September was the longest month in the history of mankind. I never thought it would end. Thankfully it has. I am here to deliver another progress report on my self imposed (involved?) goals. I have been experiencing some serious self-delusion and whining recently which helps no one. So... to start October off right, I invited some friends over for a campfire and ran a 5K this morning. I don't have a precise time on the run, but it was 32-33 minutes. Hopefully if I stay w/ it, I can get down below 30 minutes for the next one.
I will have some adventures tomorrow. I may be able to add to this list.
Completed Goals (17/101)
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese
15) T.A. a graduate level class
16) Take a language class
18) Make a batch of freezer jam
23) Make baking bread a habit
27) Take an advanced pilates class
28) Run a 5K
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
67) Visit Fernwood Botanical Garden
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn.
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks.
85) Train Odie to come when called
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways.
92) Watch no television for one month.
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom.
10.02.2010
9.12.2010
Slacking... grad school style
I'm simultaneously working hard and feeling guilty for not working harder. I've added a few things to the Completed list. I haven't been running. Well, last week I ran three miles, but I couldn't drag myself out of bed this weekend.
Completed Goals (16/101)
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese
15) T.A. a graduate level class
16) Take a language class
18) Make a batch of freezer jam
23) Make baking bread a habit
27) Take an advanced pilates class
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
67) Visit Fernwood Botanical Garden
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn.
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks.
85) Train Odie to come when called
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways.
92) Watch no television for one month.
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom.
Completed Goals (16/101)
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese
15) T.A. a graduate level class
16) Take a language class
18) Make a batch of freezer jam
23) Make baking bread a habit
27) Take an advanced pilates class
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
67) Visit Fernwood Botanical Garden
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn.
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks.
85) Train Odie to come when called
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways.
92) Watch no television for one month.
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom.
8.05.2010
My working vacation
I am about 3 hours from home attending a summer school. This school is distinctly off topic and has become (more or less) a chance for me relax and escape my every day life. I am certainly learning from the sessions, but I'm not working on my own research. Of course, my brain is doing some back-burner type work. I was able to sketch out a piece of code I intend to write in the next few weeks that should be a major step forward in my ability to automate my work.
I finished the book John Adams by David McCullough last night. I started a week or so before and became entirely engrossed in the life of a man I knew too little about before now. I loved the book and learned about how John Adams work and influence permeated both his time and mine. Wow.
So... on w/ a much needed update to my 101 list:
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn.
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks.
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways.
92) Watch no television for one month. I'm well over a month w/ no TV!
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom.
Partially Completed Goals:
4-7) The coding goals: I have been coding a lot recently. The work has been modular enough that I need to learn to tie it together under a header file. I compile often enough that I should write a Makefile. I'll get there in the next few months I hope.
9) Read 10 of the National Book Award winners in fiction (2/10).
10) Read 10 of the Pulitzer Prize winners in fiction (3/10).
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (1/10). Thomas Sowell completed!
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese. I wrote a long email in Portuguese and purchased my textbooks for fall.
13) Be able to name all of the U.S. Presidents in order... Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson.... Polk... Lincoln, Johnson, Grant... ummm.... McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama... wow, I hope my partial list is correct. I feel as though I've missed a few. I should know this.
14) Become an architecture geek. I think I know how to recognize the Federal style.
15) T.A. a graduate level class. It isn't official, but I have a request in.
28) Run a 5K. I ran the last three mornings. About 2 miles every morning. Today was a rest day. Tomorrow I'll try to go a bit further.
32) Master a tri-cep push-up. I'm getting better at these.
52) Visit 10 Presidential Historic Sites. In about a week I'm going to the Gerald Ford Presidential Library.
53) Go on vacation without a car. This is very non-specific, but I don't plan to rent one in Costa Rica.
Goals for the week:
1) Discover a holiday to celebrate
2) Think up thoughtful/random gifts.
3) Study a bit for my candidacy exam so I can someday earn a Masters.
I finished the book John Adams by David McCullough last night. I started a week or so before and became entirely engrossed in the life of a man I knew too little about before now. I loved the book and learned about how John Adams work and influence permeated both his time and mine. Wow.
So... on w/ a much needed update to my 101 list:
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn.
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks.
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways.
92) Watch no television for one month. I'm well over a month w/ no TV!
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom.
Partially Completed Goals:
4-7) The coding goals: I have been coding a lot recently. The work has been modular enough that I need to learn to tie it together under a header file. I compile often enough that I should write a Makefile. I'll get there in the next few months I hope.
9) Read 10 of the National Book Award winners in fiction (2/10).
10) Read 10 of the Pulitzer Prize winners in fiction (3/10).
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (1/10). Thomas Sowell completed!
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese. I wrote a long email in Portuguese and purchased my textbooks for fall.
13) Be able to name all of the U.S. Presidents in order... Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson.... Polk... Lincoln, Johnson, Grant... ummm.... McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama... wow, I hope my partial list is correct. I feel as though I've missed a few. I should know this.
14) Become an architecture geek. I think I know how to recognize the Federal style.
15) T.A. a graduate level class. It isn't official, but I have a request in.
28) Run a 5K. I ran the last three mornings. About 2 miles every morning. Today was a rest day. Tomorrow I'll try to go a bit further.
32) Master a tri-cep push-up. I'm getting better at these.
52) Visit 10 Presidential Historic Sites. In about a week I'm going to the Gerald Ford Presidential Library.
53) Go on vacation without a car. This is very non-specific, but I don't plan to rent one in Costa Rica.
Goals for the week:
1) Discover a holiday to celebrate
2) Think up thoughtful/random gifts.
3) Study a bit for my candidacy exam so I can someday earn a Masters.
7.18.2010
Working Sunday
So I've spent some time working this weekend AND I've enjoyed it. I am slowly learning the ins-and-outs of a UNIX system. It is impressive how just how powerful it is. I can't believe how much time I have wasted by NOT automating tasks w/ shell scripts. Just this morning I pushed myself to use the command line for the graphical program I run and I cannot believe how much more simple it is than using a mouse. Sheesh, I'm slow, but I'm getting there.
A running update first:
I've done a couple of 1.5 mile runs and a 2.7 mile run recently. I don't seem too interested in tracking today. Yesterday I got the little mutt to run a whole mile w/ me. I've learned to walk her for a while first.
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways
92) Watch no television for one month - COMPLETED as of yesterday!
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom
Partially Completed Goals
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (0/10) - Still reading Thomas Sowell...
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese - I wrote a very short email in Portuguese last night.
23) Make baking bread a habit - Due to the heat, it isn't a habit, but I did bake a loaf a couple of weeks ago!
I have nine goals completed. I could be doing a little better, but I have been focusing on work. I'm also attempting to diet w/out tracking calories. This is turning into a success, but it is much harder.
Goals for the week:
1) Two runs of greater than 2 miles, preferably a 3-miler (July is ending quickly!)
2) Finish the Sowell book. It is too dense for me to read in long settings, but it is good. When I say good I mean incredibly insightful and historically/economically/philosophically reaching.
3) Cover 2 chapters of the Chem book.
25) Eat a meal made entirely of things grown in my own garden - I have tomatoes, peppers, and beans!
32) Master a tri-cep push-up - I'm getting better. I can push up into a plank from the ground, but I am definitely relying more on my chest muscles than my triceps for part of it.
A running update first:
I've done a couple of 1.5 mile runs and a 2.7 mile run recently. I don't seem too interested in tracking today. Yesterday I got the little mutt to run a whole mile w/ me. I've learned to walk her for a while first.
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways
92) Watch no television for one month - COMPLETED as of yesterday!
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom
Partially Completed Goals
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (0/10) - Still reading Thomas Sowell...
12) Have a conversation in Portuguese - I wrote a very short email in Portuguese last night.
23) Make baking bread a habit - Due to the heat, it isn't a habit, but I did bake a loaf a couple of weeks ago!
I have nine goals completed. I could be doing a little better, but I have been focusing on work. I'm also attempting to diet w/out tracking calories. This is turning into a success, but it is much harder.
Goals for the week:
1) Two runs of greater than 2 miles, preferably a 3-miler (July is ending quickly!)
2) Finish the Sowell book. It is too dense for me to read in long settings, but it is good. When I say good I mean incredibly insightful and historically/economically/philosophically reaching.
3) Cover 2 chapters of the Chem book.
25) Eat a meal made entirely of things grown in my own garden - I have tomatoes, peppers, and beans!
32) Master a tri-cep push-up - I'm getting better. I can push up into a plank from the ground, but I am definitely relying more on my chest muscles than my triceps for part of it.
7.11.2010
A long over due gardening post!
The little patch in my backyard about a month ago. You might notice that I realized just how closely I had planted and desperately moved a few things. I am glad I did, and next year I will have to be much more careful about this!
Already overgrown!
The garden has grown up since these were taken. The corn and zucchini had sprouted, and I was absolutely ecstatic. I have certainly learned this year NOT to fear timelines with gardens. Get it in the ground, it will grow. In fact, I planted some dill seed a week or so ago and it is popping up now. I may not get much off it, but for 25 cents, why not try? Next year I definitely plan to do more from seed.
Beets!
As far as I can tell, these are caterpillars that would grow into cabbage moths one day. They did a lot of damage before I realized what they were and picked them off. Once I realized the problem, I diligently picked off every caterpillar I could for a couple of weeks and they are gone now. The leaves are still very chewed, but I may get some cauliflower yet!
The damage is actually much worse than this.
I harvested some green beans today. All in all, gardening is a very satisfying experience!
In summary:
1) If something is eating your plants, get close enough to see the little things before the damage increases.
2) Don't plant too close together.
3) Don't fear planting from seed after the ground has warmed up.
Already overgrown!
The garden has grown up since these were taken. The corn and zucchini had sprouted, and I was absolutely ecstatic. I have certainly learned this year NOT to fear timelines with gardens. Get it in the ground, it will grow. In fact, I planted some dill seed a week or so ago and it is popping up now. I may not get much off it, but for 25 cents, why not try? Next year I definitely plan to do more from seed.
Beets!
As far as I can tell, these are caterpillars that would grow into cabbage moths one day. They did a lot of damage before I realized what they were and picked them off. Once I realized the problem, I diligently picked off every caterpillar I could for a couple of weeks and they are gone now. The leaves are still very chewed, but I may get some cauliflower yet!
The damage is actually much worse than this.
I harvested some green beans today. All in all, gardening is a very satisfying experience!
In summary:
1) If something is eating your plants, get close enough to see the little things before the damage increases.
2) Don't plant too close together.
3) Don't fear planting from seed after the ground has warmed up.
7.08.2010
What I HAVE been doing
Rather that focus on my dismal failure to complete any of the goals on my list for the week, let me instead talk about what I have been doing:
1) Writing little shell scripts to make my life easier
2) Fighting the good fight on my research (and partially succeeding)
3) Relaxing, reading EASY books, and NOT watching TV. Ten more days and a goal is completed!
4) Eating very poorly... I have decided how to spin this into a positive however! The BF is about to leave for a trip and I will have no choice but to set a calorie budget for the weekend and stick to it. 1600 per day (plus exercise calories).
5) I am going to see an old friend this weekend for a hike in the woods! I am so excited I can't stand it! In fact, if I make a point to STAY in contact, I'm pretty sure I've hit another list item.
6) Lovingly tending the plot in the backyard. I can't believe I waited this long to become a gardener. Now, if I can only get this ambitious about flowers and aesthetic beauty!
7) I am feeling inspired by the relatively cool weather and will go for a run in the morning
8) I baked some delicious bread! I have been intentionally slacking because of the heat. I have a plan to make some naan sometime soon. Bread you fry on the stovetop = less heat.
After looking over old blog posts, I realize how badly I need to to a garden update. It is all grown up compared to the pics that are posted. That will be a tomorrow project.
1) Writing little shell scripts to make my life easier
2) Fighting the good fight on my research (and partially succeeding)
3) Relaxing, reading EASY books, and NOT watching TV. Ten more days and a goal is completed!
4) Eating very poorly... I have decided how to spin this into a positive however! The BF is about to leave for a trip and I will have no choice but to set a calorie budget for the weekend and stick to it. 1600 per day (plus exercise calories).
5) I am going to see an old friend this weekend for a hike in the woods! I am so excited I can't stand it! In fact, if I make a point to STAY in contact, I'm pretty sure I've hit another list item.
6) Lovingly tending the plot in the backyard. I can't believe I waited this long to become a gardener. Now, if I can only get this ambitious about flowers and aesthetic beauty!
7) I am feeling inspired by the relatively cool weather and will go for a run in the morning
8) I baked some delicious bread! I have been intentionally slacking because of the heat. I have a plan to make some naan sometime soon. Bread you fry on the stovetop = less heat.
After looking over old blog posts, I realize how badly I need to to a garden update. It is all grown up compared to the pics that are posted. That will be a tomorrow project.
7.03.2010
another saturday!
| Date | 5/22 | 5/31 | 6/5 | 6/9 | 6/11 | 6/16 | 6/23 | 7/2 |
| Miles | 1.5 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 1.5 |
| Minutes | 16 | 14 | 23 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 28 | 15 |
I think I'm missing a run between the 23rd and yesterday. I know that I went for a run/walk with the puppy, but that definitely doesn't count. I am relaxing on this MUCH needed 3 day weekend. I can't believe how tired I let myself get over the course of the last month.
Over the last week I read a book called March by Geraldine Brooks. The novel is the 2006 winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. I chose the book for its very interesting main character: the patriarch of the Louisa May Alcott's March clan. I found myself absorbed in the broader background created by Brooks for Alcott's young women. It was an admittedly nice break from the compelling but dense economic and historical evaluation of entire philosophies and visions by Thomas Sowell.
As for my other goals: I did indeed code the honeycomb lattice on top of my existing hexagonal lattice. Also, I wrote some shell scripts that should prove quite useful if I continue my current work. I updated my website and I'm baking some bread this evening after it cools off.
I have been diligently NOT watching TV. It has been so nice.
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn (greater than knee high by the 4th of July)
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom
Partially Completed Goals:
9) Read 10 of the National Book Award winners in fiction (2/10)
10) Read 10 of the Pulitzer Prize winners in fiction (2/10)
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (0.5/10)
64) Make a point to use the local libraries (I have a card and I'll make a trip there soon enough)
70) Clean the oven twice (1/2)
80) Pay off student loans (I have one left, the interest is very low)
81) Pay off my car loan (I'm getting there. It should be paid off in a year)
82) Organize and fully document my financial information (I'm slowly work on this)
92) Watch no television for one month (I'm about half through this goal)
This week's goals:
1) Get a make file working
2) Bike to and around St. Mary's
3) Read something about architecture
4) Reinforce commands w/ Odie (look and come).
6.26.2010
Completed Goals
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn (It is officially a crop. I have been warned that I may not get any corn due to squirrels, but I'm checking it off).
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom
Partially Completed Goals:
1) Earn a Masters Degree - I have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only will I earn my Masters, I'm sticking it out for the PhD dammit!
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (0/10) - Reading Thomas Sowell...
27) Take an advanced pilates class - I'm pushing myself really hard in my class and I can feel it!
28) Run a 5K - I have a plan and I'm running farther than ever.
41) Travel to Iowa - It is in the works
59) Bike to and around Saint Mary’s College - I'm biking to school and back, I'll get ambitious and go farther one of these days
74) Maintain organization of the desks - so far...
88) Take Odie to 90% of the pet-friendly parks in the county - I added a new one last weekend
This weeks goals:
1) Thomas Sowell
2) Code a hexagonal lattice (should be an extension of my current work) and start thinking about a make file for my geometry code.
3) Write Bianca an email (partially) in Portuguese
4) Make bread or crackers
5) Update my website
18) Make a batch of freezer jam.
54) Visit the Pizza restaurant near Lake Michigan.
62) Visit a local winery.
69) Develop a successful composting system.
71) Grow a crop of corn (It is officially a crop. I have been warned that I may not get any corn due to squirrels, but I'm checking it off).
73) Clean and organize the contents of both desks
87) Train Odie to stay at doorways
101) Do not allow yourself to complain of boredom
Partially Completed Goals:
1) Earn a Masters Degree - I have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Not only will I earn my Masters, I'm sticking it out for the PhD dammit!
11) Read 10 of the Modern Library’s 100 Best Nonfiction (0/10) - Reading Thomas Sowell...
27) Take an advanced pilates class - I'm pushing myself really hard in my class and I can feel it!
28) Run a 5K - I have a plan and I'm running farther than ever.
41) Travel to Iowa - It is in the works
59) Bike to and around Saint Mary’s College - I'm biking to school and back, I'll get ambitious and go farther one of these days
74) Maintain organization of the desks - so far...
88) Take Odie to 90% of the pet-friendly parks in the county - I added a new one last weekend
This weeks goals:
1) Thomas Sowell
2) Code a hexagonal lattice (should be an extension of my current work) and start thinking about a make file for my geometry code.
3) Write Bianca an email (partially) in Portuguese
4) Make bread or crackers
5) Update my website
6.24.2010
Life is busy!
So a power outage and large amounts of work have kept me away from the computer. I did complete my goals for last week (including two runs of 1.5 miles in about the same time as before). Dates estimated:
Also, I cleaned and organized both desks! Check! Now I just need to maintain it. Note the last run. Very slow, but distance and endurance matter more right now. I took Odie to Rum Village Park last weekend, picked up my library card, and generally stayed very busy.
I need to do a garden post so that next year I can have a better idea of what I did and when. I have been lame about record keeping thus far.
| Date | 5/22 | 5/31 | 6/5 | 6/9 | 6/11 | 6/16 | 6/23 |
| Miles | 1.5 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Minutes | 16 | 14 | 23 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 28 |
Also, I cleaned and organized both desks! Check! Now I just need to maintain it. Note the last run. Very slow, but distance and endurance matter more right now. I took Odie to Rum Village Park last weekend, picked up my library card, and generally stayed very busy.
I need to do a garden post so that next year I can have a better idea of what I did and when. I have been lame about record keeping thus far.
6.13.2010
Sleepy Sunday
I spent today cooking, studying Spanish, reading, napping, and day-dreaming. I did spend a little time in the garden and I took the mutt to a new park. Actually, I went on THREE walks w/ her. I am a good pet owner.
This felt like a very unproductive weekend, but I think I needed that. I realized that I hadn't made a list of goals to work on for the week.
1) Run twice (for 1.5 miles or more)
2) Organize my desk upstairs. Avoiding it is sheer laziness.
3) Pick up my library card (I signed up for one!).
4) Finish the current chapter of Thomas Sowell's book.
5) Be sure to practice planks and throw in a couple of push-up attempts.
6) Work w/ Odie on things she SHOULD know how to do.
This is going to be a busy week, so I made the list simultaneously long and simple. During the day I'm teaching and researching. In the evenings, I have plans for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It is likely that I will be busy on Friday or Saturday as well.
This felt like a very unproductive weekend, but I think I needed that. I realized that I hadn't made a list of goals to work on for the week.
1) Run twice (for 1.5 miles or more)
2) Organize my desk upstairs. Avoiding it is sheer laziness.
3) Pick up my library card (I signed up for one!).
4) Finish the current chapter of Thomas Sowell's book.
5) Be sure to practice planks and throw in a couple of push-up attempts.
6) Work w/ Odie on things she SHOULD know how to do.
This is going to be a busy week, so I made the list simultaneously long and simple. During the day I'm teaching and researching. In the evenings, I have plans for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It is likely that I will be busy on Friday or Saturday as well.
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