Big Ed's PlaceA new approach?
Work eased up this week, which led to a spate of productivity, both in the office and at home. It’s amazing how much more one can get done if one has half the number of meetings. Similarly, one can do more at home if one comes home after 8 hours instead of 10. Yeah, these are ‘duh’ statements, but it’s nice to be able to make them nonetheless.
I also tried a new approach. On Friday, I had to have blood drawn after fasting, which meant having breakfast out and being late to work. So I decided to take my personal laptop with me and write over breakfast. I then did so again over lunch. Between the two, I got a lot more done than I would normally longhand.
Part of that is I spent my time working on the scripting rather than detailed outlining, which really requires the computer. I’m sure part of it is that I didn’t have to type up longhand notes. Nonetheless, the result is that I’ve now completed the script for Deep Dish pages 1-17 and 23-24. I’ve also finished detailed outlines of 18-22 and 25-37. Unfortunately, I’m still looking at 3 pages over the limit, even with some rearrangements and streamlining during the detailed outlining. I think those streamlines will carry into the next section, but I haven’t actually reworked the outline yet to be sure.
That said, it was awkward having my laptop at work. For one, I worried I’d damage it, and for two, it’s heavy. I also think if I’d brownbagged lunch, it might have been better, but I have to weigh the productivity (and reduced expense of lunch) against my psychological need to get out of the office for a break. Sometimes I just need to see something different than a computer screen too.
So–a new approach? Or a flash in the pan? I’ll have to see.
Perhaps, if this approach seems to work much better for you, it might be worth investing in a smaller laptop or a netbook. Something you can slip into a bag or briefcase that doesn’t weigh much (or cost as much), then you won’t have to worry so much about accidental damage or haul a lot of weight around each day.
That said, I tired several netbooks in the stores and the small screen/keyboard just irritated me. You’ll definitely want to test drive before spending money like that.
i definitely need to give it a try a couple more times before I buy a netbook or equivalent. I’ve got too many other obligations for my funds these days to screw up the decision.
That said, I’m curious to see what an Android iPad equivalent will be like–if it’ll be good enough for composing text on. That could be light enough and easy enough to use…
Big Ed