The Now: November 8, 2023

I just wrapped up my attendance at the Library Marketing and Communications Conference. After two days full of great sessions and giving my own presentation, my brain is zapped. Which seems appropriate given that my session was about content burnout. Tonight, I'm going to grab dinner from the Panera across the street, binge watch The Office, and luxuriate with a hydrating sheet mask.

Here's what I've been working on:

1. Conference "Stuff": I've been away since Monday. On top of attending all the conference sessions - all of them were great - I'm preparing to bring back what I learned. I took notes via X and made a Keep list for action items and follow-up questions. I also compiled all the print materials from the sessions and the SWAG swap. As soon as I'm back in the office, I'm going to process this material so that I can harness the energy burst I always get from attending professional development events.
2. Work from Home Prep: I will be working from home for a few extra days during Thanksgiving week. Since I will be nowhere near my office, I'm making a list of things I can do at home. I know that my focus will be shot so I'm making a list of brainless/admin projects I can just plug away at. I'm planning this far ahead to ensure that I bring everything I need with me.
3. Fretting: This isn't an actual "thing" but it is residing in my brain. A lot of dramatic personal stuff happened this week and my mind is rolling from worry to fear to anxiety to list making. Normally, I try to wrangle my emotions through productive action but, since I'm out of town, I can't. Instead, I'm breathing through it and mentally preparing for my reaction when I get home. Usually, I am overreactive during these sorts of weeks. I hope that this remains the case. 
   

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