Schrodinger-ing

Increased online anonymity. I’ve been trying to do this recently while maintaining a digital footprint as minimum verification of my existence. I recently learned that what is available about you online can be utilized as a trap. Imagine this scenario: you receive communication from a legit individual that an unnamed entity has name dropped you as a good fit for some adventure. You know it’s legit, because it is a legit project. The communication seems flattering on the surface, but it’s not through proper channels. So you thank them for the message and direct them to the standard ‘aboveboard’ procedure, which they decline to go through. Like Ultron sending you a text message saying that you were recommended to be included in the roster of folks who will be deployed in the next SpaceX mission to the ISS, because some unnamed person mentioned to him that you are an expert in docking. You’ve never docked a spacecraft before and then you remember writing a general interest article about your fascination about docking simulators. And you also remember that a similar tactic was done to you by someone with whom you experienced toxic business with (let’s say Count Dracula) who once copy-pasted your details from online and messaged you saying that they have a deadline the next day and needed you to sign off as part of a new Sokovian project that you only found out about at that moment and that they already prepped your profile and everything (the stars collided in your favour and you got out of it). Now you put two and two together: Supervillain and Vampire. Wow. If this were a film, I guess you’d be a character that gets thrust into an unfortunate situation. I think that’s a naughty way to operate, eh? Habitually twist someone’s arm? If you were close friends or if you’ve had a long-standing professional relationship, that may be acceptable. Otherwise, it’s not palatable. You can look at it in the light of, perhaps, an opportunity for growth. Who wouldn’t want to go to Space? Sure, that’s a valid point to consider. But being attached to strings connected to Ultron and Count Dracula? That may be a quick choice for some and not for others. Consider this an exercise in personal ethics.

I’ll see you in September…

 …when summer is gone. Have a good time but remember, come back to me when summer is gone. 🎶

Fall, you are inevitable. See you soon. Thank you, Summer—it was truly fun this year. xoxo

bright

I’ve browsed the interwebs for Couch-to-5K type workouts, which are meant to introduce absolute beginners to running. I haven’t started, because of the weather, but today looks like a good day to start. We’ll see. Over a week ago, I tried a little jogging with power walking around a 400-m track, and felt uneasy after 5 laps. My problematic knee, in particular, was uneasy. A professional I’m seeing mentioned that the couch-to-5k is a good idea and I could even repeat the earlier sessions until I feel more comfortable. That is, I could modify the regimen based on how my body responds to it. I agree. Little doable things done consistently is the ideal way to go. I still move daily—doing the things I was prescribed to do and maybe some other extra things to sweat a little. It’s becoming a fixation and I wish it were more of a habit than a fixation. You know what I mean? Wish me luck. 

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It’s the weekend and I borrowed a couple of books for light reading. Two posts ago, I talked about that amazing book by Helen Hoang entitled The Kiss Quotient (why I didn’t just state the title in that dramatic post escapes me). Since then, I also read a few books by Ali Hazelwood. Right now, I’m reading The Bride Test by Helen Hoang again. Just mentioning this re-fixation on contemporary romantic fiction that I’m going through. It’s nice to have these mental breaks.

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We’ll see what this coming fall has in store. I may be engaged in some mentoring and it’s a nice addition to my usual occupational responsibilities. It’s surely not everyone’s cup of tea, but for over a decade, teaching was my primary occupation. It’s nice to come full circle. Almost. 

Cheers. *raising my mug of decaf coffee*

Summer's passing by

Thought to share this photo of the cider I had last Sunday. It was a 20-oz glass of summer deliciousness. 

Summer is going well thus far, how about yours? My current formula includes physical activity, scripture-guided meditation, and fiction. Sleep could be better; I'm going to work on it. The physical activity aspect was due to a joint issue I developed that requires professional attention. A wake-up call of sorts. Glad that I sought help and didn't aggravate the issue by keeping sedentary. 

On the topic of fiction, I just finished this Ali Hazelwood book I started to read yesterday afternoon entitled The Love Hypothesis. If the copy of James Rollins' Subterranean that I loaned from the library had judgmental eyes, it would be staring daggers at me for leaving it on standby on page 172. I think it's fine to complement one's mood with the type of text you want to read for leisure. As seasonal as listening to the Summer Hits of the 70s playlist during the summer (cue Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra) instead of pumpkin spice or fall feels playlists.