So to follow up on my post a couple of days ago, I’ve been thinking about it a lot more, and has me energized. Hopefully that energy will lead to productivity on some scale, but it is in process.

Knowing everyone’s daily schedule is a mess… we usually commit ourselves to too many projects, combined with family responsibilities, it can leave one with a dearth of unmitigated “time” to spare.  Throw in “The Walking Dead” or a game (MLB Spring Training starts today!) and that “time” can be chiseled down to a few fleeting moments throughout the day.

One area that I saw an opportunity on is my time at the gym. I go to a small gym here in Long Beach, and usually can be found with my headphones in as I work out. Lately, during my cardio workouts, I watch two episodes (about 46 min.) of Cheers via Netflix. While it has been great to see the early seasons of this TV classic, there may be a different/better way to spend my time on the elliptical machine.

“Wouldn’t listening to a podcast be a better use of your time?” was my initial thought… and off to iTunes I went, in search of solid content (yet entertaining enough to help pass the time). My first selection: Online Marketing Made Easy, with Amy Porterfield “How to Find Your Audience, Get Serious About Content and Build Your Email List: An Interview with Marie Forleo”, which I listened to yesterday. For picking a podcast out of the many in iTunes, I think I hit a home-run on the first at-bat. Amy hit on a lot of things that I was questioning myself about, and I’m looking forward to checking out the two previous podcasts, as well as the new ones to come. While the message touches on a lot of familiar points to some, I think overall it is a good listen, no matter what your expertise level is.

I have few other podcasts queued up, and I’ll report back if I find anything that has value to share. Also, if you have a preferred podcast and/or website that has helped you, please comment below.

Although right now, my weekend awaits…!

Lately, I’ve been in one of those moods… like I need a side project or something to keep my occupied. Granted, working full-time and having a 6 month old at home is more than enough to fill my daily dancecard. Also, my full-time job pays well enough, that the monetary aspect is not necessarily the driving component.

When I say “hustle”, I’m sure many people get a different vision as to what that word means to them. Some may think of being a 3-card monty dealer in some back alley, or other illegal/quasi-illegal activity. Others may think along the lines of someone working deals to try and get a leg up. While I’m definitely in the latter group, I think there are opportunities out there but often we just don’t look for them (or see them in some respects).

My main activities in the past have been sparingly, but included buying/reselling tickets, clothes, music, etc. Being in a place of opportunity to purchase desirable objects, and then finding the means to sell them. Everything I’ve done has been on a very small scale, but I enjoy the hunt… as well as the rewards.

Knowing that this is not necessarily my vision for the future, I’ve expanded my thoughts on what it would take to create a side business of sorts. Nothing has been decided as of yet, but have my eye on a couple of possibilities. As I start to flesh things out, I’ll document/update the blog along the way.

I just wanted to see if there were others out there that have/do feel this way… and if you’ve acted on it. Anyone have side businesses going now (whether for personal satisfaction and/or extra income)? If so, any tips to share with the class?

So it has been a crazy 7+ months since my last post… And I realize that’s pretty unacceptable.

Between this and the other blog Where We Will Shine I’m hoping to make some headway in production.

Our baby Elizabeth:

So if you’re like me, you sit at your desk trying to put a meaningful 7-10 hours in on a daily basis. This leads to boredom if there isn’t music… which I only mute for conference calls (sometimes).

Therefore, I am constantly scanning for new music and/or stations to check out.

Every week, NPR & Spinner.com put up entire album streams of new music about to hit the shelf (as if anyone still buys music from a shelf!). This week, NPR has some solid, solid stuff: Passion Pit, Gaslight Anthem, and Fang Island. There are more options, but I haven’t had a chance to listen to everything.

Spinner.com is also a great option for checking out new albums, and they update their site every Monday.  I’ve only listened to a couple so far, but the rotation includes: Angus Stone, Milo Greene, & Matisyahu.

I’ve also been checking out iheart.com for some radio enjoyment, since I don’t “technically” have a radio in my office. The top two stations in rotation are Island 98.5 (reggae from Honolulu) and 1470 The Whistle (classic country from Sioux City, IA). I haven’t spent much time outside of these two stations, but imagine they’ll have something you can relate to.

The last recent option is checking out Ambient/Chillwave stuff, which I’ve been doing via Spotify. A lot of time I like to have music, but nothing too crazy… because concentration is required from time to time. I do a basic search and listen to other people’s playlist, since I’m not well versed in the genre. I created a Summer Playlist, if you’re interested you can subscribe.

Just a few options at your disposal. Thinking of creating a more comprehensive list, especially if there is some interest in that kind of thing.

As always, let me know what you’re listening too…