Why You Should Choose Your Next Vacation Destination at Random
When we last collected our staff’s weekly updates , our editors pondered, color-coded our inboxes, and found ways to improve our morning coffee.
This week we return to the gym, explore new recreational options, find the best Cooking Music, and buy wine that is sold in cans .
What updates have you made this week? Let us know in the comments.
Expand your idea of the holiday destination
I selected the destination for my mini vacation last week by specifying the dates and price range in the Kayak Flight Finder . I eliminated anything that was too close (boring) or too far away (I brought a couple of impatient kids with me) and ended up flying to a small town in a neighboring state that I would never have thought to visit. The destination was ok (Hagerstown, MD – be sure to check Discovery Station if you have kids), but honestly, the best part was the tiny plane that got us there . I would never have had the opportunity to ride it if I had chosen a destination first.
Beth squarek, health editor
Find a new work playlist
While working, I listened to a lot of prog-rock. It’s complex and loud enough to drown out office noise, and the long, often instrumental tracks are less distracting than a bunch of three-minute pop songs. I’m also into the rock / art / new age work of Mike Oldfield – he has half a dozen albums that are variations of the same structure from his first album, Tubular Bells.
Nick Douglas, staff writer
Invest in your own development
I attended a written workshop this weekend and am eager to try out new ideas. It was an investment in myself, and it definitely paid off – I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed over the past few weeks, but now I’m energized and ready to try new and ambitious stories. Plus, I’ve met tons of cool women who had great ideas that I can’t wait to see come to fruition.
alisia adamchik, staff writer
Discover the world of canned wine
I bought a can of Pinot Noir this week. Not sure if I consider this a flavor enhancement, but I’ll let you know as soon as I open it. However, this is a significant improvement in terms of portability and storage. It takes up less space on my desk than a full bottle, and its silvery appearance looks just as pretty. I also improved my computing life by asking my parents to send me some Star Wars posters that I bought in 1997, and I hope the Emperor signs them this weekend at Silicon Valley Comic Con. (Hi Woz.)
David Murphy, Senior Technical Editor
Treat fitness like a marathon, not a sprint
This week I returned to the gym for the first time in years. My approach to exercise has tended to be to push myself really hard at first and then inevitably dry out as I get more painful and boring. This time I was more forgiving of myself, and a few days later I became less frustrated and less sick. I decided to stop reminding myself how often I trained in high school because it just isn’t helpful. So far, I’m on my way to a longer and more enjoyable gym routine, which is more important to me than getting a SWOLE.
Adam Powers, video producer
Step away from complicated skin care routine
Although I’ve been using various elaborate serums and cleansers lately, I don’t like the way my skin looks and feels. I realized that at this point the problem seemed to be that I was messing around with my skin unnecessarily and then adding more things to try and fix it instead of just leaving it the hell alone. All of which means I’m back to an old favorite: using Pond Cold Cream as a makeup remover and cleanser overnight, applying a little moisturizer when I’m done and calling it good. I may have to revisit this routine when it gets warmer, but for now it’s a big improvement. Though I wish I had done this before jumping in for the fancy, ineffective retinol serum.
Virginia K. Smith, Editor-in-Chief