Post No Work, Day 2: Lax days, stiff beats

It's been over a week since last I wrote. The Thanksgiving break, the primarily reason why. But here I am again, sitting at my computer, wondering about not only what to say, but where I am mentally. Hmm...here goes something.

I've realized that I have a derth of new music. After the sometimes painful drive up to Minnesota, cramped in the back seat with Lindsay and my little sister, I found myself pouring over the tracks on my iPhone. Very old hat. In fact, even my parents, whose commentary on the music I listen to has become something not only old hat but background noise, interjected that what I was suggesting they had either already heard or was boring. Usually, I brush this off but...they were right. My iTunes has become riddled with collections of dust and hair. Enter, last.fm's Top 10 lists of 2008.

The great thing about last.fm is that it's largely democratic. Their system catalogues what you listen to and how many times and keeps a running tally on their site; I highly recommend it. This is the perfect dynamic for unbiased representations of what is "hot".

Last.fm, although apparently largely comprised of Brits, has decided, based on number of plays, what the top 10 artists, albums, and tracks are of 2008. This list, after I ignored MGMT for reasons I don't care to get into right now, has become one of my benchmarks. It is my springboard into a new world of tunes.

Oh, did I mention the Shortlist Awards? Yeah, that's another brilliant resource. Because, really, I don't care that an album went gold. I care that it's good, great, or fantastic.

In as much as my current mental status: I'm optimistic.

I'm working on the content for my website and, when I feel tapped out on that, I'll be attempting to pull out another essay or two. And as far as non-creative ventures, Monday was my last full day at the office. I cleared everything out save a drawer full of drum sticks and a cowbell - don't ask. Having explained the piles of unfinished, unfiled, or ignored work to Steve, I left with Lindsay. Perhaps her stressful state, attempting to create and print the agendas for at least two of the upcoming, spur of the moment Baha'i conferences, keeps my mouth closed about the whole experience. That maybe there's something lingering that will require my attention at some point in the near future, but I don't think so. I think the two weeks I spent after being told I was laid off was preparation enough. That any more dwelling on it or mulling over the ramifications would only serve to set me back, and I really don't need any of that.

I, instead, walked through the building, collecting hugs and warmest wishes from many of the most impressive people I've ever had the chance to work or spend extended time with. There was an air of confidence from them, and hopefully from me, as I walked out. And a smiling calm that I thanked him for helping me whenever I needed it, goodbye from Mr. Bowers, the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. Also, that he pushed me out the door when I felt the tractor beam of the building beginning to take hold.