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Integrity and Writerly Boundaries

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David SedarisWhat’s on the iPod: Wishing Well by The Airborne Toxic Event Are they making weekends shorter these days? Not that we didn’t cram a week’s worth of things into two days, but Monday is here way too quickly. We had our meditation group over on…

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Putting the Wow in Your Business

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Just Another Girl by Pete Yorn Yesterday was fruitful. I managed an interview, an outline of one article, and contact with a few folks regarding some potential work. Things are coming together, amen. Even managed a little holiday shopping, which means I now have just two people to buy gifts for….

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What Your Clients Want (and Deserve)

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Gilian the Dreamer by Neil MunroWhat’s on the iPod: Small Town by John Mellencamp Nice day yesterday – I actually had enough work to keep me busy through the day. It was refreshing. And now I feel back on task. And of course, I’m fretting imaginary deadlines. I have an interview this…

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Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen A new month, eh? I know it’s not January 1st, but even December 1st can be a turning point. Hey, in my world, turning points occur on November 6th, March 19th, July 23rd, etc. I’m going to say it – every day is a new chance…

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Monthly Assessment: November 2010

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Maytrees by Annie DillardWhat’s on the iPod: The One Who Loves You Most by Brett Dennen If agony had a physical presence, it would be my career this past month. I knew things would be slow post-surgery, post-vacation, and post-house guest visits. At a standstill? I never expected that. I had…

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Today’s Second Post: A Response to a DS Question

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Evil is Alive and Well by Jakob Dylan You know how much I hate returning to the same old argument. But a comment left on this thread today pretty much has me revisiting and reopening old wounds. Mind you, the comment started out with a rational attempt at clearing the air,…

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The Push is On

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: January Wedding by The Avett Brothers I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. Ours was spent with my youngest at her off-campus house in western PA. She made an incredible meal, and we spent the day with her and my parents. Then we went to see Harry Potter. It rained,…

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When Breaking Up is Easy to Do

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading downstairs: The Maytrees by Annie DillardWhat’s on the iPod: Mercury by Scott Blasey Sometimes, making those tough decisions becomes that much easier. I’d been building toward cutting a client loose for a variety of reasons (not just price), and I’d resolved to do so within the next few weeks. Then a minor…

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What I’m Thankful For

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the daughter’s iPod: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem with Rihanna I didn’t think I’d have time to post today, but the turkey is in the oven and we’re waiting for when the rest goes into production. My youngest is doing her first holiday meal, so we traveled to share the day…

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Boredom and Creativity

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m still reading upstairs: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David SedarisWhat’s on the iPod: Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen How bored can a working person get? If you’ve worked in an office, you’ve been there. Nothing at ALL on your desk and you’re forced to look busy lest you send the message that…

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  1. Cathy Avatar
    Cathy

    Okay-there's what I should do versus what I usually do (you'll notice many of "should do" are on your list.

    Should do organize documents for taxes, file project files-DEFINITELY need to work on passive income-Lori-maybe you can become an expert and sell what you learn :-), clean up emails-delete, file, work on my eBook
    Usually do Play at Creative Copy Challenge-fun, creative place for writers (and non-writers)-check it out,hang out in social media, catch up on other blogs

    Reply
  2. Devon Ellington Avatar
    Devon Ellington

    What idle time? I don't think I've had any since I left Broadway — thank goodness!

    Reply
  3. Gabriella F. Avatar
    Gabriella F.

    Lori, you're funny!

    I have those days, too, and they're frustrating. But I learned while practicing law that the downtime you have today will be swapped out for a huge crunch tomorrow.

    It took me a lot of consternation, but I finally gave in. When I have a few hours or even a slow day, I mostly go with it.

    I do errands I've been meaning to get to, organize (like you did), handle minor admin tasks that sit for a while, and have a decent lunch "hour" rather than the rushed lunch I usually take.

    But mostly, I don't worry about not being busy because unless it's a sign of trouble in my business–which I usually know it's not–it'll pass more quickly than I want!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    P.S. Today will be one of those days. I'm heading to Costco for a few things and then relaxing most of the rest of the day. Taint nobody gonna be responding to my emails/calls today!

    Reply
  4. Joseph Hayes Avatar
    Joseph Hayes

    Lori, the operative word is "creative". My down time, such as it is, is filed with play scripts and jazz organizing — just spent the past two days cutting videos from the house concert we hosted two weeks ago. And sometimes silver polishing is exactly what you need. Do I hear some latent guilt behind that "boredom"?

    Reply
  5. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Joseph, I'm a recovering Catholic – you do indeed hear latent guilt (maybe not so latent?). I think I like what you spend your "down" time doing much more than what I'm doing. 🙂

    Enjoy Costco, Gabriella! It's that time of year where I avoid any type of retail operation. And since our Costco is across from the mall, no way I'm going there until January!

    Devon, I knew your dance card would be full. 🙂

    Cathy, do NOT tempt me to go playing on Creative Copy Challenge! I've avoided it because I know it's going to be my newest addiction if I don't. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Jake P Avatar
    Jake P

    My business list is EXACTLY the same as yours. Quit spying on me!

    When I walk away and turn off the brain: 1) Running a half-marathon in January, so I'm in Week 8 of training. And 2) we just moved into an old house, so every time I finish one project, two take its place. (Today, installing a recirculating pump in our bathroom, so it doesn't take 10 minutes for the shower to warm up all winter!)

    Happy Thanksgiving, all!

    Reply
  7. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    Right now, I'm working on something for my sister. She's working in the missionary field and we've been kicking around an idea for something, so we're trying out a few things to see where we can take it. It's not a paid gig, but it does have its benefits as far as the church is concerned.

    Today, not much is going to happen. Freezing drizzle has hit here and it's supposed to turn to freezing rain, so the school is letting out. My son will be home in a bit and that means no work will get done. I don't have anything pressing, so it's not a huge deal, but I did like the quiet…

    Reply
  8. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    I like this checklist of things to do in downtime. I always have high hopes, and then end up on Facebook. Not good! I will add these to my "need to do" list of possibilities. Today, though, will be full of food prep so I don't have so much to do tomorrow.

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

    Reply
  9. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    I try any and all of the things you mentioned, but I try to avoid baking unless I'm expecting guests. Otherwise the goodies prove too tempting.

    Organizing is not easy for me. I'm an "out of site, out of mind" type person, so as soon as something is filed I forget about it. Files for me are what my dad called his morgue. He had a file cabinet filled with images and ideas he could cull for future inspiration. My morgue is old records and papers I need to hang onto like contracts and tax stuff.

    Even when I do have an idle day, I'm usually in the office making work. Today I have a pie to bake and cleaning to do. I have a big Christmas project I need to hide before my sister arrives. I also want to finish assembling the Girl Friday sweater I've been making for myself. I hope it looks half as cute on me as it looks in the pattern photos. I'm note certain I like the button placement….we'll see.

    Today isn't an "idle" day in my mind. It's a holiday eve. Different rules. I have a lot of transcribing to do over the weekend, so I feel I've heard time off today. (You can pick yourself up off the floor now, Lori.)

    Reply
  10. hugh.c.mcbride Avatar
    hugh.c.mcbride

    Don't have much to add to this thread, but wanted to take a bit of my "spare time" to offer my wishes for the happiest of Thanksgivings to Lori & all the regular commenters here (and what the heck, you irregular commenters, too 🙂

    Among the many things I am thankful for this year is having stumbled upon this wonderful online community. Wherever you are & whatever you're doing this weekend, hope you all know you are truly appreciated!

    – Hugh

    Reply
  11. Cathy Avatar
    Cathy

    Amen, Hugh. 🙂

    Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

    Reply
  12. Georganna Hancock M.S. Avatar
    Georganna Hancock M.S.

    What is this "n o t…b u s y"?

    Oh well, I imagine you'll be quite busy tomorrow! And you could always go shopping on Friday …. LOL!

    Take time to enjoy your leisure — you know work always comes in bunches.

    And I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!

    Reply
  13. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Hugh, and to everyone! I'm at my daughter's at her college, and she's preparing her first official Thanksgiving meal. 🙂

    Wherever you are, enjoy the day, the company (or solitude) and count your blessings. I am. :))

    Reply
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