Doing Sickness and Motivation the Right Way
For the last three months I have been in a boot nursing a partially torn achilles tendon. For the last two weeks I have been sick. Up until then I was actively focused on jdhayes.com and worked out. My content publishing schedule and my workouts were consistent, all though modified with only upper body strength training, swimming and some indoor cycling. I was consistent until I got sick. Once I got sick everything stopped. I was barely able to get through my daily responsibilities and completely stopped focusing on my content and working out.
I was unmotivated and depressed - Why was that and could I have done more? Would doing anything have helped speed up my recovery?
Motivation and Productivity
When you are sick your energy levels are down as your body is trying to fight off whatever is making you sick. So it is understandable that you aren’t as energized and motivated to get things done. Your productivity is non-existent. But I find myself completely shutting down. What could I have done to not completely lose my momentum?
Lighten Up
Rather than completely shutting down I could have been easier on myself. I could have lightened up on what I was expecting of myself and been happy with less. I usually have an all or nothing view, which is completely counter-productive. Looking at what I wanted to get done and scaling that back to a few key items would have been better and much more successful.
Meditate
As I discussed in my post “I’m starting a medication practice" , I have started meditating. During the last two weeks I completely dropped that as well. In hindsight I could have kept that up and I think that would have actually helped cut the stress of the sickness and helped put my illness in perspective. I am like most men in that every stuffy nose, bit of congestion, and fever is life threatening. Meditation would have helped with my mindset and perspective.
Think Longer Term
When I was laid up that would have been a great time to think a little longer term. Getting out of the negativity of knowing I needed to get things done and was not doing them, and stepping back and thinking long-term would have served me well. Using that time to look at my goals, the systems and processes I have or need, would have kept me on a positive trajectory. Resting and being inactive lends itself to thinking, planning and retrospective views. I definitely lost a great opportunity to use that time wisely.
Clear the Clutter
Getting organized and decluttering does not take a lot of thought or mental energy. Also having a more organized workspace and home space would have made me feel better and helped with my mental attitude. This is something I could have done in small bursts.
Evaluate and Think
This ties into the Think Longer Term suggestion. What could I have done differently to potentially avoided this illness? One too many apple fritters? Does this always happen after a long international flight? If I would have done some focused thinking on this I might have a preventative gameplay now. Another good question would have been What can I do Now? Focusing on doing something would have been better than How quickly can I get to bed.
Working Out and Physical Activity
How could I have still done some physical activity?
Evaluate
Evaluate what exactly I have. With only a sinus infection and the related congestion and drainage I had the classic Above the neck illness. The conventional thinking is that if you illness is only above the neck and you don’t have a fever then physical activity is okay, although lighter. Once you have a fever and a more widespread illness it is best to take some time off.
Lighten Up
I should have continued with a light workout regime. I had my bike set up on the indoor trainer so I could have done some light spinning, or even some light kettlebells and suspension band training. In hindsight I bet a little activity would have sped up my recovery.
Summary
Next time I’m not feeling well, and it will happen again, I am going to walk though these suggestions. I think using these suggestions will not only help me keep up some momentum but also speed up my recovery. Having a positive outlook and some light physical activity will help.
I hope you find something here that helps. Add any more tips or thoughts below in the comments.
Automatically Add Scanned Business Cards to Contacts from Evernote
Here is a quick tip if you use Evernote to scan in business cards on your iPhone. Changing this setting will allow the contact information to be automatically sent to your Contacts App.
Within the Evernote App on your IPhone:
- Go to settings (gear icon in upper left corner)
- General
- Camera
- Business Cards
- Toggle on Save to Contacts slider
After this change all your scanned business card contacts will be automatically added to your contacts.
As a bonus you can also select which Notebook you want the business card scans to go into by selecting it in the setting right about the Save to Contacts slider.
My Pure Joy From Fishing
Not five minutes after presenting my fly in the water a nice crappie hit it and I had my first fish of the day. About ten minutes later my son had his first one as well.
Getting back into fishing I have also gotten back into fly tying. I tied my first flies this week in probably over 35+ years. I tied basic orange-bodied Zebra Midge. I have had many victories and my share of disappointments in life but I actually felt a sense of pure joy going from bare hook to landed fish with something I had built. Even better was the fact that my son quickly switched to one of my files after I caught my fish and landed his.
We fished a little bit longer and then he turned and said "Dad these flies really work; can we go home and tie some more? I want to tie my own."
Hey this is my pure joy from fishing.
Here is How I combine a Business Trip With Photography
Here is how I combine a business trip with photography. For many of us photography is not our full-time paying gig so we need to be creative to satisfy our photo bug while on business trips. You think it is hard to photograph with your spouse in tow, or harder yet your twelve year old; try doing it with two or three work colleagues with you.
Packing
Just like any photo shoot, planning your packing is key. It is no different on a travel photography outing / trip. I typically plan on what I am going to shoot and either take my Tamron 28-75 and my Tokina 11 -16 or my Nikon 1.4 50. If I am doing something different on the trip then I go to Lens Rental and rent what I need. The guys are great over at Lens Rental and I just let them know where the lens will be traveling with me and they are great about getting it to me.
Bag
Either I pack everything in my briefcase or split items between my briefcase and carry on luggage bag. The inner laptop compartment makes a great soft location for my D300s and lens. As I almost always carry on my luggage, a lens wrapped tightly around a tee-shirt travels well.
Instead of my normal briefcase I sometimes travel with my Tenba Messenger bag. What I like about this bag is that it looks like a brief case and when I arrive at the work location I can leave the padded insert in the room and back what I need for the office in the bag. I take advantage of the in-room safe for my gear. After I have images downloaded I always carry the external drive with me and keep my MacBook Pro and spent SD cards in the safe.
I also travel with 10 – 15 16-gig SD cards and a backup drive.
Workflow on the road
My workflow on the road doesn't differ much from my normal travel workflow. I take enough SD cards to have 2 for each day so I don't have to format and reuse any of the cards. On a nightly basis I copy the images from the cards onto a temporary folder on my MacBook Pro and also copy the files onto my external drive and to Dropbox.
The hotels I stay in typically have an in-room safe which is where I put my SD cards and I always carry the small 500GB hard drive with me to the office or in my suit jacket.
Traveling for business can be difficult so combining photography with the trip makes the trips much more enjoyable.
Please feel free to share your tips and ideas below in the comments se
Painted Wall Personal Project-Stanislaw Lem Krakow
Stanislaw Lem Krkaow Painted Wall in Jewish Ghetto Krakow Poland
On my last visit to Krakow Poland I took one of the many cart tours of the Jewish Ghetto area. I captured this image as part of my personal project to capture painted walls. As you can imagine these tours are both somber and interested. The atrocities that took place are almost unimaginable, and being right where it happened is interesting and sobering. Something we never should forget.
Does Looking Back Hurt Your Future?
I wonder if I am looking back too often and too much, and does that mean that I am living in the past. What is a good balance between both looking forward, reminiscing, and enjoying my past memories versus looking forward? Is this contrary to the current view of living in the moment?
With my dad passing away I find myself reliving all my past memories including those with my dad. I am having a hard time understanding and or putting these memories in focus. I keep coming back to the finality of he will never be around anymore, and I will not see him until I pass away. Is it a problem to look back, and want to enjoy what you had in the past? Is it just as unhealthy to look forward constantly? Is it just part of the grief process? Who's to say. Also what are memories anyway if not to be enjoyed?
Do you ever notice that when you look back and think about someone who has passed away you think about the positive things? Is this common? If it is such a normal occurrence, why don't we think about doing it for people that are alive? I think the world would be a much better place, and will be much more positive, if we focused on the positives in people rather than the negatives.
My looking back might also may be a coping tool for my apprehension towards the unknown of the future. Am I a little nervous of the unknown. I do like things to be in order, not many surprises, "Buttoned up". Hey that's the accountant in me. Would I live a more exciting a full life if I get outside that organized world? I believe yes.
I am also working to develop a balanced focus that builds on my experiences from the past, what the future has for me, and living in the current. This will allow me to really be grateful for what I already have. Improving this balance will also get me out of the comforts of the past and build new memories. How about you?
Why Your Own Kayak is Wonderful
They toss the hunk of plastic off the trailer and point you towards the path down to the river. You grab a paddle off the pile and grab one of the kayaks laying there and you are off. Another kayak outing with a rental you hope won't ruin the trip.
We have all used the rental kayaks. They are fine and that is what got us into kayaking in the first place. They are typically all molded plastic, with one or both of the foot braces broken off or just molded into the kayak. We definitely enjoyed the experience in spite of the kayak. With your own you can enjoy the kayak and the experience.
Okay now I have my own kayak. For Christmas the big family purchases were kayaks for the three of us. Before this we were renters, now we are owners.
There is something really special about having a brand new kayak. The ability to truly customize the fit for you is just wonderful. From the way the real seat hugs your body, to the foot braces, a kayak that fits you is huge. The feeling of being more connected to your kayak increases the experience. You feel like you are working with your kayak not against it.
There is the cost thing. If you are trying to prove the cost vs. renting then you probably won't be able justify the purchase. But if you compare renting with the ability to go where you want, the comfort and enjoyment of a perfect fit, and higher quality boat performance then purchasing is the way to go. I truly believe that if you own something you will use it and go much more often.
Most rental places will transport you and your kayak up the river for a small fee so the transportation is covered. This eliminates the need for two vehicles on a river trip with one at the start and one left at the termination point.
If you want a kayak that you can custom fit to your body, have the freedom to go where you want when you want, and take your kayaking to a much more enjoyable level, go out a buy your own; they're wonderful.
I'm Starting a Meditation Practice
I started using the app. Headspace to begin a meditation ritual. The offer a free 10 minutes for 10 days program that I had heard about on Tim Ferriss' podcast. He continually discussed that a majority of the people he interviewed participated in some kind of regular meditation practice. I thought I would give it a try.
Interesting fact so far is that although I am only on day 2 of the 10 day program, I find my self experiencing a couple of things. First, during the practice and right after I find myself extremely nervous and anxious. This is completely opposite of what I expected. After doing a bit of research it seems like this, although is not common does occur. It is most likely the fact that I am becoming more mindful or aware of my feelings and some inner anxiety. Interesting. Most resources suggest that the anxiety will subside after I deepen my awareness and acceptance of it. I actually become more relaxed and calm after about 10 to 15 minutes after finishing.
I'm starting a meditation practice in the hopes of slowing down. My over-analyzing brain needs a break. I'll update you on my progress after my 10 days us up.
Easy Way to Play your IPhone on Sonos
Connecting your phone or music device to your Sonos couldn't be easier. If you Sonos has a Line In connector you are all set. The Play 5 has one. All you need is a standard headphone jack cord to attach your phone to the Sonos Line-In port.
After you have your phone connected, select Line -In Under the "Select a Music Source" menu.
Within the Line-In menu select your Audio Component that should be your phone. After that you can control playback with all the normal Sonos player controls.
I use this method to quickly listen to podcasts on my IPhone. This is also a quick way to hook up a friend's phone to your Sonos system. You can listen to music this way as well, but it is much easier to load all your music into your Sonos system. I hope this helps.
Winter Has Arrived
Here is a photograph I captured on my back deck after our first snowfall of the year. I like the crispness of the snow gently attached to the lamp.
I am going to share photos I capture weekly. No particular theme or content just ones that inspire me or tell a story. I hope you enjoy.
What Everyone is Saying About Constraints
Constraints are a good thing. Having constraints forces you to be creative, dig deeper to find a solution and to execute. To must do something can be a more powerful motivator than wanting to do something.
Constraints help you focus and keep your willpower high. Limiting choices or eliminating options all together helps conserve your willpower. We all the know the Steve jobs story about eliminating the need to make decisions about what clothes he wore. This is something you can put in place immediately. Try limiting your clothing selection this week to 3 shirts and pants.
There have been studies done that show people are much happier when their options are reduced. The fewer options they have, the happier they are. This relates back to second guessing or rethinking decisions. If you only had 2 choices you will probably have a lot less second guessing in your life. I think you look to make better selections, and are more committed to your selection when you only have a limited options or even time.
I put the constraint on myself to spend a full hour on photography and I couldn't go beyond my backyard. I took 189 images in that hour and created a beautiful detail image on a water spigot handle that I think looks wonderful.
If you don't have a lot of disposable income than you are really focused on spending your money the right way. I think having less fun money causes you to make better decisions because the risk of a bad decision is greater and it isn't easy to overcome by making another purchase. Interesting thought. Can people with less money be happier? Are they happier if they focus on spending money on experiences that provide a lifetime of memories vs. things that can provide limited benefits and joy?
Constrain yourself on the golf course to only using your 7 iron and see how good you get with the club. By the end of the 18 holes I guarantee you will know exactly how far you can hit the club, how you can bend the shot. I think you will have mastered the club.
Same way with camera gear. Take out your camera with one lens and really work it. You'll understand how the focus works, how the lens works at different apertures, it will become second nature to you. You will be able to look beyond the lens and the camera and focus on your vision what you really see. The camera will truly become a tool to capture your vision not the focus.
If you sit down at night and find yourself paralyzed with options and not doing anything, give yourself only two options of things to do and see how that improves you getting things done. Less is more.
What other kinds of constraints can you think of that truly improve your life? For a week set up real situations where you have constraints.
Be it what you order for lunch, what you do when you are home from work. I truly believe that giving yourself or having constraints will improve your trajectory towards what you want. Constraints are a good thing.
How I do my Annual Review
Every year I take some time and review the prior year as a first step towards planning the coming year. Here is how I did my 2015 Annual Review.
Words of the Year
At the end of the year I write three words that describe the previous year. I described 2015 as a year of:
- Sorrow
- Planning
- stressful
I lost my father in 2015 and that coupled with a tough year at work provided the sorrow and stressful theme. I spent a lot of time planning for my website and my triathlon training, too much in my estimation, so that is the planning theme.
I compare those three words to the three I set while planning the year. I had set:
- Planning
- Health
- Execution
Annual Summary
With these six words as a backdrop I write out an Annual Summary of the year. From 50,000 feet how did the year feel? How did it go? I really consider this brainstorming as I just write what comes to mind. It is important for me that I do no mid sentence editing or culling of my thoughts. I just let my thoughts flow as I think about last year. Typically these are memorable items, events, people or activities that took place.
Journal Review
After the Annual Review I go through my journal for the year to help jog my thoughts on other things that took place. In hindsight I think things seem better or not as bad as they seemed at the time. That is why I review my journal to really capture the emotions and reactions I had at the time. Much more powerful than the antiseptic hindsight review at the end of the year.
Goal Review
After I get my summary down I go into a deep review of the goals I set. Each year I typically put together a visual timeline on when I am going to meet certain goals so I include that image in my annual review.
I list out each goal I set for the year. I include:
Goal - what was the specific goal.
The Why - I am a firm believer that if you don't have a big enough why you will not make the progress you want. So this is the why I must achieve this goal.
System and Processes to Achieve - This describes the specifics of how I am going to achieve the goal. This also includes what will I put in place almost daily to move my trajectory forward.
Tracking Progress and Process - How am I going to track my progress including what am I going to track and specifically how — (google spreadsheet, tally sheet , etc.)
Trajectory
Under each goal I type one question to answer - What was my trajectory? Did I improve and move towards the goal or away from it? This in my mind is key as I view goal achievement as a process not an end state. If I improved myself and moved forward then I consider that a success. I do this for each goal. I give myself an arbitrary rating between 1 - 10 on each goal.
Quick Summary
The last thing I do is finish up with a paragraph or two of how I view last year. I find this important to do last as it changes a bit after I have done the 50,000 foot review, and the specific goal review. This year's summary highlighted that I thought I had too many goals, that I spent too much time planning and not enough doing. I also had a lot of frustration from work and from the injuries I experienced.
After I have this drafted I let it sit for at least 2 days and then go back. I take a clean page or file and bullet point out thoughts about what happened last year and compare the list to what I had documented? Anything new, anything different? If so I flesh them out and add them to the summary.
After that I review the document one more time and I scan it in and if it is a file I convert it to PDF.
Summary
I use this Overall Summary as the beginning for the current year's goal and system brainstorming session. Did I have too many goals? Do I continue to have the same goals year after year and don't act on them? This guides my goal setting process and helps me refine my process and set me up for success. Improve the trajectory year after year. Consider this the annual 2% improvement.
Have Fun with the Board Game 5 Second Rule - Just Spit it Out
5 Second Rule Board Game
At Christmas we got the game 5 Second Rule - Just Spit it Out! And no it doesn't involve picking food quickly off the floor. The game is quick to learn and extremely fun to play. The setup is easy; basically pull the box of cards and the timer out of the box and you are ready to play. I would say the game is more fun with 4 or more players. We had six the first time we played.
The objective of the game is simple — accumulate the most points. You get a point for each question you successfully answer. Simple
The game is played by one player drawing a card and reading the card to the player to his right. That player has 5 seconds to complete the list of 3. The cards require you to list 3 of something. Examples include: Name 3 famous Johns, Name 3 of the Great Lakes. We played that you could pick either question on the two-sided cards.
Where the game gets interesting is that if you can't answer all three then the card goes to the player on the right for them to try. The big catch is that you can't use any of the previous answers. All within 5 seconds.
The other players act as judge and jury as they decide if an answer is acceptable. Also my suggestion is that you keep your smartphone handy; you will be looking up answers to verify what someone says. Better be ready for some loud heckling and good-natured arguing. We definitely brought the energy level up while playing this game.
5 Second Rule is a quick, fun energetic game that really adds pressure by limiting the time to answer to 5 seconds. We ended up playing two games of 3 rounds each. We even had a tie where we had a "card off" competition between the two leaders.
A highly recommended game.
6 ways that Nozbe can increase your productivity
There are thousands of productivity tools out there. Nozbe is the tool I use to track and complete my projects and tasks. Nozbe helps me get things done. Here are six ways that Nozbe can increase your productivity.
1. Nozbe helps you focus on what you need to get done. Not what you want to or should get done but rather what you need to get done. You can quickly filter down to right must get done today. Use the "Priority" Star rating and view and only these tasks will be visible. Use the Edit button and you can arrange the tasks in priority order. Then burn down the list from top to bottom. I try to have only 3 items a day that must get down. By filtering on "work" or "home" labels I can show the appropriate 3 focus items.
2. Capture all the projects that need to get done - Following the classic and proven GTD approach you can capture all your projects and feel good about having everything in one spot. For those tasks that don't need multiple steps (projects) to complete just use a "Home" or "Work" project to group these tasks in a "project" and get them out of your Nozbe inbox.
3. Quickly send thoughts, tasks or projects to Nozbe through email. Nozbe handles the important task of getting thoughts immediately recorded when you think of them. You can set up a unique email address that allows you to send items to your in-box. Set this as a contact in your email application and the address comes right up in your email composer. A great way to get everything in one spot quickly.
4. Nozbe is multi-platform. There are IOS, Mac, Windows, Android versions that sync across platforms. Regardless of your platform you have your tasks, projects and areas of focus with you everyone.
5. Nozbe is easy to get started using. You spend your time getting things done not fiddling with your productivity app. The tool can be configured as easy or as complicated as you want. A quick set up of projects and categories and you are ready to go. Then you can refine your Nozbe configuration as you use the tool.
6. Nozbe can be used in a team environment to assign and track projects accross a team. Everyone is synced to what is critical and the most important things are set up to get done.
7. Nozbe integrates and works well with other tools such as Dropbox and Evernote. The linking of files and notes in both these applications within Nozbe is awesome. This really ups your productivity game.
Look for a future post that describes in detail how I use Nozbe to get things done.
What Mom Never Told You About Photography Gear
What if gear did matter? From David duChemin, and his gear is good vision is better philosophy to other pro’s that downplay the importance gear, we hear that gear doesn't matter. But what if it does? I would argue that depending where you are on this spectrum of "beginner to Expert" photographer, gear does matter and its relative importance is based on where you are on this spectrum. I like these descriptors rather than Amateur - Professional. These are better descriptions of your use of photography rather than skill set. (Do you use your photography to buy your shoes! to borrow a phrase from David Sparks).
Success in any endeavor, including photography, is based on three facets. Confidence, Skill / Vision development, and Experience. I think gear fits in as a component of confidence. I would also include view of self and what others think of us as factors in developing and increasing our confidence.
Confidence, for people starting out on the photographic journey, I would say is probably just as important as vision, and builds with experience. Obviously all the factors I am talking about are not mutually exclusive. As with anything in life the ability to bring confidence to bear is key, and the less of it you have the more this is important. How much do you think having adequate gear plays to improved or even generating confidence? I think it plays a big piece. I equate this to fake it till you make it.
Walking into a situation be it a client shoot, a portrait session, photo walk or even a personal project, with reasonable gear will help improve you confidence. Not having to think about (read - worry about) if your gear is inadequate is big. This will allow you to use that energy to focus on developing your vision, building your experience; and all that builds confidence. It will help to alleviate the negative energy in the situation. If you don't have the confidence then you will really benefit from the gear.
When I say gear I am talking about reasonable gear, do we all need the D4 - no. With reasonable gear then you can build upon the confidence through training and experience.
Do we need to worry about gear?
Now is there a chance that the the gear facet gets out of balance with everything else and turns into an obsession? Absolutely; I think when you are starting the journey you need to commit to evaluating what is necessary to get you to the point of not worrying about gear. For everyone this is a different point but could include a reasonable DSLR and a fast 50, for others it could be a full frame DSLR and a 70-200 2.8. This is something you need to honestly evaluate. Decide what is enough gear to stop the negative energy of not having enough. The key is when enough gear is enough?
With gear out of the way you can continue to work on your experience, and vision development. In the end these will be more important to your long-term success than gear. As your “amount” of experience and vision grow, the importance on gear will diminish.
In Summary Gear is important, but needs to be kept in balance. Success in any endeavor is built on confidence, skill / vision and experience. and in photography I would say that gear plays a part in that success.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from jdhayes.com. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday season with friends and loved ones. I have enjoyed sharing my active experiences with you in 2015 and look forward to sharing even more in 2016.
Thanks
John
Why Do Parents get so Worked up at Youth Sports
Why do parents get so worked up at youth sports? I wonder if it has something to do with living through your kids? It seems like the more verbal or fired some of the parents are the parents supporting the opposing team seem to feel like they need to match the intensity or "support". Are we not supporting our kids or team enough if we don't match the other teams supporters' intensity or support?
Everything seems to escalate and what good does that do? Typically by the time we are back in the car on the drive back home or to the hotel the children have forgot about the game and are on to the next thing. We as parents need to do the same. Just let it go folks. I guarantee that no one at the 11 year old Pee Wee Silver Sticks Tournament is getting drafted on Monday. It ain't happening. When you signed up for hockey it was for your daughter or son to play hockey. I don't think they said we are here to win championships or get your child drafted. All that money is going towards ice time, tournaments, and the ability to haul around putrid hockey equipment in your car.
Do you think all the bitching and complaining about the coaching really does any good? Do you ever notice that the biggest complainers are the ones who never volunteer for anything? Yea so do I. We just need to enjoy the game, reward the children for their effort and enjoy the experience. What if the parents had to line up and shake hands after like the kids do? Something to think about.
8 Benefits to Fishing Local
Fishing local is wonderful and here are eight benefits that I think are valuable:
1. Fishing local allows you to get out at a moments notice
On the spur of the moment you can get out fishing. After work, after school, or when you have a few hours on the weekend you can get a line wet. Before family hockey my son and I can get out to Oak Grove Park in Centerville, Ohio, first thing in the morning and be back by 10:00 am.
2. Fishing local is a great value and not a big investment
You have the gear so all it costs you is time and maybe a few bucks for live bait. There are no big travel costs, weekend commitments, or hotels. Less time packing and more time fishing.
3. Fishing local is a great way to get kids exciting about fishing
Not only can you get out quickly but you can get also home quickly. For a kid to love something they need to know that they have a say, or you can figure out, when they’ve had enough. Staying too long is a huge risk. 1/2 hour spent enjoying fishing for a kid is epic. You want the kids to leave happy not dreading the outing.
4. Fishing local gives you a chance to try out new gear
You got the new rod, or reel so now what? Do you want to fumble around with the new gear on that once in a lifetime trip or at a local spot? Get familiar with the gear in a relaxed manner. There is really nothing to lose on the local waters so give yourself time to learn and set up the rod and reel or try out the new lures or bait. As you probably know those local spots well you can try new lures and bait and have prior experience to compare your results to.
Does the new spinner bait really work? Do you like how the reel works? How about that rod? Do you find yourself saying, “I should try that new top water bait?” On the local water is the time to experiment and get familiar with your gear.
5. Fishing local lets you support local fishing shops for bait and tackle
The folks at the local tackle store really know where the fishing’s great, what the fish are hitting and can even let you in on new local spots. If these shops go the way of local bookstores we will all lose these valuable resources. From bait to repair services and local information, there are numerous ways to support the local shop. Last time I checked you can't buy live bait on-line.
6. Fishing local helps bring others into the sport
Everyone is looking for ideas on new things to do either by themselves, or with the family. Next time someone asks you in the office what to do this weekend; point them to a local fishing spot. You probably have a couple of closed reels and rods in the garage that you can even loan them. A couple of dozen night crawlers and they are good to go.
7. Fishing local lets you meet new people
Fishing brings out the best in people. In a weird way it's almost like the collective we against the fish. I know it’s easy for me to strike up a conversation about how the fishing is when I come across someone at my local park. Nothing gets a kid excited or feeling proud when he lands that fish with someone watching.
8. Fishing local lets you really master a location
Fishing the spot over and over really let's you master the location. Why are guides successful, they fish the same bodies of water over and over. Fishing the same spot lets you see how the fish and the location change. There is a place for the challenge of finding success on a new body of water but there is also the great feeling of repeated success at a familiar spot. Keep in mind that local spot can be a local pond or an equally wonderful stream.
Hopefully these eight benefits hit a cord with you and will get you thinking about fishing local. I’m sure you can think of other benefits so please share your thoughts below.
Introducing Photography to a Child
For those of us who love photography, this risk is that we are overzealous in trying to get our children to like it as much as we do.
I consider myself extremely lucky in that all of my children have an interest in photography; and with my older son it started with film. What I want to share with you here are the techniques I have used to make sure my youngest son enjoys the experience and doesn't' feel the least bit pressured. My goal is to make everything about photography positive for him.
Gear
Camera
Luckily my wife has an old Nikon D60 that she doesn't use much so I was able to give this camera to my son. With the two kit lenses he is able to cover anything that he might want to photograph. Now he feels it is his, takes care of it, and most importantly stores it in HIS room! This camera is more than a point and shoot and in his eyes is "just like dad's".
Camera Settings
Just like "P" is for professional, in the hands of a child I consider "P" to mean Perfect. I set his camera up on program mode, and bump the ISO up to 800. For now we keep these settings in tact. I feel this gives him the best chance of producing sharp images.
Tripod
I have him use one of my tripods and I think this is a great idea. Not only does it force him to slow down a bit and have to adjust the tripod, compose the image, and then shoot; it also provides a little bit more security against the camera getting dropped. I have a small travel tripod that is just the perfect size and weight for him.
A small thing I do that I think makes a difference, is that I always carry my tripod when he has his.
Outings / Photowalk
ust has important as providing him with reasonable gear is the approach.
The weekends are when I do the majority of my photography so that is when I suggest we head out for a photowalk. It is entirely up to him as to whether he goes or not. I never force it. For me if he goes half the time, I consider that a success.
Never Force it / They are In Charge
When he does go with me, this is how I approach it.
For each outing we go on I make sure that I don't set any expectations on what I am going to accomplish or achieve. I make sure the outing is all about my son's experience, and as soon as he says he's had enough or wants to go home, then we immediately head home. Of course making sure we stop for a doughnut or bagel! I want to make sure that he doesn't feel like he needs to stay out or feels trapped by the outing. He is in charge and when he wants to head home we do.
I also make sure that I am photographing as well. I never hover over his shoulder and "help" him. I always make sure that I am capturing images and allowing him to freely explore and capture. I think this also helps reduce or eliminate any pressure. Obviously I am right there if he has any questions.
Print It
Depending on how he feels there are some days when we get home and immediately import his images into Lightroom together and some days he just goes off and does something different. For each outing after we get his images imported I always try to have him pick one that he likes and I print it out for him. Doesn't matter what it is we always make a print.
n the end the way I view it, if he likes photography or not we have spend some excellent time together, he is creating something and spending less time with the Xbox. All of these, I consider to be successes.
I hope you can you some of these ideas and maybe successfully introduce photography to a child you know.
TrainerRoad for my Cycling workouts
As I continue to workout for my Raleigh 70.3 Ironman I am constantly looking for tools that will improve my preparation. Today I signed up for the annual plan with trainerroad.com. For $99 I get access to all the cycling workouts in their inventory for twelve months. I did purchase at the full retail price and did not receive any discount or review access.
As described on the Trainerroad.com website "TrainerRoad connects to your ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart devices to measure your FTP, speed and other metrics, then uses that data to customize over 80 training plans to your personal fitness level"
I will publish an in depth review after I get a few weeks with the tool. I am definitely looking for trainingroad.com to enhance my trainer cycling workouts as we get into winter here in Central Ohio.