« Survey For Book on Startup Boards | I’m Trying To Be Respectful, But This Makes Me Crazy »

Some Days I Just Have To Hide In My Room

  • Comments (-)

I’m in Las Vegas at CES. I walked the floor yesterday, had a bunch of meetings in the afternoon, and then went out to dinner at Nobu with my partners and a bunch of the founders of companies we are investors in. It was a great day but at the end of it I was totally used up, especially since I got up at 4am Las Vegas time to go to the airport.

My plan today was to walk the floor of CES some more. I only have one thing scheduled at 2pm (a call with Mark Udall, one of our Colorado Senators, about PIPA) – the rest was left open. But yesterday I felt like I saw everything I wanted to see. And I was tired of bumping into people, overwhelmed by the smoke everywhere, and way over stimulated. On top of this, I’ve been feeling a little flat (not depressed – but down / off balance) since the middle of last week, I’m on the road through the end of the month on the east coast, and I’ve got a head cold that I’m having trouble shaking.

When I woke up at 6:50am this morning, I decided I was going to camp in my room today. Just me, my computer, and whatever is on the other end of my computer. We’ve got another Foundry Group event tonight – by then I’ll probably feel like seeing humans again. But until then, I just feel like hiding for the day. The one exception is a run, which my body is begging me to do, even though I have snot dripping out of my nose.

Some days it’s best to just hide in your room. Today is one of those days for me.

January 11th, 2012     Categories: Work-Life Balance     Tags: , ,
  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=593790311 Anonymous

    feel better Brad and enjoy the rest!

  • http://twitter.com/melgordon Melani Gordon

    Love this raw honesty. Always wondered how often this happened for people while at CES, SXSW etc…

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      Thanks. It happens to me a couple of times a year – sometimes at an event like CES, other times just when I’ve had “too much of the world.”

  • Anonymous

    I completely understand, Brad.  I was at a conference last year that consisted of 4 consecutive packed days of meetings, events, meals, etc.  By the evening of the 3rd day I decided to skip an event/dinner and went and had a quiet dinner by myself.  Best move ever.

    I love people, but if you want to stay effective and sharp you have to refuel your own reserves once in a while!

  • http://twitter.com/OpenSesame OpenSesame

    Slightly off topic, but where do you run in Vegas? Just on a treadmill? I’m not a big treadmill fan for long runs, and Vegas is such a maze generally – can be difficult to get out when I’m there for tradeshows, etc. 

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      I just head down South Las Vegas Blvd for a while and then turn around and come back.

  • Anonymous

    I had a bizarro thought, can they bring you a treadmill to your room #crazyrequest.
    How great would that be as an option in a hotel! “I want to work out, but I just want to be left alone to watch a movie/read/listen to an audiobook. Bring me your finest treadmill. Just like the one at my desk at home!”
    It could happen.

    Cheers!

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      Some hotels do that – I’ve seen it a few times, but not lately.

      • Anonymous

        That could always be your “No brown m&m’s”
        Bummer that’s not a more common  feature. Probably due to angering the downstairs neighbors.
        They could at least bring you a yoga mat.

  • http://www.samedaydr.com/ Richard Weisberger

    The need to bunker down is what i call the tug of war between the introvert and the extrovert.The extrovert recharges by getting out, the introvert by pulling away (at least physically). Just don’t get caught sleeping on either side of the rope or else u will feel like u are covered with mud :)

  • http://www.alearningaday.com Rohan

    Isabel Briggs Myers  would describe this as your balancing introversion acting up. 

    Glad you acted on it! Hope you had a good day with yourself.. :)  

  • Mac

    The guys at TechCrunch are doing a decent job broadcasting live from the floor.  Combined with room service, you have the recipe for a good day. 

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      Yup. I’m starting to feel normal again.

  • Lura

    I hear you.  My parents live in Vegas, and my kids hate the smoke and the guys barfing into a trashcan next to us.  I had to visit my dad recently (emergency brain surgery — he’s fine now), and I stayed at the Trump Hotel.  No casino, no smoking.  It was the first visit I’ve ever had there where I didn’t have clothes smelly from all the smoke. The service was excellent, the room was great, and my sinuses stayed clear.  I’d recommend it.

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      It never occurred to me to stay at the Trump Hotel but I’ll check it out.

  • Pingback: Running on the Las Vegas Strip « 50 Marathon Quest

  • Lee Drake

    My wife said she heard you on NPR today – talking about the digital life theme! :)

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      Indeed – that was me.

  • http://www.birthdayslam.com Jeff Robinson

    I’d feel a bit down with ZNGA at 8 and change…Go do what seems to always bring back the zeal for life you display. Go to the Red Rocks and go for a great run!

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      Nah – that has nothing to do with it. I just used up all my extrovert and suddenly I had nothing yet.

      • http://www.agilevc.com/ leehower

        I like that… “I used up all my extrovert”, might have to adopt that phrase.  I usually describe this feeling as running out of energy for “other people”.

  • Scott

    Hi Brad,

    Is the foundry event open to others? I’d love the opportunity to meet you for a few minutes while at CES (or maybe for a run?)

    Scott

    • http://www.feld.com bfeld

      We’re done now – all heading back to various places (my partners back to Boulder; I’m off to Boston). Enjoy the rest of CES.

  • Pingback: Why I Go To CES