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Navigating Fitness Goals: A Professor’s Perspective

Written on February 26, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As the year began, I embarked on a fitness journey, meticulously crafting an exercise regimen to meet my annual objectives. This endeavor progressed smoothly until an unexpected setback occurred—I sustained an injury during my workouts. This incident led me to realize that perhaps my physique had yet to adapt to the demands of my newly formulated workout plan. Upon resuming my entire exercise routine, I recognized the necessity to reassess and adjust the intensity of my schedule to better accommodate my current physical capabilities.

The essence of achieving any goal lies in creating a memorable and trackable strategy. This is a lesson I frequently impart to my students at the university. Despite its apparent simplicity, it’s astonishing how often this principle is overlooked, resulting in many falling short of their ambitions. When I applied this methodology to my fitness regimen, the tangible outcomes began to manifest, prompting a thorough evaluation of my previous efforts and outcomes.

Reflecting on my journey, it became evident that my earlier injury likely resulted from overly ambitious increments in the weights I used for curls. After conducting thorough research and contemplation, I devised a more calculated approach to increasing weights. I resolved that only when I could complete 25 repetitions of a curl with a given weight without interruption would I consider advancing to a heavier weight. Conversely, I would reduce the weight if I struggled to perform at least 15 curls. My daily target would be between 20 to 25 repetitions, with Saturdays designated as the day to assess whether I was prepared to elevate the intensity of my workout.

This revised strategy serves dual purposes. Firstly, it ensures that I do not prematurely escalate the difficulty of my exercises, thereby mitigating the risk of injury. Secondly, it provides a structured framework to consistently monitor my progress and adjust as needed. This balanced approach encourages gradual improvement while safeguarding against the pitfalls of overexertion. The actual test of this method’s efficacy will be observed in the coming months as I continue to navigate the challenges and triumphs of my fitness journey.

In retrospect, this experience underscores the importance of listening to one’s body and acknowledging the signals it provides. The journey toward fitness and health is uniquely personal, requiring a bespoke approach considering individual capabilities, limitations, and aspirations. By adopting a more reflective and measured stance towards exercise, I am hopeful that I will achieve my fitness goals and foster a sustainable and enjoyable relationship with physical activity.

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A Culinary Adventure: From Chocolate Delights to Pumpkin Pie Pleasures

Written on February 25, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

The essence of baking is akin to a thrilling adventure, where each attempt brings new insights, flavors, and, sometimes, the most delightful surprises. My recent foray into the world of desserts exemplifies this journey perfectly, starting with the festive celebration we hosted yesterday. The highlight was a Chocolate Raspberry Cake that became the star of the evening. Despite facing a minor hiccup with the ingredients – a shortage of eggs, to be precise – I decided to forge ahead, adjusting the recipe on the fly. The result? A cake that, albeit a tad denser and fudgier at its heart, was met with rounds of applause. It got me thinking: a bit more meringue might be the secret to achieving the perfect airy texture next time.

The cake’s frosting, however, was an outright triumph, needing no further tweaks. Its adaptability is its charm, and it quickly takes on new characters with the switch of jam flavors. This successful experiment left me buoyed and ready to tackle more culinary challenges.

Emboldened by yesterday’s success, today’s agenda includes baking a pumpkin pie, destined for a work potluck my wife is attending. My signature touch on these pies? A sprinkle of ground cloves over the unbaked pie for that extra layer of spice. However, today calls for a slight deviation. Drawing on a fascinating cultural insight shared by my wife – in Japan, ground cloves are reminiscent of standard stomach medicine, and thus, not everyone’s cup of tea – I’ve decided to opt for cinnamon instead. The goal is simple: to craft a Pumpkin Pie that resonates with her Japanese colleagues, offering them a slice that feels both familiar and exceptionally delightful.

This switch reminds us of flavors’ nuanced role in our lives, carrying the weight of memories, associations, and sometimes, even the power to transport us across borders. As I prepare the pie, I’m not just mixing ingredients; I’m weaving together a tapestry of tastes, hoping to create a culinary experience that transcends mere enjoyment and touches something more profound.

These baking episodes, with their trials, errors, and triumphs, are more than just moments in the kitchen; they’re a testament to the joy of experimenting, learning, and, most importantly, sharing. Whether it’s adjusting a recipe on the fly due to missing ingredients or tweaking flavors to honor cultural sensibilities, each dish tells a story. In this story, every ingredient, every flavor adjustment, and every shared slice is a character playing its part in the grand celebration of life’s simple pleasures.

So, here’s to the baking journey – a path filled with unexpected turns, delightful discoveries, and the warm glow of sharing. May every dish we create carry a piece of our heart, a dash of our creativity, and the sweet promise of bringing people together, one slice at a time.

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Exploring the Calm: A 60-Day Meditation Journey

Recently, I decided to give meditation another try. The main reason? I was curious about its effects. I’ll be honest—meditation has always been a challenge for me. Actually, this is the second time I’ve tried this project. It’s tough to sit still in one spot without doing something productive. For instance, I can’t just watch a movie; I must take notes and analyze the plot to enjoy it.

Despite knowing some benefits of meditation, I’ve been reluctant to dedicate time to it. This time, I’ve committed to a 30-day trial of consistent meditation, followed by 30 days of analyzing my experiences—a total of 60 days.

Contrary to my feelings toward meditation, meditation offers numerous benefits for the mind and body. According to Sharma (2015), it helps mentally and physiologically by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and high levels can lead to various adult health issues. Meditation also boosts blood flow to brain areas involved in cognitive processes and emotion regulation (Jumah & Dossani, 2024). I put some of the benefits I found from the Journal written by Sharma:

Mental Benefits: Stress deduction, Decreased Anxiety, Decreased  Depression, Reduction in Pain, Improved Memory, Increased Efficiency

Physiological Efficiency: blood pressure, Heart rate, lactate, Cortisol, epinephrine, metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, carbon dioxide elimination, increased melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone surface, skin resistance, blood flow to the brain.

When I meditate, my mind tends to race with thoughts, mainly my to-do list. It was so overwhelming at first that I started to meditate right after my morning routine. After my run, I jot down everything I need to do on a few pages of notes, which helps to clear my mind for meditation. I still found meditation to be challenging. I tried to focus on my breathing. Focusing solely on my breathing still didn’t help, so I began visualizing beautiful scenes from places I’ve visited, sometimes even imagining muses dancing in these settings. This has allowed me to keep distracting thoughts at bay for at least 20 minutes.

Over the next 60 days, I plan to learn more about meditation. I don’t know how this journey will unfold or if I’m practicing meditation correctly. But experiencing what it’s like to be in tune with my body is reason enough for me to undertake this project.

 

References

Jumah, F. R., & Dossani, R. H. (2024). Neuroanatomy, Cingulate Cortex. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537077/

Sharma, H. (2015). Meditation: Process and effects. Ayu, 36(3), 233–237. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.182756

 

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Rediscovering Greek Myths: A Journey Through Iliad & Odyssey

The first time I dove into the epic tales of the Iliad & Odyssey, I was just a kid in elementary school. My introduction to these ancient stories came through a children’s version, which toned down the more frightening parts. Back then, I wasn’t sure if I fully grasped the stories’ depths, but it opened a door for me to the fascinating world of Greek mythology.

Years later, as an adult, I decided to revisit Iliad & Odyssey. To my surprise, I realized I had forgotten almost everything about the stories and the various gods and heroes within them. Adding to my challenge, the Japanese way of writing these deities’ names differed from the English pronunciation, making it hard for me to recognize them. Besides a few, I could only remember some of their names.

Reading these epics for the second time was overwhelming. The names of gods were mostly in Roman, and I found myself spending too much time trying to match deities and heroes’ names with those I vaguely remembered. I needed clarification on enjoying the stories. Realizing this, I took a step back to learn more about each deity, which reignited my interest in mythology. The more I discovered, the more curious I became. This curiosity delayed my third attempt to read the Iliad and Odyssey as I wondered if I would actually enjoy them this time.

Reflecting on my journey, I now understand the appeal of this ancient literature. My appreciation for them grew significantly compared to my last reading. I even joked with my husband that Homer must have made many sacrifices to Apollo, which made him chuckle. My adventure through these mythological tales has sparked a new interest in the various demigods of Greek myths. Inspired by this renewed fascination, I plan to dive into Apollodorus’s works next.

This journey through the Iliad and Odyssey, from childhood to adulthood, has been a journey of rediscovery. Not only did I reconnect with the stories and characters that captivated me as a child, but I also deepened my understanding and appreciation for Greek mythology. It’s a reminder that sometimes, revisiting stories from our past can offer new insights and inspiration.

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Chasing the Ideal Temperature for Running

Written of February 20, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

What constitutes the perfect temperature for you? For me, that delicate balance of warmth allows for a comfortable run. Our local climate has recently been erratic, with an unexpected snowfall throwing us for a loop. This weather rollercoaster brought back memories of the year we spent in Vancouver, Canada, where the weather pattern was similarly unpredictable. During our time there, the mercury seldom rose above 21°C (high 69F), which my wife found quite astonishing, given her long tenure in Ontario, Canada. Personally, I found Vancouver’s (B.C., Canada) climate to be quite to my liking.

Just yesterday, the weather resembled those Vancouver days, creating ideal conditions for my run. It was slightly more relaxed, yet not so cold that the warmth generated from running didn’t compensate. This perfect blend of conditions pushed me harder, culminating in one of my quickest 5k times this year.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of the weather’s significant role in our outdoor activities, especially running. The right temperature can serve as a catalyst, propelling us to greater heights and achievements in our fitness journeys. Despite the weather’s fickleness in Vancouver, I discovered a climate that matched my ideal running conditions—cool enough to invigorate, yet warm enough to be energized by the effort. This harmony between body and climate made every run there memorable and fulfilling.

Running under such conditions is both exhilarating and motivating. It reminds us that sometimes the best performances emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. Weather, often seen as a mere backdrop to our daily lives, can, in fact, be a powerful force in shaping our activities and achievements. The ideal temperature is more than just a number on a thermometer; it’s a state that resonates with our personal preferences and enhances our physical endeavors.

As I reminisce about my time in Vancouver and the pleasant surprise of yesterday’s weather, I realize that these moments are not just about the runs but about finding a deeper connection with our environment. It’s about how a simple thing like the temperature can influence our mood, performance, and enjoyment of the moment. This interplay between the external world and our internal states is a fascinating aspect of human experience that adds depth and color to our everyday lives.

Ultimately, the quest for the ideal running temperature is a profoundly personal journey that varies from individual to individual. For me, that slight chill in the air, tempered by the warmth of vigorous exercise, creates the perfect conditions for running. It’s a reminder that, in the ever-changing tapestry of life, some moments and places resonate with us in profound ways, elevating our simple pleasures into cherished memories.

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Becoming a Stronger Runner: Adjusting Plans and Embracing the Weather

Written on February 18, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

As I reflect on my running and fitness journey, I can’t help but acknowledge a subtle but significant transformation: I am slowly but surely becoming a better runner and, undeniably, more potent than I was last year. This realization isn’t just about logging more miles or lifting heavier weights; it’s about intelligent adjustments to my training regime and a deeper understanding of my body’s capabilities and limits.

Setting a rigid schedule for increasing weights and repetitions might be the key to consistent progress. However, experience has taught me that a more flexible approach, one that’s tied to my ability to meet my current targets comfortably, is far superior. Last year, I adopted a rule where I would only progress to a more challenging exercise level after completing my routine ten times. This method, grounded in patience and persistence, enhanced my strength without overburdening my body. It’s a strategy I plan to carry into this year’s workouts, mainly to avoid the pitfalls of injuries – a lesson learned the hard way following a recent setback.

Weather, I’ve come to realize, plays a more crucial role in my running routine than I once thought. Living in the southern United States, Nashville provides a favorable climate for year-round outdoor activities. Yet, we’re not strangers to the occasional cold snap. Just yesterday, an unexpected drop in temperature cut my planned 10k run in half. The cold tests my endurance by forcing my body to expend extra energy to stay warm and challenges my willpower. Despite these hurdles, the beauty of residing in a Southern state like Tennessee is the brief nature of our cold spells. The forecast promises more agreeable, spring-like conditions, even in February, allowing me to look forward to resuming my complete exercise regimen.

My wife and I’s previous life in Canada puts these minor inconveniences into perspective. With their relentless cold, the Canadian winters made outdoor activities a much more daunting endeavor. Hence, Nashville’s climate is far more conducive to maintaining a consistent running schedule, and I remind myself not to dwell too much on the occasional chilly day.

Ultimately, the cornerstone of my journey is continuous health improvement. My commitment to exercise remains unwavering despite the challenges, including weather fluctuations and injuries. This path isn’t just about achieving personal bests or attaining specific fitness milestones; it’s about the enduring benefits of a healthier lifestyle and the joy of embracing every step of the journey, regardless of outside conditions.

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A Chilly Haircut Day: Embracing Simplicity and Trust in Expertise

Written on February 17, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning, I found myself in the familiar, albeit slightly chilly, embrace of the barber’s chair, a long-awaited appointment finally coming to fruition. The frosty grip of the weather outside seemed intent on reminding me of its presence, having unexpectedly dived back into the realms of freezing temperatures. Yet, inside, the focus was on shedding hair lengths rather than layers of clothing.

Regarding hair, opinions often run as diverse and deep as the strands. However, my stance on the matter leans towards the practical side of the spectrum. My primary concerns revolve around maintaining a level of comfort, namely keeping the hair from veiling my face and ensuring a swift drying process. The probing inquiries from the stylist about my preferences always leave me somewhat adrift in a sea of indecision. It’s not that I undervalue their curiosity or the intent behind their questions; my indifference stems more from a lack of desire to navigate the complexities of hair styling.

I’ve always considered the path of least resistance to be through seeking recommendations. Viewing my hair stylists as the seasoned experts they are, I place a higher stock on their judgment over my own. This inclination to defer to their expertise underscores a broader disinterest in immersing myself in the intricacies of hair terminology and the art of conveying precise instructions. The thought of delving deep into the lexicon of hair care to articulate my desires seems both daunting and of little appeal to me.

Reflecting on this, I wonder whether my approach is too passive and if there’s merit in engaging more proactively with the process. Yet, the thought quickly dissipates, overshadowed by the relief of having this annual task checked off my list. The aftermath of the haircut brings practical adjustments to my routine – a reduction in shampoo usage due to the diminished volume of hair and the likelihood of bypassing the need for my wife’s hairdryer in the immediate future.

In essence, the simplicity of my hair care philosophy mirrors a broader inclination towards minimalism and trust in the expertise of others. It’s a stance that, while unconventional to some, suits the contours of my life and preferences perfectly. As I step back into the chill of the day, my lighter head symbolizes freedom from the physical weight of the hair and the societal expectations entangled within it. The cold air feels a tad brisker, yet refreshingly straightforward, much like my newly simplified approach to personal grooming.

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The Weekend Haircut Saga: Navigating Life’s Small Challenges

Written on February 14, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Anticipation fills the air as I look forward to the upcoming weekend, a small yet significant marker in my routine. The agenda? A long-overdue haircut. There’s something almost ceremonial about scheduling that visits the barber—a moment of self-care tucked amidst the hustle. My locks have ventured beyond their welcome length, nudging me towards this necessary trim.

Navigating to the hair salon is a shared journey, with my wife graciously agreeing to chauffeur me. This task is slightly more complex, as her weekends are swallowed by the demanding final financial audit of the year. Yet, with the appointment on our calendar, she’s prepared to reshuffle her commitments, ensuring I make it to the salon.

Our once local salon, a mere stroll away, shuttered during the pandemic’s height, pushing me to seek a new hairstylist’s chair. The quest led me to a spot some 15 minutes by car from our residence. This distance necessitates more planning, mainly as my wife’s schedule is the linchpin to my salon visits.

The appeal of this new salon was immediate, thanks in part to their then-active online booking system—a modern convenience that, regretfully, they’ve since retracted. Now, the task demands a phone call—a slightly more tedious bridge to cross. This minor inconvenience, coupled with the need to align with my wife’s availability, saw me postpone the haircut for weeks longer than intended.

There lies a constant internal debate: the desire for a shorter cut to free my face from the encroaching hair versus the wish to maintain a bit of length for that additional layer against the chill of winter. Yet, I know that post-cut, a sense of refreshment will wash over me—a feeling akin to shedding the old, ready to welcome what’s next with a lighter head and, perhaps, heart.

This weekend’s haircut transcends a mere trim; it’s a small testament to the rhythms of life, the adjustments we make for care, and the shared journeys we undertake with our loved ones. Despite the minor hiccups and the inevitable juggling of schedules, these moments weave the fabric of our days—filled with support, adaptation, and the simple joy of looking forward to something as ordinary as a haircut.

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Diving Deep into Greek Mythology: A Personal Exploration

Over the past six months, I’ve embarked on an incredible journey into Greek mythology. I read bits and pieces of these ancient tales through children’s books as a kid. My parents had a great collection of them, hoping to introduce my sister and me to the wealthy foundations of Western culture and the moral lessons woven within each myth. Those books offered a glimpse into the vast world of gods and heroes. Still, they only provided the outline of their stories, leaving much to the imagination.

Years passed, and my curiosity about Greek mythology reignited. Diving back in, I quickly realized it was like falling down an endless rabbit hole. While reading Hesiod’s “Theogony,” I learned about the gods and their lineage, but how much detail was left unspoken struck me. For example, Hesiod mentions the union of Leto and Zeus, resulting in the birth of Apollo and Artemis. Yet, the intricacies of their arrival into the world remain a mystery.

An interesting aspect I’ve encountered is the influence of the storyteller’s perspective on these myths. Different authors can present the same deity in contrasting lights, such as Hesiod’s and Ovid’s differing interpretations of Athena. This complexity fascinated me and led me to spend months exploring various stories from multiple sources. One critical lesson emerged from this experience: the importance of keeping track of everything I read.

The other day, while taking notes from Hesiod’s “Works and Days,” I was captivated by the ancient Greek approach to farming. Reading “Works and Days” sparked another realization—to truly grasp these myths, I need to delve into the history of ancient Greece itself. A place’s culture and history are deeply intertwined with its mythology. The more I read, the more questions arise, making it clear that this journey has no end.

Despite the complexities and endless questions, my adventure through Greek mythology has been incredibly fulfilling. My weekdays are often busy with various tasks, but I dedicate several hours each weekend to continue this exploration. Greek mythology is profound, offering endless layers and insights that enrich my understanding.

This journey has deepened my appreciation for these ancient stories and emphasized the value of exploring the cultural and historical contexts that shape them. As I venture further into the myths and history of ancient Greece, I’m excited for the discoveries and lessons that await. With its captivating tales and timeless moral lessons, Greek mythology remains a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration in the tapestry of Western culture.

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Realizing Life’s Value: Lessons from a Simple Program

Sometimes, the most unusual things can teach us significant lessons, especially when they seem entirely unrelated to the big picture. For me, this lesson came from thinking about my life span, sparked by a programming assignment.

I’ve been learning Python through Udemy courses. One assignment really stood out: we had to write a program calculating how many weeks we’d have left if we lived to be 90 years old. This idea was inspired by Ryan Phillips’ blog, “My Life in Weeks.”

After submitting my assignment, which passed despite being slightly different from my professor’s example, I felt proud. As someone a bit anxious about forgetting the purpose of the code, I use comments (marked with #xxxx) to explain my code. But the real shock came when I entered my age into the program. Seeing the number of weeks I had left, presented so bluntly by my creation, was startling. It made the concept of time much more tangible than considering years or months. This sudden realization of time’s limit hit me harder than ever before.

This experience made me reflect on how one’s perspective on life can be dramatically reshaped by the experience when faced with its fragility. I remembered how I almost lost my husband once, which profoundly changed my outlook on life. I once read a suggestion to write one’s obituary as a way to appreciate every moment. That day, I learned never to take the presence of loved ones for granted, prompting me to spend more quality time with my husband.

Realizing that time is precious, I began considering how I spend it. The thought of reading just one book a week made me sad, especially since I had been struggling with undiagnosed vision problems that made reading difficult and caused headaches without my understanding of why. This realization that I needed glasses for reading was a wake-up call about paying attention to my health and making the most of the time I have.

As I move forward, the awareness of how scarce time truly is will shape how I plan my weeks. Every moment counts, and it’s important to live fully, appreciate our health, and cherish time with loved ones. This unusual lesson from a programming assignment has profoundly impacted how I view life and prioritize my time, reminding me of the importance of being present and making every week count.