New Name. New...Me? | Here's Why I've Been Gone.
Don't send to spam! This is the new name of Spencer Scott Pugh's Newsletter! (unless you truly want to...)
Hey everyone! It’s me, Spencer.
You probably didn’t notice me behind this new name change. Let me explain.
Since I started this newsletter I figured I would need to name it something else besides “Spencer Scott Pugh’s Newsletter” at some point and it has taken me awhile to figure out just what content I really wanted to focus in on, therefore giving me a direction for the name.
Welp, I think I’ve finally found it.
Lately I have been going through some major identity changes and improvements in my life and have had to take a large step back from many things, spend more time on other - more important - things, and just be content in the moment.
To put it simply, I have been striving more than ever to be a child of God, a father and husband, a friend, and a colleague (in that order).
This may sound familiar to you since I have literally shared what I call my priority list with you all countless times.
Faith
Family
Social
Work
Personal
Though I have written about constantly trying to improve upon this list, over the past couple months I have really taken some large steps toward living more openly and honestly with myself and others when it comes to where my heart is with this list.
As I look back over common themes in this newsletter and think about the content I want to discuss more, I find myself wanting to:
Speak freely and openly about God and His work in my life.
Talk about concepts and theories I am discovering in my attempts at a long, slow walk in the same direction.
Share some actionable steps I am taking to keep the most important things the most important things.
Discuss my successes as well as my failures.
Encourage others to pursue a similar path, understanding our attempts, shortcomings, sins, and successes might look vastly different at times.
So, as for a more refined direction and, therefore, a name for this newsletter, I have decided to go with my name’s literal meaning that reminds me exactly who I am to be on this earth - a steward.
Therefore, The Steward’s Journal it is.
I am in no way shape or form an expert and I look to many, many others to help me along this path of life lived well.
My hope is that you can find comfort in walking alongside another brother who stumbles and falls as well.
Iron sharpens iron and maybe something I discover along the way can help you, and vice versa!
I am looking forward to many topics and entries in this newsletter and even more so, I look forward to hearing from you and engaging in discussion as we trek along.
As always, thank you for reading. I will see you all next time I get the itch to post!
~ SSP
Together with:
I’ve had this bag for a few weeks now and have been able to use it daily.
Some things I will point out (and apparently start every bullet point with the letter “I”):
It’s not really made for photographers or world travelers per-se. This bag is for the professional that needs to get a laptop and light accessories/papers/books to and from work.
It is really minimal which I like. From the weight, to the design, to the lack of pockets. Yeah... lack of pockets. I don’t need to hike Everest with this thing!
It’s comfortable to wear and water resistant with waterproof zippers.
It can lay flat when open to access everything easily. This however can be a little cumbersome if you don’t have a full desk to lay it out on. you can unzip it about half way and reach in and grab stuff, but so far it has been pretty sturdy and kinda resists being bent open to simply slide in your laptop or paperwork. I assume this will change over time.
It is fairly padded to protect your electronics.
It has no external zippers apart from the phone pocket which is zipped close to your back. This helps for folks in bigger cities where pickpocketing can be an issue. There is just no eternal access to what is inside which is great.
I wish the logo wasn’t white and didn’t pop as much. Great logo, but I prefer to be as minimal and generic as possible when I can. This is just a minor issue! It is no where near as bad as the Melin hats, lol…
It is rigid and holds its shape well even with nothing in it.
I like that little leather-ish tag thing at the top. Adds a little pop of luxury.
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Things I have been enjoying:
I am working on removing myself from an obsession with products (especially tech).
In doing so, I am trying to find better, more quality products and entertainment sources that will last me longer and rewire my dependence on these things to be seen as tools and not idols.
Here are the latest tools and entertainment sources I have been enjoying as of late:
Apple Watch Series 7 — I sold my Apple Watch Ultra because I realized that I could make a good amount off it and buy an older Apple Watch I would happier with. Got about $200-250 toward daycare at the end of the transaction and I love the Series 7!
1930s Royal Typewriter — Still typing away every morning on this thing. Being able to unplug and just throw my thoughts on paper is an awesome practice.
Paper Guardian Notebook — From a bag-making company, this little clip board with storage allows you to use old scrap 8.5x11 paper and turn them into 8.5x5.5 pages for scrap notes. I am considering reviewing this on this newsletter at some point.
Menos Backpack — You already know if you’ve been reading along ;)
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — Haven’t made it super far in this as I’m reading some other books at the moment, but I enjoy Comer’s writing style and humor. Many topical and helpful tactics in this book so far! We got to make the morning last!
New Girl — Rewatching for the 4th or 5th time with my wife, Maria. Great sitcom. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s time. “Twenty Noine!”
The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions — Just finished watching these epic 4 hour long movies again. Simply Fantastic. After watching I feel less like a “fool of a Took!”
The Lord of the Rings Audiobooks — Did you know that after the final battles at Minas Tirith and the gates of Mordor, there is like 5 more hours of story in the books that isn’t shown in the movies? There is legit a whole rebellion that goes down in halfling country led by the Frodo and friends. It’s awesome. I’ve been listening to the LOTR audiobooks mostly while mowing. Oh, and not to mention these versions of the books are read by Sméagol himself!
Fantasy Hike — While we are on the topic of LOTR, this is a step counting app that mimics the walk to Mordor… I am loving it.
M2 MacBook Pro 14 Inch — I sold my iPad mini 6, my M1 Mac Mini, and my M1 MacBook Air for this beast. Should last me for years and years to come.
Levi… Vans? — Bought these to specifically wear to work and church. I really like them, but my right one squeaks. For real Sponge Bob status up in here.
Every Good Endeavor — Reading through this book by the late Tim Keller with a friend and mentor. An awesome discussion on work and how working (if done correctly) glorifies God. Whether you are a janitor at a city school or the CEO of Google, God made us to work, and we can rest knowing we are glorifying him in every good endeavor.
Newness of Life Playlist — I’ve started slowly adding songs to a new playlist on Spotify. Jesus and Worship songs that are helping me through!
Great to see your new look, Spencer! Missed your positive vibes and analysis of all things technical and bicycley!
Finding that balance seems a lifelong event, but good for you on shifting gears. Really like the art and name. Looking forward, my friend.