candicodeit

[candicodeit]

With our phones, a lot of things are instant. Text messages. Order something and have it delivered. Download the latest release of a movie. But with that instant gratification, it also creates a sense of urgency. We should instantly reply to messages or check the notifications. Unless things are an emergency or actually sensitive, do we really need to react so quickly? I've turned off all my notifications off except messages, phone, and calendars reminders. It helps me focus on my planned "to do" list. #meditation via @headspace #prioritization https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRdNjlhM4B/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=193chvc4pi5t9

[candicodeit]

Reading #freetofocusbook has helped me realize a lot about myself. I’m naturally a people pleaser and always want to help everyone with their great ideas. I’ve always struggled saying “no” fearing that it would send this message that I think the person’s idea is bad. I remind myself that I should try to focus on tasks that fit within my goals. I’ve been focusing a lot on volunteering and giving a lot of my time to others for free. All those things still fits within my goals and helping me grow to who I want to become. This book isn’t out yet but you can check it out (plus pre-order bonuses) at FreeToFocusBook.com. #productivity #quotes @michaelhyatt https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMza58B9VE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7c1mka96t8a

[candicodeit]

During my Priorization #meditation today with @headspace, Andy mentions reflecting on tasks that didn't get done at the end of the week. What is stopping you from accomplishing these tasks? Are they going to help you achieve your goals? #reflection https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMAUPchuv-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1e20ay7wyza8l

[candicodeit]

Yes! I finally got my advanced copy of #FreeToFocusBook by @michaelhyatt. I'm currently using his #FullFocusPlanner and it's exactly what I need! I also read Your Best Year Ever last year. I'm such a #booknerd 😄. #books #advancedcopy #bookworm #toberead https://www.instagram.com/p/BufQQaUhczG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x795i2zbuqi2

[candicodeit]

Meditating about prioritization. via @headspace #meditation #makingtime https://www.instagram.com/p/BuGfqWrh6Ds/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8w5opva7vvgx

[candicodeit]

Trying out the meringue at one of my favorite remote locations, @justcupcakesva. #shoplocal #coastalvirginia #christmastreats (at Just Cupcakes) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrQQ0oGBcs5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1loc3ubfgued7

[candicodeit]

I don't do the "Waking Up" session anymore. Every morning, I've either meditated to the "Every Day" session which is something different each day or "Finding Focus" series. I'm on day 3 for that series. Doing this to start my day has really helped set my mood as well as my focus. Yay for #milestones! #maketime #meditation #habits https://www.instagram.com/p/BrC7azrhh4w/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y99thahywtn7

[candicodeit]

I randomly tried watching a video of Martha Stewart to fold a fitted sheet. That didn't work. I took it from step 2 and folded it. It's now nicely folded!!! I feel like an adult meow 😄😬😎 #adulting https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqp-WChBD2B/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15ja0wl1zd0qh

[candicodeit]

I finished this book within 24hrs by listening to the #audiobook. If you always wanted to find time to do the things you've always wanted to do, let this #book help you. It's not about quantity; it's about quality. A #mustread for everyone! #productivity #fulfillment #focusonthingsthatmatter https://www.instagram.com/p/BpVZGupl-I9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bqnqw8ys451m

[candicodeit]

Thanks @kimk20vt for volunteering with me today for @rocsolidfoundation! Hope this won't be the last 😉. #miniteambuilding https://www.instagram.com/p/BpH2sl7lz33wJqcn1NSriTsagcVKY4Ffklp9_w0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vimdh3iau3pu

[candicodeit]

I’m doing research for a UX course. I’d like to get a better understanding of people’s reading habits. Mind taking a quick survey to help me? Link in the bio! Feel free to share it with your friends and family! #books #bookworm #goodreads https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn4jcTah3L9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ghkq11ltpm3g

[candicodeit]

My Top Remote Work Spots in Hampton Roads

I can't really stay at my house day after day. I can get distracted by things that need to happen around the house. There are also times when I have to be close by to my parents' house for incidents like potential snow. I don't want to worry about getting stuck in traffic since I'm about 25mins away.

I do enjoy the places I go. I try something new now and then to see what's out there. Main things I look for are:

* Good coffee/tea * Good food * Outlets * Free Wi-Fi

Gather | Estimated Capacity: 50 and an additional meeting room

This Chesapeake community coffee shop is amazing. It is so spacious that you can have meet ups with friends or small business meetings. They have a small room for private gatherings. The staff are really nice and I might have sat next to the owner or store manager during my first visit. This place gives back to the community, which is amazing.

They have numerous coffee options from fancy sweet selections to draft lattes to pour over. Big plus for having coconut milk as an alternative for me. The food was good. Not something I would drive the distance for but something to make my belly happy while I work.

This place has plenty of outlets. There's a wall that has chairs lined up against it with the outlets just above the back of the chair. I wish the table was lower or the chair a little higher so it wouldn't be too high for me to work on my laptop for an extended period of time. They also have great seating areas by the window that would be perfect for reading or chatting with a friend.

American Brew | Estimated Capacity: 32

This coffee/whiskey shop is about the size of some Starbucks shops. They have tables, the bar and some comfy couches and chairs. Elizabeth is usually the barista when I’m there. She’s super nice and always attentive.

My go-to coffee is the Fat Joe (coffee w/Kerrygold Butter and MCT oil). Sounds weird but I actually enjoy it. I’ve tried their flavored options but usually they’re too sweet. Alternative milks are soy and almond. Cooked food is pretty good. I’ve had the Morning Hash and the Lesner. Not quite a fan of the baked goods though. They seem a bit dry.

There is free wi-fi and the connection is usually fairly good. However, this past time I went with a group of co-workers and the connection was unstable during our team video call. There were a lot of other folks that day so I’m wondering if that was the cause.

Taste Unlimited - Ghent | Estimated Capacity: 50+

This Taste location is fairly spacious with both indoor and outdoor seating. I typically like working here before the lunch rush because it’s open and quiet first thing in the morning.

Taste has their own coffee shop within it, Borjo. Numerous caffeine options from coffee to tea. I typically go for the Red Eye w/a splash of coconut milk.

If you’ve ever eaten at Taste, you know they have a good menu of salads, sandwiches and even breakfast. It’s nice to know you can either order something or just get pre-made meals. If you need something to snack on, there are plenty of chips, candy and other munchies that they sell. They also have gelato. Why not try an affogato (espresso shot over gelato).

You might have to do a bit of searching for the outlets but I usually sit in the same seat. Connection has been fairly good especially for video calls.

Just Cupcakes - Ghent | Estimated Capacity: 10 This location is a bit unique to the circumstances. I typically work here in the afternoons after working at Cafe Stella or Taste Unlimited in Norfolk. This place is very small but rarely busy. I like coming here to either read or concentrate on something specific. -Because it's a small cupcake shop, I've used my phone's hotspot for internet. I never asked for their Wi-Fi since I'm not typically online long.- If you ask, they can give you the Wi-fi password, which is very long might I add.

Cupcakes are a great dessert after lunch. I usually enjoy some tea but I occasionally will take a coffee.

Barnes and Noble - Lynnhaven | Estimated Capacity: 30+ Some of my friends work at this store so I get the perk of working and seeing them. The problem with this place is trying to avoid buying books.

The coffee is from Starbucks so I'm fairly happy with the menu. I'm usually a fan of the sandwiches, pizzas and soups when I eat. It's not always a lot compared to a place like Taste but it satisfies the hunger. There's also sparkling water available.

This place does have Wi-Fi but only 2 outlets in the café. Make sure to get there when it opens because often times, the outlets get taken quickly.

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I'll continue to try new places that I find off Yelp. Always remember to buy food/drink when you work in a coffee shop or store. I found this good reference about working in a coffee shop etiquette.

[candicodeit]

Morning Hash from yesterday's Breakfast Club. Delicious! #avocado #bacon @theamericanbrew (at American Brew)

[candicodeit]

Rocking the @cottonbureau shirt by @MooreAustin: don't be a lady be a legend

[candicodeit]

It's like being in school again. During the evenings, I'm taking some UX courses. My goal for the month is to finish this course on User Research. Though I'm a developer, I'm very intrigued by UX and what goes into creating a better experience. #alwayslearning #uxresearch

[candicodeit]

I sketched out in my #designbetterco notebook tonight. I pretended I was working on my favorite app. Brainstorming improvements and features. #geekingout #sketching #leuchtturm1917 #design

[candicodeit]

Later 😏, 2017! Let’s do this 😎, 2018!

Thank goodness for the new year because I was tapped out for 2017. A lot of things happened:

- Vancouver and Norfolk office closed; HQ moved to Miami; started working remotely

- Bought our first home in Chesapeake

- In-laws moved to SC on 2 separate occasions

- My stepkids’ aunt passed away right before Christmas