Escape to the countryside
Last year we travelled too much.
Yes, I said it.
Social media and Instagram sell the dream of travelling and working from a laptop.
But after the last long-haul flight last December, I had enough of airports, planes, and sleepless nights (it takes me a night or two to be able to sleep in a new place).
It's a 1st world problem.
So what.
We didn't travel this year at all, except for a short trip to Poland to see the fam.
On the one hand, it was good.
I spend time locally, go to gigs and theatre, and focus on work.
On the other hand, it is clear that if I don't force myself to leave the house, there is no such thing as a day off.
Like an addict, I can't just do nothing when I am at home, and the temptation to switch on the computer and work is always there. I tried different methods, but it didn't work.
So, like the other vices I had in the past, the answer is clear—cut off the supply and get rid of the product.
So, on the spur of the moment, we left for Snowdonia last Sunday. North Wales's weather is unpredictable, so when the forecast said sunshine for the next four days, it was now or never.
We spent a few days in a converted barn/cottage in the beautiful countryside. I spent the time away from the screen, hiking and discovering the sights of Llarendis, Conwy and Llandudno.
I came back refreshed and re-energised but also with an understanding of balance.
Yes, too much travel is counterproductive for me.
I don't like flying, airports or sleeping in new places.
But at the same time, when I don't take breaks, I tend to be consumed by work and on the verge of burnout; it sneaks up on me.
I also know that being in nature, specifically mountains is my perfect way to disconnect. It's much more cost-effective than spending a few days in a 5-star hotel in Dubai, which I know I'd hate, but Instagram tries to convince me that this is the way.
Long story short, more frequent scheduled breaks are back on the menu, but they do not necessarily involve airports and flights.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON
We are still on our break from the regular Casefile releases, but I am working on three upcoming episodes; we are hoping to get ahead with the schedule a little bit, and these breaks help us massively.
I am also working on the upcoming Missing Niamh series. For now, I'm focusing on the musical themes, but I’d like to start on the Draft 1 mixes in the second half of August. We’ll see how it goes.
On the YouTube side of things, I published a cool video I’m pleased with on a fun topic - why fantasy sounds so British.
We also published another Olivia Presents video on the Casefile channel, with more to come this week.
WHAT AM I READING
Around the World in 80 trains by Monisha Rajesh. I finished the book last week, and even though I couldn’t join the monthly book club meet-up, I did get on a steam train and a tram in North Wales. The book reminded me how travel helps to disconnect, teach about other cultures and how big the world is. However, being a soft sleeper, I could not replicate her journey. It would be a miserable experience (unless I only did the Orient Express!).
24 Assets by Daniel Priestley. I haven't read a business book for a while, and even though I was hesitant, I’m glad I started this one. It’s an easy read with a lot of digestible advice. At the moment, we are thinking about Paulina’s business and how to improve it, and I think the book will help. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is good enough.
WHAT AM I WATCHING
Interview with the Vampire S2. Ann Rice’s Vampire Chronicles were my favourite books as a young teen. The AMC series, even though significantly changing the setting, gained acclaim from the critics and fans, myself included. The issue is—it’s an AMC show, and it’s an absolute pain to watch it in the UK. Happily, I purchased the season on Amazon Prime yesterday, only to find out they have just one episode on there! My week is ruined.
Deadpool & Wolverine. We went to see this fan service film on Friday, and it was as expected. Fun, violent, irreverent, silly and full of action. There are cameos, Easter Eggs and meta-jokes for the fans of both MCU and the X-Men. There isn’t much of a story, but that’s fine. I went to see my favourite Wolverine and Deadpool blow things up, and that’s exactly what they did. It’s the best Marvel entry I’ve seen in a very long time.
Cobra Kai S5 Part 1. The last season of Cobra Kai is back. However, it is a bit of a scam because the season is split into three parts, each consisting of five episodes. So it really is like three small seasons. But it’s good. It’s light and entertaining, just like the previous seasons.
Blue Eye Samurai. One of my best finds in the last few months. Beautifully animated story that grabs you with the writing and care. They are making a season 2 and rightly so. One of the best series I’ve seen this year.
Elvis. I’m a fan of the King, and I've had this movie on my list for a while now. The editing has some pacing problems, but the film is good, and both Tom Hans and Austin Butler, especially Butler, are excellent in their roles. I have a soft spot for musical biopics.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you (hopefully!) next week!
Mike
https://mikemigas.com/
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