Here's the map to my oubliette.

I’m not entirely sure what to make of the things that transpired today. I think I summed it up best in a tweet, explaining the life lesson that the fastest way to find something is to stop searching for it. We’ll see what happens, but either way, what a day.

It all started with a typical bored-as-all-get-out holiday from work. Just like the previous week, since New Years also landed on a Sunday we took the day off of TouchArcade. I still compulsively check my email, refresh Twitter, and talk to whoever shoots me an instant message. I like my job too much to unplug entirely, which I suppose one could argue might be a little unhealthy, but I don’t think it’s bad to ever really enjoy what you’re doing- Regardless of what it is. It just so happens that my responsibilities with TouchArcade line up almost perfectly with what I actually enjoy doing, like, in my free time.

So, I decided I’d move forward with my plans from a few days ago to get some nicer shoes as part of the larger plan of dressing better. I’ve essentially worn the Simple Old School sneaker for, well, forever. I ended up deciding on the Allen Edmonds McTavish as the shoe for me, in black. They’re way way more expensive than I’d typically ever spend on a shoe, but I’ve done a ton of research on the whole welt construction process, and just how many time some high-end leather shoes can be brought back from the dead.

With proper care, these shoes will last my entire life. There’s something weirdly appealing about that, as all the other shoes I’ve ever bought always seemed so disposable. Hell, I’d buy Simples when they’re on sale practically in bulk and just indiscriminately throw pairs away when they start to get worn, moving on to the next set of shoes in my cache. Sort of like my watch, it’s just really cool to not only own nice things, but to own nice things that you can keep forever if you take care of them. Paying for quality is a lot easier when you realize that you’re buying something that’s not only nicer, but also cheaper in the long run than continually replacing junk.

Oh, and on the complete opposite side of the proverbial coin of that argument, I also stopped into Ikea and picked up some entirely disposable accessories for my room. I am now the proud owner of the bright green Ikea rug of my dreams, and some really cool brownish greenish curtains that almost have a burlap texture to them.

I’m really satisfied with the little nest I’ve made here.