Posts Tagged multitasking
The Quiet of Power-washing
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography
Over the past couple of weekends, I’ve discovered an activity that’s great for focusing my mind. It helps me block out all distractions, because it is, in fact, distraction incarnate. I’m talking about power-washing.
Yes, you read that correctly. Power-washing (or pressure-washing. Tomato, tomahto). That ear-splitting, hand-trembling job that shakes your fillings loose and makes neighborhood dogs howl. But look past the surface, friends, and discover the magic in this tedious task. I even dabbled in multitasking, an activity I usually avoid.
There’s a certain quiet that power-washing creates (I’m sure my neighbors would disagree). Power-washing, or any mundane activity, gives your mind a chance to think. I know it sounds weird, but after a few minutes, I was able to ignore the roar of the Honda’s motor. I felt enveloped in my own little noisy world. My mind began to wander, allowing me to dream up some good ideas for posts.
But that’s not all! As I scoured my grimy deck with its laser-like blasts, I was able to, in my mind, re-arrange my tool shed, develop a study strategy for my son’s Intermediate Algebra final, select a restaurant for our wedding anniversary, and flesh out a presentation that I had to give at work. All without slicing off any toes! I definitely did not have all of my attention on the task at hand.
So the next time you’re stuck doing some thankless task, think about what else you can accomplish while you get the drudgery out of the way. As Henry Rollins once said, “If life gives you lemons, say ‘Oh yeah, I like lemons, what else you got?’” Make the best of it.
Even if it does break your back.
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Corporate Barbarian Links: Graduation Party Edition
We threw a graduation party for my son, two weeks prior to his real graduation. We did it early because we wanted our relatives to attend, and didn’t want to interfere with everyone’s summer vacation plans. It was great to see family and friends that I usually only run into at funerals. Here are some great posts from my friends on the internet:
The Trizle Team wants you to reset your goals when you suck. I work in the defense industry, and this is a common practice in earned value management;
David at Simple.Organized.Life says that having order is a hallmark of living a simple life. I agree. Having too much stuff, and nowhere to put it, generally causes more stress for me;
David Seah gives his impressions of the Inka pen, after owning one for five years. I like products that stand the test of time, and this pen looks very well-built;
Clever Dude wants you to take your spouse along on a business trip. I’ve done this in the past, and it worked out fine. My per diem covered our meals, and the hotel room was on the company’s dime;
Five Cent Nickel shows us how to pay off our mortgages early. I’ve already followed this route, and it’s nice not to have that ginormous payment looming every month. I’ve put together a simple amortization table that you can use;
Mr. Tough Money Love tells us things he doesn’t like about the government takeover of General Motors. Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or an Anarchist, he brings up some intriguing points;
Kevin at No Debt Plan explains why he didn’t go to a top tier MBA program. I didn’t either, and I’m doing just fine;
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David at My Two Dollars thinks that working more for the same pay may not necessarily be a bad thing. It’s always good to show the boss that you’re a top performer, and you can pick up some new job skills, too. It might even save your job;
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Matt at Debt Free Adventure shows us the silver lining to the recession. I don’t have any major purchases coming up, but a few extra bucks saved here and there would be welcome nonetheless;
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David at The Good Human lives up to his name by constructing a solar space heater that he plans to give away. Nice job, David!
Enjoy the links! But come back and visit…
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