What’s on the iPod: Marry Song by Band of Horses
What a day yesterday. I had a talk with a new client, who hired me for immediate work. It’s good, but I’m not getting my main project any closer to completion by taking on more need-it-now work. I spent a few hours after getting their project sorted to dig for sources on my article. I’m getting there.
It’s been quite a week, so I’m thinking today is a good day to play hookie. The Away message is going up and I’m going to decide by the minute how I’m spending the day. I know tomorrow we’ll be in New Jersey for a mini meditation retreat (I nearly typed “medication” — Freud would love that), so today is my “off” day.
Just some random things to share with you:
New York Times article on Free Courses: A writer friend sent the link over. I’m hooked — these are top universities offering free courses. Why the heck wouldn’t you? The courses are administered through Coursera.
Word 2013 is, well, odd. I may be able to get over the weird interface in time (I did with Word 2007), but right now I’m fumbling my way around the entire Office 2013 suite beta preview. I finally found out how to lose the stupid graphic they have at the top of every application — Amen! It’s distracting to have “calligraphy” or “circuits” cluttering up the tool bar. But I’m in love with the instant connection to the cloud.
My latest client hired me because of a blog comment. Swear to God I don’t even remember making a comment on their site, but apparently I did just that about nine months ago. So far, that one comment has netted me just over $2K. In one day. Wow.
The Trade Magazine Writing Webinar is something I’m really proud of. Okay, you don’t have to sign up (but if you want to, go here). I’m just glad the first round of attendees loved it enough to rave about it enough to cause Anne and me to do it again. I worked my heart out on that one, and I’m glad to see people getting value from it.
There are days I seriously miss my hometown friends. No one knows you like the people you grew up with, and no one has that same understanding of those regional quirks. I’ve had more than enough of selfish people with hidden agendas. I long for people who are genuine.
If I had a nickel for everyone who wanted my overflow work, hmm… I think I’ve just realized how to make a ton of money without lifting a finger. LOL But seriously, I’ve had people in full-time jobs say “If you ever need someone…”
What are your random thoughts today?
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My random thoughts are:
I've been physically tired lately and need to find a break.
I've been questioning my path lately. Connected? Hmmm…
I am so excited because once more we get to dog-sit my sister's family dog, Kali. I ♥ Kali. ☺
I wish the heat would go away. Miss my San Diego weather.
I'm so happy Project Runway is back. ☺
You wanted random – you got it.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I had to do a phone interview at 8 AM. Fortunately, we laughed a lot.
This Mercury Retrograde sucks.
Hard not to get swept into a negative whirlpool right now, due to other people's stupidity.
I want to read SHADOW OF NIGHT and forget about everything else — can't put it down!
I hate transitions, but every time I think I've got it all organized and feel "settled", the universe laughs in my face. Could I please have a year of quiet and stability?
Enjoy your medication retreat –ooops, I did it, too, unintentionally — our Freudian slips are showing! 😉
Cathy, I ♥ the Runway, too! Love it. Wish I could sew that well! I used to sew, but NEVER at that level!
Yes, a connection. Go with your heart. 🙂 And if you want San Diego weather, come to Valley Forge — it's a lovely 67 degrees this morning and it's finally WET! 🙂
Devon, Mercury Retrograde does suck, but it's interesting to see how one gets over the conflicts and speed bumps. I had a few this week that, amazingingly, worked out. I've no idea why or how, but I'm going with it. 🙂
Hike up that Freudian slip, sister. 😉
Lori, when I got the new Mac, I abruptly shifted from Word 2004 to Word 2011. The 2011 version is so visually cluttered and some basic functions – like inserting a horizontal line – are no longer in the drop down menu. After 6+ months I still have to remember I now need to click the Borders option, then click the Horizontal Line button, which takes me to a limited number of line designs I can choose from. How is that an improvement?
My random thoughts:
I'm glad I have no idea what a Mercury Retrograde is, or why it should suck.
First "cool" day in nearly a month! Low humidity, cool breeze….and finally temps below 90.
Dogs are weird, but lovable.
I'm getting tired of eating the same salads, wraps, etc…but don't want to cook. Need to find more hot weather food options.
After sis-in-law told me how strong it is, I REALLY want to try London Butter nail polish. But at $14/bottle, I might start with a basecoat and topcoat since good ones will make any polish wear longer.
OK, I'll play! Here are my random thoughts:
I love my hometown friends, too. We're right now planning a four-day weekend at a rental home on a lake in Michigan between us; they're in Ann Arbor, and I'm in Chicago, and we all bring our dogs (I think it's safe to infer that I love dogs, especially my goofball).
Terribly slow week workwise, but I've had a gangbusters year, so I'm sort of rolling with it.
I used to love Project Runway, but its allure has faded for me. I was somewhat unimpressed with AllStars, especially some of the people they picked and who made it much further than they should have. I've TiVo'd last night's episode, but I'm leaning toward not watching this season.
I'm joyful at this weather, Paula! Windows are open, and I'm going to take the beast for a nice, long walk this afternoon. THIS is what summer's supposed to be like!
I've been feeling goodwill toward others lately. Been very zen and laid back. I like it!
Speaking of tech problems, my damn wifi keeps failing like a dropped cell phone call. No idea why. So irritating!
Random enough for you? Have a great weekend!
Gabriella – you're even cooler than we are. It's upper 80s here now, low humidity, slight breeze – so refreshing.
Since you're in Chicago, Gabriella I wanted to ask: did you hear about Y-Me shutting down? My sister's one of the volunteer/peer counselors trying to help revive it. So we're trying to spread the word through Chicago and beyond. (If you prefer to reply via e-mail – Lori has my address)
Yes, Paula. My condo started out at 75 degrees and stuck there most of the day. Now my thermostat says 77, and there's a glorious breeze. Wonderful!
Yes, I heard about the Y-Me shutting down. The news article I saw said that organizers like your sister were hoping to reopen. What did you need help spreading the word on–the closing or attempts to revive it? Let me know. Lori has my email, too, if you want to discuss in more depth.
Gabriella – I'll forward more to you via Lori, but just in case anyone else is interested….
My sister and the other former Y-Me peer counselors are trying to build a base of followers who can help them reach a lot of people quickly – once they have plans to announce. Grassroots marketing in the digital age.
This is why my Twitter followers will see me mentioning my sister on Twitter fairly frequently in coming days!
I just signed up for a Coursera on Sci Fi and Fantasy through UM! RIGHT BEFORE I CAME TO YOUR BLOG!! (great minds, etc) I'm also considering one on modern and contemporary poetry through UV.