The first lapse

I missed writing yesterday. I spent most of the evening relaxing instead, since I didn't have any obligations for once. 

It was bound to happen at some point, and it's fine. But I'm having some difficulty thinking of something meaningful to write. I guess this is just a journal entry, then.

I've been playing music a lot lately, which feels great. The new guitar I bought last month has been a great inspiration. At first I was a little intimidated by its volume---my previous guitars have been easy to sing over. I'm coming to appreciate the challenge. It also sounds great through a cable (acoustic-electric) so I don't have to fiddle around with microphones to record.

Not that I mind fiddling with microphones. I'm enjoying the new vocal mic I bought after pining for it a while. I've been recording some acoustic and vocal videos, and the results are pretty satisfying.

I've also been collaborating with an old friend on some music. Playing along with other people's music uniquely satisfies my brain. Especially when I know they appreciate my input.

Other than that, I've been reading about writing. Last week I decided to get a few books about the craft of writing, rather than the normal historical, economic, and productivity related stuff. I've enjoyed On Writing Well by William Zinsser so far. I'm probably 2/3 through. A lot of it doesn't apply to technical writing, but he does spend a chapter on that topic.

I like to spend the time between my birthday and New Years sorting out my goals and direction for the next year. It's a convenient chance to assess what I'm doing and why---and maybe what I shouldn't be doing. Extra reflection time helps me feel like I'm improving over time.

That is, if I follow my own advice. Which is rare. 

I hope I'm at least not getting worse.