TRST_Blog

I wanted to wait until all of the Apple Watch retrospectives have died down before writing this piece. It's been a long wait but I think now is the time to formalise my thoughts on the Watch and spell out exactly why, even if nothing really changed, I'm excited to buy an Apple Watch.^[1]

Reports of the confused nature of the platform, strange hardware decisions and performance sluggishness have plagued the media, yet I have been undeterred—perhaps, having my mind focused on the most crucial aspects of the device have increased my interest. By waiting for the initial reports of the device, I have had time to structure my thoughts about how the device will fit into my life.

I've been going through some drastic lifestyle changes lately. My world has upended and much of the young-adult idleness has been replaced by a torrent of busy work. My profession has a number of specific features that I think lend itself to including the watch into my routine:

1. Almost every task I need to do, is set to a well paced schedule. Since I am not disciplined in the art of organisation, I need support to become organised and meet my professional goals.
2. My work is almost entirely mobile. I rarely have opportunities to sit down, so whatever tools I have need to be along for the ride.
3. Finally, I'll just say that I work in a hostile environment; therefore, taking my smartphone out of my pocket is more-or-less impossible, moreover, the fuss of grabbing my phone would likely cause me to miss something crucial.

The form factor and placement of the Apple Watch is most suitable for relaying the information I need and all without placing undo risk on my other (more expensive) mobile devices. I can quickly glance at my wrist, or feel a tap, informing me that it's time to change tracks. Not revolutionary, but for a job that requires constant movement access to this information hundreds of times over a week will be a god-send.

On the software side, scheduling, timers and notifications are that extra boost I need for organising my day. My attempts at GTD have helped me understand that keeping data, like dates, out of my head and in a trusted system help keep me productive. While I realise there are more possible applications in the future (identity, anyone?), I am more than comfortable with the baked-in software giving back what organisational discipline I lack.

While the watch doesn't solve these issues out with the messianic magic "we" expect from a new technology product in 2016, it can provide utility. I don't want to become too didactic, but some things might just require more forethought to fit into our workflows. I'm glad I gave myself time to consider where this little gem will fit in mine. Maybe, if the computer is the bicycle of the mind, a device like the Apple Watch is a slipper (I suppose in cycling terms it might be a clip in cleat—help?!), it connects you firmly to other tools and makes sure your energy is harnessed more efficiently.

I'm an old people-thing. At least, I feel like an old people thing. This site has weathered the last 5 years on the open internet and it's been a blast; however, as I've gained a smidgen of perspective, my aims and expectations have drifted onto a new course. I'm not tearing out the carpets and replastering the walls, to mix my metaphors, but I'm not so sure that orange shag is still in, you dig?

A lot has changed in my trip around the wheel and I want this site to reflect some of those changes. Like everyone, I moved to another country, I went and got myself a jobby-job, responsibilities, bills to pay and found some weather to complain about. As a younger people-thing I projected a persona based on what seemed acceptable, not what felt right. I needed time to see the truth. Now that I'm here, in the poorly ventilated and crowded room of adulthood, I feel like I have more to say, more to share.

I'm committed to posting more often—proper posts, not just links, although those are still cool, right?—on a variety of topics, say, like Internet identity, a whipping post 'round these parts, and living a mobile-only lifestyle. Nothing reactionary, or overly topical, just human-esque musings on the world I live in. All weighing in at around 500 words a pop, light enough that I won't weigh on your mind and substantial enough to chew. Honestly, who wants to block out their timetable to read a thinkpiece?

I'm not here to over promise on what's possible given my circumstances; however, it is somewhat of a relief to have a plan at all. I've drifted between some form of blog since I started on the web in the early 2000s and never once made any real commitments to share, beyond half measured threats with no real push to follow through. This blog is the marks the first time I have refrained from raising everything to the ground every two months, a feat I have realized for 5 years as of 20 April, 2016.

I read somewhere that placing your commitments out in the open was a sure fire way to be accountable to your goals and that's what I mean to do here. Take a step forward into the unknown waters of responsibility, make commitments and do my damned best to keep some... no, most of them.

If you are one of the few people who still subscribe to this site via RSS, my hat is off to you. Thank you for putting up with, well, whatever I am. It isn't always easy shouting into the void, but with your company it's been bearable. You're a peach, truly.