Wisdom from Thomas Alva Edison:
“Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Discipline Sans Cilice
A week or so ago, I had a conversation with a very good friend about what is lacking in his life (and mine), and what the missing pieces can be chalked up to. After being predictably self-pitying for a bit regarding our futures, our financial statuses, our social happiness, and our senses of fulfillment, we hung up.
The next time we spoke, we had both come to the same conclusion: the missing piece is self-discipline.
Self-discipline comes in many shapes and sizes; some people snap a rubber band to rid themselves of bad habits, while others wear cilices to purge their souls. I’m not a masochist-- at least, not a physical one (I think we all have inherently masochistic tendencies that make it common to flock toward drama despite disliking it, but I digress). My self discipline needs to come from routine.
Of late, I’ve been struggling several inconsistencies in my life borne of anxiety. My whole life is stretching in front of me, and I am inundated (and overwhelmed) by choices. What is my next step? Where should I go? I want as many options open to me as possible as I step forward into the world on my own. The clock is ticking, however, and I feel like Monk wringing his hands over a warehouse of misaligned and mixed-up day-of-the-week paraphernalia. There’s just too much to do, the task is intimidating, and I just don’t know where to begin (even though it’s bothering me to no end).
I lack discipline. I start projects and take far too long to finish them. For instance, my room has been emptied for a week because I’ve decided to attempt a sort of minimalist lifestyle, but I have yet to sort through things and keep, sell, donate, or trash all of them-- by the by, I will be selling some rather cool things (Katana sets, anyone? Mannequin? A dragon mirror?) very soon, if anyone is interested.
I lack discipline to throw myself into the projects that make me anxious-- rather than getting things done, I am Chili Pepper (el perro) chasing my tail. Take a look at Life Lesson #4, because I think this best summarizes it; being busy does not mean things are accomplished, and I wish to change that.
For a while now, I’ve started to experiment with structure and routine. I know I’m supposed to be youthfully spontaneous, and I am regarding things that don’t stress me. Stress management by being an old lady with a pocketbook schedule has become a priority, however, because I don’t want to worry where my life is going every step of the way. I want to see the road stretched in front of me rather than drive blindly off a cliff, à la Thelma and Louise (I’m feeling quite metaphorically inclined today).
Right now, I’m trying to regulate my sleep hygiene (little phrase I just learned today from my brilliant doc). [Note: Sleep hygiene is an interesting concept; you can find more information on it here.] Next, I’m going to focus on my environment and making it conducive to getting things accomplished (let’s say ‘git-’er done’ is today’s utterly random and completely off-topic colloquialism, simply because I like the sound of it) by decluttering and simplifying and maybe getting some sort of plant (I trust 'Nicholas Angel's' word that peace lily oxygenation is good for you; kudos to you for knowing the reference).
Hopefully, with enforced and conscious discipline in various aspects of my life, I’ll be able to achieve long-term goals and relax more. I’ll finish more because I’ll be less intimidated by the tasks at hand.
After setting up structure, I would ideally never procrastinate again. I think that’s the best way to make it into comic books or mythology, however, because I have never known a human to not procrastinate in some regard (sometimes, we need breaks!).
Now, everyone, raise your hand if you’re in the same boat as me (anxious, worried, stressed, and/or overwhelmed)… don’t deny it, I know you are… But don’t worry, you’re part of the club.
The next time we spoke, we had both come to the same conclusion: the missing piece is self-discipline.
Self-discipline comes in many shapes and sizes; some people snap a rubber band to rid themselves of bad habits, while others wear cilices to purge their souls. I’m not a masochist-- at least, not a physical one (I think we all have inherently masochistic tendencies that make it common to flock toward drama despite disliking it, but I digress). My self discipline needs to come from routine.
Of late, I’ve been struggling several inconsistencies in my life borne of anxiety. My whole life is stretching in front of me, and I am inundated (and overwhelmed) by choices. What is my next step? Where should I go? I want as many options open to me as possible as I step forward into the world on my own. The clock is ticking, however, and I feel like Monk wringing his hands over a warehouse of misaligned and mixed-up day-of-the-week paraphernalia. There’s just too much to do, the task is intimidating, and I just don’t know where to begin (even though it’s bothering me to no end).
I lack discipline. I start projects and take far too long to finish them. For instance, my room has been emptied for a week because I’ve decided to attempt a sort of minimalist lifestyle, but I have yet to sort through things and keep, sell, donate, or trash all of them-- by the by, I will be selling some rather cool things (Katana sets, anyone? Mannequin? A dragon mirror?) very soon, if anyone is interested.
I lack discipline to throw myself into the projects that make me anxious-- rather than getting things done, I am Chili Pepper (el perro) chasing my tail. Take a look at Life Lesson #4, because I think this best summarizes it; being busy does not mean things are accomplished, and I wish to change that.
For a while now, I’ve started to experiment with structure and routine. I know I’m supposed to be youthfully spontaneous, and I am regarding things that don’t stress me. Stress management by being an old lady with a pocketbook schedule has become a priority, however, because I don’t want to worry where my life is going every step of the way. I want to see the road stretched in front of me rather than drive blindly off a cliff, à la Thelma and Louise (I’m feeling quite metaphorically inclined today).
Right now, I’m trying to regulate my sleep hygiene (little phrase I just learned today from my brilliant doc). [Note: Sleep hygiene is an interesting concept; you can find more information on it here.] Next, I’m going to focus on my environment and making it conducive to getting things accomplished (let’s say ‘git-’er done’ is today’s utterly random and completely off-topic colloquialism, simply because I like the sound of it) by decluttering and simplifying and maybe getting some sort of plant (I trust 'Nicholas Angel's' word that peace lily oxygenation is good for you; kudos to you for knowing the reference).
Hopefully, with enforced and conscious discipline in various aspects of my life, I’ll be able to achieve long-term goals and relax more. I’ll finish more because I’ll be less intimidated by the tasks at hand.
After setting up structure, I would ideally never procrastinate again. I think that’s the best way to make it into comic books or mythology, however, because I have never known a human to not procrastinate in some regard (sometimes, we need breaks!).
Now, everyone, raise your hand if you’re in the same boat as me (anxious, worried, stressed, and/or overwhelmed)… don’t deny it, I know you are… But don’t worry, you’re part of the club.
Friday 4 September 2009
Life Lesson #3
Wisdom from Kurt Vonnegut:
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
--from Timequake
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
--from Timequake
Shahri (Urban)
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hos-22/ / CC BY 2.0
I’m well and truly excited for an art exhibit in Los Angeles. From the Streets of Iran: Works on paper by urban artists in Iran is going to be an interesting display of graffiti and urban artwork from artists doing what is blatantly illegal in the fundamentalist country. The exhibition, curated by Shervin Shahbazi, is the first of its kind in the United States (the artists' works have previously been shown in Europe and Australia).
Graffiti is a great platform for instant public exposure that has the potential to be hugely detrimental to a political regime; even the Romans knew of the powerfuln effects of the painted word made by the people, accessible by the people in a public forum. I am interested to see what kind of artwork this produces in the context of the Iranian state.
In regard to this exhibit's USA debut, I say: Good Timing.
I use the word ‘allegedly’ before the word rigged with disdain when I speak of the tumultuous elections in Iran that caused so much grief earlier this year.
These events shook the Western World and opened a door to question propaganda practices and leadership through fear; I remember, whilst in London, opening a newspaper to learn that the Iranian embassy in Kensington was filming protesters outside its gates. Worries about this course of action ranged from worry (for those protesters’ families still residing in Iran potentially facing retribution) to things as mundane as confiscated passports. Westerners were indignant and furious initially, and things grow more silent as we slowly forget the events, month after month.
Time to make things relevant again and, perhaps, see Iranian life and problems illustrated from the point of view of someone in its streets.
The exhibition runs from September 10th through September 26th.
Crewest is at
110 Winston St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
For more information (artists’ mini-bios, gallery hours, etc.), click HERE.
Thursday 3 September 2009
Life Lesson #2
Wisdom from Tristan:
Making a significant change in your life is as simple as making the decision to change. Make no excuses, just do something rather than plotting every potential course of action-- over thinking anything will not get it done.
Making a significant change in your life is as simple as making the decision to change. Make no excuses, just do something rather than plotting every potential course of action-- over thinking anything will not get it done.
Street Fighter and Stir-Fry
Cheapskate dates with friends sound really good right now.
Dinner and a movie on a Friday night is perfect and low-key. If you host, everyone can pitch in three or four dollars to make a really easy meal. You can rent (or probably already own) a horrible movie to laugh about over food-- something you and your friends don’t really mind if you talk over.
I’m making your life easier by giving you a half-hour recipe. I know, I’m awesome and amazing and all that.
Plus, cooking is a life skill that you will never regret learning. Just watch your fingers during the food preparation (no one wants a Wendy's case at a dinner party).
To make this recipe cheaper, replace fresh veggies with store-brand frozen ‘stir-fry’ veggies.
Bad movie recommendation: I recently had the pleasure of watching Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. This film is worth viewing for the god-awful Chris Klein acting ('You've just inherited a big problem!' says Nash) and endless wisecrack opportunities. And it sort of keeps with the American-bastardized Asian theme of the meal. It was either the most fun I’ve had mocking a movie, or one of the worst 90-minute sequences I’ve ever spent in my life.
Enjoy.
---------------
Chilied Stir-fry (the Rachel Recipe)
Serves 4 or so
Protein
EITHER 2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, OR 1 package tofu (for all you vegetarians out there).
Vegetables
2 small bell-peppers (seeded, cored, and sliced-- different colors, if you prefer)
1 cup sprouts
1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
1 medium-sized onion (sliced into thin wedges)
2 cups broccoli florets
Carbs
about 2 cups uncooked rice-- if you're expecting heavy eaters, make 3. (You can always save leftover rice for the next day as long as you reheat it well enough).
Seasoning
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (found next to soy sauce at most supermarkets)
chili powder (amount is purely based on preference).
1/2 teaspoon salt
Other
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cooking oil (canola is great for this)
----------------
1. Find a large bowl for the rice (it should fill less than half of the bowl, otherwise you'll see overflow). Add 1 and 3/4 cups water for each cup of rice you've used. Add the salt. Leave uncovered and cook on high for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the protein. Cut chicken or tofu into 1/2-inch thick strips, and add chili powder. The easiest way to do this is to put the chicken in a baggie and sprinkle on the powder, shaking the chicken/tofu until it is covered evenly (you might need to use your fingers to massage out any clumps). Two teaspoons will ensure your stir-fry is mild. If you want more, add more, but be wary-- when you start measuring in multiple tablespoons, you're in dangerous territory.
3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok, and add the chicken. Make sure you continually turn the chicken or tofu-- cooking too long on one side and it will dry out. Keep it moving.
4. Check on your rice. Don't stir it, but give it a rest for a moment or two... it will be going back into the microwave to cook, uncovered, on medium-low for 15 minutes.
3. When the chicken is no longer pink (or the tofu has browned), add carrots, onions, broccoli, and bell peppers. Add the soy sauce and the water. Keep the contents of the wok in motion-- don't let it sit still for more than 20 seconds!
4. Add sprouts when the water has half-evaporated. Continue frying until the water has fully evaporated, and add hoisin sauce for a few final tosses.
5. Fluff rice, and serve both up.
Dinner and a movie on a Friday night is perfect and low-key. If you host, everyone can pitch in three or four dollars to make a really easy meal. You can rent (or probably already own) a horrible movie to laugh about over food-- something you and your friends don’t really mind if you talk over.
I’m making your life easier by giving you a half-hour recipe. I know, I’m awesome and amazing and all that.
Plus, cooking is a life skill that you will never regret learning. Just watch your fingers during the food preparation (no one wants a Wendy's case at a dinner party).
To make this recipe cheaper, replace fresh veggies with store-brand frozen ‘stir-fry’ veggies.
Bad movie recommendation: I recently had the pleasure of watching Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. This film is worth viewing for the god-awful Chris Klein acting ('You've just inherited a big problem!' says Nash) and endless wisecrack opportunities. And it sort of keeps with the American-bastardized Asian theme of the meal. It was either the most fun I’ve had mocking a movie, or one of the worst 90-minute sequences I’ve ever spent in my life.
Enjoy.
---------------
Chilied Stir-fry (the Rachel Recipe)
Serves 4 or so
Protein
EITHER 2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, OR 1 package tofu (for all you vegetarians out there).
Vegetables
2 small bell-peppers (seeded, cored, and sliced-- different colors, if you prefer)
1 cup sprouts
1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
1 medium-sized onion (sliced into thin wedges)
2 cups broccoli florets
Carbs
about 2 cups uncooked rice-- if you're expecting heavy eaters, make 3. (You can always save leftover rice for the next day as long as you reheat it well enough).
Seasoning
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (found next to soy sauce at most supermarkets)
chili powder (amount is purely based on preference).
1/2 teaspoon salt
Other
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cooking oil (canola is great for this)
----------------
1. Find a large bowl for the rice (it should fill less than half of the bowl, otherwise you'll see overflow). Add 1 and 3/4 cups water for each cup of rice you've used. Add the salt. Leave uncovered and cook on high for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the protein. Cut chicken or tofu into 1/2-inch thick strips, and add chili powder. The easiest way to do this is to put the chicken in a baggie and sprinkle on the powder, shaking the chicken/tofu until it is covered evenly (you might need to use your fingers to massage out any clumps). Two teaspoons will ensure your stir-fry is mild. If you want more, add more, but be wary-- when you start measuring in multiple tablespoons, you're in dangerous territory.
3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok, and add the chicken. Make sure you continually turn the chicken or tofu-- cooking too long on one side and it will dry out. Keep it moving.
4. Check on your rice. Don't stir it, but give it a rest for a moment or two... it will be going back into the microwave to cook, uncovered, on medium-low for 15 minutes.
3. When the chicken is no longer pink (or the tofu has browned), add carrots, onions, broccoli, and bell peppers. Add the soy sauce and the water. Keep the contents of the wok in motion-- don't let it sit still for more than 20 seconds!
4. Add sprouts when the water has half-evaporated. Continue frying until the water has fully evaporated, and add hoisin sauce for a few final tosses.
5. Fluff rice, and serve both up.
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