what did you get done today?

Last week, I finished a new screenplay. It's only a completed first draft – there will likely be many more to come – but still, it's something. So, for now, I'm happy.

As a result of reaching this mile marker, I have leaned into taking a break from writing for a short time. But, without writing, it has been hard to gauge what I have accomplished each day. This desire to always be working toward some larger goal, instead of just living my life – i.e. doing instead of being – dogs me early and often. I've gone for long walks the past two weeks, and wound my way through the local animal and fish prison – re: the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium* – during a section of the walk. This has allowed me to see unexpected animals on what is basically an extended walk through my neighborhood.

I've enjoyed these "unproductive" walks, but the question of what I got done that day still pops into my head as the sun sets. Instead of getting me down, this thought reminds of a funny video by a comedian and friend, Daniel Weingarten. He's a funny guy and he's been making videos and posting them to YouTube for years and they always get me laughing, which I need these days. The video I think about on said days is called "The Question", and he addresses the needling "What did you get done today" thought to hilarious results. So....stop what you're doing for a brief moment and just be while you watch and laugh.

*In all fairness, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium tries its best to be more than an animal and fish prison by heavily promoting conservation initiatives and nurturing a love for animals in the children, teens, and adults who visit every day.

indoor animal is curated by a human: Tim Papciak. On Mondays, he shares one link to one music video to help spark creativity in himself and in other creative types. On Thursdays, he recommends a book, movie, show, art piece, or link to some dusty corner of the internet that he believes either 1.) adds to the human experience, or 2.) serves as a coping mechanism in the year 2025. Note: this is not, and never will be, self-help content.