“Hey babe, hand me the phone and get to work.”
My husband had a point. Instead of writing, I spent at least a half hour amusing myself with Instragram, (which I just read should not be used for blog photos, but whatever, amateur blogging in action I guess…). It seems like wherever I go, home or out, I spend necessary time distracting myself before I hunker down and get to work. I maintain that this is part of my creative process.
Distractions help me get focused, if that makes any sense.
So after I played with Instagram, eavesdropped on a conversation between dad and teenaged kids about a solo backpacking trip, and ate my chocolate chip banana bread, I got to work on revisions. I also realized that Old Soul at Weatherstone is my current favorite coffee shop in Sacramento. Between the shady brick patio, the beer on tap, and the artsy Portland-esque decor, I can’t get enough, (see, I’m totally a wannabe hipster).
I’m making it a semi-daily goal this summer to spend a couple of hours working in a coffee shop in addition to the time spent at home. I love listening, observing, and being outside, while also creating, (increased distractions or not!). Best of all, my husband’s job allows him to join me some days, (speaking of which, if you’re looking to buy or sell a house in Sac, I know the man for the job…).
Any other favorite Sacramento coffee shops I should know about?
Here is today’s distraction collection, (the first of many, I’m sure):
Old Soul at Weatherstone
Favorite Outdoor Coffee Seating in Sacramento
Think it’s time to clean my computer screen…
MacBook ad? More distractions from revisions…
Our feet wishing they were in Roma, or Tokyo, or Paris… Wow, I’m a dork.
Found this in my wallet from when I quit my cube job, made me smile.
oliviaobryon 
“Distractions help me get focused, if that makes any sense.”
When I was in law school, occasionally I would try to study in the library. The silence drove me crazy. I studied in the student center instead. I totally get what you’re saying here. As long as the distractions aren’t the type that take me away entirely from what I should be doing. This is the problem with internet distractions. I can’t write while surfing the internet. I can write while listening to music or watching the world go by. I can’t write while playing Words with Friends. I can write in the midst of noise and bustle. Almost every evening I say to myself … check your email, check Facebook, write a quick blog post and then write. And, by the time I’ve done all of those things and, well, yes, a few other things on the internet, my writing time has gone by.
I agree, the internet is the worst distraction. I think that’s part of why I like coffee shops… I don’t use their wifi until I’ve earned it by getting some work done. Otherwise, it eats a lot of time, (like right now). Do you have any Sac favorites?
Favorite coffee shop? I don’t really have any as coffee shops aren’t where I generally go. Plus, when I do leave the comfy confines of home, I generally do it to avoid the wi-fi at home. Of course, the first question I ask when I get to my destination is … do you have wi-fi? I’m really tired of the internet addiction and that’s what it is. I wish I could break myself of the habit. I’m working on it. Trying to figure out the best way to manage the distraction while also getting things done.
That makes sense. I just don’t ask for the wifi password, which helps. Internet addictions suck, I’m contemplating not letting myself go on the internet until I’ve done a set amount of work… We’ll see if I have the willpower to keep it up, (it’s either that or get my distractions out of my system first, which eats up a lot of time).
I love reading your posts. They seem so natural and fun for me to read. I can’t wait to try out your favorite coffee shop. Maybe our blog group can rotate to different shops each time! My favorite is the Naked Lounge, I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about it, and you have probably been there yourself. 🙂 Can’t wait to see you!
Thanks Nancy 😉 I’m glad you enjoy them because sometimes I have to ask myself what the heck I’m writing about, lol. I always forget Naked has an outdoor patio! Yes, let’s go there next! Excited to see you too!