TOM f'N CRUISE
Member
going to learn how to swim
Summer Goals! |OT| of Mastering Yourself
- Thread starter Master Milk
- Start date
- Status
"Summer" for me starts at the end of the month. I have two main goals and two secondary goals. Primary as in I'm going to try my best to stick to them. The secondary ones are things I'm going to try for too, but if I slip and don't get them done I won't feel TOO bad.
Primary:
1) Setup an exercise regiment and stick to it. Nothing too extreme, just simple weight stuff with plenty of bicycling. 30mins a day at least.
2) Make 90%+ of my own food. No more fast food and only going out to dinner now and then with friends/ect. Should be much better for me to eat this way.
Hope both of those combined will have a side effect of making me lose a little weight.
Seconday:
1) Live without internet at home. Moving to a new place and deciding to see if I can't live without internet (on my computers) for a few months. I'll still have access on my phone, but if I stick to primary goals 1&2, I shouldn't be needing to spend too much time on my computers.
2) Learn an instrument. Purchased a guitar, hope to be able to at least play some basic songs come September.
edit:
Primary:
1) Setup an exercise regiment and stick to it. Nothing too extreme, just simple weight stuff with plenty of bicycling. 30mins a day at least.
2) Make 90%+ of my own food. No more fast food and only going out to dinner now and then with friends/ect. Should be much better for me to eat this way.
Hope both of those combined will have a side effect of making me lose a little weight.
Seconday:
1) Live without internet at home. Moving to a new place and deciding to see if I can't live without internet (on my computers) for a few months. I'll still have access on my phone, but if I stick to primary goals 1&2, I shouldn't be needing to spend too much time on my computers.
2) Learn an instrument. Purchased a guitar, hope to be able to at least play some basic songs come September.
edit:
Might as well try to knock this out too. If I end up joining a club to get my exercise on they should have a pool I can learn in.TOM f'N CRUISE said:
Mr.Squirrel
Tom
Master Milk said:
Thanks, I slip up every now and then, but as long as I get back up and give it another shot I'll be fine.
Financially my goal is to make 15k/mo after taxes between my job and business by the end of the year. I may not make it but hey at least I'm gonna try. It's a lofty expectation, but the way I see it is if someone like Bill Gates and make 40 billion, I should be able to make 300k.
Buckethead
Banned
Damn bdizzle make me jealous why don't you haha.
Weigh-In's are on Sunday so that's when I'll check in btw.
Do lurk/read the thread quite a bit though.
Weigh-In's are on Sunday so that's when I'll check in btw.
Do lurk/read the thread quite a bit though.
Username Marius_
Types of Goals Fitness, Relationships, Reading, Driver License, Citizenship
Specific Goals? Gain around 15-20 pounds. I been slim my whole life and tired of it.
UpdatesWeekly
Daily Goals? Exercise 1 hour a day and eat enough.
Written OutNo
Deadline August 15
Types of Goals Fitness, Relationships, Reading, Driver License, Citizenship
Specific Goals? Gain around 15-20 pounds. I been slim my whole life and tired of it.
UpdatesWeekly
Daily Goals? Exercise 1 hour a day and eat enough.
Written OutNo
Deadline August 15
Master Milk said:
I go back and forth between really technical drawings and sloppier works all the time. I really feel like I need the fundamental work, and all of my instructors have agreed that my fundamentals could be improved, but surprisingly, most of the advice I received from those same instructors is to not worry about them so much. This goes against my gut instinct of what I need, but along with what I want, leading to indecision. So, normally, what I focus on is determined by my mood.
Master Milk
Member
A new afternoon! Let's . . . well, there's only half a day left in my time zone, but that's still plenty of time to get something done. Let's go everyone!
So yea, I definitely think spending some time on the basics will do you some good.
And another one is wrangled in! Awesome stuff, glad to have you with us! Where are you trying to become a citizen?Marius_ said:
I've found that a lot of instructors are too caught up in the modern art movement to stress fundamentals enough. It's really sad, because you can't call yourself a true artist if you don't have the technical skills. Even if you don't go around making super photorealistic work, you should have the skills to be able to. That's how I feel about it, anyway.iirate said:
So yea, I definitely think spending some time on the basics will do you some good.
7. "The Lame Shall Enter First" by Flannery OConnor: In this tragic story, a mans idealism and self-interest cause him to ignore the needs of his grieving son with sad consequences.
Essay.
~The journey to find a book
Very few people, if anybody reads short stories in London, it seems. I could not find the book in my local library, nor in any of the ones nearby. I did not find it in books shops, not even in the specialist ones. This is a story in an anthology called: Everything That Rises Must Converge. Whilst they, the shop keepers could order it for me, I, being in the Amazon and ipad era, thought to find it on amazon for cheaper myself. It's not expensive, around £5 to £6 I think, if I bought a printed copy. I wouldn't pay that much for a digital copy though. It's thirty years old, it costs them close to nothing, so why this isn't under a quid, I don't know.
There was one digital copy, and it was £1 but I couldn't tell whether it was just the story: Everything That Rises Must Converge; Or the anthology. I didn't think the sample was going to be that helpful; I wish I could just have a quick flick through digital copies. Like let me have the copy for five or ten minutes. Make it uncopyable, sure, but let me see what the rest of the contents are, like you would perhaps in a book shop or library, after reading the blurb.
I looked on online libraries site, and found to my surprise that you could borrow books from the network of London Libraries, ebooks I mean. There is a very small collection of books however, but this was - I should reiterate - a wonderful surprise. You get to borrow the books for a short time like a real library. Easily pleased I am. Anyway, there is also a online network of libraries in London, where you can search for book in all the libraries in London. And I found the book, finally, and three or four copies I think; I'm glad I live in London. But the nearest one was in some obscure library on the other side of London. It's a shame this book is so hard to find. In the end, I got the book by asking my brother to get it from his university library. You could actually read it on Jstor online I think, but my university days are long behind me. I wish though that I could still have access to my university library. It must come in handy from time to time.
~ The story.
Some very general spoilers. Nothing specific, but you probably ought not to read, if you are considering to have a flick through.
Symbolism is not the big draw here; the characters are. Themes of redemption, and religion are like in the other O'Connor story I have already read. The essay linked above is actually quite helpful. Like Weil says: "Sheppard, through his experience at the Reformatory, had put such a high priority on helping the poor and downtrodden that he came to view his own son's self-dependence and grief as abhorrent selfishness." I didn't get that whilst I was reading but what he was actually doing, and what the actual truths of the situation was slowly but surely dawned on me. And to have that journey, I think O'Connor is to be praised for. The viewpoint (very much more towards the start) I feel was so utterly required I think, that without it, the story would not work.
There is something to be said about the spiritual (by that I mean experiential) and the purely rational mind. Sometimes we are blinded I feel, by the thoughts we conjure up, as if we have the right answer. Like when I finished the story for the first time. I thought I got it. And then I read a few essays, and my understanding grew, and I look back now, and I question, how it is that I looked at the story like I had done before.
There is this essay, here, which makes for an interesting read; not because I'm not in agreement with it, (it's true, I'm not), but that I can see where this person is coming from. And that this person makes some good points as well.
On a final note, it was a lengthy short story, with several chapters, but I think that that was needed; or maybe after the last two, I'm more used to it and more forgiving.
7 down. 43 to go.
Essay.
~The journey to find a book
Very few people, if anybody reads short stories in London, it seems. I could not find the book in my local library, nor in any of the ones nearby. I did not find it in books shops, not even in the specialist ones. This is a story in an anthology called: Everything That Rises Must Converge. Whilst they, the shop keepers could order it for me, I, being in the Amazon and ipad era, thought to find it on amazon for cheaper myself. It's not expensive, around £5 to £6 I think, if I bought a printed copy. I wouldn't pay that much for a digital copy though. It's thirty years old, it costs them close to nothing, so why this isn't under a quid, I don't know.
There was one digital copy, and it was £1 but I couldn't tell whether it was just the story: Everything That Rises Must Converge; Or the anthology. I didn't think the sample was going to be that helpful; I wish I could just have a quick flick through digital copies. Like let me have the copy for five or ten minutes. Make it uncopyable, sure, but let me see what the rest of the contents are, like you would perhaps in a book shop or library, after reading the blurb.
I looked on online libraries site, and found to my surprise that you could borrow books from the network of London Libraries, ebooks I mean. There is a very small collection of books however, but this was - I should reiterate - a wonderful surprise. You get to borrow the books for a short time like a real library. Easily pleased I am. Anyway, there is also a online network of libraries in London, where you can search for book in all the libraries in London. And I found the book, finally, and three or four copies I think; I'm glad I live in London. But the nearest one was in some obscure library on the other side of London. It's a shame this book is so hard to find. In the end, I got the book by asking my brother to get it from his university library. You could actually read it on Jstor online I think, but my university days are long behind me. I wish though that I could still have access to my university library. It must come in handy from time to time.
~ The story.
Some very general spoilers. Nothing specific, but you probably ought not to read, if you are considering to have a flick through.
Symbolism is not the big draw here; the characters are. Themes of redemption, and religion are like in the other O'Connor story I have already read. The essay linked above is actually quite helpful. Like Weil says: "Sheppard, through his experience at the Reformatory, had put such a high priority on helping the poor and downtrodden that he came to view his own son's self-dependence and grief as abhorrent selfishness." I didn't get that whilst I was reading but what he was actually doing, and what the actual truths of the situation was slowly but surely dawned on me. And to have that journey, I think O'Connor is to be praised for. The viewpoint (very much more towards the start) I feel was so utterly required I think, that without it, the story would not work.
There is something to be said about the spiritual (by that I mean experiential) and the purely rational mind. Sometimes we are blinded I feel, by the thoughts we conjure up, as if we have the right answer. Like when I finished the story for the first time. I thought I got it. And then I read a few essays, and my understanding grew, and I look back now, and I question, how it is that I looked at the story like I had done before.
There is this essay, here, which makes for an interesting read; not because I'm not in agreement with it, (it's true, I'm not), but that I can see where this person is coming from. And that this person makes some good points as well.
On a final note, it was a lengthy short story, with several chapters, but I think that that was needed; or maybe after the last two, I'm more used to it and more forgiving.
7 down. 43 to go.
Master Milk
Member
Chugging right along. Awesome. It sounds like you had quite the experience just finding the book.Ashes1396 said:
I guess everyone else is chugging along in the shadows.
Atramental
Banned
whoops wrong thead
Etrian Oddity
Member
Username: Etrian Oddity
Types of Goals: Fitness
Specific Goals? To a) lose 20 lbs over summer, or b) visibly become significantly slimmer and lose body fat
Updates: Weekly, if I can make time
Daily Goals? Restrict caloric intake to ~2000-2300, and maintain P90x or do 30 minutes of cardio (jogging)
Written Out: Yes
Deadline: August 13th
Types of Goals: Fitness
Specific Goals? To a) lose 20 lbs over summer, or b) visibly become significantly slimmer and lose body fat
Updates: Weekly, if I can make time
Daily Goals? Restrict caloric intake to ~2000-2300, and maintain P90x or do 30 minutes of cardio (jogging)
Written Out: Yes
Deadline: August 13th
Master Milk
Member
Glad you could make it! I'll put you on the first page now. Oman, you've got a diet along with your exercises. I do not envy you right now!Etrian Oddity said:
Etrian Oddity
Member
I'll probably be able to be followed in the Fitness GAF thread too.Master Milk said:
And the diet is better than I expected--first day was rough, but I'm finding creative ways to make tasty and filling meals!Guess I'll post an update. Ran a solid 3 miles straight today. Not fast, but no walking.
Going to give it another week or two of training before looking for a 5k to run in. Hope to finish in 25 - 30 min. (back in HS my best time was 20).
I've been eating extremely healthy as there is no junk food in my parents house for me to snack on. Sometimes I worry that I'm not actually getting enough calories.
Started this whole this at about 188-190lbs, going to weigh myself on monday to see what I'm at now.
Going to give it another week or two of training before looking for a 5k to run in. Hope to finish in 25 - 30 min. (back in HS my best time was 20).
I've been eating extremely healthy as there is no junk food in my parents house for me to snack on. Sometimes I worry that I'm not actually getting enough calories.
Started this whole this at about 188-190lbs, going to weigh myself on monday to see what I'm at now.
Master Milk
Member
Sounds like you're doing great. Unless you're getting headaches or feeling light headed or something, your calorie intake is probably fine.BroHuffman said:
Buckethead
Banned
Weighed in. Still ahead of schedule.
I need more calories but am always afraid of eating too much so I high-ball the amounts that I'm taking in.
Gotta get that scale to weigh my protein/meats and that'll help me be less paranoid.
Probably taking in 1500-1700 which isn't much considering my activity level.
Hate the scale at my gym, it's pretty janky. Weighed myself on 2 different ones haha.
I need more calories but am always afraid of eating too much so I high-ball the amounts that I'm taking in.
Gotta get that scale to weigh my protein/meats and that'll help me be less paranoid.
Probably taking in 1500-1700 which isn't much considering my activity level.
Hate the scale at my gym, it's pretty janky. Weighed myself on 2 different ones haha.
Master Milk
Member
I see our regular updaters are still updating regularly, beautiful.
As for me, I'm not touching math on the weekend. I finished the Algebra review Friday. I'm going to start a Trig and other stuff review this week. I may or may not start the Calculus review by Friday. I'm not in a rush, with three months and all, so I probably won't push it too much.
For me, weekends are okay to chill on, but I know a lot of you have daily goals, so get busy!
As for me, I'm not touching math on the weekend. I finished the Algebra review Friday. I'm going to start a Trig and other stuff review this week. I may or may not start the Calculus review by Friday. I'm not in a rush, with three months and all, so I probably won't push it too much.
For me, weekends are okay to chill on, but I know a lot of you have daily goals, so get busy!
Etrian Oddity
Member
FUUUUUUUUUU--my friend took us to a buffet yesterday, had an extra plate I probably shouldn't have. XD
The Last Wizard
Member
Well I took my math and music finals on Friday, I feel really good about the music final. But the math not so much, I more than likely I'll have passed every class just my nerves getting to me. 2 more days till I can start on my summer goals.
I also plan to use august as a review month for math and java programming.
I also plan to use august as a review month for math and java programming.
DragonKnight
Member
Goals: Learn how to love myself, be comfortable with my own body, and to stop letting how I think people will perceive me dictate how I see myself and how I treat myself.
Reason: Spent the last summer getting jacked and I still wasn't happy with myself. I need to learn my own personal worth.
Reason: Spent the last summer getting jacked and I still wasn't happy with myself. I need to learn my own personal worth.
Mr.Squirrel
Tom
DragonKnight said:
What was your workout regimen? Getting in shape is one of my goals. Right now I'm doing a cut to lose about 15 pounds, then I'm planning on putting on 10-15lbs of muscle (I hope).
Buckethead
Banned
Good luck sir. That's a tough one. Been working on that for awhile.DragonKnight said:
Unfortunately for me I find the outside world dictating that a lot.
Username: Ermac
Types of Goals: Relationships, Fitness, Travel
Specific Goals?
a) get some definition in my abs, although I am happy with my weight finally
b) Find a girlfriend
c) Travel overseas, or across the coast. I haven't been on a plane in 10 years so this is a big one for me.
d) Get out more, and spend less time gaming
e) Work on music
Updates: Weekly, if I can make time
Daily Goals? Seize every opportunity
Written Out: Yes, and on Evernote so I can keep them with me.
Deadline: August 1st
Types of Goals: Relationships, Fitness, Travel
Specific Goals?
a) get some definition in my abs, although I am happy with my weight finally
b) Find a girlfriend
c) Travel overseas, or across the coast. I haven't been on a plane in 10 years so this is a big one for me.
d) Get out more, and spend less time gaming
e) Work on music
Updates: Weekly, if I can make time
Daily Goals? Seize every opportunity
Written Out: Yes, and on Evernote so I can keep them with me.
Deadline: August 1st
DragonKnight
Member
bdizzle said:
Heavy compound lifts with low reps. Eating 5-6 times a day every three hours. At least 3500 calories a day. I gained too much fat last summer though by eating too much (5-6 meals a day in addition to a gallon of whole milk a day) and my face, belly, and thighs blew up with fat. This summer I've decided to go on a cut to eliminate the unwanted fat that i put on. Once winter starts back up, I'm going back on a bulk but a much cleaner, slower, and low fat one.
Edit: Squats, Dead lifts, Standing Military Presses, Bent Over Rows, Pullups, Leg Raises for abs. No barbell curls or anything like that.
Username: thcsquad
Types of Goals: Fitness, Education, Livecoding/Procedural Art, Game programming, Music creation
Specific Goals?
Fitness: Gain 20 pounds of muscle, run some 5ks
Education: Take the GREs and apply to grad schools. I've studied some, but really need to get on it. I want to take it before the test changes in the fall.
Also, watch all of the 'Great Courses' educational DVDs my parents got me last year. I have half of a Particle Physics course, and all of a Quantum Mechanics plus another physics one, the name of which eludes me right now.
Livecoding: Learn Fluxus and start livecoding, as well as continue my procedural art/graphics processing studies from last year
Game Programming: Have a finished prototype and hopefully a couple iterations of the prototype. Not looking to have a game finished anytime soon, but just a working, fun gameplay slice from which to build on. Also, continue working on Dudebro.
Music: Get an EP's worth of music recorded or produced in some form. I have a tendency to create little ideas that don't go anywhere or form some kind of a whole. There's dozens of these disconnected ideas floating around on paper/hard drives.
Also, perhaps join a band. I was in bands for years from high school up until I moved to Boston last year. Music is missing from my life, big-time. Problem is, I'm very picky with collaborators.
Updates: Weekly
Daily Goals? Not really
Deadline: September 31
Types of Goals: Fitness, Education, Livecoding/Procedural Art, Game programming, Music creation
Specific Goals?
Fitness: Gain 20 pounds of muscle, run some 5ks
Education: Take the GREs and apply to grad schools. I've studied some, but really need to get on it. I want to take it before the test changes in the fall.
Also, watch all of the 'Great Courses' educational DVDs my parents got me last year. I have half of a Particle Physics course, and all of a Quantum Mechanics plus another physics one, the name of which eludes me right now.
Livecoding: Learn Fluxus and start livecoding, as well as continue my procedural art/graphics processing studies from last year
Game Programming: Have a finished prototype and hopefully a couple iterations of the prototype. Not looking to have a game finished anytime soon, but just a working, fun gameplay slice from which to build on. Also, continue working on Dudebro.
Music: Get an EP's worth of music recorded or produced in some form. I have a tendency to create little ideas that don't go anywhere or form some kind of a whole. There's dozens of these disconnected ideas floating around on paper/hard drives.
Also, perhaps join a band. I was in bands for years from high school up until I moved to Boston last year. Music is missing from my life, big-time. Problem is, I'm very picky with collaborators.
Updates: Weekly
Daily Goals? Not really
Deadline: September 31
Dark Phoenix
Member
This week wasn't the greatest, I've missed days on several of my daily goals. My only constant so far is working on my fitness goals. I started P90X except for going with ETK because my grip isn't strong enough to finish the warm-up weeks!
I'm going to try harder this week to hit more goals. I didn't expect me to be perfect, I knew my first week or first several weeks will be tough.
Here's one major piece of art I finished over the week: http://natedimock.blogspot.com/2011/05/finally-after-month-of-work-i-can-show.html
I'll post my blog so I don't bother the thread with my art.
I'm going to try harder this week to hit more goals. I didn't expect me to be perfect, I knew my first week or first several weeks will be tough.
Here's one major piece of art I finished over the week: http://natedimock.blogspot.com/2011/05/finally-after-month-of-work-i-can-show.html
I'll post my blog so I don't bother the thread with my art.
I think I'll use this thread, it might keep me motivated in finishing this project.
Username: KScorp
Type: Computer programming.
Specific Goal: Finish a simple 3D game engine using C++ and DirectX (Direct3D 10). Bonus points for creating something that plays like a game. Treat myself to cake if I manage to port the thing to OpenGL.
Updates: Weekly minimum. I plan to update whenever I have made significant progress from the previous update, so if things are going good I might manage daily updates on occasion.
Daily Goal: Try to do something which progresses development. 1/2 hour of work per day minimum.
Written Out: No. This early, I'm focusing on basics, so as I learn more I'll write something out and get a better picture of where I want to go.
Deadline: 12/31/11 - Finish the engine. This is the main goal. 8/31/11 - Have very simple movement implemented and be able to somehow interact with the world. (Having a character that can move, run into walls, and jump is one way to fulfill this.)
Where I'm at right now: I have Direct3D up and running, and a basic world structure.
Next checkpoint: Get my world to render, finalize a way of representing the world efficiently.
Username: KScorp
Type: Computer programming.
Specific Goal: Finish a simple 3D game engine using C++ and DirectX (Direct3D 10). Bonus points for creating something that plays like a game. Treat myself to cake if I manage to port the thing to OpenGL.
Updates: Weekly minimum. I plan to update whenever I have made significant progress from the previous update, so if things are going good I might manage daily updates on occasion.
Daily Goal: Try to do something which progresses development. 1/2 hour of work per day minimum.
Written Out: No. This early, I'm focusing on basics, so as I learn more I'll write something out and get a better picture of where I want to go.
Deadline: 12/31/11 - Finish the engine. This is the main goal. 8/31/11 - Have very simple movement implemented and be able to somehow interact with the world. (Having a character that can move, run into walls, and jump is one way to fulfill this.)
Where I'm at right now: I have Direct3D up and running, and a basic world structure.
Next checkpoint: Get my world to render, finalize a way of representing the world efficiently.
8. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: First published in 1948, this short has been ranked as one of the most famous short stories in American literature despite its negative reception in some places.
Text.
Audio (New Yorker)story + discussion podcast. Recommended.
wiki
I just sat back and enjoyed this. It's not my kind of story, it just sort of labours along. But it did make make me think about stories. Like the New Yorker ladies said, sometimes its just too easy to overthink things. I will say this though: I didn't really find the ending all together shocking. Its a very North-American centric story I think.
8 down, 42 to go.
Text.
Audio (New Yorker)story + discussion podcast. Recommended.
wiki
I just sat back and enjoyed this. It's not my kind of story, it just sort of labours along. But it did make make me think about stories. Like the New Yorker ladies said, sometimes its just too easy to overthink things. I will say this though: I didn't really find the ending all together shocking. Its a very North-American centric story I think.
8 down, 42 to go.
Master Milk
Member
You guys are on a roll. Way better than me. I hate math so much. xD
I'm going to redo The List of Awesome People and their goals so it's more thorough. I originally shortened the format because I was worried about the post character limit. It looks like there won't be any huge surges of people officially participating, so we'll likely be clear of the limit. I'll be taking care of that tomorrow. I'll add our newcomers then.
Keep up the good work everyone!
I'm going to redo The List of Awesome People and their goals so it's more thorough. I originally shortened the format because I was worried about the post character limit. It looks like there won't be any huge surges of people officially participating, so we'll likely be clear of the limit. I'll be taking care of that tomorrow. I'll add our newcomers then.
Keep up the good work everyone!
-Babyteks-
Neo Member
School - I've finally finished my exams. I've still got my thesis to hand in but I'll know in June if I've passed or not. The last day of my exams, there was a fire on the train tracks that diverted my train way out, so instead of getting to the exam an hour early as planned, I was half an hour late, but I still managed to finish it on time (by writing so fast I couldn't hold on to my pen. If I hadn't been so terrified of failing, I would have laughed).
Money - I got a job and I also do some freelance so that's the job/money part.
Writing - And as soon as I close this window, I'll be starting on the (hopefully) final rewrite of the novel I'm working on.
Fitness - After a bit over a week of nothing to focus on my exams, I'm starting phase 2 of P90X later this evening.
Voilà !
Money - I got a job and I also do some freelance so that's the job/money part.
Writing - And as soon as I close this window, I'll be starting on the (hopefully) final rewrite of the novel I'm working on.
Fitness - After a bit over a week of nothing to focus on my exams, I'm starting phase 2 of P90X later this evening.
Voilà !
The Last Wizard
Member
Well my semester is done now and the Summer of Me officially begins now
Got my feet kicked up on my desk and enjoying a beer while watching the french open. It doesn't get any better. Tomorrow I'll start my new eating habits.
It's gonna be great
Got my feet kicked up on my desk and enjoying a beer while watching the french open. It doesn't get any better. Tomorrow I'll start my new eating habits.
It's gonna be great
UpdateReiGun said:
Fitness: No go so far. My sleeping schedule has been thrown thoroughly out of wack thanks to not having to worry about classes and what not. Going to go after work tomorrow and Thursday. Also gonna spend today coming up with some ground rules as far as my diet goes.
Games: Started playing Sonic Colors, which was not in my backlog before-hand, but gamefly sent it so hey. Persona 4 is the first on the chopping block for me to finish.
Drawing: Drew a still life of some of the office supplies at my job (my job is pretty low activity with tons of time just sitting around twiddling my thumbs, so it's cool). Also bought some new pencils and a wooden model to work from.
Movies: Watched "Ponyo", "Chocolate", and "Full Metal Jacket" after having them in my queue for months. Tried to watch "The Third Man" last night, but I was way too tired and fell asleep.
Reading and Writing: No go on the reading so far. As for writing, I've gotten back into keeping a journal and it's proving to be very therapeutic. I've got an idea for an action-adventure "manga" type story rolling in my head, but as per usual, putting pen to paper (or keyboard to word doc, as it were) is proving difficult.
Hope everyone else is doing well!
This thread got me thinking about goals I could set for myself, and for the first time in years, there isn't much that comes up. It made me realize just how much I've changed in the last year; the goals I used to have don't apply anymore; for example, I used to attempt to learn programming and graphics design only to give up weeks later, but now I'm not even interested. I've still got those social goals I've had for a while (overcome shyness, make friends, go out, eventually get a girlfriend...) but I've made so much progress on that front that I now feel comfortable with who I am, even though I realize there's still room for improvement. Work? I've switched jobs last summer and it's been the best decision I've taken last year. Love my job even though it's a part-time retail job, I'm working 35-40 hours a week and I'm constantly saving money (saved $3000 since the beginning of the year; 8000 total). I've always hated sports in the past, yet in the last year I've started biking, snowboarding and cross-country skiing and I love doing all of these.
I do have some goals on the school side, but obviously those don't really apply to the summer. One goal I do have, although this one is very vague, is not to spend my summer inside in front of a computer. I've done this too much in the past, but this summer I really want to do something else. I've yet to make any progress on the dating front (never actually dated anyone; I'm 19), but although I'd like to start, it's not my main priority anymore. I could use some fitness/weight goals as well (The fact that I'm 6'1" and weigh 131lbs should be self-explanatory: I'm not Mr. Muscle) but I've got nothing concrete in mind.
Those are the basic expectations I have for this summer, but I could use some help and advice to develop them into clear and specific goals like recommended. Most of my interests and my personality have changed over the last year, so the goals I used to have don't really apply anymore. Truth is, I'm feeling great about myself these days, but I'm a bit lost in terms of what to do next in terms of major, big changes (and if I start listing every small thing I want to improve, I'll be writing for the whole summer), except of course for going further into the paths I'm already walking on. And the goals I do have at this moment, I'm not sure how I could make them any clearer or specific...
I do have some goals on the school side, but obviously those don't really apply to the summer. One goal I do have, although this one is very vague, is not to spend my summer inside in front of a computer. I've done this too much in the past, but this summer I really want to do something else. I've yet to make any progress on the dating front (never actually dated anyone; I'm 19), but although I'd like to start, it's not my main priority anymore. I could use some fitness/weight goals as well (The fact that I'm 6'1" and weigh 131lbs should be self-explanatory: I'm not Mr. Muscle) but I've got nothing concrete in mind.
Those are the basic expectations I have for this summer, but I could use some help and advice to develop them into clear and specific goals like recommended. Most of my interests and my personality have changed over the last year, so the goals I used to have don't really apply anymore. Truth is, I'm feeling great about myself these days, but I'm a bit lost in terms of what to do next in terms of major, big changes (and if I start listing every small thing I want to improve, I'll be writing for the whole summer), except of course for going further into the paths I'm already walking on. And the goals I do have at this moment, I'm not sure how I could make them any clearer or specific...
Master Milk
Member
This thread isn't about goals that apply to summer, it's about you setting goals for yourself, and using summertime as a reason to go out and accomplish them. A lot of people have set learning goals, and those definitely don't sound like the traditional summer activity to me.RevoDS said:
And before I go any further, you need to eat something! xD Forget about muscle, at 6'1" you should probably weigh at least 150.
Off of what you've written, I'm inclined to say give programming another go. It sounds like you aren't in school. Change that, and major in Computer Science. It sounds like you were trying to self-study, so it's no surprise things didn't work out in the past. Go to school for it and I doubt you'll give up. I imagine the only reason you lost interest is because you realized it wasn't something you were going to learn on your own.
Also, while your interests, daily habits, and self-perceptions may have changed over the past year, your personality in all likelihood hasn't.
I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I'm not in school. I sort of disregarded school in my post because it's over until September which makes accomplishing anything related to classes rather hard during the summer. I'm in college studying journalism (one year left), and I plan on going to university after that (although I've yet to decide what field of study I'll go in once I complete the journalism program next year, I'm not currently looking at Computer Science. I'm leaning towards law or economics at the moment) As far as programming is concerned, I was indeed self-studying, and I've tried several times and given up every time. You might be right that I lost interest because I wouldn't learn on my own, but I was trying to learn it as a hobby and for personal knowledge rather than attempting to make a career out of it. I'm that kind of person, always trying to grab knowledge and skills left and right even though they may be completely useless for what I'm actually working on.Master Milk said:This thread isn't about goals that apply to summer, it's about you setting goals for yourself, and using summertime as a reason to go out and accomplish them. A lot of people have set learning goals, and those definitely don't sound like the traditional summer activity to me.
And before I go any further, you need to eat something! xD Forget about muscle, at 6'1" you should probably weigh at least 150.
Off of what you've written, I'm inclined to say give programming another go. It sounds like you aren't in school. Change that, and major in Computer Science. It sounds like you were trying to self-study, so it's no surprise things didn't work out in the past. Go to school for it and I doubt you'll give up. I imagine the only reason you lost interest is because you realized it wasn't something you were going to learn on your own.
Also, while your interests, daily habits, and self-perceptions may have changed over the past year, your personality in all likelihood hasn't.
But overall, my interest for computing has been fading for a while now, which is part of why I've given up. I've spent years keeping up with news and learning about multiple facets of it and there was a time when I was nearly obsessed with it. But I've been losing that spark, and while I'm still interested in it and keeping up with technology, I've sort of moved on to other interests (hence the different career choices I'm considering), and really, I'm okay with that. I don't think going back on that decision would be a good thing, and I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much today as I would have back then.
I'm eating plenty, that's the sad thing. People are surprised to see how much I can eat. But no matter what I take in, my weight will not move a single bit. It's been flat between 128 and 133 for three years now; before that, I held around 123 for another two years. My dad is the exact same; he's 45 years old and 5'11" tall, and he only just hit 150lbs last year for the first time ever. There isn't much I can do about it when my metabolism won't let me take a pound, either muscle or fat.
9. "The Use of Force" by William Carlos Williams: This story asks readers to consider whether or not it is ethical to hurt someone for their own good and, more importantly, whether one should be ashamed to enjoy the experience.
Text.
As I was reading this, I thought of examples in my own life, and for that sole reason, I can give props to this story. Very few stories can make one look into themselves.
I've moved away from symbolism, or should I say the crafting of the piece, to understanding what the meat of this story was. Its not an appealing story, nor one that I would recommend, but it does give me insight into some of the more complex sides of human nature. Anger, telling lies to protect oneself, motivation, professionalism and altruism.
Its too easy to move past this like you would a painting in a museum. But when you get down to it, it does in 1500 words what most novels don't do in 100,000 words +. And by that I think I'm trying to praise the author, Williams, rather than the art form itself.
9 down. 41 to go.
ps. I can't remember which British explorer said this, but I think, when you look at the journey ahead, and you really can't see the end in sight, the best thing to do is just take the next step. Think only about the next step.
Text.
As I was reading this, I thought of examples in my own life, and for that sole reason, I can give props to this story. Very few stories can make one look into themselves.
I've moved away from symbolism, or should I say the crafting of the piece, to understanding what the meat of this story was. Its not an appealing story, nor one that I would recommend, but it does give me insight into some of the more complex sides of human nature. Anger, telling lies to protect oneself, motivation, professionalism and altruism.
Its too easy to move past this like you would a painting in a museum. But when you get down to it, it does in 1500 words what most novels don't do in 100,000 words +. And by that I think I'm trying to praise the author, Williams, rather than the art form itself.
9 down. 41 to go.
ps. I can't remember which British explorer said this, but I think, when you look at the journey ahead, and you really can't see the end in sight, the best thing to do is just take the next step. Think only about the next step.
Mr.Squirrel
Tom
All my goals are on pause until the playoffs are over. I can't keep my eyes away!
On my tri training, I'm up to 20 lengths (200+ yards) of nonstop crawl. The next 20 lengths, I take breaks. Judging from my current progression, I should be fine with 400 yards at the actual event.
Making slow progress running with the Vibrams. Don't want to use them for the tri, so I'm still doing longer runs in my regular running shoes. Worked up to 2+ miles in them, though, so getting there.
Making slow progress running with the Vibrams. Don't want to use them for the tri, so I'm still doing longer runs in my regular running shoes. Worked up to 2+ miles in them, though, so getting there.
Etrian Oddity
Member
Weighed myself after my workout at the rec today. 248 lbs, meaning I lost at least 8 lbs since I started my regimen (was ~256 in April).
Master Milk
Member
Yesterday didn't exist for me.
So I fluffed up the second post a bit, but the character limit jumped from 8.5k to 21.5k.
If more people join then I'll either selectively trim things down or start the list in the first post.
So I fluffed up the second post a bit, but the character limit jumped from 8.5k to 21.5k.
If more people join then I'll either selectively trim things down or start the list in the first post.
Weekly Update:
I weighted myself last Friday, and I'm down 2 pounds, and I hit a new milestone (sub 160) So far, so good. I took a bit of a break from the gym last week, only did every other day instead of most days. Still, I think I'm on track here. Typing this as i cook up my healthy breakfast.
I finished my first article and posted it on my corp. internet. I'm hoping it will go over well. I'm a bit nervous about it, but at least it's out there. You can't advance if you don t' put yourself out there.
I'm having a tough time deciding what I courses I would like to take. At least I've got the schools narrowed down -- there's one that's close, and affordable so I've narrowed my search down to what class I would like to take for now.
That's all for this week.
I weighted myself last Friday, and I'm down 2 pounds, and I hit a new milestone (sub 160) So far, so good. I took a bit of a break from the gym last week, only did every other day instead of most days. Still, I think I'm on track here. Typing this as i cook up my healthy breakfast.
I finished my first article and posted it on my corp. internet. I'm hoping it will go over well. I'm a bit nervous about it, but at least it's out there. You can't advance if you don t' put yourself out there.
I'm having a tough time deciding what I courses I would like to take. At least I've got the schools narrowed down -- there's one that's close, and affordable so I've narrowed my search down to what class I would like to take for now.
That's all for this week.
Master Milk
Member
I guess yesterday didn't exist for a lot of people! Oh well, today is here! Embrace it!
Looking good, you've got steady progress all around!Miletius said:
The Last Wizard
Member
Ashes1396 said:Gah, you've removed my link in the op... Basically i embedded the list of 50 stories webpage under the sentence, 50 stories. Lol, i didn't have webpage with the list bookmarked on the iPad. I had been using the link in the op. Never mind, I will find my original post...
I've got ya covered http://www.onlineclasses.org/2011/01/20/the-50-best-short-stories-of-all-time/
Well my fitness goals will be pushed back a few weeks to a month as I got foot surgery yesterday(on bed rest for a few days) and it seems as if it'll take some time to heal
so damn painful..but on to other goalsI completed 2 games from my backlog; Dragon Quest 4 and Dragon Quest 5. I'll probably continue Chrono Trigger or Wild Arms next.
I've knocked out 7 out of my 47 movies to watch on netflix.
well I'm off to netflix to watch a few movies, and also to my fellow "contest" participants good luck, it's gonna be a long month and two weeks
Update:
focusing on my studies right now - i don't have weight room access this week so i've been running a lot instead.
it's hard watching what i eat, so many tempting foods. should be easier when i go back to school this weekend to change study locales again!
i'm finally hitting my study stride, been getting in 8-10 hours of study time per day, and still enjoying myself
focusing on my studies right now - i don't have weight room access this week so i've been running a lot instead.
it's hard watching what i eat, so many tempting foods. should be easier when i go back to school this weekend to change study locales again!
i'm finally hitting my study stride, been getting in 8-10 hours of study time per day, and still enjoying myself
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