and for a few minutes after the fact.
Bending at the knees wasn't all that comfy either, but the article said to persist because it will strengthen my knees, take the pressure off my back, and was a good habit to adopt.
And adopt it I did - on a trial basis for a week. And hip-hip-hooray - no more lower back pain. None. Narda. Zilch! As well, my knees and legs do feel much stronger and a lot happier, so yeah!
Okay, maybe it was a combination of everything else I tried and this was simply the icing on the cake, but as far as my back's concerned, it worked. Bending at the knees is definitely a habit I've adopted for life.
And I'm also looking at other areas of my health and well being that could benefit from getting back to basics. When all else fails, it's a good start to fixing what ails you.
PS Unfortunately, I didn’t save the article in question; only took what I needed and applied to my situation. But I have found since that many back health disciplines prescribe this particular notion to protect the lower back. Look and ye shall find what works best for you.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
CCC
There are times as a freelancer that my office is the best place in the world. Quiet, all my resources at my disposal, a 'usual' spot for creative endeavours and self conversations. Those are the times when I get lots done and produce some of my best ideas and my most engaging writing.
And then there are the other times when it feels lonely and sad, and nonproductive as a result. Those are the times I need a CCC.
A few months ago, a friend of mine was lamenting the lack of time she had to work on her thesis. I concurred, although for me, it was related to creative writing. We both craved some designated time to focus on something important to us. And that's when we came up with the idea of coffee, collaboration and communication = CCC.
CCC is where we sit together over coffee for several hours and work. Yes, work, not converse. If necessary, we run things past each other, ask advice, compare notes, and collaborate, but always with the goal of getting work done.
At first, it was difficult because we had lots to catch up on from the previous week, but we soon got the gist of what we were trying to achieve - a regular time free of interruptions and phone calls, away from desktop computers and offices, and in the company of someone who is happy to sit and work for several hours. We even started setting goals to achieve by the next time we got together - bonus!
Ultimately, the real benefit here is accountability - having someone who encourages and inspires you to stay focused enough so that you walk away with a significant chunk of work done that might otherwise have fallen by the wayside.
Yes, we sometimes start with breakfast, or end with lunch, or, if we have lots to do, bracket our CCC with both. But the end result is always the same - something to show for our efforts.
It works so well that a second friend - another creative writer - has bought into the CCC concept as well.
If this keeps up, there's only one problem that I can see - my office will be so lonely that IT will need a CCC!
And then there are the other times when it feels lonely and sad, and nonproductive as a result. Those are the times I need a CCC.
A few months ago, a friend of mine was lamenting the lack of time she had to work on her thesis. I concurred, although for me, it was related to creative writing. We both craved some designated time to focus on something important to us. And that's when we came up with the idea of coffee, collaboration and communication = CCC.
CCC is where we sit together over coffee for several hours and work. Yes, work, not converse. If necessary, we run things past each other, ask advice, compare notes, and collaborate, but always with the goal of getting work done.
At first, it was difficult because we had lots to catch up on from the previous week, but we soon got the gist of what we were trying to achieve - a regular time free of interruptions and phone calls, away from desktop computers and offices, and in the company of someone who is happy to sit and work for several hours. We even started setting goals to achieve by the next time we got together - bonus!
Ultimately, the real benefit here is accountability - having someone who encourages and inspires you to stay focused enough so that you walk away with a significant chunk of work done that might otherwise have fallen by the wayside.
Yes, we sometimes start with breakfast, or end with lunch, or, if we have lots to do, bracket our CCC with both. But the end result is always the same - something to show for our efforts.
It works so well that a second friend - another creative writer - has bought into the CCC concept as well.
If this keeps up, there's only one problem that I can see - my office will be so lonely that IT will need a CCC!
Monday, July 12, 2010
A work in progress
Time management? Never had much time for it. Procrastination? Can work for you or against you. Distractions? Come in all shapes and sizes. Taking charge? Now, that's more like it.
Despite my best efforts, I've come to accept that some of my day is wasted on trivial and unnecessary, sometimes useless pursuits. But last Monday, I decided to take charge, identify the culprits, and counter them. This is what I did and how it worked.
Facebook and Twitter — check at the start of the day, then shut them down. Yes, I could disconnect completely, but there are certain people and groups I like to check in with regularly.
UPDATE: I decided that once a day was regular enough, and while I stuck to that for FB — and survived nicely, thank you very much — I actually ignored Twitter completely. (Don't think my 33 followers even realise I've bailed ....)
Daytimer — write in what I want to achieve each day. Doesn't have to be detailed, just visible. Designated time allotments are even better! Starting with a blank schedule is dangerous and gives me free reign to do nothing.
UPDATE: Working brilliantly!
Phones — let calls go to voice mail. Pretend I am in my car or in a meeting, or ... wait ... busy!
UPDATE: Silence is golden!
Doubts — talk them over with myself. Left unaddressed, most doubts fester, filling the tiny crevices of open time and blowing them way out of proportion. Giving them a voice and an ear usually does the trick.
UPDATE: Also works to get up and do something completely different for even a minute, or shift the workspace to the back table, outside, the coffee shop, or to a CCC [see next blog for an explanation of that successful little idea].
Expectations — group the source of each according to "wait for it", "try, try again" and "move on without". Sadly, somehow, in some way, for some reason, at some time, someone will not step up as I had hoped or needed. An unreturned phone call, non-response to an email, disregard of a deadline, lack of a confirmation, dishonest intentions — disappointing and frustrating, but fretting over them only serves to soak up time.
UPDATE: Giving expectations an arbitrary degree of importance has helped me keep moving rather than stay wallowing in the "who's the blame" and "what's wrong with me" games.
Projects — which hat am I wearing? So many of my projects compete for attention against commitments for others, with my stuff often on the losing side. Yes, it's my doing, but I think it's because I don't always know which hat I'm wearing when I start work. Editor? Writer? Speaker? Secretary? Designer? Project manager? Counsellor?
UPDATE: I start the day (or segments of the day) announcing which hat I have on, and then committing to that role, seeing it through without distraction.
And there you have it. Those things that distract me, my plan to counter them, and progress so far. Of course, it's not always about countering — sometimes it's about understanding what they are trying to tell me. Too many projects on the go? Believing that my work and I are not important? Derailed by the success of others? Any or all of the above.
The real lesson here, however, is that I am a work in progress. That not everything goes to plan. That things happen and I simply have to deal, one way or another. But if I stay true to what is important to me, and maintain my integrity and focus, it will all come together, perhaps even better than expected.
And keeping that in mind, my friends, is the best counter of all.
Despite my best efforts, I've come to accept that some of my day is wasted on trivial and unnecessary, sometimes useless pursuits. But last Monday, I decided to take charge, identify the culprits, and counter them. This is what I did and how it worked.
Facebook and Twitter — check at the start of the day, then shut them down. Yes, I could disconnect completely, but there are certain people and groups I like to check in with regularly.
UPDATE: I decided that once a day was regular enough, and while I stuck to that for FB — and survived nicely, thank you very much — I actually ignored Twitter completely. (Don't think my 33 followers even realise I've bailed ....)
Daytimer — write in what I want to achieve each day. Doesn't have to be detailed, just visible. Designated time allotments are even better! Starting with a blank schedule is dangerous and gives me free reign to do nothing.
UPDATE: Working brilliantly!
Phones — let calls go to voice mail. Pretend I am in my car or in a meeting, or ... wait ... busy!
UPDATE: Silence is golden!
Doubts — talk them over with myself. Left unaddressed, most doubts fester, filling the tiny crevices of open time and blowing them way out of proportion. Giving them a voice and an ear usually does the trick.
UPDATE: Also works to get up and do something completely different for even a minute, or shift the workspace to the back table, outside, the coffee shop, or to a CCC [see next blog for an explanation of that successful little idea].
Expectations — group the source of each according to "wait for it", "try, try again" and "move on without". Sadly, somehow, in some way, for some reason, at some time, someone will not step up as I had hoped or needed. An unreturned phone call, non-response to an email, disregard of a deadline, lack of a confirmation, dishonest intentions — disappointing and frustrating, but fretting over them only serves to soak up time.
UPDATE: Giving expectations an arbitrary degree of importance has helped me keep moving rather than stay wallowing in the "who's the blame" and "what's wrong with me" games.
Projects — which hat am I wearing? So many of my projects compete for attention against commitments for others, with my stuff often on the losing side. Yes, it's my doing, but I think it's because I don't always know which hat I'm wearing when I start work. Editor? Writer? Speaker? Secretary? Designer? Project manager? Counsellor?
UPDATE: I start the day (or segments of the day) announcing which hat I have on, and then committing to that role, seeing it through without distraction.
And there you have it. Those things that distract me, my plan to counter them, and progress so far. Of course, it's not always about countering — sometimes it's about understanding what they are trying to tell me. Too many projects on the go? Believing that my work and I are not important? Derailed by the success of others? Any or all of the above.
The real lesson here, however, is that I am a work in progress. That not everything goes to plan. That things happen and I simply have to deal, one way or another. But if I stay true to what is important to me, and maintain my integrity and focus, it will all come together, perhaps even better than expected.
And keeping that in mind, my friends, is the best counter of all.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Silence
It's the first thing I hear in the morning and the last thing I hear at night. It's what I would like to hear more often in the intervening time, and what I sometimes hear when I least expect it. It's the source of some of my most creative thoughts, my best ideas and my craziest notions, and it's usually when I have the peace of mind to deal with all that ails me. It's the calm before and after the storm, the act of indecision, and the moment before everything kicks into gear. It's something we need, but rarely have, and something at our disposal, but rarely use. It's everywhere at one time or another, in one way or another, in one form or another, for some reason or another, and yet all too often, it is completely out of reach.
Silence is all this, and oh, so much more, but right here, right now, it simply is what it is. And for that, I am quietly grateful.
Silence is all this, and oh, so much more, but right here, right now, it simply is what it is. And for that, I am quietly grateful.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Corporate cough up
The road rules are clear, although not everyone agrees with or abides by them.
Other than ticketing and safety campaigns, and hoping that common sense will kick in occasionally, there's not much we can do about the average Joe out there on the bitumen.
But what about the corporate Joe? Shouldn't they be setting an example for others? I think so, and I have an idea to remind them of that.
Charge them twice, i.e., instead of a $300 fine, make it $600. Send a message to the owners and board of directors that their representatives are not doing a good job at representing.
If you think this a dumb or pointless idea, let me remind you that we can see you with your company logos and your "please report bad drivers" contact info - and don't think we won't or haven't. And they are not alone. Couriers, taxis, city workers and transit buses are right up there as primary offenders. Tsk, tsk. We're watching!
Let's send them a message: If you're going to advertise your company on our roads, do it right and lead by example instead of leading the charge and setting the tone for dangerous and careless driving.
Just a thought ....
Other than ticketing and safety campaigns, and hoping that common sense will kick in occasionally, there's not much we can do about the average Joe out there on the bitumen.
But what about the corporate Joe? Shouldn't they be setting an example for others? I think so, and I have an idea to remind them of that.
Charge them twice, i.e., instead of a $300 fine, make it $600. Send a message to the owners and board of directors that their representatives are not doing a good job at representing.
If you think this a dumb or pointless idea, let me remind you that we can see you with your company logos and your "please report bad drivers" contact info - and don't think we won't or haven't. And they are not alone. Couriers, taxis, city workers and transit buses are right up there as primary offenders. Tsk, tsk. We're watching!
Let's send them a message: If you're going to advertise your company on our roads, do it right and lead by example instead of leading the charge and setting the tone for dangerous and careless driving.
Just a thought ....
Friday, June 11, 2010
When you ad it all up
Ads on TV I get. Well, I don't actually 'get' them, because mostly I use that time to put things away, go to the bathroom, or channel surf. And, of course, when I've recorded the program I'm watching, the fast forward button is my best friend.
Ads on billboards I get, but again, I'm usually too busy watching the road or too focused on getting to my destination to actually notice them.
Ads in the paper I get, but for the most part, I don't read them either. In fact, as a result of my days delivering the paper, when advertising inclusions were at the max - Christmas, Fathers Day, Easter, 'just because' day - and each paper was equivalent in weight to a house brick, I began to develop an aversion to advertising and have turned a mostly blind eye ever since.
Ads on radio I get, except they seem to meld with the concerts and conversations and I honestly don't notice them.
I even get ads on the Internet - and shut them down as quickly as I can.
So, yes, I get it. Ads are here to stay, apparently necessary for our survival, and always trying to sell you something, from products and fast money techniques, to ideas and opinions. I accept them and will deal with them as suits the occasion.
However, after visiting my beloved Sydney Morning Herald today, I think I've hit ad overload. Not only do the ads pop out unexpectedly from the side, hover at the top of the page, and fill every other nook and cranny, but now, when clicking on some articles, we have to choose which of three ads to watch before the item we really want to see comes into view. And if we don't choose, they will for us, and then won't permit us to fast forward them into oblivion.
Up till now, I've been reasonably willing to sit idly by as ads happened to me, but now I'm expected to be involved in the selection. Which would be fine if there was actually an ad I was interested in, but sadly, that is usually not the case.
Okay, yes, over the years, I, too, have embraced the advertising medium to promote stuff, so I get it's value in many instances. And yes, there are some very clever and effective ads out there that grab one's attention and stick in one's mind, subliminally or otherwise.
However, a lot of it is advertising purely for the sake of it - i.e., annoying and silly, irrelevant and in poor taste, stereotypical and superficial, and meaningless, counterproductive and frustrating.
All I'm saying is that if we have to put up with ads on the information highway, then when we have to choose something, could we at least be allowed to choose "neither" when that is what we really want?
Ads on billboards I get, but again, I'm usually too busy watching the road or too focused on getting to my destination to actually notice them.
Ads in the paper I get, but for the most part, I don't read them either. In fact, as a result of my days delivering the paper, when advertising inclusions were at the max - Christmas, Fathers Day, Easter, 'just because' day - and each paper was equivalent in weight to a house brick, I began to develop an aversion to advertising and have turned a mostly blind eye ever since.
Ads on radio I get, except they seem to meld with the concerts and conversations and I honestly don't notice them.
I even get ads on the Internet - and shut them down as quickly as I can.
So, yes, I get it. Ads are here to stay, apparently necessary for our survival, and always trying to sell you something, from products and fast money techniques, to ideas and opinions. I accept them and will deal with them as suits the occasion.
However, after visiting my beloved Sydney Morning Herald today, I think I've hit ad overload. Not only do the ads pop out unexpectedly from the side, hover at the top of the page, and fill every other nook and cranny, but now, when clicking on some articles, we have to choose which of three ads to watch before the item we really want to see comes into view. And if we don't choose, they will for us, and then won't permit us to fast forward them into oblivion.
Up till now, I've been reasonably willing to sit idly by as ads happened to me, but now I'm expected to be involved in the selection. Which would be fine if there was actually an ad I was interested in, but sadly, that is usually not the case.
Okay, yes, over the years, I, too, have embraced the advertising medium to promote stuff, so I get it's value in many instances. And yes, there are some very clever and effective ads out there that grab one's attention and stick in one's mind, subliminally or otherwise.
However, a lot of it is advertising purely for the sake of it - i.e., annoying and silly, irrelevant and in poor taste, stereotypical and superficial, and meaningless, counterproductive and frustrating.
All I'm saying is that if we have to put up with ads on the information highway, then when we have to choose something, could we at least be allowed to choose "neither" when that is what we really want?