Agent Palmer

Recently, my good friend Zapata, my partner Stefanie, and I all called off work on a Friday to geek out in perhaps the most time-consuming way possible: with all three extended editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

It was something that Zapata and I had reminisced about, since we hadn’t done it in a long time, and as Stef had never seen the Extended Editions it was decided that it must happen.

The year 2021, much like 2020 before it, was a challenging stretch of time. Bad for some and good for others, but on the whole, challenging for most.

For me professionally, 2021 ended with some actual career opportunities. That’s something I’ve been waiting for years to take advantage of. It’s part-time, but it’s better than nothing. If I’ve gleaned anything from my recent stint of joblessness, it’s that I’ll probably always be looking or at least networking. I don’t want to ever get professionally complacent again.

This post was not my idea, but I can’t argue with the editor that suggested it. On episode 52 of The Palmer Files, I discussed celebrations and anniversaries with my editor and polar opposite when it comes to those things, as well as one of my best friends, Chris Hughes.

It was his suggestion that I write a post about blogging for 10 years. Since it’s hard to argue with someone who has a good idea, especially when they are more practiced at celebrating anniversaries, you go with them.

I have been out of work. I have been networking and applying and battling depression throughout a pandemic. But I have also maintained this blog and a podcast and kept up to date with digital marketing trends.

And yet, commonly, people I respect ask me “what of this have you done for money?” I’m sick of the sentiment. If a runner runs a few laps on their own because they got to practice early, most coaches will count that. If a musician practices on their own time to get better that’s experience that is important to the craft. There are many other examples of this.

Finding Rhythm and Balance as an Amateur Musician

A long, long time ago… I can still remember how that music used to make me smile…

Well, actually, no.

A long, long time ago, I can still remember how I used to know how to play the drums. And I knew that if I had my chance, that I could make those people dance, and maybe they’d be happy for a while.