liquid joy and a place for pondering

Source: king-george.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I was all set to write my usual weekend in review post this fine morning, but quickly discovered that my Eye-Fi hasn't had a chance to upload my photos from the past few days.  I have nothing to show for my weekend . . . photographically, at least. The weekend itself was quite productive. I suppose I will have to save all that for tomorrow.

It's early to say definitively, but this week seems to be following the weekend's example productivity-wise. After dropping Kiddo off at school this morning, I hit the gym for a good workout. Despite not being able to make it over the weekend, I'm proud to have upheld last week's resolution to work out my mental and physical roadblocks on a (more) regular basis.

I have two exams this week, so motivation and focus are going to be integral to my success over the next few days.  My usual study haunt is Starbucks. Large tables, familiar staff, and the ability to camp out for hours and hours without feeling like I have overstayed my welcome are why I come back time and time again.

I went through a little disconnect with them earlier this semester and feared that I wouldn't have a reliable place to work anymore. Luckily, I got over it and once again found it to be a productive place to focus on academic matters.

Mario spent a day working from a local coffee shop on our quaint historic Main Street last week and raved about how great it was. Open to a fresh new environment, I decided to head there today. Mario was totally right. Soak up that last sentence, Honey. 

I have always liked their coffee, but never really thought about making it my go-to place. I'm rethinking that notion as I write this. A chill authentic coffeehouse feel, supporting a local business, and amazing sandwiches to boot. I'm a convert.

Some of you might be thinking Boy, this girl is waxing poetic about a place to get coffee and respond to emails. Her life must be sooo dull. You wouldn't be entirely wrong. But those of you who work from home some or all of the time (but find it hard to stay productive there), go to college (and have a hard time getting homework done at home), or simply need a cohesive environment to get things done . . . you get it. I'm sure you do. Half of getting a paper written, for me, is finding a place that inspires me to write.

I'm not sure I would be graduating in a month, nor would my GPA be what it is, if I didn't have somewhere to go. To let it all out away from the distractions of home. Because when I am with my family, I want to be with them. Not answering homework questions. Physical separation is a must.

Here's to you, my new home away from home. If you are ever in southwestern New Hampshire, give Brewbakers a shout.

Mario,

I miss you, Boyfriend. You are forever in my acknowledgements section. I'll eat you up I love you so.

Scooter

P.S. Boyfriend is my occasional nickname for Husband. Don't ask. I lack a good explanation. Nothing tawdry going on here.