Budgeting hard. I have not kept track of my budget. That is all. Also on the list of things I have not done this month (but hope to do this weeked): cleaned my room, cleaned the bathrooms, written my resume, and written in my journal. For a long while I didn't have a journal, now at least I have a running journal. I'm reluctant to write in it, though, because it only has finite space, and I know myself; I need a lot of blank pages. I have a lot of blank journals at my parents' house and I meant to bring one back with me but in the end I had to abandon it to make space for other things like 7 or so pairs of shoes, which is ridiculous because if you know me you might have trouble figuring out why I would need so many shoes for a trip, or if I would ever wear 7 different pairs of shoes over the course of a year. Apparently I really like shoes.
Back to the point! After spending a couple of days sweating over a deadline, I'm going to enjoy a quiet evening in, and hopefully a quiet (but productive) weekend as well.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
AAAANNNDDD...
Now I'm 30. Oh my goodness.
During the past year, I played with the idea of making a 30 Before 30 list, but I don't think I did. Well, if I did, I immediately forgot about it. When I asked myself what I really truly wanted to accomplish, very few things came to mind that could be done in a matter of months. I didn't want to make a list of things I would fail to accomplish by my birthday, but I also didn't want to make a list of arbitrary things that didn't really excite me. Now that I'm on the other side, though, listing the things I want sounds like a good idea. One reason is that a little organization and accountability could only help. The other reason is simply that my attitude has changed. Rather than seeing a deadline, I see time and opportunity. I can actually think of things I'd like to put on a list and accomplish soon.
Here is a rough draft. The actual list will show up on the left-hand side of the page so I can constantly refer to it. Things I'd like to accomplish this year include:
1. Run a race. This will most likely be a half marathon, I'm not sure if I want to run a whole marathon but I think anything less than a half marathon is not really reaching for the stars.
2. Take a First Aid and CPR class.
3. Get a Plant.
4. Master Eye Makeup. Yeah, it's not exactly saving the world, but it's a skill I'd like to have.
5. Volunteer my time at least once this year.
6. Read a nonfiction history book. This probably would've happened no matter what.
7. Visit a state park. Also low hanging fruit, pretty much a sure thing, but I really want to do it!
8. Drop one pant size. Totally doable.
9. Return to Aikido. Maybe I can finally advance beyond 5th kyu.
10. Finish my Thesis. It has to happen.
During the past year, I played with the idea of making a 30 Before 30 list, but I don't think I did. Well, if I did, I immediately forgot about it. When I asked myself what I really truly wanted to accomplish, very few things came to mind that could be done in a matter of months. I didn't want to make a list of things I would fail to accomplish by my birthday, but I also didn't want to make a list of arbitrary things that didn't really excite me. Now that I'm on the other side, though, listing the things I want sounds like a good idea. One reason is that a little organization and accountability could only help. The other reason is simply that my attitude has changed. Rather than seeing a deadline, I see time and opportunity. I can actually think of things I'd like to put on a list and accomplish soon.
Here is a rough draft. The actual list will show up on the left-hand side of the page so I can constantly refer to it. Things I'd like to accomplish this year include:
1. Run a race. This will most likely be a half marathon, I'm not sure if I want to run a whole marathon but I think anything less than a half marathon is not really reaching for the stars.
2. Take a First Aid and CPR class.
3. Get a Plant.
4. Master Eye Makeup. Yeah, it's not exactly saving the world, but it's a skill I'd like to have.
5. Volunteer my time at least once this year.
6. Read a nonfiction history book. This probably would've happened no matter what.
7. Visit a state park. Also low hanging fruit, pretty much a sure thing, but I really want to do it!
8. Drop one pant size. Totally doable.
9. Return to Aikido. Maybe I can finally advance beyond 5th kyu.
10. Finish my Thesis. It has to happen.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Theme(s) of the Month
Hello! I'm checking in with regards to my Happiness Project. As you saw, things got quiet at the end of last month... it didn't go so well. Last month was, as I predicted, a really stressful month. I tried to stay on top of things, I tried to identify what caused me stress and talk or work through it, but it wasn't always easy. In fact, it was never easy, it was always hard. I spent a lot of time feeling stressed. I did moderately well with sleep and I ran more than I did in October but less than I did in November. I think I spent more time doing strength training and yoga, though. My career goals class came to an end and I gave myself some goals that I promptly forgot over winter break, but I'm attending to them now. I made a chart for myself to keep track of my actions, and then I never used it. My new plan, which I may have already written about, is to make marks on my calendar, but I haven't done that either, since I haven't officially identified my goal for the month. I'm going to pick two goals this month! One is to adhere to a budget. It's time. The other goal is to make more food at home. This will help me save money, eat healthier, and it's also something I enjoy. So... hopefully I'll check in soon and let you know how it's going.
Welcome to the Year 2012
Along with a title that mirrors my first post title of the previous year, I will also kick off this year of sporadic blogging with the same survey! Enjoy.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Visited Switzerland and France, and basically lived abroad for 6 months. Saw the Alps and a real castle. I also visited St. Louis and held a hawk. Also, despite the fact that I was born and raised in California, I went surfing for the first time in my life. Oh, and lectured my own class for a whole quarter.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not manage to keep a single new year's resolution! I still haven't crossed the 600 mile line! In fact, this year I think ran about half of what I ran last year. I spent a lot more time commuting, and I spent a lot of time feeling fairly paralyzed with anxiety. I am pretty sure I am less fit than I was a year ago, my diet is about the same, and I have yet to graduate. No extra money in my accounts, either. This year my resolutions are still the same. Last year I started a Happiness Project, and I suppose those resolutions could count as my New Year's Resolutions. Become more fit, improve my diet, save money. Graduate. Live a life which makes me proud.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think so, but it seems like everyone around me is pregnant. If I answer this survey next year, I'll have a big yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Switzerland and France. I also stopped in the Amsterdam airport for a few hours, but I don't think that counts.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A PhD and a job.--- same answer as last year. Add to that a larger savings account.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 20, because that's when I returned to the US.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I lectured a class. I was the teacher for a class of 174 college students. It was pretty awesome.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Still being in graduate school. --- same as last year! HA. ugh.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, which is lucky. My car was injured, however.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A train pass through the Alps. I went on a weekend trip with friends in the spring and it was a wonderful adventure.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Batty sister for working through residency. Bobbles for being an understanding guy. My Mom and Dad, for no reason in particular, but because they should be celebrated.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment. Appalled is a pretty strong word, but I'm sure plenty of folks stressed me out this year.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel and food. In fact, Burgers and Brew should have a frequent visitor reward program.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Bobbles traveling halfway around the world to visit me. Cave Ouvert. Surfing.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Dog Days by Florence and the Machine, and Lover Lover by Jared Neimann
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter, I think, but I always get chubby right around now.
c) richer or poorer? Richer! Yessss!!! I guess I did keep that resolution, even if completely by accident.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Run. Learn French. --- same as last year! But I will also add "work on my thesis"
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spend money. Watch TV. Stress Out.
20. How did you spend Hanukkah?
Partly with my sister, partly with the rest of my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
With surfing :) But it was a fleeting affair. And with teaching! All over again.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Covert Affairs or Once Upon a Time
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
In Defense of Food, I think. It was a really interesting read, I felt like I got a lot of good information from it. I also enjoyed The Wheel of Time books, and The Hunger Games, but I'd rank it under Wheel of Time. It did remind me of a lot of other books I've read, though: The Tripod Trilogy and Ender's Game.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Florence and the Machine
26. What did you want and get?
A new wallet :) And a new spillproof travel thermos. And a teaching position, albeit temporary.
27. What did you want and not get?
My car back from the mechanic.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The King's Speech, I think. I didn't see that many movies.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Last year I turned 29, it was my second day in France and first day at CERN. Sho got me wine and cheese and we had a very French night, ending with crepes with some students from Cornell.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Graduating. Also, having a permanent address. <---- TRUE! STILL TRUE!!!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Still pretty crazy, but a bit more business casual since I was lecturing, and also because I hated the idea of standing out as the American, even though I'm sure I did. More slacks fell into my clothing rotation.
32. What kept you sane?
Running. Friends. Family. Bobbles.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Nobody, really. --- still true
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Fee hikes in the UC system.
35. Who did you miss?
Friends in different countries.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Avi. It is highly unlikely that he'll read this, though.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
It's important to know yourself. What makes you happy, what makes you secure, what do you seek in others, in your workplace, etc. When you know what you want, going after it is easier.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don't remember these things! Bah.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Visited Switzerland and France, and basically lived abroad for 6 months. Saw the Alps and a real castle. I also visited St. Louis and held a hawk. Also, despite the fact that I was born and raised in California, I went surfing for the first time in my life. Oh, and lectured my own class for a whole quarter.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not manage to keep a single new year's resolution! I still haven't crossed the 600 mile line! In fact, this year I think ran about half of what I ran last year. I spent a lot more time commuting, and I spent a lot of time feeling fairly paralyzed with anxiety. I am pretty sure I am less fit than I was a year ago, my diet is about the same, and I have yet to graduate. No extra money in my accounts, either. This year my resolutions are still the same. Last year I started a Happiness Project, and I suppose those resolutions could count as my New Year's Resolutions. Become more fit, improve my diet, save money. Graduate. Live a life which makes me proud.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think so, but it seems like everyone around me is pregnant. If I answer this survey next year, I'll have a big yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Switzerland and France. I also stopped in the Amsterdam airport for a few hours, but I don't think that counts.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A PhD and a job.--- same answer as last year. Add to that a larger savings account.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 20, because that's when I returned to the US.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I lectured a class. I was the teacher for a class of 174 college students. It was pretty awesome.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Still being in graduate school. --- same as last year! HA. ugh.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, which is lucky. My car was injured, however.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A train pass through the Alps. I went on a weekend trip with friends in the spring and it was a wonderful adventure.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Batty sister for working through residency. Bobbles for being an understanding guy. My Mom and Dad, for no reason in particular, but because they should be celebrated.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment. Appalled is a pretty strong word, but I'm sure plenty of folks stressed me out this year.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel and food. In fact, Burgers and Brew should have a frequent visitor reward program.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Bobbles traveling halfway around the world to visit me. Cave Ouvert. Surfing.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Dog Days by Florence and the Machine, and Lover Lover by Jared Neimann
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter, I think, but I always get chubby right around now.
c) richer or poorer? Richer! Yessss!!! I guess I did keep that resolution, even if completely by accident.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Run. Learn French. --- same as last year! But I will also add "work on my thesis"
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spend money. Watch TV. Stress Out.
20. How did you spend Hanukkah?
Partly with my sister, partly with the rest of my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
With surfing :) But it was a fleeting affair. And with teaching! All over again.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Covert Affairs or Once Upon a Time
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
In Defense of Food, I think. It was a really interesting read, I felt like I got a lot of good information from it. I also enjoyed The Wheel of Time books, and The Hunger Games, but I'd rank it under Wheel of Time. It did remind me of a lot of other books I've read, though: The Tripod Trilogy and Ender's Game.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Florence and the Machine
26. What did you want and get?
A new wallet :) And a new spillproof travel thermos. And a teaching position, albeit temporary.
27. What did you want and not get?
My car back from the mechanic.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The King's Speech, I think. I didn't see that many movies.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Last year I turned 29, it was my second day in France and first day at CERN. Sho got me wine and cheese and we had a very French night, ending with crepes with some students from Cornell.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Graduating. Also, having a permanent address. <---- TRUE! STILL TRUE!!!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Still pretty crazy, but a bit more business casual since I was lecturing, and also because I hated the idea of standing out as the American, even though I'm sure I did. More slacks fell into my clothing rotation.
32. What kept you sane?
Running. Friends. Family. Bobbles.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Nobody, really. --- still true
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Fee hikes in the UC system.
35. Who did you miss?
Friends in different countries.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Avi. It is highly unlikely that he'll read this, though.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
It's important to know yourself. What makes you happy, what makes you secure, what do you seek in others, in your workplace, etc. When you know what you want, going after it is easier.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don't remember these things! Bah.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Planning
I have a plan for this week. It's a start. I haven't written it down completely, but I have a rough draft on a text file on my computer. I consider that progress.
I've been getting enough sleep and feeling almost guilty about it. When I wake up I worry that I've slept through an alarm, or that I've missed a meeting. When this isn't the case, guilt turns into relief. I haven't gone running, but I have been stretching and doing small bits of strength training indoors.
My car is finally in the shop. They haven't started working on it because they have to finalize the supplement from the insurance company, which reminds me to file a complaint with the IL Dept of Insurance. It took them until December to send me a check for an accident that happened in September, and they managed to massage the numbers to produce an estimate that was between 2/3 and 1/2 what either of the actual body shops estimated. The only upside is that calling them for this particular issue is no longer my problem.
I'm sitting in the kitchen right now, in the sunny spot by the window, waiting for the car rental agency to call me. Someone was supposed to come pick me up at 11, but when I called at 11:40 they said they didn't have me in the book as a pickup, and the person in the office closest to my house would call me at 12:15. I nixed a morning run because I didn't want to be running late when they arrived, and I opted to work from home this morning because I thought by now I'd have the car. The reason I need the car is that I have jury duty tomorrow. This is certainly turning out to be a good month for stress management. Good in the sense that it's needed, not in the sense that I'm doing well with it. We'll see what happens. Maybe I won't get called for jury duty. Maybe they'll rent me a really awesome car. Maybe when I get back I'll go for a run and it will be the best run ever. Maybe I should get back to work.
I've been getting enough sleep and feeling almost guilty about it. When I wake up I worry that I've slept through an alarm, or that I've missed a meeting. When this isn't the case, guilt turns into relief. I haven't gone running, but I have been stretching and doing small bits of strength training indoors.
My car is finally in the shop. They haven't started working on it because they have to finalize the supplement from the insurance company, which reminds me to file a complaint with the IL Dept of Insurance. It took them until December to send me a check for an accident that happened in September, and they managed to massage the numbers to produce an estimate that was between 2/3 and 1/2 what either of the actual body shops estimated. The only upside is that calling them for this particular issue is no longer my problem.
I'm sitting in the kitchen right now, in the sunny spot by the window, waiting for the car rental agency to call me. Someone was supposed to come pick me up at 11, but when I called at 11:40 they said they didn't have me in the book as a pickup, and the person in the office closest to my house would call me at 12:15. I nixed a morning run because I didn't want to be running late when they arrived, and I opted to work from home this morning because I thought by now I'd have the car. The reason I need the car is that I have jury duty tomorrow. This is certainly turning out to be a good month for stress management. Good in the sense that it's needed, not in the sense that I'm doing well with it. We'll see what happens. Maybe I won't get called for jury duty. Maybe they'll rent me a really awesome car. Maybe when I get back I'll go for a run and it will be the best run ever. Maybe I should get back to work.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
December - Manage Stress
The end of November wasn't particularly successful in terms of my goal to boost my energy. I ran more than I did in October, which was a small success, but my sleeping habits became outrageously erratic because of an analysis project that fell in my lap unexpectedly with a very short timeline attached. That, compounded with my class coming to an end, threw me pretty far off track. My car still hasn't been fixed, so a largely unsatisfying phone call with the insurance company contributed some frustration each week. Half of the project stress came from the fact that I had specifically been told that it would not fall on my doorstep the week before it did. I think I spent a lot of time complaining to whoever would listen.
I had made myself a checklist, which I was sure would keep me on track for November. The fact that I never printed it out and rarely opened the file showed me otherwise. I think the only resolution I maintained was to wash my face every night. Sadly, other factors like excess stress and changing weather resulted in an unfortunate teenager's complexion. This month (I know, getting a late start) I'm going to place a color-coded checklist next to my calendar, hopefully that will remind me more regularly and keep me on track.
This month's topic is stress reduction. At first I thought this was a terrible idea because there are a lot of things stressing me out this month, but then I realized that managing stress at its peak would prove which approaches are effective and which aren't very quickly. It will also be the time when stress management is needed the most. My plan is to plan. I have a lot to do before me, if I can plan out my days very carefully then I should be able to accomplish everything as long as I stick to a schedule, and if I'm falling behind then I can alter my schedule to compensate. I just need to make that schedule...
I had made myself a checklist, which I was sure would keep me on track for November. The fact that I never printed it out and rarely opened the file showed me otherwise. I think the only resolution I maintained was to wash my face every night. Sadly, other factors like excess stress and changing weather resulted in an unfortunate teenager's complexion. This month (I know, getting a late start) I'm going to place a color-coded checklist next to my calendar, hopefully that will remind me more regularly and keep me on track.
This month's topic is stress reduction. At first I thought this was a terrible idea because there are a lot of things stressing me out this month, but then I realized that managing stress at its peak would prove which approaches are effective and which aren't very quickly. It will also be the time when stress management is needed the most. My plan is to plan. I have a lot to do before me, if I can plan out my days very carefully then I should be able to accomplish everything as long as I stick to a schedule, and if I'm falling behind then I can alter my schedule to compensate. I just need to make that schedule...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Making the Rules: A Teaching Post
This weekend some things happened on campus here which spurred a lot of students to protest. This weekend I also assigned a take-home quiz. This is a post about being nice and being fair.
The day before the quiz, a student emailed me requesting a postponement of the quiz due date. She pointed out that many students had opted to spend their time rallying the student body and being active in what was occurring on campus, and requested that I postpone the quiz to allow more time for students who were otherwise involved. I shrugged to myself and said sure, extending the quiz date by a week. Everyone should be happy with that, right?
Wrong. Another student emailed me this morning, expressing frustration. She and others like her had opted out of demonstrating and spending their time involved in the events on campus, and instead had buckled down and completed the quiz. She pointed out that had she known there would be an extension, she wouldn't have ignored what was going on around her. This was also a valid point. I announced that anyone who met the original deadline would get extra credit.
Now, in retrospect if this happens again I would do it differently. Let's see if anyone else finds a reason to be frustrated.
The day before the quiz, a student emailed me requesting a postponement of the quiz due date. She pointed out that many students had opted to spend their time rallying the student body and being active in what was occurring on campus, and requested that I postpone the quiz to allow more time for students who were otherwise involved. I shrugged to myself and said sure, extending the quiz date by a week. Everyone should be happy with that, right?
Wrong. Another student emailed me this morning, expressing frustration. She and others like her had opted out of demonstrating and spending their time involved in the events on campus, and instead had buckled down and completed the quiz. She pointed out that had she known there would be an extension, she wouldn't have ignored what was going on around her. This was also a valid point. I announced that anyone who met the original deadline would get extra credit.
Now, in retrospect if this happens again I would do it differently. Let's see if anyone else finds a reason to be frustrated.
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