Productivity @ Home

The Price of Productivity

On Thursdays, I share my thoughts on Finances.

Yesterday's USA Today article entitled AirTran's in-flight Wi-Fi service takes off with test flight caught my eye.  Who among us hasn't bemoaned the hours stuck on an airplane without a wireless connection as a complete "waste" of three, four, or even a dozen hours? 

I don't know why I would have expected airlines to be giving wireless connnectivity away, but for some reason the $12.95 price ($9.95 for flights less than 3 hours in duration) shocked me.  Is it worth $13 to be able to get online during a flight, check email, and perhaps get caught up on a few blog posts? 

I suspect it depends upon whose paying the bill.  For those corporate employees with expense accounts, it seems like a no brainer - get online, remain connected, and don't lose half of your workday.  But for those of us who work @ home, we need to ask ourselves the cost benefit ratio of plunking down that money and how productive we plan to be with that time. 

I have used recent flights to review books submitted to me, to edit my own manuscript, or even to watch a movie onboard and write a review of it for one of my websites.  The time offline doesn't have to be a time dump if you plan ahead and bring work with you that can be done without an internet connection.  I also wonder if Air Tran's pricetag includes wifi while at the gate, where one could frequently spend multiple hours waiting for take off.  In certain instances, if that were included in the price, I might -- on occasion -- invest in the price of on-board wifi.

Will you pay the price airlines are asking for a few added hours of productivity?  I'm not sold...yet.

Lessons in Urban Camping

This year, for our last summer trip prior to school starting, we asked our teenage sons where they would like to go.  They decided on San Francisco, which is an easy three hours from home.  But when Mom the travel agent started investigating hotel rooms she nearly died of sticker shock.  We decided to turn our adventure into an urban camping trip, settling on the San Francisco RV Resort as our home away from home.  A few years ago, we purchased a 1996 23 foot trailer and are lucky to have a small parking pad for it on the side of our home, so taking it out is quite easy and convenient.  We only camp a few times a year, but keep the trailer stocked with all of the essentials, so packing is as easy as throwing a few clothes and some food inside and taking off.

To be precise, the San Francisco RV Resort is not in San Francisco.  It is actually perched on the cliffs of Pacifica, about fifteen minutes south of the city.  In truth, it actually provides the best of both worlds.  When we are at the campsite sitting around the fire with s'mores and the sound of the waves crashing behind us, it feels like camping.  But within a few minutes we can be in the city visiting museums or seeing the sites.  Since our boys love live music, we took in a Jazz show Friday night and loved the quick drive back to the trailer from the club.

Urban camping does leave some things to be desired.  Although lovely due to its proximity to the ocean, the San Francisco RV Resort is essentially a glorified parking lot packed full of large rigs.  We were fortunate enough to get a site backs up onto an unobstructed ocean view.  The front, pull through slots offer very little privacy outside your unit.  The service at the "resort" is friendly and helpful.  For those who want to stay put and aren't headed for the city, this campground offers a heated pool and spa and a walkway down to the beach.

We've spent our mornings around the fire and then headed to the city for days packed full of exploration.  Since we're spending only $69 on our accomodations, the hefty parking prices didn't sting quite so badly.  BART is also an option, with a station only five minutes from the RV Resort.

A few thoughts for those who might want to try an urban camping experience near San Francisco:

• Book your reservations early and request a spot on the perimeter of the campground, preferable along the back with the coast view
• Use the restrooms near the front office, which seem to have a better supply of hot water and are kept cleaner.  My personal theory is that these restrooms are surrounded by the bigger RVs who don't use the public facilities as much as we little guys do!
• Pack less than you think you need - I always overpack clothes and food.  There is a grocery store less than a mile from the RV resort.  Buy what you need when you arrive.  When camping, space is at a premium.
• Bring lots of those recyclable plastic grocery bags.  They are perfect for small trash bags, containing wet clothes, collecting shells, and numerous other things when camping.
• Try to "unplug".  This resort offers cheap ($4 per day) wireless, so it's tempting to bring work along.  I compromised by working a bit each morning before my teens awoke and then signing off for the bulk of the day.  If you do need to get some work done on the road, this resort offers fast and cheap connectivity.  The office "business center" offers rentable internet time, but not a printer.
• Be fire smart.  This resort does not offer campfire rings.  We love our campfires, and it wouldn't feel like camping without s'mores, so we purchased a small "Smokey Joe" weber grill for $29 at Home Depot and have used it with duraflames for a handy, clean campfire.  The grill is essentially a metal bowl on small legs, perfect for campfires.

Urban camping isn't for everyone - you won't feel like you've "gotten away from it all".  But it's the perfect solution for some fun, affordable family time when visiting a big city.  Have you had an urban camping experience recently?  I'd love to hear your stories and tips!

Never Tire of the Road

One of my favorite songs is "Never Tire of the Road" by the Irish singer Andy Irvine.  Perhaps this tribute to Woody Guthrie appeals to the gypsy in me, that piece of my soul that is always excited about discovering new corners of the world.  The nice thing about working from home is that we can talk our show on the road - with the right tools and a trusty internet connection, the world is our office.  A key to taking word on the road is balance - understand the major goal of your trip.  If you're on a family vacation and your primary goal is quality family time, take a vacation from work and don't let your kids be disappointed by the site of you on a laptop for the whole trip.  If your travel, however, accommodates some work time, consider the following pointers:

• When packing, remember all necessary peripherals and power cords, chargers, etc.  Make this part of your packing list.
• Determine the most reliable and least expensive Internet access close to your destination prior to leaving home.
• Set aside work hours each day and stick to a schedule.  Consider rising early and heading to a quiet hotel lobby or business center to avoid taking up "fun time" with work.
• Let those you work with know of your travel plans and your availability.  Leave them a few numbers where you can be reached in the event of an emergency.
• Use travel time wisely - five hours stuck on a plan can be a huge boost to your productivity if you plan accordingly.  Use the time to plan goals, assemble next action lists, write articles and engage in other activities that require concentration.
• Count your blessings for having a career that enables you to take your show on the road!

And now, a few moments with the incomparable Andy Irvine.  Enjoy!

Never tire of the Road!
Never tire of the rolling wheels, Never tire of the ways of the world, way out yonder is calling me.
And the dark road leads me onward, and the highway is my code,
And that lonesome voice that I heard in my head said,
"Never tire of the road".

Santa Fe Photos

If you'd like a little taste of our week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, feel free to check out my photos - you can see that I spent a lot of time visiting churches! Santa Fe is a wonderful city, filled with art, culture and tradition. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and Mission San Miguel, to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and to the Museum of International Folk Art. Our home for the week was the College of Santa Fe. The musician photos feature some of Eric's fellow students at Zoukfest.

.Mac Web Gallery - Santa Fe 06/08

Mom heads back to the Dorms!

This week, Eric and I are in Santa Fe, New Mexico attending ZoukFest 2008 | World Music Camp.

Actually, Eric is attending and I'm soaking up the scenery, writing and touring beautiful Santa Fe. After flying into Albuquerque (yes, the old Patridge Family Song is stuck in my head!) this afternoon, we drove over to Santa Fe and checked into our lovely dorm room at the College of Santa Fe. This will be my home for the next six days. Eric will be attending classes from 8 to 6 and then playing "sessions" into the wee hours of the morning. I'm hooked up with a great Internet connection, the dorm to myself for most of the day, and a beautiful city to explore. I'm hoping to spend the mornings working productively and the afternoons checking out local historical sites and galleries. It feels like a retreat of sorts, which is precisely what I'm needing. Eric, in the fashion of any normal 16 year old, would prefer that I spend as little time with him as possible. We had a lovely drive over today - can you believe that the speed limit in New Mexico is 80 in some places? Conversations with my son make me so proud of the man he is becoming!

Are you able to take some time this week for a mini-retreat? It may be an early morning Mass, a walk in the park, or even a bubble bath? Try to plan for an hour or two to refresh and rejuvenate yourself spiritually, physically and mentally.

Visit Scotland This Weekend

Every Friday, I share my thoughts on Family Fun.

This weekend, I plan to visit Scotland.  A few months ago, our family had dinner in Greece and during the late summer we actually time traveled to medieval England.  Frequent flier miles and passports?  Nope....just a calendar filled with the dates of local ethnic festivals.

Just about anywhere around the country, you can find a festival on any given weekend within driving range of your home.  These events range from cultural celebrations to religious observances to historical reenactments.  Given a choice, my history-buff children would definitely choose a medieval feast or a civil war reenactment to a day at Disneyland.  Here are some benefits of attending cultural celebrations with your family:

• Educational - Most of these types of festivals and fairs provide hands-on learning, living history and costumed actors who get so into their roles that it's almost scary at times.  History, geography and cultural traditions come to life in front of your children's eyes.  When they do get around to learning about these things in a traditional school setting, they can relate more easily because they have experienced the period firsthand.
• Financial - For the price of a movie ticket and a small coke at a theater, you can experience the food, music, history and culture of another part of the world. 
• Cultural - Some of the best concerts I've attended were included in the price of admission at festivals.  The food samplings are always incredible, if not always healthy.  You can try your hand at various arts, crafts and games of the region.
• Fun - Take your camera, because you never know what will happen at a festival or fair.  In some of our recent travels, I learned to dance medieval style, my son Eric learned to play a Bazooki and my husband was crowned king for a day.

What's going on around your house this weekend?  Head online and do a quick search for events in your area - your kids will thank you and may even learn a thing or two while having fun!

My Review of Amtrak Coast Starlight

Every Friday, I share my thoughts on Family Fun. 

This year, our "big" family vacation was a train trip to Seattle aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight.  Our family's train travel experiences up to this point were limited to Mom's grungy student days schlepping through Europe on a Eurail pass and the boys' childhood jaunts through zoos, city parks and the like.  We thought this would be a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the West Coast in a family friendly way.

We were rewarded with a vacation experience that was both fun and memorable.  Let me say, up front, that if your vacation is tightly scheduled and delays will impact upon your plans, choose another means of travel.  My research of the Coast Starlight and our own personal experience indicated that the train is subject to frequent delays.  We began our journey in Sacramento and were scheduled to depart at midnight.  We drove from Fresno and arrived in the Sacramento train station around 10:30 pm.  Parking was ample, well lit and steps away from the station.  The check in process was quick and smooth, taking approximately ten minutes.  At no point was there any security screening, xrays to walk through, IDs shown or shoes removed.  (For some reason, I found the absence of those a little unsettling...isn't that horrible?).

The Sacramento station is expansive with long wooden benches and clean restrooms, but very few food choices other than vending machines during the late hours.  Since our train did not actually depart until close to 2:00 am, we made use of the free wireless internet and the boys took a nap in our parked car just outside the station.  Be prepared to wait - bring food and entertainment for the station.

When finally did get on the train, we were thrilled by the set up.  We were greeted by our train car's steward (porter?), who had made up our sleeping cars and welcomed us personally.  We had booked two sleepers, facing one another.  The accommodations are a bit tight for the person who draws the short straw and has to sleep in the top bunk.  The bottom bunk is spacious and has a window. Both bunks have reading lights, clean linens and bottled water.  If you tend to be easily chilled, bring an extra blanket since the train blankets are relatively thin.  Towels are provided for the train shower and the restroom facilities are numerous and well maintained. 

After a great (but short) night's sleep, we took time to explore the train.   If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you will want to take provisions with you to ensure that you are comfortable aboard the train.  There is a great deal of movement, swaying and even occasional jerking. Older and younger passengers need to take great care when walking, especially when the train is moving at high speeds. 

Our sleeper car accommodations entitled us to "first class" treatment on board the train.  We were served three complete, delicious meals in the trains well appointed diner car and had access to the lovely parlor car with its panoramic views.  Meals are served by reservations made in advance when you board the train.  The food was delicious and served by a staff that is both prompt and friendly.  If you are "sleepers", all portions of your meal except alcohol and wine are included in the price of your ticket.  Water, juice, coffee and tea are freely served throughout the day to be enjoyed with free newspapers.   If you're still hungry (which is hard to imagine), there is a cafe car where items can be purchased.

Your sleeper car reservation also entitles you to a free digital entertainment console which contains ten movies, television shows and games.  We were so busy exploring the train, enjoying the scenery and eating that we did not really use this feature, but it would be great for those traveling with younger children who may need a "movie break". 

For me personally, the highlight of the trip was enjoying the stunning views along the route from the comfort of the parlor car.  If you can't let go of your work for the day or are traveling on business, there are outlets everywhere to plug in your laptop computer and cell phone access seems available at most points on the route.  I enjoyed chatting with our fellow passengers, many of whom had traveled the Coast Starlight multiple times.  We met one charming woman who does it several times a year, simply riding from Seattle to Los Angeles, spending one night near the train station, and then immediately jumping back aboard the train.  "It's like a cruise," she shared, "but more beautiful and safer."

In the afternoon, we gathered with fellow passengers for a wine tasting party hosted by the staff.  Four local varietals were served with cheese and crackers.  Our teenage sons loved roaming the train and managed to find quiet space to play their musical instruments and stretch out far away from mom and dad.  We felt comfortable giving them a bit of space, knowing they were safe and secure on the train.  They even performed an impromptu concert for fellow passengers!  All too soon, we had arrived at our destination in Seattle, but we had the return voyage to anticipate and it did not disappoint - we experienced the same comfortable accommodations and excellent customer service.

All in all, I would strongly recommend the Coast Starlight as an excellent way to travel.  If you're in a rush or have meetings and deadlines at your destination, fly or drive.  But if you want to take in breathtaking scenery, enjoy family meals served by helpful and courteous staff, and just take time to savor the journey, then consider taking your family on a train trip soon!

Getting Fitness Done on Vacation

Every Saturday, I share my thoughts on Health and Fitness.

A few years ago, when I was in the thick of my Weight Watchers journey, I came to a startling discovery:  it was actually easier for me to lose weight while vacationing than at home.   Since we travel frequently, I've tested this theory and have found it true time and again.  Now that I'm in "maintenance mode" and no longer looking to lose weight, I still love my traveling mentality of keeping myself fit and healthy as we discover new places.  Here are a few of the things I've learned in the past few years:

• Keep Moving!  I try to maintain my daily commitment to fitting in a walk or workout while traveling.  I also love wearing my pedometer when we travel - you can really rack up the steps while you discover the pleasures of walking around a city.  You will see things you might have missed from the window of a bus or cab.  I also pack resistance bands and a jump rope, both of which take up little space and can be used almost anywhere.
• Eat Like You Have Your Own Personal Chef!  One of my favorite things about traveling is trying new dishes, but I also have taught myself that calories consumed on vacation do count too.  We tend to enjoy one nice meal per day on vacation and eat healthful snacks for the others.  For the nice meal, make smart decisions that you won't regret later - look for wonderful fresh seafood, local produce, and items that have not been deep fried or overloaded with heavy sauces (I will admit to breaking this rule for my favorite catfish shack when we visit my parents in Mississippi).  Keeping portions small is key - try the house specialty, but you don't have to eat everything they pile on your plate!  Don't be afraid to ask to have your meal "tweaked" to make it healthier. 
• Hydrate - Remember to drink lots of water.  As a family, we carry four water bottles on every trip and refill them along the way.  Given yesterday's acknowledgment that Aquafina is really tap water, I'm feeling fairly smug about skipping name brand designer waters and packing my own!

Remember that this is vacation and treat yourself a bit, but don't make nutritional (or for that matter, financial) choices that will haunt you once you return home.

The Bookshelf:
Fitness for Travelers: The Ultimate Workout Guide for the Road

Reading Room Resources:
Blog posts from this week related to health and fitness
Friday @ Five - Frisbee
Zen to Slim - A Simple 5 Step Weight Loss Program
Give Yourself a Lift - 27 Effective Power Tips

Planning Family Travel, or Not!

Every Friday, I share my thoughts on Family Fun.

Next week, we embark on our big family vacation of the summer.  Owing to busy schedules, we tend to take frequent day trips or camp overnight, so anytime we can take six whole days to vacation it's a cause for celebration.  We are headed from our home in Fresno to Seattle aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight train. You East coasters may be used to Amtrak, but for  Californians rail travel is a treat.  This is my very first domestic train experience!  I've done the grungy student Eurail thing, but this is a whole new experience.

As much as I try to be an organized Mom, when it comes to vacationing I tend to leave my planning hat at home.  I learned long ago that the joy is in the journey, not in racing around to cross sightseeing venues off a to do list.  In anticipating our family vacation, here are a few of my priorities for preparation:

• Pack light - To keep things as simple as possible, I try not to overpack.  I do always make sure that each of us have a jacket or sweatshirt regardless of the weather forecast, just in case.  Each of the four of us will tote a small rollerboard suitcase.  I always throw in large ziploc bags and extra socks just in case.
• Don't overplan - We have done some research on Seattle's highlights and have a vague agenda for the days we will spend there.  My family loves playing music, so one "must see" destination for us will be the Experience Music Project.  When it comes to traveling to a new city, be aware of the recommended highlights, but follow your own passions when it comes to choosing how you will spend your time.  Love used books?  Then a day spent browsing antique book stores may be time better spent than touring a natural history museum.  We try to plan one major site for each day and leave much of the time unscheduled to see what grabs our attention.  This is vacation after all!
• Make getting there fun - We will spend almost two full days on the train, so we have plans for making that portion of our trip enjoyable.  If you are traveling by car, make the most of that "family time" in a confined space.  We often travel with a car full of guitars, drums and other jam-session worthy instruments and play as we travel.  Others love car games or use this as a chance to get caught up on movies.  If you see something noteworthy along the road, stop and visit it! That's how I can say I saw the World's Largest Cross in Groom, Texas.  Keep your eyes and ears open for fun along the path!

Home-work for Today:

• There's still time for one last family vacation before summer ends, even if it's only an overnight trip or even camping in the back yard. Plan it today!
  

The Bookshelf:
1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die

Reading Room Resources:
Blog posts from this week related to Family Fun
6 Summer Travel Tips
How to Travel the World with 10 Pounds or Less
Make Chores Fun with Chore Wars (yikes!)
How to Be Safe at Amusement Parks

Family Fun Friday

What's "fun" doing on a productivity web site, and why is it categorized under "scheduling"?  It's going to be a weekly feature on this blog to remind myself (and maybe a few of you too) that having fun with my family is one of the very best ways I can spend my time. 

Finding creative and cost effective ways to spend free time can be a challenge.  I see many people in my hometown running to the mega-movieplex and its surrounding environs and plunking down an outrage amount of money to see the latest blockbuster.  There's nothing wrong with that - I love movies too!  But I also love to do and see new things and support my local arts community.  Last weekend, the following were among our family activities:

• Shakespeare in the Park:  We saw Othello, under the stars.  Admission was free and they encouraged bringing a cooler packed with drinks and refreshments.  Donations were invited in a non-high pressure manner at the end of the show.
• Local Indy musician concert - On Saturday evening, we paid $5 a person to see some incredible local talent at a micro-brewery in town.
• Celtic Jam Session - My kids and husband are musicians, so we spent Sunday afternoon at an outdoor cafe listening to several local musicians "jam".  My eldest joined in, while we sipped cool drinks and enjoyed the tunes. Cost: free.

How do you go about planning activities for the weekend? 

• Check your local paper and its web site's calendar. 

• Consult the schedule of your local library and learn to use their online catalog to reserve DVDs and CDs along with books.

• Check the myspace of your favorite local musician.  His friends will likely be posting promos of their upcoming concerts and you'll discover some great new acts.

• Do you have a museum or zoo membership?  Check it to see if it offers reciprocal relationships at other museums or zoos around the country.

• Ask a friend what they do for fun on the weekend.

• Entertain in your home - keep it simple! A backyard feast of grilled hot dogs and time spent with friends can be priceless.

Home-work for the weekend:

• Make a plan for at least one fun, new idea for this weekend.  Get off the couch and away from the computer!

Reading Room Resources:
Summer Vacation Roundup
The Importance of Unplugging
Make Cooler Friendly Picnic Dishes
10 Travel Tips from the Seasoned Traveler
Free Entertainment Ideas for the Kids

family