collect moments, not things

This is my goal, every day.

"science will win because it works"

I just finished reading this book. One of my goals has been to read a little bit each day of non-school material. I think I've been reading fewer than ten minutes a day, but it is better than zero. Also, not as good as 20. This was a quick, simple read. Although this book described some evolution and neuroscience as reasons we constructed religions, I think the most important thing we can do is to realize that every single person has the right to believe in what they choose and and to be respected for having their own (hopefully informed) convictions. And I (almost) always enjoy learning what opinions people and books have to offer.

"In religion faith is a virtue; in science it's a vice." -Jerry Coyne

#1 See the Northern Lights

After a conversation with Alex today, I started thinking about having some sort of bucket list. I sometimes feel nervous about having a checklist of things to do when I travel because it seems like it might take away from the exploration, adventure, and spontaneity. Sometimes, though, it can simply be used as a reminder of ideas. And I know that I could always use the reminder. Rather than try to sit down all at once and try to come up with a list, I've decided to blog things when I think of them.

I decided today that I would like to see the northern lights. I have a lot more to learn about the aurora borealis to figure out how to go about this.

[image from here]

thanks hal

I didn't even know what a meme was until this past summer, but luckily, my friend Hal always sends me e-mails with memes that he thinks I will find funny. Recently, with medical school, I am constantly open High Expectations Asian Dad e-mails (I don't remember the exact name of that meme). I used to try to respond to the rest of his e-mail and ignore the meme. However, I have to admit that they have started to grow on me. And they helped me understand this proposal, with was I thought was really cute.

It ended on a much higher note than these following proposals. I feel really, really bad for these guys. I don't know that it was necessary for the girl to literally run away from him.

just one question

HOW YOU LIKE MY HAT? (Really exciting) pictures from a short Indiana road trip we took soon. 

stress less, do more

[image from here]

As part of my goal to stress less, I will plan ahead: Pack tomorrow's lunch, lay out tomorrow's clothes, have everything in backpack. I sound like an elementary schooler. I hope that this will help me rush less, get places on time, and be more in control of everything going on. I'm going to wash dishes immediately and put away things when I'm not using them. Catch up on laundry one day at a time. I'm not going to become the most organized person ever, but I can do these things. I've gotten better at planning some things and that has made my life easier and allowed me to do more, but I can do it even better. One huge thing is to do one thing on the internet at a time. Multi-tasking does not work and just leads to more time wasted. Also, spending less time on the internet doing non-learning/non-inspiring/non-communicating things is something I'm going to really, really focus on. I want to make these small changes to build good habits.

some inspiration

[image from here]

I found some inspiring sentiments for today to consider for some goals, but more specifically, general life themes. (Also, I love the calm of this picture)

"Develop an interest in life as you see it: the people, things, literature, music--the world is so rich, throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people. Forget yourself." -Henry Miller

When asked in Matchbook what advice she would give girls to live interesting, stylish, and adventurous lives, she responded, "First, to have a companion in life to share things in life is fantastic. It can be a husband, friend, a partner. That is my way to energize. Second is... to explore, to travel, go to museums, go to films, find beautiful vintage books that are meaningful. Make your individuality and your identity strong--that not only will make you different, it also gives you ideas to create something that is different, and that is very important."

Also, an article from a traveler through some of eastern Europe that I like.