W17. Roadtrip.

When I opened my laptop on Sunday evening three whole days had past since last time. Three days without any work shouldn't feel radical, but it does. Especially now, when I'm deep in the AI rabbit hole and trying to build something new. The first day I wanted to reach for my laptop all the time, an addict desperate for her next fix. By the second day my mind felt more clear. And by the time I finally was able to pick up my Macbook from the bag, I was giddy with excitement.

Junkie, or just excited about work? I'll let someone else be the judge of that.

Last week ...

... I had a bunch of deadlines, so work was the main focus.

... I got stuck in an improv scene and survived. I can hold presentations and workshops about topics I know well, no problem. But to be spontaneous on stage is a whole different story. This class everyone had been incredibly funny, and I felt the pressure. But you know what happened? I did not manage to develop the story, felt stuck, and ... it was fine. Even fun, at times. Of course I wish I had done better, but I was not thrown into a shame spiral. Felt like a win.

... we drove to visit friends at TDF, a regenerative village in Portugal, for the second edition of Harmonia, a small festival. Beautiful land, glad we finally got to see it! I'm impressed with anyone who could live in a community like this, sharing an apartment with one person is more than enough daily collaboration for me.

... we drove all the way to Spain, near Malaga, to visit family. Got treated to a delicious tasting menu at Elysium, which I highly recommend if you happen to be in the area. Happiest was probably Tom though, since the first dish was frog legs and I had to eat it. Besides the obvious trauma for a picky eater, it did taste like chicken.

... I took some headshots of a friend who's writing a book and was reminded how much I do love photography. Maybe I'll start doing more of it again.

This week ...

... I'm starting a high heels class! It's a one month intensive, two classes per week. I'm already busy, but I miss dancing so much and this one works well both for time and location. Very excited for it!

... I have a quiet week for client work so will put my attention fully on developing my own side projects. Lots of content coming up.

... I'm attending a couple of AI and networking events. With my new focus for work I want to get to know others who are in a similar position, so wish me luck!

Happy Monday!