Tag Archives: travel

The writing itch

Posted on by acrystelle
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Writing by Jonathan Reyes - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpaxonreyes/5034760960/in/set-72157625343177739

Writing by Jonathan Reyes – CC BY-NC 2.0

 

I did a silly thing last week. When I was packing for Melbourne, to save space and with the intent of being realistic, I didn’t pack my writing journal. I thought I’d have no time or head space to write in it. This indicated to me that writing just wasn’t a priority at the time. Silly billy, I was.

It turned out that after three days of not writing, not so much as an entry in my diary each day, my writing itch needed to be scratched. I felt a need to quieten my mind and empty it of my ideas and thoughts. There was a reason why I picked up a couple of Moleskine notebooks from a bookstore in St Kilda.

I initially thought I had made a mistake by buying the wrong notebooks. They were plain and I wanted lined. Oh how wrong I was (again!). In my first entry in one of the notebooks, I wrote about keeping an open mind about the unruled pages. My writing can be big so I tend to go for ruled notebooks because a) I can probably fit more on each page, and b) I liked the structure. I told myself the experience could be liberating to my writing. This, in part, has already been realised.

I started writing in the notebook because not only did I really need to write about something, but also I didn’t have any other space in which to write, and so I kept it on me for the rest of the trip. This notebook has quickly become the ‘whatever’ notebook.

To give you an idea of what I write about when I get the itch, in the couple of days I had my notebook in Melbourne, I had written about:

  • my need to write;
  • being okay with needless mobile phone interruptions (Twitter, Facebook, etc) during time spent with my partner (again, boyfriend, defacto, whatever) but not okay with reaching out my notebook and writing while at a restaurant or watching TV in our hotel room, interrupting our time exploring the city together – must rectify, there’s a shift in perspective required here;
  • reflecting on my RAILS presentation;
  • a table for one (in a restaurant) and the benefits of dining alone, and
  • a to do list.

So you can see, what I write about when I get the itch is random. I’ll pick a trigger, an idea or prompt and write whatever. Writing has become a habit, a need and a very good one to have. The important lesson to take away here is to always have a notebook with me, no matter what.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda

Posted on by acrystelle
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I wouldn’t normally discuss my life outside of professional things here, but right now I have my cranky pants on. This post is partly inspired by carolbycomputerlight’s cranky pants #blogjune post, which made me feel comfortable enough to reveal my cranky pants episode.

Where did this day go? I can’t seem to get past what I’m feeling right now, so I’ll just write about it, get it out of my system and move on with the next task.

Today was meant to be “research project day”. And I’ve spent only four hours on my RAILS presentation, never mind my draft report. I’m really peeved. I was looking forward to today for at least a month. A whole day to get stuff done and not on a weekend day. Nope, you really can’t plan for things like…..

….a recall on your partner’s car.

A few days ago I received a call from Mazda, mostly because either my partner is always in meetings, not at his desk or doesn’t feel his phone buzzing in his pocket, and my phone number is the second contact.

“I’m calling about your CX-5.”

“You mean <partner’s name>.”

“Yes, we need it in ASAP for an outstanding recall.”

…..ummm okay. This followed immediately with me offering to take it in because it’s the only chance we’ll have in the next few weeks or so. My thoughts were to just get it over with.

Initially I was going to sit at Mazda and work. This, as it turns out, would’ve been the sensible option. I could’ve demanded a powerpoint, internet and endless cups of tea. As I was doing my partner a favour, he felt bad that I couldn’t go anywhere if I needed to and offered to chip in. So we took both cars to the dealership, I took him to work. Back home. (1 hour and 20 mins) I went out to see my Mum at her work which was really lovely (this was planned). At home for four hours. Then back to pick partner up from work, back to the dealership, then drive back home (1 hour and 30 mins).

There is the three hours I needed to complete a reasonable day’s work. But I didn’t get it. I had also planned to do a little research on Melbourne and see what potential travel blog posts I could write while I’m there. You know, my hobby I’ve neglected all year. I love travelling and want to make the most of my time in Melbourne this weekend.

I should’ve stayed at the dealership.

Now I’m not packed. I’m stressed yet again. And the day’s gone. Things. I. do. One of my worst habits is time travelling. I have a tendency to think back and try to undo the decisions I have made, wishing I had made the right one so I can feel better. But this only makes me feel worse. I over analyse. I can’t change what happened today. So I’m behind again. I need to move on and do what I can (even though I had looked forward to chilling out tonight).

I’ll feel better once I’m at least half packed. I’ll go back to my work later on tonight to see if I can do anymore processing / thinking through / writing up of my research findings.

Far. Out.

Inspiration

Posted on by acrystelle
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A vision board - a source of inspiration

A vision board – a source of inspiration

Inspiration and reminders. These are our own making. They are a choice.

I have a vision board in my study room. It sits on the wall, above and to the right of my desk. I’ve written about my vision board previously, but perhaps #blogjune is an opportunity to stop and think what I have chosen to take up space on my vision board and reflect on the contribution each item makes.

Here are five things currently on my vision board.

1. Writing strategies – these are reminders of what I am to focus on to pursue my writing this year. I like them in front of me. What is pinned over the top is my planner for #blogjune.

2. Quote – “Crazy just might work”. This is a piece of inspiration. It also reminds me to not disregard ideas that may seem crazy at first. It just might work. ;)

3. Wordle. This came out of a bit of a content analysis I undertook of position descriptions I had saved over the last couple of years. I created this Wordle at the beginning of this year to highlight the kinds of areas or things that had appealed to me. It’s a snapshot of my interests and reminds me of what I could look for in my next step. I wonder what a Wordle of position descriptions I aspire to, might look like in a couple of years time?

4. Photos of places in Ireland. Specifically, Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher and Newgrange. These are reminders of my experience and what I had achieved with that trip I took on my own. It reminds me I am capable of things if I really want them, that I can make things happen, and that I can pull myself out of a crappy time and be true to myself.

5. Flyer about a Balinese Writing Retreat. This is my reward when I graduate from my Masters this year. It’s a goal. I will book myself in for the trip next year if I graduate.

I’d like more pieces of inspiration to fill my vision board. And there are things that really shouldn’t be there. I like to be strict with my vision board. For example, I don’t like ‘to do’ lists on my vision board. I have one there at the moment, but it’s to remind me I really need to print a few Canada photos to place up on the board because it is where I’d like to potentially live and work (for a little while) sometime in the future.

What would you do with a blank canvas dedicated to inspiration?

The challenge that is #blogjune

Posted on by acrystelle
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A bit of planning with a cuppa

A bit of planning with a cuppa

You just can’t count on things to go according to plan. But that doesn’t negate the need to have one, at least in the form of a rough draft, in almost every area of our lives. #blogjune this year is no exception.

This will be my second time participating in this challenge. I missed it last year as I tried really hard to focus on achieving some sort of balance in my life. This year I think I’m better equipped, emotionally and mentally, to cope. I’m not saying this challenge is overly onerous. No, there were just some things I needed to deal with, and still am – high expectations. I grapple with this all the time. I wouldn’t say I’m a perfectionist, though many probably would. I’m close to it. And perhaps I was one, once upon a time. I think I may be forgiven though. You can’t go through years of competitive gymnastics without developing some perfectionist tendencies. Where the difference between first and second place at a national championships is often less than a minor wobble on the beam, can you blame me? Really?

The last time I participated in #blogjune, I had grand plans. This year, the last few days I’ve had a small notebook beside me where I’ve written a few words when an idea for a blog post came to my mind. I’ve collated those ideas into some themes and I’ve somehow wound up with a month planner with a blog post idea for each day. Have I learnt anything?

The difference this year is that I’ve lowered my expectations for earth-shattering, article type, 500 words long blog posts every day. I have a ‘rough draft’ and a bank of ideas to draw from. I’m going to allow myself to deviate from my plan if something pops into mind on the day that I just have to get out. That’s okay. My plan is really a back up plan, a sketch of the kinds of things I’d like to cover, but not necessarily need to for this challenge. The worst thing that could happen is that I have a lot of ideas to go on with after #blogjune is done. Cool!

#blogjune can be random. I like that. Randomness is part of my charm. :)

I’m looking forward to participating in this challenge and contributing to strengthening our sense of community across the profession. #blogjune is about getting to know one another too. And that’s the beauty of its randomness.

You might find I will post to my much neglected travel blog, which I haven’t attended to since late last year. I’d really like to revamp my efforts here. Not because I hadn’t wanted to, but #blogjune is simply a great excuse to have to write about one of my loves – travel. So when I do, I’ll be sure to create a little blog post here, pointing you to it.

Part of the reason why I signed up for #blogjune this year is because I have a jam packed month and I’d like to share this journey. I’ll have a lot of material to draw upon. I’ll be wrapping up my research project with analysis and reporting, I’m travelling to Melbourne to present at RAILS (Research Applications in Information and Library Science), and I’ll take the opportunity to look at how I’m going with goals and my focus areas for the year.

I’d like to wish everyone all the best for this challenge. It is a challenge. But there’s support. We’re all here. If you miss a day, don’t stress (and I’ll try not to as well).

Many thanks to @flexnib for coordinating this year.

A little courage

Posted on by acrystelle
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Courage. I think that is what the coming year will need. A little here, a little there, and a dash of belief in everything. Oh, and not forgetting to smile and relax every so often.

Today was my first day back at work for the new year, so I’m guessing now is a good time to share what lies ahead.

In the small steps I took towards establishing some sort of balance in my life last year, I learnt a thing or two.

1. I still don’t know where my happy balance point is. But that’s okay. It’s a work in progress.

2. My partner and I communicate more. I don’t mean just the ‘how was your day, Dear?’ conversation over the frying pan in the kitchen of an evening. We’re both professionally driven and every now and then we need to be honest about where we’re at in terms of professional pursuits. Communicating what I’d like to achieve and what I need to say ‘no’ to keeps me to my word, and vice versa. We pull each other in line.

3. I can craft.

4. I get an itch to write if I haven’t in a few days.

5. I can have Twitter-free weekends….and it’ll still be there when I return.

 

While I have a few goals I’d like to achieve this year, and they’re big goals, I’ve identified areas of focus (apart from my job).

1. Research

I have at least two research projects to complete this year as part of my LIS Masters. I extended my course to include the extra research units so I could gain experience as a researcher and perhaps take a step forward in pursuing a career path that is managing research data. Yes I’m crazy. Yes I’ve thought it through. Except now I feel anxious about the little time I have to complete them – less than 12 months. Plus travel. Plus fieldwork. Plus working full-time. Plus….

I’ll definitely need more than a little courage here.

I’m looking forward to it, but the pressure I have is that I’d really like to graduate this year. People have started the course and have graduated before me. Surely the academic staff are tired of me hanging around :)

I have set up a private space in which to journal my progress, work through ideas, so I can hopefully gain an understanding at the end of it of how I experienced and have learnt about the research process. I’m looking forward to participating in the research circle at QUT and finally be involved in a space I’ve been longing to be a part of.

I may love it. I may hate it.

2. Reading

I acquired a Kindle last year. I’ve found my reading mojo and reignited a joy I hadn’t experienced since I was a teenager. I seek to explore new reading horizons this year by reading out of my comfort zone. I look to reading to feed me inspiration for writing and the direction in which to take it. My goal is to read 20 books this year. I think this is aiming rather high given my research commitments this year.

3. Writing

Last year I recovered something that was absent from within for a long time. I enjoy writing. Something clicked last year, or something triggered. I have awakened a passion. Or maybe ‘passion’ is too strong a word, but I’ll go with that for now. I’d like to write more.

I don’t claim to be a fabulous writer by any means. But I may be a writer who is just out of practice. Before I became increasingly competitive at gymnastics, I loved to write. I was good at it. I’d jump at writing assignments. As a nine year old, I wrote poems and made them into a little book. I wrote short stories. I now wonder how different my professional life might’ve been if I kept this up. Somewhere along the way of training, depression and senior high school study and uni, I’d lost my passion.

This year I’d like to explore where writing could take me. I need to practice, practice and practice. I’ve started a writing journal to keep me in touch with my writing projects. I record my word counts, my inspirations, my ideas and work through them. I’ve noticed I get irritable if I haven’t written for more than two days. I’ve also found I experience less anxiety about writing if I allow myself the freedom to explore an idea, brainstorm, and by not placing undue pressure on myself to produce something perfect every time. Through the journalling process I can put more consideration into my thoughts before publishing them. I’m really looking forward to my own writing projects this year. Let’s just hope my writing requirements for my research projects don’t kill what I’ve recently found.

I read a book called ‘Writer with a Day Job’ that kicked started some strategies to fit in my writing where possible. I have plans to do a short writing course with the Queensland Writers Centre and have picked out a few seminars and workshops I’d like to attend too. QWC have a writing morning on the first Friday of every month in the Library Cafe for an hour. I could do this before work. I’ve placed the time and dates in my diary.

4. Fitness

Health and fitness will continue to be a priority this year. I’ve increased my goal to exercising four times a week. A little trick I do to myself to ensure I get to the gym is changing before I leave work. I have no excuse then, I’m dressed. I’m looking forward to the new fitness centre at QUT opening this month. I’d like to add swimming as an alternative cardio.

5. Friends

I made a conscious effort last year into placing my relationship and family above my professional commitments outside of work. I’ve done really well with this. What I’ve noticed though is that I spend a lot of time at home. My focus for this year will shift outward and ensure I can relax and hang out with my friends more often. A tipping point occurred a couple of months ago when I froze during a night out for a best friend’s birthday. I shut down, stood there. I realised I need to exercise the ‘relax and having fun’ muscle more frequently. This surprised me. But I only need to look at my last few years to find where I went wrong.

 

So they’re my areas of focus for the year. I fear I may need to reduce these to two or three but it’s a starting point. I received a lovely gift last year of a well-being journal that I’ll certainly put to good use in documenting my path.

Other plans and goals include completing fieldwork placements, a requirement for my LIS Masters; attending IFLA in August, and travelling to South America if it is confirmed my partner is sent there for work. I’d love to do a placement over there, if I can. I also continue to progress my three-year plan for an overseas work contract. I’m keeping an eye on possibilities.

Wow, so a big year, and an exciting one too. A little courage is needed to get through it. A little belief is needed so I can finish it. Throw in a smile and I’ve really got something.

Happy New Year!