I wrote in my layoff post about a few non-job search related things I wanted to accomplish with all my newfound time off. Here’s a quick update on those:
Deep cleaning my apartment ✅
Having a newly cleaned apartment always makes me feel refreshed and energized, so this was a big priority for me. I haven’t been as consistent cleaning as I’d like to be, but it’s still getting done, and that’s what’s important.
After years of being the messy one in my relationship, one day something clicked in my head and I realized that I accomplish goals better when I solve a simpler problem. Rather than pressuring myself to clean every room to perfection (and then procrastinating for as long as possible as a result of that pressure…) I created a schedule for myself that allows me to clean up one room per day. It’s quick, easy, and impossible to get overwhelmed by.
Incidentally, that’s how I handle big projects at work sometimes, too. I’m not immune to feeling swamped by a large project or task, even if I’m totally confident in my ability to do it. Breaking The Big Thing™ down into a series of smaller tasks has worked wonders in helping me accomplish goals that, at first glance, overwhelmed me.
Taking longer walks with my dog ❌
What can I say? The South had other plans. The day before yesterday, the high was 97 degrees. I love walks with my dog, but the heat makes me feel like I’m dying after making it to the end of the block. This one will be a work in progress.
Visiting the library ❌
See above. Our library is too close to drive to (or to justify paying for parking), but too far to walk to comfortably right now. Once this heat wave passes, I’ll try again.
Luckily, the summer heat hasn’t stopped me from reading altogether. I’ve still been borrowing books from our library via the Libby app, and getting some physical books here and there. Since being laid off, I’ve reread Under the Banner of Heaven and read Into the Wild and Missoula for the first time. (I was on a Jon Krakauer kick for awhile. A Kickauer, if you will.) I’m currently reading The Cold Vanish. Next month, the library will hold their used book sale, where they sell surplus stock for only a dollar or two per book. I’m already strategizing when to arrive, which books to look for first, and how to maximize storage in my apartment to accommodate my haul 😈
Those are the goals I wrote about in my layoff blog, but there are some others I’ve accomplished in the meantime that were unplanned:
Collaborating with my husband on an app(?!) ✅
This one is still very much a work in progress, but it’s an exciting work in progress. My husband is completing a full stack web development program, and for his final project, he’s designing a fantasy football app. Since he knows I like UI/UX, he asked me for advice on the design, and I came up with a quick and simple prototype in Canva.
I know nothing about football, fantasy or otherwise. But I do love the idea of working with my husband on a project that challenges us both. His goal is to focus on the functionality of the app first, and then we’ll come together to work on the design aspect.
Bought tickets to Austin City Limits ✅
Well, technically my husband bought the tickets. In fact, I didn’t know it had happened until after it was done. Is it scary to spend money on something like a music festival when you’re unemployed? Yes. But sometimes—sparingly—fun needs to come first. The festival takes place in October, so it’s the perfect way to celebrate our third(!) wedding anniversary. And, hopefully, by then we’ll both have new jobs to return to once the weekend is over.
Want to learn more about me? Know of any opportunities that sound like a fit? Let’s talk. You can reach me at brittleestill@gmail.com.