I've been trying this thing for 2025 where I don't schedule anything except my job. I have show up when my students do; they're only 12. Back in November, I made this video about how I'm not consistent, how weekly schedules don't work for me, and then I went and made myself a brand new schedule.
(I actually filmed and edited a whole video in December about how ridiculous that called shot was, but it felt too whiny, and I never published it.)
So what I'm trying is just doing the thing. Either I do it now or later. No other schedule exists. Yes, stuff doesn't get done. But I'm trying so hard to let go of the guilt. Yesterday, I thought about making a video all day, and I didn't do it until 9pm when my brain said, OK, now I'm ready. Would it be nice if my brain wanted to make video content when the light is good? Sure, but at least I made something. I made it; I posted it. No more schedules.
Today, my brain said, hey, what about a newsletter? Good idea, brain, it's been a while. I don't have an essay for you, but here's some good things in my life right now:
- My show is back! I'm not too proud to admit that the 911 franchise has been my bright spot over the last couple years. And then they went and cancelled one series and broke up my favourite couple in the other. But that's television, baby, because those big beefy firefighters hooked up in the last episode, and I'm living again.
- The background hum of my days and nights is the McElroys. Their podcast network, Maximum Fun, is in the last days of their annual pledge drive. I joined up again this year (try out the absolutely unhinged joy of Griffin playing DJ), and I'm eager to get back to the other tab where I was listening to them create a 3 DMs, 1 Player RPG called Plato's Rave (that 1 Player will be their dad).
- Finally switched to Firefox. Still love my Apple devices, but I'd like to wrest a little more control from their hands.
- My grocery store does this meat deal called "Plenty for $20." Pick 4 for $20, and that plus frozen kale and rice or a bagged salad is getting me through the week.
- I picked up a new ink for my pen last week. I've been wanting a yellow or orange to add to my collection, so I'm trying Tangerine from TWSBI. Brighter than I'd like, but with fascinating highlights.
- I'm going to New York City next week! I'm not quite nervous yet, but it's my first time, and I'm just realising now, also the biggest city I've ever visited.
- And the Sunday Zine Jam is still so much fun. We're coming up to a year of the jam at the end of June. I've made a zine for every single one. You should join us.
Sunday Zine #8 ends this Sunday, March 30th. You've still got time—actually, you've got a few extra hours this month because I made a time mistake. #9 will start the same day (I haven't picked the theme yet, so I don't have a link for you at the moment.)
itch.io hosts non-stop jams. I scanned the list and found a few others that sound interesting:
- David Lynch Appreciation Zine, ends March 31st
- Make Literally Anything Jam, ends April 1st
- Self Jam, opens April 5th, ends April 13th
- Letter-Writing Game Jam, ends April 14th
I hope you're finding something fun, something delicious, something challenging to carry you right now. I hope my brain decides next week is a good time to send another letter.
Until then,