⌨️ When were you last desk-free for a day?
Ep 56: Getting high before work, relinquishing tech on the weekends, and the pleasure of running with friends.
I have a confession to make. I started last week by getting high. On this ladder. To paint. Oh, wait, what did you think I meant?
Painting has been my weekday morning activity for several weeks now, and by the time I’m done, I’ll have painted most of our first floor! I was pleasantly surprised that my folding ladder got me up to the lofty height of our living room.
A Tip for the Modern Worker
Step away from the tech. It’s good to disconnect periodically. Spend time away from your computer or devices each week. Go for a hike and leave it all behind, socialize with family or friends, or find a corner to read. You’ll appreciate the focus you have when social media, texts, or work correspondence can’t reach you. Give it a few hours and see how it goes. Get up to a full day and you’ll be ninja-level.
This tip is one of 365 in my Handbook for the Modern Worker. I’ve succeeded with this endeavor for most of the past few Saturdays. Weekend warrior mode fully engaged! Sunday mornings are for getting caught up in Mint and doing most of this newsletter, but shortly after breakfast, I’m fully desk-free again. Taking a few days off means I’m ready to attack the week when Monday morning rolls around again (which happens waaaaay too quickly).
#365DayDraw
I drew this and wrote the accompanying annotation as part of my #365DayDraw project 7 years ago today.
So a barrel is used for aging whiskey for years. How do you think it feels when it is halved and used for a planter?
Who knew there were so many ways to repurpose whiskey and wine barrels? That first cut has to hurt, though.
Commentary
Do you know what’s more fun than running alone? Running with friends! Amy and I hosted a group run for Finger Lakes Running Club this weekend. We started with delightful trail miles at Taughannock Falls State Park and ended up on our back deck to enjoy a breakfast casserole (made with real potatoes instead of hash browns), bagels, and muffins. We’ll host another group run before the snow flies, but the weather was crisp enough for a bonfire and sauna.
Check out the list of group runs if you’re in the Ithaca area. FLRC has done a great job ensuring there’s either a race or group run every single weekend this year!
Miscellanea
🎭 I’ve been listening to the Six soundtrack a lot this past week. The live Broadway recording from May 2022 is particularly good. We saw the touring edition last year, and while the show was pretty loud and raucous in person, the soundtrack is a solid backing for an afternoon of work.
🚣 Loki Season 2 hits Disney+ this Friday. More media for my rowing sessions!
❄️ In a sure sign of impending cooler temperatures, I got a reminder to winterize my garden irrigation. Mission accomplished! Hard to believe that those soaker hoses will be filled with water again only after a season of winter. Where has this year gone?
Getting high, stepping away from technology and real potatoes. All good suggestions. Enjoy your day.