I can’t wait for this week to be over, it’s just too much on my plate right now. I’m actually glad I decided to travel by train next week, at least that’ll let me catch up on both reading and writing, because what else can you do? Well, except sleeping, I guess. But first, tons of stuff, an after work, and meetings meetings meetings. Onwards then.

I did not sleep well, with restless dreams and waking up not knowing where I was. Not too tired yet, but I will be. Better get as much done as possible now, then.

I’m up early today, because some genius thought it prudent to set the starting time for the laundry room to 7AM, and if you don’t activate your booking within 15 minutes, you loose your slot. So that’s what I did, and that’s what I’m doing for another 30 minutes. Fun times indeed. On the plus side, it means that I’ve already cleared 10+ todos, planned my week, and had a chocolate flavor Huel shake (recommended). Now if someone would just install some blinds so that I could write this by my window without the sun in my eyes, that would be great.

The long weekend is coming to an end here in Sweden. I’m feeling a bit better, almost rested even, so I think I’m ready for the upcoming workweek. Not doing much, ignoring just about everything today as well. Deadlines and responsibilities will come soon enough. Have a lazy Sunday, folks.

Bright summer nights mess with my sleep. Not only is it harder to fall asleep, my dreams tend to get very bleak. They’re not scary or sad, but bleak, and it’s been like that for years now. Neither blinds nor curtains help, it’s like my body knows it’s not dark outside, and deals with it this way. I can sleep, you see, it’s just the more frequent dreaming, and the bleakness of it. I wonder why that is?

I was supposed to be in Berlin today, attending WordCamp Europe, but that’s not the case. Neither am I enjoying Midsummer with friends and/or family. Instead, I’m lumbering around at home, with something coming close to an earache bothering me. I’ve been burning both ends of the candle recently, despite good intentions not to, so this long weekend (it’s a holiday in Sweden today) is much needed. Except a quick update due to a product announcement (keep an eye on Conan.com and its social media accounts if you’re curious), I don’t intend to do anything productive at all.

I will, however, listen to Rise by Hollywood Vampires, and Help Us Stranger by The Raconteurs, both albums released today. Looking forward to it.

Tomorrow is Midsummer in Sweden, which is about as big as holidays get here. I’m skipping it this year, although I might grab a beer or two in the sun somewhere if the fancy takes me.

Photo is funny if you’re an internet nerd. If not, carry on.

Preparing for meetings with potential clients can be tricky. The more you know, the easier it is to anticipate the questions they want answered, but sometimes that’s just a smokescreen and you should be talking about other things instead.

I think the expectations of a typical pitch-like meeting is troublesome, because it doesn’t necessarily invite conversation to such an extent that the core of the problem, the needs, or the proof of value can be reached. That means that clients pick agencies and partners prematurely, and vice versa. Pitch meetings should be paid for, and they should be conversations where you felt it worthwhile to share knowledge, because not only could that land you the gig, you got paid even if it didn’t. It’s all too common for clients to take the best from each participant in a pitch, and give it all to the winner, without any regard to the time and effort spent. It’s a broken system.

Typical thoughts while waiting for dinner to arrive, right?

Grown men should not wear shorts in the city (and don’t get me started on going shirtless!), but it’s too hot so I can’t give less of a damn today. Fuck it, let’s white trash it this week, you here?

Change of plans this morning freed up a some extra time for work, a nice change of pace since it’s usually the other way around. It’s a windy day in Stockholm, which is good because it’s going to be a hot one. Dress accordingly if you’re here, or in the same sort of predicament.

I’ve got Blood on the Tracks spinning on the turntable, a cup of coffee, and a long list of things I’ve been meaning to read this week but haven’t had the time. That is the extent of my plans today, concerning actually getting things done.

It’s been a while since Sundays were catch-up days for me. I’d like to get back to that, I used to enjoy my leisure work Sundays. Ironically, catch-up days only work if you’re not too stressed and bogged down with work, at least in the long run. And when those days becomes a chore, not something that feels rewarding or fun, then you should just rest instead. Your body and mind will thank you, and probably gift you with a more productive Monday.

Had a horrible evening and night, so I’m glad I got the morning with Paazu to slow things down a bit. Here’s the gent himself chilling on my yard. Not pictured: Emma force-cuddling the poor thing, and my coffee cup.

Lunch meetings are great, especially when they’re all about halloumi burgers, beers, and conversations with my good friend Mattias. I’d share a photo, but, you know, there were beers and food and stuff, so nope. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Enjoy your Friday, folks!

I’m glad Helena is back at work today, because there’s a lot to do the coming weeks. Projects are wrapping up for the summer, and others need to get started so that we’ve got everything we need when the clients are on holiday. It is, as they say, all good. Exhausting, but all good.

There are currently three shibas in the Divide & Conquer studio. It is not horrible, not one bit.