Linner Beats Brunch

Earlier today, I posted on YouTube a video extolling the pleasures of linner (and the subsequent drunk shopping that often occurs, afterwards).

Today was a fairly typical Sunday for us. Rather than rushing to meet anyone for brunch, we slept in and had a leisurely morning. We walked the dogs. We finished laundry. We took care of groceries. We made plans for linner.

Getting to brunch takes way too much energy. You must either get up early or rush through the morning. I used to delude myself in thinking I could complete my chores after brunch, but who was I kidding? Once I got a few Bloody Marys in me, all productivity was gone.

Linner is so much more civilized. Everything has already been accomplished. You meet friends in the mid-afternoon for a lovely meal with cocktails or beer. If you meet around 2pm, you might still be able to take advantage of the brunch menus. If the mood strikes, you can also partake in drunk shopping as you stagger on home.

We met a friend for linner at Hopleaf. We love Hopleaf. It features an overwhelming selection of beers on tap, mostly Belgians. The menu, while not extensive, is quite good. I focused on the Belgian IPAs (Houblon Chouffe is my favorite) as I enjoyed a Duck Reuben. We had great seats at the bar and attentive service from the bartenders. It made for a perfect Sunday afternoon.

...And We're Live!

I finally made and edited my first video for YouTube. It was a steep learning curve. I had to learn to get my new camera (Samsung HMX-F90) set up properly. I had to figure out how to get the video transferred to the computer. I learned the basics of my new editing program (Pinnacle Studio) and edited the video. I now transferring it to YouTube for the final tweaks and then posting it live!

During the last two weeks, I have been feeling the excitement that would go along with a new design project. I'm trying to approach this venture as a redesign of my life. In addition to defining the specifications of what I want to accomplish, I've been laying out the plan. I've even started becoming active again on Twitter, Google+, and this blog, as well as signing up for Instagram. I've spent time getting familiar with YouTube and setting up my channel. However, the launch of the channel with my first video feels like the official start to my venture.

I plan to spend this next month building the habits of regular posting on the different social media platforms, and engaging people on them as well. Once these habits form, the platforms can stop being an end unto themselves, and start being an opportunity to explore what I want out of my life and career(s).

It is time to figure what I want to do and be when/if I grow up!

Social Media Relaunch

I am in the process of relaunching myself. I am taking a hard look at what I am doing in various aspects of my life, so I can find ways to move myself out of a status-quo. Over the last few years, I have envisioned myself "living full-time in many worlds," and I started this blog as a forum while I was in grad school. It felt like I was stretched thin, juggling 80% time at work, 75% time at school, and full time at home. I felt tired. I felt stressed. But I felt alive. When school ended a year ago, I enjoyed the feeling of only living in two worlds, work and school. I enjoyed the work/life balance. I had less stress, but I was complacent.

It is time to move forward! As I look at my life, I am relaunching myself in social media to express myself creatively, to process my progress in evaluating my life, and to share my journey. The initial phase will focus on four platforms (links in the sidebar):

1. YouTube - vlog covering my journey and sharing my geeky interests in life, design, and health.
2. In Many Worlds - blog to discuss topics related to what I am covering on my YouTube channel.
3. Google+ - sharing content relevant to topics from YouTube and my blog.
4. Twitter - sharing what I'm doing and links I'm enjoying.
5. Instagram - sharing what I'm digging visually.

I may progress to other venues, but these will allow me a good start. To pull things together, I am trying to consolidate everything with one brand. The In Many Worlds (#IMW) title will be seen across the different platforms, as will variations of the logo and banner, shown below.

I am excited to start this new journey and can't wait to share it with you.

Please look for my first YouTube video on Friday. I look forward to your feedback!

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