Progress!

Well, the thought that I was going to have to say something about my short-term goals actually pressed me into using a small space of time to work on my Master's Project.

Friday was an off-day from work for me, yet I needed to go in for at least a couple of hours. I wanted to get some exercise in during the morning hours, get cracking on my Project, and also see a play that opened that night.

Well... I stayed up pretty late on Thursday, so I was slow-going in the morning on Friday. However, I did manage to eat and shower and pack everything I needed so I wouldn't have to return home for anything during the day. Before walking out the door, I grabbed a hammer and finally hung a few pictures that have been taking up space in my living room. I probably hung the wrong pix in the wrong places (aesthetically, I mean), but I just decided to get them up. Progress, right?

I finally set forth and decided to pull over to get a haircut. I was passing the exit for the place I usually go to and "haircut" has been on my list of TTD (things to do) for some time, so I just did it. I had to wait for 1 1/2 cuts before it was my turn, so (always prepared) I sat down with one of the play scripts I'm going over right now and took a few notes. I'm almost done with it (this is my second reading... it's one of the Shakespeares, so it's very rewarding and interesting, but takes a while for me, as a designer, to get through). Finally, I got my cut and was on my way.

Then, almost at work (did I mention that I mentally crossed 'exercise' off my list of TTD for Friday?), I was passing Wal-Mart and remembered that was the only place I've seen trash compactor bags available and I really needed them for my kitchen, so I pulled over again. I spent a little extra time looking for a wicker hamper (no luck) and comparing the price of the "Lost" first season DVD (nearly $50) to the one I saw available at Sam's Club the other day (under $40... I haven't bought it yet... I want to see if they have staying-power first, but I love the show). Finally, I was out of there and off to work.

"Off-Friday" means different things for different people and I imagine there were some in the office in the morning. I was nearly 3:00, I think, when I finally got there. There were one or two other people around, but it was quiet and conducive to getting stuff done. Isn't that always the case? It's easier for me to get things done on weekends, off-days, and after 5. Something about the background noise level in the office, I suppose. I find myself wearing headphones a lot... the soundtracks to "Sweeney Todd" and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" taking turns in my CD player.

Anyway, I put in my two hours (actually finishing the monotonous process of adding two chapters to a User's Manual I needed to finish for an application I had modified about a month ago, but for which priority dropped when something else came up) and had to determine what to do next.

I was definitely seeing the play at 8 PM and I was probably 40 minutes from the theater. I was going to have to eat as well and figured on a quick stop at Bruegger's for hummus on a whole wheat bagel. So-thinking, rather than drive to some place else to begin work on my Master's Project, I opted to crack open my laptop right there and begin work. Part of the time was reminding myself of what I'd already done. Part of the time was spent moving files out of the way that followed old trains of thought that are no longer relevant to my current topic. And part of the time was spent actually typing new, relevant text (albeit in what is probably the wrong section of the final product). Anyway, it was good to get something done. All told, I worked for almost 1 1/2 hours before speeding out of there to get my bagel and make the show. I didn't get too much done, I guess, but it was a start and it'll mean that I don't have to review all the materials again the next time I sit down to work on it... if I sit down soon! Like: today!

The play was FANTASTIC! I knew a lot of people in the cast, so it took me a couple of minutes to get over the idea that I was seeing my friends on stage, but it didn't take long. Everyone was sooooo good! I decided to go out with the cast after the play and I didn't get home until 5 in the morning! Believe it or not, I had only one drink that whole time, but it was good to hang and talk and wax on about what I liked about the play. I might be doing some sound design for this company after the four shows I'm doing with my primary company this year, so it was good "network". Plus, there were members of the cast who I hadn't seen in YEARS and it was really nice to catch up with them.

Anyway, here I am... Not as much on my plate today, but already 11 AM. I have a little t.v. to catch up on and I've already missed my morning Spinning class, so I'll probably job and work on my Project some more.

I'll let you know.