Getting back to work after a vacation sucks. Who’s with me? I took a trip to Phoenix to help clear my head after a very tumultuous two months after my dad died. At first, I didn’t think I needed it but after I about a month, I started feeling the need to get away. By the time we reached T-7 days, I was about to lose it. Getting on that plane was so freeing, and now coming back, I feel much more able to handle work and life, and everything else.

There has been so much lately that has been invigorating and motivating. I’m about to launch my first ad campaign as a business which is exciting, and also a little scary because I’m not sure if it will work. I know the things to build a successful campaign, but you never really know until you launch.

I have a new lofty goal of working for American Airlines. I’m not really a corporate job type, but I think for the right company it would be great experience. While, all airlines are a favorite target of criticism, some of it well deserved, flying is an experience. For some of us it’s a bad experience, for others, such as myself, it’s a great experience. I know at the very least, I have the compassion for those who hate flying and a connection with those who love it. I love to travel, and I see a boarding pass as something more than the thing that gets you on the plane. It’s your ticket to new experiences that you’ll never forget. I see these soft “skills” that I already have as things that could be an asset to AA, but I’m sure that’s not unique to me. My next steps are to beef up my portfolio, and sharpen those skills into something that would make me a unique asset to any airline. Maybe it will give me some leverage.

In addition to new goals, I also added a new tool to my tool box. I bought an Apple pencil after a breakout session about pattern design. It occurred to me that if I can design my own patterns, then that’s added value to clients. It’s one more element in the work that is unique to their work. I’ve been toying around in Procreate and iOrnament getting a feel for the pencil, and so far I really like it. I’ve made a few things that aren’t necessarily intended to be good, but they are apart of the process.

This past week was a lot of good coming together at once. I wrapped up two projects (ALWAYS a good feeling), committed to a new one, set a meeting to sign a wedding contract, got a commit for another wedding (which might be in the Caribbean), and had some interest in a lifestyle session in San Francisco. Last week was full of exciting and really good stuff. Plus I had a mojito at The Continental and earned some airline miles for it.

Finally, I’m hooked on this video.