If you’re hoping to read anything about ExpressionEngine 2.0 Beta then move on. I’ve managed to download it and that’s about all. I’m not even sure if their NDA lets me say that much. Ha!

One of the problems I have with ExpressionEngine is that it is such a fire-and-forget system that every time I build a site in it—or decide to redesign one—I am starting from scratch and by the time I am done I’ve learned so much that I want to start over. I do not have this kind of time. This is a strength of the software and my weakness. If I was a full-time developer I know this is the system I’d want to go with. Even as a dabbler it’s what I choose to use. I prefer to use the best tool for the job even if I don’t know how to use all the functions of the tool.

I can’t wait to set up a site in ExpressionEngine 2.0 Beta. I have a project that has been languishing for a while now. It’s time to go beat on it.

Firekites - AUTUMN STORY - chalk animation from Lucinda Schreiber on Vimeo.

If you’re reading this I am currently away from work for a while. I don’t write about my job or where I work on this site, and this post will be no exception, other than to say I will be away from there for two weeks.

That’s a good chunk of time in my mind. I’ve been wanting some reset time for quite some time. Usually, I take my time in small chunks or around typical holidays, so I have seldom had any prolonged time away. I’m pretty fine with this, but I have often fantasized about just having time to work on projects. I am trying to decide what I want to try to get done over the next two weeks.

The trap I fall into when doing this is biting off way more than I can chew, then getting stressed, and doing none of them, getting upset about this, and returning to work disappointed I wasted my time away. Again though, I can’t remember ever having two weeks in a row before. I will obviously be strapped for cash. I am already there, a week without pay will just make it worse, so I need to come up with projects that either cost nothing, cost little, or actually make me some money (like listing crap on eBay).

Here’s my checklist:

1. Organize the Spare Bedroom, set up recording studio, hang masks, etc
2. Do unemployment and finances
3. Vaccuum all carpets (spring cleaning)
4. Do all laundry and donate or throw out clothes
5. Do all dishes
6. Relax, read a book (maybe two shorter ones), see a couple movies, etc.
7. Do one crafty project (clay, paper, or PDF project)
8. Do one thing on my websites todo list
9. Sell 5 things on eBay
10. Clean bathroom and kitchen and mop floors

I am going to confine myself to this list. Nothing else. I am also going to be satisfied if I knock off most of it. I originally wanted to make a list of 10 things, and it looks like I have, even though I cheated on a couple, since some will require I do other things first (have to clean living room before I can vacuum, etc.). Some of these things will take up a lot more time than others. I also want to throw a whole lot of stuff out!

That’s it. Wish me luck. Will report back as I get some of this knocked out!

Not sure why, but am having problems updating my site. So if you see posts come and go this is why.