I sit at my own booth, the yellow breakfast platter before me is now empty while a mug of coffee sits, full, just to my left. For too long now I’ve read while listening to someone else’s conversation, my mind only half-heartedly focused on the material on the page. The conversation is interesting, but my goal in coming here was not eavesdropping. So I move on and start up my computer, plug in my headphones and start to write. But, wait a minute, I can’t write while listening to Patty Griffin apparently. I thought her music was unfamiliar enough to become background noise, but it’s not. So classical then. Again no, not going to work at all. I’m one of those folks who is way too aware of—and thus distracted by—background music. Shoot. Now I’m listening to the dude on the phone behind me.
Oh, the life of a freelancer at the “office.”
I love it.
6 Comments
Bethany Sep 1, 2010 8:35 AM
Andrew has sometimes listened to a white noise app on his iPod – so you get the soothing and un-distracting sounds of a dishwasher or fan instead of conversation around you. :)
Jo Sep 1, 2010 9:56 AM
Oh yeah, I know this feeling! Hope you have a productive morning!!!
Melissa Marsh Sep 1, 2010 10:42 AM
Depends on what I’m writing as to what music I can play. Classical is usually a safe bet for anything, but then again, Frank Sinatra is great for my WW2 stuff.
joie Sep 1, 2010 11:41 PM
right there with ya, can’t listen to music while working. But I find the conversations and characters in coffeeshops to be a bit like a snack break for my mind…I can take some in but then get back to work. :)
alina Sep 2, 2010 5:57 PM
This is exactly how I operate whenever I’m in my “office”. Totally distracted. I’m headed to starbucks right now…we’ll see if anything good comes from it.
Charlie @ CharlieGirlBlog Sep 4, 2010 2:37 PM
Fleet Foxes on Pandora :) Otherwise, quiet.