Spent the afternoon at "my office" (Borders Cafe w/wireless access) because if I stayed home I was going to fall asleep. So far the trick has worked. No totally annoying table neighbors, no school field trips, only one crying baby at the very beginning. I even got 5 pages written.

Books: I'm between projects right now, and I'm really feeling like I need to take advantage of this "down time" by working on my own projects. If I don't do it now I'll just resent the other projects when they do come along. Basically, I'll be working along madly on someone else's deadline and being mad that here I am with motivation to get things done and it's all being used up on un-fun stuff. Sadly, I think the reality has a lot more to do with money than motivation. And I'm more motivated by immediate money than money "someday, if I can sell it."

Talked to a contact today about writing a couple of application user manuals - it's not glamorous, but it does come with a contract and pay.